The tension aboard the Helicarrier was palpable as Hiro Yamato stood before Director Fury and the gathered Avengers. His piercing red and purple eyes surveyed them all, his calm demeanor adding to the weight of his presence.
"I need my equipment," Hiro said, his commanding tone leaving no room for debate.
Nick Fury crossed his arms, his single eye scrutinizing the young man. "Your weapons caused quite a stir, Commander. My agents couldn't make heads or tails of them. Even Stark and Banner couldn't crack your gear."
"That's because it's not for you to understand," Hiro replied, unflinching. "Those weapons are an extension of me, and in the wrong hands, they're more dangerous than you realize."
Fury exchanged a look with Melinda May, who gave a small nod. After a moment, Fury signaled to an agent. "Bring his stuff."
---
The Arsenal Returned
Melinda May personally carried the weapons into the room, along with the three mysterious black cases that had accompanied Hiro. The knives were stored in a reinforced containment tray, their sleek, futuristic design glinting ominously under the light.
"You'll have to forgive our curiosity," Tony Stark said as he entered the room with Bruce Banner in tow. "Your gear is... well, let's just say it's unlike anything we've ever seen."
Hiro stepped forward and began inspecting the items. His twin pistols were pristine, their matte black finish giving off an aura of deadly precision. The three black cases sat on a nearby table, each one humming faintly with energy.
Hiro didn't respond to Stark's remark, instead focusing on the cases. He placed his hand on the first one, and a soft blue light emitted from it. With a quiet click, the case opened, revealing an array of weapons and advanced tech. Inside were energy-based rifles, compact explosives, plasma grenades, and an assortment of ammunition.
The second case opened to reveal armor components—sleek, segmented plating designed for flexibility and maximum protection. Hiro inspected it briefly before moving to the third case.
The third case opened with a soft hiss, and inside was a datapad glowing with a soft cyan light. Hiro picked it up, his face showing a flicker of relief. He tapped the screen, and two holographic figures materialized in the air above the pad.
One was a woman with sharp features and a confident smirk, dressed in a blue, holographic jumpsuit. The other had a more regal appearance, with flowing robes and an elegant demeanor.
"Cortana," Hiro said, addressing the first AI. "Athena."
"Commander," Cortana greeted with a smirk. "It's about time. I was starting to think you'd left me behind."
Athena gave a graceful bow. "It's good to see you again, Commander. I trust you'll be needing our assistance."
The gathered Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel stared, dumbfounded.
"Is that..." Bruce began, his voice trailing off.
"Smart AI," Hiro said simply, turning the datapad so they could see. "Cortana and Athena are my personal AIs. They manage my fleet, weapons systems, and tactical operations."
Tony's eyebrows shot up. "You're carrying two fully sentient AIs around with you? And here I thought J.A.R.V.I.S. was advanced."
Cortana gave him a smirk. "No offense, but we're in a league of our own."
---
The Knives' Secret
As Hiro continued to inventory his gear, Melinda May carefully placed his knives on a tray for safekeeping. She had seen firsthand what they could do when she'd tested one earlier. With minimal effort, the blade had sliced through a solid steel beam as though it were butter.
"Commander," she said, her voice steady despite the unease she felt. "These knives of yours are... unnerving."
Hiro glanced at the tray, his expression neutral. Without a word, he raised his hand slightly, and the knives began to float. Gasps filled the room as the blades hovered in midair before flying toward him.
The knives spun around him in a graceful arc before attaching themselves to his trench coat, magnetically locking into place as if they belonged there.
"Neural interface," Hiro explained, noticing the shocked expressions around him. "My gear is synced to me. It responds to my thoughts."
---
Fury's Suspicion
As Hiro finished checking his arsenal, Nick Fury stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "Impressive," he admitted. "But you've still got a lot of questions to answer, Commander. What exactly were you doing before you ended up here? And how does all this fit into it?"
Hiro straightened, his gaze meeting Fury's. "As I said, I was leading a fleet in humanity's war against the Covenant and the Flood. After we won, I must have been pulled here somehow. My mission was to protect humanity, and that hasn't changed."
"Convenient," Fury said, his tone skeptical. "But until we know more about you, you'll forgive me for not fully trusting you."
"I wouldn't expect anything less," Hiro replied.
---
A New Variable
As the Avengers prepared for their next move against Loki, Hiro Yamato remained an enigma. His weapons and technology were far beyond anything they had encountered, and his commanding presence left an impression on everyone who met him.
In the background, Cortana and Athena began analyzing the data from S.H.I.E.L.D.'s systems, providing Hiro with a clearer picture of the world he now found himself in. As the pieces of Loki's plan slowly came together, it was clear that Hiro's arrival was no coincidence.
The Dragon's Wrath was awake, and the battle ahead would be unlike anything Earth had ever seen.