RPG-The Hoshie Files; Have we met before?

[Prettywitchiusaka]

(Hoshie just sighs as she rests her hand on her head for a moment)

H; What are you really here for? To strut your ego?

T; Of course not. But the answer is simple, Hoshie.

(Tenma gets up from his chair, and walks towards her as he puts his hands on her shoulders. This causes Hoshie to look directly into his sincere looking eyes)

T; I want you at my side.

H; What!? But, why?

T; Because I cannot guarantee your safety if you remain with Astro and O'Shay. But if you stay with me, I can assure you will have that luxury.

H; Are you sure that's the only reason.

(Tenma chuckles at this)

T; Well, I amust admit. The idea of having my wife at my side is too good to pass up, wouldn't you agree? So, what do you say?

[Astro Forever]

Hoshie was tempted to slap him, but that wouldn't have been a strategic move. She wondered if she would help Astro more by staying at Tenma's side or by leaving. In just a few seconds, she made her decision.

Hoshie: Alright, I can remain near you, however you don't think you are going to lock me in your home all the time?

Tenma pondered his options.

[Prettywitchiusaka]

T; You do have a point. The question on my my mind though, is will you be happy?

H; What?

T; Hoshie, all I want for you is your happiness. Yes, it would be wonderful, having you at my side, but only if it's what you want. Or are you happier being with Astro?

[Astro Forever]

Hoshie couldn't believe Tenma was so naive. Or was he? No, he must think I'm the naive one instead...

Hoshie smiled. "Well, you can make me happy, if you want, you know... you can make my life easier".

Tenma: "Will you be my partner? Will you support my plans?"

[Prettywitchiusaka]

H; Well, that depends. What are your long term plans?

T; Come again?

H; What do you attend to accomplish?

(Tenma thinks about this for a moment, before letting out a small chuckle)

T; You misjudge me Hoshie. I simply only have our son's future in mind as I intend to assure his future, as robot King.

H; You mean there's nothing in it for you?

T; Not much, only the chance to be God.

[Astro Forever]

Hoshie laughed. "Oh, I see, almost nothing, really."

Tenma: "And you would be the queen!"

Hoshie felt nauseous and decided to end the conversation.

"Well, we'll be busy! When you need me, you know how to reach me. Just let me know a day or two in advance so I can plan accordingly, to avoid generating questions around me, you see."

Tenma: Yes, that would make sense. I count on you to keep this only between you and I.

Hoshie: No need to tell me...

Tenma: Right, right... well, it's late. See you again soon.

Tenma left. Hoshie felt such a relief. "This might not be that difficult..."

Tenma, on his side, was still pondering whether he could trust his wife... Could she ever betray him? He wasn't convinced she didn't have more to say. The Hoshie he knew had precise opinions on everything.

[Prettywitchiusaka]

(Tenma continues to ponder this as he enters his layer. He comes face to face with Shadow)

Sh; You look troubled. I take it things did not go as well as you expected?

T; Actually, they went well. Hoshie is fully on board with being on our side.

Sh; Without much effort?

T; Of course; Hoshie is an honest woman, if she is truly interested in joining our cause, then there is not much to worry about.

[Astro Forever]

Shadow laughed. Tenma had been trying to convince himself that he could trust Hoshie, but Shadow's reaction increased his inner doubts. He was furious.

Tenma: Anyway, I'll take care of that later. This is not an immediate problem. Now, what were we supposed to do?

Shadow: I've completed the new robot you asked me to design. Take a look.

Tenma watched as the robot entered the room. He looked just like a human. Tenma smiled.

Shadow: This should fool Astro.

Tenma: He's going to be able to tell he's a robot anyway.

Shadow: Oh yes, but he will not be suspicious.

[Prettywitchiusaka]

T; Pefect.

Sh; Will you be telling Hoshie of this?

T; Of course, she'll have to know eventually.

(Tenma soon walked off, oblivious that Shadow was watching him from behind his back)

[Astro Forever]

Shadow disappeared for a while. Tenma barely noticed, being so immersed in all his schemes.

Meanwhile, two men were driving towards Tenma and Shadow's hideout.

Where are we? I don't recognize this place!
- I don't know, Skunk, I'm just following the directions.
- There is no road anymore!
- I'm following the GPS.
- Are you sure that thing knows where we are?
- ...
- There's nothing around here!
- But the GPS...
- ARGH!