The breakout had gone as smoothly as it could have, though Hiro was more than enthusiastic to free their friends. Initially, he thought that a break in was necessary, but a simple I'm here to turn myself in from the boy was all they needed to summon the prison from the icy waters. Once the prison was exposed, Steve had done the rest. It wasn't surprising that Steve had an easier time breaking in, though Hiro's capabilities with technology had them safe from any calls for backup. With the team freed from their cells, and one from their bindings, they escaped without a trace.

Steve bid Hiro farewell, stating that if he needed anything, to give him a call. Hiro agreed and promised to keep himself out of trouble and remain vigilant about the world around them. Wanda was seen off quickly and Hiro piloted Baymax to drop Clint off to see his family. It was strange to say goodbye to people he wasn't very close to, yet still felt sad to see go. His heart felt heavy by the time he was at his last farewell- possibly the hardest of them all.
"Well, I guess this is it," Hiro said, leveling himself as Baymax touched down onto the ground. Scott was clutching the armor as tightly as he could, showing more comedic nerves than Hiro had ever seen, "You sure about this? House arrest?"
"It's a better choice," Scott replied, "I have to take care of my daughter, you know?"

He chose not to comment, easing Scott down and passing him his bag. Hiro knew he had a choice- to stay with Scott or to find a better place to hide and set up his work. In the end, he chose to go out on his own. With a parting hug, a wish of luck for both, and a gentle reminder that the door was always open for him, Hiro left Scott. The idea of dangers reaching all corners of the world only brought to light that there could be more out there than they knew. With half of the Avengers in hiding and Hiro lacking any true position within them, he had an open field to roam about, though he would have to avoid certain areas.

His contact with Steve was limited to only brief check-ins and, after a year, they stopped. Small meetings with Pym and Krei granted him access to some tech and, with effort and a lot of donating on Krei's part, Hiro managed to create a lab of his own on the abandoned Akuma Island, moving his operations underground to mask beneath the rubble. As the years slowly passed, Hiro found that he had little contact with anyone, save for Baymax. The bot refused to return to San Fransokyo's mainland, insisting he stay at Hiro's side. Despite his best efforts, the bot remained stubborn and Hiro was forced to allow him to stay. For roughly two years, he remained hidden away on the island, keeping a watchful eye on not only Earth's status, but the status of signals he seemed to catch from beyond the atmosphere. Using the portal that he had rebuilt (it took many trials to complete and perfect), he began research on experimental tears that could lead him to another location without needing another portal. Until it was completely locked on, however, the portal remained dormant. Until then, he listened for anything he might need to pay mind to.

Usually, there was nothing but chatter and sometimes, if the signal was just right, he could hear music. As he leaned forward, goggles over his eyes, he hummed to the faint song drifting over the frequency. The welder hissed as metal molded together, sealing itself as he ran a coolant over it. Nearing his twenties, Hiro had little to show for himself on paper, but much to show in his labs. He gave his newest invention a smug smirk, reaching out to grasp the rotating handle. "This is gonna be sick," he mumbled, lifting the staff.
"Hiro." He sighed and leaned back, pushing himself away from the work bench.
"What's up, Baymax," he replied, setting his goggles aside and lifting the staff. It was light in weight, but heavy in its hits. The bottom held a seismic shock device, making impacts from the sky deadlier and more efficient. The top of the spear held laser-induced plasma blades, courtesy of Wasabi on a secured package bus ride. He twisted the weapon around, balancing it on his shoulders and rolling it between his arms with ease. He recalled the dojos his brother often made him go to, silently thanking him for his persistence.
"Hiro, I am receiving some form of a distress signal."

That made him pause and the inventor looked over his shoulder. The music fizzled beneath the static, only the sound of a planet's rings echoing across the labs. He walked towards Baymax, leaning over the bot's shoulder. "What kind of distress," he asked, frowning slightly, "Somewhere close?"
"No. It is from somewhere I have never heard of. They say they are... under attack."
"Under attack?" He glanced at the portal, dormant and silent, chewing on his inner cheek. He pat Baymax on the shoulder, motioning to the controls. "Let me fire up the portal. You see if you can get into contact and have them send us coordinates. If they have a bridge of any sort- portals, ports, jump points, anything- send it to us."
Setting his staff aside, Hiro began to activate the portal, causing the island to jolt slightly as power flowed into it. With incredible focus, he kept his attention on the stabilizing piece, checking each reading for error.
"I have been given coordinates," Baymax replied, sending them over their personal network to the screen Hiro was currently standing at. Hiro wrinkled his nose, reading over the coordinates with a skeptical scoff.
"Baymax, these coordinates aren't even on Earth. Where are these people?"
"It seems to be another planet. I have run a scan but have failed to locate anything other than its name. I recommend: oxygen."
"Let's suit up, big guy. We might have a fight on our hands. Let's try to put the scare in them first, huh?"
The bot nodded, and Hiro glanced at his wristband. The numbers flashing gave him the only warning he needed before pieces of armor were summoned. It was a much quicker way to get Baymax ready for the fight, instead of him forcing the suit on the puffy bot. As armor clicked and whirred into place, Hiro grabbed his own.

It had changed over the years, armor thicker and stronger than it had previously been. Still, the portal that rested on his back acted as a detachable piece, in sync with the one located in his labs. For now, however, it remained secured. His helmet had been down sized, though it still protected his head and face. Checking each pod for access to the realm between, Hiro nodded in affirmation, letting his visor slid down and oxygen flood into his helmet.
"Ready, Baymax," he asked, walking out from the labs, grabbing onto his newly made weapon, though not yet tested, "We gotta go now. Is that portal connected?"
"Yes, Hiro. The portal has successfully connected to the given jump point coordinates. I am sending them to your frequency now."

He motioned for Baymax to follow him, walking toward the portal with a determined expression, yet it faltered just slightly. The swirling vortex of the portal was, and always would be, intimidating for him. Taking in a deep breath, he walked forward, muscles tense as he prepared for what may be on the other side. The planet's name flashed across his visor, followed by a list of messages that were noted, "Funky name for a planet." He squinted at the planet name, but his eyes dragged over to the notes in curiosity.

> People in danger.
> Send help immediately.
> Innocent lives lost.
> Protect the vault.

"Okay, Baymax. Mission is simple. Rescue the innocent bystanders, eliminate the threat. Easy job."
"Yes, Hiro. Together, we will ensure the safety of the people."
"Right." Swallowing thickly, Hiro took his first steps into the portal, Baymax at his side, moving through the swirling vortex and into the realm between. As they neared their location, Hiro could hear the muffled sounds of chaos, explosions and screams. Fingers tightened around the staff and he felt his determination steel.
"Hiro. Do not be afraid. I will be here with you."
He glanced up at Baymax, offering the bot a reassuring smile.
"I'm okay," he said, reaching out to gently pat the bot's arm, "But, I'm glad you're here."
The bot returned the pat with one to the young man's head, beady eyes squinting in that trademark smile. Hiro took in a shuddering breath and turned towards the muddled scene of flames and smoke, flashes of light and something gold shimmering in the sky. With a nod, he walked closer, ready to break through the threshold.

"C'mon, Baymax. Xandar needs our help."