Year: 771

A little more than 3 years after the Cell Game

The wave

After a week's journey to the west, 17 and Ruri had managed to locate the second beacon. It was fixed to the ground, like the first one, in the sand on the ocean floor.

But there was absolutely nothing around.

- What could the zoologists possibly have wanted to mark here? We're in the middle of the water. Sharks aren't as fixed as turtles, if they've marked the spot where they saw the monster years ago, it's not going to help us.

- Indeed... Ruri answered thoughtfully. It wouldn't make any sense to just mark where they saw the shark. They must have had another idea when they placed it here.

- Which one?

- I don't know.

- That's weird.

- What?

- That you don't have the answer. This is the first time ever.

- Is that a compliment to my intelligence or a slur you're throwing at me?

- Both.

- You rusty old robot! You'll see if I can't figure it out !

Ruri then began to swim around the beacon a bit, sulking, while 17 followed her, holding back a laugh, so hilarious was her offended look.

But when she was angry, she was even more motivated than usual. And he knew she never stayed angry for long. After a few minutes of silent swimming, she had indeed already calmed down, and 17 then moved closer to talk to her again.

- I know you'll find it, I don't doubt it for a moment, he said gently.

- Of course I'm gonna find out.

- Of course.

However, they had to wait for many hours in the water before something finally happened.

Out of nowhere, a huge whale suddenly appeared, accompanied by its baby. 17 and Ruri immediately stepped aside to let them pass, and let them continue on their way. When, two hours later, another whale cut them off, the young woman finally understood.

- AMAZING! It's brilliant!

- What do you mean ?

- What is our monster's name?

- The megalodon.

- And what is a megalodon?

- A giant shark.

- And what do you think a giant shark eats?

- ... Whales! Big prey! exclaimed 17, after thinking for a moment. They didn't mark this place randomly. This is a place where whales often pass by. And when you're looking for the predator, you have to follow the prey.

- Great, 17 ! How do you know that?

- You told me that once.

- you're telling me that you really listen to me? replied Ruri, laughing.

- Yes. Of course.

Ruri stared at him. He had made such progress in just a few weeks. It was almost as if he had always worked around animals. She had teased him just now, as she had seen how focused he was when she talked to him about it.

He was really interested in the subject.

They were now a real team. Complicit and complementary. Iris was right, the time they spent together, alone, was really building a relationship. But of what nature? That, she didn't know. When the two friends talked about it, Ruri couldn't help but express her fears and questions. Was he her partner? Her friend? Her boyfriend? She had no idea, they had never talked about it and clearly 17 didn't seem to want to start that kind of conversation.

But Iris kept reassuring her. Everything was going well. She had to trust herself, and let the events come to her. After all, he had been "clear" enough to make her understand that he, too, wanted to go further than simple kisses.

"I really do wonder too much sometimes..." she finally said to herself, looking at him. "After all, he's different. I know that now. He expresses himself in his own way."

- I'm glad you're listening to me, and you really are the best thing that ever happened in my life, 17.

17 immediatly stopped swimming, disconcerted by such a sentence. He turned his head towards Ruri, giving her a look full of surprise. Realizing what she had just unconsciously said, the young woman began to panic, blushing as never before, stammering for a way out.

- I mean that ... that ... you are ... effective as ... a companion. For... the expedition, I mean. You see?

- Ah. Yes. I see. Thank you.

Without saying another word, Ruri took the direction of the boat, swimming as fast as she could. But it was an illusion to try to outrun 17. He caught up with her in no time.

- Are we going back already? he asked.

- Yes. Now that I know what was marked by the tag, I have a...

- Plan ?

When she looked at him before answering, Ruri saw that 17 was smiling. Affectionately.

- Yes, she said, reassured. I have a plan indeed.

A very simple plan. As soon as she reached the ship, Ruri rushed to her lab and began frantically searching for something. She hadn't wanted to tell 17, because of her pride, but since he'd tidied up her equipment she had to admit that she was finding her way around much more easily. In a few minutes, she found what she was looking for.

- And here we are! she exclaimed happily.

- What is it?

- One of my favorite tool. It's a mini camera.

- That little thing?

- Yes.

- What are you going to do with it?

- That's easy. We'll just attach it to the megalodon.

- I'm not sure I follow you.

- Wait a minute. I'll show you.

Ruri turned around, rummaged around for a few more moments, and grabbed one of the harpoon guns she had brought with her. Then, with the gun in one hand and the camera in the other, she explained her plan to 17.

- Here, listen to my idea. We're gonna try to pin the camera on an arrow. Then we'll hover near the beacon for as long as it takes. If the previous expedition did well, sooner or later a megalodon will come here to attack the whales. And we will take advantage of the fact that he'll be focused on the hunt. He will not pay too much attention to us. And then, BAM! I harpoon him and try to fix the camera on its body. If I'm right, this will allow us to track the shark and see everything it does. EASY!

- Not bad, 17 replied, impressed by her ability to come up with schemes in a matter of minutes. But what about me? What do I do?

- Two things. First, we have to attach the camera to an arrow and I have no idea how to do that. Do you like fixing things? Then I'd like you to see if you can do it.

- Okay!

- And secondly, sharks are animals that I know well. Most of the time they are quite harmless. Except when they're hunting. When they're in the presence of blood, they get, well, very excited. Blood makes them kind of crazy. A sort of destructive fury. And then they are very dangerous, they attack indiscriminately everything in their path. We'll have to get close enough for me to aim, so...

- You're going to need me to protect you, and get you away quickly?

- That's right, partner! You approve of my plan?

- Absolutely.

17 immediately took the camera and the harpoon gun and went to the repair room. He locked himself in and plunged headlong into his new task.

He had never had to create anything on his own before. He had no idea how to start, but he was more than motivated. And just like when he had to drive a car for the first time, just like when he had to repair one, the moment he took the tools in his hands, he felt a strange sense of déjà vu. It was as if all this was familiar to him.

So he set to work. Without stopping. Without eating or sleeping, for three days. Ruri came to see him rather quickly, but seeing him so passionate about what he was doing, she knew it was better to let him do it. From time to time, she simply brought him something to drink, exchanging a few words with him, and then she slipped away to practice her aim with the harpoon gun.

And on the morning of the 4thᵉ day, 17 joined her, smiling.

- I think that's good, he said, clearly pleased with himself, as he handed her the modified arrow.

Ruri took it and looked carefully. Although she didn't understand how he had done it, she could only see that he had done a perfect job. The camera was there, adhering beautifully to the surface of the projectile. She couldn't believe it. How could he know how to do such things? She preferred not to ask the question, not wanting to hear the now typical 17 "I don't know" again. It was useless. And it wasn't very important.

- It's beautiful, 17, she said simply.

- Are you sure? Because I haven't figured out how to get the camera to come off. The arrow will stay with it. Could it hurt the shark?

- No, no risk. It's a huge shark. Trust me, he won't feel a thing.

- Great!

- Well, now I see no reason to wait any longer. Shall we get ready and go?

- Absolutely.

And as quickly as they could, they gathered the equipment and dove into the ocean together.

It took them a week to get lucky.

At the end of the day, a huge whale appeared in their sights. As they had done every time it had happened, they immediately began to follow it, at a good distance and, according to Ruri's indications, staying at a greater depth than it was at. And after almost an hour of tracking, they suddenly felt a ripple in the water, a slight, subtle vibration on their skins. Something was moving near them.

Turning slightly to see what it was, they saw at the same time a gigantic animal appear from the depths, swimming on their right. It was indeed a shark, but of phenomenal size. Everything about it was out of proportion. At least twenty meters long, its body was the width of a truck. Only one of its fins was the size of a human being. It was a megalodon, 17 didn't need any confirmation from Ruri to know that. It was truly monstrous. Intimidating. 17 felt the young woman suddenly stiffen. She didn't seem to be afraid, but he knew from her reaction that the danger was real, and that now he too had to be very careful.

The shark did not seem to be paying any attention to them. It was swimming, very slowly, a few meters away. The only thing that really disturbed 17 was its eyes. Two huge balls of absolute blackness that did not move. It was impossible to know what the shark was really looking at.

- Don't let its slowness fool you, Ruri murmured, without taking her eyes off the megalodon. It's capable of turning and charging towards its prey at a speed you can't even imagine.

- Okay, said 17. But it looks quiet now, doesn't it?

- Yeah, but he is hunting. Clearly.

- How do you know that?

- This is typical of these shark species. They never attack head-on, but from below. And even if it's discreet, it's getting closer to the whale. As soon as he will be close enough, he'll lunge at it.

- Really?

- Yes. It's going to be very bloody. We'll have to move fast. Very fast. I'll prepare the gun. Get ready.

17 nodded without a word. As gently as possible, watching for the slightest reaction from the shark, he grabbed Ruri with one arm and pulled her towards him, keeping his other arm available. And he waited.

Looking more closely at the shark, he saw that it was indeed slowly but surely catching up with the whale and coming up to its level. The attack was imminent, that was certain.

And when she came, everything went wrong in a flash.

The megalodon, in a violent tail swing, went vertical and threw itself on its prey which it reached in a fraction of seconds, opening on it a mouth filled with rows of teeth all bigger and sharper than the others.

Even 17 was impressed. There was something fascinating about watching this monster being launched at full speed, both beautiful and frightening.

But he did not stay long in this state of surprise, his fighter reflexes taking over. Quickly, he launched a current of energy below him to follow the shark. A push allowed him to join him, just in time to see its huge jaws close on the whale. In one fearsome bite, the shark tore into the flesh of its victim, ripping a gaping hole in its sides, tearing out whole sections of its belly.

The whale had almost been cut in two. Stunned by the violence of the impact, it was amorphous, as if paralyzed, and already dying.

In a few moments, the pure ocean water turned a dark red. A purple cloud emerged from the whale's battered body, growing as it bled to death. The shark had moved slightly away from its prey just after wounding it, but it was already making a U-turn.

Realizing that it will give its victim the coup de grace and that they would only have a moment to act, 17 turned to Ruri, holding her tightly against him:

- Ready to go?

- Yes, she replied, holding the gun.

And immediately, 17 propelled himself again, this time straight towards the dying whale. Straight into the cloud of blood. As close as possible to the danger, because immediately both of them saw the mouth of the megalodon coming in the same direction. The size of its mouth was such that it filled the whole space. In front of them, they could only see a gaping abyss. This vision was truly terrifying. However, Ruri was not afraid. She could never have attempted such a tactic alone. But she had absolute confidence in 17. She only had to focus on one thing: getting the shot off. He would take care of getting them out of there.

Concentrating, she aimed, and fired. Her arrow froze in the shark's fin. She had no time to enjoy it, however, because, excited by the blood, the megalodon now seemed enraged. Contrasting with its calm of the previous minutes, it was now shaking its head in all directions, biting and biting in all directions.

And in another brutal movement, it threw itself on them, mouth wide open. Ruri's gaze fixed on the megalodon's eyes. She had already seen similar ones on previous dives: sharks usually turned their eyes back into their sockets before attacking.

She saw the monster's white, inexpressive gaze upon her, and the image chilled her blood.

Time seemed to stand still. This moment seemed to last for hours, while only a few thousandths of a second passed.

The superhuman speed of 17 was their salvation. It was far superior to what the entire animal kingdom could produce. With a gesture, he again generated a projection of energy that propelled the couple several hundred meters away. However, in his haste, 17 could not properly measure his strength and used a little more energy than he had intended.

This overflow of energy caused a whirlpool to form which instantly lifted gigantic masses of water. Carried away by the waves that were forming all around them, they were thrown even further, suddenly rising to the surface until they reached the rocky reefs that marked the end of the deep sea. Their drift was stopped by a huge boulder that hit 17's back and stopped their mad rush.

Fortunately for him, his resistance was such that he felt no pain.

Gradually, the raging waves subsided and the ocean returned to its usual tranquility. It was only then that 17 realized, still holding Ruri close to him, that the young woman's heart was beating rapidly. So hard that he could feel it, as if it was going to explode in her chest. She must have been pretty shaken up during this whole sequence. He'd done his best not to hurt her, but she was still just a human. She was so fearless that he sometimes forgot to consider her frailty. He inspected her quickly, looking for a cut or a mark. But no, everything seemed normal. So he gave her a few seconds to recover, waiting patiently for her to come back to her senses.

Suddenly he felt her shudder.

- WOW! WOW! Did you see that? Did you see what happened!? she finally exclaimed as she turned around to face him.

- See what? he answered, happy to see the usual Ruri and that she was fine.

- THE SHARK! AND DID YOU SEE MY SHOT ? AND THE SHARK! AND YOU ! AND THE WAVE ! AND THE SHARK ! BUT THAT MOVE, THAT THROW, WOW!

- Routine, he told her with a smile.

- You're... you're so... OH MY GOD! stammered Ruri, in awe of him.

- You can call me 17 you know.

But Ruri's reaction to his joke was far from what 17 had anticipated. With a gesture, she ripped off his mask, then hers, and threw herself at him, pressing her lips against his and kissing him like she had never done before.

He remained a few seconds surprised by such ardor, but when she placed a hand behind his head to bring him even closer to her, panting, his body did not resist the insurmountable urge that invaded.

Without thinking, he grabbed Ruri's buttocks and in one motion he brought her to him, pressing her lower belly against his. The contact of the skin so soft of the young woman on his set him on fire. He felt her delicate breasts and her slender waist, protected by a garment so small that he would need only one finger to remove them. He couldn't hold back the images that assaulted his mind. The urge he'd been holding back for weeks was about to overwhelm him.

Obeying an instinct that he could hardly control, he kissed her with even more force. Ruri felt with delight his tongue entering her, more and more, faster and faster, stronger and stronger, almost preventing her from breathing. Every movement he made gave her a sensation similar to an electric shock. She'd felt this before in his arms, but this time it was infinitely more powerful. He held her tightly, she felt herself faint as she felt the power of his arms, the pressure of his hands caressing her buttocks and thighs with vigor.

She moaned, and moaned louder and louder.

- More ... more... she whispered between two kisses.

Hearing the pleading sound of her voice was an exquisite torture for 17. He wanted more. Now. Right now. He couldn't hold back a sigh of ecstasy any longer, becoming an almost animal growl as his desire increased.

- I want you, Ruri, he finally told her, bringing one hand up to place it on her left cheek, staring at her intently. I want you now.

- Me too...

17 felt as if he had been waiting for this answer for an eternity. It released everything he had been holding back in a second. Like a dam breaking under the weight of a torrent, he finally obeyed the call he had been trying to ignore for so long. His body was now acting completely alone. One hand still holding Ruri's buttocks, he let the second one slide down her throat until it rested on her chest. Her breast felt deliciously firm to the touch.

Take off those clothes. To finally see what was hidden underneath. Possessing this body that seemed so close to giving itself to him. All these thoughts overwhelmed him completely. A growing pressure suddenly hardened his lower belly, still pressed against Ruri's.

But, while she too had gradually let herself be overwhelmed by her desire, this sensation, a physical manifestation of 17's desire, suddenly brought her back to reality. He was there, against her, his hands on her body. No man had ever touched her the way he was touching her. He was so strong. So much stronger than her. He was caressing her body with much more intensity than before. She suddenly felt on the edge of a precipice. This was no longer a game, this was reality.

And she became afraid. A silly, spontaneous, thoughtless fear. Fear of disappointing him. Fear of not pleasing him. Fear that he would abandon her. Fear of pain. Fear of showing her naked in front of him.

- Wait, wait, please, I... she stammered, interrupting their kiss.

17 did not hear her immediately. He continued to caress her and returned to her mouth to kiss her again.

Confused, Ruri turned her head away.

- No, wait, 17. Please...

The sound of her voice, suddenly normal again, finally caught his attention.

- What's wrong? he asked, intrigued by the strange way she was avoiding his gaze.

- I... stop. Please, just...

- Is something wrong? Did I do something wrong?

- No, not at all. But I don't want to... continue...

17 didn't understand it anymore. Just a few seconds ago she was begging him. Did he misunderstand what she had meant?

- But you said you wanted to …

- Yes, I know I've said that... Ruri answered, red with shame.

- But then why don't you want me to continue?

- I am...

She couldn't finish her sentence.

- Are you in pain? Are you cold? asked 17, disconcerted by this radical change of attitude.

- I am...

- You are what?

- I'm AFRAID! That's it. I'm scared, Ruri finally shouted, before starting to cry loudly.

17 remained silent for a few seconds. Then he suddenly burst out laughing.

- Hahaha! Scared ? For real ?

- And it makes you laugh ?

- Yes, clearly.

- You're heartless. It's mean to make fun of me...

17 took the time to look at her. The look in her eyes really betrayed fear. She reminded him of an animal caught in the headlights of a car.

"You really do like to torture me..." he thought, disappointed but finally amused.

- What about you? he replied, mockingly. Isn't it mean to make so many promises that you won't keep? To make me want you so much, only to tell me to stop at the last moment? To try to seduce me for weeks, and the moment I respond to your advances to tell me that you're afraid of me?

Ruri immediately turned even redder. She felt ashamed.

- Oh, I'm so sorry! she exclaimed, bursting into tears again. I'm sorry! I, I want to but... sorry, sorry, but I never ...

17 immediately understood that he had gone too far. He had only wanted to titillate her a little, but she was really much more upset than he had thought. Seeing her cry was unbearable for him. Tenderly, he caressed her cheek and wiped away the big tears that were flowing abundantly.

- I was joking, he said softly. I was just kidding. Calm down.

- Was it a joke?

- Yes.

- Your jokes suck!

- I know.

- So you're not mad?

- No.

- For real?

- For real. Will you stop crying?

- Yes ...

With her reddened eyes, her bewildered look and her muffled sobs, she was both ridiculous and adorable. Placing a delicate kiss on her lips, 17 continued:

- You really need to stop being so cute, Ruri, otherwise I won't be able to hold it in...

- Really?

- Answer me: do you want me? he asked, resting his forehead against Ruri's.

- Yes, she answered shyly. But I'm afraid. I've never done that.

17 took a few moments to think. Then an idea came to him.

He asked her again:

- The first time you flew with me, you were scared, right?

- Yeah, a little...

- And now?

- No, I'm not afraid anymore.

- Why?

- Because I trust you. I know you won't drop me in the air and I won't crash to the ground.

Satisfied with her answer, 17 smiled at her. The serenity he was exuding right now, the gentleness in his words, was beginning to gently reassure Ruri. She didn't quite understand what he was getting at, but she felt she had to answer him. That he knew what he was doing.

- Come, he said suddenly. Come here.

Hesitant at first, Ruri finally complied. She came closer to him and cuddled up to his chest. Immediately, 17 took her in his arms. The warmth of his body put her in a state of immediate calm.

- Are you afraid of me? he asked again.

- No! Not at all. It's not you I'm afraid of... doing...

- So I have an idea.

- What idea?

- You were afraid to fly. The first time we flew together, it was only a short flight, just a few moments. Do you remember that?

- Yes.

- And only then did I carry you much further. And you weren't afraid anymore. Am I right?

- Yes.

- So let's fly together, but only a little.

Ruri suddenly straightened up, facing 17 who was still holding her gently in his arms.

- What? What do you mean ?

He kissed her again, gently, with the tenderness he knew how to deploy at the right moment and which completed to make Ruri's heart capsize. Then he came closer to her, even closer. And he whispered in the hollow of her ear:

- Before we fly away together for real, let me hold you. Let me show you what it's like. Let me heal your fear. Let me show you that you can trust me. I'll never let you down. Just give me a chance to prove it to you.

Feeling his voice and warm breath on her neck made Ruri shiver.

Envy and fear. Once again mixed in her.

She closed her eyes.

She felt more strongly than before the movement of the ocean waves that made her sway from right to left. She realized that if she wasn't drifting, if the waves weren't carrying her away from the shore at that very moment, it was because he was there. Because he was holding her. because she was in fact completely safe in his arms.

He wouldn't abandonned her.

He would never let her down.

Then she opened her eyes again.

- Okay, she answered in a breath.

Between fear and envy, Ruri had just made her choice.

That of finally abandoning her body to this wave that constantly brought her back to him.