A Tail of Two Brothers

by HotTopicLuver

Hiro Takachiho is an unloved child, his parents wish he was never born and could care less about his existence. However, what Hiro doesn't know is that there is a family of kitsunes that have taken an interest in him. Especially the kitsune named Tadashi Hamada. Will Hiro ever know the love of a family... even if it's not human?

38. Chapter 38

A Tail of Two Brothers Chapter 38

I do not own Big Hero 6 or any of its characters

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone! Have a good day and enjoy the new chapter! XD

Christmas. Today was the day, a day of celebration and a day for family. And that's exactly what the Hamada family was doing right now.

The Hamada family drove to the special location and they had something special in their possession at the moment. Along the way Hiro hummed and he looked at the window. He saw how beautiful the snow looked as it decorated the land.

His older brother had been the one to wake him up early in the morning; the older kitsune helped his little brother get ready for the day. They were only going to one location before they actually got started on their Christmas. After a quick breakfast they headed out, and Tadashi and Cass took one thing with them. It was in a protective case but Hiro already knew what it was. It had been sent to the Hamada family not too long after the trial. As soon as the Hamada family stepped outside they could feel the cold hit them. His aunt and brother had helped him walk through the thick snow, Hiro laughed as his feet sunk into the ground. As he breathed the cold air made his breath apparent and he enjoyed every nmoment of it. What he liked the most though was how warm he was against the coldness of the environment; it was such a nice feeling. And then they headed out.

They had been on the road for about an hour or longer when they finally reached their location. It was a gated area and it was surrounded by tall hedges as well. Hiro was small but he could see that there were structures that were tall enough to be seen. Hiro wondered what exactly was inside, well he was about to find out as the family parked outside the location. They got out of the truck and headed for the front of the gate. Cass pulled out a key and she used it to unlock the gate doors, she opened it gently and the Hamada family went inside. Tadashi held onto the case as they made their way inside. Hiro looked around and saw that there were many tall structures made out of thick stone or marble. They were very beautiful, especially when the snow and ice decorated them.

That was when him and his family stopped in front of one of the structures. Only this one was different, the top stone had the Hamada name engraved. It stood out from the other building around the area. Hiro was drawn to the way it looked so important and how it stood tall and proud. It reminded him of his family. His childish curiosity got the best of him as he asked the following questions.

"What is it?" Hiro asked.

"It's a mausoleum Hiro," Cass said.

Hiro gave his aunt a puzzled look, he was still confused. He had never heard of something like that before.

"What's that?" Hiro questioned.

This time his older brother answered.

"It's a place where our loved ones are buried, this here is a cemetery for kitsunes only," Tadashi stated. "This is one of many private cemeteries. When they die they are laid to rest here."

Hiro's eyes widen at that statement and he turned to look at the mausoleum. He finally understood why the family name was there. This was where the previous generations of Hamadas were buried. And if that was the case then Hiro knew that Tomeo and Maemi had to be here. He also knew that it was time for their possessions to be returned to them. That was when Cass pulled out another key and she used it to unlock the door of the mausoleum. They went inside and as soon as he did Hiro examined the environment. He saw there were many slots for a family member. There were many names as well, but the ones that caught his attention were the ones right in front of him. There were two slots and they there was a picture of the couple sitting in the middle of it. Hiro knew who they were; it was Tomeo and Maemi Hamada. And these were their graves. Cass and Tadashi bowed before the two slots, their heads were angled downward and their eyes were closed. Hiro followed their example. All was quiet until Cass was the first to speak.

"Hello my dear sister and brother-in-law," Cass greeted. "It is I, Cass Hamada. I have come here with your son and his little brother."

Hiro couldn't help but smile once she said that. He never had the fortunate of meeting the couple but he felt like he knew them through Cass and Tadashi. A part of the couple lived in each of them and by staying them it was like he was staying with Tomeo and Maemi as well. That was when Tadashi spoke.

"Hi Mom, hi Dad. It's me, Tadashi Hamada. I miss you a lot but this little guy right here helps with that."

He ruffled Hiro's head as he said that and Hiro smiled. Tadashi turned his attention back to the slots.

"I just want you to know that we're doing fine, we're okay and we're a family still," Tadashi added. "It hasn't been easy and it's been crazy but it's all been worth it. We're together and I know that's what you would have wanted."

"And that's not all, we're here to give you something that belongs to you both," Cass said. "Your lives were cut short and your pelts were taken. And we're here to give them back; we hope that your spirits can finally rest now."

With that Tadashi opened the case and he pulled out the two pelts. Cass then slowly opened the slots and allowed for Tadashi to gently lay them inside. Once that was done they closed them and got back down on their knees.

"Now no one can take them away," Tadashi whispered. "They'll be here… forever."

"That's how it was meant to be," Cass added.

They then silently prayed and Hiro stared at the picture of the Hamada couple, they looked so happy together. Hiro couldn't help but think how his life would have been like had he been born as their son. He wondered what it would have been like you have them as parents, he was sure that it would have been wonderful but he was grateful for the life he had now. And in a way, he owed that to them. Minutes went by before they decided that it was time to return home. Tadashi kissed their picture and their graves and Cass did the same, Hiro followed their example. And they made their way out of the mausoleum.

As soon as they stepped out of the mausoleum something caught Hiro's eye, he saw that there were flowers growing on the bushes around the cemetery. They were pink and they had many petals. Hiro was drawn to them was because despite being covered with snow the plant was still blooming and it was just as beautiful as it would be in the sun. Hiro walked over to them and gently touched them, they were very pretty and Hiro recognized them. They were camellias, that was when a sudden idea came to Hiro. He gently and delicately removed some of the flowers and he walked back over to the mausoleum. Cass was about to lock it when Hiro came over.

"Wait Aunt Cass, I want to leave something for them too," Hiro stated. "These are camellias and they would look nice here."

That caught the relatives' attention as they saw the flowers in Hiro's arms; they noticed that they were very beautiful. And to hear that Hiro wanted to leave them for the Hamada family was something truly remarkable. They both smiled and they gave him a nod of their heads, with that Hiro slowly went back inside the mausoleum. He then went up to the Hamada couple and placed the flowers around their picture and on top of their slots. He then bowed his head and whispered a few words to them as well.

"Mr. and Mrs. Hamada, I know you don't know me but I know you. I know your family and the lives you had before your sad deaths. Dashi is my beloved big brother and Aunt Cass is my wonderful aunt. I loved them both very much and I loved that they're my family," Hiro whispered. "I may have not been born to you but I love you both. Because without you Dashi wouldn't be here and Cass wouldn't either, it's because of you both that I have the family I have now. And I thank you for that and I love you both for that as well. Thank you for living and thank you for being a part of my family."

With that he stood up and turned around to see his older brother staring at him but it looked like he was staring at something else too.

Tadashi's eyes widen and he gasped a little over what he was seeing right now, or at least why he thought he was seeing. He saw Hiro standing where he was and he could have sworn that he saw the shapes of his parents standing beside him, one of their hands on were on each of his shoulders. There were smiles on their faces as they looked at him. They gave him a nod. Tadashi's eyes were getting watery over the scene before him but as soon as it appeared it disappeared. That was when Hiro pulled his coat.

"Dashi?" Hiro addressed. "What is it?"

That snapped the elder Hamada brother back to reality and he gave his brother a quick smile. He placed a hand on his head and ruffled it. Hiro giggled a little as he placed his hands over Tadashi's. That was when it was truly time to go, they exited and locked the mausoleum and made their way to the truck. They locked the cemetery gates and headed home. On the drive there was something that was bothering Tadashi. He knew what he saw and he knew that it had to be real. Kitsunes were always around even in death, they watched over their loved ones. He even heard stories of them appeared before their relatives in order to give them an important message. If that was the case then Tadashi had a feeling why they were there. He looked at Hiro and he smiled, he got Hiro's attention and started to speak.

"You know Hiro," Tadashi started. "Tomeo and Maemi were my parents."

"I know," Hiro responded.

"And you're my little brother," Tadashi added.

Hiro titled his head in confusion; he didn't understand why Tadashi was stating the obvious.

"Yeah?" Hiro replied.

Cass listened to the two and she immediately knew what Tadashi was trying to say. She smiled and she gave him a nod of her head, she approved what he was doing because she wouldn't want it any other way.

"Well that would mean that my parents are your parents too," Tadashi said. "We're brothers and so that would mean that Tomeo is your father and Maemi is your mother."

Hiro's eyes widen and he couldn't believe what he was hearing, he finally understood what Tadashi was trying to imply. Tears filled his eyes but he quickly wiped them away, he was so happy right now. He thought that he had given up on his parents but it turns out that he could have them once again. Only this time they would always be his parents even if he wasn't actually related to them. He hugged his brother and Tadashi ruffled his hair.

"Mom and Dad," Hiro stated.

"That's right Hiro, Mom and Dad will always be watching over you. They love you, I know that for a fact," Tadashi said. "And I know that they would have wanted us to be a family, they would have wanted you."

"There's no doubt about that," Cass responded. "Tomeo and Maemi are our family and now they are your family too Hiro."

Hiro smiled and he hugged his aunt while she was driving, she used one arm to hug him back. She also placed a gentle kiss on his forehead. Hiro felt so complete at the moment, he felt honored to be considered as Tomeo and Maemi's son. Because now he could call them his father and mother, he had other parents and he knew that they would never leave him. They would always be there to guide him, even if he couldn't see them and even if he would never meet them. They were his family and now he was theirs as well. What more could he ask?

They drove back home and as soon as they were inside they relaxed a little before actually starting their holiday. They even napped a little since they had woken up so early. By the time they were up it was time for the festivities to occur. Cass wasted no time in cooking with Tadashi and Hiro helping her own. They sampled, cooked and created and within time the food was finally done.

The Hamada family enjoyed their meal together; they had a widespread of food. Multiple plates and bowls of food were scattered all around their kitchen. There were chicken wings, yakitori, curry, rice, miso soup and oden. And for desert some rolled up strawberry shortcake. Tea, juice and milk were the drinks that would be served. The family wasted no time in getting their own portions before making their way to the kitchen table, the television was still on so they could watch the specials while eating. Mochi enjoyed his own food and drink as he sat beside the family. They ate and talked and enjoyed their holiday.

An hour or so passed before they were full and decided to simply watch the television. They wanted to wait a little later in order to open up the presents. As the watched the screen Hiro couldn't help but glance at the bright wrapping paper. His gifts were inside their own boxes and they had been wrapped by himself. They were a little messy but it was the thought that counted. He couldn't wait for them to be opened. And soon he wish was granted as the time for presents came.

Cass handed out the presents to the people they were too, she handed all except for Tadashi's present to Hiro. She knew that he wanted to save that for last. Once everyone had their assigned presents Cass pulled out the camera and she started to take pictures. The camera was passed around as they opened their gifts, even Mochi got some. He got new cats toys, cat accessories and a new bed along with new cat food.

Once Tadashi and Cass opened their gifts from Hiro and Hiro helped Mochi open his own. Their eyes widen with surprise and joy once they saw how cute the gifts were. Each of them were decorated and created for each individual, none were the same. And that's what made them all the more unique and special. Cass nearly cried as she admired her vase while Tadashi gazed at his tile and as Mochi purred against his new food bowl. They all smiled and they gave Hiro their thanks along with kisses and hugs. Hiro laughed and he was happy over the fact that he made them happy. More pictures were taken as everyone showed off their gifts. Tadashi even sent a picture of the tile to his friends and they responded with the same enthusiasm.

Hiro got many toys, especially stuffed animals. He also got some new clothes, books along with coloring materials and games. Go Go, Fred, Wasabi and Honey sent some presents to him and he enjoyed the spoils. Even some of the Callaghan family members sent him some things; Abigail herself was one of those people. Hiro opened her present and it was revealed to be a small fox stuffed animal. Apparently she had purchased it from her travels, the fox was supposed to symbolize wisdom and being a noble messenger. Hiro loved it very much and he quickly came up with a name for the small toy. He decided to name it H.C., Hamada Callaghan. It was for his family and for her family; they would always be bonded together as well much like how he was bonded to his friends.

She sent a card to Hiro as well, the card summed up her congratulations and her best wishes. She also wrote that there was something special hidden behind the small toy. Hiro put the toy beside him and he looked deeper inside the box, his eyes widen with joy as he saw what it was. He slowly took it out and revealed what it was to the family. Tadashi and Cass couldn't help but smile once they saw the contents.

It was a book, but not just any book. It was a book on Abigail's travels, every location she had been to and every place she had seen was inside. There were photos of her with some friends and others with some family members. Abigail looked very happy in each and every one of them; there were also personal pictures of objects and sites she had seen. Abigail even took the liberty of writing down some small notes beside every picture and some summaries as well. Hiro smiled and he couldn't help but flip through the book. He was so happy that Abigail had finally shared her adventures and when he finally reached the last page he saw another note made by her but it was different than the others. This was addressed to him personally.

Dear Hiro,

I hope that this book helps you in your future journeys. I know that you will one day you do great things. You have both the ability and the heart to do so. Until then I hope that these adventures of mine will help you keep dreaming big and thinking big. Never be afraid to march ahead, and most importantly never give up. Merry Christmas Hiro.

Sincerely,

Abigail Callaghan

Hiro resisted the urge to cry, not out of sadness but joy. Abigail seemed to have the same wishes for him that his family had. Any doubts Hiro had about himself in the past were quickly disappearing more as each day passed. He gently closed the book and he hugged it close to his chest along with the stuffed fox. He was very happy.

"What nice gifts she sent you," Cass remarked. "Remember to send her a thank you card after Christmas."

"I will Aunt Cass," Hiro responded.

The Hamada woman nodded and then they moved onto the next gift, the last one. It had been left for last for a very good reason; it was Tadashi's present to Hiro. The elder Hamada brother couldn't wait for his younger brother to open it. And he couldn't wait to see the look on Hiro's face as he did so.

"Alright kiddo, this is the last one," Tadashi commented. "And it's for you too."

Hiro's ears and four tails popped out of their hiding places and they wagged a little in excitement. He placed his current gift on the side and stood up.

"Really, the last one is for me?" Hiro questioned.

Tadashi smiled at Hiro's childish tone and he nodded his head. He quickly took out the brightly wrapped present and placed it in front of Hiro. As soon as it was close to him the little boy looked at the tag and read it.

To: Hiro

Love: Your big brother Tadashi

Hiro smiled at the name and he noticed how big the gift was. He couldn't help but wonder what was inside, he then looked at his brother.

"What is it?" he asked.

Tadashi and Cass chuckled a little at the question and Tadashi motioned for the boy to open it.

"Open it and find out."

Hiro nodded his head and he wasted no time in ripping open the present, he was gentle though since he didn't want to damage the gift in any way. What caught Hiro's attention though as he opened it was the red casing. He had never seen anything like it before and it only peaked his interest even further. He finally took off the wrapping paper and the contents were revealed. There was a red case that was shaped like a cube. Hiro scanned it some more but he couldn't think what it was. Tadashi and Cass seemed to notice this and the woman gestured for Tadashi to show him. Tadashi quickly walked over to Hiro and gently plucked out a hair from his head.

"Ow!" Hiro exclaimed. "Dashi why did you-"

Hiro didn't have time to finish his sentence as the case started to move. Hiro's eyes widen and he jumped a little as the case opened and a large white figured popped out of it. Hiro let out a small gasp and he examined the figure. As stated before it was all white except for its eyes, at least to Hiro they looked like eyes. It also didn't have a nose or a mouth and it was very puffy, it looked like marshmallow mixed with a balloon. Needless to say Hiro was interested in the strange being and that was when it made its way over to him. As soon as it was close enough it put a hand in the air as if greeting him.

"Hello, I am Baymax, your personal healthcare companion," the robot introduced.

Hiro certainly wasn't excepting the figure to talk but he didn't back away from it, instead his ears and tails continued to wag with interested.

"I heard a sound of distress," Baymax stated. "What seems to be the trouble?"

Tadashi quickly stepped in and held Hiro's shoulders.

"There's no trouble Baymax, but I wanted to introduce to this little guy here," Tadashi stated. "Hiro, this is Baymax. Baymax this is Hiro."

That was when Baymax raised his hand again.

"Hello Hiro," Baymax greeted.

That was when Hiro raised his hand up and waved to the robot.

"H-hello," Hiro answered.

After that Hiro got a closer look and even touched Baymax. He smiled a little as he felt the squishy yet soft material. Tadashi and Cass chuckled at Hiro's actions and Cass wasted no time in taking more pictures of the moment. Hiro continued to smile as he felt the robot some more.

"He looks like a big marshmallow," Hiro commented and then he looked at Baymax. "No offense."

Baymax titled his head a little in confusion.

"I am a robot, I cannot be offended," Baymax said.

Hiro chuckled at the statement, he had just met the robot but he already liked him. That was when his aunt leaned beside Hiro.

"He's all yours sweetie," Cass said. "Your big brother made him especially for you."

Hiro turned to his brother with interest.

"Really?" Hiro asked.

Tadashi nodded his head.

"Yup, you inspired me kiddo. Do you remember the picture of that pumpkin you made during Halloween?" Tadashi questioned.

Hiro nodded and Tadashi pointed to Baymax's head.

"Doesn't Baymax's head and face look familiar?" he asked.

That was when Hiro looked at Baymax and examined his face closely. And sudden realization hit him as he stared at the puffy robot.

"The pumpkin… his face looks like the pumpkin," Hiro concluded.

"That's right, after you made that pumpkin I got inspired to make Baymax. You see ever since I was in college I wanted to create something that would help people… but I abandoned those plans because of the deaths of my parents," Tadashi explained and then he gave Hiro hopeful eyes. "But you… you Hiro… you inspired me to go back to that time. It's because of you that I was able to create Baymax. And that's why he's yours, he will always be there to help you whenever you need help or whenever you need a friend. Merry Christmas Hiro."

Hiro's eyes filled with tears over his brother's explanation, he couldn't believe that he indirectly helped his brother make this wonderful creation. He hugged his brother tightly and Tadashi hugged him back, their aunt took another picture of them and that was when Hiro turned his attention back to the robot. Hiro quickly went up to Baymax and hugged him too. Baymax was surprised by the sudden action but he recalled seeing the people do this right now. It seemed to help with their emotional state because he scanned Hiro and he could see that his neurotransmitter levels were elevated. This meant that he was happy, he was programed to be a health care companion and he was supposed to do what was best for his patient. And so he hugged the little boy and even patted his head.

"There, there," Baymax comforted.

The Hamada relatives looked surprised but it quickly turned into joy as they watched Hiro and Baymax getting along. They had just met and yet they were already growing their bond. Cass took another picture and she smiled over how wonderful this whole Christmas had turned out. She enjoyed seeing her youngest nephew smile and enjoying the occasion. What made the day even more special was that it was Hiro's first but certainly not last. Cass knew that this was only one of many Christmases that Hiro would spend with his family. Tadashi felt the same way, normally he avoided holidays like this because it wasn't the same after his parents died. But now he was finally able to enjoy them once again and this time he was with his family. They may have been a small family but size didn't matter, all that mattered what the love they had for each other.

That was when Tadashi and Cass joined in on the hug as did Mochi. Baymax and Hiro didn't mind as they continued to hug. The Hamada family was whole and they would always be whole. No matter how many years would pass their bonds and their love would always remain just as strong as it was now. They couldn't wait to create more memories together: Cass, Tadashi, Hiro, Mochi and Baymax. Together… forever.

And so the Hamadas continued to celebrate their Christmas, Baymax stayed activated all through the final hours. Christmas was coming to a close but it was just the beginning. They watched the last of the Christmas specials on television and they just relaxed together. Soon it was time for them to go to bed. However, they weren't going to their bed for tonight. Instead, they were going to sleep together in the living room. Cass brought out a futon big enough for all of them, Tadashi brought out the pillows and Hiro brought his three favorite stuffed animals, Bear Bear, Nanook and H.C. Baymax was deactivated for the night but Hiro placed him right by their makeshift bed. That was when Mochi joined their group as he waited for the futon to be made. And so the kitsune family were huddled together in the big futon. A large and fluffy blanket covered them and their heads rested on the soft pillows. Mochi jumped on top of the blanket and he curled into a ball. The family smiled at the cat.

"Goodnight Mochi," they said in unison.

Mochi meowed and yawned before shutting his eyes. That was when the Hamada relatives turned to each other.

"Goodnight Tadashi and Hiro," Cass said.

"Goodnight Aunt Cass," the boys replied.

And Hiro added one more person.

"Goodnight Baymax."

Despite being deactivated Baymax heard Hiro's sweet voice and wished him a goodnight as well, he wished all of the Hamada family a goodnight.

"Goodnight Baymax," Cass and Tadashi added.

With that the family closed their eyes and they enjoyed the warmth and closeness. Hiro smiled in his sleep as he dreamed of the wonderful events that happened today. He was grateful for his new life and he was grateful for the family who loved him and whom he loved back. He couldn't believe that he almost lost it all when he was taken. But he didn't have to worry about that anymore. He was here and he was with them.

Hiro knew that his past would always be a part of his life but he learned that he didn't have to be afraid of it anymore. He didn't have to run away from it either. Instead he chose to face it and he chose to leave it be. He had made peace with his late father and his living mother, he knew that his forgiveness did not excuse their actions but at least he could say that he was moving forward. He had his past to thank for his future. And he was fine with that.

Hiro Takachiho may have been the past but Hiro Hamada was the future. And Hiro Hamada was here to stay. Forever.

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