Marvel: Familia System

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Closing his eyes, Banner let the illusion fold around him, sinking into its depths as the world outside faded. When he opened them again, he found himself seated at a simple wooden table, the air calm and still, filled with the scent of forest and quiet dusk. Across from him sat the Hulk, looming and intense, watching him with curiosity and distrust.

Banner's heart pounded, but he kept his voice steady as he spoke. "Didn't think I'd get a chance to talk to you like this."

Hulk scowled, leaning forward, fists clenched on the table's surface. "Why Banner here? Hulk hates Banner!"

Banner didn't flinch, though the words hit hard. "Yeah, well, the feeling's mutual sometimes." He held Hulk's gaze, not backing down. "But this isn't working, is it? You go out there, smash everything, and I get to wake up in a pile of rubble."

Hulk growled, slamming a fist down, the table shaking. "Banner weak! Hulk strong! Hulk protect!"

"Protect what, Hulk? You're tearing everything apart." Banner gestured around them. "And where does it leave you? Alone, angry, running."

Hulk's growl softened, his gaze drifting down to the table, almost like he was seeing beyond it. "They hurt Hulk," he muttered. "Everyone hurts Hulk."

Banner leaned forward, lowering his voice. "They hurt me too, Hulk. But smashing things won't stop it. All it does is make us more of a target."

Hulk looked back at him, expression darkening. "Banner tries to stop Hulk. But Hulk is strong. Stronger than Banner." There was a defiance in his voice, but underneath, a faint note of confusion.

"I know," Banner said quietly. "That's the point. You're stronger than me, but if you keep letting that strength turn into rage, then they'll keep coming for you. Coming for us."

Hulk frowned, his massive shoulders tense, as though he didn't know where to direct the weight he carried. For a moment, the air was filled with silence, heavy and uncertain.

Outside, Donald placed a hand over Banner's shoulder, the green lightning crackling faintly from his fingertips as he channeled calm through the Thunder Ring, bolstering Banner's focus and will. Anthony joined in, his Sun Ring glowing with a faint warmth that softened the edges of Banner's tension, flooding the illusion with a comforting light.

Inside the illusion, Banner felt the shift—a slight ease in his mind, the chaos that usually pulsed inside him calming just enough to keep the words steady. He held Hulk's gaze. "We don't have to fight every time, you know. You could listen to me. We could try to work together."

Hulk stared at him, brow furrowing as he processed the words. "Hulk doesn't listen to Banner."

Banner sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Look, I'm not asking you to like me. I'm not even asking you to do what I say. But if we keep this up, both of us are going to lose."

Hulk's face contorted in frustration, the muscles of his jaw flexing as he struggled with the idea. "Banner weak," he repeated, though his tone was uncertain.

Banner leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "And Hulk's…stupid."

The words were out before he could catch them, and Hulk's face twisted, fury bubbling up. His fists clenched, muscles taut with tension. He looked ready to rip the table apart, but purple clouds condensed around him, holding him back with a soft but firm restraint. Banner took a deep breath, trying to ease the tension.

"Look," he said, voice low. "I didn't mean that. I know it sounds rough, but hear me out." Hulk's glare didn't ease, but he wasn't ripping the table apart, either. Banner pressed on. "You're stronger than anyone. I'm just… smarter about some things. I get this world, the way people act, how to keep us safe. But you? You have the strength to protect us." He leaned in, meeting Hulk's glower. "We both have something to give here. What if we used it together?"

Hulk's scowl shifted to something more uncertain, his fists loosening slightly. "Banner thinks Hulk's not smart," he muttered, gaze drifting to the table. "But Hulk knows how to fight. Hulk always wins."

Banner nodded. "Yeah, you do. And that's exactly what we need. You win because you're relentless. No one can stop you. But if you let me guide things a little, we'd be unstoppable." He gestured between them. "Think of it like… you're the power, and I'm the direction. It's not about who's better, just who does what."

Hulk's gaze flickered with something close to understanding, though he still looked wary. "So… Hulk fights. Banner hides?"

"Not hides. Supports," Banner corrected. "I help you make the right moves so we both come out okay. No more waking up in craters or wrecked cities."

Hulk huffed, crossing his arms. "Hulk doesn't need Banner to fight."

"Maybe not," Banner conceded, holding his hands up. "But it would mean a lot less mess. We get more of what we want, without all the people chasing us down every time you take a step."

Hulk's scowl softened just a touch, the weight of his arms dropping. "So… what does Banner do?"

"Make plans. Keep an eye out for trouble." Banner kept his tone easy, almost casual. "When something needs smashing, that's all you. But if it's just people, or buildings, or things that don't need breaking, I help keep things clear." He tilted his head, gauging Hulk's reaction. "That way, when you do fight, it's for something worth it."

Hulk mulled this over, a deep furrow in his brow. "Hulk wants to smash the people who hurt Hulk."

"And I want that, too. But sometimes, the best way to get back at them is to outsmart them," Banner said, his tone calm but steady. "We can do more damage together than you could alone. And when they come for us? We're already a step ahead."

Hulk considered him, arms still crossed but his gaze more contemplative than angry. "Banner helps Hulk, then?"

"Yeah. We do this together, and we stop fighting each other. Just… trust me on this. Trust that we're both on the same side here."

Hulk huffed, his face twisting with doubt, but he finally nodded, albeit grudgingly. "Fine. Banner helps Hulk. But if Banner lies…" He raised a fist, letting it hang in the air, a clear threat.

Banner held his ground, unfazed. "You'll know if I lie. But this is for both of us. No tricks."

After what felt like an eternity, Banner opened his eyes and looked up at the group, still disoriented but steadier than before. "For now," he said, "we've come to an understanding."

Nero nodded, acknowledging the fragile truce. "Good. What do you want to do now? Come with us, or go your own way?" He paused, holding Banner's gaze. "Just know, if you're on your own, you'll still be hunted. Army and anyone else who sees you as a threat won't stop chasing."

Banner considered this, jaw clenched, a hint of skepticism in his eyes. "And if I stay with you? What's your end game?"

Diego grinned from the side, stepping forward. "End game? Simple, Doc—we're here to keep you out of the line of fire. Or at least… help direct the blast somewhere less problematic."

Banner's eyes narrowed as he glanced at Diego, then back to Nero. "I get it. You keep me on a leash, keep things under control. But control only works until it doesn't. What happens when Hulk gets out and none of you can do a thing about it?"

Nero rolled his shoulders, stepping forward until he was face-to-face with Banner. "Tell Hulk to come out. I'll take him on, mano a mano. It's time he learned he's not invincible—he needs to know control."

Banner blinked, stunned by the suggestion. "You're serious?"

"Dead serious," Nero replied. "If Hulk thinks he can just tear through anything, then he needs to be reminded he's not unstoppable. I'm willing to teach him that lesson myself."

Banner looked around, taking in the expressions on the masked faces surrounding him. 

Banner let out a sharp breath, glancing between the group and Nero. "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you."

Banner closed his eyes, steadying his breathing. The transformation was swift—his muscles tensing, expanding as green washed over his skin, his eyes shifting to that familiar shade of rage-filled emerald. In seconds, the massive form of the Hulk stood before them, towering and breathing heavily. His gaze landed on Nero, and he sneered, cracking his knuckles with an audible pop.

"You want Hulk?" Hulk growled, the ground vibrating under his voice. "Hulk here."

Nero smirked, meeting Hulk's glare without an ounce of hesitation. "Yeah, big guy. I wanted to see what you've got."

Hulk took a step forward, towering over Nero. "You think you strong? Hulk crush you."

Nero rolled his neck, motioning Hulk to come at him. "Then try. Let's see if you can back that up."

With a bellowing roar, Hulk lunged forward, swinging a massive fist toward Nero. Nero didn't flinch; he sidestepped the punch with swift precision, planting himself firmly in Hulk's blind spot and landing a quick, solid strike to his ribs. Hulk grunted, stumbling slightly before turning with a snarl.

"Come on, is that all?" Nero taunted, his stance relaxed but ready. "I expected more from the 'strongest there is.'"

Hulk growled, baring his teeth as he charged again. This time, he threw a series of wild punches, each blow sending gusts of air through the space around them. Nero dodged, weaving through the strikes with controlled, efficient movements, each evasion bringing him closer to Hulk's center. As Hulk overextended on a punch, Nero delivered a sharp kick to his knee, forcing him to drop down onto one leg.

"You're all muscle and no control," Nero said, his tone almost amused. "You can't just throw fists and expect that to be enough. Not against me."

Hulk roared, his fury intensifying. He lashed out, swinging both arms toward Nero like he was trying to crush a fly. Nero ducked under the blow, sliding around to Hulk's back and planting a precise strike to his spine, forcing Hulk to stumble forward, momentarily thrown off balance.

"Enough!" Hulk bellowed, twisting around and swiping at Nero with a hand as big as a car hood. This time, Nero didn't dodge. He braced himself, catching Hulk's hand with a deflective push that redirected the force into the ground.

"I haven't even used my powers yet, big guy. Get up!" Nero's hand flared with the vibrant, orange glow of Sky Flames, he shouted, stepping back and letting the flames pulse around his fist.

Nero's arms blackened, Armament Haki spreading over his fists like a second skin as he faced Hulk's advance. Observation Haki heightened his senses, and he felt the rush of energy around him as the Sky Flames ignited, burning brighter, wrapping his fists in an intense glow. Hulk's heavy steps shook the ground, his fists clenched tight, and with a roar, he swung at Nero, each punch aiming to flatten him into the ground.

Nero sidestepped the first swing, his Haki-flared fist connecting hard with Hulk's ribs. Hulk grunted, stumbling back, but barely phased. He swung again, a fist the size of Nero's torso hurtling toward him. Nero twisted, ducking under Hulk's arm and landing a sharp punch into Hulk's gut, pushing the flames through on impact.

Hulk growled, lunging again, this time catching Nero's shoulder. The impact sent Nero skidding back, feet digging into the ground as he steadied himself. He flexed his fingers, the Sky Flames intensifying, and with a quick step forward, he jabbed into Hulk's side, the flames sizzling against Hulk's skin. Hulk swung back, his massive fist narrowly missing Nero as he dodged, pivoting to Hulk's right, where he landed another strike on Hulk's exposed shoulder.

Hulk's fury only grew, his voice rumbling. "Hulk smash!" He charged forward, fists hammering down. Nero dodged left, slipping past the blows, every strike he landed burning hotter, intensifying with each second he kept his flames in control. His movements were precise, using Hulk's size against him, maneuvering to stay in his blind spots.

Hulk roared, frustration flashing across his face as he stumbled back, momentarily disoriented. But he wasn't finished. With a defiant snarl, he brought his fists down in a crushing blow, cracking the ground. Nero jumped back, avoiding the impact but feeling the shockwave ripple through the ground. He clenched his fists, Sky Flames blazing, and darted forward again.

"Your turn, big guy," he said, his voice steady, challenging. He swung a fist, and the flames flared as he connected with Hulk's jaw. Hulk staggered, shaking his head, visibly dazed. But before Nero could capitalize, Hulk swung back, catching him in the side. Nero braced himself, feeling the force of Hulk's punch jolt through him. He slid back, his hands flexing as he steadied himself.

Banner's voice echoed through the haze of Hulk's mind, pushing against the anger. "Stop—Hulk, listen!"

Hulk froze, his eyes flickering, and Nero saw the hesitation. Banner's voice came through, strained but steady. "Let me in. I'll handle this—you're all power, but it's wasted like this."

Hulk growled, his fists tightening, but the defiance in his eyes dulled. "Hulk… not weak."

Banner's voice pressed on, his tone firm. "It's not weakness. Just share control, dammit. Let's win this together."

Hulk's body stilled, the rage flickering as he seemed to battle himself, until finally, he stopped, his fists dropping slightly. The shift was subtle, but Nero noticed it immediately—there was a new awareness in Hulk's eyes, sharper, more focused.

Banner's voice came through, clear and steady. "Alright, Hulk. Let's show him."

With Banner's guidance, Hulk's stance changed, his body shifting in a way that combined his brute strength with newfound precision. He stepped forward, launching a punch that came with calculated force. Nero dodged, but the movement was cleaner, more controlled.

"Alright, now we're talking," Nero muttered, taking a defensive stance.

Hulk swung again, but this time his movements had purpose. He cut off Nero's escape, forcing him to engage. Nero blocked the punch with a Haki-enhanced arm, feeling the added weight behind it. He retaliated with a quick jab to Hulk's shoulder, but Hulk countered, catching Nero's arm and pulling him forward with unexpected speed. Nero barely slipped out of Hulk's grip, retaliating with a knee to Hulk's side, but Hulk had already adjusted, sidestepping to deflect the blow.

"See, Hulk?" Banner's voice coaxed, guiding Hulk's strikes. "Focus. You're unstoppable when you use your strength like this."

Hulk grunted, following the guidance as he charged Nero with a new purpose. Nero twisted, feeling the heat from his own flames intensify as he engaged, each movement sharper, his strikes finding their mark even as Hulk's counters improved. They circled each other, exchanging powerful blows, each attack calculated.

Nero grinned, feeling the exhilaration of the fight. "Finally, a real challenge," he said, his fists blazing as he matched Hulk's rhythm. He delivered a rapid punch, blocked by Hulk's forearm, then swung a low kick that forced Hulk to stumble back.

But Hulk didn't falter. He swung back, and for the first time, Nero felt the combined weight of Banner's precision with Hulk's raw strength. He blocked, but the force drove him back, his heels digging into the ground.

Banner's voice guided Hulk forward, his fists striking with a newfound intensity. Nero countered, each punch laced with Sky Flames as he held his ground. The two clashed, their powers surging, the force of their fight rippling out in waves.

Hulk swung with calculated force, catching Nero off guard as he blocked high, only for Hulk to bring a heavy knee up toward his ribs. Nero twisted, managing to deflect most of the impact, but the strength behind the blow sent him sliding back.

Their fight intensified, each exchanging heavy blows that shook the ground beneath them. Nero's Sky Flames burned brighter, each punch releasing bursts of energy that crackled through the air. Hulk, with Banner's guidance, kept pace, adapting with every hit.

Nero's Sky Flames flickered, shifting from orange to a deep indigo, the color pooling around his fists in a haze. Banner and Hulk froze for a split second, both watching the strange glow. Then, without warning, the space around them blurred, and they were suddenly standing in an unfamiliar landscape—a dense, dark forest that seemed to go on forever. The air was thick with shadows, and the sky was hidden by an endless canopy of twisted branches.

Hulk growled, squinting as he turned his head left, then right, trying to make sense of the sudden change. "Where… is Hulk?" His voice rumbled, echoing in the strange, warped woods.

Banner's voice broke through, barely contained panic lacing his tone. "This isn't real. That person did this. He's got us in some kind of illusion—stay focused!"

Hulk let out a snarl, his fists clenching. "Hulk no like tricks! Hulk smash!" He swung wildly at the trees, each punch leaving only faint shimmers where his fists connected, the forest reassembling itself before his eyes.

Nero's flames shifted, the indigo fading into a crackling green as lightning sparked around his fists. His Haki-hardened arms darkened even more, the added surge of Lightning Flames coursing up his forearms.

Lost in the illusion, Hulk barely registered the punch until Nero's fist slammed into his jaw, snapping his head to the side with a crack. Dazed, Hulk swung blindly, his fist cleaving through air as Nero ducked, sidestepping to deliver another strike into Hulk's ribs. The hit reverberated, forcing Hulk to stumble back.

Banner's voice broke through Hulk's frustration, strained but steady. "Hulk, stop swinging wildly! You're playing into his hands—just listen!"

But Hulk ignored him, baring his teeth and charging forward with a furious roar. Nero stepped back, slipping behind him and landing a solid blow to Hulk's knee, forcing him down. Hulk snarled, his movements jerky as he tried to swing back, but the illusion clouded his aim, the twisted forest and eerie shadows swallowing up Nero's movements.

"Stop hiding!" Hulk bellowed, slamming his fists into the ground, shaking the illusory landscape.

Nero's fists ignited with Sun Flames, the vibrant yellow glow shining through. The Sun Flames coursed through Nero's knuckles, hammering Hulk with relentless blows.

Hulk staggered back, fists raised in blind fury, but Nero's control kept him one step ahead, his movements an effortless dance around Hulk's wild swings. With every missed punch, Hulk's rage grew, yet his hits seemed to lose focus, the heavy-handed attacks starting to show cracks. Hulk roared, swinging with all his strength, but each wild blow only met air or the flickering shadows of the illusion, heightening his frustration. Nero took advantage, launching another strike at Hulk's ribs, the yellow flames searing with an intensity that made Hulk wince.

Banner's voice came through to Hulk, edged with frustration but insistent. "Stop flailing! Think, Hulk. You can't just smash everything and expect it to work."

Hulk growled, the conflict clear in his tense stance, but he paused, looking around as if trying to pinpoint where Nero would strike next. "Hulk… tired of this game."

Nero continued to wear Hulk down, cycling through all seven flames—Sky, Storm, Rain, Mist, Sun, Lightning, and Cloud. Each flame brought a different effect, a constant shift in power and pressure that forced Hulk to adapt with every blow. Hulk's swings grew slower, his roars less forceful, each hit from Nero draining his energy. The wild rage that had driven him started to ebb, his movements reflecting something closer to Banner's control than his usual blind fury.

As the fight stretched on, Hulk found himself pulling back, his swings less reckless. He hesitated, Banner's presence surfacing in his mind, pushing against the walls of his fury. Finally, a flicker of awareness settled in Hulk's gaze. He was still strong, but now he was tempered, matching Nero's skill with a restraint that surprised even himself. Banner's voice continued guiding him, their minds slowly learning to share space.

Nero pressed forward, his fist enveloped in a green flame as he landed another hit. The force pushed Hulk back, but he didn't retaliate with the same wild rage as before. Instead, Hulk held his ground, finally seeing that brute strength alone wouldn't break Nero. He exhaled, and the tension in his massive shoulders eased slightly. This wasn't about smashing everything in his path; it was about balance, the control Banner had been trying to teach him all along.

With the fight finally winding down, Nero lowered his fists, his stance relaxed as he watched Hulk, waiting to see if the giant would charge again. But Hulk stayed where he was, his breathing slowing as he looked down at his fists, then at Nero. He had seen strength, but not the kind that just smashed—it was a power that required patience, something foreign to him, yet strangely necessary.

The transformation started almost immediately. Hulk's massive form began to shrink, the green fading from his skin as he slowly returned to Bruce Banner, his expression weary but focused. He looked up, eyes meeting Nero's with an exhausted clarity.

"Alright," Banner said, his voice hoarse. "I'll come with you."

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