"H-How are you here?" Fred stammers out after his initial shock passes, a million questions coming flooding into his mind. "Y-You can't be here, you're a comic book character! You're from a fictional world, you're not real! U-Unless… Unless you really are real, and you've been in this world the whole time and it's just been a secret? Oh my gosh, are all of you real but you guys have been fighting the bad guys so secretly that no one has ever seen you? Is everything that's happened in the comics really real?!"
"Whoa, slow down there, son," Mr. Lee interrupts with a wry smile. "Take a deep breath and give us half a second to answer all those questions before you ask any more."
Fred obediently slowly inhales and then exhales, nodding to show that he was ready to listen (at least until he had enough information to base more questions on.)
"Regarding Tadashi and the rest of Big Hero 6 being real, yes, they are real," Mr. Lee says, seeming to be thinking his words over. "But it's not quite as simple as it sounds. It's a bit of a complicated situation, one that has to do with the 'gift' that my family has that I was referring to. Have you ever read a story that was so incredibly realistic, the world and characters so believable, that it didn't seem possible that one person had just come up with it out of their imagination?"
Not sure if he was actually allowed to speak yet, Fred just nods in response, trying to absorb everything that he was being told.
"In some cases-most cases, in fact-that is exactly how it works. A particularly brilliant writer just comes up with a world and writes it down and that's that," Mr. Lee continues. "But in some cases, these stories end of becoming more than just stories. They become real places-not in our world, but in their own separate universes, or whatever you want to call them-and a very lucky few authors are able to actually create doorways to these worlds and not only visit but alter the course of events in them if they so choose."
"S-Seriously?" Fred bursts out in spite of his best efforts. "You just write a world and it-appears?"
"Well, that part is a bit unclear," Mr. Lee answers, glancing up at Tadashi who, Fred noticed, was frowning slightly. "It is possible, but it is just as likely that the world already existed long before the author ever writes about it. It could be that the writer somehow subconsciously becomes aware of another world and is able to write about the events that are currently happening or have happened in the past there. The main thing that we do know is that, if the author is able to make their way into the world they have been writing about, for some reason they are able to make changes to the world and alter the course of events if they need to. That is one of the reasons that this gift has to be handled very carefully-in the wrong hands, an author can be tempted to play god and completely upset the balance of the world. You've probably seen cases of this without realizing it in book or comic series where the plots later in the story seem forced or completely out of character-"
"Wait, hold on a minute!" Fred puts up his hands to signal for Mr. Lee to stop talking. "T-This is a lot for me to process…."
"Of course," Mr. Lee says with an apologetic smile. "I do realize that this is a lot to take in. I want to make sure that I explain everything thoroughly, but please don't be afraid to stop me if I'm going too fast or if you need something explained more clearly."
"So… What you're trying to say," Fred finally says after mulling all of this over for a minute, "is that writers aren't really coming up with these stories and worlds-they're just writing down events that have actually happened in another world?"
"That is one theory, yes," Mr. Lee agrees before seeming to contemplate Fred's expression. "You look disappointed."
"Well, y-yeah," Fred answers. "I mean, don't get me wrong-I know that it still takes a lot of skill to write those events down well. But it's not as cool as knowing that you came up with the story all on your own…"
"As I said, we don't know for sure that's how it works," Mr. Lee tells him with an understanding smile. "And, beyond that, all stories have to come from somewhere-there is nothing new under the sun, I believe is the old phrase, and even it you take away the theory that these worlds existed before an author wrote about them, isn't almost every story inspired by another story or real events that have happened in this world?"
"I suppose that is true," Fred agrees after considering those words.
"So it's not as unlike inventing a world and a story of your own as all that. And, as I said, the author isn't completely without influence on the story-he or she or they may take take control of the story as needed or as inspiration strikes them. That is what makes this gift so marvelous but also such a great responsibility," Mr. Lee continues.
"I think that makes sense," Fred agrees, slowly nodding and feeling slightly better about the whole situation.
"An author may also take a more active role in the stories if they wish to be more than merely observers," Mr. Lee tells Fred with a smile. "Mostly we choose to remain side characters or help from the background. But I did spend a number of years taking a rather active role in the events of San Fransokyo-still do, on occasion, although for the most part Magnet Man has gone into retirement."
"W-Wait, you were Magnet Man?" Fred cries-he had been completely unprepared for that revelation.
"Yes, I was and still am," Mr. Lee chuckles. "Which leads us to the reason I asked all of the entrants to the scholarship program to create their own original character. I feel the best way for the next author of the story to gain experience with the world and to observe the events that are going on so that they can write about them is to get some boots-on-the-ground, first hand experience."
"Hold on! You're telling me that you want me to become a superhero?!" Fred gasps.
"If you're willing, yes," Mr. Lee agrees with a genial smile.
"Being a superhero… It's been my dream since I was a little kid," Fred whispers, still in total shock. "But h-how would that even be possible?"
"Well, if you decide to take up the mantle of continuing the story, you could write yourself whatever powers you want within the scope of the world," Mr. Lee answers.
"Or," Tadashi cuts in, for the first time since the beginning of the conversation interrupting Mr. Lee, "you've also got a teen genius available who's already made six superhero suits and would be happy to help you out with making one of your own. I actually already had Hiro take a look at your submission story, and he's come up with some sketches of a suit that he thinks would be exactly what you're looking for, although of course he said that you would have final approval on the designs, just like the rest of us did on our suits."
"Y-You guys want me to be a part of Big Hero 6?" Fred stammers, melting under Tadashi's warm, eager gaze.
"We've all come to the consensus that that would be the easiest way to bring you into the story, yes," Mr. Lee agrees. "We could introduce you as Magnet Man's son, or ward, depending on what you're most comfortable with, which would be a good tie-in to introduce you to the rest of the team and get you some experience out in the field before you're fully brought on with them. And if you're attending school at San Fransokyo State-I'd recommend the San Fransokyo Institute of Technology where the rest of the team goes, but I think you'd be more comfortable a school that focuses on the arts rather than on science and engineering-you'll still be within walking distance of where the rest of the team goes to school and you'll able to interact with them outside of superhero work as well."
"That sounds incredible…" Fred breathes before suddenly something that Mr. Lee had just said clicks. "Wait, attending school at San Fransokyo State? I-I go to San Francisco State.. Unless you mean…?"
"Ah yes, the last part of all of this that I need to explain to you, and the point which may be the deciding factor of whether you decide you want to take on this role or not," Mr. Lee says with a wry smile. "I find that, in order to make sure that I am recording the story as accurately and authentically as possible, I need to spend as much time as possible living in the world of the story. In taking on the mantle of becoming the next writer of Big Hero 6, I would be asking you to move to San Fransokyo as well."
Seeing the slack-jawed expression on Fred's face, he quickly continues, "You don't need to worry about your accommodations or schooling! With my connections, I can easily get your course credits transferred from your current school to San Fransokyo State so that you can finish your schooling there-I completely understand how important your education is to you. And there is plenty of space in my house in San Fransokyo for you to live there as well-I'll make sure that you have plenty of privacy, and if eventually you'd like a place of your own I'm happy to help with that as well. I just think that it might be wisest, until you're more acclimated to the world, to live with me so that you'll have a safe haven and someone to come to if things become too overwhelming or confusing. My home is also the one building in San Fransokyo that has a direct link to this world in case you ever need to step out for a breather-although most of the world of San Fransokyo is very similar to ours, I know that it can be a bit overwhelming at first."
"Well? What do you think?" Tadashi prompts when Fred still fails to answer. Somewhere in the back of his mind Fred dully realizes that Tadashi hadn't let go of his hand since they'd first been introduced, and he was now squeezing it gently, his eyes full of so much hope that Fred wasn't sure he could have turned him down even if he hadn't already decided to accept what was undoubtedly a dream come true. All of this sounded completely insane and impossible, and chances were that this was some horrible, elaborate prank that was going to end up all over the internet by the end of the night. But if there was even the slightest possibility that all of this could be real, how could he pass up the opportunity to live the life he'd been dreaming of since he was eight instead of the hell that he'd been existing in for the last nineteen years of his life?
"Y-Yes," Fred finally says, his throat so clogged with emotion that he wasn't sure that the others had been able to hear him.
But apparently Tadashi had, because the other teen's face lights up as he cries, "You will?"
"O-Of course I will!" Fred answers, fighting back the tears that had somehow sprung to his eyes without his even noticing. "T-Thank you so much, to both of you! This is… This is everything I could have ever wanted…"
"You don't have to fully commit yet," Mr. Lee tells him, his tone cautious although Fred could clearly see the relief on his face. "I'd like for you to come visit San Fransokyo first, to see if you feel comfortable there before asking you to fully move in. I don't want you to feel rushed into this-it is a big decision, and one I know that you won't want to take lightly."
"S-Sure," Fred agrees, although the truth was he had absolutely no doubt what his decision would be, no matter how the visit went. Almost his entire life had been spent in misery and uncertainty-as a foster kid with no family, he'd had no one to support his dreams and ambitions, and he'd known that the best possible outcome for him would most likely be living out his days alone, working a dead-end job to pay the bills, and maybe if he was very fortunate eventually his writing might bring him some small notoriety. But here he was being offered not only the chance to chronicle the future of the world that he loved so much, but to live in it and to be a part of it. Better yet, he was going to be a mother freaking superhero!
"If you and your employers are willing," Mr. Lee says, breaking into his thoughts, "I'd like to take you back with me tonight. If you have a vehicle of your own you can follow me in it, and if not I'm more than happy to give you a ride. It's a bit late to take you on a tour of the city tonight, but you would be more than welcome to stay at my home for the night-I believe I have everything on hand that you'll need for an overnight stay-and then tomorrow we can show you around the city properly."
"I don't have a car, so riding over with you would be great," Fred answers, quickly trying to think through his list of responsibilities for the next day. "And I'm not scheduled to work tomorrow, so it shouldn't be a problem for me to stay over either."
"Wonderful!" Mr. Lee beams at him. "In that case, I'll go speak with your manager to see if he'll allow you to leave work a little early if your shift isn't over already. And if he does have any qualms, we'll gladly wait for you until you're finished."
"S-Sounds good," Fred agrees with a somewhat shaky nod-he still couldn't believe that all of this was really happening to him.
"I'll be back directly," Mr. Lee says, standing and starting to head towards the door. "Tadashi, do you mind keeping an eye on Fred until I get back?"
"Not at all," Tadashi answers, with perhaps a bit more enthusiasm than was necessary.
"Thank you." Mr. Lee gives him what Fred thought seemed an oddly cautious look before heading out into the main shop, closing the door to the break room behind him as he went.
"So-how are you holding up?" Tadashi asks Fred as soon as Mr. Lee was gone, quickly claiming the seat across from him and, Fred couldn't help but notice, still adamantly holding onto his hand as if for some reason he was afraid to let go of it at this point.
"I-It's a lot to process," Fred admits. "But in a good way, I guess?" Oh great, his words were all starting to turn to mush without Mr. Lee there to provide a buffer between him and the guy he'd had a major crush on for the better part of eleven years.
"I can imagine." Tadashi gives him a sympathetic smile. "I probably felt the same way you're feeling now when I learned the truth about Mr. Lee myself-although of course back then I just knew him as Magnet Man, a mostly retired superhero who sometimes stepped in to help the team. I never understood until he explained it all to me how he knew exactly when we needed his help. Now I still don't fully understand it, but it makes much more sense than it did back then."
"How did you find out?" Fred asks, curiosity getting the better of him.
"Mr. Lee actually approached me himself eventually," Tadashi answers. "He tried to approach Hiro first, as the leader of the team, but Hiro didn't trust him long enough to sit down with him for a long conversation so he tried me next. I'm the one of us who knows that most about all of this-I guess you could say I'm the only one who's willing to listen this much. I don't think it's easy for the others to hear about this whole 'author' business-heck, it's not easy for me sometimes. But I'd rather know exactly what I'm dealing with than live in ignorance-that's just the way I am, I suppose-and it has been interesting getting to experience parts of your world."
"How does that work, exactly?" Fred presses, losing some of his nervousness in the interest of the conversation. "You guys coming over to here from your world, I mean?"
"It can only happen with Mr. Lee's permission, since he's the author," Tadashi explains. "It seems a bit unfair sometimes, but, then again, I suppose too much unrestricted crossing over might cause problems, and no one from your world can come to our world without permission either so it all evens out in the end."
"Gotcha." Fred nods, processing that information before voicing the question that had been bothering him ever since he'd first seen Tadashi today. "Y-You are the guy that I always see with Mr. Lee at conventions, right?"
"I am," Tadashi confirms with a smile. "I'm the one who crosses over the most. Most of the others don't really come here that often, even though now they know about as much as I do. Some of them haven't come over at all, like Wasabi-he's tried, but in the end he's always too scared to go through with it, poor guy." Tadashi shakes his head sympathetically.
"So, why do you keep coming over?" Fred asks. "I mean, San Francisco isn't near as cool as San Fransokyo!"
"I guess a part of me is curious to learn about everything over here," Tadashi muses thoughtfully before looking Fred right in the eyes and saying, "And of course I used every excuse that I possibly could to come over here in hopes that I might get to see you."
"S-See me?" Fred stammers, his cheeks burning at the intensity of Tadashi's gaze and what his words seemed to suggest, in spite of the impossibility that what his mind was suggesting could be a reality. "W-Why would you want to see me?"
"You know, you got one thing right in your story that no one else did," Tadashi says in an off-handed tone, for a moment seeming to be avoiding answering his question directly. "I am absolutely and incredibly gay."
"Oh my God, I thought so!" Fred cries, elated to find that he had been right for all of these years. But then his brain helpfully chooses to point out why exactly he'd included his headcanon in the story in the first place and he gasps in horror.
"Oh no…" he whispers, his cheeks flushing bright red and shame washing over him in a hot wave as he remembers a particularly romantic scene that he'd written between Fredzilla and Sunfire.
"There's nothing to be ashamed of!" Tadashi quickly says when he sees Fred ducking his head to hide his burning cheeks.
"Y-Yes there is…" Fred quietly moans. "Oh my God, I'm so sorry, I never would have written that scene if I'd known you would be reading the story-I didn't even know you were a real person at the time!"
"But were the feelings real, even if you didn't know that I was real?" Tadashi asks, his eyes going wide with earnestest.
"W-What?" Fred gapes at him in shock-this wasn't how he was expecting the conversation to go.
"Do you really feel that way about me?" Tadashi asks, his voice somewhat hurried as he glances towards the door at the sound of approaching footsteps. "I-I need to know if you feel the same way about me as I feel about y-"
"Well, that's all squared away!" Mr. Lee's cheerful, booming voice cuts off whatever Tadashi had been about to say as he opens the door and steps back inside, seeming completely oblivious to what he'd just interrupted. "You're free to go, Fred. Let's get heading for home!"