Heroes of the Storm
Chapter 19: Poker Face
August 2nd, 2012
Avengers Island
"Don't get me wrong Tony, I love the armor and such, but it's not really for me," Harry said as the armor stood on the wall. "I don't feel comfortable wearing that armor. It should be co-design into the new Bat Armor Bruce loves so much."
Harry had given the suit a test run. While he did find the additional protection useful, it didn't feel right, which is why he was returning the suit to Tony.
"So, what are you thinking?" Dr. Banner asks as he looks at Harry.
"Clothing," Harry said simply. "I can easily place enchantments on it to give myself protection, but the armor didn't feel right, and my head feels likes I'm being sucked into a vacuum all the time."
"I'll make something," Tony said as he thinks carefully about the design. "Would you like those S.H.I.E.L.D. outfits?"
"S.H.I.E.L.D.?" Harry repeats in confusion. "Like Romanoff's and Barton's?"
Tony hits a button as a holographic image reveals the standard S.H.I.E.L.D. uniform.
Harry looks at the image studying it carefully. He wasn't against the idea of wearing the S.H.I.E.L.D.; he simply felt it look too dull.
"Alright, let's see," Harry said. "I want a coat and a hood."
The images begin to add a coat, and a hood appears as Harry turns around, looking at the hologram.
"J.A.R.V.I.S., can you add the hood to the initial outfit, and not the coat?" Harry said out loud.
"Yes sir," J.A.R.V.I.S. said at once as the hood appears on the outfit.
"Could use a belt, and some pockets inside the coat," Harry mutters. "Coat length, around the knees should be good, and sleeveless."
"Perhaps you should consider a Jinbaori," J.A.R.V.I.S. said out loud.
"A what?" Harry repeats in confusion.
"Jinbaori, a Samurai's War Coat," J.A.R.V.I.S. explains as the holographic image appears over the outfit. A sleeveless coat appears that mimics the appearance of a jacket.
"That's actually not a bad idea," said Dr. Banner.
"You can put a symbol on the back of the Jinbaori," said Tony. "Like a pentagram."
Harry pauses and thinks about the symbol they were suggesting. A pentagram indeed sounded ideal, but he had another idea. One that was more fitting of one of his titles he acquired at the Battle of Hogwarts.
"J.A.R.V.I.S., that's actually not a bad idea," Harry states as he looks at the pentagram on the back. "Instead of a pentagram, I want you to put this symbol on the back."
Harry conjures an image of the Death Hallows before J.A.R.V.I.S.
"What is that symbol?" asks Dr. Banner. "A magical eye?"
"It does appear that way," Harry said as the Death Hallow appears on the back of Harry's new outfit. "It's actually a symbol known as the Death Hallow and one who is 'Master of Death.'"
"Master of Death? Like Thanatos?" Tony said with a raised eyebrow.
"Not exactly," Harry said. "these three symbols each represent a key aspect in my world. The Elder Wand, the strongest wand in existence. The Resurrection Stone, the power to walk in the living and world of the dead. And the Cloak of Invisibility, to move unseen and to protect you in your time of need."
Banner and Tony look at one another.
"That's actually quite interesting," said Tony.
"I wonder what else on magic we could learn," said Banner.
"Well, I'm sure physics can explain everything," Tony said as Harry rolls his eyes.
"The render is complete," J.A.R.V.I.S. said out loud. "shall I include a bio-weave of titanium-Kevlar into the clothing?"
"That wouldn't be so bad," said Tony.
"Show me," Harry states as J.A.R.V.I.S. shows the holographic image of his new suit.
Harry brings his hands up to his chin, thinking carefully.
"Actually J.A.R.V.I.S., lose the hood," Harry said as the hood disappears.
"You're thinking of a mask?" asks Dr. Banner.
"I got a helmet you could use," said Tony.
"Helmets aren't my thing," Harry said, looking at the outfit. "J.A.R.V.I.S. show me samurai masks."
"Yes, sir," J.A.R.V.I.S., as several images of samurai masks appear in front of them.
"What you thinking? Wearing something like a hockey mask?" Tony asks.
"I'm not Jason, Tony," Harry states, knowing Tony was referring to the Friday the 13th movies. "J.A.R.V.I.S. I want this mask, remove the straps and make it so I can wear it without anyone revealing my identity."
"The Ghost King, sir, an excellent choice," J.A.R.V.I.S. said.
"I need it lightweight J.A.R.V.I.S.," Harry said. "I can't be carrying too much weight."
"Understood," J.A.R.V.I.S. said. "I'll make the mask and add carbon nanotube-based alloy to your suit and chest. When properly put together, this material is extremely lightweight and nearly indestructible."
"That works," Harry said as he looks at the final render. Harry, like the appearance and half-wished he had this outfit for his final battle against Voldemort.
"Thanks, J.A.R.V.I.S.," Tony said as the trio walks out of the lab.
They walk towards the meeting room to see the rest of the Avengers except Captain America, Black Widow, and Hawkeye present. Jessica Drew was also absent.
"Another incident on the rise," Wonder Woman reports as the video clip of a woman running down pedestrians before Wonder Woman arrives and stops her.
"I stop a young mother from killing her newborn off the roof," Batman said. "she believed she gave birth to the devil's child."
"I stop a man from killing his wife and children," said Superman.
"I'm sure these are all consequences," said Hal Jordan.
Everyone turns to look at him without showing his laidback attitude on the situation.
"Something doesn't add up," said Flash. "Are we sure these events are connected?"
"Homicide has been on the rise within the past month more so than any other," Batman replies.
"Given the fact that these murders are erupting all over the globe, we have to assume an outside force is at play here," said Tony Stark.
"I've already looked at the reports within the hospitals regarding these incidents," said Dr. Banner. "there's nothing in their blood that explains their rash behavior."
"Could be magic," said Morgan.
Batman looks at Seraph with his usual glare.
"You're saying someone with some hocus pocus is causing all of these incidents," said Hal Jordan.
"There has been an unusual taste in the air regarding magic," Morgan said. "We're protected here. There has been this strange vibe going on around the world with magical moving around."
"Any idea what is causing it?" Batman asks at once.
"Most likely an artifact," Morgan replies. "to spread their influence over the globe without detection would require an artifact that can manipulate others without releasing a strong magical presence."
"I'm going to Vegas," Harry said.
"What for?" Batman demands at once.
"Poker," Harry said as he turns and walks out of the room.
"Want me to come with you?" Morgan asks at once.
"I rather have you stay here and keep our magical defenses secure enough to repel whatever is causing the incident around the world. We don't need a bunch of crazy and enhance individuals going around the world smashing anything they come across," Harry said as he walks out the room.
Batman gets up and follows him.
"I can come as well," said Tony.
"Better you stay," said Morgan. "our type of poker is a bit different from Vegas."
"Sir, may I suggest testing your new suit?" J.A.R.V.I.S. said, speaking up for the first time. "It just finished."
"Thanks, J.A.R.V.I.S.," Harry said.
"Okay, I need to point out that that tends to freak people out," Flash states. "he needs some image, so we know when he's going to talk."
"Not a bad idea," Dr. Banner.
"You know in Mass Effect 2, E.D.I. had an orb when she would speak to the crew," Tony said. "I'll see what I can do."
Batman and Seraph stop as they come across an arena that revealed a grand showing of Zatanna.
"How do you know, Zatanna?" Batman asks Seraph as he walks through the back.
"I don't," Seraph admits. "I've been following her for some time, and I do believe she can use magic. She's quite capable of handling herself, but I need to see how skilled she really is in the mystic arts."
"So, this is an audition for an initiative," Batman said simply.
"Very much so," Seraph said.
"Don't you think you should run this with the team?" Batman asks.
"Nothing has been set up," Seraph states. "As a magic expert, I believe I have a right to judge the magic casters."
Batman said nothing as he looks at Seraph with his usual glare. Seraph was unaffected by this glare, as he's received it countless times from Dumbledore and Snape.
Seraph opens the door and walks towards the balcony where Zatanna was putting on a show for the audience.
Birds flew out of Zatanna's hat as she takes a bow as the lights went out. Two seconds later, the light went back on with three elephants now standing on the stage beside her. Fireworks erupted above her as the crowd gives her warm applause.
"What do you think?" Batman asks as he watches the show.
"She's real alright," Seraph said as he watches the show. "I also sense she's very powerful in the mystic arts."
Zatanna raises the elephants in the air, causing the crowd to look slightly alarmed before the Elephants burst like party poppers above the crowd.
"That's impressive," Batman states.
"I'll say," Cyborg reports in their earpiece. "I'm going to hack into the arena's security, see what I can find and where those elephants went."
"They weren't real," Seraph replies as he turns away as Zatanna disappears before the crowds very eyes.
Batman follows suit, knowing the rest of the group were trying to break down Zatanna's magical act. Stark would most likely retort back to physics on what should and shouldn't be possible.
Zatanna sits down in her dressing room, one of the best in all over Vegas, given her high ratings.
She sits down, surprised to see a couple vases of roses on her desk.
Zatanna picks up the card and looks at the note.
"All of the roses in the world can't describe how beautiful you are,"
Zatanna smiles at the note and smells the roses.
"I'm glad you like them," a voice said behind her. "I wasn't too sure you really could use magic."
Zatanna pauses as she turns back to look behind her. A figure wearing black clothing with a hood over his face stood in the shadow of her dressing room. Zatanna stood up, knowing she would have to prepare for a fight.
"Calm yourself, Zatanna," the figure said as he steps forward into the light. "I'm not here to fight you."
"Seraph," Zatanna said in surprise. "I should have known you would come. The self-proclaim 'most powerful sorcerer in the world' would no doubt seek me out to see if he was alone."
"I did not make that declaration," Seraph said simply. "Morgan did."
"Morgan le Fay," Zatanna said as she looks at Seraph. "is she the real deal?"
"Very much so," Seraph states. "I need your help."
"I doubt you would need my help," Zatanna said with a smile. "I'm a performer."
"We're trying to get into a poker game," Batman said, stepping forward.
"Poker?" Zatanna said before her eyes went wide. "You can't be serious."
"Afraid so," Seraph states. "I'll explain everything on the way, I need someone to take me to the entrance."
"You don't know where it is?" Zatanna asks with a sly smile on her face.
"Not since the Convergence happened," Seraph stated calmly.
Batman suddenly starts moving very oddly as he checks himself out.
"Z – you got to get Seraph and Batman to see John, it's important. You need to come too."
Batman may have spoken, but it wasn't his voice. It was too out of rhythm and quick.
"Is that you, Boston?" Zatanna asks as she stands up.
"Yeah, I," Batman said as he stumbles forward before crashing into Zatanna's desk. "boy, this guys' mind is tough. I can't hold – "
Batman stands up as Seraph looks at the strange figure wearing a red suit floating above them.
Batman looks down before turning to Seraph and Zatanna.
"What is going on?"
"I'll explain things on the way towards Poker," Zatanna said as she moves forward.
"Who's the Poltergeist?" Seraph asks Zatanna as the trio walk down the street with Boston floating behind them.
"Boston Brand," Zatanna said simply.
"Boston Brand," Batman states. "he was a circus performer. Murder five years ago."
"Batman has heard of me?! Sweet! Tell him I' m fan of his too, but you know – be cool about it," Boston said excitedly.
Zatanna eyes Boston out of the corner of her eyes before she walks forward.
"Yeah, that's him," Zatanna said, wary of Boston's presence.
"Z – I won't do anything, I swear!" Boston protests loudly.
"Boston was a skilled acrobat, and trapeze artists, who were famous for his death-defying stunts," Zatanna explains. "he loved being famous, especially with the ladies. Husbands, not so much."
Seraph looks back at Boston realizing why Zatanna was uneasy with Boston hanging around him.
"You're killing me," Boston protests loudly.
"Had had a knack for irritating the wrong people," Zatanna explains. "That's when five years ago, karma finally caught up with him. It was a weekend show, a full house. Boston was in the middle of his death-defying act when an assassin killed him, shocking the crowd. He died that day, but that wasn't the last of Boston. The thing with Boston, things have a way of becoming complicated. The Goddess Rama Kushna called his spirit, who took pity on him and gave him the power to possess the living, so he could bring his killer and others to justice. Since then, Boston has been the walking dead man."
"Who's John?" Seraph asks once Zatanna finished her little story on Boston Brand.
"John Constantine," Zatanna said in disgust. "fair warning, he's the world's greatest asshole."
Seraph looks at Zatanna with a questionable look in his eyes.
"Johnathan 'John' Constantine," Batman said as a holographic image of a blonde man with blue eyes appears on his gauntlet. "said here he's a specialist in exorcism."
"Yeah," Zatanna said without looking at John's picture. "that's what he does."
"So, where are we going?" Batman asks.
"I'm taking you to Midnite," Zatanna said. "He has a casino and bar here in Vegas. They don't call this place 'Sin City' for nothing."
"I'm almost afraid to ask," said Batman.
"I'm only going to warn you guys once," said Zatanna. "where we are going, is neutral ground. Number one rule; is no fighting."
"Who is Midnite?" asks Seraph.
"He's a former Voodoo Priest and Witch Doctor," explains Zatanna. "He's one of the few beings who truly neutral in the magical wars. He official stands neutral on any conflict, and it's a place to get information and acquire items – for a price."
They walk up to an average-looking bar with a bouncer presence. Zatanna walks up to the bouncer, who grunts, allowing her to walk past along with her party.
"Did you notice anything about the bouncer?" Seraph asks Batman.
"Not really, why?" asks Batman.
"He's not human," Seraph said. "He's a doll most likely created by Midnite."
"Seraph, I know you can handle what you're about to see," Zatanna said as she stops before the door. "Batman, you'll fit in, but you're a normal human so you could be targeted. Be careful."
"I can handle it," said Batman.
Zatanna knocks on the door as someone pulls back a door viewer, eyeing the party. The person grunts as he closes the door view before opening the door.
Inside they could see countless beings who clearly weren't human.
Monsters from myth to full-on demons, to humans wearing similar robes to Morgan and Seraph.
"Stick close," Zatanna said.
"Don't drink anything," Seraph warns Batman as several maids were walking around with drinks.
"Who comes here?" Batman asks.
"Lost souls," Seraph said. "Vampires, Werewolves, Warlocks, Demons, Angels, Sorcerers, Apparitions, those seeking what cannot be found. This is a place where trades, information, and where you can buy almost anything magically related. I'm guessing this Midnite is a broker who buys and sells information regarding magic."
"In my world, what would this place closely resemble?" Batman asks.
"Good question," Harry said. "It varies on what you think. The closest I could think of is Hollywood in California. There is a lot of good in places like this, but also a lot of evil."
Zatanna approaches a dark man wearing a voodoo skull ring and a pork pie hat. He was seated in a booth enjoying a drink and a cigar.
"Zatanna Zatara," Midnite said with a smile.
"Hello, Midnite," Zatanna said with a smile.
"Come, sit," Midnite said as he offers the empty seat for Zatanna.
Zatanna sits down with Seraph sitting beside her.
"The Great Seraph," Midnite said, looking at Seraph carefully. "I hear the Avengers have called you the strongest sorcerer in the world."
"That was Morgan le Fay's claim, not mine," said Seraph.
"It is true you are equally powerful as Raiden and Thor," chimes in Batman.
"The mysterious Batman himself," Midnite said as he looks at the Dark Knight. "No magical powers, that answers that mystery."
"Midnite, we're looking for John," said Zatanna.
Midnite turns to look at Zatanna in surprise.
"Why do you want that scumbag?" Midnite asks Zatanna with a raised eyebrow.
"It's important," Boston said, floating over.
"I don't need a poltergeist chiming in," snaps Midnite.
"You know him?" asks Seraph.
"We've never met," Midnite admits. "but he defiled my daughter."
Seraph and Zatanna turn to look at Boston, who seems somewhat guilty.
"I'll head upstairs," Boston shouts as he flies upwards.
"There's been an increase in homicides. The Avengers believe they're magically related," Batman states. "Boston suggested we find this 'John Constantine' to get answers."
Midnite sighs as he leans back.
"I hope you won't regret going to him for help," said Midnite. "Zatanna – you know better than anyone how much John has a habit of making more enemies than friends."
"I'm well aware," said Zatanna. "I'm one of them."
"What does Constantine do?" Seraph asks, wondering why so many people seemed to hate him.
"His public profession is he's an exorcism," said Midnite. "in truth, he's a demon hunter and a specialist in the Dark Arts. He has a knack for pissing everyone off."
"Do you know where John is?" asks Zatanna.
"He's on the top floor playing poker with Jason Blood and three demons," said Midnite.
"The V.I.P. area," said Zatanna. "why would you allow him up there?"
"Prevents fights down here," Midnite said simply.
"Good point," Zatanna mutters as she gets up.
"Zatanna, it was good to see you," Midnite said with a warm smile.
"How are things with you since the Convergence?" asks Seraph.
"More customers, same business," said Midnite.
"I was wondering if you had any ideas on what caused the Convergence in the first place," asked Seraph.
"Because this is a treasure cove of information?" said Midnite. "Unfortunately, I do not. I've had hordes of Angels and Demons, also asking the same question. Even bounty hunters have appeared now that a Spawn has appeared."
Seraph raises his eyebrow. Even though his face was concealed by the bandana and his hood, he knew Midnite could sense his expression.
"If what was reported is accurate, and that multiple universes have merged into one, then the Hellspawn, or Spawn – the general of Hell's armies has finally been reborn on Earth. He's a very powerful and dangerous individual. One, you should not take on lightly."
"Where is he?" asks Seraph.
"For that, you will have to pay," Midnite said with a smile. "Do not fret, I see you've already met him."
Seraph said nothing as he gets up and follows Zatanna up towards the elevator. Batman steps in as the woman casts a spell allowing the elevator to move upwards.
A young boy strokes his cat in his arm, crackling as he watches the trio head upstairs. The had orange fur with black stripes and red eyes, observing the trio.
"Don't worry, Teekl," Klarion said with a wicked smile. "chaos is about to erupt, and there is no Nabu so he cannot stop what is coming. I am so looking forward to the chaos that will soon erupt."
Klarion the Witch-Boy crackles with laughter at the mere thought of all the destruction that was about to unfold.
Teekl meows as Klarion stops crackling.
"Seraph is more powerful than he appears?" Klarion said as he looks at his familiar. "in that case, we should observe him and measure his skills carefully. I want to see – the powers of the self-proclaim strongest sorcerer of the world can really do."
The door opens as the trio steps on it, Boston flies straight at them.
"Z – guess whose here!" Boston shouts in front of them.
"He is annoying," Seraph said as he walks into the room and spots the only table that had any occupancies. Two men and three demons were sitting playing poker, as a man with gray hair wearing a tux, deals out the cards.
"Another doll?" Batman asks as he approaches the table.
"Indeed, Midnite sure is skilled at animation magic," Seraph said as he approaches the table.
Seraph sits down and puts down several gold galleons on the table.
"Deal me in," Seraph said as he hands the gold coins to the dealer. The dealer said nothing as he takes the gold coins and gives Seraph a set of chips.
Zatanna grabs her hat and pulls out her own gold coins as she sits down beside Seraph, ignores the two men.
"So, Z, what brings you here? Then again, Midnite always did love you," said Constantine, who was wearing a simple business outfit along with a trench coat.
"Good to see you two again," Seraph said as he picks up his cards.
"You are definitely a lot better company than John is," Jason Blood said as he picks his own cards.
"Can I get deal in?" asked Batman, standing behind Seraph.
"Do you have any galleons?" asks John Constantine.
"I had a credit card," said Batman.
"Take half of mine and sit down," Seraph said as he gives Batman half his chips.
"It's the Batman," said a demon with large horns.
"Hehe, the Batman," said the smaller of the trio of demons.
"How does this work?" asks Batman.
"This is regular poker, only we put up artifacts along with cash, and information," said Zatanna. She looks at her cards before placing them down and chips in her bet.
"And we've been cleaning Constantine out," said the lead demon.
"Tell me about it," Constantine said as he picks up his cards. "In what universe does a four of a kind lose?"
"Are we ready to play yet, or we going to chat like nasty little imps?" said Abnegazar, the first demon.
He picks up his cards and shows an evil grin before getting a straight face. He sets his cards down.
John pushes the remainder of his chips into the pot.
"I'm sure the new trio would be a better sport than you Constantine, so it's time to clean you out, I'm all in, and by house rules, you cannot match, so that means you lose. Our next group of friends should be arriving any time now," said Abanegazar
Rath starts cracking up.
"Copperfield's coming. Presto Changeo!" Rath said happily. "woman in a box. In a box!"
"Yeah, he's classy, unlike you," said Ghast, the demon who was the bulkiest and with broken horns.
Jason Blood looks at the Demon Trio before turning back to look at John.
"Are they implying David Copperfield, television magician, has true magical power?" said Jason Blood.
"Owns a chain of islands and dated Claudia Schiffer. What do you think?" said Constantine.
Jason Blood said nothing as he takes his pot back and stands up.
"I'm out," Jason said as he goes to the bar where a house-elf was seen cleaning the bar.
"I raise," Constantine said as he sits there with a smirk.
"With what?" Abnegazar demands. "Your ratty soul isn't worth two bits!"
"Not two bits," Rath said before cracking up.
"I'm betting the house," Constantine said with a wicked grin on his face. "the House – of Mystery. Since I'm including everything inside the house, that means you're the one who can't call Abnegazar. Which means you lose."
"Give us a second Constantine," Abnegazar said as he talks to his demonic brothers. "Well, what do you say, boys?"
"I like the action," Ghast said with a smile.
The three demons said nothing more as they grasp their arms in a triangle as they summon a chest.
"I call," Abnegazar proclaims as he opens the chest up, revealing gold and gems inside.
John stands up to inspect the contents.
"Really, a chipped dream stone? Broken knick-knacks for the House of Mystery and its contents? You are more foolish than I thought. You must offer something of equal value, Abnegazar," Constantine said.
"I got a working soul catcher," Abnegazar said. "Ogid's Eye Spiker, and a Garazi. Even if that dream stone doesn't work, it's still a big ass ruby."
Seraph places a stone on the table.
"I call," said Seraph. Zatanna folds her cards, as does Batman.
John picks up the gem and looks at it carefully.
"You expect to a gemstone to be worthy enough to match the House of Mystery?" Constantine said, looking at Seraph.
"That is the Sorcerer Stone," said Seraph. "It turns any liquid into the Elixir of Life, and any metal into pure solid gold. It's more than enough to match your bet for the House of Mystery. Abnegazar and his brothers must offer something else of 'equal' value if they want to win the Sorcerer's Stone."
"Well then, it looks like you need something else to wager Abnegazar," John said as he places the Sorcerer's Stone down.
Abnegazar huddles with his brothers again as they begin to whisper amongst themselves.
"We don't have a choice, do we boys," Abnegazar said as he looks at his brother.
"It might be worth a try," said Garth.
Abnegazar pulls out a beaded necklace with several objects that look like dragon fang and sets it on the table.
"I call," Abnegazar said as he sets the necklace down.
Seraph pulls the necklace up and looks at it carefully.
"This piece of junk for the House of Mystery, and the Philosopher's Stone?" said Seraph.
"That is the Necklace of Kagami," said Abnegazar. "it protects the users from anything that seeks to harm the wielder. Not even the one you call Superman can hurt you as long as you wear that necklace."
"I smell desperation," Seraph said as he throws the necklace in the pot. "show them."
John flips his cards, revealing only a pair of twos'.
The three demons burst out laughing.
"Now that's a losing hand of the ages," Abnegazar said as he flips his cards upwards. "now read them and – huh?"
Abnegazar didn't have a single pair. Two of diamonds, four of clubs, seven of diamonds, nine of hearts, and ace of spades.
"I win," Seraph said as he flips his cards over. "Full House, Ten's over threes."
Abnegazar grew angry as he stood up.
"You cheated!" declared Abnegazar.
"You're the one who cheated," said Seraph. "You cannot alter the cards once you receive them."
"I'll rip your soul out," shouted Abnegazar.
"You have to refrain from violence, Abnegazar," John said as he straightens his trench coat. "Don't forget who owns this place."
"This isn't over Constantine," Abnegazar shouts as a portal opens. "I'll be the one who will kill you."
The Three Demons left angrily as the pot disappears into Seraph's possession.
"The House of Mystery," Seraph said as the House of Mystery appears by the window.
"Damn, it looks like I have to find another way to London to enjoy a nice pint," John said as he pulls out a cigarette.
"We came here to see you, Constantine," Batman said as he stands up.
"Really, what on earth for?" John asks, looking at Batman.
"John, seriously, it's important," Boston said as he floats over.
"Let's talk inside the house," John said. "this may be neutral ground, but a lot of unsavory characters could be eavesdropping."
"I'm heading home," Jason said as he gets up and walks the other way.
Batman, Seraph, Zatanna, and Boston all walk into the house as it disappears.