Hello! Not much to say really, except reviews for comments/constructive criticism etc. is always greatly appreciated ^^

Disclaimer: Ghost Rider (c) Marvel (I own nothing T_T)

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"What about that son of yours, Mephisto?"

The Devil's hand halted with a jerk, black quill pen poised delicately over the thick scroll of parchment unrolled before him. Immediate silence descended over the congregation of Hellians, cold and festering like a long-dead corpse standing in their midst. Tension crackled, the air's electricity before the approaching storm, as high council watched in twisted fascination and skin-crawling fear. A collective wince as a single drop of blood red ink oozed from the nib and plopped softly onto the scroll wound apprehensions as a key does in the back of a wind-up soldier. After all eternity in but a few moments leached by, the King of Hell returned the pen to its ink well before leaning back in his high-backed chair and folding soft, strong hands before himself on the table, their flesh wrinkled and peppered with pale scars. Look close enough, and infinitesimal flecks of dried blood are eternally embed in the winding folds of skin from a million previous endeavors and a million more to come.

"What I choose to done with that fool son of mine is no business of yours, Veranth."

The lesser demon twitched beneath his dead stare. Although his appearance was exceptionally demonic, Veranth Balnok had slithered into the high council on familial position alone. In the Devil's eyes, he had as much right to be there as a cockroach-infested Twinkie.

"He has a point, my lord." Ever so slowly, Mephisto turned his gaze to the speaker, a female demon with ivory skin and eyes like ruby orbs. "He was intelligent, if arrogant, and his past… escapades fully demonstrated obstinacy, temerity, ruthlessness, and cunning. Much like you, if I remember correctly. With a bit of shaping up, I see no characteristics to imply failure; in fact, I can picture nothing but success for such talent. There is absolutely nothing to suggest that he will not do as well as you, my lord. Better, even."

Her final words floated on the electricity, dipped in acid and shot through with a thousand iron arrows. Shock and second thoughts swept through the court, and soon soft murmurs of agreement snaked about as well.

"Unlike Lilith," Mephisto nodded curtly to his wife, "I picture no success through him. Give power to that arrogant fool and we doom the court. I will not allow it, so long as doubt resides in my mind of his abilities."

"If only Olisha were here, she could te-" Veranth's words ended with a gag as he was suddenly slammed against a wall, the Devil's hand crushing his throat with terrifying ease.

"Twice you have slipped today, Veranth. You know I do not accept idiocy." Slowly his hold tightened, and Veranth writhed frantically, eyes bulging, claws scraping uselessly at the iron grip, feet flailing a foot above the ground. Mephisto's grey eyes flashed black, skin fading to blue to reveal the shadows of too many sharp teeth.

"Enough!"

The demon king froze, ears straining to tell him what eyes could not, so focused was he on the lesser demon squirming desperately in his grasp. Not rising from her seat, Lilith spoke softly, her words amusement-tainted calm.

"Not alike? Look at you. Hotheaded, swift to act, ruthless. Is he so different? You punish him for the base of your own success!"

Veranth hit the ground in an undignified heap as Mephisto turned back to the expectant nobles, once again sleek and urbane, his features aged, handsome, and human.

"You really wish him to return?"

Several heads nodded delicately, but no one spoke. Cocking his head curiously, a small smile slowly twisted the demon's lips before he spoke again.

"Fine. I will speak with him on the subject, and should he agree, he may attempt the initiation rites I select for him. All in favor of a second chance?"

Seven hands inched tentatively into the air, and Mephisto could not repress a chuckle.

"You truly are naught but a flock of foolish angels."