Year : 771

A little more than 3 years after the Cell Game

When he reached her, 17 quickly noticed that Ruri was very serious again. She had the same determined attitude as when, a few minutes before, she had stopped him as he was approaching the pen. Her gaze was much harder, and she no longer had that big smile she used to have all the time.

He didn't want to disturb her with his questions and so he let her do what she had to do, observing in silence. The female had sensed their presence, but she seemed too weak to struggle or run away. Despite some slight defensive movements, she let herself be approached.

Ruri was trying to figure out what was wrong with her. At that very moment, she was not really paying attention to 17's presence. She was totally focused on two things: always keeping an eye on the big male's attitude, and above all determining what was making this animal sick. She walked around the female, feeling her body for a wound that could have become infected. Or even a badly healed fracture. Nothing of the sort. No obvious presence of insects or parasites. On closer inspection, it didn't look like she was malnourished either. No, there was no apparent sign of disease. That left only one possibility...

"Soooo", she finally said, "we only have one option left right? "

Ruri seemed to relax a bit, so 17 figured he could now talk to her.

"You know what's wrong with her?"

The young woman turned to him. She smiled broadly and 17 knew that she was back to "normal". But you could see in her face that she was still worried.

- Is she going to die? he asked.

- ... to be honest I'm not sure what's wrong with her yet. Let's just say I've ruled out a lot of things. What you should look for first when an animal is sick...

- Like what?

- Wounds, parasites... things like that that can cause infections.

- Infections ?

- Diseases, actually. Apparently, nothing on that kind. But there's still the other big danger to females. what you always have to check when it's a female you're talking about. Do you have any idea?

No matter how hard 17 searched, he had no idea what she was talking about. Faced with his questioning gaze, Ruri said to him in a soft voice: "Give me your hand".

Without thinking, 17 complied. Ruri then took her hand and put it delicately on the belly of the female. The latter had a slight movement of retreat but Ruri insisted and very gently, she moved the hand of 17 along her lower belly.

- What are you...

- Shh, wait, concentrate. You should feel it... tell me if you feel anything.

- ... okay.

Ruri let go of him, and 17 started to continue on his own. He started to move his hand gently along the female's belly, without any sudden movements. Suddenly, he felt a movement, as if ... something... was moving inside. Surprised, he withdrew his hand and turned to Ruri. He didn't need to start his sentence.

- It moves, right?

- Yes.

- Conclusion?

- ... she ate something strange.

At these words, Ruri could not hold back a burst of laughter.

"Hahaha nooooo ! Hahaha you are too cute! She's pregnant, that's her baby that you felt move. Hahaha really, you are so funny ! "

Confused, 17 did not know what to answer.

- But being pregnant is not... normal? he finally said.

- Of course it is. Apparently she has been acting strange for several days now, according to the guards. In my opinion, it's her first baby, she's not used to it, so her behavior may have changed. However, her situation has clearly become worse. She is withdrawing, not eating and seems tired. I think she can't deliver him. And that's much more dangerous. If the baby doesn't come out, they might both die.

- ... and what can we do?

Ruri noticed the "we" that 17 had just used. However, this was not the time to celebrate. The situation was serious and she had to act quickly. It was not so easy to intervene on animals of this size. The female had to be more than 1m50 at the withers, and a kick from her would be fatal to any normal human being. It was therefore necessary to remain prudent.

"Any normal human being, eh... "This thought suddenly came back to him with force. Could a "normal" human being have stood up to the big male and stopped him with his bare hands? Of course not. Whatever the secret of 17's strength might be, it made him anything but normal. His presence by her side made it possible to consider many more things than if she had been alone.

"So, since he's here... we should be able... "

After a few seconds of reflection, Ruri's decision was made.

- Well," she said suddenly, "I guess we don't have much choice anyway. Do you see the green car over there?

- Yes.

- You're the faster of the two of us. Then you'll have to jump to get to it. In the back seat there is a gray backpack normally. I had asked the rangers to pack me some tools, and if they did their job properly I should find what I need there.

In a flash, 17 was gone, and already back with the bag. He was really fast. Much too fast for Ruri to keep up with him. But she had a keen sense of observation. And without being noticed, she tried to note everything she could see in 17's movements to try to measure the real extent of his speed or strength. In any case, she would still have the opportunity to ask him questions. The main thing now was to focus on what was next.

"Here," 17 said to her, handing her the bag.

Ruri grabbed it, and rummaged inside to take out a pair of long transparent gloves that she put on immediately. They completely covered her arms. Once equipped, Ruri took a deep breath and addressed 17 again.

- You'll have to help me with this.

- How can I help you?

- Three things. Hold her, reassure her and watch her paws. She looks exhausted to me, but we never know. She might throw a kick at me, and I'm not sure I'll survive it. If you see her trying to hit me, just hold her paw. Just until I finish.

- ... Finish what?

- Getting the baby back.

- ... get him? What do you mean?

- ... the baby seems to be stuck, so ... I'm gonna get him out. I'll go get him.

- ... where?

- ... where he is.

- …

- ...

- ... but ... how?

- Don't you have a little idea? answered Ruri, waving her gloved hands. What do you think I have equipped myself to do concretely?

- ... no?

- Yes.

- ...no ?

- Hahahaha yes. I preferred that we divide the tasks according to our respective skills. You're clearly the strongest and fastest, and I've delivered animals many times before, so I assumed you were the most efficient. But if you want, we can exchange!

- ...

- ...

- ... no it's ok.

- You don't know what you are missing ! Well, is that clear to you?

- ... yes it is ... clear.

17 was in such a state of amazement that he started to act without really thinking about his actions. He positioned himself as close as possible to the female and placed his hands on her hind legs. He watched Ruri from the corner of his eye. "No, she won't... "

"Well, let's go sweetie 1, 2, 3 ! "

Immediately, 17 heard a noise that he could not describe as anything other than "slimy". As if something was being pushed into a barrel of gelatin. He didn't even want to imagine what could have caused it. In any case, the female reacted immediately and began to shake in all directions.

- A helping hand would be appreciated ! exclaimed Ruri.

- ... what kind of help?

- Reassure her.

- How ?

- Talk to her.

- ... what do you want me to say to her?

- Raaaaaaaaaaaaaaah 17 I'm busy right now! No need to give her a long speech, just say nice words.

- ... but I...

- If not, we'll exchange !

- ... slowly Ms. ... deer ... everything will be fine ...

17 had no idea what to do. Machinally, he began to caress the female's flank, and to speak to her in the softest voice possible. To his astonishment, little by little, the latter stopped moving, and eventually regained her composure.

Ruri observed the situation. In itself, it was not going to be simple. The female was so big that she had to stand on a rock to reach her. But 17 was not doing badly at all. He was definitely an excellent assistant.

"Well, let's get to work."