[video - forward dated to midnight]

[stretchy_pants]

[The staticky feed begins broadcasting to reveal a laboratory in shambles. Expensive equipment and electronics are mangled into unrecognizable heaps. There is blood spattered across a collapsed table, probably belonging to one of the bodies crumpled on the floor in stained lab coats. Twisted and broken like discarded toys belonging to a destructive child, it is obvious that none of them are alive.

Two creatures stumble into view of the camera. Big, green, and muscle-bound, they are instantly recognizable to anyone who knows Bruce Banner's secret or hails from a Marvelverse where he exists or is familiar with comic book characters. And as if one Hulk wasn't bad enough, there are two of them here, locked in a grapple and seemingly equally matched. Theirs is a dance of pure strength and anger, raging in each others faces in wordless roaring and growls. One is eventually overpowered. He is struck by a blow that would have easily crushed a normal man, but it only serves to stagger him momentarily, before he leaps upon the other Hulk and slams his head against the floor. The linoleum cracks beneath them, but the first is far from out. He retaliates and sends the other slamming into a broken piece of equipment.

Each attack only seems to serve to make the Hulks angrier and angrier, until one of them just doesn't get back up. His form shrinks. Green skin turns pale, and Bruce groans before going still again, alive but unconscious.

The remaining Hulk grins and wipes the back of his hand across a split lip, green blood smearing to make his appearance even more intimidating as he turns to the camera. What is probably even more disconcerting is the fact that his speech indicates that this Hulk--the Shadow--is more intelligent than he ought to be.] Do you see? [One arm is flung out toward the unconscious doctor.] This is what he does to people! This, and this, and this! [He indicates the other dead scientists, as well as a pair of old headstones that were not present a moment ago. The names are unclear through the static.]

Some of you might be convinced that he can live safely in your presence. In a tower full of robots and superheroes and tiny fragile humans. What a great idea. [He sneers.] I hope you know better, now.

The people who rule this island can throw monsters and criminals and whatever dangers they can imagine at us. But do you know what's even more frightening than that? [Shadow Hulk turns away to consider the fallen form of the doctor upon the floor.] The worst part about this place is that the real monsters walk among you, and you may not even realize it.

[He pauses for a long moment, takes a few steps toward the headstones, but then doesn't go any closer. The names are still unreadable.] Maybe it'll be in the Tower. There've been some close calls, and I almost killed Tony. [His attention strays to Bruce again, and he prods him with his bare toes. The doctor groans.] Just think, if it were to ever actually happen.

[When he squats down, he snatches Bruce by the chin and shakes him, rousing him back to a fuzzy sort of consciousness. His voice is low and menacing.] Look at me. Now picture it, Banner. Picture Iron Man's armor, collapsing in on itself under your fists, cutting into his flesh, crushing his ribcage, crushing the light out of him. You've seen people die, Doctor. You've heard the way blood gurgles in their throats as they try to find their last words. What do you think your teammate's last words to you would be?

[He leans closer to Bruce's ear as the other tries to turn away, but the Shadow's grip is stronger.]

"I should have known..." [As if the very thought causes him glee, Shadow Hulk grins.] That's the only possible future if you stay with the Avengers.

[Horrified, Bruce shoves the Shadow's hands away. He's shaking visibly.] That's why I left!

[Still grinning, the Shadow pats him on the cheek patronizingly before rising to his feet to peer down at him.] It doesn't matter! Where will you run to? There's nowhere on this tiny island for you to hide! It's going to happen again, and do you know what? Next time it might not be Tony, but it will be one of the others! Natasha, or Clint, or even Steve. And wouldn't that be fitting, if the success were to be destroyed by the failure?

Or maybe it'll happen out on the streets. A random passerby who's in the wrong place at the wrong time; or at the grocery store or a coffee shop. It might even happen in your university. An entire classroom full of students! How would you even live with yourself, Banner?

[Silence falls over the lab again. Bruce is curled up on his side, making himself as small as possible and not trying to picture that scene. Shadow Hulk finally decides to approach the headstones. The names finally become readable through the static of the broadcast: Rebecca Banner. Brian Banner.]

It's funny... you blocked it out until now, but you were a monster long before I came into the picture, weren't you?

[He chuckles humorlessly before the camera feed dies.]





((as always, I love fourthwalling so feel free to have your character recognize the Hulk.

trigger warnings - topics that may be popping up in comments include child abuse, alcoholism, murder, and suicide attempts.))