"Satellite imaging puts Banner's cabin two kilometers ahead," Clint said, checking his wrist display, bow across his lap.
Adam glanced out. "Sure about this? Pissing off the Hulk's not smart."
"Fury's orders," Natasha said, steering onto a weed-choked path. "And we've got you, Mr. Former Strongest Human."
Adam's lips twitched. "That title's ancient history."
The SUV jolted, revealing a rundown cabin, smoke curling from its chimney. Natasha signaled for distance, approaching alone.
She knocked lightly. Shuffling sounded inside.
"Who?" Bruce Banner's hoarse voice came through.
"Natasha Romanoff, S.H.I.E.L.D. We're here to talk, not fight."
A long pause. The door cracked open, revealing Banner's haggard face, eyes bloodshot. "S.H.I.E.L.D.? Same as the military to me."
Natasha smiled reassuringly. "Big difference. We're offering help."
Banner's gaze flicked to Adam and Clint. "Help with armed escorts? Thoughtful."
"Precaution," Clint shrugged. "Your green friend's got a temper."
Banner frowned but stepped aside. "Five minutes. Then leave."
The cabin was sparse but tidy, walls plastered with equations. A small generator hummed.
Banner leaned against a desk, arms crossed. "What do you want?"
Natasha leaned forward. "A research post, safe housing, occasional assistance—or join the Avengers."
"Assistance?" Banner's eyes narrowed. "You want a weapon."
"No, a safeguard," Adam said. "With people like Superman out there, we need balance."
Banner stiffened. "You've seen him? The guy in black flying around?"
"Fury has," Clint said. "He's Stark's partner now, so Fury's building his own insurance."
Banner tapped the desk. "Not interested. Even if I agree, Ross won't stop hunting me. I'm his white whale."
"Fury's got presidential clearance," Natasha said. "Your cases are sealed."
Banner paced. "It's not about laws. The Hulk's harder to control. Last time, I nearly killed soldiers."
His breathing quickened, fingers twitching—signs of transformation. "Doctor, calm down," Adam said, stepping forward.
Too late. Banner doubled over, skin greening. "Get… out…"
The air froze. Natasha and Clint backed up, Adam stepping forward, blue antimatter energy swirling.
"Roar!" Banner's body swelled, shredding clothes. The Hulk burst forth, the cabin exploding into splinters.
Natasha flipped clear, Clint nocking an arrow. "Banner! Chill!"
A massive green fist swung. Boom! Adam blocked, antimatter shielding sparking. The shockwave uprooted trees, cracking the ground.
Adam slid back, feet digging trenches. "His power's off," he grunted.
Hulk roared, muscles bulging, veins glowing red. He charged, earth quaking.
"Careful!" Natasha shouted. "He's berserk!"
Clint fired tranquilizer arrows, but they bounced off Hulk's skin. "Damn, his defense is stronger!"
Adam clashed with Hulk, their blows shaking the forest. Antimatter blasts scorched Hulk, but his healing outpaced the damage.
"How?!" Adam gasped. His attacks could level mountains, yet Hulk barely flinched.
Hulk's fury surged, strength doubling. A punch broke Adam's shield, sending him crashing through trees.
"Adam!" Natasha yelled.
Hulk pounded his chest, roaring. His skin darkened, red light pulsing, muscles grotesquely swollen.
"He's evolving," Clint said grimly. "Anger's pushing him past limits."
Adam rose, eyes blazing blue. "Time to end this."
Antimatter energy flared, and he rocketed at Hulk, their clash shattering the forest.
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