There was a loud screeching as Di slammed her foot on the pedal as hard as she could, spinning the wheel until it couldn't budge. The car suddenly revved to life and spun around in a wide circle, throwing the inhabitants into chaos as they were roughly thrown and tossed inside the car like croutons on a salad. Tadashi crashed into his window while Hiro crashed into him and Jordan crashed into Hiro. Since none had seat belts, some slid off their seats and fell to the floor. Diana let out a shriek when the car refused to stop spinning. Honey and Vanellope screamed when the car almost ran into a building, skidding along the sidewalk. Sparks flew off the side of the suburban as the bricks left long scrapes. When the car veered back into the street, they all sat upright again. Vanellope turned around to see that the pack of Cybugs were on their heels. She panted heavily, not sure how to feel about death. Honey Lemon gripped her by the shoulders, hugging her as they both screamed in terror. The Cybugs were gaining on them and one was close enough stare the two girls right in the eyes. What was worse was that one of the Cybugs had the face of an elderly woman, whose lines and wrinkles around her ghastly green eyes and fangs added it's horror.

Di made an abrupt turn down the street so hard that Jordan was flung into the trunk on top of the unsuspecting Fred. Tadashi was flung against Hiro and they nearly fell to the floor. Hiro's arms flailed madly as he tried to grab Tadashi, hoping for some sort of anchor to keep him in place. Hair shaken out of his ponytail and into his face, Hiro tried to force his eyes closed, but they were glued open with fright when he finally managed to latch himself to Tadashi's arm. He could hear Aunt Cass scream and tried to wrap his mind around what was going on and if he was still alive.

Di made another turn and the two brothers were flung against the row of seats in front of them and they fell to the floor. Tadashi wrapped his arms around Hiro and they curled into a ball. He felt his throat tighten in his chest until it hurt to breath.

"WHERE ARE WE GOING!?" Ralph asked

"ANYWHERE BUT HERE!" Diana screamed back.

"DIANA! ¡Por favor prisa! ¡Más rápidamente!" Honey Lemon begged.

"I'M TRYING!" Diana replied.

Fred stared, transfixed on the Cybugs. This no longer seemed like a game to him. More like a horror movie coming to reality.

"I suddenly feel religious…" Jordan whispered, pale. He pressed himself up against the backs of the seats and screamed as one of the Cybugs tried to break the back window.

Ralph stood up in his seat and pushed his way to the door. Cass turned around to watch him. "What are you doing?!" she asked as he flung it open.

"A fluke, probably," he replied. He watched as an oncoming building sped closing. "DI! Drive us onto the sidewalk, as close as you can get!" With one hand clenching the car frame and the other held out, Ralph braced himself. His fist crashed into the worn wall of the building and a spray of rubble and dust flew into the car. As they drove by, Ralph's fist left a huge trench through the wall. Cass suddenly felt worried when a loud creak filled the air.

"Oh…no," Fred said slowly. The building had barely been standing upright on its broken, breaking foundation. It being a rather short but skinny building, it started to topple. "That…doesn't sound good," he concluded solemnly.

"¡MÁS RÁPIDAMENTE!" Honey screamed.

Di pressed her foot down a little more. Hiro and Tadashi elbowed and kneed each other until they scrambled into their seats. Hiro turned around to watch as the building slowly toppled and fell onto the street with a loud crash. It managed to crush one Cybug while the rest were trapped. Jordan gave a hoot and a few fist pumps. They flew out of the ruin's shadows. The sun made some of them squint long enough to realize that they were past danger.

Vanellope whooped. "You GOT those suckers, Ralph-ol'-buddy!"

The car screeched to a halt. Di let out a breath and slumped in her seat. "No more driving," she decided with a cut-off of her hand. "No more. Nope."

"Uuuh…Diana?" Fred asked in a wavering voice. "We've got a problem…" They all turned. The Cybugs had fought their way out from underneath the building or over it and were still making their way towards them. "We still…have visitors," he gulped.

Diana swore under her breath. "Alright ladies!" she shouted and stood on her knees, turning to look at all of them. "Let's tell those bugs they're not welcome! JORDAN!" she hollered. "Break out the guns and ammo! Let's serve these things covered in chocolate!"

Jordan saluted. "Aye, aye, Capt!"

A few minutes later, they all stood outside the suburban, guns in hand. Before they knew it, the shooting had begun and gun-to-hand combat broke out. The best shooters had taken themselves near the car, while the best combat fighters struggled to take down their opponent. The no-shooters stood at a distance. Ralph got the unlucky chance of taking down grandma-bug. He had always been rather tender to the older folks, and had remorse for smashing her. For one, he looked away with his eyes closed. He didn't want to know what she looked like now.

Then, it struck him. He fell to the ground while a Cybugs screeched in his face. He seethed his teeth and acid droplets sprayed into his face. Easily enough, he shoved the Cybug off of him. It retaliated and bucked, smacking him in the face with a wing. Ralph let out a yelp and dropped the Cybug. It rushed at him again and ripped his brown overalls at the knee. Blood oozed through the cut. The Cybug crawled on top of him and Ralph had to ignore the pain in his leg. He held the bug at bay with his giant hands, gripping it by the mandibles. He strained with effort as he bent the metal, slowly twisting it and finally snapping it off. Acid poured onto his arms free fall, burning him. He then gave it big sucker punch in the eye. Sparks snapped and glass shattered. The Cybugs hissed and backed off of him, running around wild. It suddenly crashed into the car, and it turned over on its side. Honey, Fred, and Aunt Cass—carrying Baymax's charging box—backed away from the car. Vanellope and Tadashi joined them. Hiro, who happened to be positioned by driver's door, tried to scramble away from the tipping car, but his legs were finally caught underneath. He let out a cry of pain. An agonized Cass called after him. Ralph got up besides the burning pain of the acid and went after the Cybug. He grabbed the crazy Cybug around it's waist and smashed it against the ground. He did it again. And again. And again. He finally shoved it to the dust and kicked it away. He ran around the car to where Hiro lay. "Hey! Buddy, you okay?" he asked.

"No…!" Hiro grimaced. "Do I—look okay?" he seethed his teeth. "I'm not okay…you dummy! But thanks for asking." Hiro let out a cry as Ralph tried to lift the car. "STOP STOP STOP! Ralph, just—!" Hiro urged.

"I'm gonna get you outta here, got it?" Ralph said seriously.

"No…Ralph…forget me for now. Ralph, hey! Ralph the GPS!" Hiro waved his hand away. "THE GPS, RALPH!" he yelled into his ear.

Ralph turned to see that the GPS had tumbled out of the open window and it had come to rest closer to the conflict than either of them would've liked. Ralph grabbed at it, but realized he had to get closer. He left the car and went after the GPS, making a wide snatch for it.

A Cybug got to it before he could. It stepped on it. Hiro let out a disbelieving yell as it cracked and the batteries popped out. Right in front of Ralph's eyes, the Cybug ate the batteries. The Cybug went through some sort of transformation and energizer logos appeared on its side. Its shape changed and it almost looked like two batteries were stuck into its back. Ralph took the opportunity to grab the GPS before the Cybug could. He tossed it to Hiro, but it fell a few inches short. Hiro reached out as far as his arm could. His fingers barely brushed it. He groaned and stretched a little further, finally wrapping his hand around it and pulling it toward him. Meanwhile, Ralph had taken care of the Cybug and gave it an extra stomp with his foot when he was finished. "That was for eating our batteries!" he yelled at it and gave it a kick. "Dumb bug."

The Cybugs lay around them, smashed, battered, broken, dead. Puddles of green acid pooled in the dust. Honey came out and tended to the burns. "Hold still," she mumbled to Jordan as she treated a burn on his cheek. He rolled his eyes back and sighed in pleasure as she massaged some cream onto the burn.

Tadashi scoffed.

Ralph came over to Hiro. "Okay." He pointed a finger at him. "I'm getting you out now. Yeah?"

Hiro tried to chuckle and failed. "Have at it."

Ralph latched his fingers under the suburban and grunted. The car creaked and slowly, lifted. It rose off the ground and off of Hiro's legs. He seethed his teeth and pulled himself away as Ralph righted the car. Dusting off his hands, he knelt down next to the muttering teen. "Need help?" he asked.

Hiro nodded. "Yeah."

Tadashi instantly rushed over and pulled off Hiro's boots, rolling up his pant legs. Tadashi looked up at Hiro, who shrugged. He sighed. "Hiro, why do you always get yourself hurt?" he asked.

Hiro shrugged again. "Dunno," he said, knowing it would get on his nerves. Tadashi shook his head and clicked his tongue.

"Sweetie? Hon, would Baymax help?" Cass piped up.

Fred jumped. "THAT…sounds like an amazing plan!" he said.

Tadashi nodded. "Get him out."

Cass set the red box on the ground. "Ouch," she said.

The box unfolded at her voice and Baymax inflated. He looked around. "Hello. I am Baymax, your personal healthcare companion." He waved his hand. He looked down at Hiro and Tadashi and Ralph. He blinked. "Oh no. It appears my assistance is needed," he said as he toddled over to where Hiro sat on the ground, groaning at his bloody legs. "I will scan you now." Baymax looked Hiro up and down. "Scan complete. You have major cuts to the shins, but have sustained no fractures in either tibia or fibula. I suggest a disinfecting spray to prevent any infection." Baymax squatted down and held out a finger which shot out a thin spray. "Stinging is a natural response," he added as Hiro squeezed his eyes shut and pursed his lips. He opened one eye to see if Baymax was done.

Vanellope was once again awestruck to see the robot in action. She came closer to watch the process. Hiro looked up at her. Come to think of it, they were all watching him. "What?" he asked.

"Next, I recommend washing the wounds before bandaging them." Baymax sprayed a thin layer of water over Hiro's legs. "Now, we need to bandage the cuts. Allow me to assist." Baymax sat down on the ground. The pinkish-tan pad on his foot detached like a lid. Inside was a roll of gauze wrap. Vanellope's eyes went wide. The healthcare robot calmly took the gauze out and stretched out a length, gently tugging it around Hiro's legs.

Vanellope shook her head. "Tadashi, you're a wonder-worker. Oh my GOSH! Baymax is so amazing!" she gawked.

"Do not walk. I will carry you." Baymax scooped Hiro up in his arms.

Hiro raised his eyebrows at Vanellope, acting like he was lounging on a million-dollar couch. "He can lift a thousand pounds," he clarified smugly.

"Your legs are stable enough to walk on, however, it is best to relieve them of as much stress as possible," Baymax stated.

"Guys, we still have a problem," Ralph said grimly. They all turned as he held up the cracked GPS. "Cybugs crushed it. And ate the batteries."

Di muttered and placed her hands on her hips. "I wanna swear again."

"What?" Jordan exclaimed aghast. "I worked so hard to find one that wasn't broken. Dang! I hate those bugs! Now we're stuck here!"

"Now we need to find a new one," Honey muttered dejectedly. There was a miserable silence in the group as they all processed their situation.

Hiro grit his teeth. "No," he said firmly. "We don't."

Ralph turned around to look at him and waved a hand. "What do you mean we don't? We can't find our way with a broken GPS, kid."

Hiro felt a grin spreading across his face. "No. it doesn't have to work," he repeated. "Any GPS will work. Just let me take care of everything, and I'll fix it." He straightened the best he could in Baymax's squishy arms.

Vanellope smiled excitedly and it wasn't because of Baymax. She let out a giggle. They looked back at her. She shrugged innocently. "He didn't get past GoGo for nothing," she said. "I saw him. He fixed a broken com in only a few minutes. He can fix a GPS." She tossed the hair out of her eyes. "I say let's do it."

Hiro smiled at her support. "Can I see it, Ralph?" he asked and held his hand out. Ralph handed it to him and he looked it over. "It definitely needs batteries. Duh. But the screen is broken, and the exterior is completely cracked. I think some of the innards are broken, too."

"And you can handle those, right?" Cass asked hopefully.

Hiro sputtered loudly. "Who do you think I am? Heck yeah, I can fix this!" he fiddled around with it gently with his thumb. "Only problem…" he looked up at them. "I don't have the tools."

( 0—0 )

"Hiro, are you sure this is a good idea?"

"Relax, you big baby. If I only had good ideas, I wouldn't have any ideas at all. You're too protective."

"So…if your ideas aren't good…their bad, presumably dangerous or risky?"

Hiro laughed. "You think too much, too."

Tadashi grimaced. He looked grimly at the sign that was graffitied to the brick wall in dripping red.

S

Yesterday, they had found the sign and Hiro had instantly taken interest, being the ex-bot-fighter he was. Proposing the outrageous, Hiro had gained the favor of most of their group, except for the strongly protesting Tadashi and Aunt Cass. So, Hiro had constructed some sort of mechanism that they didn't understand and a battle-bot with what he'd scrounged up, and boom, there they were. Cass, Baymax, and Honey had decided to stay behind. Jordan remembered bot fighting for food and supplies for Diana before they were picked up by GoGo, so he'd had his fair share of bot fights. For the sake of reliving the experience, he decided to come along. Hiro led the way with Ralph close behind. Behind them were also Vanellope, Di, and Fred. And a reluctant Tadashi who'd only come along for the sake of making sure his brother didn't get beat up.

"Let's go," Hiro said, clearly pumped up and ignorant of his brother. They made their way down the dark alley, their shadows cast across the pavement by the night moon. Hiro shivered with excitement. "I haven't done this in years," he rubbed his hands together in anticipation.

"You have it?" Jordan asked.

"Yep." Hiro held his bot. It was a dorky looking thing with a goofy grin and blocky, black, body parts. "I named it Megabot," he announced.

"Hiro, when you name it, you start getting attached to it," Tadashi groaned.

Soon enough, they spied a warm orange glow up ahead and the sound of screaming and cheering echoed to their ears. Jordan's eyes lit up in remembrance. As their group mingled with the throngs, they were able to see a large ring drawn in the dust. Two robots battled each other viciously while their controllers sat outside the ring on opposite sides. They watched as one mean looking robot struck down its opponent and crushed it. Fred looked around in wonder. A lady strolled into the scene. "AND THE WINNER! By total annihilation…YAMAAA!" she gestured to a very large, beefy-looking man with black hair tied into a little ponytail. He wore dark blue, matching sweat pants and sweat shirt. The announcer handed a rice pot filled with money and Yama scooped up his winnings.

"Who's next? Who wants to step in the ring? With LITTLE YAMA!?" he challenged the crowd. There was no reply from the spectators.

"Can I try?" Hiro asked. They all turned around to see who the courageous, bold challenger was. They stopped when they saw Hiro. "I have a robot! I built it myself." He held out his Megabot.

The crowd erupted into fits of laughter and guffawing. Yama led it all.

"Some kid got lost," a woman commented with a laugh.

"Or took a wrong turn," a man added.

"Hey! Hey? Hey guys! He was serious!" Ralph tried to tell them. Every just kept laughing. "HEY! Hello? Is anyone—? He was being serious! Guys, could—"

"HEEEEEEY!" A loud yell burst out of Hiro's throat. Everyone fell silent. He was now smoldering at the insult. He didn't fee like going through the whole 'puppy' act this time. "I want to take on Little Yama," he announced, his voice daring. "One on one."

Yama looked Hiro up and down. "Aw, wookit that," he said in a mock voice. "The wittle boy has to be pwotected by his daddy." He gestured to Ralph, and the crowd laughed again.

"Hey look…" Ralph started.

"What, you think he's going to affect my skills?" Hiro scowled.

Yama stopped his snorting. "What's your name, little boy?" he asked.

"Hiro? Hiro Hamada?" he said hopefully, hoping someone would recognize his name. He hadn't taken down eleven champions for nothing.

"Never heard of him," Yama grumbled.

"Beat it, kid," the announcer lady glared at him through an eye patch. "House rules. You gotta pay to play," she hissed and held up the rice pot.

Ralph and the others eyed Hiro warily, knowing they didn't have any cash. Hiro kept his cool. "I wasn't thinking about gambling this round," he admitted.

The announcer lady scoffed. "You don't actually know anything about bot fighting, do you?" She placed a hand on her hip and looked up at Yama. "Wanna chase 'em out?" she asked him.

Yama stroked the fat folds on his chin. "Wait," he growled. "If we aren't betting on money, what's to gain and what's to lose?" he asked.

"If I win the match, I gain a full set of tools, including a screwdriver and a jeweler's. I know you have them."

Yama turned a little red. "My bot-repair tools are not in the game." He stared daggers at their group. "What else?"

"Nope. Screwdriver and jeweler's screwdriver."

"No."

"You haven't even heard of what you gain." Hiro held up a hand. "If you win the match, you gain a high acid-induced litrithium generator." He said.

Vanellope blinked, confused. "A what?" she asked and wrinkled her brow.

Yama's eyes grew. "So…with this litrithium generator, you could—"

"Fuel a robot with Cybug acid litrithium until it could move so fast that it would be nearly impossible to hit," Hiro finished his sentence. "All yours for the taking if you win." He shrugged.

"Show it to me," Yama demanded.

Hiro slid a metal cube out of his jacket and held it up. "Proof."

"That could be a useless hunk of steel for all I know. How good is your word?" Yama raised his eyebrows.

"How good is yours?" Hiro asked back.

Yama grumbled. "I give you my word that I'll hand over the tools if you win." He grinned smugly.

Hiro nodded. "Then I'll hand over my generator if you win on my word." He stretched to give Tadashi and the others a wink before positioning his head until his mouth was right next to Ralph's "He's not gonna play fair if he loses," he whispered barely louder than a breath. Ralph nodded.

"BUT." Yama raised his hand. "Before we begin…we're bargaining with rather…valuable items."

"Money's valuable. What's the difference?" Hiro asked.

Yama snapped his fingers and the announcer lady scurried away. "You see…" Yama crossed his arms. "How bad are you willing to fight for these tools?"

"I'm pretty willing."

Yama grinned and Hiro didn't like it. "Well then. That changes things." He straightened and whistled. Three figures shot into the scene and three young women struck poses next to Yama. One had flat, blonde hair and a crude, spiked ball on a chain in one hand. Another had an umbrella with spikes on the end, and the last one fanned out a sharpened fan, which Hiro recognized as tessen. He gulped. Yama leaned back. "Why would I make you go through so much trouble just for a couple of tools? Which you so desperately need," he added. "Since I would never want to lose in public against the mighty Hiro Hamada! Mastermind Overlord of Bots!"

Hiro jerked. "You said you'd never heard of me," he said cautiously.

Yama sneered. "In bot fights, I know everybody."

Hiro opened his mouth slightly and looked over at his three ladies. "It's…much too generous of you to just willingly hand over your tools." He straightened and looked back at Yama. "Uncharacteristic, even." His eyes narrowed.

Yama looked offended. "Are you saying I'm lying? That I'm not a man of my word?" he placed a hand on his chest.

"I didn't say that. But just how good is your word? You did lie about knowing me, anyways. You can't blame me for being skeptical."

Yama grinned. "You know…I like you," he declared. "You've got spunk. Unlike…others I have taken down." He brushed some dirt off his jacket. "So…I'll make you a deal." He turned back to the boy. "I'll let you have my tools and keep the generator…as long as you give me the details on how to build it."

Hiro's eyes widened. "That…sounds like a bargain," he observed, unconvinced.

Tadashi came up to Ralph and leaned close to Hiro. "Are you sure he's not lying?" he hissed. "This guy looks shady."

"Of course he's lying. He's shady, but I think I have him figured," Hiro replied quietly. He nodded. "Okay," he agreed. "Let's do it."

The crowd almost groaned as if disappointed that there was no fight. Yama grinned. "I and the Fujitas will accompany you to my work shed." He got up. "But he can't go with you." He pointed at Ralph. "He'll wreck my shed."

Ralph gave Yama an offended look, since they were about the same size. Hiro patted Ralph. "I'll be fine," he reassured.

Ralph shrunk away from the idea. "I dunno, Hiro. Baymax said—"

"Ralph—" Hiro snapped, but quickly forced a smile. "I'll be fine."

Ralph glanced over at Tadashi, who shook his head. "Let Jordan go with you," Tadashi protested. "At least."

Yama nodded. "I'll let the other boy come."

Hiro let out a puff. "Okay."

Hiro jerked at a shot of pain in his leg when he took a step forward, and Jordan scurried to support him. Hiro hissed in pain as Jordan linked an arm around his waist, helping him stand. "Dude, you okay?" Jordan asked quietly. Hiro nodded and broke out of Jordan's arms. The two boys slowly followed Yama further down into the alley, leaving the crowd and lights behind. A neon on the verge of death flickered nearby, and Hiro wondered where it got its power. The blonde Fujita swayed her hips and made eyes at Hiro. She soon skated in step with him and shot him giggly smiles. "Uh…" Jordan started. "Okay." He slowly moved away from the Fujita.

She still persisted.

"Don't touch me!" Hiro jerked his arm away from her, making her shrink back. Yama turned around to see what the commotion was. Hiro just grinned innocently at him. Yama kept walking.

The blonde Fujita came back again. "Sorry," she apologized. "I'm Kimiyo." She smiled. "You're Hiro Hamada?" she asked. "I heard you took down eleven champions at the bot fights." She clasped her hands behind her back, winding up the chained ball. "Is it true?"

He nodded. "Yep."

"That is so amazing! I wonder what that must've been like." When Hiro didn't reply, she clasped her hands behind her back again. "You don't talk much, do you? Do you…have a girlfriend?"

"And why would you want to know?" Hiro snapped.

Kimiyo blinked. "I…I…sorry."

Hiro growled and looked away. "I don't."

Kimiyo's smile returned. "Oh really? Well…are…you staying in the area?"

"No."

"Oh." She looked down at her skating feet. Kimiyo sighed and tossed her blonde hair out of her eyes. "Sooo…do you have any family?" she asked.

Hiro gave a skyward glance, knowing this girl was never going to shut up. "My Aunt, and my brother. My parents died when I was three."

"Oh I'm sorry." Kimoyo gave him an apologetic look. "My parents died by Cybugs. Yama found me, and then he recruited me as a Fujita." She looked away.

Hiro turned back to her, no longer scornful. "I'm sorry," he said.

She suddenly turned bright pink and gave him a shy bat of her eyelashes. She giggled. "What's your favorite color?"

"I can tell yours is pink," Hiro replied.

He gave a wheeze as Jordan gave him a jerk. "Don't make conversation," he said in a quiet, high-pitched voice.

Kimiyo sidled a little closer. "How old are you?"

"How old are you?"

"I asked you first."

"I asked you second."

Kimiyo giggled. "I'm sixteen. Do you need any help walking?" she asked, already reaching around to help him. "You look like you're struggling."

"Nope!" Hiro jerked away from her. "I'm fine."

"Kimiyo!" She turned her head to see one of the other Fujitas sharply call her name. She ducked her head and skated to catch up with them.

"Getting friendly now, are we?" Jordan asked.

Hiro elbowed him, making him wince. "No," he spat.

Jordan stopped and looked up. "I guess we're here."

A small building had fallen over in the alley, creating a tunnel which was closed off by a hanging sheet that sported holes and stains. One of the Fujitas pulled aside the sheet to let Yama enter. It looked dark inside. "You can come in, boys," Yama called over his shoulder, waiting for them to follow.

Jordan and Hiro trailed after him and the Fujita closed the sheet behind them. It was dark. In fact, the only thing Hiro could see was the faint outline of Yama's back. Then, a few golden Christmas lights strung around the cave flickered on, lighting the workshop, which wasn't really a shed. There were two tables on two sides of the room, one littered with tools and spare parts, while the other one had a few test tubes of liquids, but mostly filled with strange looking objects and doodads. One of them pulsed steadily as Hiro stared at it. It almost looked like a… "Is that a…plasma induced energy container of some sort?" Hiro asked.

Yama chuckled. "You know tech when you see it."

"But…it's not…it must have some reflector paneling inside?"

Yama nodded. "You're smart." He turned around and took a seat in a ripped armchair which looked like it had survived the front lines of WWII. Yama stuck his hand into a crumpled bag nearby and drew it out with chips clutched between his fingers. He popped the chips into his mouth. "So Hiro," he started and licked his fingers. "Just how smart do you think you are?" he asked.

Hiro looked around, a noting that Yama's courtesy couldn't stretch to offer them a seat. "I don't want to sound vain," he said when he'd confirmed that there were no other seats available other than the ground. He stood.

"Be as vain as you want here. You won't insult anybody," Yama insisted.

Hiro grimaced. "From 100 percent…if everybody were just 50, I'd say I'm…" he tilted his head in thought. "75. Maybe 80."

"Oh ho!" Yama belched. He wiped his mouth with his sleeve. "So…smarter than the average college professor?"

"Around. Or as."

"Hmmm." Yama stroked the fat folds of his chin. He looked around and finally back at Hiro. "How well are you exercising your talent, you think?"

Hiro shrugged. "I…okay, I guess…I would rather do more. Look, to be frank, what does this have to do with the tools exchange? I'm a busy man."

Yama laughed. "Don't be so hasty to leave. Would you say inventing and creating is your passion?" he leaned forward in his chair.

Hiro nodded. "Yeah, I would."

"Then how would you like the chance to invent and bot fight here with me?"

"What?!" Hiro and Jordan said simultaneously.

"We would work together to create the ultimate battle bots and use them to crush our opponents. We'd be rich and no one would oppose us." Yama held out his arms. "And you could even invent whatever you want in spare time. It'd be the life of living your passion. Sound like a dream, eh?"

Hiro wrinkled his nose. "No one would oppose us? No would oppose you. You wouldn't let me share in you glory. As a fellow champion, I know that when you have the victory, you don't want to lose it. You wouldn't want to share the winnings, either. What would we do with all that money, anyway? Buy a penthouse or a gold helicopter? Out here, green paper is useless. And I wouldn't want to waste my time playing games when our home is in danger." Hiro drew in an angry breath. "The offer might be tempting in another time when our world wasn't falling apart, but here, no thank you." Hiro straightened. "I'll take the tools, give you the details, and then I'll be on my way."

Jordan let out a tense breath he just realized he'd been holding.

Yama no longer looked happy. He pressed his hands together and pointed them at Hiro. "I gave you an offer. You had your choice."

Hiro drew back from the hulking man when a sudden stab of hot red pain shot up through his back. He let out a cry as he was slammed to the ground. A sharpened tessen pressed against his neck. He felt his face growing hot as he smoldered. Next to him, Jordan was knocked down as well with the other Fujita on top of him, umbrella point to his neck. Kimiyo stood nearby, watching their downfall. Hiro knew that he shouldn't ever use his God-given charm for manipulation, but he knew he had it, and he knew this was a time to use. He looked up at Kimiyo the best he could with his face pressed to the ground. His eyes were already tearing up with the pain in his back. He gave her a look of utter, dramatic betrayal. She took a step back, mortified. "Kimiyo?" Hiro asked in a pained voice.

Jordan looked over at him, disgusted that he'd stooped so low.

Kimiyo looked up. "Yama, is this really—"

"Kimiyo," Yama said sharply. "Search his jacket." He pointed at Hiro.

Kimiyo was forced silent and crouched next to Hiro, who was rolled onto his back. Kimiyo stuck her hand into his jacket, searching the outer pockets. She kept her face turned away from Hiro, who kept looking up at her with sorrowful eyes. She glanced down at him, and then looked away. "Kimiyo, move," the tessen Fujita ordered.

Kimiyo's finger moved faster. "It's not on him," she said hastily.

"Search the inner pockets!" Yama yelled.

Kimiyo continued to search, sticking her hand into his jacket and searching. She glanced over at Hiro again. "Stop it, Hiro!" she spat.

"Kimiyo, I…I thought…" Hiro started softly.

Kimiyo slapped him hard.

Hiro's eyes widened in shock as his head rolled. He hadn't expected that. His cheek stung red where she'd hit him.

"Found it." Kimiyo said quickly and stood up with a small cube resting in her palm. The Generator. She handed it to Yama and crossed her arms, fingering the chain and ball at her hip.

Yama stared at it for a while. "The work of a genius," he murmured, turning it around in his hand. "And it's mine." He looked down at Hiro. "Hold him," he ordered and got up from his arm chair. He picked up a com from one table and turned it on. "I have him. His legs are wrapped, but I didn't do it. Other than that, he's unhurt. Well, one of my girls just slapped him, but that's minor. The rest of the team are in the ring lobby. Hiro and another boy are in my shed."

The com crackled in his hand with static. Hiro's spine suddenly shivered and his whole body tensed and the sound of a familiar voice on the other end of the com. "Great work, Yama. I'll be there to get him. Don't let him go, or all bets are off. Is my little sister in the ring lobby?"

"Yes," Yama answered.

"Then I'll be there in a little bit. Bye-bye."

So...if any of you keep up with Big Hero 6 the series, you've probably seen Baymax Returns. I want to say right now, I completed this chapter months and months ago, way long before Baymax Returns came out. The idea of bringing Yama back in this way was not taken in any way off of Baymax Returns. Just wanna say that real quick. Thank you! I'm curious, who's your favorite character so far?