Year : 771

A little more than 3 years after the Cell Game

17 had been gone for over an hour now. He had taken out all the stuff that was stored in the back of the pickup, and had almost finished putting everything away. He couldn't believe how messy Ruri could be! There was no logic in the way she placed things together.

So he had meticulously put similar objects together, and was quite proud of the result. Books with books, kitchen equipment grouped together, clothes apart... What a strange feeling, the serenity he felt in front of this beautifully arranged space!

17 was still in the middle of his "contemplation" when he heard footsteps coming in his direction.

Turning around, he recognized Iris, Ruri's friend. She waved to him and came to his side. Once arrived, she gave him a bottle of water.

- Here, I thought you might be thirsty, you've been gone for hours.

17 did not answer, but he accepted the bottle, being indeed thirsty. He drank a few sips, before noticing that Iris was still there. Ruri had pointed out to him several times that he could sometimes give the impression of being rude by never answering when someone spoke to him. He thought to himself that he should probably say a few words to make Iris go away.

- ... thank you... for the water.

- You're welcome, it's normal," replied the young woman who, to 17's great despair, didn't seem to want to leave at all. On the contrary. She walked around the car, and then said:

- Hahaha it's much better tidied up, congratulations. Ruri is a lovely girl but so messy! I've travelled with her several times, I know what it's like.

- ... uh ... yes.

- She has tons of flaws, little moon, oh sorry Ruri, but she's still a really amazing girl. Anyway, I'm bothering you in the middle of your work. I won't bother you anymore 17, I'll let you continue. Join us when you're done, I hear you don't know how to ride a horse, so we've planned to give you a special lesson. See you later!

"Little moon"... again that strange way of calling her. As Iris had just turned around and was about to leave, 17 decided to hold her back.

- Uh... wait," he began, not really knowing what he was doing or what he was going to say.

- Yes?

- Why... do you call Ruri "Little Moon"?

- Oh. It's a nickname she's had since ... last year I think. But actually, I think Ruri would kill me if I told you where it came from.

- Why ? 17 asked, intrigued.

- I think you should ask her to explain it to you, it's better. The story behind the nickname is a bit embarrassing for her! Ruri is so clumsy... Oh, and don't ask Spike to explain. He's the one who gave her the nickname, he'd be able to tell you why that idiot. And really, Ruri wouldn't like it.

- Did he make fun of Ruri?

17 had said this in an unusually expressive tone. He himself was surprised to hear himself speak with an "angry" voice. But during one second he had imagined Ruri crying, and this thought was very unpleasant for him.

- No, nothing unkind, Iris answered immediately. On the contrary. To tell you the truth, Spike has a little crush on Ruri. He even flirted with her a little last year. I don't think he's given up yet, we'll see if he tries again, now that she's here... Oh ! I'm sorry, I'm talking, I'm talking... Well, I'll let you finish your tidying up, I really didn't want to disturb you. See you later for your lesson 17!

Then, without saying another word, Iris walked away, leaving 17 alone. 17 didn't understand what she had just said, but he still had to finish putting the last of Ruri's things in the car. So after a few seconds he started to finish putting things away.

"A little crush?"

This thought suddenly came back into 17's mind. He didn't know what a little crush was. Did he like her? Yes, nothing illogical, Ruri was beautiful, any human with a normally developed sense of vision could see that. Himself besides... That wasn't important anyway. He now just had to put back in their place the shoes of Ruri that he had sorted by size so that they fit better in the pick-up. He put away one, then two, then...

"Flirting? I know what it means. Trying again? Why again? Does that mean Ruri turned him down?"

He stopped, a pair of boots in his hand.

"But at the same time, that human jerk... he was touching her shoulders earlier... what was he looking for anyway?"

While he was thinking, 17 kept trying to put the boots away, but they wouldn't fit in the slot he had provided for them.

"Wait, he said my little moon. Why my? Ruri is not his. She's ... well, she doesn't belong to this dumbass."

He couldn't do it. No matter how hard he tried, it was impossible to get those damn boots in. He had planned to finish putting them away before ...

"A lesson in how to ride a horse? I don't need to ride, I fly and it's faster... But what's wrong with these boots ? I don't need to go anyway I don't..."

He suddenly realized something. If he didn't join Ruri, this Spike guy would. Maybe he would touch her again, call her by that ridiculous nickname... or find another one. And that idea alone was enough to make 17 want to rip his head off.

He left the pair of boots there, and followed Iris' lead to the stable.

Ruri was there, and as soon as he could see her, 17 felt reassured. He wanted to be near her. She smiled at him as soon as she saw him. But he didn't have time to think about it, because as soon as he arrived, he started his lesson. Like the previous days, Ruri took care of teaching him something. Theoretical and practical.

17 had never ridden a horse in his life, but it was not very complicated for him. He had perfect control of his body and learning how to position himself or integrate new movements, none of this was very difficult for a fighter like him.

They spent two hours on horseback, and that was enough time for 17 to be able to handle himself. Judging that he knew enough for the next day, Ruri suggested that he stop and concentrate on preparing for the upcoming night of observation.

- You're really impressive, 17... Ruri said to him as they got to the ground.

- Why ?

- You're learning so fast, it's crazy...

- I have an excellent teacher.

17 had complimented her before, but this one was different. He was spontaneous, and 17 spoke to her in a much warmer voice than usual. They exchanged a glance. Ruri felt her heart pounding in her chest as she saw 17's blue eyes on her, filled with a kind of tenderness that was very unusual for him. His face was still impassive when, after a few seconds, he smiled. 17 was definitely not used to showing his emotions. Smiling was not natural for him. Seeing him "force" himself like this amused Ruri a lot. She had the impression of seeing a newborn animal learning to walk, stumbling, but full of good will.

- I don't want to be a party pooper, but there is still one horse to choose ...

17 and Ruri turned around at the same time, only to discover that Iris was standing right behind them. And to 17's dismay, Spike was there too. He had probably just returned, since his arms were still full of shopping bags.

- Oh that's right," answered Ruri, "We're missing one, we could...

- Oh I already have an idea," interrupted Iris, "but I don't know if it will work.

- What do you think?

- Well, the farmer rhas three just horses that can make such a trip...

- Really?" asked Ruri, surprised.

- YES! Trust me, Iris continued, giving Ruri a funny look. So that's a problem. But he has a horse that could do the job. The only problem is that it's a young male still in the training phase. He was recently captured. We'll have to see if one of the boys can make him his mount.

- But why boys? I'm an excellent rider myself!

Iris raised her eyes to the sky. The young woman let out a long sigh, then continued:

- Because it's dangerous, that's why. So we'll let the boys take the risk. They are not afraid, they are men. Isn't that right, gentlemen?

Spike and 17 exchanged a brief glance, before answering, at the same time:

- Not at all!

- That's what I thought. Follow me.

Iris headed for an adjacent building, followed by the others. Inside was a dressage arena, and a beautiful horse was in its center. A stallion with a chestnut coat, glowing. As soon as he saw the humans, he started neighing, scratching the ground, very agitated. He was clearly not happy at all to see them.

- I was just able to put a halter on him," Iris explained. It's not going to be easy, but he's really the only horse we have left. Who's going to start?

- But, I... started Ruri, before Iris cut her off again, annoyed.

- Don't ask questions, each one is good at HER job. Do you remember that?

Neither Spike or 17 understood anything about this strange conversation. But what was certain was that Ruri's face suddenly seemed to light up, as if she had just realized something important.

- Oh yes. Yes, yes…

- Here we go. Boys, who's first?

- I'll go first!

Spike had just spoken. He put down the bags he was carrying and walked over, looking confident. He put a hand on 17's back and gave him a light tap.

- You'll have to excuse me dude, but I've had a lot more experience than you. Ruri and I have done a lot of horseback riding together, you know. There's no need for you to risk getting hurt, I'll take care of it!

Both of them looked at each other for a long time. 17 felt a furious urge to send that idiot's head to the other side of the room. God, he really hated him.

- Yes, Spike, why don't you start... Ruri answered him, softly.

17 looked at her, bewildered. Why hadn't she pointed him out? Why did she prefer that stupid human? He couldn't ask her, because as soon as she had finished her sentence, Ruri moved away as quickly as possible, to sit completely opposite him.

She seemed to flee from him.

He was completely disconcerted. However, these last days, he had had the impression that something special was established between them. Had he been mistaken? He didn't know what to think anymore. Why was he so disturbed? He was overwhelmed by a lot of strong and contradictory emotions. Should he follow her? Should he leave?

- You should trust Ruri a little more.

17 turned his head. Iris was standing next to him. She stared at him for several seconds, with a very big smile. With a shake of her head, she told him to watch Spike.

The young man walked with a determined step to the center of the riding arena to join the young stallion. The animal allowed himself to be approached, but no sooner had Spike climbed on his back than he began to stir, before launching into an impressive run along the fence. Each stride was separated by a rush, or a sudden jump. By all means, he was trying to throw Spike off balance. Spike desperately clung to the stallion's mane, but as the minutes passed, he began to show signs of fatigue.

Finally, in 5 minutes, the horse managed to get rid of his short-lived rider, who was thrown off and fell face first into the sand of the riding arena. The stallion calmed down immediately afterwards and went back to the middle of the room.

Deep inside, 17 couldn't help but feel an immense sense of satisfaction. He was even so happy that a big smile appeared on his face.

"Dumbass," he thought, seeing Spike lying on the ground, covered in sand, and still stunned by his fall. Then he heard, in the distance, Ruri's voice exclaiming:

- Oh, too bad, nice try Spike. 17 ? Can you do better?

He looked at her. That's it. She was looking at him as usual, with her laughing eyes. All of 17's doubts vanished in an instant, disappearing before her beautiful smile. Now that Ruri was looking at him, it was time for him to show this ridiculous human who was the strongest.

- Squeeze your heels along his body, and grab his mane. No need to hurt him or try to make him go anywhere. Just hold on, until he tires. If you are well clamped, it is just a question of endurance...

Iris had just whispered these few words to him, with a knowing look.

17 wasn't sure what she was playing at, but he took her advice well.

- Don't worry," he replied, "I have confidence in my endurance.

As soon as he entered the riding arena, 17 grabbed Spike by his shirt and lifted him up, without hurting him, but with firmness.

- I believe that it is my turn, "dude", he said, satisfied.

And without waiting, he gave him in his turn a tap on the back. 17 was careful to control his force so as not to hurt Spike, but there was no doubt that he put more force into the blow than was necessary, because the young man was somehow propelled towards the fence.

The stallion was staring at 17. He was waiting for him.

17 made good use of Iris' advice. He had no difficulty in holding on despite the animal's kicks, and he did not try to force it to do anything. He just had to resist, the time that the horse is exhausted, and stops of itself. After about ten minutes, 17 had managed to control the horse and make it walk as he pleased in the riding arena.

He slowly walked around the arena, and when he reached Ruri, he winked at her, which she immediately returned. He felt reassured, but could not really say what had worried him.

The rest of the evening passed quietly. Iris had prepared food baskets for everyone, and they had spent most of the night in observation. To cover a larger distance, they had separated. To stay safe, Iris, Spike and Ruri had brought rifles. 17, although he had his own territory to inspect, had regularly undertaken to fly over the area and to watch them discreetly. Nothing unusual had happened. No animal had been attacked that night, which reinforced Ruri's idea that the source of the problem must be found elsewhere.

Around 4 a.m., Ruri was inspecting one of the pens when she was joined by Iris.

- Nothing to report, right? asked Iris.

- No, nothing, it's really weird.

- I talked to Spike, I managed to convince him.

- ...how?

- Does it really matter?

Iris smiled, and Ruri nodded. They had been very good friends since the first day they met. But Ruri was younger than Iris by 4 years, and this small difference in age had always led to a relationship between them that was more brotherly than friendly. Iris had instinctively wanted to protect the one she had always seen more as a little sister than a simple friend.

- No, probably not, Ruri finally replied with a laugh.

- Good. And as for the rest, it's up to you, my dear. Today, we have sown the seeds. You just have to wait for it to grow, and then, hop, you pick when it's ripe!

- Hahahaha, it looks so simple Iris... I don't know if...

Iris put her hand on Ruri's shoulder, and gently said:

- Believe me, even if your 17 is the distant type, he likes you, it's obvious. And a man is still a man. They are idiots.

Ruri remained silent and thoughtful.

"Yes, after all, 17 is basically a human... a real human... he feels things, I know that..."

- Girl," Iris continued, "I've started the machine. It's up to you to continue. Do you understand what you have to do?

Ruri took a deep breath.

- Yes!" she finally answered, full of confidence.

The young woman then grabbed her backpack and walked away from Iris to where 17 was supposed to be. He was at his post, in the main stable, watching over the horses. The two of them were alone, the perfect opportunity to talk. To tell the truth, they hadn't really spoken since the episode with the stallion, and yet she had the impression that they hadn't seen each other for years. She had missed him so much. She had missed their moments together so much...

She watched him for a few minutes.

He was silent, as usual. She saw him go from one stall to another, and amused, she noticed that he stopped in front of each horse to look at it. When one of them moved its muzzle towards 17, he hesitated for a few seconds before gently reaching out to give it a shy pat.

- Do you like horses?" she said, almost startling 17. I love them, they are fascinating animals...

17 did not answer her. He didn't know what to say to her after all that had happened during the day. But he was still happy to see her. He had felt a strange feeling during the long hours they had been apart. An emptiness. He had found himself wanting to talk to her, to share a feeling with her, before realizing that she was not there.

But it didn't matter, because at that very moment, she was there. Only with him. Only for him.

"Argh, say something..." he said to himself suddenly, remembering that he had to respond during a conversation.

- I've never been near one before, but I like horses..." he finally said, thinking that this answer was awfully banal.

But Ruri did not seem to hold it against him. She smiled to him, and approached until she was next to him. She handed him a glass bottle, and said:

- Here, a beer. I stole two from the farmer's kitchen.

- Thanks. Shouldn't you go to sleep now?

- No, I don't have to. We'll have to leave soon anyway. And sleeping only 2 or 3 hours is worse than not sleeping at all.

- Is it?

- Yes, it is. I'll sleep tonight. So, you didn't see anything either?

- No, I didn't see anything. Nothing at all. I did not feel any presence.

- Me neither. This evening, nobody came to visit us. But I knew that. The farmer told me that the attacks were recent and very irregular. We will know more when we inspect the surroundings.

- ... I'll get the four horses ready if you want to rest.

"Ok," Ruri thought immediately, "now let's attack, just like Iris told me to do!!"

- Only two 17. Iris and Spike won't be coming after all.

- Ah, 17 replied, trying to act as if he didn't care about this news. But Ruri, paying attention, noticed the slight quiver in his eyes. She continued, amused:

- Yes. Spike hurt himself a bit when he fell, and Iris convinced him that it would be better for him to rest instead of wandering off to a potentially dangerous place.

- Mmm.

- He's a nice guy, but Spike has always been a real idiot actually.

- Ah.

- That's why I let him go first. When Iris said there was only this one horse left, I immediately thought it would be better for you to be the rider. But he would never have agreed to let you take that horse, because he is proud, like all men. He had to understand on his own. You may misjudge me, but I was sure he would fail. And I knew you would succeed. So I suggested that he go before you. You're not mad at me, are you?

- No, I'm not.

17 felt instantly relieved, as if Ruri had just lifted a huge weight off his shoulders. So that was the reason. Yes, Spike was indeed an idiot, he had always thought so. Ruri's explanation seemed perfectly logical to him.

- So the idiot got hurt. But it's not a huge injury, that's great, right?

- Yes.

Ruri could hardly contain her laughter. 17 was trying so hard to look indifferent, even though it was obvious that he was happy that Spike got hurt, she thought he was so cute. But Iris had explained to her what she needed to do. The "offensive" tactic seemed devilishly effective. It was time to deliver the final blow.

- He's always been like that, you know. Last year, this moron even tried to date me... can you believe it?

- Ah.

17 suddenly went to a corner of the stable where brushes were stored in a mess and he started to put them away.

- He flirted with me for maybe 3 weeks I think, Ruri continued, inwardly hilarious. He bought me coffees, beers...

- Mmm," 17 mumbled, moving to another part of the stable, this time to put away the saddles and harnesses.

- ... he took me to see movies, you know, the usual thing.

17 continued to respond with simple mumblings, and this time he started to put away the forks and the cleaning stuff.

- But you know, I really don't care about Spike.

It was only when Ruri said this that 17 stopped his big cleaning. He turned to her. She wasn't looking at him, but he could see her smile. A question was burning in his mind. He had to ask it. So he turned back to her.

- Ruri?

- Yes, 17?

- Why... do they call you little moon?

- ...

- ...

- ...

- I told you about me, the cyberization... all that...

- Yes. You're right. Okay, okay. But promise me you won't make fun of me. Promise on the most precious thing you own.

- I promise. On... the most precious thing I own.

- Okay. It's silly, but one night Iris, Spike, some friends and I were on an expedition. We were staying in a cheap hotel, you know, the ones with the showers on the hallway.

- Uh, yeah...

- And in the morning I wanted to take a shower. But I wasn't wide awake. I left my room and forgot the keys. As a result, I found myself naked in the hallway, with only a small towel. I panicked and knocked on every door to ask for help. And as I knocked on all the doors, everyone came out at the same time, and I ran to the end of the hallway because of course Iris' room was at the end of the hall... and so... everyone saw my... butt and so... there you go. That idiot Spike couldn't think of anything better than to make a joke about the full moon... and so... that was it.

17 stood there for a few seconds without reacting. He had imagined a lot of scenarios that could explain this strange nickname. But absolutely nothing that could come close to the truth. He resisted as much as he could, but he was soon overcome by an irresistible urge to laugh. A desire like he had never felt in his life.

Then, without him being able to do anything about it, he burst out laughing. A frank, sincere laugh... and so human.

- Hahahaha!

-17 ! You promised me!" cried Ruri, patting him on the head. Hey, don't think you can get away with it, you ... you ...

- Hahaha, excuse me I ... hahaha!

- ... stop, you tin can!

She continued to hit him on the head, which 17 hardly felt. He could see that she was at least as much laughing as angry. While continuing to laugh, 17 grabbed her by the waist, and with a gesture, he brought her close to him, sticking her body to his.

Ruri let out a small cry of surprise, and immediately put her arms around 17's neck.

Both of them ended up there, embracing each other, their faces separated by only a few millimeters. Ruri was suddenly breathless. She felt an unsettling mixture of fear and excitement.

"Yes, hold me... hold me again..." she thought, without daring to say it out loud.

17 couldn't explain what he had just done. He had acted spontaneously, instinctively. He could feel Ruri's thin and delicate body in his arms. So small, so fragile, that he could have broken her without any effort. He could feel the softness of her skin, the sweet smell of her hair. She was so beautiful, he was hypnotized. He looked at her fine lips, and had suddenly a furious desire to put his on this mouth which seemed delicious.

In his chest, he felt a growing pressure. He felt his heart beating, with a frantic, almost painful rhythm.

"Calm down, calm down..."

They stayed like that for a good minute. Slowly, they both came back to their senses. 17 was the first to speak, his voice still hesitant.

- Tin can?" he said with a smile.

- You promised not to make fun of me...

- How do you get yourself into such situations, little human?

- I guess I need you to look after me, cyborg... Ruri answered, looking into 17's eyes.

- Yes, I guess you do," said 17.

Then he slowly released Ruri. The sun was beginning to rise. It was almost time to leave and there were many things to prepare. They agreed to meet in this stable in two hours. Ruri was about to leave, when suddenly an idea came to her:

- And wait, you did say that you promise not to laugh, swearing on the most precious thing you own right ?

- Yes.

- So you lied to me?

- No, I didn't. I was sincere. I swore on something that is precious to me.

- It's not a good idea to swear if you don't keep your promise, it's dangerous for what you swear on!

- I swore on ... something that is resistant.

- What did you swear on?

- ... 18.

- WHAT ?