The return journey takes longer than the trip out - Banner isn't exactly built for XLR8's speed, and we need to be careful about detection. Instead, we use a combination of my transformations and careful routing to make our way north.
"Your father's really okay with harboring a fugitive?" Banner asks during one of our rest stops.
"He sees opportunities in unexpected places," I reply, checking our coordinates. "Besides, who better to help develop protective measures for enhanced individuals than someone who understands both the science and the experience?"
My phone buzzes - Emma. "Ross is mobilizing. Someone spotted you in Brazil."
Perfect timing.
"We need to move," I tell Banner. "Military's catching up."
He tenses immediately. "Maybe this wasn't-"
"Don't," I cut him off. "This is exactly why we need to change things. Ready to trust me?"
He studies me for a moment, then nods.
"Good. Because this next part might get interesting."
I transform into Humungousaur, carefully lifting Banner onto my shoulder. "Hold on. We're taking a more direct route."
The jungle canopy parts easily as I forge a path north. Let Ross follow these tracks - by the time he figures out where we're really heading, we'll be long gone.
Time to bring Banner to a true home.
And show the world what happens when you stop hunting heroes and start helping them instead.
-------------------------------
Fisk Tower's private entrance opens silently as we arrive under cover of darkness. Emma's mental presence brushes mine immediately.
"Ross has three strike teams mobilizing," she reports. "Stark's running interference with some convenient 'equipment malfunctions' in their tracking systems."
Banner takes in the high-tech security with a scientist's eye. "Impressive setup."
"Wait until you see the labs," I reply, leading him to the secure elevator. "Though first, someone wants to meet you."
The doors open to Fisk's private office. He stands by the window, cutting his usual imposing figure.
"Dr. Banner," he greets smoothly. "Welcome to what I hope will be a mutually beneficial arrangement."
"Mr. Fisk." Banner's voice carries careful neutrality. "Your son mentioned something about research opportunities."
"Indeed." Fisk activates a display, showing schematics of a specialized laboratory setup. "We've prepared facilities designed to your... unique requirements. Complete privacy, full resources, and of course, protection."
"Protection?" Banner's laugh is soft. "From Ross? The military?"
"From those who would use your abilities for their own ends," Fisk corrects. "Whether that's Ross or others who might take interest in your work."
"Don't worry, I'll protect you from anyone," I state, as I look towards my father - Fisk, my implication clear.
Our deal was clear after all, Banner would be on my side and the benefits to the Kingpin will be that the Hulk is not used by others as a weapon and he gets research from Banner, that Banner himself approves of.
Emma's voice fills my mind: 'Stark's arriving. And Banner's anxiety levels are spiking.'
The elevator chimes, and Tony Stark strolls in like he owns the place. "Banner! Love your work on anti-electron collisions. Less fond of the property damage, but hey, nobody's perfect."
Banner blinks, looking between Stark and Fisk. "This is... quite the welcome committee."
"Consider it a preview of your new support system," I tell him. "Scientists, resources, and people who understand what it means to have power others fear."
"Speaking of power," Stark adds, "those gamma radiation patterns you documented? Fascinating stuff. Love to compare notes sometime. You know, when you're not busy being green and angry."
For the first time since I met him, Banner actually smiles.
Maybe could work after all. Yeah, maybe, since I was optimistic sure, but always expect things to go sideways and plan accordingly.
"Before we proceed," Fisk states, "there's the matter of General Ross to address."
"He won't stop," Banner tenses. "He's... dedicated."
"He's obsessed," Stark corrects, pulling up data on his phone. "But obsession makes people sloppy. JARVIS has been tracking some interesting patterns in his operational procedures. Things that might not look great to his superiors."
Emma steps forward. "We've also prepared a media strategy. The public knows Shift brought you in - they're already spinning stories about rehabilitation and second chances."
"Public opinion?" Banner looks skeptical.
"Is a powerful tool," Fisk notes. "Especially when combined with certain... political pressures I can arrange."
"What we're saying," I add, "is that Ross isn't just fighting you anymore. He's fighting a united front of corporate, technological, and public influence."
"Not to mention," Stark grins, "he'll have to explain why he's attacking a facility owned by one of the military's biggest contractors. That's me, by the way. I don't like sharing that title with Hammer."
Banner absorbs this, his intelligent mind clearly processing the strategic layers.
"And what do you all get out of this?" he asks finally.
"Research opportunities," Fisk states.
"Scientific collaboration," Stark adds.
"A chance to change things," I finish.
Emma's mental voice carries amusement: 'He's starting to believe it might work.'
"Dr. Banner," Fisk continues, "shall we show you your new laboratory?"
As we head to the elevator, I catch Banner's quiet words: "Thank you."
Sometimes the biggest changes start with the smallest steps.
Even if those steps involve housing the world's most wanted scientist and his very green alter ego.
Later, in Banner's new lab, he pauses in his inspection of the equipment. "Can we talk? About something... complicated?"
"Sure," I reply.
"Your father..." he chooses his words carefully, "his reputation - to those who know more of the upper world - isn't exactly clean. How do you reconcile being a hero while working with someone who..." he trails off.
"While being a criminal?" I finish for him. "It's... complex. He does things I don't agree with, but he's also capable of doing good when it aligns with his interests."
"Like harboring fugitive scientists?"
"Like helping protect people with powers from those who'd misuse them." I lean against a workbench. "The world isn't perfect, Dr. Banner. Sometimes you have to work with complicated people to achieve something worthwhile."
"Sounds like justification," he observes, though his tone remains neutral.
"Maybe. Or maybe it's about using every available resource to make actual change." I meet his gaze.
"Ross operates within the law, but does that make his actions right? Fisk operates outside it, but he's giving you a chance to help people instead of running from them."
Banner is quiet for a moment, considering this. "How do you know when you're crossing a line? Working with someone like Fisk... it could be a slippery slope."
"By remembering why I do this. It's not about my father, or laws, or public image. It's about helping people who need it." I straighten up. "Sometimes that means working with people others might consider villains."
"And you're okay with that? The moral ambiguity of it all?"
"I'm okay with doing what needs to be done to protect people. The rest..." I shrug, "that's just the complicated reality of trying to make real change in an imperfect world."
Besides, I'm already slowly taking the steps to convince him to stop, I just need more time.
Banner nods slowly, something like understanding crossing his features. After all, who better to understand moral complexity than someone who transforms into what others consider a monster?
The attack comes without warning - explosions rocking the lower levels of Fisk Tower. Emma's mental alert hits me instantly: "Ross's forces breaching the lobby. Military-grade weapons, multiple teams."
"BANNER!" Ross's voice booms through mounted speakers. "Come out now, or we'll tear this building apart!"
"He's actually doing this," I mutter in disbelief. "He's attacking a civilian building in broad daylight."
Banner's pulse monitor beeps frantically. "I should... I should go. Before-"
"Before nothing," I cut him off, activating my comms. "Emma, status?"
"Ross has lost it," her voice is tense. "He's got heavy artillery aimed at structural supports. Stark's three minutes out, but-"
Another explosion rocks the building.
"Dr. Banner," I turn to him, "I know you don't want destruction, but right now Ross is the one threatening civilians. What are we going to do about it?"
His eyes flicker green. "We?"
"Yeah," I reach for the Ultimatrix. "We. Partners remember?"
The building shakes again, and Banner's expression shifts from fear to something harder. "He's really going to hurt people just to get to me..."
"Not if we stop him." I transform into Humungousaur. "Ready to show Ross what happens when he pushes too far?"
Banner's skin begins to tinge green, but this time it's different - controlled, purposeful.
"Yes," he says, just before the change takes him. "Let's show him."
Time to teach Ross a lesson about attacking the wrong building.
And the wrong team.
The transformation is explosive - Banner's controlled acceptance giving way to the Hulk's raw power. The lab equipment scatters as he grows, those green eyes blazing with familiar rage.
"ROSS ATTACK HULK'S NEW HOME?" His roar shakes the remaining equipment. "ROSS NEVER LEARN!"
"Remember," I say quickly, "civilians in the building. We protect first."
"HULK KNOW!" He actually sounds offended. "HULK NOT STUPID!"
Another explosion rocks the foundation. Through our comms, Emma coordinates evacuation efforts while Fisk's security teams engage Ross's forces.
"Ready to show Ross what happens when he picks the wrong fight?" I ask.
"HULK READY!" He grins, fierce and wild. "SHIFTER AND HULK TEACH ROSS LESSON!"
We burst through the wall together, a coordinated entrance that probably looks impressive as hell from the street. Ross's forces have surrounded the building, heavy weapons trained upward.
"ROSS!" Hulk's voice booms across the plaza. "HULK TIRED OF RUNNING!"
I spot Ross behind a line of troops, his face contorted with obsessive determination. "Banner! You think hiding behind another monster makes you safe?"
"The only monster here," I call out, "is the one attacking a civilian building!"
"HULK AGREE!" He launches forward, but I notice he's careful to avoid the evacuating civilians Emma's guiding out. "ROSS WANT FIGHT? HULK GIVE FIGHT!"
Time to show everyone what happens when you push too far.
And maybe teach Ross that some lessons come with a very green receipt.
Ross's forces open fire - heavy artillery and sonic weapons designed specifically for the Hulk. But they didn't plan for two targets.
I charge one flank while Hulk takes the other, our coordinated attack splitting their focus. Emma's voice guides us through our comms, helping us avoid civilian areas.
"ROSS BRING TOYS!" Hulk grabs a sonic cannon, crushing it like paper. "TOYS NOT WORK ON HULK ANYMORE!"
I sweep three armored vehicles aside, careful to minimize damage while making them inoperable. "The press is arriving," Emma reports. "Ross's attack is going live."
"GENERAL ROSS!" The familiar whine of repulsors fills the air as Iron Man arrives. "Want to explain why you're attacking my friend's building?"
"This is a military operation, Stark!" Ross shouts back. "Stay out of it!"
"Military operation?" Stark hovers overhead. "Looks more like a personal vendetta to me. JARVIS, make sure we're recording everything."
The Hulk lands next to me, his presence surprisingly controlled despite the chaos. "ROSS BRING ARMY TO CATCH HULK. ROSS STILL LOSE."
"That's because he never learned," I reply, watching Ross's face contort with fury. "Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is stop fighting."
"STAND DOWN!" Ross orders his forces. "I want Banner alive!"
"BANNER NOT HERE!" Hulk roars back. "ONLY HULK! AND HULK STAY WITH FRIENDS!"
The word 'friends' catches Ross off guard. I can see his worldview struggling to accommodate a Hulk that can reason, that can choose allies.
"This isn't over," he growls, but we can all see his forces wavering.
"Actually," Stark cuts in, "according to these live feeds, it very much is. Unless you want to explain to your superiors why you launched an unauthorized attack on a civilian target?"
The Hulk steps forward, but not to attack. "ROSS LEAVE. OR HULK SHOW WHAT REAL MONSTER LOOK LIKE."
Ross's forces begin to withdraw, their commander's face a mask of barely contained rage. "This isn't over, Banner. It will never be over."
"ROSS RIGHT," Hulk rumbles. "NOT OVER. BUT DIFFERENT NOW. HULK NOT ALONE."
News helicopters circle overhead, cameras capturing everything. Emma's voice fills my mind: "The narrative's already forming - military aggression against protected heroes. Ross's superiors are going to have a field day with this."
"Time to give them something else to think about," I reply, transforming back to human form. The Hulk looks down at me, understanding in those green eyes.
"SHIFTER TRUST HULK," he announces, loud enough for the cameras. "HULK TRUST SHIFTER. ROSS WANT MONSTER? ROSS ONLY FIND HERO."
Stark lands beside us, his faceplate retracting. "Well, that was dramatic. Points for style though, big guy."
The Hulk actually grins. "TIN MAN LATE TO PARTY."
"Fashionably late," Stark corrects. "Also, we should probably do something about the structural damage before-"
A section of the building's facade crumbles, as if on cue.
"HULK HELP FIX," he declares, moving to support the weakened structure. "HULK BREAK, HULK FIX."
The cameras keep rolling as the Hulk, now helping instead of destroying, works with us to stabilize the damage. It's a picture worth more than any prepared statement - the so-called monster choosing to protect and repair.
Sometimes the best way to change minds is to show them something they never expected to see.
Like a Hulk who chooses to be more than what others believe him to be.