Thankfully, the next day things had already calmed down quite a bit. Tenma and Astro were allowed to have their morning to themselves; that is, until Ochanomizu and Uran came to check up on them.

Tenma didn't waste any time showing his displeasure with everything Ochanomizu had been talking about on the television the other day, and Ochanomizu had laughed a bit nervously, commenting that people's curiosity was a double-edged sword sometimes. And that had been the end of that argument.

Children at school were still curious, but the edge was definitely gone, and the television stations were reporting on other news, even if they were advertising documentaries about Tenma's life.

Tenma's mailbox had been stuffed to the brim with letters, so much so that they couldn't fit into the mailbox and the poor mailman had elected to simply leave the rest in a big bag under the doorbell with Tenma's name on it.

Tenma, though, had given both the bag and mailbox one glance, and then collected all the letters just to throw them out into the trash. Astro had decided to just not comment on it, as he had already learned that Tenma would only give very short and dismissive answers.

The biggest issue, though, was Tenma's inability to go outside. Astro didn't even need to scan him to realize that his blood pressure was steadily rising, as was his level of aggravation. He would pace back and forth in the apartment, nearly looking like a trapped animal, or he would sit down with books or those puzzles for a little while before he would cast the objects away in frustration.

Astro was so relieved when the day finally arrived: the day where they were all going to the zoo together like Uran had suggested. It was a relief just because it would get Tenma out of the apartment!

Of course getting Tenma out of the apartment without being discovered was its own issue and a plan had to be devised.

So that was how they ended up there: an early morning with Gumshoe in the apartment.

"Right!" Gumshoe started. "You both got the plan?"

"Yes," Tenma exhaled deeply. "It is not that complicated."

"I'll go out through the front door!" Astro said. "That should drive any attention towards me, then father will go down into the basement and out of the back door that'll lead directly to the police car, which you will be driving," he listed to Gumshoe.

"Good. I'll go down and start the car. I will be expecting you in fifteen minutes, Dr Tenma," Gumshoe huffed as he walked out.

Tenma exhaled deeply. "What a hassle."

"Yeah," Astro agreed. "But it's going to be great when we get there! So we'd better hurry; Ochanomizu and Uran will be waiting for us!" he said. "Uh! And Reno too!"

Tenma was silent, but reached for his hat and put it on his head.

"Do you like animals, father?" Astro then asked innocently.

"You know… I actually do," Tenma admitted. "Animals are quite pleasant company. They aren't too pretentious and only ask for food."

"Really?" Astro grinned. "Do you have a favorite animal? I know Uran really loves horses! She even has a couple of posters just with horses. She asked Ochanomizu if she could have a horse for her birthday but he said no," he chuckled. "What about you father?"

"Well, horses are fine I suppose. They are strong and quite beautiful creatures," Tenma nodded. "However, I did always prefer dogs. They are both intelligent and loyal, some of them quite beautiful too. Wolves are fantastic animals, highly intelligent and incredibly strong and elegant."

"Then we must remember to go look at the wolves," Astro smiled. "Have you ever had a dog?"

"No," Tenma responded distantly. "That is, unless you count my robotic dogs. But I believe they were all confiscated when I got arrested. I wonder whatever happened to them," he reflected. "Were they shut down?"

Astro blinked, surprised. "I don't know," he admitted. "I could try and find out."

"I would appreciate that," Tenma said. "Of course, they weren't as intelligent as you, but they kept me company. I hope they are okay."

"I'm sure they're fine!" Astro smiled. "Well, I'd better be going! I'll see you at the zoo!" Without further comment, he ran out the door and headed down the stairs.

Tenma waited a bit, but then finally sighed as he buttoned up his dark coat as well as he could, pulled the neckline up so it covered his face, and tugged down his broad-brimmed hat. Then he headed out as well. He rushed down the stairs and didn't stay to observe the spectacle at the front door where Astro was willingly answering questions for the journalists. Instead, he headed down to the basement where the washing machines and dryers were located.

Tenma didn't pay much attention to either as he headed for the door in the far end of the basement and exited the building, getting a breath of fresh air for the first time in what felt like years. Unfortunately, he couldn't take the time to enjoy it just yet, as a white car with tinted windows was waiting just in front of him. Tenma didn't hesitate to step forward and open the back door, taking a seat and pulling down the seatbelt.

"I trust there were no problems," Gumshoe commented from the driver's seat.

"None whatsoever," Tenma replied, removing his hat.

"Good, then we'll be on our way," Gumshoe stated as he started the car. "Honestly, all this for a zoo visit. As if we aren't spending enough of the tax payers' money on you."

"Well, if that is the issue I wouldn't mind getting rid of all those bugs and security cameras in my apartment," Tenma replied evenly.

"Very funny," Gumshoe retorted. "No, those will stay until there is absolute certainty that you are not a threat."

Tenma smirked. "And I suppose there will be undercover agents at the zoo too?"

"Yes," Gumshoe nodded. "Do you realize all the cops protecting you could be working on other cases?"

"My apologies."

Gumshoe sighed deeply. "Why does it feel like you are mocking me?"

Tenma smirked, amused. "That I cannot say," he replied and Gumshoe grumbled, finally figuring it was probably better to just not talk.

Back at the apartment building, Tenma's departure sadly hadn't gone entirely unnoticed. A man in a trench coat pulled out his cell phone. "Sir! Dr Tenma has left the apartment building," he said quietly. "I knew that car looked suspicious so I put a tracer on it. If we're lucky, you should finally be able to talk to Dr Tenma."

The response from the other end came quickly, "Finally! Let me know when he arrives at his destination. I'll catch up to him as soon as possible!"

It took a little under an hour before Gumshoe's air car finally landed at their destination: the great Metro City Zoo. They parked in the parking lot and headed to the elevator, and Tenma could finally breath in fresh air once again. He closed his eyes as he lifted his head skywards to feel the sun.

The moment was short lived, as a shout sounded, "Father! Over here!"

Tenma turned his head and saw Astro waving happily at him. Astro wasn't alone, though; he was holding Uran's hand and behind him was Professor Ochanomizu, as well as a young teenage boy with light brown hair.

"I'll leave you to it," Gumshoe said to Tenma. "Don't be fooled; I won't be far behind you."

Tenma nodded. "Understood," he said and then smiled lightly as he walked over to the little group that welcomed him.

"WE MADE IT! WE MADE IT!" Uran laughed happily as she jumped up and down.

Ochanomizu smiled. "Let's try to make this a good day."

Tenma nodded. "Yes. Let's." His gaze turned to the teenage boy, who swallowed and then blushed deeply.

"Ah!" Ochanomizu jumped in. "Dr Tenma! I would like you to meet my ward. This is Reno!" he presented. "Reno has been away for a while to study at an institute abroad. However, now that he is back, I'm sure you'll see him around more."

Reno blushed deeply as he looked down. "Dr Tenma," he swallowed nervously. "It… It's an honor to meet you." He offered a hand in greeting. "I read so much about you, about the advancements you made in robotics technology. I erh..." he glanced away. "What I mean is… Erhm."

Gently, Tenma took Reno's hand and shook it. "The pleasure is all mine, Reno," he said. "Astro has talked a lot about you."

"Heh," Reno smiled. "Astro sure is amazing."

"You're amazing too, Reno," Astro grinned.

Reno glanced away, chuckling nervously.

"Reno, you're acting weird," Uran said.

"Eh?" Reno blinked. "No I'm not!".

Ochanomizu chuckled, amused. "Let's go get tickets, shall we?" he asked, hushing the children and teenager with him.

For a moment, Tenma stood there, glancing at them as they walked towards the entrance, then Astro turned towards him.

"Father? What are you waiting for?" he asked.

"I don't have the faintest idea," Tenma smiled lightly as he followed the group.

It was a spectacular day for a zoo trip; the weather was brilliant and the sky was clear. It wasn't too hot or too cold, which meant the animals were all out and about. Chimpanzees swung around on their branches and the parrots were screeching from the cages.

Just as Uran had informed them, there was a calf among the giraffes and she beamed happily. "It's so cute!" she cheered just as a giraffe walked towards the fence and poked its head over towards her. "WHOA!" Uran exclaimed. "Hello, Ms Giraffe! Your baby is so cute!" She reached up for the giraffe, only to pout when she fell short. "I can't reach."

A pair of hands suddenly wrapped around her waist and lifted her up. "Whoa!" Uran exclaimed. "Mr. Tenma! THANK YOU!" she beamed and finally petted the giraffe on its head.

"You're welcome," Tenma smiled as he gently put her down again.

Astro smiled as he watched them.

"You sure seem happy, Astro," Reno pointed out.

"I've never seen father so happy before," Astro beamed. "I'm just really glad we came here."

"Heh, I wouldn't exactly call him a fountain of joy. But yeah, he seems pretty happy," Reno agreed. "So you think it'll soon be time for you to move back to the institute?"

"I'm not sure," Astro admitted. "Maybe. Father is definitely getting better. I don't know, I think I'll give it a bit more time."

"Take all the time you need, Astro," Ochanomizu said. "Both I and the institute will be there when you need us. I'm also pretty relieved to see Dr Tenma doing so well," he admitted. "You've done well, Astro; because of you, Dr Tenma has a second chance at life."

Astro smiled. "That's good."

Just then, a man was strode directly towards Tenma. He was middle-aged gentleman wearing a fine business suit. His blond hair was slicked back in a smartly and his blue eyes were aimed directly at Tenma. "Ah! Dr Tenma!"

Surprised, both Tenma and Uran turned towards him.

The stranger, though, smiled as if they were old friends. "Finally we meet! Such a pleasure to meet you."

Tenma frowned as he glanced at the man. "Do I know you?" he asked.

"Well, not exactly. But I hope we can use this opportunity to rectify that," the man smiled.

For a moment, Tenma stared at him, then snorted. "No thank you. Goodbye," and he turned around walking away without another word.

"Hey, wait a minute!" the man shouted as he ran after Tenma. "I have an offer for you!"

"I'm not interested. Go away," Tenma replied not looking back.

"STOOOP!" the man shouted, speeding up into a run and, overtaking Tenma, blocking his path. "Please! Just hear what I have to say!" he asked then reached into his pocket and found a photo, showing it to Tenma. The photo was of a young boy, between nine and eleven years old with short blond hair and a smiling face. "This is my son, William!"

Tenma glanced at the picture then up at the man. "And this would interest me why?"

"Well… William... he is..." the man swallowed. "It… It was terrible. He was crushed under a load of bricks he… he didn't stand a chance."

That made Tenma's eyes widen and they all froze.

"But you!" the man looked up at Tenma. "You are capable of giving my son that chance he never had! You can bring him back! Please, Dr Tenma! Bring my son back! Money is no issue; I own my own company!" he begged. "Anything you want, it's yours."

Coldly, Tenma looked down at the man. Suddenly it felt like the air was freezing. Astro had forgotten just how intimidating Tenma could be. Now, though, it was clear for everyone to see as he spoke one single word.

"No."

Wide eyed, the man looked up at Tenma. "HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT?!" he grabbed Tenma's coat and shook him. "I thought you would understand! You got your son back! Why won't you give me mine back too?"

Tenma didn't move an inch. "I did not get my son back," he stated. "The dead are dead; they cannot be brought back."

The man gaped up at Tenma, tears running down his face.

"I could build you a robot," Tenma informed in a nonchalant tone. "A robot that would look just like your son, sound just like your son, even act just like your son. But he won't be the son that you remember." His voice was as cold as ice. "And you will look at that robot every single day, trying to convince yourself that he is the son you lost, yet deep inside you'll know it's a lie. And that robot will only be a constant reminder of what you lost, the failure you were when you didn't protect your son. Every time you look at that robot, every waking moment, there will be no rest, no ease for the pain. Can you go through that constant torment?" he asked in a voice that sent shivers down everyone's spines. "And that robot will look at you, and ask for your love. But can you love it? Will you be able to accept it?"

The man stared at Tenma. The hand still holding Tenma's coat was shaking, tears were streaming down his face.

"It is a simple fact; I cannot give you what you want," Tenma stated. "Your son is dead. If you want my advice, care for those still alive." He grabbed the man's hands and forcefully tore them away, before he turned around and pulled down in his broad brimmed hat, returning to the gaping Ochanomizu, Uran, Astro and Reno, who had heard everything.

"Dr Tenma..." Ochanomizu breathed. "Are you…?"

"I'm fine," Tenma assured, though his suddenly intimidating presence and cold tone spoke otherwise.

Astro swallowed. "Father," he breathed. Tenma glanced at him. "Is… Is that how you feel?" he asked. "Is my existence torment to you?"

There was an incredibly awkward silence between all of them; no one could look at each other. Astro was looking at the ground, Tenma was looking away. Reno had suddenly gotten very interested in a lizard in a cage to his left.

Finally, Tenma sighed deeply. "Excuse me, I think I would like to sit down for a while." He then turned and walked away towards the bench area.

"Oh dear," Ochanomizu bit his lip. "Uran, perhaps you want to come with me to see the dolphins?"

"But… Okay," Uran finally sighed.

Astro, uncomfortable, looked away as he rubbed his arm.

"Astro, why don't you go with the professor and Uran?" Reno asked. "I can look after you father."

"Are you sure?" Astro asked, glancing up.

"He's not allowed to be alone, right?" Reno asked. "It's fine; I really wanted to talk to him anyway."

"Thank you," Astro said at last. "I'm sorry about all of this."

"Why?" Reno asked. "It wasn't your fault that man attacked your father like that. And it's not Dr Tenma's fault, either. In a way, he probably did the right thing," he commented, a little abashed. "Well, have fun with the dolphins!" he grinned and then ran after Tenma.

It didn't take long to find Tenma; he was seated at a bench not too far away as promised, and somehow it seemed like a big black cloud was emitting from his very being. People seemed to feel it too, as they were walking in a big circle around him, even without thinking about it, leaving Tenma quite alone in all his menacing black-clad glory. Somehow Reno couldn't help but compare Tenma to one of the bats they had seen earlier.

Finally, Reno sighed deeply and walked over to Tenma, sitting down beside him. "The others have gone to see the dolphins." he said.

Tenma nodded. "That's good."

Reno was quiet as he glanced away. The silence was… rather awkward, to say the least.

Tenma smirked, amused. "You must find me a rather harsh person."

"I don't know," Reno admitted. "I don't know what you could have said to that man that would have made him understand."

"You were there at the robot war, weren't you?" he asked. "Fighting by Astro's side."

Reno swallowed as he looked up. "Yes."

"Ah, I thought I had seen you somewhere before," Tenma nodded thoughtfully. "I understand that for Astro's sake we must try to get along. However, I do understand if you resent me."

"Resent you?" Reno asked. "Oh no, I don't…" he halted then glanced away. "To be honest, sir, I don't think I could ever resent you. I didn't like what you were doing back then, but I could never hate you. In fact, I'll always be thankful to you."

Tenma lifted an eyebrow as he glanced at Reno. "Oh?" he asked and Reno glanced up, their eyes meeting. "Because I created Astro?"

"Well, that too," Reno nodded. "Astro is my friend; he saved my life and helped me make my dream come true. But that's not what I was thinking about."

That made Tenma blink. This was suddenly… interesting. Wondering, he looked at Reno, waiting for an answer. "Well then," he said. "If not for Astro then what?"

Reno smiled, a little embarrassed as he looked to the side. "If it wasn't for you, artificial intelligence would not exist the way it does today," he said. "They call you the father of all intelligent robots, and I think they have a point. The work you did, even before I was born, it changed everything. All robots made afterwards were possible because of your work. My family," he closed his eyes.

Tenma frowned lightly. "Your family?"

"I was abandoned… when I was a baby," Reno admitted. "A group of circus robot found me. They saved my life and then raised me. The Ringmaster, Cupcake, Spring Hop. All of them," he smiled. "They all exist because of you, sir! If it weren't for you, no one would have found me there; I would have died as a baby. But I got a family who really loved me and raised me! It was a good childhood. My family are good people! I mean robots," he corrected himself in a blush. "I think the Ringmaster maybe was even created by you personally; he has your signature on his artificial brain. I saw it when I made some minor repairs on him."

Stunned, Tenma looked at him with slightly wide eyes, and Reno stared back.

"Sir," Reno tried, then he swallowed.

Tenma's eyes softened. "Ah yes, circus robots. I do think I built something like that long ago," he said. "It was a way to try and test durability, balance, and agility in a robot body. So they are still around?"

"Yes, sir! And they are very happy still performing," Reno grinned. "I'm going to become a really good robot engineer so I can take good care of all of them!"

Tenma smiled warmly. "I see. That's a good dream," he said. "Taking care of your family."

"Yup!" Reno beamed. "That's why I got into robot engineering in the first place; so I could help them. They used to be all the family I had. Now I've also got Astro, Uran, and the Professor. Huh, though I guess that means I've still got only one human family member," he then reflected. "Doesn't matter. I love my family just as they are!" he grinned. "Bolts, screws and everything!"

Astounded, Tenma stared at Reno, trying to comprehend the things he had been told. He then turned towards the crowd. "Raised by robots you say?"

"Yup, and honestly I wouldn't want to change anything about it. I'm sure you understand. After all, your son is a robot, too," Reno pointed out.

"Ah, yes," Tenma nodded. He was silent for a while before he said, "Thank you, Reno. Your story has given me a lot to think about," he admitted, then glanced at him. "How curious."

"What?" Reno asked.

"If Tobio had been alive, I think he would have been your age."

"Really?" Reno asked. "Ah yeah, Tobio was very young when he died, wasn't he?"

"Indeed."

"I'm sorry, sir." Reno said.

Tenma was silent for a moment. "There is no need," he then said. "It is now the past."

Reno glanced up at Tenma. Tenma, though, stared into space with stern and steady eyes. It looked like he was in deep thought. It made Reno wonder about what went through his mind.

This man… This man was a brilliant genius who had created Astro Boy. Everything Reno did now was only possible because of the breakthroughs done by this man. He was a genius; there was no doubt about it. But then the death of his only son had driven him over the edge and into the abyss of insanity. All that hurt, all that anger, thrust upon a brilliant mind which had to make sense of this madness, no matter what. Of course a mind like that would try to make sense of that terrible tragedy which in all aspects had been entirely senseless.

What kind of thoughts did Tenma have? Did Reno even want to know? They probably weren't pleasant at all. He felt a chill go down his spine as he thought about it.

"Reno, may I ask you something?" Tenma asked

"Ah! Yes, sir!" Reno startled, broken from his musing.

"The robots who found you and raised you, they were older models were they not?"

"Yes, I suppose so," Reno said. "They had already been discarded when I was a baby so yeah, they must be from the first generation of artificial intelligence robots."

"Hmm," Tenma nodded. "Would you say your family have hearts?"

Reno blinked. "Sorry?"

"Hearts, emotions, feelings," Tenma explained.

"Oh, yes!" Reno smiled. "They all loved me very much.".

"And that was it?"

"Oh, no," Reno shook his head. "They got scared when food was running out, and they got sad when I was sick. They laughed when something funny happened and got bored when nothing was going on. They have all the emotions a human has. They definitely all have hearts!"

"I see. So already back then," Tenma reflected, "robot hearts were created. But how?" he asked, frowning. "Why?"

"I think they just evolved that way," Reno said. "That what happens to a lot of robots; they start to see the world around them. They start to ask questions and explore, and then they evolve and get their hearts."

"But how does that function?" Tenma pressed, annoyed. "It still doesn't make sense."

"Maybe it doesn't have to make sense," Reno pointed out and Tenma exhaled deeply.

"If that is what you say."

Somehow, Reno didn't think Tenma had gotten the answer he was looking for, but obviously this conversation wouldn't go any further. "Do you know how I first met Astro?" he then asked with a smile.

"I have no idea how you met."

"Well I'll tell you!" Reno grinned and then began his story. Tenma watched at him with attentive eyes, listening to everything, and even asked a few questions.

By the time Reno was done, Ochanomizu approached them with Uran and Astro in tow. Things seemed to have calmed down and were mostly back to normal. They even went to see the wolves, and Ochanomizu bought Uran a giraffe plush.

As afternoon came and the park closed down, Astro was ready to call it a rather successful day.

"It was such an honor to really meet you, sir!" Reno beamed as he shook Tenma's hand again. "Maybe I'll come visit one of these days!"

"You would be welcome any time," Tenma replied with a gentle smile and Reno lit up.

Once again Gumshoe was driving a car with tinted windows so Tenma could go home. Thankfully it went without incident.

The most surprising thing for Tenma as he entered his apartment was the fact that Astro wasn't there yet. Perhaps he was with Uran, Ochanomizu, and Reno at the institute. He didn't mind, though; it was nice to have a bit of privacy… As much privacy as you can have when there are cameras and bugs everywhere, anyway.

Calmly, Tenma decided to make himself a cup of tea, and then elected to, for the first time in a week, step out onto the small balcony to breathe in the colder night air.

The sky was now dark, but was lit up by the lights of the city beneath him, a thousand lights blinking and moving. Metro City was indeed a unique sight at night.

Then, as Tenma took a sip of his tea, a robot came flying towards him. Tenma greeted him with a gentle smile. "Hello, Astro."

Astro looked down sadly, avoiding his gaze. "I was at the police station," he said, "to ask about your robot dogs. There were all disassembled and their parts re-used for other projects. I'm sorry."

Tenma sighed deeply. "I'd figured as much."

Astro swallowed, still looking away.

"Astro," Tenma said in a sterner voice.

"I'm sorry, I just… What you said to that man at the zoo..."

Tenma glanced away, sighing.

"Am I… Does it torment you that I'm here?" Astro asked.

"No," Tenma replied evenly. "It's a comfort. It was only torment for as long as I tried to insist you were Tobio."

"And I'm not Tobio," Astro concluded.

"No, you're not," Tenma shook his head. "However, you're still my son."

Astro looked up.

"I don't ever want to see you get hurt," Tenma said quietly.

Astro stared at Tenma as he swallowed, then gently landed beside him on the balcony. Tenma glanced away with sad eyes.

Astro wrapped his arms around Tenma's waist and hugged him tightly. "Father," he breathed. "Thank you for today."

Tenma smiled lightly and he gently put his arms around Astro. "No. Thank you, Astro."

This chapter has been Beta ready by MugetsuFoxPipe