NxM RS-10: Survival strategy

Melon, forced into sleep
Papa and Napoleon had a conversation
“What happened to Hoshino?”
“I can’t keep it up for long
But think of it like a video game
I’m like player two”

Papa sat across from the bed

Those who allow their host to die
Are just doing a bad job
I won’t allow that to happen

“Mr. Melondrop . . .”
“I should thank you for living with me for 20 years”
“I’ve always felt sympathetic towards the host”

Fine, that was a lie
I only want one thing
The . . . continuation of my species
Reproduction, otherwise

“I want Hoshino to be happy”

I don’t really care about Hoshino

“She’s mature for her age”

She’s a child, nothing more
I don’t care how she feels

“Tell me the truth,” demanded Papa
“Is that . . . what you want?”
There was something in Napoleon’s expression
Something that scared him
But he pressed on
“Yes, I want to know everything”
Napoleon looked at his hands
Melon’s hands
“I care about my own survival”
“You care about keeping Hoshino alive”
“They’re the same thing
If I could live without Hoshino
She would be dead”

Papa swore under his breath
"How can you say such things?
Where is your humanity?”
Napoleon started to laugh

“Ah . . . ha . . . ha . . .”

Papa grabbed his possessed granddaughter’s shoulders
Gave her a concerned shake
“Leave Hoshino alone! Leave me granddaughter alone!”

Napoleon sighed, getting frustrated

“Respect me! You’re alive because of me”
“Just . . . tell me what you want . . . with Hoshino”

“I don’t really have to tell you anything”