Marvel: Silver Hand

The flaming spear in Alexander's hands pulsed with raw divine fire, the golden-orange light illuminating the darkened warehouse like a beacon of destruction. The Avengers stood ready, a wall of legends poised to take him down.

Spider-Man shifted on his feet, his body tense. Captain America adjusted his grip on his shield, reading Alexander's stance. Iron Man hovered above, palm repulsors glowing bright, while Hawkeye had already drawn back an arrow, aimed right at his head. Quicksilver cracked his neck, eyes darting around at high speed, and Ant-Man—where the hell was he?

Didn't matter.

Alexander's lips curled into a feral grin. "Alright, let's see what you've got."

He moved.

A burst of superhuman speed, flames erupting around him as he lunged straight at Captain America.

BOOM!

The impact sent Cap skidding back across the warehouse floor, his shield absorbing the force. But before Alexander could press the attack, Spider-Man swung in from above.

THWIP!

Webbing shot toward him.

Alexander reacted instantly—his wraith senses flaring to life. With a simple flick of his flaming spear, he burned through the webbing before it could reach him.

Spider-Man landed nearby, his mask tilting. "Oh, great. You're fireproof. That's gonna make this fun."

Alexander didn't respond. He just threw the fire spear.

The weapon whistled through the air, aimed straight for Spider-Man's chest.

But Spider-Man's reflexes were insane.

He flipped over it, dodging—

Only to be met with a flaming fist to the face.

CRACK.

The hit sent Spidey flying back, crashing through crates.

Alexander turned, just in time to see Hawkeye fire an explosive arrow.

He slashed through the projectile with the fire spear—

BOOM!

The explosion rocked the warehouse. Smoke and fire spread across the battlefield.

Alexander barely had time to register movement before he felt something slam into his ribs.

WHAM!

It was Quicksilver, his speed like a damn bullet. He struck Alexander again—and again—his punches landing in rapid succession.

Alexander growled and spun, his fire powers flaring outward. The explosion of flames sent Quicksilver staggering back, barely able to react in time.

Iron Man fired.

A massive repulsor blast shot toward Alexander. He threw up a hand, his wraith powers surging.

The Silver Hand shimmered into existence, and the blast curved around him, dispersing into harmless energy.

Iron Man hovered above. "Huh. That's a neat trick. Mind explaining how you just negated high-intensity repulsor energy?"

Alexander grinned. "Trade secret."

Before Tony could fire again, Alexander launched himself into the air. His spear of divine fire whirled in his hands as he aimed a devastating downward strike.

Iron Man dodged—

But Alexander shifted mid-air, adjusting his trajectory at impossible speed.

The spear collided with Iron Man's armor.

BOOM!

The force sent Stark crashing into the ground.

Alexander landed, rolling his shoulders. "One down."

Then, suddenly—

A blur of red, white, and blue.

Captain America tackled him.

WHAM!

The two skidded across the battlefield. Cap swung his shield in a brutal arc—Alexander blocked with his forearm, the impact jarring his bones.

Then—

THWIP!

Webbing wrapped around his wrist.

Spider-Man yanked, pulling him off balance.

And then—

BOOM!

Iron Man's repulsor blast slammed into his chest.

Alexander was sent flying back, smashing through metal beams.

Pain flared across his ribs. He coughed, pushing himself up—

"ENOUGH!"

He let go.

The air shook as Alexander unleashed his divine fire fully.

Flames erupted from his body, spiraling around him like an inferno. The sheer heat melted the ground beneath him. His eyes burned silver, his body surrounded by a terrifying golden blaze.

The Avengers staggered back.

Spider-Man shielded his face. "Oh, that's not good."

Iron Man's suit flashed warning signals. "Heat levels off the charts—"

Then—

The sky darkened.

The temperature dropped.

A sudden, deafening BOOM shook the air.

CRACK—BOOM!

Something slammed into Alexander's chest.

The force sent him flying, his body crashing through walls before finally slamming into the cold pavement outside.

He groaned, struggling to push himself up. His chest ached. His vision blurred for a moment before he looked up—

And saw Mjolnir.

The enchanted hammer whizzed back through the air, returning to the hand of Thor.

The God of Thunder stood tall, lightning crackling around him, his cape billowing in the wind. His blue eyes locked onto Alexander, filled with suspicion and fury.

"Tell me," Thor said, voice echoing like a storm. "How does a mortal possess the power of an Asgardian God?"

Alexander gritted his teeth. He forced himself to his feet, shaking off the pain. "I'm no mortal."

Thor narrowed his eyes. "Then who are you?"

Alexander stared him down.

"My name is Alexander Athos. And I am descended from Eldrborinn."

Thor's brow furrowed. "Eldrborinn?"

Alexander nodded. "The brother of your father, Odin."

The Avengers exchanged glances.

But Thor… Thor looked confused.

"I know no Asgardian by that name," he said.

Alexander's fists clenched. "…What?"

Thor studied him carefully. "If you speak the truth, then let us seek the answers in Asgard."

Iron Man lowered his repulsors. "Uh, yeah, how about no? We're not just letting him leave after everything he's done."

Thor glared at Stark. "This is an Asgardian matter. You will not interfere."

Before Iron Man could protest, Thor reached out—

Lightning surged around them.

In an instant, the Bifrost opened, a swirling vortex of energy engulfing them.

The next thing Alexander knew—

He was standing in Asgard.

Golden spires, endless skies, and a city of divine beauty stretched out before him.

At the gates stood Heimdall, his golden eyes watching.

Without hesitation, Heimdall raised his massive sword—

And chains of light wrapped around Alexander's wrists.

Thor turned to him. "We will have answers soon."

Alexander barely heard him.

He was too busy staring in awe at the magnificent city of Asgard.

For the first time in a long while—

He felt in awe.