Year: 774 / end of October
Lesson 1
- Stay calm girl, stay calm.
17's reassuring voice had an effect on the female mammoth. He was slowly caressing her trunk, with small gestures that he was used to and that he knew were effective with the animals he was protecting. The urgency was for him to get everyone to safety, whether it was this animal but also the humans around him that she could kill in one shot. He would think about dealing with the consequences of the trap he had just fallen into later, knowing that there was nothing he could do to change the situation anyway. Leaning on one of the female's tusks, he pivoted slightly to force her to follow him, and thus bring her back to her enclosure. Her fence had been broken, but he didn't have much trouble putting it back up so that it could temporarily perform its function until it could be repaired more seriously. He had no reason to hide his strength anyway, and in no time he moved a few trees from the surrounding forest, under the astonished, curious or worried eyes of the small group that was watching him in silence.
When he had finished to put everything in order, 17 came back to Ruri, who had not moved an inch, still holding Willy against her who was still trembling from the fear he had felt. Once she was sure that the problem was solved, the young woman immediately thought of the little boy. She crouched down in front of him and tenderly caressed his beautiful red curls while wiping with her sleeve the tears that she saw rising on his cheeks.
- Everything is fine sweetie, she whispered to him.
- But... Belle...
- It's fixed. Did you see how strong Larry is? Belle is fine, I assure you.
- She is ? Willy asked, sobbing, a trickle of snot coming out of his nostril.
- No, she's not.
Ruri startled by hearing 17's voice which has just joined them. She knew that tone of voice, cold as ice, that he only had when he was really angry. She was also well aware that he could be a bit harsh at times, especially with poachers, so sensitive was he to the suffering of animals. Part of her hoped that he would understand that because of his young age, Willy should be preserved, but from the hard look he was giving her, she was not so sure. Preferring to take the lead, she stood up quickly to come between them.
- She is in her box, and you know as well as I do that this dart is not supposed to hurt. So we'll say she's fine.
17 didn't realize the emphasis that Ruri had just put on the last syllables of her sentence, nor the hard look she gave him. The feeling of frustration and anger which animated him being too big for him to interpret the sub-meanings of it.
- Just the fact that she is in that box is an abuse, he said.
- We'll talk about it later, this is not the time or place.
- If you want, but I don't see why we should ignore it.
- I said not...
- You're very strong! You're going to work for me, aren't you?
Willy came up from behind Ruri and walked towards 17, his eyes wide with admiration. The young woman tried to hold him back, without much success, so much he was amazed by what had just happened.
- Wait, sweetie, we'll talk later, okay? Let me finish talking to Larry.
- But he has to do it! I want him to!
- Yeah, but...
- You agree, don't you? said Willy, again addressing 17 directly.
- No, definitely not, replied the latter, his jaw clenched.
- I'll ask Dad. He'll buy me anything I want.
- I don't care about your father or his money, kid.
- But I want to! And this way, you'll protect Belle!
- I'll protect her. From all the humans like you who want to hurt her.
- 17, stop it at once! shouted Ruri. Willy my dear...
But the little boy wasn't listening. With tears in his eyes, he began to cry, desperately pulling on the straps of his backpack. Then he threw himself forward, clutching at 17's pants.
- But I didn't do anything! I love Bell very much ! This is my birthday present! he stammered between sobs.
- An animal is not an object. You don't have the right to make it your own.
- But it's Kley who...
- I'll deal with this stupid human, be sure of it. He will pay for the evil he has done. But if these animals are imprisoned here only because of your whim...
- 17 ! ! Shut up...
- ... Then you are no better than them.
Ruri could not stop him from finishing his sentence, his final words echoing in the surrounding silence like the cracking of a whip in the icy northern air. No one dared to make the slightest movement or say a word, waiting to see what would happen. As if he had just been struck by lightning, Willy stood straight and still. But his disordered shrugs left no doubt in Ruri's mind.
He was crying, profusely.
Then suddenly, without her having time to react, he turned around and ran straight ahead, his face buried in his elbow, without turning around or reacting to Ruri's pleas. The young woman was about to follow him, but Oak waved his hand and stopped her.
- Don't worry, he'll probably just go running back to my place. No need to run, let's just follow him quietly.
Somewhat reassured, Ruri nodded and started walking without looking at 17 who was following her, staying a few steps behind. Whereas the young woman passed without stopping beside Kley who had not lost a crumb of the spectacle, the latter blocked her road. A big smile on his lips, the man called her on a mocking tone:
- What a funny idea to make cry the son of... AAAARGH!
But he couldn't finish his sentence. Before he had the time, Ruri had just hit him with a violent knee in the crotch.
- Nobody asked you your opinion poor moron! she shouted to him, furious, while the pain made him literally bend on his knees.
- Poor bit.. he answered by raising a furious hand in her direction.
Ruri didn't try to dodge, but she didn't need to, because 17 had already intercepted Kley's arm and was holding it tightly, giving him a look so dark that his anger vanished in a second. He could see above him this slender figure, who didn't look very impressive at first glance, but who nevertheless gave off a terrifying aura. He felt a tremendous pressure on his arm, even though 17 didn't seem to force at all. Just by the power of his hand, he was able to block Kley's whole body, and he felt that his bones were about to break.
- If you care about your arm, don't do that again, muttered 17 dryly.
Kley nodded silently, immediately taking a few steps back to leave 17 and Ruri alone, face to face. A short silence followed, before the cyborg spoke up.
- I thought I was the one to do it the hard way?
- What do you want from me? A thank you?
- No, not particularly, I just wanted to congratulate you on your nice shot, well aimed and well executed.
- If I didn't know it was going to cost me my knee, you would have had exactly the same one in the same place.
- Are you angry?
- Bravo, what a sense of observation!
- Why? Is it because of the kid?
- What do you think?
- I only told the truth, Ruri. Nothing more than that.
Deep down, the young woman knew that 17 was sincere, that he didn't understand at all what had just happened. The calmness of his face and the naivety of his gaze were so familiar to her that she was absolutely certain. But this time she couldn't be understanding. The image of that little boy crying his eyes out broke her heart. So she turned on her heels, responding only with a sad sigh:
- Sometimes you're just... hopeless...
And she walked away from 17 who hesitated for a second, perplexed. The situation seemed incomprehensible to him. If Ruri's irritation was obvious to him, the reason for it was totally obscure. Determined to get an explanation, 17 was about to start walking to catch up with her when he felt a hand on his chest.
It was Oak.
- Take the advice of an older man, boy. It's no use, she's not ready to listen to you. So stay here, give us some time, until everyone calms down. Then go straight home. And don't worry about Ruri, I'll take care of her. Okay?
Although 17 was not one to be dictated to, something about the ranger's attitude made him think he should pay attention to her opinion. Like Owen, this man, who was an animal protector like himself, was very friendly. And like Hazel, he had a look of kindness and wisdom in his eyes. He couldn't put into words what that look reminded him of, but he knew the feeling.
Listening to the advice of an older man...
Finally, 17 simply nodded and let Ruri go, whose figure was already disappearing into the distance. Oak smiled, satisfied, and left as well.
Once alone, 17 turned to see that none of the other humans were still there. Kley, his brother, and their entire gang were gone, which was probably much better for their safety. So he took a few steps back toward the mammoth's enclosure, and gently reached out to the animal. Still moving her head from right to left, the female finally responded to his gesture by touching his hand with the tip of her trunk.
17 smiled at her, caressing her in return, taking advantage of this moment to make sure she was not hurt. But suddenly, a sensation came over him, and his body instinctively stiffened.
He was being watched.
A single movement of eye allowed him to see on his right the shade of Lacenaire who, on his side, did not cease fixing him with attention. His sly smile did not deceive 17: he had undoubtedly lost nothing of his demonstration of force. All that had been made on purpose, surely to make them verify the suppositions which they had on him, and that his conversation with Suno had only amplified.
What should he do?
Without Ruri, 17 wasn't sure what the right strategy was.
Think. Make a plan, and only then act. But not before.
Not a moment too soon.
Yet...
« Tchhhh... It doesn't matter. There's no point in pretending anymore anyway. So I might as well do the only thing I know how to do.. »
17 decided to take the lead. He wasn't sure if it was a good idea, but he didn't see any other way to handle the situation. His years of experience with wild animals had taught him one thing: in some cases, a prey's last resort to prevent an attack was to be strong and threatening, to deter its attacker by dangling a loss greater than the prize it coveted.
Then he walked towards Lacenaire, stood at his height, and started the conversation first.
- Did you enjoy the show?
- Oh yes, it was both entertaining and... very instructive, Lacenaire answered, his mocking smile becoming almost carnivorous.
« A murderous smile... » 17 thought immediately.
This man didn't scare him for himself. But he was a danger, it was obvious, to the woman he loved. He had already killed. The smell of death was all around him.
- And what did you learn?
- That you have a great strength. A strength that I would call... superhuman.
- It is, indeed. Beyond what you can imagine.
- I have a very rich imagination... Larry. I pity the poor poachers who have the misfortune to cross your path.
- I use only the force necessary to protect the animals.
- So we have the same goal, my dear friend.
- Yes, fortunately.
Neither of them was fooled. Both knew now that they were adversaries, and that they knew more than their words could express. With their eyes fixed in each other's, this conversation was obviously the last one they would have before their future confrontation. The game was now on, with both Lacenaire and 17 able to judge their strengths and weaknesses. Now it was all about strategy, where to strike, when and how to win. It was almost fun for 17 to engage in a different form of combat, where his strength alone did not necessarily guarantee victory. But he also remembered why he had decided to put his cards on the table: to protect Ruri, his greatest weakness. Because he felt that this man was capable of hurting her, now that it was obvious that he cared about her.
- But you know, there is a thing which could make me use all the extent of my power, without any form of restraint, he resumed after a short silence.
- What is that?
- If Ruri is attacked.
- But who the hell can have such an idea? exclaimed Lacenaire, taking a falsely outraged air which did not deceive 17 for a moment.
- I'll tell you one thing. Only one thing. And I won't repeat myself.
- I am all ears.
- Whatever happens here, I will do everything I can to protect the animals. Anything. But if people with bad intentions manage to kill them, then I will take the consequences. But if they think of hurting Ruri, then...
17 took a deep breath, before stepping forward until he was almost touching Lacenaire's face, suddenly perfectly serious.
- ... Then I will never stop hunting them down. Wherever they go, I will find them. There is no place on this planet or even in the entire universe where they could escape my vengeance. I will catch them. And I will kill them. But before I do, I will make sure they regret every second of their existence. I'll break their bodies, I'll break their spirits, and when I'm done with them, there won't be a speck of dust left.
- I have chills... Lacenaire replied with a smile, before 17 abruptly interrupted him.
- You are an intelligent man. So I don't think it's necessary to continue this conversation, right?
- Indeed, my dear friend. We have said all we have to say.
They looked at each other for another second, then 17 turned around. Without another word, he drove off. Oak's car was gone, but that didn't matter. Once he was sure that the forest trees were hiding him from prying eyes, 17 started running, and it took him only a few minutes to reach the ranger's house.
When he crossed the threshold, he found everyone gathered on the second floor, except for the boy who didn't seem to be there. Oak was sitting in his chair, so absorbed in reading a file that he didn't even notice his arrival. Hazel was obviously busy in the kitchen. As for Ruri, she was sitting on the living room floor, near the fireplace there. She was holding Volt by the collar with one hand and keeping the two babies of the family from getting too close with the other. The wolfdog was obviously just as fascinated by the two miniature humans who wanted to pet him, and was struggling to get closer. Ruri was doing her best to keep them apart, but she couldn't help but be amused by the difficulty of the exercise. She sighed, then pretended to complain, while bursting out with that pure laughter that 17 loved so much about her. Just by seeing her, the anxiety and incomprehension he felt evaporated and was replaced by the deep tenderness he felt for her. He just wanted to be close to her, and understand what he had done wrong to try to repair the damage.
So he came to meet her, crouched down next to him and grabbed Volt, who immediately turned to him, yelping in annoyance at being so firmly held.
- Two against one, the fight is more balanced now, don't you think?
Ruri wasn't angry anymore either, he could see it in the look she gave him. But there was a touch of sadness that 17 was well decided to make disappear. For his greater pleasure, the young woman addressed to him then a light smile and answered him of a soft voice:
- Yes, I admit that I was beginning to feel overwhelmed...
- You know you can always count on me, don't you?
- Yes, I know I can. Especially since my big kick won't help me here.
- Speaking of which, since when do you know how to kick like that?
- I read your notebook, don't forget. That thing was my secret weapon to defeat you.
- I'm glad I escaped that.
Reassured by the tone of this exchange, 17 then noticed that a significant change had occurred in Volt. Under his hand, he felt that his hair was no longer dry and rough like the day before, but incredibly soft and silky. He was also much fuller and now looked like a silver cotton ball bouncing on his little legs.
- But how...
- Don't ask me how she did it, but Hazel managed to get him to take a bath. She even gave him a blow dry of sorts. He's so soft now he looks like a stuffed animal!
- Ah... a bath...
- Yes, I know...
They exchanged a brief glance, each knowing the potential impact of this bath on the puppy's life. But that wasn't the most important thing. Volt seemed to be feeling much better and had gotten over the trauma of his capture, and that was all that mattered. Anyway, 17 was more concerned about their last discussion, so he resumed:
- Did I do something wrong earlier to make you mad at me?
- ... Yes. You shouldn't have talked to Willy the way you did.
- But what I said is true.
- No, that's the point. He's just a kid.
- So what?
- And then you can't talk to him like an adult. There's a lot he doesn't understand. Didn't it hurt you to see him leave after all you said to him?
- Not really.
- You made him cry 17 !
- I didn't mean to. But if these animals are locked up here, it's his fault, right?
- It's more complicated than that.
- Let's face it. So what?
- So you have to fix it.
- I'm sorry, what?
- You heard me. Seeing that poor little guy with his face all red from crying... it was horrible. So I want you to find a way to make him feel better.
- ... And how am I supposed to do that?
- I don't know, I don't know anything about kids.
- Because I know something about them maybe?
- That's not the point. You made him cry, so it's up to you to deal with it. And by the way...
- 17 ! Can you come to me? I need your help.
Hazel's voice was heard, making the couple startled. 17 looked at Ruri who nodded and smiled, obviously not surprised by the sudden call. He got up and went back to the kitchen to join Hazel, beside whom he was standing, silent as usual. The woman's presence was incredibly reassuring and friendly, and 17 felt strangely at ease in her company. When she smilingly handed him a basket full of apples, he accepted it without hesitation.
- I'd like you to take these to Willy, Hazel asked.
- What?
- The fruits are for him. I have to make dinner, Oak is writing a paper for the park vet and Ruri is watching the babies and Volt. That leaves you. Will you do me this little favor?
- Uh... I... don't think I'm the best person to do that, stammered 17, confused.
- Oh yes, young man, you are the only one who should do it.
Realizing in an instant that Hazel knew what had happened, 17 suddenly felt as if he had been "caught out". If Ruri's irritation had displeased him because he never wanted to do anything that would hurt her, he was troubled by her gaze for a very different reason. He was apprehensive about disappointing her, and he was the first to be surprised. So much so that he found himself unable to refuse. Taking the basket she was holding out to him, he nodded and sighed.
- Ok. Where is he?
- Third room on the right. Oh, and don't forget to ask him why he wanted so much fresh fruit.
- Why ?
- Because I think you need to hear his answer.
- But...
- I didn't ask you this but do you and Ruri have children?
- What? No !
- That's what I thought.
- If you want to tell me that I did something wrong with the child, it's not necessary. Ruri already told me.
- And do you know where you went wrong?
- Not really.
- Then let me explain something to you. People can be mean, stupid, insensitive or cruel sometimes, on purpose. The men out there are evil and dangerous. You know it, and I know it.
- It's obvious.
- But not children, 17. They are not born bad, on the contrary. And so sometimes that can lead them to do things that are not good, without really realizing it. It's adults' job to guide them to become good people. This means explaining their mistakes, setting a good example and instilling values they will want to follow for the rest of their lives. Parenting is about leading the way. And Willy is just a child. A child is not a smaller adult, it is a being in construction that it is our duty to help grow.
- ... Well, okay, replied 17 with perplexity, but... what does that have to do with me?
- Bring the fruit. And you will understand. I guarantee it.
- But...
- When you make a mistake, you fix it. Don't you think?
Hazel seemed so sure of herself that 17 didn't dare contradict her. With the basket still in his hand, he headed for the stairs, feeling Ruri's watchful eye on him. Arrived at the second floor, he knocks at the door of the third room. A small voice was heard, telling him that he could enter. Inside, 17 immediately noticed the bed on which Willy was lying flat on his stomach, his face buried under several pillows.
"Raah, he's crying again... Ruri is going to get mad again if I don't calm this brat..."
17 didn't know what to do. His companion was the only human whose reactions he was beginning to understand, and he was not always easy to interpret her countless mood swings. But when it came to children, he was completely at a loss.
How to handle the little boy's tears?
He had no idea, but if he wanted Ruri to be happy, he had to find a solution.
As he thought about how to get out of this mess, he mechanically turned his face from right to left, looking more carefully at the room and what was in it. Backpacks, posters, clothes, drawings... It was undoubtedly Willy's stuff. And a detail jumps out at him: all these objects are decorated with animal motifs. Elephants, sharks, dinosaurs... they are absolutely everywhere.
A form of "doubt" starts to seize 17, because something was not right. Loving animals and wanting to see them locked up seemed too contradictory for the same person not to notice.
He walked over to the bed and put the basket on it, but Willy didn't react.
17 cleared his throat, took a few last seconds of reflection, then decided to talk to him, without really knowing where this conversation was going to lead him.
- I brought you the fruits you asked Hazel for.
The little boy shivered when he heard his voice, and he hesitated a little before daring to stand up and look at him. His eyes were still red from tears, 17 immediately noticed, and he even seemed a little afraid of him. It was only then that he realized that the impact of his words had been much stronger than he had anticipated.
Understanding a little better what Ruri and Hazel had tried to tell him, he tried to soften his voice a little and sat down on the bed next to Willy.
- Are these fruits for you?
- No... it's for Belle... the boy murmured as he sat back down.
- Did you want to give it to her?
- ... Yes. She looks sad, all the time, so I wanted to bring her some fruit to make her happy.
- ... You... are... serious... when you say that?
- Yes, I really like Belle, she's nice...
17 looked at him, full of disbelief. He crossed his arms and looked at the young boy who was also looking at him, his eyes wide open and full of disarming sincerity. He realized that Willy was not lying, against all logic.
- Listen, kid, he said after a few seconds, I have to explain something to you, but first I want you to answer a question.
- Which one?
- Do you like animals?
- Yes! I love them!
- Is that why you asked to have a zoo?
- Yes. My dream is to see lots of animals! And my daddy gave them to me for my birthday!
- Do you know what I do for a living?
- Ruri said you protect animals in a park.
- That's right. So I know them well. Animals are unhappy when their freedom is taken away. Animals like dogs and cats are different, but wild animals are not meant to be caged. And that's why Belle is sad.
- You think so? exclaimed Willy, who got up on the bed.
- Yes. Imagine. She is locked up all day in a small cage. She can't walk around the plains like she used to and she doesn't have her horde with her anymore.
- Her horde is her family? Ruri told me that.
- Yes, that's right. Mammoths are elephants, so they live in groups.
- But there are zoos everywhere! Why if it hurts the animals?
- Imagine for a moment how you would feel if you were her. If you had to spend all your time in a cage, never seeing your dad or your friends again. Wouldn't you feel sad?
The little boy was silent for a while, and you could see from his expression that he was thinking seriously about what he had just said. Suddenly he began to tremble and big tears appeared in his eyes, which flooded his face, running down his cheeks like two gigantic waterfalls. He began to cry, loudly, plunging 17 into panic.
- NO NO NO, don't cry! I wasn't saying that to make you feel bad!
No sooner had he said that than the little boy wrapped his little arms around him and laid his head against his chest. Having never held another human being than Ruri against him, 17 stood there with his arms open, not sure what to do next. He could feel the twitching of that little body, which was full of uncontrollable hiccups that nothing seemed to stop.
« Ruri is going to kill me... » thought 17, imagining his companion's reaction if she ever entered this room « but how do you shut a child up? ».
As if he hadn't heard, Willy continued to cry, snuggling ever more tightly in his arms. 17 was seriously considering the possibility of knocking him out, when he had the reflex to lower his eyes to observe him.
His distress was genuine, as was the pain he felt, very real. Seeing him like this, 17 suddenly had a vivid sense of déjà vu. Before his eyes appeared the memory of Ruri, shortly after their meeting, when they had found the elephant killed by the poachers. She had knelt down, crying with the same intensity, the same pain, the same helplessness.
And instinctively, 17's arms closed around the boy. Bringing him back to him, he squeezed him a little, with very little force, before speaking again.
- Say, shorty, do you think you're going to help Belle and the other animals by crying?
The tone of his voice was not at all accusatory, on the contrary, and Willy was not mistaken. Sensing 17's change in intonation, he raised his head to look at him in turn.
- Can I help Belle?
- Yes, you can.
- But how?
- For the moment, you can't yet. But trust me, you can help me later.
- After what?
- After I've taken care of some things here. Just trust me. I'm here to fix things, and in the end, I'll probably need you.
- For real? You're not lying to me, are you?
- No. You can ask Ruri, I'm a terrible liar anyway.
- So you're going to help Belle stop being sad?
- Yes.
The little boy stepped back a little and sat back down. He seemed to be suddenly very happy. His little legs were wiggling back and forth and a big smile was on his face. And best of all: he wasn't crying anymore. He seemed to hesitate for a moment, then turned to 17 and asked him something.
- Larry, what should I do if I want to see animals and zoos are no good?
- Animals are never as beautiful as in the wild. And that's where you have to see them. You can see mammoths and many other species in the park.
- But I can't go! Oak said it was too dangerous.
An idea popped into 17's head. An idea he immediately thought was brilliant.
- You know what, kid? I think you and I can make a deal, he said with a laugh.
- What deal?
- You stay here tonight?
- Yes. It's the holidays now, I don't have school, and Dad has agreed that I should stay here.
- Perfect. So listen: if you go down to the living room, see Ruri and tell her that I did well for you, that you're not sad anymore and that everything is fine, I'll take you to the park with me this afternoon. And we'll go see all the animals you want.
- ARE YOU SERIOUS? ?
- Yes.
- But... isn't it dangerous?
- For ordinary rangers, yes, sometimes. But I'm not any ordinary park ranger, you see. I'm strong, didn't you see that earlier?
- Yes, you are very strong!
- Thank you. So with me, you don't risk anything. I already faced a giant shark and even a sea dragon you know.
- FOR REAL?
- Ask Ruri to show you, she has hundreds of pictures in her computer.
- COOOOOL!
- So ? Do we have a deal?
- OK!
And without waiting a single second, Willy rushed out of the room, even forgetting to take the fruit basket with him. Within seconds, he ran down the stairs and up to the second floor to find Ruri. In a few seconds, the little boy explained to Ruri that 17 had been great, which the cyborg did not deny, delighted by the loving smile of his companion. To answer Willy's insistent request, Ruri then went to get her computer to show him the countless photos she had taken during their great expedition under the sea.
Then, after lunch, Oak left to take care of some administrative business with the other rangers. Hazel and Ruri stayed home to take care of the kids and Volt. And as he had promised, 17 went with Willy to the park.
They spent a good part of the afternoon together, watching the animals that live there in the wild. The little boy was amazed to be able to get up close to incredible species, like he had never seen before. Deer, mammoths, but also bears and even gigantic saber-toothed cats. Terrifying creatures, but 17 managed to keep them at bay without any difficulty, allowing Willy to walk around the park in a way he had never been able to before, even with Oak.
After a few hours, however, Willy showed signs of fatigue, and 17 decided it was time to head back. On the way back, they spotted a woolly rhino, a huge creature that roamed the frozen plains, with an impressive horn that could pierce anything. They walked away from it, but the boy couldn't help but ask if he could try to pet it. After a little hesitation, 17 agreed to try, but no sooner had they tried to approach than the animal reacted to their presence by scratching the ground with its paws, exhaling heavily on the ground.
Cautious of this warning sign of an attack, 17 backed off, grabbing Willy by the collar to make him understand that he should follow him. Curious, the little boy asked him why the rhino had reacted that way.
- Probably out of fear, replied 17.
- But I just wanted to pet him!
- He doesn't know that. And wild animals are wary of humans.
- But a caress is good.
- Yes, but you must not impose your contact. It is a question of patience.
- Is it?
- Yes. It's hard, but you have to gain the animals' trust. It takes time, but that's the way to do it. You have to respect nature, and you can't force it. In the park where I work, if I sit down, after 5 minutes, I am surrounded by animals. Ruri too, by the way. Because they know we are there for them, but it's always the animals that come to us, never the other way around.
- Wow, you know a lot!
- Yes, I do.
And so the afternoon ended, until 17 and Willy returned home where everyone was waiting for them. The meal went very well, the little boy monopolizing the word to tell everything he had seen during his visit to the park under the tender and reassured looks of Hazel and Ruri.
Once the meal finished, the young woman wanted to join 17 to congratulate him.
But she realized that he had gone out, having just emptied his plate. Probably, she thought, he needed some fresh air to help him digest the large amount of food that had still been served.
Amused, she decided to leave him alone, but she watched him from the kitchen window as he stared silently at the horizon. Suddenly, Oak emerged from inside his garage with Volt in tow. He had fashioned some sort of leash from a large piece of string and was walking the young wolf dog, apparently enjoying the nighttime walk. Intrigued, Ruri saw them approaching 17, who bent down to pet Volt. Oak did the same, and the young woman could see that a conversation was taking place between them. She was too far away to hear, so she ended up doing the dishes, only glancing intermittently in their direction.
For his part, 17 had been very surprised to see the ranger come to meet him, and even more so when he began to speak to him, in a low voice, as if he was still afraid of being overheard.
- It was a hard day, wasn't it?
- Yes, but I learned quite a bit, so I think it's been a pretty good day.
- I'm glad you came, really. Your reputation is not usurped, your strength is properly... extraordinary.
- Yes, it is, 17 said, turning his head so he could look at Oak's face.
His lips trembled and his eyebrows twitched. He obviously wanted to tell him something, but he didn't dare. They were interrupted by Volt's growl as he threw himself to the ground. The puppy had just grabbed the cord and was waving it around, both to play and to try to free himself, though his little teeth wouldn't let him yet.
Amused by this spectacle, Oak began to smile, but his face was still surprisingly tight.
- He's getting better, that little guy, he exclaimed, stroking Volt's ears.
- Yes, Ruri and Hazel took good care of him.
- 17... May I ask why you became a ranger?
- ... I don't know why. It was Ruri who introduced me to the wonders of the animal world. After that... let's just say that I get along better with animals. I'm not very sociable and I don't always understand hum... people. It's probably not clear. I'm not good at talking.
- No, no, it's perfectly clear, said Oak.
- What about you? added 17, whose curiosity had been piqued by this question.
- It's a long story. When I was a kid, I had a dog. I had him as a baby, and I loved him. But one day, when he was a few months old, he died. Poisoned.
- What happened?
- The neighbors probably, I never knew, I was young and my parents didn't think it was important. He agonized for long minutes in my arms, then he was gone. That memory has haunted me. Since that day, I want to protect animals.
17 did not respond. In fact, this story revived a very old wound in him. To please Ruri, he had done his best to be polite and more talkative in order to fit into his new environment as well as possible. And he had to admit that the inhabitants of the village bordering the park were peaceful people who had been very welcoming to him. However, he had never really been able to overcome the rift he had once created between himself and the rest of humanity. Although he was a flesh and blood being and the woman he loved was a human, he kept deep down a mistrust mixed with indifference towards other humans, to which was added a form of disgust for the cruelty he knew existed in the hearts of some. Each act of mistreatment towards an animal reminded him of the sufferings that Gero had inflicted on him. He couldn't help thinking that a gratuitous violence lay dormant in some humans, and that they often lacked only a little power to dare to express it on anyone who seemed weaker.
That's why he preferred by far the company of animals, in whom cruelty was very rare, and almost never gratuitous.
He understood them, who, like him, could not express in intelligible words the emotions they felt. And he was able to empathize with them. 17 had a deep desire to repair the damage he felt he had done, but also to protect the innocent, for he himself had not felt protected.
In any case, if his evasive answer had seemed to satisfy him, he sensed that Oak had something else to tell him. And indeed, the ranger quickly spoke again, looking at Volt who had now decided to chew on his shoes.
- It was when they captured him that I decided this had to stop... he muttered. That little puppy... it was too much. I had to do something. They're going to take them all away, 17. All of them.
- Not while I'm around.
- I thank you, you know, really. We're going to need your strength to keep these guys from reforming the army. And to get... whatever's in the tower. We don't want anything powerful to fall into their hands.
- Can you think of anything in particular? 17 asked him, for whom this conversation was becoming more and more intriguing.
Oak didn't answer. So 17 resumed, confident that he understood what the ranger was getting at.
- You've seen someone with the kind of superhuman strength I have, haven't you?
- ... Yes.
- Hacchan, right?
- That's not his real name... in the past... I heard him talking about that with Suno...
- And what is his real name then?
- Number 8.
« Number 8... so he is indeed a robot created by the Red Ribbon... » thought 17 immediately, whom this information did not really surprise.
Oak immediately followed up, as if he feared he would run out of courage to speak.
- 8, 17... pretty original names.
- Is that why you called me?
- With your reputation, I would have called you anyway. But it's true that...
The ranger seemed to grow more and more anxious as the discussion went on, and 17 looked at him warily. He understood better his insistence that he accompany Ruri. Oak had clearly made the connection between him, the Red Ribbon Army, and that other robot who lived in the next village. As the discussion went on, the ranger seemed to grow more and more anxious, so much so that 17 finally wondered if he wasn't beginning to see him as a danger as well.
- Are you afraid of me? he asked.
- No, I don't. I know you are a good person, and so is Hacchan. My children love him, if you could see how nice he is to them... but it's true that I'm afraid. I'm getting more and more scared of these guys. Here, see ?
Oak pointed to the front door of his house, where 17 realized that a tiny red light was visible in one of the upper edges of the frame.
- It's a camera, the ranger explained. I installed it recently, to reassure Hazel. Kley, and especially his brother... lately they've been more and more threatening... 17... I...
Big sobs interrupted him.
He wasn't scared.
He was terrified.
This human was a good person. A person who genuinely cared, as he did, about animals. But he was afraid. For himself, and especially for his family. 17 could understand him perfectly, because he too had to watch over the life of someone he loved beyond measure.
- You don't have to worry anymore. I am here now, and I will protect you all. They will not harm the animals, or the people you love, or the people of Jingle Village. You have my word.
17 did not smile, but his blue eyes were fixed on Oak. The ranger saw determination in them, but also absolute certainty. The confidence he exuded seemed infinite, and he suddenly seemed infinitely powerful, invincible even. Oak felt as if a great weight had been lifted from him, and he let out a deep sigh that startled Volt.
The ranger and 17 immediately began to laugh.
- I think he's still a little chicken, Oak laughed.
- Yeah, there's no doubt about it.
- I should go home. He must be very hungry to be so hard on my shoes.
- Yes, do that. Kids his age should eat regularly.
- What about you? What are you going to do?
17 stood up, without a word, before finally answering:
- Go back and talk with Suno.
Once Oak returned, 17 had made his way to Jingle village, taking the same route as before, but this time walking. Although he was now certain that Lacenaire suspected his true nature, he preferred not to reveal his ability to fly as a precaution. He did not detect any human presence on his route, but he was pretty sure that somehow his movements were being monitored.
When he arrived at the village, it was deserted. Or more accurately its place, for in reality the inhabitants were all at home, judging by the number of lights still on inside the houses. 17 went first to the warehouse where he had spoken with Suno, but it was empty. He was about to knock on the door of the nearest house to find the one she lived in, when he heard a series of short, sharp noises coming from the forest.
« Axe blows » he said to himself as he recognized the familiar sound.
He then turned to determine the origin of this strange sound, the late hour not really lending itself to wood cutting. He went forward into the forest, and in a few minutes reached a small clearing, bordered on both sides by young fir trees in full growth. And there, in front of him, busy cutting the trunks of the smallest conifers, he recognized the imposing silhouette of cyborg number 8.
The opportunity was too good to pass up.
Seeing that Hacchan had not noticed his presence, 17 activated the optical scanners with which Gero had equipped him. As he had done with 16, he examined in detail the body of the robot in front of him to try to determine its exact nature.
And what he saw surprised him greatly.
The vast majority of its internal structure was robotic. 17 was unable to distinguish a single bone in 8's body, which appeared to be made of nothing but metal, like a real robot. However, above this steel skeleton, he could clearly see a thin layer of organic material. Probably flesh, although he wasn't sure.
« But what kind of robot are you... » 17 wondered in front of this machine, whose workmanship was still different from what he knew of Dr. Gero's techniques.
His fear of facing an older but potentially stronger model was rekindled, and he decided it was safer to try to test its power a bit. Silently, he grabbed a rock and picked it up off the forest floor. Then he cocked his arm, still quietly, before suddenly throwing the rock in Hacchan's direction. He had only used about a tenth of his strength, but when the stone hit the robot's skull, he staggered, thrown off balance by the force of the impact. He did not scream, but dropped his axe to the ground, before immediately raising his arms to stop the tree he was felling. With one of his gigantic hands, he immobilized the tree and put it back on its feet without any difficulty before finally pulling it out of the ground and putting it down. Then, as if nothing had happened, he turned around to face 17.
- Oh, you're Larry, Suno's friend! he shouted, greeting him.
- Yes, said 17, stepping forward. I'm sorry, in the dark I thought you were a poacher and threw a rock at you. I hope I didn't hurt you?
- Oh that was it then the blow on my head! Don't worry, I didn't feel a thing!
« Strong enough to effortlessly hold a tree of this size, impervious to pain while I feel it... But weak enough that a stone throw in which I put almost none of my strength would make you lose your balance... »
While walking towards him, 17 continued to analyze him to try to understand.
« That would mean he's much weaker than I am, which would make sense... Unless he heard me coming and was acting... Yet I'm pretty sure he couldn't detect me... »
Hacchan looked at him with a smile, not seeming to care in the least about this physical attack, as if 17's explanation suited him perfectly. When he reached his height, the latter looked at him again, up and down, more and more puzzled by the gentle and serene face that stood before him.
« That smile... I can't tell if you're lying or if you're... like him... »
- Did you want to talk to Suno? the giant suddenly asked him, looking as calm and relaxed as ever.
- ... Yes. Can you take me to her house ?
- Of course I can! I just need to finish cutting the last three trees.
- And why are you doing that?
- It's almost Christmas, so I'm preparing the trees for the people in the village! I go fast, it's more convenient for them.
- But why do it in the middle of the night? You must be tired from working at this hour.
- No, I don't sleep much you know. And then today I had to take care of the distribution of all the food that Suno bought.
- Well, you do a lot of things that take strength here, it seems.
- Yes! I am strong and that's how I make myself useful for my village!
- I can see that.
17 noted inwardly that number 8 looked like he needed to sleep, which again did not fit the profile of a robot, nor did it fit his own pattern of having infinite energy. Again, the specifics of its construction were completely unclear to him. But he decided to stop his interrogation there, at least for the moment. He couldn't rule out that number 8 was lying to him, even if everything in his attitude reflected an almost naive frankness under the circumstances. 17 knew that only Suno could really help him to understand better, and he wanted to be able to talk to her alone. So he persuaded Hacchan to show him the way to her house, so that he could finish his cutting work in peace.
When he arrived, he rang the doorbell and Suno greeted him happily.
17 sat on her couch, right in front of a large fireplace in which a fire was burning gently. He said nothing as she prepared a cup of fragrant herbal tea for him, waiting for her to join him.
- I hope Hacchan finishes cutting the trees quickly, he loves herbal tea!
- It shouldn't take too long to cut three trees.
- Oh you know, poor Hacchan is so clumsy sometimes. These days, every time I give him work in the evening, he goes away for HOURS haha!
- Really? asked 17, raising an eyebrow.
- Yes. But hey, he's always been a little distracted, he always has been. We'll drink without him, he'll come back eventually.
- Do you trust him?
The abruptness of this question, which 17 had just asked while looking her straight in the eyes, disturbed Suno to the core.
- Of course, she answered it without waiting.
- But you know who he is.
- Yes. My friend.
- I wasn't talking about that.
- And may I know what you are talking about?
- He is a robot. A weapon created by the Red Ribbon Army.
- Of course I know he's a robot. But Hacchan is not a weapon, not at all.
-He was designed for that.
17 was not aggressive, but his face and tone of voice had hardened considerably. He didn't want to be rude to Suno, but he was trying to push her into a corner, to get information from her that she might want to keep from him. And his attitude had exactly the desired effect on her, because she roughly put her cup on her coffee table, before answering him, quite annoyed.
- Maybe, but he never hurt anyone here. He's our guardian, our protector and our friend here.
- He's a robot.
- Robot or not, what does it matter? Hacchan is my friend. That's all there is to it. What exactly do you want to know? Why do you insist on this?
- Because I'm going to protect all the people and beings who live here, you can be sure of that. And I want to be able to identify anything that might threaten their well-being.
Suno seemed to calm down a bit. There was no doubt in her mind that 17 was sincere, and even though his attitude had hurt her a little, she understood his determination.
- Oak trusts you, so I told you I would do the same, she said with a smile. I'll do everything I can to help you, but I assure you that when it comes to Hacchan, you have nothing to worry about.
- Well, then, the subject is closed, said 17 in a gesture of appeasement.
- Do you need anything else?
- Yes. I need to know more about what you saw and experienced during the destruction of the Red Ribbon Army.
- Not much...
- It doesn't matter. The smallest detail can be important. And I'm going to need you too. I want to infiltrate the Tower.
- What? But that's impossible!
- Not for me.
- Haha! Oak told me that you have a reputation for being very strong, so I hope for your sake that's the case. The tower is full of armed men!
- No problem.
- Ok. I'm coming with you, I know where the cameras are that monitor the Tower. And I will try to do some research. We collected a lot of documents after the Red Ribbon soldiers left, I'll try to see what I can find.
- That's okay. We'll go together, but I'll go to the tower alone.
- Of course you will.
- Now that everything is clear, let's resume our conversation about your memories of the confrontation between the army and Son Goku.
- I hope you're not tired because it's going to take a long time if you want me to be precise.
- Don't worry about that.
- Well, I'll make us some coffee instead, we're going to need it!
Thus, several hours passed during which Suno told 17 absolutely everything she could draw from her memory. She described the buildings, the weapons, and everything that Son Goku or Hacchan themselves had told her. Their exchange continued until very late at night, so much so that Suno didn't notice that Hacchan hadn't returned when 17 left, which the cyborg did. Suno was actually exhausted from staying up so long, and it was her yawns and the heaviness of her eyelids that convinced 17 that it was time to stop questioning her. He made sure she had gone to bed, before leaving his house and immediately returning to the clearing where he and the robot had met.
As he had expected, Number 8 had disappeared.
Rising slightly into the air without going above the treetops, 17 saw the footprints that betrayed where he had gone, confirming to his regret his first hunch.
« Straight to the Muscle Tower, right, number 8? Suno seems to trust you completely and likes you a lot. I really hope for your sake that she is right.. »
Suno's mention of Hacchan's recent absences had only strengthened 17's conviction that he needed to get to the former Red Ribbon headquarters to figure out what was going on there. He was determined to go there the next day. But for now, he was forced to wait.
So, taking the same route he had taken to get home, he returned to Oak and Hazel's house as quickly as he could. When he got there, he noticed light coming out of the window of the room he shared with Ruri. He took a quick look at his watch, which showed that it was after three in the morning. His companion must have been waiting for him, and he instantly regretted not having warned her of his departure nor of the late hour at which he thought of returning. Still forbidding himself to fly, 17 walked through the unlocked front door and made his way as quietly as possible to the bedroom so as not to wake the sleeping household.
There he found Ruri, in a semi-sitting position on the bed, a half-open book resting on her legs. She had obviously fallen asleep reading while she waited for him. Amused as well as touched, 17 approached her and picked up the book, placing it on the nightstand. Volt, who was also sleeping on the bed, reacted to his presence and immediately came to meet him, wagging his tail with pleasure.
- Hush, don't make a sound, baby, 17 whispered, immediately taking in his arms the little puppy which began to lick his face profusely.
But despite 17's attempts to remain discreet, it was too late.
Ruri stirred slightly, before opening one eye, painfully. Then the second, before straightening up on her arms and mumbling:
- Mmmmm? 17 ? ? Is that you?
- Yes. I'm sorry I woke you up.
- What... what time is it?
- 3h18. Go back to sleep, it's very late.
- You're only coming home now?
- I was in the village, talking...
- With Suno, interrupted Ruri.
- How do you know that?
- Oak told me.
- Oh, that's good.
- Why ?
- Because I forgot to tell you, so it's good that he did. I was afraid I'd done something wrong and you'd be worried.
- ... Oh no, I wasn't... worried... at all... said Ruri who seemed to be fully awake now.
- That's perfect.
- But... can I ask you why it took so long? And why this sudden departure? What you wanted to see with Suno couldn't wait until tomorrow?
- That's a lot of questions, human, teased 17, who didn't perceive the reality of the feeling that animated his companion at that very moment.
- Questions that you don't answer...
- It's not important, Ruri.
- ... Of course, but... I don't know what you had to do with Suno that was so important that you couldn't wait for us to... go together tomorrow...
Hearing her speak this way, 17 realized that Ruri would most likely want to come with him if he told her about his idea to infiltrate the Muscle Tower, and this thought did not reassure him at all. The strange behavior of cyborg number 8 worried him a lot, and it was out of the question for him to expose the one he loved to even the slightest risk. The memory of Ruri, wounded and with a bloody face when a poacher had hit her a few years before, was still vivid in his mind. Besides, he didn't know what he could find in this place. When they had visited Dr. Gero's lab together, he had not been able to bear the thought of revealing her too much information about the exact nature of everything he had experienced there.
Ruri was the most precious person in his heart, and he knew all too well her sensitivity and fearlessness.
Seeing her like this, her hair a mess, her beautiful eyes misty with sleep, she was so beautiful, so simple, so sweet... just so bright, that he couldn't bear the thought of anything ever reaching her heart and hurting her in the slightest.
To preserve her, from everything, including the demons of his own past that he wanted more than anything to put behind him.
Then he leaned towards her, delicately, and kissed with tenderness her so tender lips which he realized he had missed infinitely.
- You are so beautiful when you sulk... he murmured after a few seconds.
- I do not sulk...
- Yes you do. And I love it. Besides... since you are awake...
And delicately, 17 placed a hand on Ruri's waist, before going down to her thigh, then close to her crotch that she closed immediately.
- Noooo wait, not here! Hazel, Oak, the babies and Willy are right next door! !
- Ah. Yes. I had forgotten about that detail.
17 withdrew his hand, disappointed but nonetheless pleased to see Ruri's cheeks turn red. She seemed so confused by the situation that she looked like she had totally forgotten what they were talking about just before.
- Well, listen, since all other activities are compromised, I suggest you go back to bed, okay?
- And what are you going to do?
- I don't know. Maybe read a little. Oak's getting up early, I'll find something to do.
- ... Ok.
- Sleep well, human.
- You... well... have a good night too.
- I will.
Then, after placing a kiss on Ruri's cheek, 17 retrieved his laptop and went back downstairs to the living room, closely followed by Volt who didn't feel like sleeping at all.
Comfortably installed in the living room, he started to write down everything he had learned during this very long day to try to put some order in his thoughts.
He was quite satisfied with what he had been able to retrieve as information despite the zoo incident and how he thought he had solved the problem of Ruri's concerns. His only concern now was number 8, and he planned to use the next day to unravel the mystery surrounding that robot and its connection to the Red Ribbon.
But he was wrong.
For Ruri was in the grip of a new pain that 17's evasive answers had only amplified. A very particular anguish, irrational but irrepressible.
And contrary to what 17 imagined, Ruri did not close her eyes for the rest of the night...