Quick note: italics are what the hulk is thinking and normal text is Daniel thinking.
Chapter Three: Duel
You're probably all wondering the same thing: what exactly happens when I transform into the hulk.
The thing about my transformations is that I have a pretty good control of not accidentally transforming, unlike my dad. If my heart rate goes a little too fast, that probably doesn't cause my eyes to turn green (but I don't take that risk since that's a theory I haven't run trials on). Also, I seldom get angry so that's a bonus. I was one of those kids who never had temper tantrums which benefited everyone if you ask me. I haven't quite figured out why my hulk comes when it rarely does, but it probably has - never mind, I don't know where I'm going with this hypothesis.
Anyways, the physical transformation is pretty obvious - it's a normal sized boy to a giant green monster. That may seem a lot but it really isn't. The only drastic change for me is the mental transformation. When the hulk does take over, it's like it has a mind of its own. It acts as the motherboard of the body that my own mind is trying to take control of again.
God, it's so terrifying. The only thing my mind is truly good at is forgetting it all afterwards.
-o-
"You see?" Emily whispers, now looking up at the hulk who towers over her. "I'm still here. I'll always be here. No matter how scary you think it'll be, the one place I'll never be leaving is your side."
My breaths are slow as I look down at her. I try my best not to move a single inch and my body obeys that command. If I wasn't in my hulk form right now, I would be screaming. As for my mind, not so much... Just because my body is calm doesn't mean my mind is. The voices just started talking to me.
She's a pretty girl, isn't she? Oh, I'm sorry, were you actually talking to me? Are you giving me attitude? No, no, not at all. Just continue with whatever the hell you were doing.
My mind is silent for a moment which was so relaxing until the hulk ruined it. Maybe, this won't be so bad.
Who do you think is more scared? Her or you? Who do you think? Wow, you like answering questions with more questions. Especially when the answer is yourself.
Nevermind what I said earlier. I'm terrified.
The longer I look at Emily from this point of view, the more I notice how much she's cried and I can't tell if it's from fear or sadness. I see a tear that has frozen on her cheek. I touch it and a small smile appears on her face which makes me feel good about myself.
I'm shocked she hasn't run away yet. This is the first, and hopefully the last time that we're agreeing on something. I wish she would run off. You're very pessimistic. Can you blame me?
Then there's a noise in the distance and my head instantly whips around.
It's SHIELD and they brought their weapons.
Crap, I forgot that I made Emily call them. He isn't going to like that one bit and it's not like we can apologize/forgive one another.
What have you done?
-o-
Emily's eyes keep changing from me to SHIELD. It's almost as if she's choosing which way to go. Sometimes, she's indecisive, especially in moments when she really shouldn't be. Her human instinct tells her to go to safety but her heart keeps her planted right here.
Oh, look who you invited to the party. Doesn't a party imply that we're having fun? Again with the questions as responses. You should start answering some instead of asking.
Remember when I said I was terrified? If such a word exists with a stronger connotation and the same meaning - which I'm positive there is but can't think of at the moment since my mind is currently busy with much more important things - then that's what I am feeling right now.
"Miss. Stark," a SHIELD agent calls to her, "Come closer to us."
"No," Emily responds firmly, "I'm not leaving him."
"Miss - "
"Don't you fucking 'Miss. Stark' me! I've made myself clear!"
Wow, she's a fighter with quite a mouth. You should admire her. I already do. She's handling this way better than you are. I know.
SHIELD starts dragging Emily away against her will and she resists them to the best of her ability. She tries to get them off her and yells but it's no use. I just want her to stop and allow them to take her away from me. She will be better with them.
I'm going to get her. Please don't. I am begging you and I have never begged to you or anyone before. Please, oh please, don't do anything. The girl you love is being taken away from you and all you're doing is praying to someone who won't answer for a miracle? No wonder you're still single.
I try to say something but I actually do not have a response for that.
The hulk roars and pounces forward. My mind is jumbling now and I don't know what to do. Everything after that is just a constant whirlwind of snow, gunfire, and Emily screaming. I think Emily somehow breaks free and is running towards me. Internally, I'm screaming the loudest I've ever screamed in my life...but no one can hear the little boy who's trapped inside.
It's also times like this when I pray for a miracle even though I know that nobody is going to hear my prayers over all this exterior noise - just like the hulk said. God, I hate when he's right.
I close my eyes, waiting with the slim hope that still exists for something miraculous to happen in my favor, but the hulk and I end up blacking out - at least, that's what I hope.
Emily's Counterpart - Chapter 117 (Big Transformations Part Two)
Stay Tuned - What happens next for Daniel Banner?
