His gaze swept over the two battered figures on the floor, pausing first on the dark red stain between Tony's curled legs, then on Thor's charred, smoking body, before slowly turning to Yongye.
"Hulk!"
A Rage-filled roar burst from his throat, making the floor tremble beneath their feet.
"Hulk! Kill him!"
Tony forced the words out from where he lay. His voice was hoarse and broken, but it still carried that stubborn fury.
Hulk bent his knees slightly, grinding a shallow mark into the floor with his feet. Like a beast released from its chain, he was coiled to strike.
Yongye did not even look at him.
His gaze passed over the green giant gathering himself to charge and settled on another figure climbing over the edge of the roof.
She wore a tight black combat suit with its collar slightly open, revealing the clean line of her neck. Her long red hair whipped in the rooftop wind, the afternoon sun lending it a muted warmth.
Black Widow.
She landed lightly, sliding barely half a step across the floor before finding her footing. Wariness and scrutiny filled her eyes, like a wildcat sizing up a threat.
Yongye's gaze lingered on her for a moment, and the corner of his mouth lifted.
Now that was impressive. Worth a ride!
Black Widow was in her prime, without the slightest sign of fading.
Her figure and bearing were both at their best, as though time had picked through every possibility to leave behind this perfectly judged result.
"Hulk, wait!"
Another voice came from the stairwell, thick with old-fashioned righteousness.
Captain America, Steve Rogers, strode out of the stairwell, gripping his signature Vibranium shield. Its surface gleamed dully in the afternoon sun.
He stopped about ten paces from Yongye. His gaze swept over Tony