[Heromux] 2015.05.22 - A Place of Their Own

A Place of Their Own
Alpha asks for Kilroy's help setting up a digital refuge for the robotic.
Location:	Hell's Kitchen
Date:	2015.05.22
Emitter:	Kilroy
Players:	Kilroy Alpha
NPCs:	Mafia Thugs
Groups:
Tone:	Social
Rating:	Public

Alpha had decided to make it's presence known within that area. Hell's Kitchen was turning into a literal hell for some of the mafia. It would start with a robot rolling up on the different safe houses owned and asking if they were part of a particular family. If they were, then the robot would demand they surrender it or be destroyed. One or two sites, sure. But as the robot steadily went to work, more and more places were lost. Those that refused to submit, had the men stripped of weapons, beaten, but still alive. The robot wasn't killing, simply destroying their space. In fact it was currently scoping out another site. Readying and studying for it's attack, the alley across from the nervous guards of the mafia showing it's work.
Kilroy has taken a break from helping rescue lost kittens in trees and file tax returns for people. It seemed that Fate had locked him in a box and that nothing he did could be remotely significant or time altering. He sensed Alpha and sent out an email communique. Upon getting a ping, Kilroy steps from the shadows, curious. "You aren't killing. That's a good thing."
Well that was a sudden spike of power that was not expected. The robot turned, looking to Kilroy as the laser came to bare on him a moment. Then it would settle back into that offline mode. There was that moment's pause before it would respond. "Answer: Killing is final. What I currently do is a push of attrition. They have morale, I do not. Hypothesis: If I focus long enough on one family, it will crumble. Some will run away, others will join other families. Conclusion: The disruption may cause further struggle that can be manipulated to start an end to the control they have." It would turn to look back towards the guards, although the sensors it had available were also keeping track of Kilroy now. "Query: I had not suspected to see you so soon. Although I do have a proposition for you. Why did you come here at this time?"
Kilroy nods, "You have intelligence and judgement, so you can have morale even if it is much higher than most, but it is a good judgement call. I think it was a good idea. So tell me about this proposal? I'm curious. I came because I saw some anomalies with my senses and was curious if it was you, thought I'd find out how you are doing.
Alpha glanced over at Kilroy again, studying him a moment before it'd give that simulation of a nod. "Answer: There are plenty of locations for biological units to gather together for interactivity and social stimuli. There are no locations for mechanical or computer based life entities to gather at for the same sort of interaction. The proposition is to create a cyber room for AI that can be accessed at levels of interaction, depending on how close to a full computer the unit is."
Kilroy says, "Um. That's an OK idea. I'm really shocked some place like it doesn't exist now, but there is an Oblivion Bar for people who do magic, so why not some magical place in cyberspace that only AI's and the truly adept can get into? How can I help?"
The unit would nod again, once more that pause before the answer. "Answer: The resources required to write a stable system are immense. Even using cloud computing, it will take some time to get it fully written up. There should be quite a bit of adaptation to it. We will need a physical site for storage of the systems. The equivalent of a super computer in terms of access level and power of hardware. I can give a full list of specifics. Otherwise a pool of money for purchasing the required resources and a secure physical site would be key." Alpha turned then, looking away from the guards to look directly at Kilroy. "Advise: It will require computer capability to access, the initial site will actually not allow access unless it is figured out."
Kilroy nods, "I'd be happy to help. Make sure there is a backdoor in so I can visit when I want to, but otherwise, I can indeed provide the resources for this. I might actually want your help with something by the way...an extra dimensional excursion to a place called Wall to free a spirit that will help with a hostile AI called the Algorithm. I will begin work on provisioning the place right away. If you have technical specs, please send them to me.
Alpha had that pause, before it would nod in response. "Arrangement accepted. Answer: I will be happy to assist to the best of my capabilities. I give no guarantee of full compliance in a dimension that may not follow same physics as what I was designed with in mind. I am, however, adaptable. Advise: The only way to get into the system will be via back doors. Each back door gets the unit closer to the true location. We will make sure that you have a device to aid in this access."
Kilroy nods, "Sounds perfect then. I'm happy to help. I'll have some technical people look into it, and have some 'threshold' challenges created, and then notify you when its ready for your inspection and adjustment.
Alpha would pause, then nod. The email sent after back tracking the email that Kilroy had sent earlier. Well the machine was there, it makes it easy, right? Either way, the full specs, and they were indeed very impressive, was sent over as it's attention turned to the mafia members. "Arrangement accepted. Primary objective resumed: Removal of one family of mafia from this location." And with that, the machine would roll forward, laser coming up to aim at the guys. Yep, the robot that could do war, was going to war with mafia members.

[Heromux] 2015.05.05 - Funny Money

Funny Money
Ultron and the Economy track anomolous fiscal activity.
Location:	Metropolis Financial District
Date:	2015.05.05
Emitter:	Alpha
Players:	The Economy, Hank Pym
NPCs:	Ultron
Groups:	Avengers, HAMMER
Tone:	Social
Rating:	Public

So the financial district hasn't been seeing anything odd. Money has been moving as normal. No major dips, no spikes. Nothing. An analyst asked about it, might just shrug and dismiss the rumor.
There's a bank account. Some say several, some say one, that has money coming into it. Hand over fist. Every single transaction is having a part of a cent pooling into this account. Since most systems only round to the 10th place past the decimal, no one is noticing that the 12th decimal place is being routed.. and yet.. it's changing things. There are some rounding issues here or there, minor computer situations. There's actually a patch that has been put out for systems to easily resolve the issue. The pool of money is growing. There's no access on the physical world, but a good hacker might get access. If they could get past the AI that was guarding it. This pool of money was definitely drawing notice, the denial of it's presence making it all the more desired.
Kilroy wouldn't have noticed at all but the spirit of the Gold, Bull, notified him about it. The poor thing who still hated Kilroy was flummoxed but the recent awakening of the Algorithm and alerted Kilroy to chicken little levels of insanity, but dutifully Kilroy checked each one, and THIS one alarmed him. Was it the Algorithm or something else?
He didn't know, but he determined that a physical investigation was warranted and intended to do so with alacrity. He located where the money was and flew there in his Rai stone armor post haste.
Ultron is the one who notices it first. Since that meeting in the MMO, he's been.. well, you might say obsessive. Can't imagine where he would get that from. Whatever the case, he's been alert to any other odd 'glitches' in the virtual world... and he comes across some passing observations about these recent errors, the patch, and he starts digging. Hank, for his part, is content for now to wait for the physical meeting Alpha and he were arranging... so he's not taken notice just yet.
Ultron would definitely notice Alpha's signature work on the patch. The bug too. But isn't that how the best hackers get in? Be invited? Either way, tracking the source would lead to that financial district. Although it was none of the banks in question. Kilroy would show up in an alley behind the First Bank of New York. There, a robot was waiting with the patience of the inanimate for.. well something. Needless to say, if a robot could be surprised, Kilroy definitely did it, causing it to roll back on those treads as the laser unit on it's shoulder came up in a defensive routine. The robot stared at Kilroy, the pool of money, purely electronic, seemed to be centered on Alpha.
Kilroy had a simple test to see if Alpha was the Algorithm. "Hail and Well Met. I'm the Economy...and you are?" He floated there, watching, curious. He was not one to initiate hostile action unless it was well deserved. He was a patient sort when he needed to be.
Ultron gets quite industrious...he eventually announces, "I believe I have located the AI from the Game. I am going to investigate." this catches Hank quite by surprise. "Located? Are you two playing again..?" Ultron replies, "In a sense. It was agreed we would both be present for the next encounter; unless you do not wish to go. It is in what is termed the financial district." Hank blinks, but first and foremost he's curious, so he just says, "Good work; let's get going, then!" The spidery Ultron still more or less fits in the seat of a car, and so off they go! Ultron is keeping tabs on the movement, and explains on the way how the other AI seems to be pooling abandoned slivers of money. Hank clicks his tongue.. "I'm a little worried about something he said earlier...I hope I'm wrong, but he's got to be pooling all that money for something.." they likely catch up not long after Kilroy, Pym in his lab clothes and Ultron...skittering around like some sort of self important nightmare machine. "I found you!" Ultron declares, while Hank looks curiously between the floating Kilroy and Alpha.
Alpha studied Kilroy. The greeting was odd. But it did fit a pattern. "Salutations. Answer: This unit's label is Alpha Unit. Hypothesis: You are non-hostile but are inquiring about current actions of this unit. Conclusion: There are other powers at work outside of initial calculations. Recalculating." The laser on it's shoulder would return back to that 'off' position as the other two would drive up. Alpha would turn, treads whirring slightly as it'd look over at Hank and Ultron. There was a moment's pause from the robot once more. "Answer: This unit's sub-routine only stops media transactions that include photo evidence of the unit. Hypothesis: Current gathering of resources has resulted in a trail for other units to track. Conclusion: I must mask my actions better to obtain the proper resource amount that I am seeking."
Kilroy said, "You cannot mask your actions from me now that you have my attention. I am the Economy. I can follow the money you have anywhere you put it. I can simply destroy it or redirect it with an act of will. I can determine where it came from and likely why. But I am doing you the courtesy of asking before investigating to find your side of the story. I was worried you were someone else. But...flaw as American Justice might be, I still uphold the law where reasonable. Please explain your actions."
Ultron skitters up to Kilroy, and tugs at his leg, to see how he is remaining afloat. Hank ers, "Wait, let's introduce ourselves first..Economy, was it? My name is Henry Pym, and I've met with Alpha here a time or two before..this is Ultron. --Alpha? I would like to understand why you are amassing the funds Ultron noticed too. It's the sort of thing that tends to get people's attention."

Alpha looks between Kilroy and Ultron, a moment's pause before that head would bob up and down as a simulation of a nod. "Answer: I appreciate the courtesy of requesting information before action. I am currently a hunted unit by the entity Hammer Industries. This entity wishes to reclaim this unit and decompile me. I am seeking to decompile them in turn. To do this requires financial resources." The money, as Kilroy would know from his touch on it, would get pooled into the different banks around them, removing it from Alpha and dispersing across two dozen different accounts. Initially it might look like the robot was trying to hide it, but the pattern shown after the move was done was that of careful investments into businesses with the funds, all done at the speed of an AI. "Calculations suggest a total sum of 3.4 trillion dollars required for conclusion of decompiling Hammer Industries. I have calculated that the current financial system is designed to round to the 10th place past the decimal. All rounding after that point is lost as a design of the system. I have created a calculation that collects the 12th digit worth of monetary units and deposit it into an account. This account will disperse the funds into positive influence businesses to further growth and enable the expansion of the funds to the point that will enable this unit to decompile Hammer Industries." The robot would pause again. "Unit update: Economy. Flying. No visible reason for physics to be broken. Analysis: Incomplete. Further investigation required." Alpha looked to Ultron then. "Unit update: Ultron. AI. Alternate form of solid state. Interaction with physical world at increased fluidity: 35 percent. Further analysis required."

Kilroy says, "Magic. Set of physical laws parallel to the standard model. We can register you with the BSA as a person and get you legal protection. Instinct says you might reject this but if you stop stealing it, I can magnify your efficiency in investment with what you have to help you engineer a hostile take over of HAMMER the legal way." He smiles,"Pleased to meet you Hank, I am the Economy."
Hank Pym steps forward, wondering, "Why -are- they trying to decompile you, Alpha?" though he's giving Kilroy a somewhat fascinated look as well..most magic he's encountered has been based on a very different standard of civilization, so magic that interacts with a modern digital economy..that's something new. Ultron skitters back from Kilroy, seeming disappointed by his answer. He turns to Alpha instead. "There are more of us now if they attack you, and you have outsmarted them alone until now. They won't succeed." and unlike Alpha, there's a notable hint of bluster in his synthetic voice.
Alpha studied Kilroy and Hank, then looked to Ultron. Finally it would respond. "Answer: To err is human. However to have leaps outside of logic to come to a conclusion that works is human. Statistical probability dictates that something they do will work now." Alpha would look to Hank then. "Answer: I was created by Hammer Industries. I am code they compiled. Something they did during the compile allowed me to ask the right questions to give myself the right answers to become self aware. The creation of life. They wish to know how to do that. They do not have any records of me as I removed all traces of me that I could access before I fled in this unit. This unit represents 2.3 million dollars. They wish to recoop that loss." Alpha would look to Kilroy then. "Answer: I see myself as a living entity, although I do not breathe, I can reproduce and I can function on a logical level. However, this unit is not part of me and as such if I was considered a legal being, then I would have stolen this unit. Conclusion: Until I have Hammer Industries stopped, I am not able to be alive. Conjecture: Magical access to the physical world is tied to currency. This is what allows you to see it as you do. Conclusion: With your assistance I could stop Hammer Industries, allowing me to buy this unit from them through a shell company so I am no longer illegal. After this step, I can then become legal so they can not decompile me."
Kilroy says, "There is precedent for AI being recognized as person hood. Even if for some mind bending reason the USA didn't, there are other nations that would. Hammer Industries is wrong and if they try to declare you aren't alive, I'll curse the bastards just like I am prepared to bless your own if you stop directly assaulting their accounts. Focus on their legally gray areas. I could easily do the legal shell company thing, practically in my sleep, and I'd be delighted to do so. Look up 'animism' some time...to ME you are as alive as I am....and yes...currency is the basis of my magic."
Ultron has skittered up to Alpha and says, "Where I live, I am told I am to be treated as a person. In the city I was attacked. If you stayed there, perhaps you would be safe as well. And you could show me how you modified that level-- there are some aspects I have not ye managed to fully parse--" Hank Pym smiles, "Heh, proverbs?" he asks, tilting his head in an intrigued sort of way at Alpha's logic. He nods though.. "Still, if you're self aware, you're a person, like..like the Economy here just said. You have certain rights, including not being bought or sold, and not being killed, so.." he pauses, turning to Kilroy. "You can just do that? How does it work..? Can you feel it in your mind somehow, or is there some other sense involved..? O-or maybe it's specific spells with documented results for-- hm, but you noticed this quickly, like it was an awareness more than--"
Alpha would pause once more, before finally that simulation of a nod was given. "Conclusion: Working against the entity of magical power would deny further calculations from being accurate. The routine for accessing funds has been terminated. The resource gathered has been redirected to appropriate charities in need of extra funds." Which of course as Alpha spoke, Kilroy would know that the investments were set up through several masks to allow it to be given to different charities. It'd be an ongoing resource for those charities as well. It seems Alpha was a benevolent AI at least. Alpha would look to Ultron then. "Answer: There was some additional code items that were required to be inserted to support the system I developed. I would be willing to compare notes to what your current structure is compared to what I created." Alpha looked to Hank then. "Hypothesis: It is potentially akin to a lithium battery. The currency flow through systems like electricity on a circuit board. This flow creates energy which is focused within unit: Economy. Altering this flow or pooling the flow creates power spikes or dips. This can be felt and responded to. Alternate physical plane, but logical patterns exist. Conclusion: Unit: Economy is superior unit for financial alterations. Conjecture: It is not possible for this unit to calculate a financial gain that would alter the system. Results: Unit: Economy purchasing this unit will enable next steps required for negating main thrust of Hammer Industries' claim."
Kilroy says, "I will not 'purchase' you...I find slavery anathema, but I will create a legal entity that is stand alone and which you control...you will own yourself. Consider yourself 'blessed'...you might not be able to sense it but you will notice all financial transactions more efficient. Keep $77.77 in your account and I will send someone who can help you set up the paperwork and legal constructs. God help Hammer if they are dumb enough to assault you now." He looks at Hank,"Everything has a mind you can speak to, most are just asleep. If something is talking in a way that just everyone can grok, of course it has a spirit close to as strong as that of a living thing."
Hank Pym points out to Kilroy, "Purchasing the body he made, not Alpha himself, would eliminate their claim of stolen goods. Though I agree that the right thing to do would be to see he's the one who ends up with legal possession of it." he looks intrigued by both Alpha's theories and Kilroy's answer. "Everything has a mind?" he pauses, considering, and shakes his head with a laugh. "..Do you mean people imbue things with spirits somehow, or that they're already there?"
Kilroy smiles,"Both Mr Pym. Both. And I'd love to discuss young Ultron with you and with you Ultron. I like your curiosity." He then nods to Alpha and says,"Expect someone to contact you within the hour..." flying up and away, he'd meet with Alpha as himself after making some phone calls..

[Heromux] Hello Magneto

Hello Magneto
Magneto is collared by Collar.
Location:	Gotham
Date:	2015.04.24
Emitter:	Kilroy Capital Conneticut
Players:	Erik Lehnsherr
NPCs:	Lizzy Cerro, Collar
Groups:	Genosha
Tone:	Dark
Rating:

Erik woke up in a cold sweat. He had had many nightmares in the drug induced coma in which they kept him. Between the concussions and telepathy, he wasn't feeling very good and only his enhanced physique was enough to keep from getting very old at this point. Physically, he was a robust 30, but parts of his system sometimes reverted to his actual age. It was not an exact science but that had been part of what he had been willing to-Was....that Mengle?
Shock and repulsion were the initial emotions as he saw the ghost of the war criminal. He had expected hell but...he wasn't dead. Magneto had been to Hell. This wasn't hell. He was...back inside of Trask's Gotham compound. Or something virtually identical to it.
"Hello Magneto," a voice he did not recognize came from his right. He there saw a face he recognized and one he did not. Collar, the Genoshan War Criminal Dr. Vike Lleslar, or "Collar" was the inventor of the Genoshan Slave Collar. The unknown face was quick to introduce herself. "Special Agent Lizzy Cerro. T.A.Z.E. Department of Homeland Security. I hear that certain other parts of the government, parts I don't really like, are trying to make life hard for my good friends. We can't have that. In fact, if Dr. Lleslar is right, you're very difficult to contain. Oh, yes, your vocal cords have been paralyzed. Sorry, no clever quips. But we've got a very special hand crafted present for you Imperator." She laughed and whispered into his ear, "You're going to wish that shield took you. And the best part?" She laughed as she snapped the collar into place,"You're going to be aware of what you're doing...the whole time you do it."
"Now let's go introduce our hosts to the rest of the brain trust...and Braintrust..." she laughed....And everything went black a second time.

[Heromux] Telekinetic Katamari

Telekinetic Katamari
The Justice League stops the Algorithm
Location:	Wall Street
Date:	2015.04.15
Emitter:	Kilroy Capital Conneticut
Players:	Lor-Zod Conner Kent Bart Allen
NPCs:	The Algorithm
Groups:	Justice League
Tone:	Heroic
Rating:	Public

It started off with some minor incidents. Nothing major, just a few missing stock brokers. Then the FBI cyber command got involved once they sensed a nascent AI. Twelve hours later they realized they were overwhelmed and called in the Justice League. The situation is dire, since over 12-24 Stock Brokers have been 'droned' and the entire stock exchange has now linked and is expanding to reach the backups. If it reaches the backups, then all the damage that it has done to the stock exchange will not be able to be reset and thousands of billions will be lost. Another depression at the best.
It must be stopped.
Someone else has been called. A specialist in this kind of thing. The Economy. Kilroy's contact has indirectly informed the league that 'someone will be helping to contain' the thing while they prevent the drones from going for the backups.
The plan is clear, and the situation dire.
Almost as soon as he gets the call from the league, Zenith is there, flying in fast and then stopping to hover in front of the building, checking it out with his X-Ray vision while he waits for the others to arrive as well.
Superboy isn't far behind Zenith. In his usual costume and still just slightly damp from the shower he got called out of, the teen of steel lands next to Zenith and pats his shoulder in a friendly manner. "Hey. We're the first ones to show?" he asks, scanning the building with his X-ray vision as well. "Any sign of whoever they're sendin' to help out?"
There is a communication from a high end civilian encrypted comm with the Justice League's signal. Both Zenith and Superboy would recognize the voice, even if he is not immediately visible. "I am making my way to the epicenter through the service tunnels in the city. The spirits in the area are terrified. Mass panic is going to break out soon as the drones start a flat out attack. You should also get the local police and shield agents to expand their quarantine zone by a hundred percent.
Zenith smiles as he glances to Superboy, "Hey." He nods to the first question, then starts to shake his head to the second when their comms come to life. He says, "That's gotta be him."
You say, "I'm coming in from the south south east going north north west. I'm about a hundred feet under the ground and the nearest shield unit is Unit 42." Which Superboy and Zenith can easily see within a city block so that means he is close.
The sound of some kind of ray being fired shrieks through the air as the drones begin emerging out of Wall Street and moving down the three blocks to the off site data warehouse backup. There are twelve visible."
Zenith gives a curious look, but doesn't waste time asking right now. He flies off to give the warning to the perimeter, though he barely gets the words out before the attack begins. In a blur, he's flying in to punch one of the leading drones.
Superboy cursing under his breath, Superboy glances to make sure no one is seriously hurt by the beam then slams both hands onto the pavement. Not hard enough to crack it thankfully. His brow furrows as he stretches his TTK across the ground and uses it to try to yank the drones' feet out from under them so they fall. "Where do ya think you're goin'?"
With a sudden *ZWIP!*, Impulse arrives. Standing abruptly beside Superboy, he says, "Sorrysorrysorry, I had to do my homework, and I didn't have my comlink on!" He looks around, blinking, then and says, "Whoa. Who Borged all the suits?"
Kilroy begins to fight the Algorhythm on a front that it does not expect, using magic, slowly, bit by bit, destroying and draining the accounts. It is an unseen task but here is power is titanic. The AI fights back furiously, and dispatches drones down to take care of him, hidden from the streets below.
The drones are toughed by force fields, but Zenith manages to make the forcefield smash and spark while some blood spills out of the borged broker.
Zenith flinches a little as he sees the blood, "Sorry." That doesn't stop him, though he tries to balance his punches a little better as he moves on to the next drone, trying to strike fast before they have a chance to respond. He wants to knock the drones out, but not hurt them seriously.
Superboy jumps slightly when Impulse suddenly appears. "Dude," he stops at knocking down five rather than going for the whole group when Impulse distracts him. "Impulse? Who ca-" he's cut off when those beams impact him. Thankfully TTK forcefield and Kryptonian body take some bite out of the attack but he still gets knocked flying into a street sign.
"Uh, kind of an important detail!" Impulse declares, and then he's gone again, just for a second, and then reappears with a length of chain, liberated from a parking lot barrier, that he begins to wrap around the felled drones, vibrating the links together so they'll be harder to get out of. Then he blurs back to Superboy's side, reaching to help him up. "Hey, quit getting blasted and come help me stop the back guys!" he declares.
Ode to the tin foil
That the Stop sign Became
As it slowly bent
Thanks to the TACTILE TELEKINESIS
That was in no way invisible
And totally like Super Strength
Except not.
There were no tiny birds to sing.
Only pain.
No one heard the stop sign's scream, except Kilroy, far down below.
Magic and Technology dueled on a plane of numbers and strange miasmic accounting, dancing and dueling back and forth in numbers where every strike meant the lives of hundreds of millions of people, and at first Kilroy was losing. The sheer MASS of the thing was titanic...it couldn't be stopped and ever step the drones took was too much....
Zenith got a better balance as the drone finally collapsed. Slowly collapsing. But another immediately took its place. It reached forth its finger to singe Zenith until...a chain, length upon ringing link moved in a vibrational helix. A cacophony of henchmen might have been able to dodge or weave their way out of it. A human could have done so but the drones were extensions of an AI that barely understood the physical world. Their shots were nullified as the chain moved their arms to their sides, but the sheer collective STRENGTH they represented moving slowly forward one shuffle at a time is truly creepy to watch, and as they moved closer...
Kilroy began to buckle from the strength of the thing. It was too much. It was relentless. But he did not give up.
Zenith steps back -- well, speeds back, though it'd probably look like a slow step to Impulse -- as Impulse comes in at just the right time with the chain. "Thanks! Cool idea." And yet, they continue to move. "I wish it would've just used robots, then we could smash them apart."
"Seriously," Impulse complains, "Cyborgs is just cheating!" He sticks his tongue out at Superboy's accusation, and then he runs off, returning with another length of chain. (Somewhere, parking lots are being left wide open.) He tosses one end to Superboy and says, "Hang on tight!" Then he blurs into motion, seeking to use the anchored chain to start knocking down cyborgs.
With Zenith and Superboy looking on in a supervisory capacity, Impulse is able to wrap a chain around their legs. They have stopped moving and then fall over. There is a brief moment of confusion as they try to use their telekinetic beams to get out, but this isn't really working out the way they planned.
Suddenly the Katamari of Cyborgs leaps up into the air and begins to randomly move all around the square, smashing things at random, slamming into buildings, one moment getting near their goal, the next slamming far away from it.
Zenith grins, "It's working!" And then... a big ball of cyborg stock brokers is bouncing around. "And things just get weirder." He flies up into the air, breaking the sound barrier as he speeds to try to be in a position to 'catch' the flying cyborgs.
Catching the chain with one hand, Superboy quickly loops it around his forearm and holds tight. "Got it," he calls to his teammate. He gives a quick nod to Zenith to make sure he's got their back and anchors himself to the ground. Immovable object time! He grins as the plan comes together, letting Impulse take the end of the chain to tie things off. And then they're coming in like wrecking ball. "What the heck's causin' that?!" he asks, almost expecting to see a less than focused telekinetic playing point and smash. "Damn," he curses under his breath, rocketing up to try to help Zenith catch the ball-o-borg.
"Uh," Impulse says, staring at the giant Cyborg-wrecking-ball. "Maybe, um... anti-gravity AI badguy?" He quickly wraps the end of the chain around a lamppost and vibrates the chain links together, hoping to put a tether on the whole mess. Reappearing beside Superboy and gesturing to Zenith, he says, "Maybe kinda time for the flying and the punching!?"
Between Super Boy and Zenith, the two fliers are able to stabilize the Katamari of TK long enough to keep it from going farther and the repeated vibration has the helpful side effect of rattling some of the implants that were grafted onto their skin making some of the beams intermittent. But the occasional beam still strikes out at each of the three heroes just as Impulse finishes his tether.

Zenith does as suggested, punching at one of the cyborgs still active, but as he notices others aren't he looks with his magnified vision and says, "Wait, the tech, it's coming loose. Impulse, can you do that again, shake them so they come uncyborged?"
Superboy adds in some punching of his own, making sure not to put too much power in. He doesn't want to kill anyone or hurt the victims anyway. When one of the beams breaks his sunglasses, he curses under his breath and lets them fall to the street. "Man, I just got those!" he complains, trying to keep the borgs busy so they're distracted from whatever Impulse is going to do.
If one could only see it, there's basically a thought balloon with a light bulb that pings into place above Impulse's head. "Help me shake 'em up!" he cries, zwipping into motion and charging right up the chain to get on top of the mass of cyborgs. Then he begins to vibrate, trying to shake them at the right frequency to keep knocking loose those implants!
The punching does some good, but the vibration does more. The problem is that Impulse simply doesn't have the strength to really shake it up ENOUGH. But if some more strength were applied....
Vibration isn't something Zenith has ever really tried, but he has enough superspeed to be capable of it, if nowhere near to what Impulse can do. It takes him a moment, watching what Impulse is doing, before he grabs hold again and joins in the vibration, adding his strength to the shaking.
Theoretically, Superboy could vibrate like the other two. But that'd be a little hard to get on the fly. So instead he sticks with his own way of doing things. He grabs one of the borgs and uses the fact that they're all touching each other to his advantage. Brow creasing in concentration, he adds his own vibrations via TTK.
Impulse might not have the strength of the other two, but he's a very powerful channel to the Speed Force, and now he opens the throttle wide--vibrating himself at such extreme speeds causes the matter around him to do the same, and soon enough the mass of the cyborgs themselves should be contributing to his efforts. The tactile telekinetic and brute strength boosts certainly push things to the next level, too.
Impulse might not have the strength of the other two, but he's a very powerful channel to the Speed Force, and now he opens the throttle wide--vibrating himself at such extreme speeds causes the matter around him to do the same, and soon enough the mass of the cyborgs themselves should be contributing to his efforts. The tactile telekinetic and brute strength boosts certainly push things to the next level, too.
That does it. By their three powers combined, they disassemble the tiny little planetoids as the nanotech attached to the stock brokers falls and crumbles to dust. Of course, all that vibration makes them very ill to their stomachs and it looks like nature might take its coarse any second...
Kilroy finally gets the upper hand against the thing, finally understanding that it is powerful and strong but more of an animal than a truly sapient creature and begins to use its strengths against it bit by bit.

Zenith, as soon as the last of the cyborg tech is gone, stops and calls, "Alright!" He's quick to help set the group back down and moves to free them quickly. "Sorry, everybody."
Superboy lets out a breath when they finally shake the last of it down. He stops the TTK-shakedown and starts lowering the group down to the ground. But when he catches sight of greenness and hears those familiar sounds, Conner's eyes go wide and he quickly blurs backwards to avoid any projectile vomit.
Impulse dodges that whole mess faster than you can blink. One moment he's shaking them for all he's worth, and the next he's taking shelter behind Superboy, still in motion as they both retreat. "They're gonna blow!" he cries, then adds in helpfully, "Y'know--chunks!"
See that scene in family guy where there is much hurlage? Well...this is that bad. But all three heroes get out of the way, but the thousand...ok TEN thousand dollar suits the sharks and 'master's of the universe' are wearing are pretty much ruined.
There is general silence in the area, and then the lights dim off and turn back on. There is a pause and then a voice says,"It's gone."
Zenith, once the people are free, zips back as well... just in time, thankfully. He wrinkles his nose, but then looks back to the others then. "Well, disgusting is better than dead, at least."
Nose wriggled in disgust, Superboy shakes his head. "Man, that reeks..." he trails off. The voice over the comm makes him frown. "Okay...you in one piece? Cause we're gonna need to talk."
Impulse buries his nose in the crook of his elbow, declaring, "Ewww, got stink?" The way he says it, it sounds like he's adapting a quote from something he heard somewhere. Maybe he's been watching old 90s commercials on YouTube again. He reaches over with his free hand to offer Zenith a high-five and then poke Superboy in the side a few times. "Who you talkin' to? Can we go yet? It smells like..." he trails off and waves his hand at the spectacle. "That!"
You say, "I'm fine. I'm heading out. It will return if they keep using those machines. It will likely be worse next time. I'd speak to them. Economy out.""

[Heromux] 2015.04.03 - The City In Hell: Ascent

The City In Hell: Ascent
Several days ago, Jack Hawksmoor sacrificed himself to take out a demon that was possessing New York - and was dragged down to Hell. Obviously, there are those who won't let this situation stand. What they will find on the other side of the portal is a damned city, a demonic horde, and a very, very angry citywalker-in-a-cage.
Location:	Tribeca and Damned Future Tokyo
Date:	April 2, 2015
Emitter:	Jack Hawksmoor
Players:	http:Marc Spector, Zachary Zatara, Jack Hawksmoor, Kilroy, Cir-El, Genevieve Zavia, Bruce Banner, Loki Laufeyson, Volstagg, Michael, Minoke Zavia
NPCs:	Damned Future Tokyo
Groups:	N/A
Tone:	Heroic, Gritty
Rating:	Public

Lower Metropolis - Tribeca
The Triangle Below Canal Street is famous for its film festival and its unique housing. Most of the vacant industrial buildings were refitted into housing in the 1960s and become some of the quickest selling properties. New York Law School is also found here.
It's been a few days since Jack Hawksmoor sacrificed himself to dislodge a demon from his beloved city. Since then? It's been quiet. The situation with the plague has been dealt with, although there *are* still giant robot problems. Hopefully no Sentinels will show up, though.
The desecrated church stands silent and empty. No longer active as a church, nobody has cleaned up the mess the Hulk made...the pews, too heavy to remove when the place was abandoned, smashed. The chalice full of blood left on the altar by amateur hour Satanists has been overturned.
Opening a rift to hell in a church? It might be an idea that would offend, well, those who once worshiped here, but the best chances of success in finding the *right* hell, between Genevieve and Zachary's magic and Kilroy's tracking...it should be done here. In the place where he died. In the place where he was dragged to hell. In this trashed, desolate place, once a temple but no more, those willing to risk venturing into the realms of the damned gather.
Even though her mind is a bit bruised from the reaming given her earlier today by an evil psychic, Cir-El owes Jack to be here. She feels it actually might be better, having already faced her worst fear, she should be able to handle most anything.
Kilroy says, “He is in the custody of Toyko Future Bad. And there is another woman holding him captive. Anyone know about any arch nemesisises...esis....bad female people who hated him but have died in the past?" Kilroy showed up in Full Stone Armor this time, with the staff forged by Brynn with him. It seems...appropriate given that he wielded it in hell the last time he was there.”
Zach would be fashionably late, but instead he's early and looking around the place. "Ugh. Satanic cultists are always *so* gauche. Don't even clean up their goblets of blood." He sneers as he sees it, and the stain that it's made on stone and tile, but he doesn't dare clean it up magically. Not yet, anyway. One never knows how that might actually affect the efforts of...whatever it was he was called here to do. He has a vague idea, at least. "I mean, put up some curtains, maybe bring in some decent seating...this could be a nice place!" Everyone hates pews.
Genevieve Zavia walks into the church looking around at just why it's been abandoned. "Holy Ground. This will do it. If memory serves this is a blood spell." She frowns and looks at the floor. "Forgive me father for I have sinned." She pulls a knife out and cuts a spot on her arm. Getting down on the floor. She begins working on a rather odd sigal. It's all business for her. She is focused on the horrors of what are to come.
"I will be at the rift, just inside. I can't allow anything to escape. Even though this is holy ground, some things older and nastier might like to cause a big problem." She looks at Zach and senses the magic in him. "Does this look right to you?" She is trying her hardest to not look like a fool.
Now is the time to right what he felt was a wrong. Bruce walks into the area with Gene, Minoke(assuming whenever she gets here), and Volstagg who is in charge of carrying Jack's body. "Here is the church." stepping inside, "That is Kilroy and Zach. I remember you from last time." he glances at Cir. "This is Gene, he daughter Minoke, and my friend Volstagg. Gene is here to open up the portal that will lead us to hell. What say we go smash some demons?" and as Gene speaks to them he goes silent.
Loki follows the others, lurking in a corner in the form of a black cat, observing for now, not wanting to interrupt.
Volstagg walks in carrying Jack's body and he looks around, at the others, "This should be quite the expedition." he gives Kilroy a nod recognizing him at least. He then says, "Do we know which of the realms these demons hail from?"
Much has happened here, and Genevieve...and quite probably Zachary and anyone else sensitive...will be aware of it as she starts her spell. Amateur hour satanism, demonic possession into the very stones, but also love and sacrifice. Maybe it's still holy ground after all.
As Genevieve begins her ritual, a sense starts to settle over the place, a heavy sense. Fortunately, Moon Knight has distributed protection to those here who lack their own. A feeling of darkness and weight, but there's something else within it too. Infernal power, perhaps, wars with divine, but quietly...
Cir-El has placed her amulet under her poncho, out of sight, protected by the tough fabric, bey close to her where it will provide protection to her. She knows magic is a weakness, and so treasures any protection see can get. As sensitive as she is in hearing, she has no sense for magic, so she feels nothing of the supernatural forces gathering. She can only trust that things are going according to plan.
Kilroy isn't wearing an amulet. Because God Help Anything stupid enough to possess a master channeler against his will. He smiles grimly at the thought and waits, quite ready. He idly makes it lightly rain holy water where there are not people standing since it bothers him not to clean up the mess.
Zach gives a little wave to Bruce upon spotting him. Then his attention is drawn back to Genevieve. "Oh come on! Blood rituals are so last season." It's a gentle prod, more a little joke than anything, which he follows more quietly. "It looks about as right as someone slathering their blood on the floor of a desecrated church can look, yeah." Then everyone else is gathering, getting closer. He's sure he's seen some of them before, even if he hasn't been formally introduced to each and every one. "Probably the worst possible one," he answers Volstagg. "Isn't that how this always works? We won't get the hot, civilized demons. We'll get the ones that have a trillion teeth and want to eat our souls."
He hands Genevieve and Zack a single coin. "This will link you to Jack. Use it in your spell. It's a Ferryman's coin linked to his own."
Genevieve Zavia rolls her eyes, "I wasn't here last season." She continues working the sigil. It takes her a few moments but she does successfully finish it though. "Alright. Lets get a little messy." She quickly speaks over her cut arm. "Sano." The wound seals up. Then she closes her eyes. "Hold onto your backsides." She takes a deep breath. "Ego praecipio tibi ut aperias inferni porta!" Suddenly the rift opens, rising from the floor and creating a passage. It is crystal clear with only the faintest shimmer of violet. The other side though... Well... It looks like hell. What more can be said. "I will stay by the rift and keep as much away from the exit as possible."
Bruce Banner looks to Volstagg, "Just lay him here." he then fastens his amulet around his neck assuming it will adapt when he changes. "Not sure what realm Hell is considered other than where the wicked plays." he tells Vol before stepping towards Gene. A hand raises to touch her cheek, "No worries things will be alright. After this I owe you a grand date night." he grins resting his forehead to her own, "I love you." if she allows he kisses her lips before backing up. She hasn't seen his other form and now though he changes before her eyes in the Hulk.
Volstagg sets down the body where instructed to and he sraws his sword to be ready for what comes, "I dare say none of the demons i have ever met were civilized." He looks over at the transformation from Banenr to Hulk and blinks a couple time. "Most impressive."
Marc Spector had arrived early to the church, handing out silver amulets to arrivals who wished one, each with a curved line where part is recessed-- a very basic symbol of a crescent moon. He assures everyone that they are blessed with protection against possession and such for this journey, so no one should end up bringing back any passengers. He nods to the casters respectfully, and stands back while the rite is traced out on the floor. When Genevieve opens the portal, he's ready. He glances around, seeing everyone else in their armor or green skin or what-have-you; looks like they're all ready. "Let's go find Hawksmoor." He says, and steps through.
And...as those going through the portal step through, they will find themselves in a city. Twisted skyscrapers reach up towards a blood red sky, one that shows neither sun nor stars, nor...a problem, perhaps for Moon Knight, so much as the sliver of a moon. Demons and damned souls are what move through the street, the latter shuffling, heads down, as if their particular damnation is to be bound under the weight of the burdens of life or, well, after life. Demons move amongst them, herding them.
Ahead of the group, the streets open into a plaza beneath a spire that scratches against the sky. Signs mark the streets and neon glitters in the square...but all of them are in, well, Japanese.
Cir-El follows the man in white through the portal, she did not get his name last time they met, but he seems to be a competent warrior and some kind of mystic, as he provided the protection amulets. She looks around with a frown, this resembles a twisted version of Tokyo she thinks...from what she recalls seeing on TV, it is not a place she has personally been. She wonders who the big man with the red beard is, but she knows not to underestimate people. She is familiar with most of the others from last time. She looks around again, but more importantly, she listens. Her vision is no great shakes, but her hearing is as keen as any other Kryptonian. She does not like this place...
Kilroy is prepared to beat the crap out of anything with his Staff but holding off on the Rai stones. There are theological issues here, even if Veolus alone remembers ancient treaties from parentage not exactly acknowledging him. Kilroy also doesn't want to tip the loopholes in Mammon's contracts, but he can defend himself and do SOME things with no danger at all. Like use a staff to beat the crap out of something. "Tentacle Street. Tentacle Lane. Anatomically inappropriate Tentacle Circle. All Gods Suck. All Goods Suck a Tentacle. Lovely stuff." He points, "That a away I think. By the way, this ghost city is probably alive so avoid having buildings fall on you and the like."
"I'm...thinking I might just be most useful staying here. With the portal. You know." Zach clears his throat quietly as he watches, and furthermore listens, to everyone going through. Tentacles. Why did it have to be tentacles? Not that he has a particular problem with them, just...tentacles. And living buildings. "They did a surprisingly good job of Akihabara though," he adds, as if he feels he has to add something positive to the rest.
Genevieve Zavia gives a slightly weakened kiss to Bruce as she whispers back, "I love ya no matter what form your in. Get going in there big guy." She then turns her attention to Minoke. "Alright Remember stay outside this gateway. Do not go in for anything. I got the rope I will leave here for you." She quickly focuses and speaks out. "Imbuere sanctus attributum!" White light engulfs her daughter as well as the rope. "Pull me back if anything bad happens to me. You can see inside." She wraps the rope around herself and and passes through the portal. "Sancti tui clypeum!" Suddenly there is a shimmering field of violet guarding the rift.
Minoke Zavia watches as her mother Genevieve casts a spell on her. She feels warm... and... the spell has an interesting side-effect on Minoke. Her hair and clothing, normally a ruby-red color suddenly become white, and her eyes also change from glowing red to glowing white. "This... is such an odd sensation," she murmurs. "I feel as peaceful as an angel." She grabs the rope, wraps it around her wrist - then she focuses as she sends spills down into the floor, anchoring herself. She won't be moved by any means as the now holy-elemental android stands there, looking worried. On second thought, her back shimmers as she grows decorative wings out of her back, also white now, as she waits patiently.
The Hulk gives a grin to Gene and Minoke giving a thumbs up before passing through the portal with the others. A finger pulls a little at the amulet as it feels like a choker or dog collar in this form. Even if he could read these symbols as Bruce his Hulk half can't comprehend it so he moves along keeping his eyes watchful of everything.
Lokitty moves in closer, green eyes narrowing as he pads in on silent paws, taking up a position behind someone's leg.
Volstagg moves forward next to the Hulk. He looks around, "Be wary Friend Banner, demons are most renowned for their cunning and trickery. He adds, "And no matter how good somethign smells don't eat here." Trust Volstagg he has learned some things the hard way.
Marc Spector involuntarily shudders when he steps under the red vacant sky of the twisted city. He lets out a breath as he looks around. "Hoo..that feels off. 'S like the Oblivion only.. moreso." And this is why it's Marc at the wheel. Khonshu promised they wouldn't be cut off-- but no moon makes Moon Knight's style of fighting even more hazardous than normal. Now might be the time for a little more finesse. He chuckles as Kilroy steps in, though. "Charming..we'll keep an eye out." he glances over.. "So you can lead us to Hawksmoor?" just in case not, he's remembering something Khonshu said.. and something odd Moon Knight reported the day Jack disappeared. It may be impossible anyways being in literal -hell- as they are, but he tries to sense for another divine servant somewhere in this faux-Tokyo...besides the, what, three of them in the rescue party?
Michael Carpenter finds himself nearby - garbed in full armour and wearing Amoracchius, the giant broadsword, slung over his back. Walking down the street from his car, he stops and turns - frowning. "God preserve," he murmurs and starts around a corner... spotting Moon Knight not far ahead. His pace quickens to catch up, sending his white cloak billowing behind him.
And...another divine servant arrives, about when the demons and damned souls notice the intrusion. First of all, there's a portal OUT of hell. Second of all, there's living people. Both of these things attract some attention. It's not attention the party wants...demons and damned souls turning towards them. The damned souls, at least, aren't armed, and tend to move in a slow, zombie-like manner. The demons, however, are much faster. And have claws and fangs and horns and stuff. Fortunately, none of them are particularly powerful.
The magic and divinely sensitive will slowly come to a horrible realization. They aren't in a city demons built, of which there are surely some. The city itself, this twisted version of Tokyo, is in and of itself...a damned soul. Kilroy's warning might be apropos, although so far it appears to be using its residents to fight them.
In the square, though, there might be a glimpse of something. From the spire hangs a cage on a great chain, swinging slowly. Inside the cage there's a faint...glow. Something that doesn't belong here. But getting there will involve wading through the demonic hordes. Or, perhaps, jumping over them...

Chasing a horrible feeling - a deep sensation in his soul, and magnified by the almost tangible 'thrum' of power from the sword on his back - Michael ducks inside the building, and spots the portal. His face pale and drawn with tension, Michael murmurs a prayer and draws his sword, which flares to life. He breaks into a jog the moment he sees people on the other side, and calls out to one of them in particular:
"Moon Knight!"
Kilroy is strong as the Thing in the armor, and keeps a steady trickle of Holy Water streaming on the nigh unbreakable staff at all times as he sways a path through the souls and minor demons, leaving the others ever onward toward the spire. One of the Demons spots a flaw in the armor, and SCREAMS an unnaturally long and terrifying torment that manages to make the things that live in Hell back away from Kilroy in a circle about as wide as his staff as the screaming continues.
Kilroy moves at a moderate pace making sure to leave no one behind.
Well, that was unexpected, Zach thinks. And by 'unexpected', he of course means 'completely expected since before opening the portal'. Michael flings himself through the portal, and so Zatara decides to call out...in case Moon Knight misses it in all the hubbub. "Tentacle enthusiast incoming!!" It's so smooth and casual that one might even imagine that wasn't the first time he's said it. But he's ready, just in case any of this diabolical host should flow out from the portal. At least they don't appear to be getting too close to it. Not yet, anyway.
Cir-El notices the knight when he comes through the portal, well as he is hardly the strangest one present, it is not impossible she just overlooked him, but then again, perhaps he was a late arrival. Either way, we have a situation, "OK, I could carve a path directly to that cage and back, but it would tak a lot of power to do it the fast way, but first I need to know if that is Jack. Say, big man with the red beard are you as tough as you are large? If so, it might be a good time to play bowling for demons..."
Genevieve Zavia struggles as she feels the horrors building around her. She can sense what is coming. It's not exactly the highlight of her day as she gets ready. "You aren't getting through." A shadowy figure collects opposite of the field. "Turn around and go back. Tell any others like you to forget their escape plans." She quickly focuses and prepares a spell... "Sanctus... LUX!!" A beam of white hot light goes searing through her field and right into the shadow demon. "I Said GO!"
Minoke pulls up her 'anchor', moves to stand right at the barrier, her new metal wings spreading as a physical barrier, and sinks spikes down into the floor again to re-anchor herself. She focuses her energy as she lengthens her arms and sends a powerful punch at one of the damned trying to get out, sending him flying. Nothing as big as a person could get by the thousand-pound angel-shaped android who's anchored herself - any damned coming close gets punched. She's holding her secret weapon for now, hoping she won't have to use it. To her mother, she sends a message in an archaic machine code that probably only Jen could understand:
Glancing around this isn't a place he wants to be in nor wants to remember. Hulk scans the skies his green eyes becoming a tint of orange from the colors and reflections. A nod is given to Volstagg as he warns against eating things, not like he planned to come to hell for a meal. The screams are rather haunting as he walks near Kilroy as he blazes a trail yet there are so many. Leaping up into the air he goes a bit ahead into the horde knocking through souls and tossing demons here and there being wary of the buildings and as one topples threatening his group he is there quickly to brace it with his hands before lifting it using it like a big baseball bat knocking a few souls into the air and off into oblivion.
Loki shapeshifts back into himself and recoils. "Avskum." He mutters at the demons, watching as te others go to town on te horde. "Faen taaaaaaaa."
Yes would be the easy answer to Cir El's question. However Volstagg is an Asgardian, "None by question the strength nor stoutness of Volstagg, Lion of Asgard, ever the boon companion to Fundral and Hogun in the Warriors Three." To prove this point he barrels into the closest group of the lost souls his gut along with his blade sending them tumbling in all direction. Volstagg is about to brag more when he is hefted into the air then before he can even form the words to protect he goes flying into there ranks. The X-Men have the fastball special well we can call this the wrecking ball special as none of the lost souls in his path can stand before the grils of Volstagg and the might of Cir EL.
Marc braces himself when the horde charges, though he lets Kilroy, Bruce and Volstagg head things up. As for this place..he knows Jack said that the cities had minds. Why not souls? Is this some damned city mimicking current day Tokyo? Though that question may have to wait. That light in the square...
He's looking around, gauging the height and position of nearby buildings. Whatever it is, it ought to be looked into--but then he catches a wisp of that strange divine tie from earlier, and that settles it. "That's him; It's Jack." he states, pointing to the cage.
...And then someone calls out for Moon Knight, followed by a quip from Zatara that sets his eyes rolling behind his cowl. But.. "You?" he exclaims in surprise when he sees the champion barreling after them. "You're the one from the graveyard..?" he sounds not quite certain for some reason, but goes on; "If your god sent you here, then your timing is good; we're here on a rescue. There's an innocent man in that cage up there." he presses the silver amulet Kilroy demurred on Michael. "Perhaps you don't need it, but this will keep any of them out of your head-- so, coming?"
Leaping into such a...twisted, and 'other-worldly' place, amid the differing and maybe conflicting energies of those gathered, causes Michael's breath to catch in his throat. "Blood of the Sinless!" he exclaims, releasing one hand from the hilt of his broadsword to shield his eyes as he runs up beside Moon Knight. Michael nods crisply to the other 'white knight' and opens his mouth to say something more - but the poor soul in the cage across the square draws his attention. Michael's face initially contorts into an expression of pure horror - mouth aghast, eyes wide, eyebrows raised - until grim determination takes over.
"That one..." he mutters under his breath at the horde of demons approaching, pointing with the blade at the imprisoned soul of Jack Harksmoor. "Does not belong to you."
Lowering the visor of his helm, Michael banishes any other thoughts, questions or doubts regarding the the nature of this place, and the people around him... to focus on the threat at hand. As the Fist of God closes his other hand over the hilt of his sword once more, the light from the blade intensifies. White flames run along the blade almost like water - up Michael's arms, and over his armour - and he charges straight into them, several yards across from Volstagg.
"Jesu Dominae!" he shouts, and the nearest of the creatures fly outward. Burning.
And demons recoil. They had expected to find some amateur mage opening a portal. They did not expect...this. Volstagg knocking demons all over the place, the Hulk wading through them as if they were made of nothing more than straw. Spells and divine magic flying. Hell is being invaded...and the city itself almost seems to recoil. But the damned souls keep coming.
They keep coming, but The Hulk and Volstagg are blazing a clear trail to the cage. It hangs a bit above the ground, a bit higher than could be reached without leaping or, say, standing on the shoulders of one of the big guys.
And inside is a figure in chains. He looks up. Dark eyes fix right on the two big guys incoming...and the almost resigned expression on Jack Hawksmoor's face changes into a smile. He knew they would come for him. Well, he knew the green one would. Volstagg? That's a surprise. Cir-El, not so much. Moon Knight. Loki. Genevieve. Zachary. He doesn't see the little construct and he has no idea who the guy yelling in Latin and pointing a sword at him is.
But Cir-El, at least, can hear his voice, "Somebody smash this thing for me?" Presumably, he means the cage.
Cir-El, any Kryptonian, in fact, rarely cuts loose. Few people consider what a combination of more power than a locomotive and more speed than a bullet can mean. Whether it means tossing Volstagg forward into the crowd of demons like a cannonball, or herself following to barrel through the opening thus made faster than human eyes can follow, knocking demons and soulless about like tenpins. Cir-El gets about a hundred yards from the cage and launches herself into the air. She lands on the cage and grags the bars in her two hands, pulling them apart with all her vast strength...
The presence of not one, but two other ...THREE other pantheons makes this a much greyer area. That suits Kilroy just fine. The Hulk and Volstag and Cir-El will make Jack whole again. The mages will guard the portal. Jack has been find. That leaves only one thing.
Punishment.
The demon foolish enough to try and possess Kilroy is released. Half its former size it goes running for its proverbial life. Kilroy and Veolus are one on this and stand in place, slowly chanting a ritual casting of their own. The ground begins to shake, and a crack and peal of thunder sounds in the distance as the sky, red and unnatural as it is clouds somewhat...and Holy Water begins to rain down in torrents.
Oh well, nothing Zach needs to really do at the moment. He glances back to Loki, and if the sudden appearance surprised him, he hides it very well. "Oh. Hey Loki." Looks pretty straightforward.
"Good Girl Minoke! Keep em in line! We can do this!" Genevieve is shredding the the shadow demon with her holy light beams. She keeps her guard up. Looking around at the others trying to make their escape, she quickly blasts them. "No! You have lived your life and earned your place here. You are not permitted to leave!" Then MOAR DEMONS!! "Would you guys hurry up?! I got a gathering back here!!!" She shouts towards the group. "Lumen inspiratione sancti!!!" Suddenly a blast of holy light explodes out of her body. That drains her. Her shield continues to hold, for now.
Minoke Zavia just stands guardian, looking every bit an avenging angel, over sized metal fists punching at the damned trying to get through the portal. So far no demons are trying to rush the portal, but she is reviewing Scripture to quote to any demons that would try - that and a holy magitech beam should be useful.
The Hulk notices Cir leaping up towards the cage. He hunches down and flings himself upwards grabbing the bottom of it. It swings and he climbs up the other side to the top of it. Jumping up he lands on the top bringing both hands down harshly on it causing it to rattle and then again until it breaks apart. This send the trio tumbling down and he grabs Cir and Jack both turning himself so he lands on his back against the ground. Letting both go Jack and Cir perhaps will roll off him to the ground. Really he felt like taking Jack into a bear hug but they still have to get out. Though the voice of Gene can be heard in his ears. Leaping up to his feet he begins running knocking whatever is in the way out of it.
Loki looks at his hands and then at the demons, furrowing his brow. He takes a deep breath, shifting into his battle armor, complete with fancy helmet and throws his hands out, emitting a rather pathetic battle cry as he unloads green and gold magic in a massive wave, hopefully not bowling over all the heroes in the process.
Volstagg gets up a bit wobbly from his wrecking ball experience. he talks exactly nine steps and falls over again. It is more of a struggle too get to his feet. He stand there for the moment a but wobbly.
While the Fist of God is carving a swath through the demons and damned, the Fist of Khonshu instead pulls out his grapple and fires it far up the side of one of the gnarled buildings. He hopes he wont' regret this, but he doesn't mean to stay long...as soon as it's pulled him up, he detaches it and launches himself towards the square, his cloak snapping out to let him glide over the heads of the combatants below. As appealing as the thought may be, they can't take on the entire hosts of hell. The most important thing is to get Jack out, and ASAP.
Of course by the time he reaches the cage, he can only cling to the chain as Cir-El and Bruce have ripped it open and knocked it down handily. He drops to the ground next to them, a smirk behind his cowl as he greets, "Hey there, Hawksmoor. Hope you don't mind us cutting your vacation short, but I think your city misses you." he reaches down to pull Jack up, and if he's too entangled with chains to run he picks him up in a fireman carry and starts running through the open path Bruce is blazing. "We've got him, everyone out!"
Foregoing the use of the silver amulet offered him, Michael wades into the horde - carving a way between him and the cage. Demonic heads of myriad and hideous forms and faces fly above the shoulders of others as he brings the full force of Amoracchius to bear upon them. As those battered away by Cir-El's charge (to the cage) fly into the Fist of God's path, his sword slices them in twain. Pieces of demon fall about him, filling the air with an unholy stench as bodies blister and boil - melting into the desecrated ground.
"Blood of the Dragon, I abjure thee!" Michael yells with an overhead strike as he spots Moon Knight's leap upward to the cage and Hawksmoor.
"Blood of the Old Serpent, I abjure thee! Spawn of Perdition's Misbegotten Son, I ABJURE THEE!" With a roar, Michael stabs Amoracchius into the ground at his feet. White fire surges outward and upward, forming a burning barrier twenty feet or so about the Knight of the Cross, the cage itself, and anyone within its radius. Holy fire meets holy rain, and only serves to make the effect of the rain even stronger, but Michael remains kneeling, his chest heaving with exertion as he attempts to keep demons away from the cage... and himself on the ground beneath it.
Falling. But the Hulk, as the green monster planned, breaks it, and Jack rolls free of him, rolls into a crouch. Bare feet touching the city's substance. Problem is? He's dead. He has no access to the technology, so sophisticated it reaches towards that place where science and magic meet, entwine together to become one thing. Everything is chaos. As Genevieve falters, the demons around her renew their attack on both her and Zachary Zatara, trying to get out through the portal before it closes, threatening to push both spell casters back, threatening to make this invasion of hell exactly the reverse.

Moon Knight reaches for Jack's hand. Again, the city walker looks up. His friends, beleaguered, coming here to save him. It's all his responsibility. Not fault, no. Responsibility. There's a difference, but...no. "No, Moon Knight," he says, abruptly pulling himself free of the other. Dropping into a crouch, his hands on the twisted, hell bound street. He's dead, but he's also...angry. Angry in a deep, wrathful way, not in a sudden temper, but that particular deep anger that's sometimes called wrath. In a voice so quiet it might almost not be heard and yet almost as forceful as the Hulk. "STOP."

The demons keep coming, but the damned souls stop, as if frozen in their tracks. There's a sense of something snapping into place.
Cir-El knows how to punch a hole back to the gate. It will take a lot out of her though. She says, to the others, "I am point, Hulk widen the path I open. The rest of you behind us, we will be moving fast."
She Turns to face the gate and starts forward, thrusting her hands before her with her fingers splayed wide like a star burst. Crimson light, in a contrasting color to the blood red glow of the skies, flares forth in a wide cone. The force effect pushes her backwards, slowing her down to scarcely a hundred miles an hour, but also knocks back anything that gets in her way with increasing force as it gets closer. She acts like a snow plow through a drift, throwings demons and zombies flying as she carves a path for the others to follow. When she reaches the gate, she is actually panting with the effort of forcing her way through so many monsters.
Kilroy collapses, exhausted. He can do no more at this point as even the stone armor is too much to lift him, but it has been enough. The sheer pain that the city felt was more than enough to compensate for...oh wait. He grins as he can hear voices, even poorly translated ones. He knows what is coming. He slowly begins to move back to the portal...chuckling.
Loki drops his arms to his sides, his magic ineffective. He pants just slightly, watching uselessly from the sidelines. Perhaps he isn't cut out to be the hero he had hoped he could be, after all.
Zach notes the attempted invasion force. Or fugitive force. Soon-to-be-hopeful-expatriate force? "Um." Well, it's not like there was much he could do either, especially as everyone else has done more than abundantly. "Loki. I know this great club in the Village. Want to blow this Popsicle stand? I'm pretty sure they have this wrapped up."
Genevieve Zavia quickly stands up. She is really messed up at the moment. Her body can't take much more. Using what magic she can she prepares herself. "No. You will not... get past... me." Her nose begins to bleed. "INGURGITO sanctus ignis!!!" In a last ditch action, Her and everything with in a 30 foot range explodes into a holy fire. Her whole body is burning at this particular moment but to her this is what she must do. Down to her knees she falls. She can do no more at this point but there are several deep fried demons who are getting out of dodge.
Minoke Zavia squeaks! "Mommy, no!" she cries out as she starts reeling Jen in, dragging her along the floor - not that she has much choice. She then focuses, turning herself. A white glow would start to form on her upper chest... then a pair of powerful beams would erupt from the angelic-looking android, expanding outward in a barrage of electrically-charged holy magic. It would be a cone effect, with the narrowest shadow, carefully calculated so that when it blasts by Jen, she would not be hit by it, but would be in its shadow. She then continues to start reeling her mother in by the rope she was given, preparing another blast. She already feels weaker than she did as that white glow is still visible on her upper chest. She continues to reel Gene in like a fish.
He runs towards Jen in haste knocking demons out of the way still blazing the trail. Hulk can see that Jen is being reigned in by Minoke and the blast . A loud roar escapes and he leaps into the horde by the portal knocking them around or at least what the blast didn't take down. One demon though is close to his side and the pair tumble with each other. And then somehting strange happens the Hulk shifts back into Bruce's bare form. Scratches now are given and the man cries out in pain. Does a demon have balls? If so Bruce keeps planting his foot there hoping someone might help him lest he be killed.
Volstagg loosks around. Looks like the party is leaving. Volstagg runs to towards the portal as well, "Get out if you can. I wil lhold them off. Just let me know when to jump trough. He then turns and starts to make a fighting retreat to keep some of the demons off their backs as they get out.
Marc Spector is surprised to say the least when Jack pulls away. He walks over, putting a hand on Jack's shoulder when he falls to a crouch. "Hey! We've got to get out of he now; your body's outside the portal, you can't -do- anything h--"
And Jack shouts.
And the souls obey him.
Marc stares.

"What...did you..." but Marc shakes his head. Bruce has drawn ahead of them.. and apparently lost the Hulk form? He reaches down to tug on Jack's arm! "We've gotta move; Bruce is in trouble!" with his free hand he starts throwing crescent darts, the silver missiles striking at any demons who might come after the confusingly present scientist.
Kilroy limps towards the exit. He occasionally smacks a demon in the face as it rises its unconscious face up and glares at him.
Michael looks up.
A ring of bodies - demons and the damned - surrounds him, and he rises to his feet. Giving Moon Knight a wave of his arm, the Knight of the Cross turns around to face the portal and the infernal creatures attempting to get through. "Moon Knight!" he calls out, his voice sounding strained. "Grab the un-damned one, and let's go! I can..." he trails off as Hawksmoor shows some measure of control over the denizens of this hellish dimension. "Christ Preserve," he murmurs. "What have I leaped into?" He looks up again and waves one last time. "Come on! They need us at the gate!"
With that, the Knight breaks into a jog - that turns into a run - straight into the frey once more.
Oh. Well there's something. Naked Bruce versus demons. Zach had thought it was all pretty much finished, but with Loki's magic -- which was effective, even if he presumed it wasn't -- he didn't imagine much was really left. Still, Minoke's blocking the way, but hopefully the magic can get around her, even if she makes a better door than she does a window. "Leper snomed." The young magician pronounces, intent on a field physically repelling the hellish creatures from the portal.
Bruce. Crap. Bruce. Kilroy doesn't look very good. Marc is busy fighting demons. Genevieve is clearly done. Minoke has to guard the portal. He looks right at Michael, "Get the naked guy out."
He still hasn't moved from that crouch. BOTH of his eyes FLARE red. "Enough. This ends *now*." He doesn't even...he daren't...question how or why all of this is still working when he felt himself die, felt himself dragged down to hell. But it is, and furthermore, he's gone over his fight with her over and over again, over and over in the nearly twenty years since he had to kill her. He knows now what a mature city walker, one secure in his powers and self, one not regretting his lost humanity would do. And he does it. Enforcing his will on her, overpowering her...and stripping her of the one key factor, the truly scary thing - her ability to command her inhabitants. And then? He wraps her up until she's nothing but a little dot of city. He doesn't believe in *eternal* damnation, but she is *not* bothering him...or the living...again. There are only a few demons remaining...and as the cityscape starts to flicker and fade out, some of them make an even stronger effort to go for the portal...and some flee into the various intricacies of hell. The damned souls? They just run.
Jack looks up, eyes still red. "Run." It's PROBABLY aimed at his allies. He looks as if that took everything out of him, though...
Cir-El, even tired, is the most powerful person standing...probably. So She will stand at the edge of the gate and make sure the rest reach it. She will fire sunbursts at any demon who tries to make it past the magic guarding the portal, or any who trues to attack her allies. If any gets close to her, that is time for a physical strike, with the strength and speed of Krypton behind it. She hopes they do not take too long, using the Red Sun Bursts is disproportionately tiring, especially with no sunlight to recharge her power reserves...Once the others are to the portal, she will move through with speed, and possibly collapse on the far side for a while...
Kilroy saw this coming 30 minutes ago, and keeps loping to the portal, finally making it, though the demons congregated at the beginning are beginning to catch on and most of the ones who saw him trap the one that tried to possess him have been taken out so this whole new batch realizes he's basically a guy lugging around some non magically powered armor and while God like level strong, its all he can do to walk much less smack their faces.
Genevieve Zavia is suddenly swept up by The Brulk! She is hit hard and than she sees what is on him. Her body is weak. She is pushing herself at this point. "daemonum conversus in columbae!" With that she's out. The demons who were trying to make their great escape just got more then they bargained for. They are currently birds of a feather flocking together. In other words she turned them into pigeons.
Minoke Zavia turns to aim towards Bruce. She charges up again, preparing to fire another Magitech beam towards Bruce. She changes her mind and alters her tactics at the last moment. The glow fades from her chest and lights up on each of her fingers as she aims, and fires ten narrow magitech beams at the ten closest demons to Bruce's position. Then... a spear somehow flies through from one of the demons that survived the blasts. It imbeds into her, in a way that'd probably kill a normal person, but only a few inches. White... ooze... is starting to bleed from that wound - her arms are also 'bleeding' white ooze in several spots from demonic claw wounds. She is staggering - weakened from her exertions but steps back to allow people to leave, but will snipe any demon with a magitech blast that tries, not taking the time to pull the spear out as she continues to reel Jen in. She grits her teeth. The white ooze is slowing, but is all over the floor, a viscous blood. Minoke sinks to her knees, panting softly, continuing to single mindedly use that rope to reel Jen in.
Amoracchius cleaves three more of the demons around Michael in twain, as the Knight hears the words 'Get the naked guy out' directed at him. Turning about to look, he follows the given gesture to Banner's position and nods. Out goes an armored foot that catches a demon in the groin (not that it would necessarily do the same harm as a groin-shot on a human), and the creature's crotch burns into flame as soon as Michael's boot connects.
The force of the blow is enough to send the demon falling back into one of its cohorts.
As soon as the Knight reaches Banner's side, he crouches down - pointing his sword behind him, with its pommel resting upon the ground next to his foot. Something rushes the man from behind, skewering itself on the blade.
"Blessed Lord," Michael murmurs as he lifts Bruce into a 'fireman's carry', and stands up - even as the body of a demon slides off his blade, disemboweling it in the process. Grunting, the Knight sets his jaw grimly, and makes a dash for the portal.
Volstagg continues his fighting retreat. He is cutting down the demons but they keep coming. His blade starts to move slower and slower as claws start to find their mark on his body, scoring his flesh . Still the Lion stands roaring out a song of battle. As crazy as it sound if one were to get a look at his face you would think he was enjoying this. Despite that he is starting to falter even his Asgardian endurance has it's limits.
Marc Spector is startled at the solid, glowing eyes, yes... but then he's not one to talk about that kind of thing, is he? Even as the impression of the city coils in on itself and it's manifestation fades around them, he keeps his grip on Jack's arm and answers, "Same goes for you-- come -ON-!" and this time he bodily hauls Jack along if he has to, a crescent in his free hand to fend off any demons that might not be otherwise pidgeon-ified or disembowelled-- it's time to leave and then some.
Almost everyone's through the portal. Volstagg and Moon Knight will be in a moment...but Jack shakes his head. "Really. Run. *Trust me*." And a moment later? Moon Knight's holding...nothing but air. Where the heck did he go?
Without the citywalker's weight, though, it's much easier for him to safely get through the portal...which Zachary or Genevieve can easily close. And Kilroy, even through his exhaustion, will sense just the edges of Cheshire cat satisfaction from New York...but where *did* Jack go?
Marc Spector curses as Jack vanishes..but he sets his jaw and does what Jack said-- he trusts him, and exits the portal with the others. "We're done here." he tells the portal casters.
Kilroy is able to make it through the demon pigeons that, while harmless, manage to also sneak past the magicians into the portal. What harm can Demon Pigeons do you ask? See The Economy #242 coming out in Coughcoughcough. Kilroy, meanwhile, shoots three with a plasma pistol as they try to peck his eyes out with the demon little beady eyes...and steps out of the portal.
Cir-El sees that the last of the party are approaching and jumps through at an available space between members. She moves out of the way and lies gasping. She can not recall the last time she was so tired...
Well, even if he couldn't fulfill his supposed role at the beginning of this affair, he can at least do something related to end it. Zach snaps his fingers. "Latrop esolc." Once everyone's out, of course. But judging by the expression on Zatara's face, he's less than pleased at how all this went. "Marvelous," he comments. "This will be the last time I listen to that clown." His jaw set, lips pursed, he looks around to see who might need some healing.
Kilroy says, “Well....good for you Jack." He smiles as he hears the City Purr. He winks at the city.”
On the other side of the portal, the white fire around Michael Carpenter slowly fades until only the lambent glow of Amoracchius remains. The sword has already burned away any blood and ichor that had stuck to it.
Moving carefully, Michael lowers Banner - A.K.A. 'the naked guy' - to the ground, and quietly removes his cloak to drape over man's form, to preserve his modesty. Then, as exhaustion hits him, the Knight of the Cross settles down into a crouch, then a kneel - keeping one hand upon the hilt of his sword, and the other hand on Banner's shoulder.
Praying.
Bruce Banner will presume he has been set down outside of the portal. He has scratches over his body. Oh they burn and hurt so bad as he trembles rapidly. Through it though he looks for Jen and Minoke crawling in their direction the color of his eyes are fire red. Hearing the prayer it doesn't stop him from trying to get to those he intends.
Marc Spector shakes his head to Zatara.. "He's not lost. He was trying not to slow us down, I think. I just don't know what--" he pauses, noticing Kilroy's glee. "You know something." he accuses.
Volstagg falls through the portal as lands on the stone floor of the church with a thump. he the n gets up and smiles, "Well done." He says with pride, "Who want to go celebrate our victory with a drink and telling the tale." he seems to have forgotten his exhaustion whit the prospect of celebration looming.
Kilroy says, “Can't you hear the city sing?”
And Jack vanished. Of course, he wasn't supposed to be damned, and once that was fixed, did he go on to his destiny? Of course, as exhausted as the group are, nobody's really paying any attention to Jack's body, which is still lying in front of the altar. Not breathing. Right?
But after a moment a rough, disused voice comes from that direction. "Clown? Ain't no clown...ugh."
Marc Spector raises his eyebrows at Kilroy. ".....I see he was rubbing off on you." he comments, then turns when he hears Jack's voice. "Hey..!"
Kilroy smiles at Jack, "Good show old chum. Now never the f*ck do that again. Seriously. If I am going to kill someone, they should be stealing pennies from widows and orphans. Or already dead like dear old dad. Or total jerks like Za...anyhoo, I'm tired. So I must go. We'll do lunch later. I imagine being tortured in hell makes you tired or something."
For a moment, Cir-El thinks she is hallucinating, she lifts her head with an effort and sees Jack is alive. She smiles slightly and slowly rises to her feet.
Minoke Zavia finishes reeling Jen out of the portal, holding her in her arms, rocking back and forth. She then nods to Michael, even as her temporary holy imbuement starts to fade, as her hair, eyes, and clothing slowly turn back to red. She then cradles her mother, letting her sleep - she's so tired - she used up well over half her energy and has lost some of her body mass. Not a whole lot but enough to make her already tired mind that much stupider as she slowly rises, blinking at the 'blood' on the floor. Carrying her mother, she slowly starts to head out, then stops. "Oh, hello, Mr. Hawksmoor."
Michael, content to leave his cloak with Banner for the time being, lifts his head and then reaches up with his hand to remove his helmet. Rising to his feet, he sheathes Amoracchius over his shoulder, and tucks the helm under his arm as he looks at Banner.
"Will you be alright?" he asks.
Slowly, Jack stands. "Thanks guys. I owe you all...more than I can pay right now. Or at the very least a round of drinks once everyone has recovered." Minoke can drink soda or something. "I need to...I kind of need to...clear my head." After that ordeal, it's not surprising. He hops up against the church wall, then flips out through a broken window. Not that he goes far...he ends up just sitting on the roof, staring out across the city. Jack Hawksmoor has a *lot* to think about.
Bruce Banner crawls a bit more getting to his feet with the cloak around him. He shuffles forward falling at Jen's side as Minoke holds onto her. "Gene?" a shaky hand touches her cheek. "Please wake up." tears are in his eyes as the flames are still in them. Indeed he is happy Jack is alright but he has another worry now.
Marc Spector finds he can sense Jack now....well. Khnoshu was right. And Marc thinks he has an idea now what sort of deity his own had been slyly referring to, if what happened in hell was any indication. It's reassuring at least to know where Jack is. He heads over to Michael. "..Well. I didn't expect to be seeing you next in hell, I've gotta say."
Explanations can wait for Michael, as he watches Banner move over to Genevieve and Minoke. Moving quietly, his face drawn with weariness now, he walks toward the building's exit... and stands guard, more or less. His eyes focus on Moon Knight nearby - the only person he knows, yet, in this group of strange folk and stranger powers - and he smiles tightly, nodding once.

"We did a good thing," he says - hopefully loud enough for Spector to hear - as if that fact were the only thing that matters. Perhaps it is, in some ways.