Riders of the Iron Horse Part 2

James "Rhodey" Rhodes flew through the sky over the city in his war machine armor. He had just been requested by Captain America for a special mission. Being a friend of the accused made him qualified enough and when he was asked he had already known most of the details. He then landed in front of the house of a certain corporate genius and superhero. The helmet was removed from his face and he lightly knocked on the door. An energetic Tony Stark answered.

"Ay Rhodey what brings you here?" he asked surprised to see him. "Judging by your choice of clothing I'd suspect there's a costume party"

"I was recommended to wear this. For protection" he responded

"From who no one's gonna attack you come on in, just take it off and wipe your feet" Tony insisted. Rhodey complied and took off the armor and walked in. He had a suite on which was a little ruffled from the tight condensed armor. "Gotta say it must be uncomfortable wearing that under the armor" Tony commented on Rhodey's attire as he led him to the kitchen. His voice echoed throughout the house.

"Yeah well I'm just ready for the day, but you don't seem to be if I might add" he said now commenting on Tony's clothing or lack of it. He wore only a tank top and boxers.

"What it's still the morning I can still wear this" he said pouring himself a glass of water "Do you want anything a drink, a muffin perhaps?"

"No thanks" he paused "But Tony it doesn't seem like you've been seen a lot recently"

"Well I just solved a double earth ending catastrophe and both worlds are still merged. You could literally step out of house and end up in Tricell laboratory. I can't account for that" Tony said as if he acted out this part.

"Tony" Rhodes said cutting to the point "You haven't been to work in 5 days".

"I was at Stark Industries just the other day actually but it didn't seem like I was needed, they had everything under control so I left to come home" he took a sip of his water and leaned his arm on the counter. "But everyone's really shaken up about this world thing maybe I'll get back in the swing of things tomorrow".

"So what have you been doing in your spare time then?"

"Olympics"

"Olympics?"

"Yeah the Olympics, not televised of course in fact there's only two participants but you know I-" Rhodes then walked up to Tony and stopped in front of him.

"Tony you know what the problem is here right?" he said seriously. Tony stood up straight now.

"Problem? I don't see a problem everybody's gotten along fine after the merging I think"

"You know what I mean Tony" he paused. "It's that woman you met".

"Oh so Pepper put you up to this" Tony mused.

"No Cap did, but Pepper did have a say. They're very concerned for you Tony"

"That's fine, it's touching it truly is but you know I'm concerned that they're over concerned for me, but as you can see I'm fine, everyone's fine and now you can return the message to Cap and Pepper that I have everything under control"

"Can I say something at least?" Rhodes inquired.

"Yeah shoot" Tony approved

"I know I've only met her on two occasions but I have to admit it I don't see what you see in her. She helped you save the world yes I guess that's a slightly redeemable quality. But literally being around her was the most uncomfortable experiences of my life. It's like she takes pleasure in other people's discomfort"

"Eh Rhodey" Tony muttered trying to get his attention, but he went on.

"She's clearly sadistic, and I think she's a masochist too"

"Rhodey" Tony snapped in a whisper again trying to get his attention.

"She's rude, arrogant, sultry and sometimes downright mean spirited and most of all she's-"

"She's right here" a female voice echoed throughout the kitchen. The two men then looked over to see Morrigan sitting at the table with breakfast before her wearing a purple kimono. Rhodes stared on in disbelief while Tony looked less surprised and more embarrassed.

"Oh it's good that you came Rhodey because he finally made breakfast for me, probably to show he's a good host" Morrigan pointed out as if she didn't hear a word he just said. The two men then looked back at each other. Their next conversation would be in whispers.

"You know it's 11 in the morning right?" Rhodes whispered to him

"Yeah"

"Can I only inquire a guess as to why you two had just woken up?"

"Whatever guess you have is probably right"

"Alright then I'll take my leave" he said turning to leave. "See ya around Tony, have a good day Morrigan" he said as he exited the house. He went to the front porch where he left his armor, donned it then flew off.

"Well he seemed surprised by something" Morrigan pointed out.

"I can't imagine why" Tony said placing his now empty cup in the dish washer.

"Well it's a good thing he didn't stay for breakfast because your cooking is crap"

"Well then don't eat it"

"Perhaps I'm just lashing out at you since you told him about our little secret"

"What the sex Olympics? I told you it's never gonna get televised I'm just trying to get our names out there as best I can".

"Well you'll just have to make it up to me today when you buy me stuff from your world"

"Wasn't that the plan already?"

"Yes but now you have to get me more" Morrigan said before getting up to leave. "I'm gonna go get changed for the day. You should too it's 11 am after all". She then went upstairs to change into some clothes. Tony noticed she left her plateful of half eaten food behind. She clearly did it to annoy him.

"You just gonna leave that there?"

"Yep" she responded back.

"Royal princess my ass" he said picking up the plate and disposing of it properly. He then prepared to leave by fetching some proper clothes.

Meanwhile in the city 2 demon hunters were riding down the street in the motorcycle, which now added an extra seat to the left side so Arthur could have a place to sit.

"She's rude, arrogant, sultry and sometimes downright mean spirited and most of all she's-"

"Alright alright I understand now" Arthur said cutting him off. He had asked reason's as to why he didn't like their latest target for which Ghost rider gave numerous reasons, in fact he probably liked her the least of anyone he's met, the reason only those 2 know but it goes beyond the demon hunter, demon lifestyles. "But you seem to think quite negatively of many people from my world, yet I am so positive when meeting new people, perhaps you should be more like me"

"Do I seriously look like I have time to be more like you?"

"Well not with that attitude". There was a brief silence as they rode down the street. "If I may ask how many people from my world do you hate? I understand not enjoying the evildoers as much but what about the others, how many of them do you hate?"

"More that both of our fingers and toes, in fact how I put up with you at times is astounding"

"Alright then I'm going to name names and you tell me what you think of them"

"K"

"Alright Dante"

"Hate him"

"Trish"

"Hate him"

"She's a woman"

"Looks trashy"

"Okay C. Viper"

"Hate her"

"Well I know you already hate Strider Hiryu" Arthur stated aloud

"Well he hates me back"

"This is true".

Back at the Stark residence Tony and Morrigan had both just gotten dressed for the day.

"Is that seriously what you're wearing?" Morrigan said questioning his attire

"Yeah" he responded wearing a suite as usual.

"Oh drop that boring stuff, live a little, put on something casual"

"You mean like you, yet again another pair of short shorts and Tiny t-shirt clearly meant to show off your curves, but you got rid of the G-string this time so why complain at me let's get going" he said as they walked out of the house, getting into a car and pulling out into the street.

Back with the hunters

"So where exactly is our target, this city is vast we may never find her" Arthur said looking around.

Ghost rider chuckled "Think about it" he said getting Arthur's attention "If you were a demonic succubus who screwed everything that came your way where would you go in another world?" Arthur pondered for a moment

"A petting zoo!" he proclaimed. The motorcycle came to a screeching and sudden halt.

"What? seriously?" Ghost rider questioned "Hey when this job's over we gotta talk about this kind of stuff, there's a couple books you should read".

"Ah very well then" Arthur said turning back to the road "Well why aren't we moving?"

"Cause were here" Ghost rider said getting off. Arthur looked around to see the home of Tony Stark.

"This is the kingdom of Iron man, it is truly glorious" he said marveling it. Ghost rider walked up to the house while Arthur stayed behind pulling an apple out of his armor.

"Here boy come and get it" he said shaking the apple in front of the motorcycle. It didn't move. "Come on"

Ghost rider sighed "For the last time it's not an Iron horse now let's go"

"He had carried us both all this way and will need nutrients to keep up his strength" Arthur said before continuing to wave the apple at the "Iron horse" which still did not move to take it. "Arthur!" Ghost rider snapped at him.

"Alright I'm coming". Arthur then laid the apple on the ground and patted it. "I'll leave it here so you may have it whenever you want" he whispered before running to catch up with his partner. He caught up to him and walked up to the door. "I was unaware that Sir Iron man had been ensnared by the temptress of the night, we must do all that we can to save his soul, he will probably even give us bountiful treasure's"

"Yeah whatever"

"So how do you intend we storm the castle?"

"By knocking on the front door". Ghost rider walked up to the door and pushed it open, It did not budge. He tried again but it still did not budge. He then tried applying more strength, grunting as he tried to open it but it still didn't work. "Hold on maybe it comes outward" he said before pulling on the door but still it didn't work.

"It seems she knew we were coming so she enchanted the door" Arthur proclaimed.

"Yeah sure" Ghost rider panted. But then he composed himself "Alright time for plan B". The 2 made their way to the back of the house where there was a bigger and larger entrance point; the window.

"So what's plan B? "Arthur questioned. Ghost rider responded by picking Arthur up and launching him through the window crashing through the glass. Ghost Rider then jumped up into the house

"I'm here!" he exclaimed opening his arms. He waited there for something but nothing happened, he just stood there with his arms wide open.

"Nothing's happened "Arthur said getting up.

"Alright let's search the house". The searched the entire house checking places where the 2 could have and probably did have sex at one point or another. But nothing turned up and now Ghost rider leaned on the kitchen counter after announcing that they probably weren't in the house. He had decided to wait them out after all they had to come back at some point right?

"Hazaah" Arthur exclaimed from the other room as Ghost rider whipped his chain off his shoulder and readied for a fight. Arthur then came in with 2 mugs of beer one in each hand.

"Behold I have found ale" he proclaimed. Ghost rider became less tense.

"Stark doesn't drink that stuff, probably just has it for guests at parties". Arthur then plopped up and stood on the chair by the counter. He forced a mug into Ghost rider's hand and banged the two together.

"Ah but we are guests and with no host we must help ourselves. A toast Jonathan for our glorious partnership and for the destruction of our enemies" Arthur proclaimed and then started downing his beer. Ghost rider the whole time just looking at him in a peculiar way. Then he pinched in-between his eyes with his fingers.

"How did I get stuck with you? Why didn't you end up with Thor?". Arthur had then finished his mug.

"Ah he is with Amaterasu in Asgard, watching over both Midgard's even as we speak" Arthur explained. So they decided to wait in the house until they returned. How long they would wait they did not know

Time past, how much they didn't know

Ghost rider is sitting down but there was something wrong with him. He was angry and shaking from the stress. His eyes burned with anger and hate, and the flames upon his head grew higher with each passing moment as his anger grew. His fingers were clenched tightly against his knees. He is sitting on the couch with Arthur next to him watching TV. Arthur had been in charge of the remote but no one could have expected what he would put on. "The teletubies". Arthur was sitting there happily clapping along with the show while Ghost rider sat there at his wits end.

"You know I rather like this television there are endless possibilities" Arthur said. Ghost rider then jumped up to his feet and let out a blood curling scream.

"That's it I've had it!" he exclaimed and walked towards the door.

"Wait where are you going?" Arthur said climbing off the couch to follow him but leaving the TV on. Ghost rider stomped out the door as Arthur finally caught up with him. "Where are you going?" he repeated.

"I'm going to go find that sneaking bitch and destroy her! I'm tired of this waiting around crap! She planned this out she knew we were coming!" Ghost rider rambled on almost sounding deranged. They both walked up to the motorcycle but stopped with their jaws dropped. Before them the apple Arthur left was eaten but there were no squirrels or any other animals around, only the motorcycle. Ghost rider could only say so few words. "Oh what the hell"

The two then got on the motorcycle and took off towards the city. They didn't have many places to look because as Arthur mentioned before the city was big. They went to Stark industries first but when Pepper told them she hadn't seen him for some time the two took their leave and with that settled they knew it was going to be a long day. So they had to rely on the local population for help with question's such "have you seen", or "Did you by any chance bump into". However no one had had any answers for them. The situation turned really ugly when the 2 accidentally asked for help from a man on a street corner. Apparently he thought "Temptress of the Night" meant they wanted to have a little fun. But once he brought out the ladies the two knew they wanted to part in it. The situation turned violent as they had to fight off the pimp and his prostitutes. But the two managed to fight them off and flee the scene before the police came. Now they were in a parking lot outside of a big carnival. Ghost rider leaned against his motorcycle and Arthur looked around him, then he poked his leg. Ghost rider looked down at him.

"May I have currency?" the pint sized knight asked

"For what?" the flaming skeleton responded.

"There is a stand selling frozen goods over there and I wish to purchase one for you and myself"

"I'm not really good with ice cream" Ghost rider pointed out. But he still handed Arthur some money, who trotted off to go buy some leaving the spirit of vengeance alone still leaning on his motorcycle. He then scanned the crowd entering the carnival gates. No real reason why it was just something to do, but he would be glad he did it for at that moment something caught his gaze. He saw what looked like green colored hair in the crowd. Not everyone has that color hair, unless they dyed it but this certainly looked natural. He leaned in for a better look. Yep definitely green and a woman clad in revealing clothing short shorts and a small t-shirt, but still there was more. She was with someone, a man with black hair. He only saw the back of his head so that's all he could conjure. He stood up straight now to get a better look before jumping to conclusions, but right as he did the woman turned to look at him. He now didn't need to jump he had to attack. For in the crowd was Morrigan Aensland the demon princess and his chosen target. She looked at him with provocative eyes and he looked back in anger. It was clear they didn't like each other, even when they teamed up with everyone else to fight Galactus they still did not enjoy each others company. Time seemed to slow down as they locked eyes across the parking lot and glared at each other. Morrigan then winked at him and turned her head to enter with the man, Tony Stark Ghost rider assumed but he seemed oblivious to him. Then Ghost Rider rushed after them. He had spent all day waiting around and he wasn't going to lose her trail now. He busted through the crowds and entered the carnival. He looked around frantically to see them.

"Damn they walk fast" he muttered. Then he saw them and he gave chase again. They disappeared into a ride and ghost rider raced to follow them but stopped in front of the ride. "A haunted house.. please". Then he cut the line and walked into the house. It was dark with very few lights. His head was actually his only source of illumination. He walked down the path moving some fake cobwebs as he went and lighting fire to some which he had to take time to put out. "I swear to God if I walk in on you two screwing I will kill everyone here" he said aloud, mostly to himself. Then he heard footstep's behind him, small almost silent. "Trying to surprise me?" he muttered trying not to let them know he was catching on. "It won't work!" he screamed as he turned around to see 3 small children in front of him not dazed or frightened at all. "Eh..hi" he said.

"These costumes suck. He's clearly not real" one kid said

"This isn't scary" another added on.

"Not scary…"Ghost rider mused. Then he pulled out his chain and started to spit fire out of his mouth. The children taken back and frightened ran out to the nearest exit screaming for their mothers. Ghost rider chuckled at their expense and made his exit. He walked out of the haunted house back to the sunlight.

"Hey" a voice called to him. He turned his head to see the voice. The park manager came up to him. "I thought we talked about this your shift isn't up until the people stop coming now get back in there". Ghost rider turned his head straight while the park manager kept rambling on. Then he punched the manager in the face without looking at him and then silently walked off.

"I frickin' save the world and no one gives me any respect" he muttered as he stopped walking to look around. No sign of Morrigan, Stark or even security, he's surprised no one did anything about him hitting the manager.

"Jonathan" a voice called. Ghost rider looked over to see Arthur coming towards him with 2 ice cream cones in his hands. He stopped in front of him panting. "You know if you wanted to go on the rides so bad you could have told me I wanted to go too. I would have even held off on the..eh.. ice cream" Arthur said putting strain on those last two words. "Here catch" he said throwing the cone up to Ghost rider who didn't even attempt to catch it. Instead it landed on his head and began melting, getting all over his face. "Eh my apologies" Arthur bowed but then went on to enjoying his cone.

Ghost rider sighed "Don't worry about it let's just go back to their house" he said walking leaving a trail of ice cream as he went. Arthur soon followed licking his cone each step he went. They then hopped on the iron horse and left for Stark's house again. They parked away from the house so they wouldn't be seen or noticed. They then started walking to the estate.

"I think I am coming down with something" Arthur confessed.

"Why's that?" Ghost rider asked nonchalantly

"My tongue has turned an abnormal color" Arthur admitted showing-off his now blue tongue. "Have I been bewitched?"

"That's just because you ate the ice cream, the color came off on your tongue" Ghost rider pointed out.

"Hm it seems plausible..." Arthur pondered "then what of that ice cold feeling of pain in my head when I ate it?"

"Brain freeze" Ghost rider chuckled "Hold on were by the house". The two then took cover in the bushes to survey the house. Tony Stark and Morrigan could be seen through a window talking on about something, about what they didn't know or care. They didn't seem to notice anything was wrong with the house. Then Ghost rider sprung up "That synical bitch I'm gonna rip her head off, that fu-" he was cut off as Arthur put his hand over his mouth and pulled him back into the bushed right as Tony looked outside not noticing them.

"We must be quite and covert like the seal" Arthur whispered as they laid in the bushes. Ghost rider looked at him in disbelief

"You do not know a thing about animals or modern times do you?"

"No Hawkeye explained them to me once how seals are the most dangerous creature in the world"

"He's probably pulling your chain"

"I have no chain you have the chain" Arthur pointed out.

"Ghost rider sighed "Look you fought off Fing Fang Foom on your own you do not have to worry about a goddamn seal in the ocean"

"If you insist"

"Look for now you concentrate on being covert and I'll concentrate on not burning these bushes and blowing our cover" Ghost rider planned out. Arthur nodded in agreement and they both poked their heads up to look at the house. Morrigan was the only one at the window now and she was looking right at them. She wiggled her hands to say hello and to lead them on. Ghost rider almost jumped out of the bushes again before Arthur pulled him back in the nick of time.

"So what's going on out there?" Tony asked Morrigan who was looking out the window.

"Oh you just have a beautiful lawn" she said sarcastically.

"Wow a compliment that's new for you" he said before walking off into another room, Morrigan keeping her eyes on the bushes.

"Hey who put on the teletubies?" Tony voice echoed from the other room.