Chapter 24: Trade

It had been almost a week since Hiro got sick and he still showed no signs of improvement. There were some days that his fever would drop slightly, but by nighttime it would rise back to an alarming temperature.

Tadashi called all his professors and explained is situation. They all understood, and several asked them to pass their get-well messages to his sick brother.

"Feeling any better, buddy?" Tadashi asked, stifling a yawn. While he was taking care of Hiro, there were several nights that he actually had to stay up, watching over the sickly child. Truthfully, he was exhausted, but there was no way he was telling that to Hiro. Without a doubt, his brother would either feel guilty or insist Tadashi sleep.

On normal days, Hiro would have probably figured out Tadashi's sleep depravity earlier, but the fever had his brain scrambled. He could barely see straight, and every time he was awake, he could barely speak. At Tadashi's question, he coughed and gave a very unconvincing nod.

"Right," Tadashi sighed. "Well, get some more rest. I'll go get your medicine, and see if you can have some of that soup…"

"I've been doing nothing but sleep, Dashi," Hiro rasped from under the blanket. "Can I move around a bit?"

"Not until your fever drops," Tadashi replied sternly. Hiro grumbled and rolled over, wrapping his arms around his little plushy. Tadashi chuckled, then said sympathetically, "If you behave for just a bit longer, you'll be up and around in no time."

Hiro grumbled something Tadashi couldn't hear, but he bundled up tighter and reluctantly closed his eyes. Still laughing lightly, Tadashi closed the door and walked quietly down the stairs to the kitchen. He grabbed a bowl and poured some soup into it, placing the bowl into the microwave and punching in 2 minutes. He sighed and collapsed on the couch, exhausted from lack of sleep. Recently he was lucky to get just a few hours of rest. Baymax had already told him countless times (while Hiro was sleeping) that the lack of sleep was detrimental to his health.

Suddenly, the phone rang, breaking through the silence in the house. Jumping, Tadashi looked at the caller ID, questioning why anyone would call so late at night. Unknown caller.

Confused, Tadashi picked up the phone. "Hello?"

"Hello, darling! How lovely to hear your voice again!"

Tadashi stiffened. Oh great… just what I need, more problems. "Please stop calling us, Mrs. Sayaki, we really aren't interested in your proposition."

"Oh, darn…" the woman sighed on the other line. "Well, surprise surprise, but I didn't call to ask for your cooperation again."

"Oh?" Even if the woman couldn't see him, Tadashi couldn't resist raising an eyebrow. From what Ji Soo told him about Tomoe, she didn't seem like the type to give up so easily. "Then why did you decide to call at 2 in the morning?"

"Because, dear," she purred, "I'm offering you a trade."

A trade? Despite his curiosity, Tadashi really didn't want to know what this woman had to offer. "Sorry, but whatever it is you want, the answer is still gonna be n-"

"What if I offered to save your little brother?" she interjected quickly. "A trade. Your cooperation for his life."

Tadashi immediately froze. "How did you know about Hiro's… condition?" he growled. Or at least, he tried to. It sounded more like a hoarse whisper.

"Mmm… let's just say, a little bird told me," she cooed lazily, delight dripping into her voice. When he didn't reply immediately, she snorted and said harshly, "Oh come now, Tadashi. I thought you were smarter than this. Surely you see that something's wrong? If he were simply sick from stress, wouldn't he be better by now? And hasn't that marshmallow doctor of yours confirmed something was off?"

It was true. For the past few days, Baymax had repeatedly told Tadashi that Hiro should be taken to a hospital. However, every time Tadashi or Baymax brought it up, and despite his fever-ridden mind, Hiro still refused to go to a hospital. He would kick up a fuss that always ended with him coughing violently and falling asleep, putting the thoughts of a hospital visit out of mind.

"From the symptoms," she continued, "I'd say bacterial pneumonia… and I'm sure you know how… ah… deadly that is."

"Pneumonia…" Tadashi heard himself choke out.

"Not super serious as of now. Yet. But if you take this offer, I can guarantee that he'll get better in no time."

Tadashi was stuck. If this woman was right, then his little brother's life was in danger. But, then again… "How do you know so much?"

"Like I said, a little bird told me-"

"I haven't told anyone about Hiro's symptoms. The only one who knows is Baymax. So how do you know so much?"

Tomoe fell silent. Suddenly, her tone changed, harsher and colder. "Listen, kid. I'm trying to be nice here. Either take the deal and allow your brother to live, or reject me and watch him slowly die."

A lump formed in Tadashi's throat. As worried as he was, he was sure taking this deal would end up with more consequences. Shakily, he replied, "Thank you for your consideration, but I still refuse your offer. No thank you, Mrs. Sayaki."

Silence. Then a hiss, "You'll regret your decision." Click. She hung up.

Tadashi sighed, placing the phone back into the holder. Was she right? Could Hiro have bacterial pneumonia?

"That insignificant prick!"

Chiyeki flinched when she heard yet another phone fall victim to her sister's rage. "How many phones have you broken this month, aneue? Five?"

Tomoe ignored her. Unsurprising. "I try to play the 'good guy,'" she screamed, raising her hands and making quote marks in the air, "but he still won't cooperate!"

"Want me to get you another cup of tea?" Chiyeki sighed, stooping down to pick up the broken plastic pieces. "Oolong with hints of jasmine?"

"Call Koetsu!" Tomoe screeched. "Tell him to get going with Plan B!"

"Got it," Chiyeki muttered, tossing the broken pieces into the trash bin.

"And get me that tea!"

"How you feeling today, otouto?" Tadashi pulled the thermometer out of Hiro's mouth.

His little brother coughed, then hoarsely joked, "I'm getting tired of that question, nii-chan."

"Well, get used to it," Tadashi snorted, half jokingly half serious. "Until you get better, I'm gonna keep asking. Every day."

"The horror," Hiro rasped, letting out a weak giggle.

Chuckling, Tadashi looked at the thermometer and sighed. "Your fever dropped. Finally. Still not a low enough to be healthy, but getting there…"

"Does that mean I can get up now?" Hiro asked hopefully.

"Well…" Tadashi began hesitantly.

Hiro groaned. "Come on, Dashi. If I don't move soon my legs are gonna shrivel up and disappear!" As a last choice resort, Hiro pushed his lower lip out and looked up. His big brother has never resisted the puppy look before, and Hiro was sure he wouldn't be able to now.

"Ugh… Fine!" Tadashi put his hands up in defeat. Hiro gave a silent cheer and practically jumped out of bed. After almost a week of bed rest, his legs shook when he suddenly stood up. Luckily, Tadashi managed to catch him before he fell on the floor. "Hey, you sure you're okay?"

"Fine, fine…" Hiro said absentmindedly, eager to walk around. Of course, Tadashi had insisted (more like demanded) to help Hiro down the stairs. The child didn't protest, but as soon as they reached the last step, he stumbled around, laughing and rolling around on the rug in the living room.

Tadashi laughed and sat down next to his little brother. "Somebody looks happy."

"What do you expect, I've been laying in bed for a week," Hiro muttered, dragging himself into Tadashi's lap. Content, he closed his eyes and murmured, "When I get better, I'm sleeping in the living room for a week."

Just as Tadashi was going to reply, the doorbell rang. Hiro sat up, confusion breaking through his glazed eyes. "Who's that?"

Ji Soo sat in her "cell," miserably glaring at the door. A week. She had been stuck in this miserable hellhole for over a week. She didn't know how much longer she could stand being back here.

Their sleeping quarters. From when…

She shook her head violently. No… don't go back to those memories…

She sighed, then rested her head against the wall. I hope Linda followed those instructions… And I hope those boys are as smart as they look.

Tadashi opened the door with Hiro tugging on the leg of his pants. Both brothers were surprised at who they saw at the door.

"Um… You're Miss…"

"Linda." She smiled and stuck her hand out. "You can call me Linda."

Tadashi shook her hand, then remembered. "You're the lady at Kreitech. At the front desk."

"That's me," she replied cheerfully. "I'm here through orders from Miss Ji Soo Kim."

"Ji Soo?" Tadashi, if possible, was even more surprised. "What happened?"

"Sadly, Miss Kim disappeared almost a week ago. Her office was ransacked, and there has been no trace of her since." Linda held out an envelope and said, "I was instructed to give this to you if anything were ever to happen to her. Unfortunately, it took our company a while to realize Miss Kim's disappearance, so I wasn't able to hand this to you sooner."

Tadashi took the envelope. Neat, clean handwriting was printed on the white paper. "Thank you, Linda." She bowed, then quickly walked away.

The brothers closed the door, both staring at the envelope. "What do you think is in it?" Hiro asked, following his brother to the kitchen.

"I don't know…" Tadashi muttered absentmindedly, pulling out a chair. Hiro mirrored his brother, leaning over to get a better view of the letter. Ripping open the envelope, Tadashi pulled out the folded paper inside.

"What the…"

3 cups of grain flour, 4 grams of yeast, 6 ounces of milk

Should make 04 loaves, each 17 slices, or 26 thin sliced

Place in Oven and Bake at 390ºC

Follow the ingredients

"Instructions for… bread?" Tadashi was beyond confused. "Why would she give us this?"

"Hmm…" Hiro stared at the paper, mind racing at a million miles per hour. "Why are those letters capitalized?"

"What?" Tadashi asked, slightly frustrated and still confused.

"Look," Hiro pointed at the third line. "They're not important words, right? They're not proper nouns, or titles… that's what English grammar says anyways…"

"Now that I think about it…" Tadashi looked at the paper again, "390ºC is a bit high for baking temperature, isn't it?"

"That would be 734ºF," Hiro replied immediately. "Way too hot…"

"'Follow the ingredients'… what does that mean?" Tadashi wondered out loud.

"Ingredients…" Hiro muttered, "grain flour, yeast, mi-" He stopped. Understanding dawned on him. For the first time in a week, his head felt clear. "Dashi! Get me a notepad and pencil!"

"What?"

"I have an idea," he replied excitedly. Still confused, Tadashi quickly went to grab the needed materials. Hiro grabbed the notepad and scribbled down the ingredients, one in a row. He waved the page in front of Tadashi's face and exclaimed, "Do you notice anything?"

"I can't see with you waving it all over the place," Tadashi replied, holding the page in place. "Grain, yeast, milk…"

"Look at all the first letters," Hiro hinted, rolling his eyes.

"G, y, m… Gym?"

"Also…" Hiro scribbled out the capitalized letters. "P.O.B. Sound familiar?"

"P.O. Box?" Tadashi guessed, starting to feel the puzzle clicking in place. "Then the numbers in front of the ingredients could be the gym locker number… 346."

"And 390 must be the P.O. Box number," Hiro finished. "Since P.O. Boxes need keys, that's what I'm guessing is in the gym locker. 04-17-26 must be the combination."

Tadashi grabbed his phone and quickly looked up Kreitech address. "There's a gym a few blocks away from Kreitech. I'd say check there first."

"Cool!" Hiro bounded out of his seat and walked as quickly as he could back up the stairs. It wasn't hard for Tadashi to catch up.

"Now, where are you going, little brother?"

"To change," Hiro replied, as though it were obvious. "I mean, I can't exactly walk around in public wearing my pajamas."

"Uh…" Tadashi snickered. "What do you mean, 'in public.' You're not going anywhere, little bro. You're still sick, remember?"

Hiro immediately turned around and glared at his older brother. "Tadashi, I helped figure out what those clues even meant, and if you think you're gonna get away with not bringing me along, then think again! I am coming along, even if I have to tie myself to you!" With that said, Hiro grabbed his clothes and started clumsily changing into them.

Tadashi wasn't sure whether to be frustrated or amused. Finally he sighed. Damn the Hamada family's stubbornness… "Alright, fine! But as soon as you start feeling sick, tell me straight away, got it?" Tomoe's words echoed through his ears. Bacterial pneumonia…

"Got it!" was Hiro's muffled reply. He was struggling to poke his head out from the tangled fabrics of his shirt.

"Hang on tight, okay, Hiro? I don't need you falling off in the middle of San Fransokyo traffic."

"Got it!" To prove his point, the child gripped onto the back of Tadashi's blazer even tighter.

After weaving their way through the cars of the busy streets, Tadashi announced, "Here we are, buddy! This is the gym!"

Parking his moped, Tadashi helped Hiro off the back seat. The brothers made their way into the building.

Making up a story for the receptionist, they quickly walked towards the locker rooms.

"Wait."

"Yeah, what's up, otouto?"

A fine pink blush appeared on Hiro's face. At first, Tadashi thought the fever had returned, until Hiro said, "Linda and Ji Soo are both girls."

Silence. "Oh."

Obviously the locker would be in the girl's locker room. Now the problem came with how the two brothers were going to get in. "Okay, Hiro…" Tadashi began, "I have an idea, just don't freak, okay?"

A few minutes later, a series of excited squeals of delight came from the girl's room. Tadashi couldn't fight the laughed that escaped his lips. Hiro was never gonna live this moment down. He was ready to bet all his money that his brother would be embarrassed for a while.

Sure enough, Hiro walked out of the locker room, key in hand and face bright red. Tadashi burst out laughing, tears threatening to spill out of his eyes. Hiro looked down, then muttered something about "girls" and "overreacting." "See, I told you they wouldn't be able to resist your cuteness," Tadashi teased, still chuckling.

"You didn't mention how I would be tackled and mauled against my will," Hiro muttered.

"You mean, cuddled, right? And hugs," Tadashi corrected. "Come on, let's get to that P.O. Box."

As they were leaving the gym, a group of girls rushed over to them. One blonde giggled and gushed, "OMG, your son is sooooo cute!"

Now it was Tadashi's turn to blush. "He's not my son," he replied. None of the girls seemed to be listening.

"He was just so adorable!"

"Walking in cuz he was lost…"

"Ohh, I could just eat, you, up! The final girl stooped down and yanked the younger child into a bone-crushing hug.

"Uhh… sorry ladies, but we have somewhere to go…" Tadashi said, clearing his throat. The girls waved goodbye and returned to their workout. Tadashi and Hiro climbed back on to the moped, ready to find the P.O. Box. Both were bright red, and both made the silent agreement to never speak of this event again.

"Well, this is the post office the key's from," Hiro noted.

Tadashi found a spot to park, then made his way into the office with Hiro right next to him. "What number was the box again?"

"390ºC," Hiro replied. "Or 734ºF."

"Alright…" Tadashi murmured, making sure to lower his voice in the quiet halls. "Since P.O. Box numbers 1-400 are for the higher profiled members, let's try 734." The brothers walked around, searching for the right box.

"Over here!" Hiro called, his whispers echoing through the empty walls.

Tadashi hurried over to where Hiro was squatting. Hiro pulled the key he retrieved from the gym locker and placed it into the keyhole. Perfect fit.

Hiro opened the P.O. Box and pulled out a small package. He handed it to Tadashi, confusion written on his face. "What do you think this is?"

"Beats me…" Tadashi replied, examining the package. Carefully, he opened it and pulled out a small box. Another hand written note was attached to it.

I'm giving this back to you, Hamada

Tadashi lifted the lid off of the small box. Hiro stretched up, trying to see what Ji Soo had left them. "What is it, nii-chan?"

The older Hamada pulled out the small device that was nestled in the box. Remembering Ji Soo's story, he whispered, "I think it's the key for Project New Life."

The door slammed open, causing Ji Soo to jump in surprise.

"Hello, Ji Soo, dear! I didn't know you were so jumpy!" Tomoe gushed, wrapping a large feather boa around her slender neck.

"You would be too," the Korean woman snapped back, "if you were trapped in a dark room all by yourself for over a week!" She glared daggers at the woman before her, trying to look as threatening as possible.

Tomoe simply waved her fan out and rolled her eyes. "Please, Ji Soo. I don't think you're in any position to threaten anyone right now. And as for being alone… well…" her eyes flashed dangerously. "You'll be having someone join you soon. Maybe two. Brother's actually…"

"Leave those children out of this!" Ji Soo screamed, pulling against the handcuff that chained her to the wall. "Haven't you done enough?!"

"Hmm…" Tomoe hummed, bored, "I would, but… Koetsu and Chiyeki already got the order… and calling them would take so much effort… I think I'll save myself that trouble."

"You're a monster," Ji Soo whispered. "Can't you see what you're doing is wrong? Why don't you see the dangers the Project will bring!"

"I'm a monster?" Tomoe gasped, as though appalled. Then, she grinned and said, "That may be true, but I'm not the one that made the chip. That was all. You. And every last scientist that helped with it." Tomoe jabbed a finger at Ji Soo, smiling wickedly. "Who's the monster now?"

Ji Soo immediately deflated. She was right. As much as Ji Soo didn't want to admit it, it was partly her fault all those test subjects died. She had been weak and took in their offer. That was her biggest mistake.

"Anyways," Tomoe crowed over her victory, "I suggest you try to brighten up the room a bit. After all, a sick child wouldn't like this dark, disgusting place much, would they?"

"Sick?" Ji Soo echoed blankly. "What happened to him? Did you-"

"If it had been me, he would be dead," Tomoe stated calmly. "But once I have him, he may as well be. And after brother dearest is kidnapped, the guard puppy will bring the key right to me, and I'll have everything I want."

"What key?" Ji Soo asked in one final, desperate attempt to play dumb and save the brothers.

Tomoe was not amused. She let out a dry, humorless laugh and said, "Now, Ji Soo. Did you really think I didn't know you left the key for those boys to find? Even let them go around on a big adventure, right?" Ji Soo stayed quiet, not daring to speak. Tomoe continued, "I have sources that told me they found it, which falls in perfectly with the rest of my plan. Once baby Hiro is in our hands, his brother will come rushing to save him, and gladly hand it over!" With one final cackle of delight, Tomoe walked out of the room, throwing her parting words over her shoulder. "Looks like your plan failed, Ji Soo. Pity… if you had succeeded, you might not be in this situation right now."

Slam! The room was back in darkness.

Ji Soo didn't even notice. Guilt and fear gnawed at her insides, clouding her thoughts. I'm sorry Hiruto… Atsuki… I couldn't protect them…

"Why did she leave the key with us?" Hiro coughed as he stumbled toward the door of their home. The disoriented child groped around for the handle in the dark, but Tadashi had to remind Hiro that he still had to unlock the door,

Tadashi was getting worried. Not only did the key worry him, but his brother's condition was causing him stress too. All the excitement seemed to have caused his fever to spike again, and he looked like he could barely walk a straight line. Tadashi mentally kicked himself for allowing Hiro out of the house at all. "I don't know…" he replied truthfully, "but whatever the reason is, it can't be good. And the fact that she's missing…"

Hiro coughed again, stooping over to catch his breath. Beyond himself in worry, Tadashi picked his brother up and carried him upstairs. Tucking him into bed, Tadashi whispered, "Get some rest, otouto. I promise I won't do anything new until you wake up."

Hiro coughed weakly, then stuck his pinky out. "Pinky swear?"

"Pinky swear," Tadashi replied with a small smile, linking his pinky with his brother's. "Now go to sleep. Good night, little brother." Tadashi softly kissed Hiro's forehead.

Hiro didn't complain, but instead smiled and murmured, "Love you."

Tadashi closed the door quietly, then sighed and trudged back downstairs. I'm seriously gonna have to take him to a hospital tomorrow… Bacterial pneumonia… Is that really what it was? Just our family luck… Tadashi thought darkly.

Just then, his phone buzzed, cutting him out of his thoughts. Looking at the screen, he realized it was Fred calling. "Hey, Fred… what's up?"

"What's up?!" a voice that was definitely not Fred screeched back, "What do you mean, 'what's up?' Where were you today? And isn't Hiro still sick?! And-"

"Calm down, Honey!" Tadashi whisper screamed back, "Hiro and I had a few errands to run… and keep it down, he's sleeping!"

"Oh, oops!" Honey gasped. "I'm sorry, Tadashi… It's just that, we went to check up on you guys earlier today, and you didn't answer, and we tried calling, but neither of you picked up…"

"I was driving," Tadashi shrugged, then rubbed his neck uncomfortably. "Sorry to worry you guys… but we're fine. I swear."

"Good," Honey Lemon breathed in relief. She perked up almost immediately and said, "We're all together right now. If you want, we can go pick up some food and head over to your place."

"Actually, that sounds gr-"

Crash!

A loud sound of shattering glass echoed through the empty house. Tadashi felt his blood freeze. He lowered his phone slowly, despite Honey asking him what was wrong.

Silence. Then rustling. From upstairs. Oh God…

Tadashi bolted up and charged for the room. It was completely dark, and he fumbled for the handle, using the bit of light the phone in his hand could provide for him.

Throwing the door open, he froze, horrified.

There was his brother, screaming muffled cries through a gloved hand that was clamped down over his mouth. The dark figure that was holding him was standing in front of a shattered window, shards of broken glass littered around his feet. The dark cap was tilted down, shadowing his face, but Tadashi could see a long, jagged scar run down all the way to his right collarbone.

Hiro's face was streaked with tears, struggling to get out of the man's grasp. One hand was weakly yanking at the strong arm that held him in place, the other stretching out, reaching for Tadashi. His short legs were flailing almost two feet off of the floor, desperately kicking for the ground.

Tadashi saw all this in a split second. As soon as the second passed, he felt the world slow around him. He felt himself running towards his brother, despite the glass on the floor. He felt himself scream out Hiro's name, reaching for his brother. The man said something, lips curving into a cruel smile.

Suddenly, Tadashi heard a smash. Then exploding pain on the back of his head. Ceramic shards and pieces rained down on the floor.

Tadashi wasn't sure what to process first. He could see Hiro struggling, fear clearing his muddled gaze. He felt himself fall to the floor, legs giving out from the pain from his head. He felt his phone clatter down next to him, Honey Lemon undoubtedly still screaming from the other end. He saw the man holding his brother sneer at him, then him bringing a heavy boot down on the phone, crushing it to broken parts. He saw a mysterious woman walk over him, holding a broken vase in her gloved hands. So that's what she hit him with… not a building…

Tadashi couldn't move. His body felt heavy, as though the pain from his head was weighing his limbs down. Everything was numb, and all he could hear was a dull ringing.

Hiro was shaking, terrified. He stopped trying to get away, and instead resorted to struggling to get to Tadashi. Fresh tears streamed down his face, seeing his brother lying on the floor, unmoving….

Don't cry… Tadashi wanted to say. He couldn't make his mouth form those few words. It was taking everything in him just to stay awake.

The woman started speaking, but he couldn't hear what she was saying. The man replied, then they both nodded. The woman gracefully leapt out the window. The man threw Hiro ungraciously over his shoulder, then followed after her.

Tadashi felt himself breath, forcing his eyes to stay open. Hiro was screaming. Clearly screaming something. It was frustrating; Tadashi could only hear a dull pounding.

Just as the man leapt from the window, Hiro locked eyes with Tadashi. The fear and pain was visible in his brown eyes. Suddenly, as clear as day, Tadashi heard it. Hiro. Screaming. Crying. "DASHI!"

"Hiro…" he felt his mouth move, but he still couldn't pull all his thoughts together. He felt his eyes close, exhaustion clouded his mind. When he managed to crack one eye open, the man was gone. The woman was gone. Hiro was gone.

Hiro.

No.

Why…

Tears slid down Tadashi's numb cheeks. Hiro's final calls echoed through his ears, causing his pounding head to throb more. I'm sorry, Hiro… I'm sorry…

…Dashi...

…

Hi all! Super sorry about not updating -.-" Life happened... *sigh*

I actually had this chapter written up for a while, but never had the time to post it... thank god for the weekends coming up...

Anyways, took in a couple (actually, a lot...) of your suggestions for the plot, and here we are! Angsty stuff...

Now I have the rest of the story all planned out and ready, so look forward to what's gonna happen next *insert evil laugh*

Also, Happy Chinese New Years!~ Keep your eyes open for another update soon~