Archive of Our Own ^beta

Joe’s Diner has always been a special spot for Globby, long before he became this hot mess of chemicals mixed together, and he knows it will be so long after too. In some ways he was surprised they allowed him back around this place, as it was no secret what he had been up to the last couple of months. Frankly it had been surprising that this town let him walk around so freely, as even he wouldn’t have trusted someone like him to be all good now. He had his superhero friends to thank for that though, given the amount of pleading and explaining they did with the mayor, letting her know that without Globby, the city would have mostly been destroyed, toasted away by a dying star. 

So now he lived life walking on thin ice, but he kept a grateful smile on his face, holding his chin high like he always does. After all, living life as a miserable mess wasn’t how he wanted to spend it, and he was full of determination to prove his worth and better nature to the world, and to himself.

No longer would he be Dibs, the down on his luck thief, nor would he be the minion of Obake, the man who ruled the shadows once. He was Globby, and he would be a good person. Even if it took one step at a time, with some of those steps being a lot more casual than most would expect. 

Which was why he was sitting in his usual booth seat across from Felony Carl, vibrating with excitement as he ignored the wary stares sent his way, sliding over a now sticky sheet of paper. “Soooooo, how does it look?” Globby inquired as his best friend took the paper to read it over.

It was a draft of a work resume he had been crafting for a while now, ready to get back into the world of hard labour and earn an honest pay. Especially since he was feeling bad that Felony Carl had to pay both their rent for the time being. His friend said it was fine, knowing the struggling spot Globby was in right now, but the gelatinous man wouldn’t stand for this any longer. He couldn’t keep relying on other people around him to fix his mess he got himself into.

The rugged biker scanned over the resume, taking in the words printed across it, before eventually noting the goop and animal themed stickers plastered across it, partly hoping that Globby made sure to keep a clean copy on the computer. “Cutesy.” He finally grumbled in his normal nonchalant tone, rubbing a thumb along the big eyed rabbit sticker.

“Well, Honey Lemon helped me write it up!” Globby clasped his hands together, a vivid squishy sound heard. His bright eyes looked over the paper when Felony Carl turned it back around to face him. “She said the stickers added character to it. But you’re probably right, it might be a bit much.” He mused, able to read the truth behind what his friend was probably suggesting.

The dynamic between these two men was oh so fascinating to think about, how they simply got one another without any fear of miscommunication. Globby always heard the unspoken tone or words Felony Carl meant to suggest, and Felony Carl could give Globby needed nudges without taking away the wheel of control from Globby’s life, like when you give your child that last push before they rolled away on their bike on their own. 

Admittedly things did get a little tense during the time Globby ran off to do super villain work for Obake. Originally Felony Carl didn’t think too much of it, mostly because Globby himself didn’t know the full extent of who Obake was, and what he was capable of. Plus, it’s not like Felony Carl hasn’t done strange odd jobs for bad people himself, having connections across the city. But when the news broadcasted more and more of Globby's more dangerous crimes, the two didn’t know how to speak to each other, with Globby being more distant over time. Not because he was upset with his friend, but because he got so caught up in how great it felt to be important and strong. 

His best friend had tried to talk to him about slowing things down, stepping back and regarding where Globby was heading in life, but the walking jello didn’t think it was that bad, or perhaps he simply didn’t want to acknowledge it. Though Felony Carl was never truly worried that Globby wouldn’t move onto something better, he knew his friend too well to know he had a soft heart underneath, and was frankly too much of a dork to be a world-ender kind of supervillain. It had been a good day for the man when he saw Globby on TV helping the superheroes save the day, and welcomed him back with open arms when Globby stumbled into his house asking for a place to stay, given the unknown state of his original employer. 

And now instead of going back to his previous way of failed larceny, Globby instead wanted to become a model citizen. “Oh, it’s so exciting to do job interviews. I don’t know why I quit pursuing them for a life of thievery.” He mindlessly gushed as he took the paper back from his friend, pressing it against his chest, uncaring how it almost vanished inside of him.

Felony Carl merely nodded. “Hopefully it all goes well for you.”

A sweet smile pulled at Globby’s drippy face. “Thanks, Felony Carl.” He sighed softly, staring at his friend with quiet hope, taking an inner moment to note how eyes were still on him. “You’ve always had faith in me.”

He knows none of this is going to be easy, a regular life after trying to be a villain was one thing, but to do so with a body and mentality not like others around him? It was a fight to both do the normal things people do, while admitting to the fact you will never fit in. It was sometimes hard to believe this all started because of the one purse he somehow successfully stole one evening. He can only hope Honey Lemon made sure to never let something like that happen again.

He did think back to his superhero friends for a moment. Honey Lemon had been in his corner for a long time, and since day one of his turnaround has been leaning a hand everytime she can. He doesn’t know if it’s because of her naturally sweet and loving nature, or because she still feels responsible for what happened to him, despite the talks they’ve had about it. Fred has been rather chill about him, and is very eager to explore Globby’s powers further, along with endless talks about the reformed villain trope that confused Globby half the time. Wasabi and Gogo are a little more wary of him, for good reason, but they have been accepting and haven’t at least hauled him off to a prison cell like he expected. 

And then there was Hiro and Baymax. The robot was fairly simple and easy to please, often congratulating Globby on doing a good job and offering a lollipop that he always accepted. The kid though, he was a hard one to know. He’s friendly towards Globby, and doesn’t throw uncertain glares his way, but there was something about how straight forward he communicated with the ex-foe that made it clear something else was going on. Like he didn’t want to spend too much time around him and needed to leave the room without seeming suspicious. It’s not hard to imagine why though, but Globby hadn’t found a good moment to brooch the subject. Hence why he was figuring out different parts of his life currently. 

That being said, he certainly needed to work on his scheduling, his glowing eyes spying the nearby clock. Seeing the time, he acted a smidge dramatically as he jumped up, slapping his gooey hands on the table. “Is it really that late?!” Felony Carl didn’t even flinch, but patrons around them snapped their heads around to look at him, spooked by his yelling. Giving a sheepish smile, Globby hissed out. “Sorryyyy…”

A few gave him a dirty look, but they went back to trying to ignore him as they ate their rather late night food. Quickly, Globby shoved the resume into his bag, which was also filled with unintentional goo, slipping it over his shoulder as he plucked himself from the booth.

“I should get some sleep. Gotta get myself into a good sleeping habit if I’m to get a job!” He cheered to his friend, giving eager thumbs up as he seemed so proud about doing the most basic of things a person could do.

As Globby spun around and made his way out of Joe’s Diner, he did faintly hear Felony Carl say. “Do you even need to sleep?” But he was already out the door.

Even the late nights of San Fransokyo were still full of energy and colour, lights blaring as if to compete with the moon and its stars. Trains, cars and other such vehicles were still chugging along the dark hours, even if most people had gone home to rest. It was a city that never slept, and he could still see individuals wandering the streets for one reason or another. Many didn’t look pleased that they had to be awake still, while others were either giggling messes leaving random parties, or were just about to enter one despite the time. Globby could always appreciate the kind of character this city was, never seeming boring. 

Though even the seemingly quieter times of this place wasn’t enough to disguise him from those that still walked around, a few concerned glances sent his way, but he wouldn’t let that stop him. He was ready to hop into bed and curl up in a cosy blanket, maybe even spoil himself with some tea or hot chocolate beforehand. 

With big prideful steps, Globby hummed to himself as he sauntered down the pathway, dancing around some thoughts in his head about how tomorrow will be like, along with some updates he should add to his resume. There was a brief moment where he walked by two young ladies, one carrying their clearly drunk friend. The sober one raised a brow at him, while the other one simply giggled and waved an uncoordinated hand at the blob, and he gave a polite wave back, a little amused at the sight as the more aware lady dragged her friend across to the other side of the street away from him.

He didn’t take it to heart though, and simply pressed on, zig zagging a few streets. He thought about getting a train or trolley, maybe even swinging around with his powers, but a good stroll every now and again was a lovely experience.

And if he had taken those other options, he might not have been in the right place at the right time.

Because as he turned a corner, casually glancing up to read a blaring billboard that caught his attention, his eyes caught sight of something else, someone very familiar. Standing by the billboard was the youngest of Big Hero 6, Hiro in his uniform staring out at the city in an unmoving stance, arms crossed as he was seemingly thinking about something, his face scrunched in a subconscious frown from what Globby could see, not helped that the kid was wearing his helmet. He was bathed in the lights of the billboard, hues shifting when it switched to a different advertisement. He hadn’t spotted Globby, his body turned in a side profile as he didn’t seem to be paying too much focus on anything currently. 

“Huh…” Globby hummed to himself, blinking as he tilted his head, little droplets collected on the pavement.

A couple of months ago he wouldn’t have questioned such a sight, but ever since befriending the crew he’s had more of an insight on how they operate, including their schedules and methods. Today he knew no one should have seen any of them beyond Fred, since Honey Lemon mentioned to him in passing that her and the others at SFIT were trying to catch up on some school projects, and would probably need to skip a few nights of patrol this week. 

Sure, maybe Hiro was suddenly dealing with a problem that just popped up, like Yama doing some late night dealings that had to be taken care of, it wasn’t that strange. But the oddest part that sent alarm bells to Globby was the fact the kid was alone. He knew very well his team never liked leaving him alone, something they have been more paranoid about since the Obake debacle. He was always with Baymax, and sometimes at least another member of the team. Globby couldn’t even see Fred, who never missed out on a mission.

Globby gave the benefit of the doubt and waited a minute, half expecting Baymax or one of the others to appear from perhaps scouting the area, but no one ever showed up. Hiro didn’t even move the entire time, and did nothing that suggested he might be on call with someone. The most he did was slightly look up one moment, before looking back down at the streets. He seemed so ghostly, as if he wasn’t there.

Pursing his nonexistent lips, Globby squinted in confusion. “Strange, seems very late for a patrol to still be happening. And where’s the big guy?” He looked around again, as if Baymax would magically appear out of thin air.

Even if something was going down, something important Hiro needed to work on, Globby had to wonder what would drag him out here late into the night. The SFIT students were trying to be more careful about how much sleep time they ate up, especially given how young Hiro was. 

Eventually Hiro did finally move, reaching into his back pocket to pull out his phone, which was almost hard to spot in his massive gloved hands. Globby watched how the boy simply stared at it, clearly debating on something, but it was hard for the man to know exactly what he was looking at on the screen, as at such a distance it was simply a blaring light, painting Hiro’s face through the visor. Keeping his eyes on the phone, the boy turned and wandered around the roof absent-mindedly. For a second Globby thought maybe he was about to leave, maybe call Baymax to swoop in and fly them home, but nothing else happened. 

It started to really hit Globby that something was wrong. It was strange behaviour he couldn’t ignore, though he did hesitant on what to do. His first thought was to call the kid’s friends to come and collect him, because if he truly was alone it wouldn’t be good to leave the young superhero on his own incase there is danger nearby. But given the kid was apparently wandering about on his own by his own choice, Globby figured the last thing Hiro wanted was his friends to bother him.

Of course the next best step would be for himself to go up there and check on the teenager, but the thought of that made Globby grimace. Again, he and Hiro currently had an odd relationship, so there was no saying how he’d react to Globby of all people asking how he was doing. But he couldn’t find it in him to simply walk away.

Frowning to himself, he rubbed his head in frustration. “Oh, come on Globby. Just talk to the kid.” He switched his gloopy arms to rest on his hips. “I shouldn’t really leave him alone like this either.”

He was the adult here after all, and given how much he was priding himself on responsibility recently, he knew it was the right thing to do. So making up his mind, he glanced around before using his powers to make his way onto the rooftops. When it made it to the same location as Hiro, landing quietly, he saw the kid with his back to Globby, eyes glued to his phone as he stood on the other end of the roof. He somehow didn’t hear the man, even with the distinctive squishing sounds he made.

Tapping his foot for a moment, Globby juggled around a few words, opening up his mouth here and there before getting caught in his thoughts. Eventually he just shrugged and held a waving hand up. “Hey-!”

His voice breaking the silence apparently freaked Hiro out, the boy jumping within his suit as he yelped, before snapping his worry towards his phone that slipped out of his hand like soap. He almost had to throw himself forward and he fumbled around trying to catch the darn thing. When he got a good grip, he flicked around with wide eyes, a hand raised up as he looked like he was about to fight Globby, on his own. 

“Woah, woah!” Globby raised his arms, waving them as a sign of peace. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t realise approaching you from behind was probably the worst move to make.” The man sputtered, kicking himself for nearly giving the kid a heart attack.

Quickly realising who he was staring at, Hiro lowered his hand and gave a perplexed look. “Globby?” The way he said the name, it was like he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him.

“Why do you say my name like that as if I’m not the only slime monstrosity walking around?” Globby rested a hand on his chest, puzzled by Hiro’s tone.

A cautious flicker appeared in Hiro, confusion vanishing from him as he stood straight, looking Globby up and down. He could see a debate forming in the kid’s mind, no doubt planning his next steps carefully as he hadn’t expected to be caught out here by anyone, much less the man who was once their enemy. Globby noted how his eyes quietly darted to the side, as if Hiro thought he could just run from this, but clearly tossed that idea away as he sighed and settled himself, slipping his phone back into his pocket.

The way he looked at Globby wasn’t out of a suspicious fear the man would do something harmful, but more that he very much didn’t want to talk to anyone at the moment, much less someone he didn’t even know if he could call a friend. It was more tired annoyance that grasped at Hiro, a stance not unfamiliar with Globby when it came to this kid.

Hiro rubbed the back of his head, or well, helmet, glancing away from Globby. “Sorry, I ah, guess I was lost in thought for a moment.” He cleared his throat, knowing fully well this was a lousy excuse.

It couldn’t even fool Globby. “Seems a little more than a moment, kid.” He rolled his hand, stating the obvious as Hiro shot him a frown. Barely reacting to it, Globby casually asked as he looked around the city. “Are the others around? I know Honey Lemon mentioned she had a big presentation tomorrow so I imagine she went to get some beauty sleep.” He offered a chuckle and smile, but it fell when seeing Hiro’s face twist in something more pitiful.

Rubbing his arms awkwardly, Hiro turned away from Globby. “No, it’s um, just me tonight.”

Globby blinked. “Just you and Baymax?”

Hiro didn’t respond, simply stepping forward as he swung his legs over the edge of the roof, taking a seat to gaze out at the city below. His posture was limp, energy zapped from him and the message was very clear to Globby.

“Just you…” He murmured.

It appears his instincts were right for once. He was already beginning to wonder how Hiro made it all the way out here onto a rooftop on his own, as they were nowhere near the Lucky Cat Cafe. But he halted himself from dribbling out a series of questions that he would have wasted time on. Hiro was a smart kid, and that was putting it lightly. Him being out here alone, in his superhero outfit no less, was a big red flag that kept waving in front of Globby’s face. So whatever was going on needed more tact.

After a few long seconds where neither said anything, Globby made his way over, Hiro hearing the squelching of his slimy feet as he came closer. Hiro rolled his head over his shoulder to raise a brow at Globby, clearly expecting to get a berate of questions thrown his way, but was surprised when Globby began to take a seat next to him, uncaring to the little droplets of goo dripping down to the street below.

Hiro raised his hands, debating if he was about to shuffle away or not. “What are you doing?” He cautiously asked.

Globby shrugged, offering a pressed smile. “Sitting.”

The boy lowered his arms, but did raise a brow as he gave Globby an uncertain side eye. “Why?”

Globby in turn raised his own brow, challenging the teenager’s attitude. “Well for starters, I don’t think a kid should be alone on the streets, even you. And second…” He fiddled with his fingers, trying to come across as the least intimidating way as he could. “I think you could use a friend to talk to. You seem a little…moody?” He offered, giving a very forced grin.

Seems that might not have been the right thing to say, as Hiro’s frown furrowed harshly, looking like an angry cat now that took great offense from any comment thrown their way. Globby sucked in his lips, staring at nothing as he tried to recalculate the things he was going to say. He couldn’t exactly force the kid to stay and talk about his feelings, but he didn’t want to scare Hiro off if he had the potential to help whatever this was.

“Okay, maybe moody isn’t the right word.” Globby corrected himself, Hiro huffing as he rolled his eyes.

But he appeared to accept the fact that the man wasn’t leaving him be, so he rested his arms down to lean back on them. “You don’t have to sit here all night with me, Globby. I was just getting some air.” He did try to sound more laxed with a kinder tone, but there was an aura of something tense eating away at him, as if a part of him wanted the company, but didn’t have the strength to ask for it. 

Globby could recognise the teenage method of coming off like a jerk to put walls up to make the adults in your life leave you alone. Every kid did it at some point, and Hiro was all about attitude to get people off his case. It let Globby know that there was most likely a silent cry for help coming from Hiro, it was a matter of getting the boy to listen to it as well. 

Despite their odd stance with each other currently, Globby did at least know that the kid genius in front of him appreciated realism honesty more than false joy. So going against his normal ways of expression, Globby also relaxed in his posture as he gave a more softer gaze, painting his worries across his face.

“Kid, there's getting air, and then there's being far from your house, on the middle of a random rooftop, in your hero outfit. You frankly look like Batman watching over Gotham.” He paused, looking Hiro up and down before adding on. “But shorter.”

While he kept his calmer tone, he figured maybe one little crack could ease this conversation into a better direction. Thankfully Hiro didn’t take offence to it, but it almost seemed like he barely regarded Globby’s words, though his eyes betrayed him, emotions wavering within them as they reflected the city lights, mirroring the cold night in front of them.

Globby wasn’t a stranger to the fact that Hiro had a lot going on in his life, even beyond his normal superhero shenanigans, so it was hard to know what was the single thing that dragged Hiro out here today, and that was if it was simply one thing. For all Globby knew it would be a conglomerate of everything the boy has been through that was weighing him down tonight, so the man didn’t know where to start or how to get Hiro to open up.

But that didn’t mean he couldn’t at least try.  

Globby clasped his hands together, observing them as he mentally noted how the colours of the city bounced off of him. “Hiro…” He began, needing a second to find the right words. “Look, I am aware we’re not actually that close, I imagine calling us friends is a bit of a stretch. But I am genuinely worried here, I mean it.”

He figured if he pointed out the elephant in the room first it would make Hiro more willing to talk, and it seemed to have worked as the young hero finally looked back at Globby, his expression slack as if he didn’t know how to think and feel anymore. A stance that was always hard to read, and yet Globby still tried to.

The ball of slime then regarded the city, seeing a few people wander around, not noticing the pair that stood out. They were out in the open, and yet hidden from the people of the city. Something about that seemed eerily relatable. “And I know sometimes you want to prove you’re so strong you don't need other people fretting over you. Frankly it feels so easy to lie about how capable you actually are.” Globby mused, making it clear he wasn’t just talking about Hiro.

The kid’s face finally softened, as he couldn’t deny that he and Globby were in the same boat there. It seemed foolish to compare them, one a young superhero robotic genius, the other a monstrous pile of goo with a villain's history. And yet deep down they both loved admiration and feeling powerful, like they could reach for the stars and carry the world on their own. Neither liked feeling weak, especially when under the judgemental eyes of others. 

Back in his simple thievery days, Globby held a level of confidence that was really just ignorance and denial wearing a mask. Then when he became what he is now, and learnt many skills from his time working with Obake, there was still a part of him that struggled with the notion he still couldn’t do things alone. Even now, trying to work out his life, he needed help, but he didn’t see himself as a fool for doing so, even with confliction watching him still.

As he observed Hiro next to him, he thought about how it took him a while to recognise this trait in the boy too. After all, Hiro was much more capable than him half the time, and could do things most adults could only dream of achieving. But that led to many failing to remember that Hiro was still just a kid, with the whole world watching him to see what he’d do next. It's the kind of pressure no one should have to deal with.

So maybe, just maybe, letting Hiro talk to someone who understood the idea of pressure, would make him feel comfortable confronting what dilemma haunted him tonight.

“But if you just want to, I don’t know, vent?” Globby shrugged, leaning in a little as he gave a more real smile. “Then I’m all ears. Or, well, hmmmm, all gloop?” He playfully formed a comically large ear on one side of his face, successfully getting Hiro to smile as well, even if he seemed so tired doing so.

The smile didn’t last for long though, something more sombre drawing along Hiro’s face, poring over the streets as he took one last second to debate with himself on if he wanted to reveal his thoughts to Globby. Some would argue he should really talk to his friends and family first, but the truth was that this was a question only the man next to him could answer. Given his eyes had seen what Hiro himself bare witness to once. 

It took a lot for him to talk, his throat suddenly feeling dry as he forced the words out of himself. “Globby, did you know that Obake wanted to…” He couldn’t help but falter when speaking that man’s name, eyes unfocusing for a moment as Globby seemed surprised at the mention of his ex-employer. But Hiro managed to finish his question. “Wanted to kidnap me?”

“Oh.” Was all Globby could respond with at first.

It shouldn’t be shocking that Hiro would one day talk to him about the figure who nearly destroyed San Fransokyo, and yet it did. Gloddy did have the feeling for a long while that Hiro had been avoiding what happened for a while now, and not just with Globby. He had seen minor moments within the group where one would off-handley mention their old enemy, with Hiro going quiet, changing the subject, or getting a bit too serious with his tone. Even now it seems like Obake has been haunting him still, and Globby didn’t need to be a genius to know the whys.

But it was only fair he answered the question, or any question Hiro had about Obake for that matter. It's not like these secrets were worth guarding anymore, and if it could bring some peace to Hiro, then who was Globby to deny him that?

So he thought back on his memories, recalling many moments and talks he had with Obake, and the way he saw the man shift and change every time they communicated. His old boss had been quite the challenge to be around, not in the sense Globby was uncomfortable working for him half the time, but in the sense he never knew what end game Obake was aiming for. The villain’s plans were a twisted mess, designed that way so no one could predict him, a trail left so that if anyone tried to follow it, they would get lost pretty easily. 

Rolling around what used to be his tongue, Globby squinted his eyes as he recounted a few things. “Truthfully I wasn’t sure what his angle with you was for the longest time. Originally I figured you were all equal targets, or that he was trying to take you out since you were the leader.” He rested his head on his shoulder, popping his mouth as he pieced a few things together.

He could remember every task, every call, and every time he hung around Obake. How eerily calm he could be, unphased by even Globby’s mishaps as he always expected them, or could at least work around them. It taught Globby to be wary of those that seemed so patient in the face of chaos, as they knew something he didn’t.

When it came to Obake’s view of Big Hero 6, Globby always felt a twist in his stomach when recalling the times he caught Obake talking about them, or quietly detailing new notes onto their files on his massive looming screen. Truthfully Globby figured this was reasonable behaviour in some sense, who wouldn’t want to write down notes that were meant to help deal with any pests that tried to get in your way? Seemed like regular super villain behaviour to him, a standard in any pop culture he witnessed, even if Globby didn’t partake in that chore himself.

Had he subconsciously ignored the way that Obake started making more notes in Hiro’s file compared to the others? Had he blinded himself whenever Obake seemed to take glee in seeing Hiro’s victories on the news? Did he not care enough when he saw the bitter frigid look Obake gave as he replayed security videos of that Granville woman talking to Hiro?

The warning signs had been there, and yet Globby danced around them without a care in the world.

That sick feeling didn’t leave him as he explained to Hiro. “But I think I did recognise overtime that the test he put on you wasn’t meant to defeat you. But rather understand that brain of yours.”

It didn't escape him how Hiro clearly shivered at that, doing his best to remain professional and sturdy as he listened to Globby. It made him want to stop, but he knew the kid deserved to hear this, to make sense of what happened, and to settle some of the demons that stuck around

“Though I didn’t think about it too hard.” Globby chided himself, upset over who he used to be as he allowed a thick frown to form. “Back then I didn’t think too hard about a lot of what I was doing. I guess I just saw his business as his business until he had me get involved here and there.” He limply rolled his hand, a light scoff in his tone.

When the mysterious man contacted him about stealing some things here and there, Globby had jumped at the opportunity, especially at the idea that someone saw him worthy enough to be hired. Taking things was his whole shtick, and Obake didn’t actually need to offer him a whole lot beyond some payment and attention. Anytime he got more calls for odd jobs later, he was right back in Obake’s hands without a second thought, to the point he doesn’t even know when he exactly became an official part of the team.

But then things started changing, subtly. It was still just thievery for a while, but what Obake wanted got more complicated or just seemed strange, things no normal supervillain would seek out. Then came the tests he did on Globby, with his consent of course, learning about his creature abilities, how to improve them, and learning other things he never fully explained to Globby. He can still remember some of the odd comments Obake made in passing, that in hindsight he should have been more cautious about.

And then came the time where he didn’t ask Globby to steal something, instead to fill Hiro’s head with ideas. To make the boy feel self conscious and weak, that he was a burden on his team because he was the most helpless alone. It had been so easy to make Hiro feel like he had to be more, and that was because Obake knew the kid already had these insecurities, he just brought them to the surface through Globby. 

At the time Globby did ask questions about it, but not in a pressing manner like he should have. Instead he just rationalised with himself, saying he didn’t need to know what Obake was up to, that it was all probably just generic supervillain nonsense. Not like he had a point of reference to understand this way of life, given he hadn’t been in the business that long. 

Though even someone as dense as him knew how to complete a simple puzzle. “There was one night though that it really clicked for me.” Globby confided, Hiro twitching his brows up with curiosity. “In hindsight, it was all stupidly obvious."

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“You want me to go to that Krei dude’s creepy secret warehouse?” Globby repeated, tilting his head as he looked up at the burning green of the computer screen.

Everytime he got a call to come down to see Obake now, he didn’t know what to expect. His boss has been making odd demands lately, not helped by his noticeable eagerness as it appeared his grand plan was coming together. Globby still didn’t know what that grand plan was, but he figured he’d benefit from it in the end. He had been a good little minion after all.

Said boss was taking his usual stance, standing tall with his hands folded behind his back, a proud smirk along his lips as Globby mentally questioned if this man ever slept. He doesn’t even recall a time he’s seen him outside of this room, despite Globby having moved into this underground secret base recently. 

“Yes, I know you’re quite familiar with it.” Obake mused, a light rib towards Globby’s backstory that the mass of slime took no offense too. “I have faith you will be able to find what I am looking for.” Like magic, Obake raised a hand and swiped the air, his computer reacting as it plastered a few images for them to both view.

Globby scanned over them, seeing they were mostly images of that warehouse, including blueprints to it, notes giving suggestions on where to look for said mysterious item. Apparently he was supposed to find a secure briefcase, but Obake didn’t exactly say what was within the briefcase. Then again that wasn’t unusual, as he didn’t tell Globby that he wanted the City Rising painting because of what remained under it. 

A couple of months ago Globby would already be out that door and getting this man his prize, but as time has gone on he’s been questioning his surroundings, even if that confused voice is rather quiet in the back of his head. Maybe he was also hesitating because of some talks he had with Felony Carl recently, about not being fooled by the first villain giving him the attention he craved. 

So for once, Globby allowed his caution to speak for him. “Not that I don’t think I’m great, because I am very much so.” He said, taking one last look at the screen before regarding Obake again, his employer raising a light though not annoyed brow. “But why send me alone?”

It hadn’t escaped him how aware Big Hero 6 has gotten when it comes to Obake’s schemes, they were clearly on edge and anyone with a brain knew to be wary of the wild animals you cornered, less they take a finger from you. He had heard some of the others talking about it, mostly Momakase. Everyone knew things were reaching an edge pretty soon, and if neither side was careful they could all tumble into the spikes below.

Obake considered his worries though, a kind yet unnerving smile breaking through, as he knew very well that Globby didn’t have the drive to doubt everything too far. “Do not worry, I trust in your…unique skills.” He shot his eyes at some of the small goopy puddles around Globby, not seeming to mind. His light praise worked, as Globby smiled back as he held his head up proudly. However that look faltered when Obake turned, adding on. “But I only have one demand for you to follow through on this mission.”

“What’s that?” Globby inquired, folding his arms.

He watched as Obake flicked his hand, the screen shifting once more. New images flew onto the computer, Globby seeing the familiar sight of Hiro Hamada and his ever loyal robot, Baymax. Most of the pictures were of them in their superhero get up, but a few held them walking about in their everyday civilian looks, a flashing reminder to Globby that these were normal people. Or, well, one super genius kid and his squishy companion. 

A disturbed twist knotted in Globby, and he couldn’t place his finger on why. It twisted harder when Obake turned back to him, allowing his silhouette to be bathed by the sickly green light of his screen. “Make sure it’s just Hiro and his bot that catches you trying to steal it.” That grin he gave, like this was all a game, yet something so genuine about it that Globby couldn’t help but ever so slightly flinch at the sight of it. “Wouldn’t want his friends to get in the way.” Obake almost sang, as if amused by something.

Perplexed at that notion, Globby raised a concerned finger. “Wouldn’t we want none of them to get in the way of stealing this thing?”

That simply made Obake chuckle, as if Globby was just a child asking something so ridiculous that it came across as charming. “That’s what you’d like to think.” He didn’t explain, simply turning around as he pulled up a file, his nimble fingers dancing around his keyboard as he was already rapidly typing up some words.

Globby looked befuddled, but figured there was no sense in asking what that was about. Obake was just a strange guy, it was better to accept it than question it.

Though he did allow his gaze to scan the file Obake was working on, a little amazed by how fast his brain told his fingers to type, spewing out the words he was forming pretty quickly in his own mind. It didn’t take Globby long to realise this was actually one of the files Obake had on Hiro. From where Globby stood, and with how fast the words were being written, it was a little hard to make out everything he could see. But there was a lot of talk about Hiro, who he was, and what his future held. 

While Globby wasn’t aware of what was normal among the supervillain life, he knew that most didn’t concern themselves too much on what the future of their foes were like, and if they did it would be centred about their defeat, no longer a thorn in the side of their shadowy plans. But the way Obake was describing the kid in these notes, it was more than that. It was like he wanted Hiro to be successful, to be grand, with a future where he could achieve endless possibilities. To Globby it was like reading a school report card.

Some of the notes did mention others things though, such as uncomfortably long detailings about Hiro’s fears, his family life, even his current dynamic with the dean of SFIT. And Globby knew this was only one of the many files he had on Hiro, none of the others on the team came close to having this many notes written about them. 

Globby felt another twist in his stomach, this one making him feel like he had ribs again, caging him. As he stared at one of the pictures of Hiro, this one in his civilian form, he felt like he had to say something else. “You seem to have a lot of interest in the kid. Not the first time you’ve made…” Globby rolled his tongue, trying to think of the right words without coming across as creepy himself. “Unusual demands for me to follow regarding him.”

When he finished his sentence, Obake suddenly stopped in his typing, hands stuck in mid motion as he hovered them there for a while. Globby didn’t need to see his face to know he was deep in thought, but the silence was kind of unbearable. It made Globby fiddle with his fingers and shuffle his sticky feet around, feeling like he had done something wrong. 

Obake pulled his head up, staring up at the screen with a very neutral expression. When he spoke, Globby swore the room felt colder. “Do you ever have big dreams, Globby?”

That question did make Globby snap back to his normal cheery nature, beaming. “Oh, of course!” He gestured with his hand, ready to ramble about all his life long dreams. “I have a whole bucket list, like me and Felony Carl going on a road trip across europe. Though that needs money, a lot of it.” He pouted at that. And people wondered why he became a thief.

Before he could blabber on further, Obake spoke up, a slow grin twitching up his sharp face. “So you understand that sometimes big dreams aren’t always something you want to do alone.” Globby squinted at that, acknowledging his odd tone again. It was then that he realised Obake was staring intently at one of the pictures with Hiro and Baymax. “It always feels more fulfilling when you can experience it with someone else, especially someone who’s just like you.”

That familiar soft purplish pink glow faded onto Obake’s face, Globby hearing the light buzz that came from this party trick of his. He wasn’t sure if Obake was doing this to make a point to Globby, or if it was a subconscious reaction to this quiet joy he was allowing himself. Either way, Globby didn’t like it.

He didn’t like any of this, and he knew he should ask more questions, to figure out what was actually going on between Obake and Hiro. Or really what Obake wanted from Hiro. Globby had met a lot of unusual characters in the past, but the majority of them were simple in their wants. Money, glory, fame, even something as simple as a very nice watch. But whatever Obake’s end goal here was, both with Hiro and the city of San Fransokyo, it wasn’t simple.

And yet, he didn’t have it in him to ask anything else, ignoring that bubble in his gut that tried warning him something was wrong. He was a villain, of course all of this was strange. It's not like he was here to walk Obake’s dog. And he was sure that whatever this was all leading to would be good for him. He had a team now, he was important, he couldn’t mess that up just because he was kind of creeped out by his boss.

So as he regarded the pictures of Hiro and Baymax one last time, he turned and made his way out of the room, getting ready for the future fight he would no doubt have to deal with.

--------------------------------------------------------

As he finished telling Hiro his old memory, a cold silence fell between them. Hiro hadn’t said a word the entire time, in fact he barely reacted to anything, looking so numb and tired. Globby was tired too, but he had an aura of frustration within his tone and mannerisms. He really had been a clambering buffon back then, hadn’t he?

He had been so desperate for adoration and a place to belong that he ignored the red flags like he was colourblind, and because of that he now had a pile of consequences to live by. If only he had really listened to what Honey Lemon tried telling him back when he declared he would be a super villain, maybe then he wouldn’t be trying to dig himself out of this quicksand grave.

But as much as he was mad with himself, he couldn’t ignore that some of his ire laid with Obake too. “Now I know why he sent me alone that day.” Globby limply said, catching Hiro’s attention again. “It was because he knew I would fail, and you would win.”

Obake was smart, he knew exactly who Globby was, knew him better than Globby knew himself. The monstrosity in front of him had been a tool, and he knew exactly how to use it. All he needed was to throw in the right words, and Globby would have soared to the moon and back if it meant being praised and treated like he was worth something. He was vulnerable, but he was also powerful, a dangerous combination that Obake could work with.

Hiro tapped his fingers lightly, dropping his eyes as he muttered out. “He played both of us.”

Globby pushed away his anger to look down at Hiro, at first with a strict neutral expression, before an understanding glimmer tugged at him. They both had been treated like puppets on strings, with Obake knowing which chords to pluck like an instrument, seeking out the right melody for the song he was making. Their emotions, their wants, their skills, tossed right back in their faces like they couldn’t compare to Obake.

The difference though was that Globby was a grown adult, who should have known better. He had gotten a clearer picture on who Obake was compared to Hiro and the others, and he had seen so many moments that would have made a brighter man walk right out the door and never look back. He can’t simply excuse himself for being a fool.

Hiro was a child though, young and in need of protection and guidance, he shouldn’t be held accountable for Obake’s tricks, he had no way of knowing what was at the end of the tunnel. And while Globby was hurt by the whole thing, especially losing the first team that ever acknowledged him, he could move on with life. Hiro though? It made Globby know exactly the reason this kid was out here alone in his superhero suit. His sense of safety was broken.

“Is he why you’re up here?” Globby blurted out, catching Hiro off guard as he peered at him with wide eyes. Globby simply looked over his shoulder though, taking in the sight of the baren rooftop. “That’s why you don’t have Baymax with you either, huh?”

Hiro snapped a harsh glare at him, quick to reply with. “I trust Baymax…” Before turning his head away, crossing his arms.

Raising his hands, Globby clarified. “I didn’t say you didn’t.” He paused for a moment before lowering his hands onto his lap, observing Hiro with worry. The kid was a mix of anger and annoyance, but Globby noted the hidden exhaustion and even fear that reflected in his eyes. There was a lot Hiro was refusing to say, so he felt like he had to be the one to point it out. “But I’d be paranoid too. It’d be like if someone made one of my many close friends turn on me without warning, it’d sure flip my view on everything.”

Stating that out in the open made Hiro slump in his posture, his look of resentment disappearing as something more sorrowful decorated him, making it clear that Globby hit the target. As much as the young protector of this city tried to pretend, he couldn’t hide the fact he was scared, and he had been for a long while.

He wasn’t unfamiliar with this sensation, after all Tadashi’s death led to a lot of worries about death and the concept that it was, and the things he could always lose in the future. But what Obake did was different, because it was about his own safety, not the safety of the people around him. And this wasn’t because of a tragic accident or mistake, this was a man who actively did all of this to him with his own hands, and never showed a glimpse of regret. Because he truly thought it was the best thing for Hiro.

The fact Obake liked him and wanted him as a student, despite how much Hiro fought against him, was another bag to deal with as well. It would have been one thing if this was just another foe who wanted to torment Hiro simply because that was the evil thing to do. But the fact his tormentor, in a very alarming and sickly way, gave him what he believed to be kindness was something that Hiro hasn’t been able to sit well with since the near catastrophe.

How does one go about tackling that issue? Much less a fourteen year old who was nowhere near his adult years. 

A part of him felt like he shouldn’t be telling Globby any of this, but Hiro allowed his insecurities out finally, as they have been too heavy to handle alone for so long. “I keep thinking he’s still left one last surprise for me.”

The many sleepless nights he had, every shadow that caused him to do a double take, the panic that nearly sets in when Baymax is ever so slightly delayed in responding to him, it was all too much. Paranoia had become a close friend, and he hated it. He just wanted to feel free again, but he couldn’t walk away from what happened that simply. He was scarred, and the most he could do was cover it up and pretend it wasn’t there.

He knows very well that everyone else around him knew something was wrong. They weren’t dumb, they knew very well that what Hiro dealt with would have left behind something permanent, and even people that didn’t know the truth, like his aunt, could pick up on the fact he couldn’t be his normal self sometimes. But the specific reasons as to why Hiro was feeling this way he never spoke about until this night, until Globby said just the right things to get him talking. And he doesn’t know if that’s because of Globby himself, or because of the shared history they both had with Obake.

All Hiro knew was that he wasn’t okay, and he didn’t know how to deal with that.

The most he could do was try to make sense of it, which is why he suddenly asked. “Globby, do you think Obake was evil?” And the way he said it, a whisper almost not heard, something trying to cage his throat as it felt hard to speak.

But Globby had heard him, his eyes going wide as he didn’t expect to be asked such a thing. “That’s a strange question. I mean, he was a super villain.” He shrugged, but studied the look Hiro gave him.

The kid’s stare was thick, unmoving as he wanted a better answer than that. Yes, it was a straightforward answer, as it should be. But Globby knew the truth, he knew what Hiro needed to hear. So he sighed, shuffling a little in his seat as he clasped his hands together, mouth hung open a little as he rolled around the potential words to say.

“I don’t think he was a good person, Hiro, none of us on that team really were.” He answered, swallowing the pill he knew he had to take. He thought back on every moment with Obake, and how he now feels about his old boss with all the cards he has in his hand. “I know he was a troubled guy, that was evident from the start. He had his good moments, but I don’t think he knew what real kindness was anymore. He put a lot of people in danger for his own selfish reasons.”

There was never going to be a worthy excuse for the things Obake did. He tried hurting so many, simple as that. But he was a topic that still required to be talked about, as you couldn’t disregard the fact he wasn’t well. There was a long argument to be made about actions, and the concept of accountability and the state of one’s morals when your mind wasn’t sound. But Globby also knew he wasn’t equipped to give a proper answer about that, only able to state what he knew and felt. 

Not to mention what everyone else on the team was like, for Obake didn’t do his work alone. Globby has a feeling there was more to Momakase than she let on, after all you don’t become a knife wielding crazy lady with that kind of determination out of nothing. Noodle Burger Boy was a robot, his view of the world painted by Obake through the use of one singular chip. Trina was a similar case, but she was far more alive than most robots around them, so it brought forth a concerning discussion about sentience and sapience. 

And then there was a Globby, a human soul within a non-human body, with a foolish heart that bled too much. And here he was comforting the kid he helped almost ruin the life of if he hadn’t done a last minute change on his stance of being a super villain. He doesn’t like to think about what would have happened had he stayed by Obake’s side.

When he finished his line of open thought though, Hiro suddenly slipped off his helmet, allowing the night breeze to wave his raven hair around, the cool touch of it along his skin, and yet it didn’t relax him. He stared at the reflection along the visor, with a look that Globby could only describe as quiet misery whispering in his eyes. He saw how Hiro opened his mouth, about ready to say something else, before stopping himself, sucking back in the harsh air he let out. He dropped his head, something lost in his gaze as he hunted the city below, as his mind felt too loud for him to speak.

“Hiro?” Globby began, looking like he was about to reach out to the boy.

But then Hiro suddenly stood up, a harsh grip on his helmet as he stepped away from the ledge, turning away from Globby as he looked about ready to up and leave without a second thought. It was clear that whatever he had been about to say, it was too much for him.

Shaking his head, Hiro muttered out. “I’m fine, maybe I should just call it a night?” He asked in a manner as if he didn’t know if he could answer for himself, and Globby wasn’t sure if he was directing that question at him or not.

Globby had caught onto what Hiro was struggling with though. “You had another question, didn’t you?” He pressed, causing Hiro to stop his movement, shoulders slumping as he had no method of escape anymore.

His face twisted in a complicated manner, fighting with himself as he felt his blood pump a little too harshly, anxieties clawing at him as he felt ready to just scream into the sky. He always hated being so hesitant, so used to acting on impulse and reacting in the moment. It wasn’t like him to be stuck in the flow of things, that need to just simply do and work twitching at his fingertips. Anytime he lost control, he also lost his sense of self, and it was terrifying to deal with.

His behaviour brought forth an uncomfortable air around them, Globby getting to his own feet as he took a few steps towards Hiro, before halting himself. He recognised the signs that Hiro wanted some space, some room to get a control over his emotions and mind to say what’s been haunting him for far too long. Because a pattern wasn’t something he could keep ignoring.

After allowing the silence to strangle him for a few more seconds, Hiro suddenly asked. “Do you think I’m evil?” His voice was rough, a bitter taste on his tongue when saying such a thing.

Globby had no way of predicting that question, and he was lost for words, stumbling over them. “That is…certainly a heavy question to ask.” He awkwardly cleared his throat. “Um, well, I…”

For a moment he had no clue what to say, as he never expected Hiro to have this line of reasoning in his own head. Because he wasn’t just asking Globby this casually, instead this boy has been battling over the idea he might be a horrible person, just like Obake was. And Globby didn’t know what led him to believe such a thing, because Hiro was many things, including a hero to the city, an adoring friend to a wonderful group, and a loving nephew to a kind aunt. Nothing that Obake or most other villains were.

Globby thought about just simply dismissing the idea, but when Hiro glanced back at him, trying to hide his eyes behind dark hair, Globby knew he had to give a proper answer, if only to dispel the devil on Hiro’s shoulder, echoing unwanted thoughts.

Sighing, Globby spoke again, his voice as soft and mature as he could make it sound. “You are most definitely not evil, kid. You’re brave, nice, always looking out for the city. I mean you gave me a second chance, the guy who was an actual villain.” He rested a hand on his chest to emphasise his point, letting Hiro know such an action wasn’t as light as they made it out to be. 

“I’m a selfish person though.” Hiro argued back, pulling his hazy eyes away as he regarded his helmet again, a distasteful curl on the edge of his lip.

But Globby merely snorted at that, gesturing out at San Fransokyo. “You have an ego problem, you and half this city. Doesn’t mean you’re selfish, just look at all you’ve done for your friends and the people of San Fransokyo, even when this place hasn't been kind to you.”

He knew very well this kid and his friends owed the city nothing, in fact there were many moments where it would have been fair on any of them to call it quits. Especially since Globby has since learned the truth behind why they became heroes in the first place. It wasn’t out of a blind need to help, but instead to settle the grave of a friend and brother they all loved. They had put their grief to rest, and yet stuck around to help the grief or sorrows of others. It was so beyond selflessness that they needed to invent a new word for such an action.

Hiro couldn’t seem to see that though, Gloddy seeing how his gloved fingers dug into the helmet, as if he wanted to crack the visor with his bare hands. “Most people’s egos don’t help doom an entire city.” He spat, allowing some of the anger towards himself to taint his words. “All because you felt like you had to prove a point to your teacher.” He grumbled, and that was when it hit Globby what this was all about.

That darn energy amplifier, so Hiro hadn’t let go of the role he played in Obake’s plans? It seemed like an obvious dilemma in hindsight, but perhaps Globby figured that saving the city had outweighed that careless mistake of his. But it appears Hiro was clinging onto it, like the ball to his chain that he chose to wear as punishment, unable to unlock it and walk away.  

“We’ve all done stupid stuff when we’re annoyed with someone. Besides, you’re fourteen, aren’t you? No one comes out of that age without having regrets.” Globby lectured, able to recall a few unfortunate things he did as a teenager he still cringes about to this day.

But it was clear that wasn’t enough for Hiro, his pained glare never leaving him, and Globby could understand why. Mistakes in your teenage years were more supposed to be about making bad friend group choices, or making embarrassing comments online, even a bad first date and kiss that will appear in your dreams every now and again. It wasn't normal for your teenage mistake to help build a bomb to destroy an entire city. Then again, doing something dumb to get back at an authoritative figure was par for the course. 

However, as he watched Hiro, seeing how he was tearing himself apart over this, it pained Globby to see. It was eating away at Hiro, and if something wasn’t done or said, all that would be left is the unwanted bones, and Globby couldn’t let that happen. They may not be able to fix everything tonight, but they can make a start.

So Globby stepped closer. “Hiro, you didn’t know what Obake was planning.” He reasoned with the young teen, trying to ease his anger.

But it only caused Hiro to lash out more. “I still fell right into his hands, Globby!” He stormed, suddenly throwing his helmet against the roof floor, watching it bounce a few times before resting. Hiro stared at it for a few seconds, as if expecting it to get up and come back to him, before baring his teeth and harshly hissing out. “If I had just listened to Granville that one time, one time! Then none of this would have happened.” He held up a single sharp finger, before it curled during his rant, joining the others to ball into a fist.

Globby stepped back a little, put off by Hiro’s aggression. He had seen the kid be angry before, but this was more raw than he was used to, emotional blood seeping from him as it stained his thoughts. Globby luminous eyes heeded Hiro, waiting to see if he would say anything else.

His wrath wasn’t strong enough tonight though, that fire blowing out as he dropped his fists, shoulders going limp as he breathed heavily. Hiro blinked a few times, and Globby couldn’t tell if it was because he was hiding unrequested tears, or because he was struggling to focus on the world around him, reality becoming too much. 

Fatigue washed over Hiro, the madness of his mood so tiring to deal with. When he forged the sight of his helmet on the ground, he heard echoes of both Granville and Obake in his head. “She was Daedalus and I was Icarus.” He poetically stated, the weight of his statement lost on Globby.

“Okay, I only know who one of those is, but regardless.” Globby coughed before straightening, stepping back forward once again, taking the spot next to Hiro as the kid turned away from him. “You did what I’ve seen most people don’t do. You buckled up and fixed your mistake. That takes a lot to do, you know?”

Globby knew the kind of power praise had, and while most could see such a thing as being dangerous, inflating people’s egos like hot air balloons that could crash and burn at the wrong turn of wind, he also recognised that people needed it. Reassurance for the good someone does helps ease their hearts, and let their souls know that what they were doing was the right thing, and to keep at it. Without praise, people would shut down on themselves, or act out to forcibly find it, even if it was a lie in the end.

And he knew what Hiro needed was to be told he was a good person, and be given proof of that, which was essentially to remind him of his accomplishments, and not just for being a superhero or even super genius. Hiro is strong, he is brave, and he needed to know this.

And what he also needed was to stop looking in this mirror, because the truth was it was actually a window. “Take it from the guy who lived with Obake for the past couple of months. You are not him, and I don't think you ever will be him.” Globby stated, leaving no room for arguing.

It’s what Hiro needed, and he knew at the end of the day it was only Globby who could settle these fears, because he was the only person Hiro could talk to about Obake and have him really understand. He loves his friends, and he knew they would always have his back. But they hadn’t seen what he saw, and the only other witness to it all that he could get kind words from was the man standing next to him.

Taking a deep shaky breath, Hiro finally looked up at him. “Thanks.” Shame took hold of him though, having to pull his eyes away again. “I’m sorry for snapping.”

Globby gave him a sorrowful fond look. “Mmh, if anyone here should be apologising, it’s me.” He rested his hands on his hips, looking over Hiro’s outfit. In some ways it felt a little odd to remember this was a child in front of him, and not an invincible super human. “You were in a really dangerous situation, kid. I should have helped sooner.”

Hiro allowed a light frown as he quickly agreed. “You should have…” And Globby didn’t act offended, it was fair for Hiro to still be mad about that, as he was too. But then Hiro tried shaking off his worrying thoughts, stepping back at little as he spied the city around them. “But he only had me for a couple of hours, it could have been worse.”

That dismissing tone worried Globby though, watching Hiro downplay the situation he had been in. He seemed to do that a lot, trying to lessen the impact of the crazy stuff he was dealing with almost on a daily basis. And it was hard to tell if he was doing so to not make other people worry, or because he was afraid that facing it all would break him. Maybe a bit of both.

“Even a couple of hours can feel like a lot though, didn’t it?” Globby simply insinuated, but apparently that snapped some kind of line.

His eyes widened as he saw how Hiro froze, a silent panic settling in as he eyes became glued to nothing. His breathing became harsh, way too harsh, as even his hands started to shake a little. He pressed his eyes shut, tilting his head back as he huffed heavy air, as if he was fighting the oxygen around him. 

It was like the kid was crying, but no tears formed as he was stuck in painful terror, his heart betraying him as it beat like a pin was pushed into it. He suddenly felt like there were eyes all around him, all belonging to the same person. The same man whose face was burned into his nightmares, making him fear the what ifs that could be around every corner he walked by. Hands in the shadows that hunted him like prey, and he hasn’t been able to escape their grasp forever.

Hiro felt himself choke for a moment, licking his lips as he grabbed one of his hands, trying in vain to stop the shaking. He wanted to pretend, to live in make believe, but he couldn’t, not right now at least. He wanted to go home, but he knew very well he didn’t even feel safe there anymore. The rug from under him could be pulled out at any moment, all because of one demon that was most likely just a ghost now.

Loud, everything was too loud.

Globby stared in horror, the weight of everything hitting him too. “Darnit- gah, I’m so sorry, Hiro…”

Yup, he definitely felt like a monster. Sure, he wasn’t the one who programmed Baymax to kidnap the kid to the super evil lair, or make the star that threatened to collapse the city, but he still had a role to play in this boy’s terror and he couldn’t ignore that. He couldn’t forgive himself.

But now wasn’t the time to beat himself over with a stick, it was the time to help Hiro and this dangerous phobia that plague his life. So Globby did the best thing he thought he could do, reaching out and placing a hand on Hiro, making sure the kid saw it coming. Hiro did flinch at it, but he didn’t pull away, as he couldn’t allow himself to be alone within the world that felt like it was out to get him.

Seeing that the kid didn’t shy away from his touch, Globby moved in and pulled Hiro into a hug, the boy uncaring to how everything was now stuck against slime that would probably take hours to remove. It was human contact of some kind, and while he didn’t raise his arms to hug Globby back, he rested into the embrace as he tried controlling his breathing. 

It reminded him of when Globby busted him out of that cell, how Hiro clung to him during the escape, especially when they raced through the city, riding on Globby’s back as he still processed the fact his enemy was helping him, finding common ground against what Obake was planning. It had felt so complicated trusting someone he wouldn’t have taken the hand of if he had no other choice. But maybe he always knew that Globby wasn’t a monster deep down. He still had a good heart underneath, unlike Obake.

The thought of that man sent something cold up Hiro’s spine, Globby hearing the kid utter out. “I can’t stop feeling like he’s still watching me…”

Globby didn’t move as he held Hiro close, feeling how ragged his breathing was. A distant gaze controlled his eyes, the man looking out as he noted some of the purplish pink lights of the city. Then when he noted some of the green lights, a familiar shade to him, he couldn’t help thinking back to that chaotic day once again.

--------------------------------------------------------

Plucking some of the sushi still dribbling down his gooey body, Globby was lost in thought over the truth he had just been told. Obake was going to destroy the city, he was going to kill every single soul without a second thought, all in the name of building a better future? He knew the man was crazy, but this was completely nuts. Globby truly didn’t see this coming, and now he felt like he had to do something.

But what could he possibly do? And did he have the courage to do anything to help at this point?

However, he snapped out of his thoughts when hearing the sputtering panic of Hiro. “No-, no you can’t do this!” The kid pushed himself off of Baymax’s armour, knocking Obake’s hand away from him as if it burned his skin. The young hero’s legs were shaking lightly, hands stuck in a rigid gesture as he begged Obake to listen to reason. “They’ve- these people have done nothing to deserve this!”

And Globby found himself agreeing, even if he didn’t say anything out loud. And the fear in Hiro’s voice, the terror of someone so young, it finally hurt his heart to hear as the weight of what they were doing, all this time, smacked him in the back of the head and pointed it all out to him like the idiot he was.

Worry flickered in Globby’s eyes as he watched Hiro, seeing no sign of the brave and talented superhero before him, instead just a child caught in a messed up situation. The way the kid flinched as Obake got closer to him, stumbling back with shaky steps as his back hit some of the equipment in the room. He looked at Obake like he was the devil himself, and Globby felt it all hard to watch.

It didn’t help when Obake gleefully stated. “That is the nature of sacrifice. You give away the good to make something greater.” With his hands behind his back he gracefully leaned down closer to Hiro, the two staring into each other’s eyes. One looking so proud, the other burning with judgement.

But Hiro didn’t say anything, swallowing harshly as it became clear he couldn’t reason with Obake, too many bridges burnt to reach out to his side and make him see the morals he could no longer grasp himself. Hiro did try and look brave, narrowing his eyes as he bared his teeth, letting it be known he wasn’t going to sit by and take this, which Obake seemed to already know.

Standing straight, Obake turned and walked by Baymax, calmly waving a hand. “Watch him, I don’t want him hurting himself if he tries running for it again.”

The controlled bot merely nodded ever so slightly, stiff as he took a few steps towards Hiro. Globby observed them, ignoring Obake for a moment as he saw how the kid froze up at the sight of his beloved robot, becoming very well aware of how towering Baymax truly was. He slid back with a few steps, eyes darting around as he looked for any method of escape or safety. It didn’t feel right seeing the kid so frightful of his own companion like this, given all the lovable moments Globby had witnessed the two share out in the field.

But when Hiro couldn’t find anything he could hide in away from all of this, he settled on pressing his back further against the wall he now stood by, shrinking in on himself as he barely blinked when looking at Baymax, as if thinking his friend would hurt him. But Obake wouldn’t let that happen, right?

Globby squinted his eyes, pursing his dripping lips as he was filled with the overwhelming urge to jump in and do something. But he snapped out of it when Obake walked by him and Momakase. “You two, come here for a moment.” He casually said, as if not recognising the messed up situation of his own creation.

Momakase followed him over right away, while Globby needed a few seconds, shooting looks back at Hiro and Baymax who didn’t notice. Obake had the pair come over to a more private corner of the room, out of earshot of Hiro as long as none of them started yelling.

With uncertainty tugging at him, Globby decided to finally ask the important question. “Sir, I don’t mean to come across as nosey. But why is the kid here?”

At this point he couldn’t deny the fact that this went beyond a supervillain vs a superhero kind of problem, this was a whole other bag of uncomfortable topics Globby was having to face. Everyone else in this ragtag evil team made sense being here, but not Hiro and Baymax. Globby forced himself to not sneak another look back at the pair, staring straight at Obake who merely lifted a brow, as if that question was so simple and clean.

“There was a certain role on this team I’ve been meaning to fill for a while. And he’s perfect for it.” Obake replied, tilting his head up.

Momakase was the next to ask a question, as it appears it wasn’t just Globby confused by this new course of action. “Are you so sure about that? He is a stubborn one. It’s hard to break the spirit of a hero.” She huffed, crossing her arms, not seeming too concerned that they were kidnapping children now, apparently. 

A proud but horrible smirk creeped across Obake, their boss chuckling with worrying bliss. “Oh, I am very sure.”

Momakase simply shrugged at that, as all she really cared about was getting the job done and living during this catastrophe. Sure, maybe a smidge of her felt bad for the kid, but at the end of the day she lived by survival of one’s self. If she could keep her spot on the team and place within this safe bunker, then she would take it. She wasn’t going to risk her life to do the right thing, for she had seen the things people lost when trying to play hero.

Globby though didn’t look any less concerned. In fact the way Obake spoke made him shiver. This wasn’t in any way healthy or normal behaviour, and he was kicking himself for ever getting involved with these people in the first place. Felony Carl was right, he was so easy to please that he couldn’t see the danger in front of him sometimes. Though right now, it’s not his safety that is being threatened. 

Obake briefly gestured to where Hiro and Baymax were, speaking as if he was talking about his own child that was acting out. “Sadly, as you can see, he’s a little ruffled at the moment. I have no doubt he’ll be kicking up a fuss through the whole thing, so I plan to let him rest for a while.” He lightly hummed, acting rather domestic like he truly believed he was doing something right. And maybe that was the case for him. He then turned to Momakase specifically, giving his order. “Once you’re done with the food preparations, I’ll need you to guard his cell. Make sure he doesn't do anything, especially to himself.”

Momakase raised a brow at that, studying him for a moment. “You actually care about this boy?”

It seemed to finally hit her too that Obake was genuine in his goals and ideas related towards Hiro. He wasn’t looking to torture the boy and leave him out to die, no he wanted something better for the both of them, even if it meant tearing down the world around them to do so. He seemed so protective over the child now, and Momakase was questioning why this sudden change happened. Or perhaps none of them had noticed when.

Obake didn’t seem to appreciate her mild surprise, confused that she couldn’t understand where he was coming from. “He deserves great things, like all of us here.” He gestured out to the pair, making the notion clear that Hiro was going to be like all of them, and thus deserved the same respect. 

Globby watched the look in Momakase’s eyes, the woman ever so hard to read like always. But she eventually seemed to accept Obake’s answer, merely turning and walking away to complete her current job. It made Globby’s heart drop, wondering if he was going to have to be the only sensible person here. Obake was clearly going through his own delusions, Trina and Noodle Burger Boy were robots who were going to blindly listen to anything Obake, their father, had to say, and Momakase wasn’t going to risk her neck for the sake of one kid. 

But even he hesitated on what to do. Could he even reason with Obake about what he was doing, to both Hiro and the city? Globby really didn’t want to betray this team, it was all he had to make him feel like he mattered. But he had to at least say something. “Obake, don’t you think this is a little much? I know he’s a superhero, but, I mean, look at him…” Globby turned, gesturing to Hiro and Baymax. “He’s just a kid.”

Hiro still hadn’t moved from the spot against the wall, sneaking further into his jacket as he kept his nervous gaze on Baymax. He rubbed his arms, tenison gripping him as the cold air of this place was making him feel even more uncomfortable. Globby couldn’t help but note how small Hiro actually was, the green lights of the room illuminating his terror. 

But it seemed like Obake couldn’t see what he saw, grinning eagerly as he watched the boy. “Exactly, young and ready to learn.” He clasped his hands together, so many ideas forming in his head. “The best place to start.”

Globby really started to wonder what was up with this guy? Did he really think Hiro was going to be his student? To look at Obake for guidance when said man was going to take everything he had away from him in an instant? Then again, if Obake won, destroying everything, what would Hiro have to lose at that point?

And Obake was right, Hiro was young, far too young to be in a dangerous situation like this alone. Globby knew people could break with enough time, and it sickened him to imagine what would happen to the boy’s state of mind if all his loved ones were to die, and there was nothing he could do about it except watch. Globby knows he wouldn’t be able to take the idea of losing Felony Carl well. He had to admit he was scared too.

But Obake didn’t seem to notice this, or even if he did he was probably convinced that Globby didn’t have the boldness to break through and go against everything this group has been building towards. “I’ll have you do a final sweep of the place with the boy’s bot, make sure there’s no way Hiro can escape. And that no one else can get in when they come looking for him.” Obake ordered, going back to his normal professional tone as he was about to walk away from Globby.

Globby spoke again however, his voice quiet as he asked. “You’re really going to blow up the entire city?”

It seemed dumb to repeat the truth to him, but he needed that one final nudge to make a harsh choice here. The reality of this plan, it was just too hard to believe right away. But as Obake turned back to him, seeing no care in his boss’s eyes, it told Globby everything he needed to know.

And Obake’s words were just the cherry on top. “We all have big dreams, Globby.”

Globby was a horrible person, he realised. He couldn’t deny what he was anymore, knowing he had lost sight of the dreams he once had. He helped to create a nightmare, and it finally hit Globby that this was what it really meant to be a villain. This wasn’t about fun and games, this was about power and pain. Conquering the people and world around you to bend to your will, less they suffer for it, even killed because you don’t fit the vision. 

As Obake walked away from him once again, Globby dropped his gaze to the floor. What was he even doing anymore? Why had he allowed this to go as far as it did? And could he do anything about it to make it better? Oh, what would Felony Carl say about him if he could see him now? He missed his friend, his embrace, his harsh honesty. 

Globby almost didn’t hear Obake speak, the man waving his hand at Baymax to gesture back at the pile of walking talking goo. “You go with him, and you come over here for a moment.” He pointed over at Noodle Burger Boy, who had previously been spending his time playing with his dangling feet.

Eager as always, Noodle Burger Boy leapt from his seat, tapping his toes as he saluted Obake, joining his side. “Right away, sir!”

Hiro finally looked away from Baymax when Obake spoke, standing straight in such a harsh manner that it was like he was pulling his spine too far. Everytime his kidnapper spoke, he felt like he had to run. But he knew there was no point, keeping his feet planted as he did his best not to fall into a panic attack. He wouldn’t let Obake see him in such a vulnerable state. Mostly because he knew at this point Obake would try and comfort him, and it was the last thing he needed.

But some panic broke through when seeing his companion turn, making his way over to Globby, and it was like Hiro forgot the current state his robot was in. “W-Wait, Baymax!” He couldn’t help himself as he rushed over, but was stopped when Baymax raised a hand, carefully shoving the boy back.

His tainted voice rattled Hiro. “You are not permitted to leave yet.” Baymax reminded him, so cold and uncaring, so unlike him that it hurt Hiro to witness.

Hiro bit his lip, debating with himself before he eventually took a step back himself. Globby could tell the kid wanted nothing more than to follow Baymax, because even if his friend wasn’t expressing his normal self currently, he still needed something familiar to cling to. Being alone down here was going to be too much. But he held no power here, he was simply just a child caught between some very dangerous people.

Globby easily saw how the kid stiffened when hearing Obake speak again, seeing his boss typing away at one of his screens. “He’ll be right back once he’s done his patrol, Hiro. I can keep you company in the meantime.” He smirked at that remark, briefly glancing at his captive.

Hiro shot him a bitter look, facing scrunching into a scowl as Globby thought he was about to shout some unsavoury words that wouldn’t have been undeserving. But the kid bit his tongue and shoved his hands into his pockets, perhaps in an act to hide how they shook, not wanting to seem weak.

Globby kept his eye on Hiro as he began making his way out of the mainroom with Baymax, sometimes looking up at the bot whose gaze was stuck staring forward, only able to focus on the task given to him by Obake. Globby’s eyes flickered to the bot’s chip port, squinting in thought. 

But as they stepped out, he allowed himself another glance back into the room as the doors began sliding shut. And he felt his heart freeze as he realised Hiro was staring at him. Hiro seemed to be looking for something, anything, that could save him from this nightmare. Even if he didn’t expect his pleading eyes to mean anything to Globby, quickly looking away as he began to finally accept his predicament. 

But those eyes did mean something to Globby, because the message was clear as day. The boy and this city needed to be saved, and he was the only one who could or even would do something about it. 

If this was what it meant to be a villain, he couldn’t live by it, not anymore.

--------------------------------------------------------

As the memory ended, recalling it all in a matter of seconds, Globby frowned to himself as he addressed the original question Hiro gave him. “To answer your previous question, no, I didn’t know he planned to kidnap you until it finally happened. Even then I didn’t really question it until hearing he wanted to blow up the city.” He sighed deeply, feeling Hiro shift slightly in his hold. “It finally hit me then how screwed up the whole operation was. I mean, kidnapping a minor, saying we were going to harm his friends and family? I still can’t believe I didn’t say something else about it back then.” He couldn’t help but let out a huff of a laugh in disbelief, judging the wider picture he had made.

Hiro took in his words, blinking softly. He was still mad at Globby, but he was able to recognise the fact that Globby was also beating himself up over this. Despite his cheery outlook on life and walking around with a tune to dance along with, he wasn’t blind to his consequences. He was willing to accept them, because he had to. That was why he was on this rooftop, hugging Hiro, sharing a moment only they could understand. 

Globby added on. “I’ll be real, I thought being a villain was all fun and games. A cool way to get people to look at you, be all edgy, hold power in your hands, be adored by men. I thought it was all I wanted.” He waved a hand out, Hiro watching it as Globby listed off his old thoughts. 

Don’t get him wrong, he knew being a supervillain wasn’t exactly the most wholesome of things, but the harm he stood up against in the end wasn’t something he ever wanted to do. He had glorified the title of being a villain, or even being the minion to someone who obviously needed help himself. But why did it have to take such a hit like that to snap some sense into him? It was hard to accept the fact he allowed himself to behave in such a way.

And as he looked down at Hiro, seeing the fear that consumed this kid, this person who had faith he could be a better person, it hurt to live with the fact he allowed so much torment to be thrown Hiro’s way. This wasn’t just about Globby doing right by his life, but also doing right by the people he hurt.

“And then I saw what it really meant to be a villain.” Globby muttered, flicking his tongue in disgust. “And you and your friends had to pay that price.”

The two pulled away from each other, though Globby kept a hand on Hiro’s shoulder. Patches of goop stuck to the boy, though it wasn’t as bad as it could be. He didn’t even seem to care, barely noticing it as his exhausted eyes regarded the floor with no light behind them. Globby even noticed the bags under Hiro’s eyes, making him wonder how many sleepless nights he’s been having to deal with.

Rubbing the back of his head, Globby knew he had to say something else. “Look, I know there may never be a way for me to fully make up for what happened, for not doing something sooner. But what I can promise is I will do whatever I can to be a better person.”

And Hiro knew he was telling the truth, given how committed Globby was to everything he was doing since breaking ties with Obake. He even risked his life to save the city from the rampage of ocean waters. Hiro also knew that talking to him had to have been a hard choice for Globby to make, as he was all too familiar with wanting to avoid uncomfortable topics. But he pushed through as he recognised that Hiro needed someone, anyone, to help him deal with this plight.

So he nodded softly, unable to respond as he accepted Globby vow to do better. They couldn’t change the past, Hiro wasn’t going to magically get back his sense of safety anytime soon, so the best either could focus on was improvement and acceptance.  

But Globby felt like he had to offer something else, pressing his lips up as he thought to himself, before perking up with a light smile. “I know you and the big guy have been searching the bay for, well, him. So why don’t I take over for a while, and give you a break to not think about him?”

Hiro blinked at that, having not expected it. But the offer did sound nice. “You would do that?”

Truthfully the search in the bay had been more taxing than Hiro would like to admit. Swimming around for long hours, barely finding anything, took its toll on him mentally and physically, but he knew it was a needed job. Both for the sake of the city, for Granville and himself. But that didn’t mean he and Baymax had to be the sole people doing such a task.

Throwing his arms up, Globby resounded. “Of course! I can become water after all, easy as pie.” He demonstrated by flicking his hand, watching it briefly turn to water before he quickly realised he just flung a bucket’s worth of water down onto the street. He speedily turned his hand back to normal, not acknowledging the fact he might have just ruined someone’s night.

Hiro was quiet for a few seconds before he nodded softly, rubbing a tired eye with the back of his hand. “I think a break from the search would be nice…”

Globby chuckled softly, looking Hiro up and down. “I think you need a break from a lot of things.” He mused, popping his lips. “Not from sleep though”

Not arguing with that, Hiro turned to where his helmet still laid along the ground, limply picking it up and slotting it back onto his head, the visor lighting up his face a little, squinting as his eyes needed to adjust. He spared a glance at a nearby clock on one of the many screens across the buildings around them, sinking in just how late it was, ready to collapse when he got home.

Recognising this, Globby placed a hand on Hiro’s back, gesturing with his head. “Come on, I’ll walk you home.”

Hiro nodded, and without saying anything else the two walked to the edge of the roof, Globby kneeling down as he allowed Hiro to hop onto his back. He made sure he had a good hold before taking off, stretching out his arms to swing across the city. 

It had been a long night, but a much needed discussion between the two. Many wounds still needed to be healed, and there were many words that still needed to be said. But this was a good start, pressure released to allow the healing to begin. 

For the young hero to accept he needed help, and for the ex-villain to acknowledge his shadows.