Marvel: Silver Hand

Alexander sat in Emma Frost's office at the Massachusetts Academy, his molten-gold eyes fixed on the wooden ceiling as he leaned back in the chair. The room smelled faintly of polished wood, leather, and a hint of Emma's perfume. She had left him here to meet with her mutant students, the Hellions. He rolled the word around in his mind, a faint smirk playing at his lips. It felt fitting that Emma, with her sharp tongue and colder demeanor, would have a team named after demons.

"Do you trust them?" Celebrimbor's wraith-like voice echoed in his mind, calm and thoughtful as ever.

"I trust Emma… mostly," Alexander replied aloud, knowing no one else could hear Celebrimbor. "Her students? I don't know them, but they're just kids. What's the worst they could do?"

Celebrimbor chuckled softly. "Children can be more dangerous than you think. But that's not what I meant. I meant do you trust them enough to show them your full power?"

Alexander's smirk faded. "No," he muttered. "I don't trust anyone that much."

The wraith hummed in agreement. Silence settled between them for a moment before Celebrimbor spoke again. "We need armor."

"Armor?"

"Yes," Celebrimbor said. "You have power, yes, but you're not invincible. That fight with Ryan and Vanessa proved it. Heavy hits wear you down, and in this world filled with gods and monsters, you need more than just raw strength. We'll forge armor — something worthy of a warrior with divine blood and a Ring of Power."

Alexander nodded slowly, his mind already envisioning the armor. Dark, imposing, laced with fire and magic. "I like it. We'll start on it soon."

Before their conversation could continue, the door opened, and Emma Frost strode in, her tailored white suit immaculate, a glass of wine already in hand. She settled into her chair across from him, crossing her legs elegantly.

"You look bored," she teased, taking a sip.

"I was," Alexander shot back with a grin.

Emma chuckled, setting her glass down. "If you're going to New York, you'll need some essentials." She slid a black card across the desk. "That should cover your expenses."

Alexander picked it up, raising an eyebrow. "How much is on this?"

Emma shrugged. "Fifty thousand? Maybe more. I lost track."

His eyes widened. "Damn. That's a lot of money."

She laughed softly. "Not to me."

As Alexander processed that, Emma pulled out a bottled water from her desk and handed it to him. He accepted it with a nod of thanks, watching as she poured herself another glass of wine.

"Do you ever drink water?" he asked, half-joking.

"Water is boring," she replied with a smirk, taking a long sip of wine.

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, both lost in thought, until Emma broke it. "I want you to spar with my Hellions."

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "All of them?"

She nodded. "All six."

"Fine by me," he replied confidently.

Emma led him through a hidden door in her office that opened to a massive training room. The place was filled with advanced technology — training robots, weapons, and various other equipment. Alexander's molten eyes flickered with intrigue as he approached one of the training robots.

"This world is remarkable," Celebrimbor marveled. "Machines capable of combat, crafted from metal and circuits. Fascinating."

"Can I tinker with one?" Alexander asked Emma.

"Knock yourself out," she replied.

Alexander, guided by Celebrimbor's ancient knowledge, began disassembling and modifying the robot with ease. Celebrimbor observed intently, marveling at the technological advancements. "If we combine magic and this technology, imagine what we could create."

Before Alexander could respond, the door opened, and six young mutants entered. Emma gestured for them to gather around.

"Everyone, meet Alexander Athos," Emma introduced. "Alexander, meet the Hellions."

She pointed to each as she introduced them. "Sharan Smith, also known as Catseye. She's a shapeshifter who can turn into a large feline form. Manuel de la Rocha, or Empath, who manipulates emotions. Haroun ibn Sallah al-Rashid, Jetstream, generates bio-thermal energy from his legs for high-speed flight. Jennifer Stavros, Roulette, creates discs that alter probability — good luck or bad. Marie-Ange Colbert, Tarot, brings her tarot cards to life. And finally, James Proudstar, Thunderbird — superhuman strength, speed, and durability."

Alexander nodded, impressed. "You've got quite the team."

"Are you a mutant too?" Catseye asked curiously.

Alexander glanced at Emma, who communicated telepathically: Say yes. It'll make them more comfortable.

"Yeah," Alexander lied smoothly. "Mutant."

The Hellions seemed satisfied. Jetstream grinned. "So, we're all fighting you at once? You must be pretty strong."

Emma smirked. "I'd be surprised if you could even scratch him."

The students exchanged glances, eager and slightly doubtful. But their competitive spirits were lit. They stepped into the training arena, ready to fight.

Alexander stretched, cracking his knuckles. "Let's see what you've got."

The fight began in an instant. Jetstream rocketed toward Alexander, his legs ablaze with bio-thermal energy. Alexander sidestepped with wraith-like speed, grabbing Jetstream by the leg and slamming him into the ground with bone-rattling force.

Catseye transformed mid-air, a massive feline pouncing at him. Alexander conjured a burst of fire, forcing her to dodge at the last second. She circled him with feline grace, waiting for an opening.

Empath grinned maliciously, trying to manipulate Alexander's emotions. But Alexander's mind, fortified by his ring and Celebrimbor's presence, was an impenetrable fortress. He shot a blast of fire at Empath, making him leap away with a startled yelp.

Tarot pulled a card from her deck — The Tower. A massive spectral tower erupted from the ground, trying to trap Alexander. But he melted through it with a wave of his fiery hand.

Roulette tossed a red disc at him, aiming for bad luck. Alexander caught it mid-air, his molten eyes flaring. "Luck won't save you." He crushed the disc in his hand, sending a fiery shockwave that sent her stumbling back.

Thunderbird charged at him, fists clenched. Alexander met him head-on, the clash echoing through the room. Thunderbird's strength was immense, but Alexander's divine fire burned hotter. He grabbed Thunderbird by the collar and flung him across the arena.

The battle raged on, brutal and unrelenting. Flames scorched the ground, robots exploded, and the Hellions pushed themselves to their limits. But Alexander was a force of nature, dodging, countering, and overpowering them at every turn.

Finally, the Hellions collapsed, exhausted and beaten, but not broken. Alexander stood over them, barely winded, his flames flickering softly.

"Not bad," he admitted. "But you've got a long way to go."

Emma clapped from the sidelines, smirking. "I told you he was strong."

The Hellions groaned, half-impressed, half-annoyed.

Alexander extended a hand to help them up. "You'll get there. Just don't expect me to go easy on you next time."

Catseye grinned. "We'll be ready."

As Alexander left the training room, Celebrimbor's voice echoed in his mind. "They're strong. But we're stronger. Still, armor would be wise."

Alexander nodded. "We'll start forging soon."

But first, he had to get to New York and then Asgard.