RPG-The Hoshie Files; Have we met before?

[Prettywitchiusaka]

(As Skunk and his croonies continue to argue, Tenma just watches them from afar. A smirk is clearly on his face as a plan begins forming in his head)

[Astro Forever]

With great struggle, Skunk arrived in front of an old house.

- Boss, I don't think anybody lives here...
- Then why did you GPS said it was a valid address?
- We need to turn around.
- We won't have enough gas!
- I'm sure we're not far from where we should arrive...

----

Shadow turned around to Tenma: "I told you you didn't know how to surround yourself... weren't supposed to get news today?"

[Prettywitchiusaka]

T; Yes. But rest assure it, this will make things much easier.

Sh; Easier?

T; Observe.

(Tenma leaves Shadow in the wings as he heads down the stairs)

(Meanwhile at Skunk and company)

Goon #1; You sure this is a good idea Skunk? We're dealing with a madman here.

S; Don't worry about it Larry. Dr. Tenma wasn't just no ordinary scientist, he was the man who created Astro. And with his cunning and talent, and my charismatic charms and tactic skills, there's no telling what we could do to this one-horse town.

L; I sure hope you're right, Boss.

T; Ah, gentlemen. I've been expecting you.

(The three men turn around to face a confident, yet sinister looking Tenma)

[Astro Forever]

Skunk: Oh, I... didn't know you were right there.

Tenma: Really?

Goon #1: Hem, we... are willing to help in any way we can.

Skunk, smiling, barely containing his anticipation: Oh yes, we are!

Tenma: Right. I need you to follow someone, and report to me her wherabouts.

Goon #1: Oh, it's a lady?

Tenma: That's right. Be careful, she's very wise.

[Prettywitchiusaka]

S; Oh, I see. And what should happen if she should do anything suspicious?

T; That won't be necessary. You are simply to follow her, that is all.

S; You sure about that?

T; Well, as long as you men care about the sum of money I am willing to pay for your services, then yes.

S; Alright then. What's her name?

T; Hoshie Yuriko Tenma.

S; Tenma? What, is she related to you or something?

T; I assure you it is simply mere coincidence.

[Astro Forever]

Goon: Really, wow, this is funny!

Skunk was somewhat embarrassed. "Oh well, in any case, it doesn't matter I guess."

Tenma: Right. I'm paying, am I not? Here is a little sum so you can begin working right now.

Skunk: Nice, thank you... Any information about her current whereabouts so we are not going to lose any time?

Tenma: everything is in the envelopè I've just given you, coded of course.

Skunk left immediately.

Shadow: I thought you knew better, Tenma. Do you think you can trust them to follow Hoshie?

Tenma: No, but I expect Hoshie to realize she's followed, and that she'll have trouble escaping...

[Prettywitchiusaka]

Sh; So you intend to corner her.

T; It is the only way. You see, in order for my plan to work, I need my family at my side; they are the key to my end goal.

Sh; And you really think you can acheive that without hurting her at all?

T; Of course.

[Astro Forever]

Hoshie was in her home, pondering her next move. How could she save Astro? How could she prevent other people from being hurt?

It occured to her that she simply wouldn't be able to prevent Tenma from attempting anything, and everybody would have to be ready. She decided she needed to prevent Astro.

[Prettywitchiusaka]

(H; I'll have to let Astro follow the path he wants without Tarou-chan knowing, but how?)

Hoshie sat there pondering for awhile, unsure of just how to set her plan into motion.

[Astro Forever]

She didn't know where to start, and decided it might be a good idea to speak to O'Shay. She left her home. A car followed her, but Hoshie didn't notice.