Marvel - The Blood God

"Apprentice?"

Mindy blinked, then asked, "Are you rich? If you're rich, I'll agree!"

Mrs. Gao laughed. "Are you short on money?"

"Yes, I need money to find my dad!" Mindy nodded. "A mercenary told me that if I pay enough, he can help me. That's why I've been robbing those thugs in the alley."

"If that's the case," Mrs. Gao said, "then you'll need another teacher."

Mindy's eyes lit up. "Who? Is he rich?"

Mrs. Gao smiled. "Richer than Stark."

"Wow!" Mindy exclaimed, eyes bright. "Will he accept me as an apprentice?"

Mrs. Gao answered, "Of course. He likes training heroes."

…

The next afternoon, Maverick stood in his teahouse, looking puzzled at the eager young girl in front of him. He recognized her—Mindy, known for her ruthless style, even at her young age.

"Here's the situation…" Mrs. Gao explained what had happened. When she finished, Maverick looked down at Mindy, "I can take you as my disciple and use my resources to help find your father. But I have one condition."

Mindy became cautious. "What's your condition?"

"Go to school. Attend like any normal kid. I'll arrange it," Maverick said. He believed that no matter how tough a child seemed, schooling and a balanced life were still important.

"School?" Mindy stared blankly. She had expected anything but that. She'd thought up countless scenarios, but school? She considered herself a hero-in-training. Heroes didn't waste time behind desks, right?

Maverick folded his arms. "A true mentor also cares about your future. If you accept this, I'll —accept you."

Mrs. Gao nodded in approval. This was how a real master should guide a disciple.

Mindy gritted her teeth. She realized that if she wanted his help, she'd have to agree. "When apprentices officially join, don't they usually get a gift?"

Maverick chuckled. "Sure. I'll give you a hundred grams of Vibranium. You can design your own weapon."

"One hundred grams?" Mindy was stunned. Her father had told her about Vibranium, the rarest metal on Earth. He'd dreamed of owning some, but it was always out of reach. Now her new master was just handing it over. "That's… that's worth a fortune!"

Maverick nodded. "Yes, Vibranium. Now, Mindy, about your father—can we search openly, or do we have to keep his identity hidden?"

"No need to hide it," Mindy said, standing. "My dad's a hero too, but nobody knows who he is. He vanished, so I'm trying to track him down."

"Good." Maverick smiled. "I'll put out the word: television, newspapers, social media—everywhere. A five-million-dollar reward. That'll get the entire country looking. I'll also hire mercenaries and private investigators in the underground market. Between both efforts, we'll find him."

Mindy's face lit up. "Thank you, Master! But won't that cost a lot?"

"It's fine," Maverick replied, waving it off. He turned to Lilith, who stood quietly by. "Lilith, handle the arrangements. I want everyone to know there's a reward for finding Mindy's father."

"Understood," Lilith said calmly.

Mindy was amazed. Her new master treated millions like spare change. She bowed slightly. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Maverick said. "Since you have no other family, you'll live in the teahouse for now. During the day, you'll attend school. At night, Mrs. Gao will teach you martial arts. Your potential is good, but you must study and train seriously if you want to grow strong."

Mindy blinked. "But Master, aren't you teaching me personally?"

Maverick put on a wise expression. "Mrs. Gao will teach you the basics. Once you master those, I'll instruct you further."

Mrs. Gao smirked to herself, but Mindy believed him and nodded obediently. "Understood, Master."

Once Mindy was settled, Maverick turned to Mrs. Gao. "Who's been chasing Spider-Man?"

"It's Bullseye, one of Kingpin's top enforcers. He's got enhanced fighters with him. I suspect Kingpin is behind the illegal human-enhancement serum on the black market. Spider-Man's interference probably caused them trouble."

Maverick's eyes narrowed. "If Kingpin is dealing in that serum, he may have a new formula. He's been overstepping. The last warning wasn't enough."

Lilith glanced at Maverick. He seemed intent on letting someone else handle it. "Should we move against Kingpin, sir?"

Maverick shook his head. "No, I'm too busy. Let the street-level heroes—Daredevil, Spider-Man, others—handle him. Pass the information on to them. They'll know what to do."

Lilith nodded. "I'll let them know."

Maverick continued, "Tell them to pay attention to Kingpin's research. If they find anything valuable, direct it to the Osborn Group."

"Understood," Lilith said.

Mrs. Gao looked out the window and said softly, "Maverick, a woman in the café across the street has been watching the teahouse for days. She's not with S.H.I.E.L.D.; her surveillance is clumsy."

"Deal with it as you see fit," Maverick said casually. "Mindy, I'll see you tomorrow."

As he stepped outside, Maverick glanced at the café. A woman lowered her head, pretending not to notice him. He recognized her: Colleen Wing, a martial artist trying to do the right thing in the city.

"Is she here for Iron Fist?" he wondered.

He approached her table, Lilith behind him. Colleen stiffened as he sat across from her. Patrons backed away nervously.

"I'm in a good mood," Maverick said. "What do you want? You have three seconds."

Colleen looked at him, hesitating. Then she asked, "Is it true you captured someone named Bakuto?"

Maverick recalled the Hand's inner circle. "Yes, I caught him and locked him away."

Colleen stood and gripped a cloth-wrapped sword. "If that's true, let him go."

Maverick shrugged. "If you want him released, defeat Mrs. Gao in that teahouse. Then we'll talk."

Lilith added, "That's your only chance. Don't waste it."

Colleen watched them leave, then turned toward the teahouse. She had to free her teacher, or so she believed. But inside, she would learn a harsh truth: her master wasn't who she thought he was.

…

Somewhere in Hell's Kitchen, Kingpin paced in an underground lab. He approached a bald scientist fussing over samples of Spider-Man's blood.

"Will this help us finish the serum?" Kingpin asked.

"Spider-Man's blood is a breakthrough," the doctor said excitedly. "With it, I can complete the lizard serum. Then you'll command an army of superhuman enforcers."

Kingpin tapped his cane. "Excellent. But if the vampires come after us, we might need an exit strategy."

Wesley, his right-hand man, nodded. "I'll prepare a way out. If the Council of Blood acts, we must leave the city and return once we have the serum."

Kingpin clenched his fists. "One day, even they will bow before me."

He didn't know Maverick wasn't planning to move against him directly. Instead, Maverick had tipped off New York's new generation of heroes: Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Trish Walker, Electro, and Spider-Man himself.

At the police station, Commissioner George Stacy frowned after receiving the tip. "Kingpin again? Wilson Fisk has so many layers of protection. Without solid evidence, we can't arrest him."

Electro paced. "Let's just take him down. We know he's behind the serum."

George shook his head. "It's not that simple. We need proof that will hold up in court, or his lawyers and contacts will free him in no time."

Jessica folded her arms. "So we gather evidence. Meanwhile, we keep dismantling his operations."

Trish agreed, "Right. We can't rely on Maverick for everything. We'll do this ourselves."

Electro sighed. "All right, let's find proof. We hit his warehouses, track his deals, corner his people."

They split up, searching for something that could pin Kingpin down. Each raid cost Kingpin, but he always had fallback plans and scapegoats. Still, the heroes didn't quit. They kept pushing, while Kingpin pushed back by sending more enhanced criminals after them.

At the teahouse, Maverick watched the news, amused at the headlines of heroes fighting Kingpin's smugglers. Mindy practiced her stances in the courtyard, while Mrs. Gao supervised.

As Maverick sipped his tea, Colleen Wing entered, shoulders tense. She walked straight up to Mrs. Gao and said quietly, "I'm here to challenge you. I need to free my master."

Mrs. Gao gave a thin smile. "Your master deceived you. He wasn't who you believe him to be. Defeat me, and we'll speak of it."

Colleen drew her sword, and they began to fight. The clashing steel, the swift kicks, and the sharp focus of both women filled the teahouse with tension. But Mrs. Gao was a seasoned fighter, and Colleen struggled. Soon, Colleen found herself disarmed and on her knees, breathing hard.

Mrs. Gao stepped back. "You've trained children for the Hand, turning them into killers. Did you know that? Bakuto used you."

Colleen's heart sank. "No… he said he was helping them. They were street kids…I thought I was giving them purpose."

Maverick walked in, arms folded. "You can't fix the past, but you can save them now. They're still out there, tools of the Hand. I'll help, if you pledge yourself to me. You'll be my maid, my retainer—whatever word you prefer—and work toward their rescue."

Colleen looked at him in despair. "I never meant to harm them. I'll do whatever it takes to free them."

"Then it's settled," Maverick said. "We'll try to save as many as we can. But I can't promise all of them will be redeemed."

Colleen bowed her head. "I understand."

Maverick nodded. "From now on, call me by my title. As part of my household, you'll follow my rules. Do that, and I'll help you make amends."

"Yes, I will," Colleen replied, tears of shame and determination in her eyes.

…

In an abandoned factory, Daredevil and Iron Fist crouched behind some crates, keeping watch on Kingpin's men. Iron Fist suddenly felt uneasy.

"Something wrong?" Daredevil whispered.

Iron Fist shrugged. "Not sure. Just a bad feeling. Like someone important to my path has been taken away. Let's stay focused."

The two vigilantes prepared to intercept a shipment rumored to contain crucial evidence: documents that linked Kingpin directly to human-enhancement experiments. If they could secure them, George Stacy would have what he needed.

Daredevil adjusted his mask. "This ends tonight. We find that proof, bring it to Commissioner Stacy, and put Kingpin where he belongs."

Iron Fist nodded. "Agreed."

…

Across the city, Maverick listened to Lilith's report. "Our bounty for Mindy's father is everywhere. We're getting tips every hour. Also, some new leads on the children Colleen helped train."

"Good," Maverick said. "Keep at it. We'll root out the Hand's influence and save who we can. Mindy's adjusting to school, I hope?"

Mrs. Gao stepped in. "She complains a lot, but she goes. She's also diligent in her martial arts training. She's improving."

Maverick smiled faintly. "Excellent. A hero who can't balance life's responsibilities isn't much of a hero at all."

Lilith said, "Shall we send some of our people to quietly monitor the heroes fighting Kingpin, to ensure they find what they need?"

Maverick considered. "Yes. Discreetly. We want them to succeed. The Council of Blood has no interest in openly crushing Kingpin right now, but we do want him curbed. He's dabbling in dangerous affairs."

Lilith bowed. "Understood."

Mrs. Gao added, "Colleen Wing has begun identifying sites where those children might be trained. I'll assist her."

"Good," Maverick said. "And Mindy—make sure she has what she needs. She's lost her father. Until we find him, this is her home."

Mrs. Gao inclined her head. "I'll take care of her."

—

Although Danny Rand legally owns 51% of Rand Group shares, he had been missing for over a decade. In that time, others seized control of his shares, and with no way to prove his identity, he was reduced to living on the streets. The Rand Group's current state was nothing like what some remembered. Daredevil sighed as Danny muttered to himself, seemingly lost in old memories.

"Danny, stop talking about all those old, impossible stories," Daredevil said quietly. "We have something else to deal with. There's a pharmaceutical facility connected to Kingpin we've been investigating. I believe it's right here. Let's figure out a way inside."

Danny shrugged. "Why not just fight our way in?"

Daredevil shook his head. "It's not that easy. If this place really is a drug lab tied to Kingpin, it's probably full of enhanced thugs. We're only here to gather intel. If it's a production site, I'll call in the others—professionals who can handle it."

Danny nodded. "You mean that hero who manipulates electricity? He's strong! Daredevil, why not join that Watchmen Company?"

"Because I'm part-time—and nobody buys my gear. They say it looks awful," Daredevil remarked dryly. He then said, "Alright, create a diversion. I'll sneak in and use my hearing to listen in on their conversations. Just get close enough to draw them out."

"Understood," Danny said. But before he could move, he sensed something. He whipped his head around, stunned to see a blazing fire in the distance surging toward them at incredible speed.

Daredevil felt the heat intensify. "Danny, what's going on? The temperature's rising."

Danny swallowed. "You won't believe me. There's a flaming motorcycle coming this way...ridden by some kind of skeleton in a leather jacket!"

Daredevil frowned. "You're serious?"

The guards at the factory noticed too and sounded the alarm. Before they could react, the fiery rider—Ghost Rider—crashed straight through the main gate, his flaming Harley leaving trees and fence ablaze in his wake.

Inside the factory, chaos erupted: screams, gunshots, frantic shouting. Danny and Daredevil, hiding outside, were horrified.

"I think we need professional backup," Danny said, shaken.

Daredevil hesitated. "Wait. Let me listen."

Moments later, the terrifying sounds ceased. Inside, Ghost Rider had grabbed Bullseye by the throat and lifted him off the ground. The Rider's voice was deep and wrathful: "You dared to harm my daughter?"

Bullseye, eyes wide with panic, screamed, "I don't know your daughter! You've got the wrong man!"

"You're guilty," Ghost Rider snarled. He dragged Bullseye closer, staring into his eyes with those flaming sockets. Bullseye's mind flooded with every crime he'd committed. His soul ignited under the Rider's gaze, disintegrating into ash in mere seconds.

Ghost Rider let the ashes fall and rode his Harley out of the inferno, heading straight toward Fisk Tower in Hell's Kitchen. He had seen enough to know who was behind it all: Kingpin.

Once he was gone, Daredevil and Danny crept to the factory's entrance, horrified by the charred bodies scattered across the grounds.

"Daredevil...what now?" Danny asked, unnerved. He wished he could return to Kunlun—New York was proving too dangerous.

"We call it in," Daredevil said grimly. "That thing seems to have a target. Let's alert the others."

He pulled out a special phone and contacted Electro-Man, who immediately notified Commissioner George. The Commissioner was awakened in the dead of night—again.

"A Class B incident?" Commissioner George grumbled as he hurriedly got dressed. "This never ends. Fine, I'm on it."

Soon the police were on the move. They found the Ghost Rider easily—he left a trail of burning trees and scorch marks on the pavement. The media picked up on it too. Commissioner George stared at the monitors in disbelief. "Where did this monster come from?"

Police cruisers tried to box Ghost Rider in, but he slipped past easily, roaring straight toward Fisk Tower. At that moment, Electro-Man arrived on the scene. Through his headset, he spoke to Commissioner George: "I see the Rider. Where's he headed?"

"I don't care where. Stop him!" the Commissioner barked. "And I called backup. New York's second-strongest hero should be here soon."

A voice cut into their channel: "Second strongest? Let's not count certain wall-crawlers as heroes, Commissioner."

Commissioner George recognized the voice. "Tony Stark, stay off a secured line."

Stark retorted, "What's the big deal? I'm here to help. Also, how is this skeleton riding a flaming bike that's not melting? Doesn't add up."

"Is that the priority, Stark?" George snapped. "Just stop him."

"Fine," Iron Man replied, jetting above the Rider. "Sir, pull over, or I'll have to use force!"

Ghost Rider's hollow voice thundered: "Get out of my way."

Iron Man hovered, incredulous. "It talks. Without vocal cords? This is insane."

The Rider ignored him and sped onward. Iron Man fired a pulse blast, but Ghost Rider swerved smoothly and avoided it.

Enraged, the Rider whipped out a chain and hurled it at Iron Man. Tony dodged, but the chain moved like a living serpent, looping around Iron Man's leg. With a powerful yank, Ghost Rider sent Iron Man crashing into a nearby building. Onlookers gasped and screamed.

The press, following by helicopter, recorded every moment. The reporter trembled with excitement as Iron Man struggled to free himself. Meanwhile, Ghost Rider pressed forward, focused solely on Fisk Tower.

Electro-Man tried hurling bolts of lightning, but the Rider dodged with impossible precision. Infuriated, Iron Man soared after them, firing a barrage of miniature missiles. The Rider spun, lashing out the chain again, striking every missile out of the air. Then, to everyone's astonishment, Ghost Rider tilted the Harley upward and roared up the vertical face of Fisk Tower's exterior wall, leaving molten glass behind.

The police and reporters below were stunned. Iron Man hovered, speechless, as Ghost Rider ascended straight up the building. At the top, a helicopter was just taking off, presumably carrying someone important. Ghost Rider's chain lashed out, yanking the chopper from the sky and slamming it down onto the roof. The explosion lit the night, but inside was only a corpse—no Kingpin.

Frustrated, Ghost Rider realized his target had escaped. Electro-Man arrived on the rooftop and said carefully, "He's gone. Kingpin isn't here. The helicopter was bait."

The Rider growled in anger and turned away. Electro-Man added, "Maverick wants to speak with you about your daughter."

The flames intensified. "If this is a threat—"

"No!" Electro-Man said, raising his hands. "He's taught your daughter. He wants to discuss what happened. He's at the pier south of Hell's Kitchen."

Ghost Rider paused, then revved the Harley. Without another word, he roared off the rooftop and down the building, heading for the pier.

The police, seeing him leave, pulled back. Commissioner George asked Electro-Man over the radio, "Can Maverick handle this creature?"

"Absolutely. There's nothing he can't handle," Electro-Man answered. "We'll deal with the aftermath. Also, Commissioner, this might be a perfect opportunity to search Kingpin's properties. You have a valid reason now."

Commissioner George considered it. "Good idea. I'll get a warrant and hit them tonight."

Electro-Man watched Ghost Rider vanish into the darkness, then followed. 

—

At the Hell's Kitchen docks, a blazing Harley-Davidson rumbled into view. Standing at the end of the pier, Maverick waited calmly. He wore a suit reminiscent of Big Daddy's gear and held a black vibranium-tipped spear, studying the approaching Ghost Rider with unwavering focus.

As the Ghost Rider drew near, Maverick leaned forward and asked quietly, "Tell me—will you bleed?"

The Ghost Rider's hollow eyes flared, voice like distant thunder. "You wear my kind of armor?" He then narrowed his gaze. "You're no ordinary mortal. Something dark lies within you."

Maverick gave a faint laugh. "We both know we're beyond human."

The Rider wasn't in the mood for banter. "You mean to harm my daughter?" he snarled.

Maverick shook his head, irritation edging his tone. "I saved her. She became my apprentice to track down her reckless father. What kind of parent deserts a child like that, leaving her in danger?"

"I protect her," the Ghost Rider roared. "You carry sin. You must die!" His chain whipped forward, hellfire dancing at its length.

Maverick's eyes narrowed. "Then I'll teach you a lesson on responsibility." His entire frame glowed red, and in a blur, he leapt skyward. Suddenly, it seemed dozens of crimson afterimages stabbed from all directions, spear aimed straight at the Rider.

Electro, who had just arrived, gaped. "Mr. Cassain's even faster than before!" He knew it wasn't magic—just sheer speed.

"Burn!" the Ghost Rider howled, spinning his chain. As the fiery links lashed out, a red flicker appeared behind him, spear cleaving clean through the Rider's neck. The skull soared aside, flames sputtering.

Before Electro could even celebrate, the Ghost Rider's Harley charged forward on its own and rammed Maverick aside. The severed skull snapped back to its spine, and the flames stitched the bones together. The Ghost Rider rose, fury unending. He was immortal, reborn from ash and ember.

"Damn you!" the Rider snarled. He lunged, but Maverick vanished, reappearing behind him to deliver a brutal kick that knocked him from the chopper. The Rider tumbled, flailing his chain blindly as Maverick darted overhead, forming dozens of rapid-fire attacks. The Ghost Rider erupted with hellfire, forcing Maverick to show himself and resist the blaze with his own crimson flame.

Seizing the moment, the Rider swung his chain in all directions, hoping to catch Maverick. But Maverick flashed around like red lightning, each move too swift to follow. The Ghost Rider snarled, igniting his surroundings, melting wood and steel, trying to trap his foe in a burning cage.

Maverick's voice cut through the roar of flames. "You think you're the only one with fire?" His aura shifted into a blazing red inferno that clung to his spear. With a fierce swing, a wave of crimson flame tore through the hellfire and hurled the Ghost Rider back.

Before the Rider could stand, Maverick was upon him, hurling him skyward and striking in a blur. Bones cracked under the onslaught. Stripped of momentum and smothered by Maverick's flame, the Ghost Rider's body grew sluggish. His hellfire faltered under that crimson blaze.

Below, the Harley rose to help, but Maverick flung a crimson mass that shaped into fists midair, hammering the chopper to the ground. The Ghost Rider desperately sought Maverick's eyes for the Penance Stare, but he couldn't focus on any single image. Without a target, his judgment remained locked inside.

"Break!" Maverick shouted. His spear crashed into the Rider's spine. The ghostly frame exploded into scattered bones, clattering uselessly on the dock. Normally, they'd reassemble, but Maverick's flame held them fast. He descended, stabbing his spear through the Rider's skull and pinning it tight, nullifying the Stare's threat.

The Ghost Rider's fury blazed anew, but Maverick pressed more crimson fire into the skull, crushing the hellfire within. Electro drifted closer, astonished. "Mr. Cassain, that was incredible! You actually subdued that monster."

Maverick shook his head. "This won't last. Once my energy fades, he'll be whole again. He's practically immortal. I can only hold him for about an hour, but we need to stall until dawn. Daylight stops him from transforming."

Electro looked stunned. "He can't be killed?"

"Not by normal means," Maverick replied. He stepped aside and pulled out his phone. "Lilith, bring Dr. Banner to the pier."

Electro was confused. "Dr. Banner, sir? The Hulk?"

Maverick nodded. "I need the Hulk's strength to keep this creature occupied. Go help the others for now, Max."

Electro gave a quick nod and departed. Once alone with the Rider, Maverick spoke evenly. "I'm bringing you a new playmate. Don't bother with the Stare."

The Ghost Rider growled, flame scorching the dirt around his skull. "You know of my judgment. You're no mortal."

"I've been around," Maverick said quietly. "Listen closely: if you try anything, I'll call Mindy. I promised her I'd find her father."

"No!" the Ghost Rider gasped. "She must never see me like this."

Maverick frowned. "Why run from her? She's a fine kid. You risked her life when you trained her to kill. Now you hide from her?"

The Rider's voice twisted with pain. He was once Damon McCready, a father turned vigilante. He had taught Mindy to fight and kill criminals, and now, cursed with hellfire, he couldn't see her without risking her soul. "She has blood on her hands," he rasped. "I'd be driven to burn her."

Maverick's eyes hardened. "I won't let you hurt her. But you need to tell her the truth. If you don't, she'll keep searching and might get herself killed. Would that satisfy your twisted sense of justice?"

"How can I explain that I want to burn my own daughter?"

"She'll understand it's the demon inside you, not the father she once knew."

"She's just a child," the Rider lamented.

"You knew that when you trained her to kill," Maverick returned coldly. "Don't try to justify it now."

The Ghost Rider's flames sputtered under Maverick's press. Ignoring the Rider's silent rage, Maverick waited, certain Banner would arrive soon.

Elsewhere, Tony Stark and Ivan Vanko had fought to a draw in the city streets. Both men lay battered, hurling insults while their support teams arrived. Their rivalry would only drive them further, each determined to surpass the other's technology.

Back at the pier, Dr. Banner and Betty Ross stepped out of their car. Banner, wide-eyed, asked, "Mr. Cassain, what is this? Why am I here?"

Maverick pointed to the pinned skull. "That thing can't die. I need the Hulk to keep it down until sunrise. He's our best shot."

Banner paled. "Hulk's too dangerous. He'll cause destruction."

Maverick shrugged. "This is my territory. I'll handle the damage. If we don't contain this creature, the city's at risk."

Banner gawked at the animate skeleton. "This…this shouldn't be possible."

Maverick met his eyes. "A lot of things defy science, Doctor. Let the Hulk handle this. I'll keep the situation in check."

Banner hesitated, but Maverick suddenly released some of his flame. At once, hellfire surged, bones rattling, and the Ghost Rider's head tore free of the spear. The bones reassembled, and the Rider rose again, howling as his blazing Harley resurrected itself in a swirl of embers.

The Ghost Rider's mount re-formed seamlessly, sliding to his side. 

—

The Ghost Rider, newly reformed, roared in the direction Maverick had vanished. He wanted to chase after him, but remembering Mindy, he gritted his teeth and turned instead toward Banner, who stood alone.

Banner managed a strained smile. "If I were you, I'd reconsider."

"You reek of sin," the Ghost Rider growled. Without another word, he lashed out with his burning chain.

Banner sighed. His skin turned green, his body swelling with muscle until his clothes tore apart. The Hulk had arrived.

Hulk seized the chain and yanked, hurling the Ghost Rider forward. "Smash!" he roared, driving a fist into the Rider's skull, sending bone and flame spinning across the ruined pier. Before the Rider could recover, Hulk pulled the chain again. Furious, the Ghost Rider summoned his flaming Harley to slam into Hulk, who went down hard, rolling in blazing embers that scorched the ground.

Hulk bellowed, leaping to his feet and charging again like a freight train. Their battle shook the docks, toppling crates and tearing the ground apart.

On a distant lighthouse, Betty Ross watched with worry. "Bruce!"

Maverick stood beside her, arms folded. "Don't worry, Ms. Ross. Banner will be fine. The Hulk heals faster than anything I've ever seen. But the Ghost Rider can't be killed—at best, Hulk can keep him busy."

Betty stared at the combatants below. "Mr. Cassain, why all this? You could handle that monster yourself, right?"

Maverick shrugged. "It's too much trouble, and we just need to stall for time until dawn. Besides, Hulk could use the exercise."

Betty shook her head in disbelief. "Hulk is a monster. He should be put down!"

Maverick's gaze held steady. "You call him a monster because that's all you see. I see a temperamental child who needs guidance and understanding."

Betty's voice cracked. "He only brings destruction. Without him, Bruce and I wouldn't have suffered so much!"

Maverick asked calmly, "Have you considered he may never go away? Maybe ending him isn't the only solution. Maybe teaching him is."

Betty looked at Maverick, unsure. "Teaching him?"

"Think about it," Maverick said. "If you can't remove him, Banner might run again. Enlightenment is just another path, Ms. Ross."

Betty faltered, frowning at the distant struggle. She was unsure, but Maverick didn't push further.

As dawn approached, the fight grew fiercer. The Ghost Rider, enraged, wrapped his chain around his fists, trading blows at close range. He could wield hellfire and possessed fighting skill Hulk lacked. But Maverick called out, "Hulk, don't just rely on your arms. Use your whole body—learn from him!"

Hulk was surprisingly quick to adapt, studying the Ghost Rider's moves and copying them. His strikes became more efficient, hurling the Rider back. The Ghost Rider, distracted by Maverick's instruction, earned a heavy blow that knocked his skull loose again. Hulk whooped, pounding his chest like an excited child.

Betty stared in disbelief. "You're teaching Hulk how to fight better?"

Maverick chuckled. "See how happy he is? He's learning, growing."

Betty fell silent, torn by what she saw.

Below, the Ghost Rider's bones snapped back together, reformed by hellfire. He lunged again at Hulk, neither showing fatigue. They pummeled each other relentlessly, flattening what remained of the dock. Maverick didn't seem to mind the destruction.

Electro arrived, gazing at the battle wide-eyed before giving his report. "Mr. Cassain, Captain Stacy found enough evidence to bring down Kingpin. He's done for. Won't New York be peaceful now?"

Maverick shook his head. "No, with Kingpin gone, the gangs will tear each other apart for the throne. Things will get worse before they get better."

Electro frowned. "Then did we make a mistake taking him down?"

"Not at all," said Maverick. "The world isn't black and white. Talk to Captain Stacy. He'll explain."

Electro nodded slowly, then turned to watch the titanic battle, pondering Maverick's words.

Time passed with the sound of thunderous blows and furious roars. As red clouds glowed in the sky, dawn approached. Hulk sent the Ghost Rider flying again, but the demon realized sunrise was near. Desperate, he tried to escape, but Hulk cut him off.

A small stone dropped from above, hitting the ground near the Rider's bike, a clear warning. The sun's first rays touched the scene. The Ghost Rider howled in agony as hellfire vanished, bones turning to flesh. Soon, only a weary, sorrowful Damon McCready remained. The Harley was ordinary again.

Maverick landed nearby with Betty. "Impressive," he noted. "You've grown hair again too."

Betty rubbed her eyes. "This makes no sense. It's…impossible."

Hulk stood there, perplexed at the man's sudden transformation. At Maverick's signal, Betty approached slowly. "Hulk," she called softly, "you did what we asked. It's dawn. Time to rest."

Hulk grunted, annoyed but attentive. "Next time?"

Betty hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, I promise."

With that, Hulk calmed, shrinking back into Bruce Banner. Banner smiled faintly before collapsing, caught by Electro before he hit the ground.

Maverick walked up to Damon, who knelt in exhaustion. "Mr. McCready," he said calmly, "you're under arrest for child abandonment. You have the right to remain silent."

Damon looked up, stunned. "Huh?"

Later, inside a quiet room of the Council of Blood's Subduing Teahouse, Damon glared at Maverick. Mindy burst in and threw herself into her father's arms, crying. "Dad, Master told me everything. I'm not mad at you. You'd never really hurt me!"

Holding his daughter, Damon glared at Maverick. "You said you wouldn't tell her!"

Maverick sipped his soy milk. "When did I promise that? All I said was I'd help Mindy find her father."

Damon fumed, but Mindy's tears softened him. "You're my baby," he said gently. "I'd never hurt you."

Maverick clapped his hands lightly. "A father and daughter reunited. Perfect."

Damon shot him a skeptical look. Mindy, still holding Damon, added, "Dad, Master really took care of me. He's strict, but he saved me and even spent millions to find you."

"Millions?" Damon was astonished. He turned to Maverick. "Why? What do you want?"

Maverick shrugged. "Mindy's my apprentice. Protecting her is reason enough."

Damon hesitated. "I'm grateful, but you're not human. I can't leave Mindy with you."

"Dad, you're not exactly normal now either," Mindy said. "And he never hurt me."

Damon's face twitched. Maverick asked, "Where would you take her? With the world knowing about you, a simple guardian won't keep her safe."

Damon fell silent, knowing Maverick was right. Mindy added, "Master is strong. Nobody dares mess with him."

Damon sighed. "Fine. But I'll be watching."

Maverick just nodded. "So, Damon, how did you end up as the Ghost Rider?"

Mindy beamed. "Yeah, Dad! It's so cool. Can I do it too?"

Damon's eyes were tired. "You don't want this. At night, I can't stop myself. If I see evil, I must punish it. That's why I fled—I was afraid of what I'd do to you."

He looked down, voice trembling as he recounted how he signed his soul away to Mephisto to survive in prison and avenge himself on the criminals who framed him. For years, nothing happened. But a few months ago, the curse awakened, forcing him to ride each night to burn away sin. He couldn't control it, and even facing his daughter, he felt the compulsion to destroy.

"I ran," Damon said quietly. "If I stayed, you'd never be safe."

"Dad! It's not your fault!" Mindy cried, wrapping her arms around Damon. He held her close and said, regret heavy in his voice, "Mindy, I have to leave soon. I hope you understand why."

Mindy, unwilling to let her father go, turned to Maverick and asked with hopeful eyes, "Master, can you help my dad?"

Maverick took a slow sip of tea, then replied, "Actually, I do have a way."

Both Damon and Mindy blurted out, "What way?"

Maverick explained, "Damon, take a sign and write: 'Master Ancient One, I am the Ghost Rider, under Mephisto's control. Please help me.' Then go to 177A Bleecker Street in New York, kneel down there, and wait. Before long, a truly powerful being will appear and help you."

He added, "Just don't mention me. I can't afford to offend her."

Damon and Mindy stared at Maverick, skeptical. Damon asked, "Are you serious?"

Maverick huffed, "Stop looking at me like that. This is your best shot. The Ancient One protects Earth. Mephisto doesn't dare enter in person; he only uses projections and tricks people into signing contracts because he fears her."

Damon asked, "If this is true, what will the Ancient One do to me? Will she just 'purify' me outright?"

Maverick shook his head. "Probably not. At worst, she might detain you while searching for a cure. If she can't return you fully to normal, she can at least help you master your powers."

Damon frowned. "If it doesn't work, I'd be locked up for life."

Maverick replied, "I doubt it would come to that. She can likely help you revert, or at least give you control."

"This sounds too uncertain," Damon said, shaking his head. "It's unreliable."

Maverick shrugged. "It's the simplest option. If you don't like it, let's consider another."

Damon looked intrigued. "Another way?"

Maverick leaned forward. "There was another Ghost Rider before you. Or rather, a Ghost Warrior."

Damon's eyes widened. "The Texas spirit rider? The old legend?"

Maverick nodded. "Yes. He existed. He rode a flaming horse, hunting down evildoers. My kind—vampires—have records of encountering him. He betrayed Mephisto. If you find him, maybe he can tell you how to break free from Mephisto's grasp."

Damon thought aloud, "I was sent to Texas by Mephisto to track this traitor down and retrieve some contract. If I succeed, Mephisto promised to return my soul, but I never truly trusted him."

"Don't trust a devil's bargain," said Maverick. "Head back to Texas. When I finish my business here, I'll join you there and help find this Ghost Rider."

Damon narrowed his eyes. "Why are you so eager to help? What's in it for you?"

Maverick smiled. "Two reasons. Texas is on my route anyway—I plan to head to New Mexico after—and I'm curious about meeting Mephisto myself."

Damon was taken aback. "You want to meet the Lord of Hell?"

Maverick grinned. "This world has its share of wonders. I'm also planning to meet a god in New Mexico. So, if you don't object, let's do it this way."

After hesitating, Damon nodded. "All right, I do need help."

Mindy tugged at her father's arm. "Dad, let me come with you. I hate the idea of going to school."

Damon shook his head firmly. "Too dangerous."

Mindy pouted, "It can't be worse than going up against Master Cassain. I heard he turned you into dust last night."

Damon's face fell. It was tough having a daughter who admired the man who beat her father to pieces.

"Still no," Maverick said. "You'll stay in New York, go to school, and if you miss Damon, call him. Now that everything's in the open, there's no need to cut contact."

Damon considered this. "All right, but signal might be bad in remote areas."

"You don't have to talk every day," Maverick said. He retrieved a sturdy phone from a cabinet and handed it to Damon. "This is from the Council of Blood's internal line—secure and powerful."

He sighed, "If my private satellite were ready, we wouldn't need to worry about signal issues. But that's still in progress."

Damon's jaw dropped slightly. "A private satellite? You really are loaded."

He thanked Maverick and examined the phone. Though modern, it didn't take Damon long to figure it out.

Mindy said excitedly, "Dad, add me on that new social network. I'll post updates, and we can video chat through the app. Master Cassain owns it, so we've got to support it. If anyone bothers you online, just tell me and I'll have Master block them."

Damon shook his head, exasperated. His daughter seemed more loyal to Maverick than to him.

Maverick chuckled. "Also, I have a lot of holdings in Texas. If you need anything—gear, shelter, medical help—just call, and I'll have it arranged."

Damon smirked. "Let me guess: your fortune's beyond measure."

Maverick shrugged. "Some ranches, farms, resource companies, a few medical centers. Just a couple billion worth—nothing to brag about."

At that moment, Lilith, one of Maverick's people, gestured from outside, holding a phone. "Director George and Director Fury both want an update on the Ghost Rider."

Maverick nodded. "Damon, I'll handle them first."

Damon's expression tightened at the mention of Director George, but he said nothing.

Stepping out, Maverick took the call. He calmly informed Director George that the Ghost Rider was driven out of New York. Losses would be covered by other local groups, except for the Kingpin's properties. George agreed to coordinate with Maverick's allies like Electro and the Hell Sisters to keep organized crime in check.

Next, he spoke to Director Fury and told him what he knew about the Ghost Rider and Mephisto. Fury, irritated by yet another supernatural threat, asked for the Rider's whereabouts. Maverick suggested sending someone without a guilty conscience, since Ghost Rider reacted violently to sinners.

When Fury hung up, he was left pondering who to send.

News of the Ghost Rider broke, but the authorities and S.H.I.E.L.D. controlled the narrative, calling him just another masked vigilante. Public interest waned compared to the Hulk's rampage. The city simply noted that New York was getting more unpredictable.

Damon, feeling guilty and not wanting to risk harming Mindy, left New York soon after. On the roadside, Mindy watched him go. She pouted at Maverick. "Master, I'm so sad. Let me skip a month of school!"

Maverick frowned, "If you try to use your father's absence as an excuse, he'll feel terrible. You need schooling to fill the gaps in your life. If you truly hate it after a year, I'll consider another plan."

Mindy instantly brightened, "You promise? No going back on it!"

Maverick chuckled, then arranged to send Mindy home. Afterward, he headed to the Osborne Group. Dr. Banner wanted to see him.

Banner entered with a grim look. "Mr. Cassain, I thought you were different. But you want the Hulk's power just like everyone else."

Maverick gave a wry smile. "I want both you and the Hulk, Dr. Banner. Not to make a weapon, but to give him the chance to be a hero—like Betty once hoped."

Banner laughed bitterly. "Hulk, a hero? Very funny."

Maverick's voice was calm. "What if the Hulk can't be eliminated? Ever think about working with him instead of against him?"

Banner stubbornly insisted, "I'll find a cure."

Maverick shrugged. "You've tried. Dr. Stern told me the old antidotes no longer work. Face it, Hulk is part of you. He's not some stranger."

Banner shook his head repeatedly. "He's not me, and I'm not him!"

Maverick sighed. "Fine. You asked to see me. Anything else?"

Banner's eyes narrowed. "You turned Abomination into some kind of machine. Would you do that to me if I died?"

Maverick answered honestly, "I don't know Abomination, so I made use of what he left behind. You, I know. I wouldn't do that. But S.H.I.E.L.D. or the military might."

Banner calmed down slightly. "At least Tony Stark wouldn't."

Maverick smiled faintly. "Stark tried to recruit you, didn't he?"

Banner nodded, unsure. "I'm thinking of leaving New York, going somewhere isolated."

Betty Ross looked heartbroken. "You'd leave me again, Bruce?"

Banner couldn't meet her eyes. He still felt he owed her too much.

Maverick cleared his throat. "I've been studying your blood, Dr. Banner. I have a method to stop the Hulk from emerging."

Surprised, Banner asked, "How?"

"I can control blood," Maverick explained. "By infusing my blood into your heart, I can stabilize your heart rate, stopping transformations. If that fails, I can even momentarily constrict your blood flow and push you close to unconsciousness to halt the change."

Banner considered the idea, then shook his head. "My blood would resist yours. It might assimilate it."

Maverick countered, "I've tested it with samples. My blood can enter your heart safely."

Banner's eyes widened. Betty protested, "No, Bruce, this puts your life in his hands."

Banner reassured her, "Betty, it's fine. I've tried worse to stop the Hulk."

Seeing Banner's resolve, Betty fell silent. Banner turned to Maverick. "All right, I'll do it."

Maverick raised a hand. "Not so fast. If I do this, you must agree to a condition. My blood isn't free."

—

Banner frowned. "What conditions?"

Maverick leaned back in his chair. "Cooperate with me in an evaluation."

"Evaluation?" Banner was confused. This wasn't what he had expected.

"Yes," Maverick said calmly. "I plan to gather some of the world's top psychologists and educational specialists. They'll study Hulk's condition and see if he can be guided, trained—enlightened, so to speak. Even if you don't trust me, you should trust real experts."

Banner hesitated. He had seven doctorates and knew the value of expert opinions. "They're really top-level experts?"

Maverick smirked slightly. "With my resources, only the best will do. Banner, if they say Hulk can be taught, I want you to try it. The Hulk could be important to this world."

Banner couldn't help a wry grin. "More important than me? A genius with seven doctorates?"

Maverick shrugged. "If they say he can't be helped, I'll drop the idea and never bring it up again. How's that?"

Banner considered this, then nodded, jaw tight. "All right. I agree. When do we start the procedure?"

"In two days," Maverick said, sounding pleased. "We need to prepare."

Banner nodded. "Fine."

At that moment, Betty Ross stepped forward, voice tight with worry. "Mr. Cassain, can you help my father? S.H.I.E.L.D. and the military are threatening him with imprisonment. They even said they could 'fix' the problem if I convinced Bruce to join them."

"Betty, why didn't you tell me?" Banner asked, surprised and touched. Betty had kept it quiet, not wanting to put him in a bind.

Maverick shook his head. "They're bluffing. Your father's in no real danger. He took the Super Soldier Serum and holds key data on the Hulk. That's valuable. The military won't truly break him. He might even return to a position of influence someday."

Betty breathed a sigh of relief. "If that's so, I'm glad. I was worried sick."

"Good," said Maverick. "See you both in two days."

He left to attend to other affairs. Before long, he reached his office at the Council of Blood and the Osborn Group. He found Lilith waiting.

"Lilith," he said. "Any new applicants for the Watchmen Company?"

"Yes," Lilith replied, placing two files in front of him. "These two seem promising."

Maverick opened the first file. A man named Luke Cage, a result of military experiments, with near-invulnerable skin and impressive strength.

"Luke Cage… all right," Maverick said. Then he opened the second file and found an Asian man named Chen Haoran, a street performer with the ability to create and control small flames. His power was weaker, more subtle.

"Chen Haoran isn't suited for front-line heroics," Maverick mused. "But he could partner with the fire department, help control blazes. Let's call him Fireman."

Lilith tilted her head. "That counts as a superhero?"

Maverick nodded. "Of course. Using his gifts to help others makes him one."

Lilith accepted that. "Spider-Man also signed the contract, by the way. We can sell merchandise using his image. All profits go toward compensating damages he caused, and we'll negotiate with the police to drop his wanted status."

Maverick smirked. "If any other company had this deal, they'd exploit him mercilessly. Let's get him a suit made from that bulletproof bio-fiber developed by Osborn labs. He shouldn't have to pay for his own uniform."

Lilith raised a brow. "You seem fond of him. You even had Madame Gao give him some martial arts tips."

Maverick shrugged. "He's a genuine soul. Rare these days."

Lilith nodded and moved on. "The vampire-related films are coming along. The script for 'Blade'—starring that Daywalker—is done. He's the protagonist, and you appear as a mysterious figure."

Maverick smiled. "Does Blade agree to appear?"

Lilith's tone flattened. "No, but he sent his sunglasses, said that's part of his 'essence.' He expects a fee for their 'performance.'"

Maverick laughed. "Blade's changed. Maybe he's short on cash. He's been courting that doctor and taking care of his mother Vanessa, who has expensive tastes."

Lilith nodded. "The new vampire police station idea is also in motion."

"Excellent. If the 'Blade' movie does well, we can spin off the vampire police stories. If not, we can still release them as independent features. Hire attractive vampires. Audiences love good-looking heroes. Even if they're undead."

Lilith asked quietly, "Will all this positive PR help change public opinion?"

"Bit by bit," Maverick said. "If nothing else, it'll draw an audience. And if it fails, I still enjoy the process."

Lilith regarded him for a moment, then said, "James reports that several companies are trying to lure Ivan and his son away. Hammer Industries included."

Maverick snorted. "They can't meet my terms. I've invested heavily in Ivan. He won't leave."

Lilith found no fault in that. Maverick grabbed his personal phone and called Ivan. "Ivan, don't scrap that hero armor shell. Repair it enough to function. No, I'm not planning anything shady. Great, my new suit's almost ready? I'll pick it up in a couple of days."

He hung up and pressed another line. "Felicia, gather the senior staff. We have a meeting to set the next few months' direction."

Felicia's voice answered promptly, "Yes, Mr. Cassain."

Maverick added, "You've done well lately. Tonight, come over and we can appreciate some art."

"Thank you," Felicia said happily, knowing he had an extensive art collection.

Two days later, the operation took place. It was more for show—Maverick had already done the hard work earlier. Afterward, he handed Banner and Betty two sleek controllers.

"These will help manage the blood control. If left alone, it keeps your heart steady. Try recalling something that angers you," Maverick said to Banner.

Banner thought about General Ross's harassment, feeling his temper rise. Betty watched the monitors, but saw no spike in heart rate.

Banner was astonished. "I'm furious inside, but my body isn't reacting."

Maverick nodded. "That's the effect. Now, Betty, release the control."

Betty did, and Banner's heart rate rose rapidly. Green light danced in his eyes, the Hulk pushing to emerge. "Now restore control!" Banner shouted, voice strained.

Betty pressed the button. The internal blood pressure spiked, nearly stopping Banner's heart. The Hulk's influence faded instantly.

Banner caught his breath as the world steadied. "I… I can control it. I can control the Hulk!"

Betty hugged him, tears in her eyes. "Thank God."

Maverick allowed them a moment, then said, "We'll gather those experts. If they decide Hulk can learn, I hope you'll try, Banner."

Banner nodded gratefully. "I will. And I'll join the Osborn Group. What do you need me to do?"

Maverick smiled. "Study yourself and assist Ivan with his suits. Maybe one day you'll build a suit for Hulk to test."

Banner managed a small laugh. Betty agreed to join as well, happy to stay with Bruce and help in any way she could.

After making the necessary calls and arrangements, Maverick stepped outside with Mercury to inspect his own new suit. Instead of a standard armor, he found a sleek, four-seat sports car.

Maverick eyed Ivan, skeptical. "This looks like a sports car, not a suit."

Ivan smirked, chewing on a toothpick. "It's a suit, trust me. Watch."

He tapped a controller. The car's wheels folded and thrusters ignited, lifting it off the ground.

Frank, who was nearby, couldn't help exclaiming, "That's amazing!"

Ivan grinned. "Four Arc reactors inside. It can reach supersonic speed. Just don't push it too hard—it's not as tough as a classic armor suit."

—

"You want a suit to impress women. Let's be honest, a sports car fits the bill better," Ivan said, smirking. "This car will get you with at least seventy percent of the women out there."

Maverick chuckled. "Seventy? I'd say closer to ninety."

He then added, "Ivan, you did great. By the way, can you modify it so the car can transform into armor, like a machine that can stand and fight?"

Ivan frowned. "Transform? That's a bit much. I don't have time. I need to focus on the next suit design."

Maverick waved a hand. "Never mind. Just remember to put some extra effort into the Abomination armor. It's our ultimate weapon."

Ivan grinned, a fierce glint in his eye. "I'll build a set of armor large enough to take down an aircraft carrier. That sound good?"

"Perfect," Maverick said. "I'll be away for a few months. If something comes up, call me."

Ivan glanced at him. "Aren't you worried I'll burn through too much money?"

Maverick laughed. "With my resources, you can't spend it faster than I earn it."

Ivan shrugged, impressed. "You've got guts."

Maverick smirked, then turned to Frank. "Frank, get ready. We're headed to Texas soon—time to hunt devils."

"Devils?" Frank muttered. "First ninjas, then monsters, and now devils?"

Maverick nodded. "And after that, maybe gods, aliens… The future's going to be interesting."

Ivan and Frank exchanged eager smiles. Men like them were born for challenges.

In a small rented second-floor room in Houston, S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Phil Coulson watched Damon McCready through binoculars. Damon sat outside a café, thumbing his phone.

Finding Damon hadn't been hard for S.H.I.E.L.D. He seemed to wander each morning, asking around about the Ghost Rider legend, then vanish in the afternoon into remote areas, avoiding people—probably so he wouldn't transform in sunlight.

Coulson recorded softly, "The subject queries about the Ghost Rider daily, tweets a lot—yeah, he's on Twitter now—and leaves the city center at noon for less populated areas. He seems careful about not triggering his change."

A junior agent frowned. "Why not just get Twitter's data?"

Coulson shook his head. "We don't have that kind of pull. Not with the company's owner." He knew Maverick wouldn't just hand over data.

The junior agent persisted, "We could just nab him during the day, right? He can't transform with all this sunlight."

Coulson gave the rookie a disappointed look. "We're here to observe first. Don't jump the gun."

Another agent spoke up, "We're sorting through stories about that older Ghost Rider—the so-called 'Spirit Rider'—but it'll take time."

Coulson nodded. "We'll use that info to earn goodwill later. For now, keep watching."

At the outdoor café, Damon checked his phone every few seconds, hoping Mindy had posted another tweet about her day. She complained a lot—her school was boring, classmates clueless. He sighed, thinking it was ironic since her mentor ran the whole social media platform. If she admitted she wanted to skip class, she'd be caught in no time.

Suddenly, Damon felt a chill. He rolled off his chair just as a jagged earth spike speared through it, tearing it apart. The ground trembled, knocking over tables and umbrellas. Damon ducked behind a fallen sunshade as the pavement split. Nearby patrons screamed and ran for cover.

Coulson and his agents rushed down from their vantage point, racing toward the café. The attacker controlled the ground effortlessly. Damon spotted a figure rising from the earth—an ugly, humanoid shape made of dirt and stone.

"I'm the Earth Demon," it growled. "I'm here to kill you, Mephisto's knight."

"Who are you?" Damon demanded, sending a quick distress call from his phone. He'd arranged backup just in case.

"The Earth Demon," it repeated, hurling a dozen sharp spears of packed soil at him.

Damon knew he couldn't fight well in broad daylight. He bolted toward a narrow alley, dodging spears. The Earth Demon stomped, shaking the ground. A wall exploded, and debris hammered into Damon, knocking him down.

The demon raised a spear to strike, but shots rang out. Coulson and three agents fired their pistols. Bullets shattered parts of the creature's mud body, but the demon retaliated with a flick of its hand. Earthen spears impaled the three agents, carefully missing their vitals. Coulson dove away, cursing under his breath.

Ignoring Coulson, the Earth Demon turned back to Damon. Damon rose painfully, clutching his chest, trying to reach a shaded corner. He needed darkness to let the Ghost Rider emerge.

Suddenly, a sniper round blew the Earth Demon to pieces. From above, a figure in camouflaged armor descended—Frank in the Hero II suit.

"Mr. McCready, you all right?" Frank called out, his voice amplified by the suit's speakers.

Damon exhaled. "Maverick sent you?"

Before Frank could answer, the Earth Demon re-formed. More spears shot out from the ground, aimed at Frank. Frank raised his arm-mounted guns and opened fire, shredding the mud projectiles. The demon kept regenerating, screaming with rage.

Frank's barrage turned the street into a war zone. Thankfully, everyone had fled.

At that moment, Maverick arrived beside Damon and Coulson. Damon breathed relief. "Maverick, I need darkness. Under this sun, I can't transform."

Maverick nodded. "I came prepared. A truck should be here soon." As he spoke, a truck rolled up behind them. Opening the rear, Maverick revealed a battered old suit of armor—Hero I, barely held together with chains.

Coulson stared. "That looks like scrap."

Maverick grinned. "Not for Damon. Damon, demonize this armor."

Damon climbed into the truck and placed his burning hand on the ruined armor. Hellfire surged, repairing and reshaping the metal into a fearsome new suit. The chains melted into its frame, spikes forming along the arms and shoulders. When it was done, it broke apart and reassembled itself around Damon's body, encasing him entirely.

With a roar, the newly armored Ghost Rider soared upward, sunlight reflecting off hellish flames. He cracked his fire chain at the Earth Demon, driving it back. The chain tore through the street and latched onto something hidden underground.

"Got you!" The Ghost Rider yanked hard. The ground split apart, revealing the demon's true body. Ripped from hiding, the creature shrieked as hellfire ate at its core.

Frank stopped firing, a bit disappointed. The Ghost Rider had handled it in one move once he got the right gear.

The demon's body melted under the Ghost Rider's flames. It begged, "Spare me! Please, spare me!"

The Ghost Rider snarled, "All sinners must be judged!" He prepared to finish it.

"Damon, wait!" Maverick called. "Let him live. I want to study him. We need to know what we're dealing with."

Coulson chimed in, "Mr. Cassain, S.H.I.E.L.D. can help—"

Maverick shot him a look. "My spoils, Coulson."

The Ghost Rider glared. "Sinner! You and everyone like you—"

Before Damon could finish, Maverick pressed a hidden switch on a controller. The armor's control systems disengaged, and sunlight hit the Ghost Rider full force. He reverted to human form mid-air and dropped to the ground, cursing quietly.

The Earth Demon, freed, started to edge away. Maverick's eyes narrowed. "Don't run. I'm giving you one chance."

The creature froze. If it fled, it would be destroyed. After a pause, it raised its hands. "I surrender," it said. "I… request proper treatment as a prisoner."

"Prisoner's rights, huh?" Maverick mused. He extended a hand, and a crimson chain of power bound the demon's essence, sealing its abilities.

The Earth Demon stared at Maverick. "You're a vampire, aren't you?"

"Call me the Blood God," said Maverick flatly. "Turn human. That form is ugly."

The demon's form shimmered, becoming a bald, ordinary-looking man. "I can work for you," he offered hastily. "I know a lot."

Frank, hovering above, was unimpressed. "Some demon," he muttered. Damon felt disappointed, too. He'd expected more resistance, not a devil groveling for mercy.

—

"Work for me?"

Maverick considered the offer for a moment, then turned to the Old Demon and asked, "I remember hearing somewhere that elemental demons like you were once angels. Is that true?"

"An angel?" Damon and Coulson both looked stunned. Frank raised an eyebrow. Even the Old Demon appeared uneasy.

The Old Demon nodded bitterly. "Yes. I was once an angel who followed the Archangel Michael. Later, I fell from grace. Michael cast me out of Heaven and I became an exiled demon."

Coulson leaned forward from the back seat, excited. "So, you're saying Heaven really exists?"

The Old Demon gave Coulson a sidelong glance. "Of course it does, but it's nothing like what you humans imagine."

Maverick cut in. "We can talk theology later. Right now, let's get out of here before the media and the police show up. Coulson, make a call and have someone handle the fallout. Send the bill to the Council of Blood."

Coulson rolled his eyes but didn't argue. He stepped aside to make the call. Maverick then looked over at Frank. "Frank, load Hero One back into the truck."

"Got it," Frank said with a nod and got to work. Damon eyed Hero One enviously but knew he couldn't afford such a thing. Five hundred million dollars was well beyond his reach.

Once everyone had packed up, they headed out. Frank drove the large truck, while Maverick, Damon, Coulson, and the Old Demon piled into Maverick's sleek silver-white sports car. Notably, Frank's modified Hero II truck could now open down the middle without special equipment—Maverick had spared no expense.

Seated in the back, Coulson remarked, "Mr. Cassain, your car has incredible stability. There's practically no vibration."

Maverick allowed himself a proud grin. "It's a custom model, worth about five hundred million dollars."

"Five hundred million?" Coulson and Damon were both startled. Even the Old Demon looked shocked. A car worth as much as a high-end suit of armor?

Catching the Old Demon's expression in the rearview mirror, Maverick raised a brow. "Other people being surprised is normal, but what's with you, Old Demon? You don't even need money, right?"

The Old Demon let out a frustrated sigh. "Oh, we need money. I may not have to eat, but I still need to pay for water, electricity, internet, and rent every month. Landlords jack up the rent because I have no proper ID. And employers pay me less than minimum wage. It's you humans who are the real devils."

Maverick, Damon, and Coulson exchanged baffled glances. The Old Demon shrugged. "What can I say? I can't just flaunt my powers. The first time I tried that, a couple of sorcerers from Kamar-Taj chased me halfway around the world with magical blades. After that, I kept my head down and worked labor jobs. Illegal work, sure, but safer than going up against those mages."

Coulson couldn't help but comment, "So Kamar-Taj's sorcerers are that dangerous?"

"Extremely," the Old Demon replied. "They keep Earth mostly free from rogue demons. If they weren't so strict, you'd be tripping over devils on the sidewalk."

Damon frowned. "But earlier, you attacked me with your abilities. You didn't seem too afraid then."

"That's because I found a backer who could mask my presence from the sorcerers," said the Old Demon. "Without that, I would never risk using my powers openly."

"Who's your backer?" asked Maverick. "He sent you after Damon, right?"

The Old Demon nodded. "The one backing me is the Witch-Heart Demon, son of Mephisto. He promised me protection from Kamar-Taj's detection. He offered me and two others—Water Demon and Wind Demon—favors if we helped him. We'd been surviving as low-paid laborers, so we took the chance. That's how I ended up targeting Damon. The Witch-Heart Demon wants to get his hands on a contract that will let him build a new Hell on Earth."

Damon's jaw tightened. "I'm a Ghost Rider, a spirit bound to Mephisto himself. Why would his son want to kill me?"

"Because the Witch-Heart Demon wants to overthrow his father," the Old Demon explained. "He wants the Contract of San Venganza, a deal Mephisto once made that claimed an entire village's worth of souls. That many damned spirits would give him enough power to become a Hell-lord on Earth. To do that, he has to remove any of his father's agents—like you."

Coulson looked grave. "We can't let that happen."

Maverick nodded, then looked over at Damon. "I told you I'd find the Ghost Rider who took that contract. Carter Slade, the original Rider, is our lead."

Damon's eyes widened. "How did you find him so quickly? I've been searching for months."

Maverick smirked. "With resources and a network of informants, it's not hard. I put a bounty on rumors of the old Ghost Rider and had experts sift through old Texas records. Eventually, we found a cemetery near Houston, where Slade's grave has been meticulously cared for—clearly by someone who isn't just a passerby. We're heading there now."

Damon seemed impressed, while Coulson nodded, acknowledging the method. Meanwhile, the Old Demon, relieved at having a new boss, blurted out, "Boss, if you're hiring, I'd be happy to work for you! Just… help me stay under Kamar-Taj's radar."

Coulson looked alarmed. "Mr. Cassain, you're going to hire a demon?"

Maverick shrugged. "If he steps out of line, I'll take responsibility. Besides, he can be useful, especially with his elemental abilities."

The Old Demon's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Mr. Cassain! If you need the others recruited, I can talk to Water Demon and Wind Demon. None of us enjoyed working for the Witch-Heart Demon. He's got no future. He can't even beat the sorcerers. But you, you're well connected!"

Maverick grinned. "If you can persuade them, I'll reward you with a new phone from the Osborn line."

"Consider it done!" the Old Demon said eagerly.

Coulson watched this exchange silently, already trying to figure out how to brief S.H.I.E.L.D. on these developments. But he knew better than to object now. Maverick had a way of making things happen, and that often worked to everyone's advantage.

Soon, they pulled up at the cemetery. Frank stayed with the truck, while Maverick, Damon, Coulson, and the Old Demon approached an old caretaker holding a shovel. He glared at them as if he sensed their intent. When he saw the Old Demon, he spat, "Get off this land."

Maverick took a calm step forward. "You must be Carter Slade. I own this land now, so you can't chase us away. We know who you are—the original Ghost Rider."

Carter Slade's eyes narrowed as Maverick tossed him a fine cigar. "Relax. We're not your enemies. We've got a lot to talk about."

Slade hesitated, then gestured them toward a small, worn-down hut by the graves. "Fine. Come inside. Let's settle this matter quietly."

—

A tomb keeper's home is never much to look at. The most striking thing inside was a statue of the Archangel Michael perched on a small altar.

The moment the Old Demon spotted it, he froze in the doorway, refusing to step inside. He looked genuinely fearful. "That statue is blessed. It's radiating holy power!"

Carter Slay, leaning against a table, smirked. "Of course it is. Without the archangel's blessing, Mephisto would've found me ages ago." He glanced at the Old Demon. "I see you're a fallen angel. No surprise you're uncomfortable."

He turned to Maverick, who had stepped inside without hesitation. "I'm guessing you're not human, at least not entirely. Why doesn't the holy power bother you?"

Maverick shrugged lightly. "Maybe it's because I've donated a lot of money to the church."

Damon and Coulson both shot him a curious look. A vampire giving money to the church? Maverick didn't elaborate. Instead, he gestured to Damon. "This is the Ghost Rider of this generation. We're here because he wants to free himself from Mephisto."

Carter Slay laid his shovel aside. "You didn't come looking for the contract, then?"

Damon answered, "Mephisto told me to retrieve the Contract of San Venganza, but I'm not going to help him."

Carter took a moment to enjoy the cigar Maverick had given him, lighting it with a match. "The Archangel told me I'd eventually meet the new Ghost Rider here. Didn't think you'd come with so much company, or this soon."

Coulson's eyes widened. "So angels do communicate with mortals?"

Carter eyed him with distaste. "You smell like the sort of man who serves an organization that claims to protect the world, but often only protects its own secrets. The Archangel whispers to me during prayer. He told me fate would bring the new Rider to this cemetery, and that I must guide him."

Damon folded his arms. "Fate? Seems more like a chain of events leading here, nothing mystical about it. Mr. Slay, I don't care about contracts or destiny. I just want to be free of Mephisto."

Carter looked at the others suspiciously. "They trustworthy? That one's with S.H.I.E.L.D., right?"

Damon glanced at Coulson. "I trust Maverick, but as for this agent, I'm not sure."

Coulson raised his hands in a peaceful gesture. "S.H.I.E.L.D. aims to keep the world safe. Believe it or not, you can trust me."

Carter snorted. "Heard that before. Governments talk big, do nothing, and repeat their mistakes." He didn't force Coulson out, though. "First, you need to understand that your soul isn't gone. Mephisto never took it from you. It's still there, in your body—just like mine."

Damon's face showed disbelief. "My soul's still in me?"

Carter nodded. "Yes. That's why I was able to defy Mephisto. If he truly held my soul, he'd have destroyed me long ago. Instead, all he did was fuse a Spirit of Vengeance inside me. We're all bound by the contract, and if he finds us, he can claim our souls. But as long as I remain hidden here, shielded by holy power, he can't sense me."

He paused, then offered Damon a half-hearted suggestion. "You could stay here with me, live under this protection. The Archangel won't turn you away if you truly believe."

Damon hesitated. Hiding wasn't the answer he wanted. He wanted freedom, not just another prison.

Maverick's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Mephisto and the Archangel both influencing events. It's like they're waging a war through their pawns."

Carter drew on his cigar. "The Spirit of Vengeance was an angel of judgment, once. It came to Earth to punish sinners. Mephisto tricked it into falling. That's why the Rider hunts the guilty."

Damon's shoulders tensed. "That explains it. The Rider's code always felt holier than demonic. Is there a way to be completely rid of it?"

Carter took another puff and shook his head. "If I knew, I wouldn't still be stuck here. The Archangel told me that the spirit inside you is different. It's always been fully a part of you. Not even Mephisto can separate it."

Damon's face fell. "Different how? Great, something else to worry about."

Maverick spoke up, "It seems you and Mephisto are intertwined in a unique way. Let's focus on something we can fix—like reclaiming your soul's safety."

Carter frowned. "If you're thinking about using the contract to bargain, forget it. Mephisto won't give up that easily."

Maverick smiled calmly. "Who said anything about giving it to him? Let him come for it. If he wants his son, the Witch-Heart Demon, perhaps we can trade. Devils care about pride if not blood. If Mephisto refuses, we'll make his son's humiliation public. Even a devil cares about his reputation."

Everyone looked at Maverick as if he'd just sprouted horns. It was a cruel plan, but might work against a creature of ego like Mephisto.

Carter was unconvinced. "Mephisto isn't simple. Your plan might fail."

Maverick shrugged. "We have to try. We're already after the Witch-Heart Demon. Mr. Slay, we'd like to stay here tonight. Damon could learn from you, gain control over the Rider."

Carter scowled. "I mind, but I guess it doesn't matter. This land supposedly belongs to you now, right?"

Carter shot a glare at Coulson. "Your government lets a vampire run around like he owns the place, and you can't stop him?"

Coulson spread his hands, defeated. "He has too much money and influence. My hands are tied."

"Ridiculous," Carter grumbled. Turning to Damon, he said, "Stay. I'll teach you what I know about controlling the Rider. The will is yours; you can push back against the spirit."

Damon nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Mr. Slay."

Carter waved a hand. "Get some rest and come by at dusk."

Maverick and Coulson stepped outside. The Old Demon hovered nervously near the door, whispering, "Boss, the Witch-Heart Demon isn't easily beaten. Don't underestimate him."

Maverick gave a small laugh. "Is he powerful?"

The Old Demon nodded. "He's Hell's royalty. Even sealed, his strength is far beyond ours. If he's cornered, he won't hold back, no matter the risk of exposure."

Maverick's eyes narrowed. "If he's that strong, Kamar-Taj's sorcerers will be forced to intervene. Don't worry. If we can't handle him, they'll finish the job."

The Old Demon swallowed hard. "I hope they won't decide to finish us off too."

Coulson stepped closer, "Mr. Cassain, we can assign some agents to assist—"

Maverick waved him off. "No need. I brought you along so S.H.I.E.L.D. could see how deep this world's secrets run. Just watch and learn."

Coulson accepted this with a sigh. "Understood, Mr. Cassain."

Maverick patted Coulson's shoulder. "I like you, Coulson. You might just run S.H.I.E.L.D. someday."

Coulson laughed nervously. "Please, don't joke like that."

Maverick grinned. "Then block for me if the sorcerers show up."

Coulson shook his head. "I knew there was a catch."

As night deepened, Carter snuck out of his shack, searching with frantic eyes. Maverick stepped from the shadows, holding Carter's shovel in one hand and a check in the other. "Lose something, Mr. Slay? Maybe this old shovel... or maybe you'd prefer this ten million dollar check?"

Carter's jaw tightened. "Is the check real?"

Maverick smirked. "I expected you to pick the shovel. Guess you're more pragmatic than you look."

Carter snatched the check, grumbling. "If I refused, you'd still have the contract hidden in the handle. No point trying to bluff."

Maverick nodded. "Don't worry. The money's yours. After this is done, enjoy your life. I know this contract is more burden than prize."

Carter studied him a moment. "You know it can't be destroyed, right?"

Maverick watched as Frank prepared a container of rare metal in their truck. "Not destroyed, but sealed away."

With Frank's help, Maverick extracted the scroll and encased it within a chunk of rare metal, then absorbed it into his own body—hiding it from both angelic and demonic eyes.

Maverick turned to Frank. "All set. Today we seal the deal; tomorrow, we set the trap for the Witch-Heart Demon. Formulate a plan. I'm leaving it to you."

Frank nodded confidently. "I'm about seventy percent sure we'll pull it off."

Maverick smiled. "Good enough. Let's get some rest."

By noon the next day, at a small, neglected church outside Houston, the Witch-Heart Demon surveyed a ruined statue of a saint, sneering. "Your believers are gone. Where's your protection now?"

A swirl of wind revealed the Wind Demon, who shifted into human form. "The Old Demon's been captured and is coming this way. There's a strange vampire with the Ghost Rider. He's rich, powerful, and not afraid of sunlight."

The Witch-Heart Demon's eyes narrowed. "A mere bloodsucker dares defy me in daylight?"

Outside, Maverick approached, flanked by two allies holding the Old Demon between them. The Witch-Heart Demon stepped out of the church, glaring. Wind Demon and Water Demon drifted behind him, exchanging subtle signals—plans to switch sides if better money was offered.

Maverick crinkled his nose. "You smell like brimstone and stale blood. Ever consider a bath?"

The Witch-Heart Demon snarled. "A vampire mocks me? You stand before Hell's prince!"

Maverick scoffed. "Without dear old dad, you're just another spoiled heir." He grinned, flashing fangs. "I've heard you want the contract. Too bad you're not getting it."

The Witch-Heart Demon snarled, "I'll rip it from your corpse!"

Just then, a booming voice echoed in the air, old and powerful. "My foolish son, you talk of killing me and ruling in my place, yet you can't even manage your own servants."

—

"Who's there?"

Everyone whirled around. A distinguished old man in a fine suit stood by a pile of broken stone, smiling calmly at them.

Damon inhaled sharply. "Mephisto!"

"Move!" Maverick shouted. At that instant, the Wind Demon and Water Demon, who had already switched sides, unleashed their power. Raging gusts and torrents of water entrapped the Witch-Heart Demon.

Maverick seized the moment, lunging toward the Witch-Heart Demon with a vibranium spear aimed straight at his skull.

"Die!" he snarled.

But the Witch-Heart Demon erupted with a powerful shockwave of black energy. The wind and water prisons shattered instantly, and Maverick, along with the Wind Demon and Water Demon, went hurtling backward.

Maverick landed and rolled across the ground, cursing silently. If Mephisto hadn't appeared, their plan would have worked. The Witch-Heart Demon would have been finished.

Humiliated before Mephisto, the Witch-Heart Demon's fury exploded. "I'll kill you!" he roared, launching a vicious blast at Maverick.

A gunshot cracked from afar. The Witch-Heart Demon's head jerked as blood and dark mist erupted from it. Frank Castle had pulled the trigger of a high-caliber sniper rifle. The demon wasn't dead—he couldn't die so easily—but before he could regenerate, Frank followed up with a hail of bullets from a heavy machine gun.

Rounds tore through demonic flesh. The Witch-Heart Demon's body jerked under relentless gunfire, black fluid spraying wildly. Seeing an opening, Maverick shouted, "Wind Demon, Water Demon—attack him from a distance! Tear him apart!"

"Yes, boss!" they answered quickly, hurling razor-sharp wind blades and spears of water at the wounded demon. This wasn't the life they expected, but as long as Maverick was paying, they'd follow orders.

The Witch-Heart Demon howled in anger and pain. He tried to resist but was too weak while sealed. To unleash his true power, he needed time—time he did not have.

Suddenly, Mephisto raised his cane and pointed at Frank's position. A bolt of black energy streaked forward. However, Damon, now wearing a concealed suit of armor that had been buried underground and controlled remotely by the Old Demon, burst into the line of fire. The armor glowed with mystical flames, burning the black energy away. Damon's body, already bound to a Spirit of Vengeance, trembled as he fought to stay in control.

Maverick pointed his spear at Mephisto. "Mephisto, try dealing with me. Let's see how strong you are here!"

Mephisto smiled faintly. "You have some skill, vampire, but do you really think you can overcome me?"

Maverick grinned. "I know I can. I'm full of surprises."

Mephisto snorted and then shouted at Damon, "Your soul is mine, Rider. Sleep!"

Damon's eyes rolled back as his human side sank into unconsciousness. The Spirit of Vengeance took over instantly, roaring and thirsting to punish the nearest evil. Mephisto masked his own aura, leaving Maverick as the apparent source of corruption. The Rider snarled at Maverick.

Maverick pulled out a remote and pressed a button. Damon's armor disassembled, flames vanished, and he collapsed, powerless. "Mephisto, did you think I hadn't prepared for this?"

Mephisto chuckled, then transformed into black mist and merged with the Witch-Heart Demon's battered body. The demon's wounds healed as his power surged. Bullets, wind, and water attacks scattered harmlessly against the rising tide of dark energy.

Reformed and strengthening by the second, the Witch-Heart Demon began to revert to his true form. The Old Demon cried out, "Boss, he's unleashing his true power!"

"Retreat!" Maverick ordered.

Before they could flee, a black barrier unfurled, trapping everyone inside. Maverick's vibranium spear couldn't pierce it. Frank's gunfire proved useless as well.

Mephisto's disembodied voice echoed: "My son, this barrier will mask your aura for three minutes. Kill them now and have your revenge. Afterward, I'll retrieve the contract myself."

Maverick cursed. "You scheming devil! As soon as time's up, the sorcerers of Kamar-Taj will be here. You just want him to do your dirty work while you claim the contract!"

Mephisto laughed. "Of course. Ghost Rider led me to the traitor's contract. Everything is going perfectly."

Maverick realized Mephisto's deception. The Devil Lord had orchestrated events to this outcome, but he also underestimated Maverick's resourcefulness.

With a roar, the Witch-Heart Demon revealed his true self: a towering, azure-skinned devil with a savage aura. The Earth Demon, Wind Demon, and Water Demon trembled. This was not a foe they could handle.

"Now you die!" the Witch-Heart Demon thundered. He raised one clawed hand, a black blast forming there, and fired it at Maverick.

Maverick barely dodged, rolling painfully across the ground. Frank shouted in vain, his bullets bouncing off. The demon swelled with hatred.

Maverick scrambled to his feet, shouting, "Hold on! I have the contract!"

The Witch-Heart Demon paused, shocked. "You have the Contract of San Venganza?"

"Yes!" Maverick snapped. "Mephisto's counting on you killing us. But what if we work together? I can hide you, help you rebuild your strength elsewhere—like in that cursed village. Think about it."

"You're stalling!" the demon growled.

"Stalling or not, your time's running out!" Maverick said urgently. "You think I want those sorcerers here? They'll kill me too! We can help each other. We'll sign a contract—you know how binding those are. You give me safe passage and time to strengthen you in that village. I'll shield your presence. If I fail, you get my life. Simple."

The Witch-Heart Demon hesitated, his rage clashing with reason. Maverick added, "Hurry, we have less than a minute!"

Snarling, the demon tore a patch of skin from his body and wrote the terms in blood. He tossed it to Maverick, who quickly signed with his own blood. The contract glowed. It was sealed.

"Good," said Maverick, handing it back. "Now, give me some of your essence. I need it to mask your aura."

The Witch-Heart Demon grimaced and ripped out his own heart—his core of power. He tossed it to Maverick. "Store it, but don't absorb it," he hissed weakly, his strength plummeting.

Maverick pressed the heart into himself, carefully draining a fraction of its power, feeling strength flood his veins. He controlled himself, leaving most of it intact.

"Done," Maverick said, hurrying to cover the demon's body with his own blood-based aura. "Now revert to human form."

The Witch-Heart Demon complied, face pale and weak. Maverick's blood enveloped him completely, masking him from the outside world.

Frank and the others watched uneasily, but after a moment, Maverick turned and said, "Frank, take Damon and the others and get out the moment this barrier drops."

The Witch-Heart Demon snapped, "Leave the Ghost Rider! He's mine!"

"No," Maverick said coldly. "I didn't agree to that."

The demon glared, but said nothing—he was too weak to fight over it now.

At last, the barrier vanished. In the sky, a single black feather drifted down—an artifact now spent. Frank quickly gathered Damon and the lesser demons, retreating without a word. The Witch-Heart Demon looked around, relieved no sorcerers had appeared.

Maverick took the black feather, pocketing it. The demon explained, "It once hid my power. Mephisto must have tampered with it, but it served its purpose."

Maverick nodded. "We survived. Now let's head to the village and—"

Before he could finish, his right hand flashed crimson. The demon's body jerked as the blood binding him began to tighten and constrict.

The Witch-Heart Demon's eyes widened in horror and fury. "What are you doing?"

Maverick bared his fangs in a triumphant grin. "What's it look like? I'm double-crossing you."

---

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