Year: 771
A little more than 3 years after the Cell Game
Wind of change
- I'm fine, 17 !
- The doctor said you need to rest.
- That's what I do. I email my professors and work on my molecular biology class, it just relaxes me.
- I don't see how molecular biology is relaxing.
- Don't try to understand and give me my stuff back !
Unconvinced, but having no other choice, 17 gave Ruri back the computer he had just taken from her. The young woman smiled, satisfied, and went back to her reading.
When she had woken up that morning and had had breakfast, she had explained to him that she wanted to go to a hospital to have her wound examined. So he had flown her to the nearest big city. Sensing that she would have to stay there for several hours, the young woman had told him not to wait for her and to return to the ship so that he could continue his observations of the Megalodon and stow the equipment. It was only at the end of the day that 17 had returned to pick her up and bring her back.
Ruri's leg seemed to be on the mend. The makeshift bandage 17 had improvised had stopped her bleeding, and had clearly saved her life. But it had been necessary to stitch up her flesh and to put a new bandage on her, which had to be changed every day. Moreover, in order to avoid any infection, Ruri had to follow a treatment and was strictly forbidden to go back in the water for at least a month.
17 had had all this explained to him by the doctor, so he intended to enforce his recommendations to the letter. This was not going to be easy with a patient as unruly and stubborn as Ruri.
While she was absorbed in her reading, 17 slipped away to the kitchen to prepare the first batch of pills of the evening. There were many of them, to be taken with meals. He didn't have to look hard to find what to prepare: he dipped into the impressive supply of instant noodles Ruri had brought with her, thinking to himself that he needed to do something about his partner's horrible eating habits.
- Here, it's getting late, eat and take your medicine, he said when he joined her in her room once he was done.
- Roooh, but there's no hurry, I can take the medicine tomorrow... answered Ruri, who seemed to be in no hurry to obey him.
- Don't start, human.
- Neither are you, tin can.
- The doctor said...
- That I was fine, that I wasn't going to die and that I just had to be careful. He didn't say I had to take the treatment immediatly !
- He also said you could get an infection later. Your wound is very fresh. And why wait anyway?
- I don't like drugs.
- I don't care about that.
With that, 17 sat down on the bed. His arms were crossed, perfectly still, and he was staring at Ruri with his piercing eyes. Ruri tried to ignore him for a few moments, but if she was stubborn, 17 was very patient. He didn't move a millimeter, not stopping to look at her.
- CAN YOU STOP DOING THAT ? she finally exclaimed.
- No.
- You are unbearable, you know that?
- Ruri?
- Yes?
- There are two ways this can happen. The easy way and the hard way. But either way, you'll take your medicine.
Looking up at him, Ruri immediately understood that it was useless to argue. She could often get 17 to do what she wanted, mainly because he didn't like to argue for hours and would rather give in than argue with her. But sometimes he had a very different gleam in his eyes that indicated he would not change his mind.
Grumbling, Ruri took the medicine, and swallowed it with a grimace.
- I hate drugs.
- It wasn't that difficult.
- It is obvious that you have never had to take any.
- Are you angry? 17 asked her, amused by her scowl.
- No...
Deep down, Ruri was indeed delighted with the tenderness 17 showed her. He was back to his old self. Still a little distant at times, but clearly as caring and attentive as before the Kraken episode.
He looked calm and tranquil again, no trace of pain showing in his eyes. It was such a contrast to the anger he had shown that Ruri couldn't help but wonder if he was really at peace, or if he just knew how to cleverly hide his pain on a daily basis.
As she watched him, she suddenly noticed something.
- But... did you go in the water?
- What makes you say that?
- Your hair is all messed up.
- Haha! Damn, I forgot that nothing escapes your sharp eye, 17 exclaimed. Indeed, I went for a dive while you were in the hospital. And I didn't have time to take a shower, beccause when you called me to pick you up I rushed to join you.
- Did you feel like going for a swim? asked Ruri, curious.
- Not really, 17 replied, reaching into his pants pocket. I went to get you this, he said, placing a small object in the palm of her hand that Ruri recognized in a split second.
- But, it's ...
- Your bracelet.
- But ... how? Why ?
Ruri thought she had lost her bracelet forever. She hadn't expected 17 to have gone to the bottom of the ocean to get it at all. She hadn't even thought to ask him. He had seemed very surprised when she had told him the day before about the jewel and what it meant to her. He hadn't seemed to grasp the importance of it at all.
17 approached her and with a gentle gesture wiped away the small tears that had begun to flow down Ruri's cheeks.
- To be honest with you, I don't really understand why you care so much about that piece of plastic, he admitted, but I can see that it means a lot to you. I was bored on the boat earlier and I just thought, 'Here, why don't you go and get it for her'.
- Hahaha well, remind me to make you bored often. Pancakes, my bracelet, you make useful things when you're bored!
Ruri then gave him a beautiful smile.
She was so beautiful when she smiled.
17 could have given everything to see that smile again and again. He had no strength or will left against her when she smiled.
He felt his heart racing in his chest, and the urge to take her in his arms almost overwhelmed him. But he took it in his stride and held back. Ruri was still fragile, and he was afraid of hurting her if he allowed himself to do all the thoughts that were starting to pop into his mind when he saw her like this.
Smiling, her hair loose, wearing a simple loose t-shirt that hid nothing of her long, firm legs. Half lying on her bed, she was so gorgeous. Attractive even, so much that 17 could not detach his gaze from her, nor stop himself from thinking of all that he could do, right there, right now, to this magnificent body that seemed entirely ready to belong to him.
Ruri's innocence and nonchalant pose, her obvious unawareness of her charm and its effect on 17, her naivety, all made her irresistible to him. Once his anger had dissipated, the mere touch of her soft skin against him the night before had been enough to rekindle the entire flame of his desire for her in a second. He'd spent a long moment watching her. She'd fallen asleep against him, snuggled in his arms, and never before had he felt as good as he did in this place and in this moment.
- Earth to 17, do you hear me ?
- Mmm? he mumbled, still thinking.
- You started staring at me without saying a word, it was really weird. It was like you had a bug, Ruri said mockingly.
- Very funny. No, I was just thinking.
- Anyway, more seriously, thank you so much for picking up my bracelet. Really, you have no idea how happy I am. It means a lot to me.
- I know, 17 said tenderly. Your eyes don't lie. But you see, it's broken and I think one or two little blue animals are missing. I couldn't find them in the cave.
- It doesn't matter.
- I'll try to fix it for you, I promise.
And not being able to resist the temptation any longer, 17 stepped forward to kiss Ruri gently, who without saying a word, returned his kiss.
They stayed like that for a long time, and then they stopped, not without a touch of regret.
- Still, it couldn't have been easy to get my bracelet back, Ruri murmured. Can I ask how you did it?
- It was easier without you actually.
- Really?
- Yes, 17 explained with a laugh, the Kraken spotted me every time I entered the cave. I've never been able to fool their vigilance. But without you in my arms and without having to worry about hurting you or going too hard, escaping was much easier.
Although slightly offended, Ruri had to admit that she was more of a hindrance than anything else to him when the situation became dangerous. Without her, it was obvious that he could move much faster and didn't have to dodge obstacles.
- Nevertheless, 17 continued, this dive was very useful to me. I've been thinking a lot about what to do next.
- Next?
- Yes, for the expedition. You still want to take a closer look at these Krakens, aren't you?
- OH YES !
- Perfect! 17 continued, happy to see Ruri's legendary enthusiasm again. Because I have a plan. Or rather, I have an idea, but I don't know if it's good...
- I'm all ears!
Encouraged by the young woman who signaled him to continue, 17 explained what he had in mind since his last confrontation with the sea monsters. He had learned two essential lessons: the first was that these animals had a phenomenal ability to detect intruders. Without him having the explanation, he had never managed to escape them, despite all the precautions he had taken. And the second was that it was very risky to take on multiple individuals. With their tentacles able to go anywhere in space and their great size, the confrontation became inevitably dangerous, especially with Ruri in his arms.
For these two reasons, 17 had deduced that it was necessary to change tactics, and abandon the idea of entering the cave.
On the other hand, mastering an animal alone seemed much more within his reach. He therefore proposed to take advantage of the coming weeks to simply observe the Kraken from afar and try to better understand their habits.
- They must come out of this cave to eat, he explained. So I could watch them, note their behavior, follow them from a distance. In short, while your wound is healing, I'll study them, but without coming into contact with them. Once you can come with me, we'll wait for the right moment to approach an isolated Kraken. If I get in front of it, I'm sure I can immobilize it. And then you can go above or behind, and take all the samples you want, without any risk. And besides, you'll have all my observations to write down in your article.
When he finished his explanation, 17 waited a little nervously for Ruri's answer. This was the first time he had taken such an active part in the expedition by offering an idea on how to deal with the animals. He couldn't help but feel slightly apprehensive. After all, in this field, it was Ruri who took all the initiatives and designed all the tactics. But he was sure that his idea was not stupid.
He saw in her eyes that she had suddenly become very concentrated again. She had listened to his speech with the utmost attention.
When she finally finished, she took a deep breath, inwardly amused by the expression on 17's face. A mixture of expectation, hope and a hint of doubt, which he tried to hide under his usual indifference.
"He is SO cute !" she thought, before answering him, very seriously:
- I think it's an excellent analysis, and a plan that I think is much better than our first approach.
- Really?
- Yes. Well done 17, I'm impressed. And I'm serious, you've been very observant and have deduced a manoeuvre to study the Kraken. That's exactly what a zoologist should do. Adapt to the behavior of animals. And by the way, I'm intrigued by your remark about their detection capabilities. There's no mention of that in my notes on previous expeditions.
- Really?
- No. We might be onto something. I need to go through my notebooks. Can you hand me those red notebooks on the shelf? Because if they really do have a special ability, it's pretty damn interesting. I need you to tell me more about what happened when you went back into the cave. Do you mind?
- No, I didn't have anything else planned tonight, 17 answered with smile.
- I hope so!
17 then came and sat next to Ruri, and spent a good hour answering her questions and explaining how he had approached the Krakens, their attitude in the cave, and the many times he had to flee after being spotted.
- So, he finally asked, any ideas?
- Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
- Ah. Not yet I guess.
- No, but I'll find out, believe me.
- I believe you.
- AH! Ruri suddenly exclaimed, slapping her knees. WAIT !
- Wait what?
- I wanted to ask you something and it's only now coming back to me. Your green barrier, the thing you used when we went down into the cave together.
- Yes?
- It's useless in fact!
- Hahaha! Thank you.
- I mean it didn't seem to protect us from the kraken's blows.
- In fact, 17 answered, I thought it would be more effective. It blocks energy waves without difficulty but against physical attacks, it's not very useful.
- What do you mean you "thought"? That's your barrier, when you invented it didn't you pay attention?
- Not really, he explained. I didn't invent this barrier. Gero implemented the technique into my program. I just know how to use it.
Ruri paused in surprise.
- Wait, are you telling me you haven't developed this technique?
- That's it.
- Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
- Ah.
- 17 ?
- Yes?
- Teach me how to throw an energy ball.
- I'm sorry?
- Teach me how ...
- I heard you. But why?
- You know that, frankly, everything in your life would go much better if you just did what I told you without question.
17 turned to Ruri, only to find that she was giving him a very teasing look.
- Shameless little... he whispered to her. Do you know how many people...
- Had said that to you and are still alive? One, me.
- Two to be exact, 18 already told me something like that.
- And what did you do that day?
- I obeyed. It's better not to upset my sister.
- Didn't you once tell me that you were conceived more powerful than her?
- Yes. But when she gets an idea in her head...
- Hahahaha! So, she and I can make you do whatever we want? exclaimed Ruri, very amused to understand that 17 was with his sister as he was with her: despite his superior power, he always ended up giving in. He really didn't like to argue for long.
- Let's just say that you're both as temperamental as each other, he said in return, thoughtful.
- Well, enough digression, the young woman resumed. Teach me. I would like you to explain to me how you can launch a wave of energy. So I can try to do it. Humans can do it, right?
17 remained silent for a few seconds, before answering, a little confused:
- The problem is that the energy I use is not natural. It's not ki, he tried to explain. So even if I tell you how I do it, it won't help you a lot.
- The ki?
- Natural energy. Don't ask me why but 18 and I don't use any, and we don't emit any. While all living things emit ki. We don't. That's what makes us undetectable by the way.
- Oh, because you can sense people's ki?
- Ki users can do that. But Gero didn't install a sensor on us. So no, I can't feel it.
- Strange, why didn't Gero give you one?
- I have no idea. I have no idea why this old wreck acted the way he did.
- Okay, so forget about teaching me. What I want is for you to explain to me how you make a ball of energy appear in your hand.
Explain how he did it? 17 had never really asked himself that question.
- I ... reach out, and ... I ... conjure up the energy.
- That's not a very precise explanation.
- What do I risk if I say I don't know? 17 asked, smiling.
- I'll scratch your eyes out.
- Ah. But seriously, I have no idea.
- How is this possible?
- I don't... It's complicated. Gero implemented programs for us, a whole bunch of additions in our bodies. And a lot of what I know how to do, I "just" know how to do. It's automatic. Like breathing. I do it without really thinking about it.
- So, if I understand correctly, you've never actually trained?
- Yes, we did learn some fighting moves, or how to use our features. We would fight each other or robots built by Gero.
- YES! THAT'S IT! I UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM ! Ruri exclaimed.
The young woman didn't seem to be paying much attention to 17's presence anymore. Her green eyes were now lit up with the joy of discovery. He knew that expression well. So he kept quiet and let her continue talking. And indeed, Ruri had a lot to tell him.
- Actually, the problem is that you don't know how to train. Based on what you told me about the story of Goku and his friends, they took years to learn how to manipulate energy, they worked hard for that, and fought against a lot of opponents. To defeat them, little by little, they had to develop techniques like kame-truc.
- Kamehameha.
- Yes, that's what I said. But you were kind of "born" powerful. You didn't have to go through all that. You learned to use your power but you didn't understand it, you didn't feel it. That's why you can't explain to me how you do it.
- But is that a problem? questioned 17, not understanding what Ruri was getting at.
- Yes, actually it is. Because right now, you need to upgrade your barrier.
- Upgrade? How can I upgrade it?
- What would be nice is if it could also parry physical attacks. Its surface must be, how shall I say, harder. Could you do that?
- I have no idea...
17 said this sentence as a confession. Never before had he had considered working on his technique. This conversation with Ruri had made him realize that he had indeed relied completely on his power all his life. He had never even thought about training.
Why?
Because in fact, at that time, he was sure of his strength. Sure that he could not be defeated. Intoxicated, no doubt, by Gero's speeches.
He remembered the day he had received his energy generator, the final step in his cybernetization. Feeling that rush of power through his body had made him feel like the most powerful being in the universe. As if there would never be another limit to his power.
Ruri was right.
Terribly right.
"If I had trained, could I have defeated Cell?" he thought suddenly. The memory of that fateful day was still very painful to him, but he almost immediately felt the warmth of Ruri's body as she moved closer to him and placed her forehead against his.
- You're strong, 17. Infinitely strong, she said in a low voice, as if she could guess what might be bothering him. But you can be even stronger!
- Do you think so? he asked her, softly.
- You are not a robot, 17. Overall, you're a human. Improved, but still human. So if humans can improve through training, so can you. I'm sure you can make your barrier stronger. And then the dive with the Kraken will be less dangerous.
- How? I have no idea what to do...
- I'm not sure I can help you. I don't know anything about fighting. But I...
- Mmm ?
- For your barrier to solidify, I think you need to put more energy into it. Kind of like, I don't know, pancake batter. If you put more flour in, it gets stronger. You know what I mean?
- Uh, yeah, basically.
- Just put more energy into your barrier.
- I don't even know how to do that.
- Yes, that's the problem, Ruri admitted. You should start small.
- Small?
- Yes. Try to generate a barrier, but a small one. A small ball. Learn to feel how you make it appear. You have to understand what's going on in your body. Practice making it smaller, bigger. In short : understand. And only then you will be able to increase its resistance. I'm sorry, that's not very helpful advice, but that's what I would try.
17 looked up at Ruri.
How clever she was, that little human. He couldn't help but laugh with tenderness when he saw her. Everything seemed so simple with her. So light. So easy.
Without a word, he moved towards her, and kissed her, at first with all the delicacy he was capable of. Ruri returned his kiss, wrapping her delicate arms around him, sighing lightly in comfort at the touch of 17's lips on hers.
Hearing her make what sounded like small moans immediately triggered instinctive, animal reactions in 17.
Taking Ruri in his arms, without realizing it, he tilted forward. The young woman did not oppose any resistance, letting herself obediently lie on her bed. Invaded by the strength of their kisses, which became more and more intense with each passing second, she passed her legs around 17's waist and brought her lower abdomen against his.
She began to caress his hair, continuing to let out small noises that made his partner lose all measure and consciousness.
17 grabbed Ruri's buttocks firmly and pulled them up, pressing himself even more tightly against her with a muffled moan that he couldn't suppress. But as he let his hand move down his partner's body, he brushed against her wound, causing Ruri to cry out in pain.
Suddenly brought back to reality, he stopped dead in his tracks.
- I'm sorry! he said at once.
- No, no, it's okay, don't worry, she answered, panting.
- I didn't do it on purpose. I just... Ruri, you drive me crazy sometimes. I want you so... I want you so much, human, he finally said, confused and amused at the same time. You make me lose my mind. This is completely irrational.
- Humans are irrational beings, 17.
- You need to rest. This is not the time. And I...
- You have to practice, Ruri said mischievously.
- Yes, but I'm in the mood for something else right now.
He grabbed her gently, and resumed with a tenfold ardor this embrace that was about to consume him literally.
- Ruri, I want you my Ruri...
- Me too, she managed to whisper between two kisses.
- But I have to be reasonable, 17 said, trying to stop himself.
- You're not a reasonable person, Ruri chuckled.
- And neither are you, human. You're not helping me, you know, he chuckled as well. You need to rest, and I need to go train for my barrier.
- Yes, it would be better...
- It's not going to be easy. I don't know how to do it, and I have no desire to do anything other than what I have in mind right now.
- You know what you need? said Ruri.
- No.
- Something that motivates you to go and train.
- Like what?
Slowly pulling herself out of 17's embrace, Ruri straightened up, and, looking him straight in the eye, she asked:
- You want me, don't you?
- Yes.
- Then let's make a deal. If you can improve your barrier, I'm yours. But if you can't, you'll have to content yourself with kisses. Forever.
17 stood up in turn, his eyes wide with astonishment.
- I'm sorry?
- You heard me. Make your barrier stronger, and you and I will make love. Otherwise, nothing.
- Nothing?
- Nothing.
- Nothing at all?
- Nothing at all.
- Are you serious?
- I am.
More than surprised at such a suggestion, 17 sat down on the bed, crossed his arms, and looked as if he was deep in thought.
Suddenly, a small smile appeared on his lips.
He then stood up, and without adding anything, he began to walk out of the room.
- Where are you going? asked Ruri.
- Training, he answered, without turning around. And I'll go immediately.
However, it was not easy for 17.
For the next month, he worked non-stop. At dawn, he would change Ruri's bandage and make sure she had everything she needed. Then he spent most of the day diving and observing the Kraken, taking notes on their behavior, memorizing their habits, always keeping a good distance. Then he'd go home, make dinner and stay with Ruri all evening. Together, they would debrief the diving session for long hours, until the young woman went to sleep.
Only then could he finally work on improving the barrier. Thanks to his infinite energy, he didn't need to sleep, so he could spend the whole night trying again and again. It was much more difficult than he had anticipated.
He didn't know how to control his power. The extent of what he didn't know hit him in the face like a punch. He felt incredibly foolish during those long nights, having relied so much on his innate power, never trying to master it more, or even to understand it better. If only he hadn't been so immature back then.
Was it his encounter with Ruri, or was it simply the fact that he was getting older that made him see things in a completely different way than the 17 of before? In any case, he now had the impression that he had become a completely different person.
So he needed to go back to basics.
Understand how his energy worked.
Feel it.
Focus it.
Model it.
But little by little, he began to perceive what he had to do to get there. He could feel the flow of energy from inside his body more and more, and he loved it. He was almost forgetting about Ruri's deal, and just enjoying the feeling of getting stronger, more skilled, every day. How much time he had wasted never trying to train!
One night, he managed to create a miniature version of his barrier, which fit in his hand.
And it was from this base that he continued training, adding more and more energy, testing the strength of the barrier as time went on.
Until finally, one night, he succeeded.
At first he was overwhelmed with a joy of a new kind. The excitement of having created something of his own, without it being a function given by Gero. The excitement of having succeeded, all by himself. And the excitement of feeling strong, in control, again.
On the deck, he took a few seconds to savor the moment.
But soon enough, a big smile lit up his face.
Unable to wait a moment longer, he rushed to Ruri's room to wake her up. The young woman grumbled at first, but she didn't really have time to complain, as 17 took her in his arms and led her back out.
- You better get me out of bed for a reason, tin can!
- Stay here, he said, setting her down, and let me show you.
Immediately, he activated his barrier. Although not fully awake, Ruri quickly noticed that the barrier had changed. It was more opaque.
- Throw something, 17 asked him. Whatever you want.
Her curiosity now piqued, the young woman grabbed a pillow and threw it with all her might in his direction. And indeed, the pillow did not go through, but bounced off the smooth green surface of the barrier, before falling without a sound on the other side.
Both remained silent for a moment. Then 17 deactivated the barrier.
- So? he asked, impatient. What do you think?
- And you, what do you think? answered Ruri.
- I did it!
Ruri walked towards him. Far beyond their deal, she was incredibly happy.
Happy to see him with that expression on his face, to see that almost childlike joy radiating from him. His eyes were sparkling, his smile overflowing, everything about him betrayed the happiness he was feeling.
She thought he was strong. Handsome. Powerful. Proud.
- Yes, you did it, she finally said when she reached him. I was sure you would make it.
- I couldn't have done it without you. You're the one who inspires me. You're the one who makes me want to ...
- Want to what?
17 didn't answer anything. Instead, he grabbed Ruri and took her in his arms.
Gently lifting her, he left the deck of the ship, and went step by step to her room. All the way there he looked into her eyes. She was smiling. Shyly. But she was smiling.
She agreed.
Once there, 17 set Ruri down, and brought her back to him for a tender embrace.
On tiptoe, slightly shaky, the young woman snuggled against him.
Slowly, carefully, 17 began to pull down the straps of her tank top.
Then, cautiously kissing the back of her delicious neck, he finally replied, in a breath:
- To live.
