Ghost Rider #6

[fan4]

Ghost Rider #6
The Demon and The Dragon, Part 2

Written by Mike Bowen
Edited by Aaron Martel

The Penance Stare of Ghost Rider, usually used to revisit the hurt and pain of victims back upon the guilty, burned into Danny Rand’s very soul, making him relive not pain he inflicted upon others, but what he himself has experienced.

It all came back in an instant, his battle with Shou-Loa the Undying, the death of his father, Misty Knight¹s grievous wounding and her later distancing from him. The nightmares he experienced of Khan and seeing the Thunderer die. It all flooded into his skull a thousand times over.

Master Khan let out a booming laugh as Danny's scream echoed through the darkened tunnels.

“That is but a taste,” Khan laughed. “Soon child, your power will be mine and I will lay waste to those in your precious city that have opposed me.”

Danny’s head throbbed as the images subsided, his opponent’s hand still locked around his throat. He heard the sounds of bones popping in the fleshless fingers as they began to close around his airway. Without thinking, he channeled his Chi into his fist, becoming like a thing unto iron, and brought it down with a hard chop below the monster’s elbow. The sickening snap of bones was drowned out by a bellow of pain from Ghost Rider as Iron Fist dropped to the floor, the remnants of the bony arm still wrapped around his throat. Danny struggled to his feet, casting a quick glance at Khan, a hint of shock creeping into his stoic demeanor. He reached up and pried the dead fingers off of his neck, tossing the arm at the feet of Khan.

“You’ll have to do better than that,” Iron Fist said, his voice cracking from the strain put on his neck.

Khan’s expression was unchanged, the shock that Danny saw moments earlier had vanished as quickly as it arrived. He merely nodded and the arm fragment flew towards his servant, still kneeling, clutching the remaining part of his arm, hellfire rippling out of the remnant of his leather jacket’s sleeve. The arm danced across the ground, spinning and bouncing as the hellfire reached out, almost like a hand, seizing it and reattaching it.

“This is not good, not good at all,” Caretaker mumbled to himself as he watched the battle rage on between Iron Fist and Ghost Rider. He knew it was only a matter of time before the Rider’s near-unlimited stamina and strength overwhelmed the man in that awful looking green and yellow suit.

Master Khan, watching his new servant continue to advance on Iron Fist, despite receiving wounds that would prove fatal to most, whipped his head around and stared at a empty spot of the tunnel. Caretaker could feel the ancient eyes burrow into him and magic crackle around him.

He’s not supposed to be able to see me, he thought to himself. Only Blaze and the Ghost Riders are supposed to be able to.

Khan concentrated on the spot to his left. He could feel a magical presence, but when his spell didn¹t reveal anyone, he paid it no mind, having supreme confidence that his abilites would have shown anyone hiding in the tunnels.

Caretaker took his hat off and wiped his forehead with the inside of his forearm. It wasn’t hot in the tunnels, but that close encounter with Khan had him sweating.

“I’ve got one shot to save Greenie,” he whispered as he began to melt into the shadows.

[fan4]

“I don’t want to hear it anymore,” Mephisto said with a wave of his hand. His son Blackheart stood on the other side of an ornate wooden desk with an incredulous look on his face.

“Father, I must protest still, there are others more suited...”

“ENOUGH!” Mephisto’s voice shook the room and made Blackheart stumble. “You know the bargain that is in place. Blaze must be the Rider. It was written long before you were brought into this world.”

Caretaker materialized to the left of Blackheart with a loud pop.

“Speaking of which... hello, Noble,” Mephisto sneered.

“Shut it, demon,” Caretaker spat. “I'm not here for small talk.”

“Then what, pray tell, brings you to my little corner of the world?”

“Father...” Blackheart started, but his voice disappeared with a wave of Mephisto’s hand, though his mouth kept moving. It took him a minute to figure out what happened and his red eyes smoldered with anger. He took a deep breath and turned and stalked from the room, the crash of the large doors echoing as he slammed them shut.

Caretaker shook his head in dismay.

“You really should keep that boy of yours on a leash,” he mumbled.

“And you¹re one to give parenting advice,” Mephisto retorted. “Perhaps I should have taken an axe to him?”

A chair appeared behind Caretaker and slid into his knees, forcing him into it.

“Again, why are you here?” Mephisto asked.

“Your Rider is in trouble... he’s not under your control anymore.”

“What? Why wasn’t I informed of this!” he seethed. The tunnel battle materialized in the air over the center of the desk. Caretaker could still see Mephisto through the haze, but also Ghost Rider and Iron Fist continuing to battle with Khan standing off to one side. Mephisto steepled his fingers, studying the scene. His eyes narrowed when he looked at Khan.

“This one...” his voice trailed off. “This one should not be there. He is the spellweaver, correct?”

“Yep. Are you going to do something about it before he kills the guy in pajamas there?”

A large book, bound in what looked to be leather, but could very well have been skin, hit Mephisto’s desk with a thud out of the air.

“Daniel Rand-Kai,” he said, almost as an afterthought. “His soul is not mine to take.”

“So does that mean you are going to do something about it?” Caretaker asked.

“I guess I must,” Mephisto shrugged. “I can't have my Spirit of Vengeance going about slaughtering innocents. It does me no good and attracts all kinds of attention from the other side.”

“But this one,” he said, pointing a long, skinny finger at Khan. “He will be punished.”

[fan4]

Danny paused, down on one knee. His breathing was heavy and his entire body ached under his ceremonial costume.

“What’s the matter, child?” Khan cackled from the background. “Did Yu Ti and the Thunderer not prepare you for this? I find it hard to believe that you are the champion of K’un L’un, that you defeated Shou-Loa the Undying.”

Danny tried to center his Chi and will himself back into the fight. Khan’s insane rantings and the horrifying sound of chains clanking off that undead monster didn’t help. But he was the Iron Fist. If Khan wanted to get into K’un L’un, he would have to go through him. The thoughts energized his body. He closed his eyes and began his breathing exercises to bring his Chi into line.

Ghost Rider’s flaming chain didn’t make a sound as it cut through the air, aimed straight at Iron Fist’s bowed head. Closer and closer it flew, until at the last possible second Danny leaned his head slightly to the right and used the flat palm of his right hand to slap the chain over his left shoulder.

Without warning, Iron Fist tucked his body and rolled backwards as a second chain smashed into the floor of the tunnel where he had just been, leaving a gaping hole in the concrete.

They’re playing for keeps now, Danny thought to himself. I better start taking this more seriously.

“You can't dodge forever, young one,” Khan hissed. “Soon my servant will take your life and throw open the doors to the secret city for my return.”

The chains began to cut through the air again. This time one wrapped itself around Danny’s right forearm. The pain was almost unbearable as the demon dragged him closer and closer to him. When he was nearly in front of Ghost Rider, another chain flashed out from behind the demon, its tip shaped like a knife, and aimed straight for Iron Fist’s heart. Danny tried to move, but he was locked in place by the other chain and the supernatural strength of the Ghost Rider.

I’m sorry, everyone. I’ve failed. The thoughts barely crossed his mind when the chain froze, hovering mere inches from his heart. It was so close that Iron Fist could see the sharpened edges and the razor-point that would definitely pierce his chest. Khan, who was laughing at the impending doom of his foe, stopped as abruptly as the chain.

“What are you waiting for, you fool!” he screamed. “Finish him now!”

Ghost Rider didn’t move, seemingly frozen in time much like the chain.

“Kill him now, slave!” Khan bellowed.

“He’s no longer yours to command,” came a booming voice from behind Khan. The sorcerer spun around to come face to face with Mephisto in all his demonic fury.

Khan’s face turned into a snarl as he launched a mystical attack at the demon. The careening blue energy rippled off Mephisto’s chest with little effect.

“Who are you?” Khan shouted.

“I am his master,” Mephisto pointed towards Ghost Rider. “And I do not appreciate you turning my Rider into your pawn.”

A broad smile crept over Master Khan’s face. “He’s the key to throwing open the doors of K’un L’un. When he destroys the Iron Fist, I will turn him on you.”

Mephisto shook his head. “I think not.” As the demon finished the sentence, a chain suddenly wrapped itself around Khan’s neck, bringing him to his knees. “You see, he’s no longer under your control. He’s free and he’s angry. And I feel sorry for you.”

The glowing skull of Ghost Rider appeared over Khan’s shoulders with a slightly worse-for-wear Iron Fist by his side.

“He is an enemy of yours?” he asked Iron Fist in his gravelly voice.

The green and gold clad warrior nodded. “He has killed many over the years and his black arts are feared throughout K’un L’un.”

“Then he must be dealt with,” Ghost Rider said.

Danny didn¹t like where this conversation was going. He didn¹t like Khan, but this “Rider” was talking like he was going to kill him. Hell, he didn’t even know if Khan could be killed.

“I don’t think....”

Before Iron Fist could finish that thought, Ghost Rider had wrapped the other chain around Khan’s body and hellfire began creeping along the links of both. Before long the entire length of both chains was covered in mystical fire, immolating Master Khan in front of Iron Fist’s very eyes. Danny squeezed his eyes shut, trying not to look at Khan as his dying screams echoed throughout the chamber.

[fan4]

Mephisto stood between a stoic looking Ghost Rider and a panting Iron Fist. Danny tried to control his breathing so as to not appear to be weak in front of the two demons.

“I am impressed, Daniel Rand-Kai,” Mephisto said with a smile. “Your skills are better than I imagined.” The shock of the demon knowing his true name visibly shook Iron Fist.

“Ohh, don’t look so surprised. I know things that you couldn’t even imagine. But like I said, I am very impressed. You provided quite the test for my Rider.”

“Just who are you people?” Iron Fist asked, still not sure if he could trust either of the two after what he just went through.

But Mephisto didn’t answer. The demon turned towards Ghost Rider and admonished him like a stern parent.

“You should not have allowed yourself to be placed under that spell,” he started. “And for that, you must be punished.”

He turned back to Iron Fist and placed a hand on his shoulder. Danny squirmed underneath the demon’s embrace as fire began to creep over his shoulder.

“Do not worry about your identity, Daniel,” Mephisto said. “I have no reason to spread the information. As for my servant, you’re now on even footing.”

With that, Mephisto vanished, only to be replaced by the bass screams of agony coming from Ghost Rider. The flames were receding as the Rider hit his knees, clutching the sides of his skull. Iron Fist moved closer cautiously, not sure of what was happening. The flames died down and bones began to pop as they shrank back into their normal frame. When the steam and smoke cleared Johnny Blaze lay curled in the fetal position.

“Hi,” Blaze mumbled as Iron Fist bent down to check on his condition.

Witnessing the transformation left Danny speechless for a second. “Do you need help?” Rand asked after finally collecting his thoughts.

By that time Blaze was already getting to his feet. He was wobbly at first but quickly regained his composure and stood up. ”No thanks... Danny, right?”

“Ummm... and you are?”

“Well, I guess I owe you that, seeing as how I know your secret, huh?”

“It would only be fair,” Rand said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Johnny Blaze. I trust you’ve met my better half, the Ghost Rider.”

“If by ‘met’ you mean having you try and kill me, then yeah, we’ve met.”

“Yeah... sorry about that. I’m usually fighting criminals and such. I hope I didn’t hurt you too bad?”

Danny rubbed his neck where Blaze’s alter ego nearly choked the life out of him. “I’ll live. So what’s with the transformation thing?”

“Long story. The short part of it is that I haven’t figured out a way to control it yet. It usually happens on its own. Wait a minute! You’re that guy I¹ve been reading about in the papers. The Iron Hand or something.”

“Iron Fist, actually, and yeah, that’s me.”

“Awesome,” Blaze smiled. “A real-life superhero. I’ve never met one before. If you don’t count me, I guess.”

Iron Fist just shook his head. Superhero?, Danny thought to himself. Wow! I guess I am.

“Listen, Johnny,” Iron Fist started. “I really need to get out of here. Are you sure you are OK?”

“Fine, fine. Hey! Look me up if you ever need any help.”

“OK, and if you ever need some help.. with meditation or control techniques, I could help you anytime,” Danny said, handing him a card with his dojo’s address on it. “Maybe leave the skull outside. Here’s my card.”

With that, Iron Fist started to leave.

“Oh! And try to find a costume that’s less... you know!” Blaze shouted after him.

He was going to call me gay! That’s the second person who said that. The kid I understand, but a flaming skeleton in biker leather and chains…

Blaze just smiled and shook his head as Iron Fist disappeared from sight.

[fan4]

The last of Khan’s screams echoed in the empty corridors of his new prison. He’d failed once again to retake K’un L’un, his plan destroyed by some meddlesome demon.

“Do you not know that demons are mine to command!” Khan roared to the empty room. “You're nothing compared to me. When I get out of here, it will be I who use you to take my city back.”

In the far corner of the silent room, two points of red light appeared in the shadows. They started faint, but grew brighter and brighter until Blackheart emerged from the shadows, his eyes roiling with his anger. Khan caught sight of the demon as it stalked towards the stone bars of his prison.

“You! Why didn’t you help me?” he questioned angerly.

“Silence, sorcerer!” Blackheart snapped. “I gave you everything you needed. I sent you the Rider, and I gave you the means of controlling him.”

“But the demon...”

“He wouldn’t have been the wiser if you would have killed your opponent and been done with it. But instead you played games, toying with him. That attracted attention, something I told you specifically to avoid.”

“I don’t take orders from you! I am Master Kha..”

“Khan, yeah I know. The great Master Khan. But you failed because you didn’t listen to me. That demon? My father commands an army that could raze that fabled city of yours from existence with the snap of his fingers. You have no idea of the forces you trifled with. If you would have followed instructions and did as you were told, my father would have been disgraced, and I would have taken his throne from him. We could have been great allies, but now...”

“When I escape this prison, and I will, I will have his head for a serving dish as the rightful ruler of K’un L’un.”

Blackheart shrugged his massive shoulders. “Escape all you like. In fact here, let me help,” he said, waving his hand as the stone bars dissipated. “But you are not going anywhere.”

At that moment the smooth stone walls began to melt, revealing the two to be standing on a floating platform in a lake of fire.

“Where am I?” Khan said weakly, finally coming to the realization about his surroundings.

“Ohhh,” Blackheart mused, “I think you can figure that one out on your own.”

And with that, the demon disappeared, leaving Khan alone and shaking with fear, to suffer for the rest of eternity in hell.

The end