William's footsteps echoed softly in the hallway of the S.H.I.E.L.D. base. The atmosphere was still, the only sounds being the hum of machines and the faint hiss of the ventilation system. Beside him, Natasha walked with her usual calm but alert expression.
As they entered the briefing room, Nick Fury was already waiting. With his one sharp eye, he lowered the file in his hand.
"Report," he ordered curtly.
Natasha delivered a concise and efficient summary. From their arrival at Professor Blue's lab, Blonsky's involvement, the injection of the serum, to the emergence of Abomination. She explained how William protected her, how they fought, and how Hulk ultimately appeared and helped contain the situation.
Fury nodded. "No civilian casualties. Area secured. And... the two of you managed to hold off a truck-sized monster with shadows and agility," he said with a rare note of approval. "Well done."
William simply crossed his arms. "It's what should've been done."
Fury stepped closer and placed a thick file on the table. "I've got another assignment. A different threat, but potentially more dangerous. Think of it as... a long-term offer."
William glanced at the file, then raised an eyebrow. "I'll consider it. But right now... I want to sleep for two days straight."
Without another word, William turned and walked away. Natasha gave a faint smile, then followed him out.
The Next Morning...
Sunlight filtered through the curtains of William's apartment. The scent of coffee filled the air, but this time it came from the neighbor. On the small TV in his living room, the morning news played.
"...two large green figures were seen rampaging in the northern district last night. However, thanks to the mysterious appearance of a shadowy hero now publicly known as 'Shadow,' the situation was brought under control without any casualties. Shadow has quickly become a new symbol of safety amidst the growing superhuman threats…"
William sat in silence on the sofa. The instant coffee in his hand untouched. His expression was neutral, but his mind was racing.
"Shadow, huh… Looks like Fury's spinning the narrative to keep the public calm."
He let out a small chuckle. "A hero, huh? Last night I nearly got flattened by a monster…"
His sudden popularity made him a bit uncomfortable, but he also realized — this could be a tool, a shield for his identity and a distraction for others.
At School…
As usual, William returned to his daily routine. Wearing a dark hoodie and a lopsided backpack, he walked slowly toward the classroom. But his thoughts still lingered on the previous night's battle. Every step Abomination took, every shockwave... felt like a reminder that his power still wasn't enough.
"I need to be stronger. If I'm not…"
While lost in thought, two figures approached him from behind.
"William…"
He turned — Gwen and MJ stood there, looking at him with a mix of curiosity and irritation.
"You were so deep in thought you didn't even notice us staring at you for the past minute," Gwen said, arms crossed.
MJ added with a teasing tone, "Ignoring two beautiful girls standing right in front of you? That's not very gentlemanly."
William let out a tired sigh, half pretending to be exhausted. "I just... want to go home and sleep again."
The two girls immediately gave him sharp looks.
"Oh no you don't!" Gwen exclaimed. "You're not skipping morning classes today!"
"And you owe us a good reason for why you look like you got beat up by a whole orc army," MJ said, poking his arm.
William just shrugged and replied quietly, "If I told you, you wouldn't believe me anyway."
In a secluded field on the outskirts of the city — a safe place far from the public eye — William stood in silence. His breathing was steady, his eyes closed. His body felt light, but his mind was heavy.
The shadows around him began to writhe like living black mist. With intense focus, he slowly moved his hands, shaping the darkness.
One... two... three...
The shadows began to take humanoid form. Figures of pitch-black silhouettes with postures mirroring his own.
Four... five...
William frowned. Sweat dripped from his forehead. Five shadow clones now stood around him, silent, awaiting orders.
But... his body started to tremble. His breath grew ragged.
"Only five and I'm already nearly out of stamina... I guess this army will have to stay small — for now," he muttered, taking a deep breath.
He released the formation. The five shadows slowly melted into the ground, merging back with the darkness.
William sat cross-legged, calming his body and mind. Then, he tried something else, sensing the flow of energy within his shadows. The sensation was like touching cold mist that wrapped around his soul, forming a fine network between his mind and his powers.
After a few minutes of meditation, he stood again and closed his eyes.
This time, his focus wasn't on creating soldiers. He was sharpening his senses.
Every leaf's movement, the whisper of the wind, even the steps of an ant... slowly, he began to feel them all.
"If I want to stay alive... I need more than speed. I need awareness... every second."
With a sharp breath, he raised his hand and shadows enveloped his body like a layer of black armor.
The shadow hardened. As if forming a shell that encased his entire body — not just to absorb blows, but to enhance his muscles. He threw a punch at a large tree... and it shook.
"Hah... This armor... it can take heavy hits... but it's draining if I keep it up too long."
Suddenly, the small communicator on his hip beeped.
[Incoming Call – Natasha Romanoff]
William answered as he wiped the sweat from his face.
"Yo, what's up?"
Natasha's voice came through, light but with a different tone. "Got a minute?"
William raised an eyebrow. "Sure. Why?"
"I... need someone to hang out with. You free?"
William gave a small smile, surprised but pleased. "Okay. Give me a sec. I need a shower — I'm sweaty enough to knock someone out."
A little while later...
William arrived at the designated spot. In front of him stood Natasha Romanoff. Not in her signature black suit... but in casual wear — dark blue jeans, a leather jacket, her hair flowing freely.
William gawked for a moment, then smiled. "Wow... you look... very different."
Natasha raised an eyebrow, giving a slight smile. "Good or bad?"
"Good. Really good. I... almost thought you were someone else," William joked.
Natasha chuckled softly. "Thanks."
They began walking side by side. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in warm orange hues.
"I was just... bored," Natasha said quietly. "My mind wouldn't stop spinning. And somehow, your face popped into it."
William grinned. "That means you need a vacation... or there's something seriously wrong with your brain function."
Natasha turned to him with a dry smirk. "Funny."
They arrived at a large city aquarium. Inside, the atmosphere was calm and blue. Fish swam behind thick glass. Dim lights made the room feel like the ocean floor.
Natasha stood in front of a large tank filled with glowing jellyfish.
"They look... peaceful. But also deadly."
William stepped closer, gazing at the jellyfish. "That's Chironex fleckeri, a box jellyfish. Its venom can kill a human in under three minutes."
Natasha glanced at him. "You know a lot about fish?"
William nodded. "I like the ocean. Also a fan of seafood, to be honest. But... that's not the point."
Natasha chuckled. "I wasn't asking about your diet."
They laughed softly.
After a while, they sat on a bench near the stingray tank. The mood became quieter, and they just enjoyed the moment.
After leaving the aquarium...
They strolled through the city park. The sunset cast an orange glow over the nearby lake. The evening breeze was gentle.
Natasha looked up at the sky, then turned to William. "Thank you... for spending time with me today."
William smiled, "Anytime."
Without warning, Natasha touched his shoulder and leaned in. Before William could react... her lips met his.
Soft. Brief. But enough to make William's world freeze.
He stood still, eyes wide.
Natasha smiled gently, her gaze deep. "That... was because you listened. And helped me when I needed it."
She turned around and slowly walked away, leaving William standing frozen in place.
"See you, Shadow."