"Yo Reyes." – a grumple voiced said.

The person whom he was calling for was a teenager no older than fifteen at most. He had tanned skin, brown eyes and black hair with a pale blonde streak.

"What?" – he asked.

"I keep telling you, there's no rush on that one. They're not picking her up until next friday. Now come here, it's payday remember?" – said the then pulled an envelope with cash and handed it to the kid. The teenager then opened the envelope and started to count it. – "C'mon Reyes, do you really think I would try and pull a nasty one on you?"

"No, of course not." – he said as he finished counting. – "By the way, I'm short twentythree bucks."

"Oh, umm… My bad. Here you go." – said the man handing him the rest of the money with the teenager soon walking away. – "Honest mistake Robbie."

"Yeah, sure." – replied Robbie.

"I mean it. I wouldn't do that to you, especially knowing about your brother." – said the man once more.

"Seriously Canelo, I'm cool." – said Robbie.

"If you say so. See ya tomorrow then. And say hi to Gabe for me." – said the man.

"Sure." – was the only thing he said.

Truth be told, it was probably an honest mistake from his part, but Robbie didn't really give that much thought to the situation. The only thing he cared for was that he got paid. Right now, he was going to a pharmacy to buy his brother his medicine. Then he was going to pick his brother from the Patrick Wellman Development Center, head home, finish whatever homework he had and then sleep. Just as he was near the place where he should be picking his brother, he suddenly heard something.

When he turned into an alley ahead of the Development Center he saw his younger brother dropped on a puddle as three familiar thugs were currently hogging his wheelchair while laughing at his brother's expense. The three looked like your stereotypical Los Angeles gangsters, however Robbie knew them from school. In all honesty, he never liked them, always trying to act tough, laughing at others just because and generally being a massive pain in the ass. But seeing them all picking on Gabe. At that moment Robbie saw nothing but red. He was like an angered bull, wanting to ram into whatever was on sight and right now what was on sight was them. In an instant Robbie rushed in and decked the guy that was sitting on the wheelchair knocking him down.

"What kind of bastards!" – he shouted as he grabbed the guy's head before smashing it into the ground. – "Steals a chair FROM A HELPLESS KID!?"

Robbie then started to pummel the guy over and over and over. He probably broke his nose, considering how there was now a small puddle of blood. He didn't care, he just wanted to hurt the thug. He wanted to leave him on the brink of death if necessary, for him to be on a comma, all so that he would think twice before harassing a kid. Especially if said kid just so happened to be his brother. As he kept on turning the guy's face into a collection of bums he suddenly heard Gabe calling for him. At first Robbie thought that Gabe would probably try and tell him to stop, but said thought was quickly brushed off when he lifted his gaze. In front of him, was one of the thugs pointing a gun at him.

"The hell do you think you're doing Reyes?" – he asked, a sadistic grin on his face.

Robbie gritted his teeth, sure he could beat them all up. But he didn't want to risk being shot, not because he would die. In all honestly he didn't give that much of a damn if he got killed. But what about Gabe? If he died then Gabe would be all alone and that was something he would never allow himself to happen. So, Robbie let go of the guy he was beating and not a second later Robbie was smacked across his face by the guy's gun. Then, all three thugs all started to take turns in beating Robbie up. After some time, they all left laughing as if they had heard the funniest joke of all. Meanwhile Robbie laied on the ground. His left eye was black and he had blood running down his face. All courtesy of a broken nose.

Still, he had something to do. Despite the pain he was in, Robbie picked Gabe up alongside the comics he had and then he started to carry him home.

"Sorry about the chair Gabe. I promise to get you a new one soon enough, a better one." – said Robbie as he walked down the street.

"It's ok." – said Gabe with a sincere smile on his face. – "You're so cool. You're my hero Robbie, you showed them."

"Y-yeah… I-I… I showed them pretty good, didn't I?" – said Robbie, unable to contain a couple of tears that came down his beaten face.

In all honesty, Robbie felt so powerless. His brother was picked on because he was late. He's wheelchair was stolen because he was too weak. And despite all of that, Gabe still saw him as his hero. He didn't deserve it was all he thought. He didn't deserve all the praise and admiration that his brother always gave him. As the two were walking, they passed by a house that was surrounded by police officers and medics. On the front lawn was a man on his knees as two officers were about to cuff the guy. Despite the noise from the sirens of the emergency vehicles Robbie could still hear people saying things about how people like them were sending the place straight to hell. And when he saw the two bodies laying on the ground (in spite of the crowd that was around the house) he couldn't help but to agree.

"What happened?" – asked Gabe.

"The usual. Just don't look." – replied Robbie.

The usual indeed.

When the two arrived home, Robbie quickly sat Gabe on one of the chairs and went to prepare dinner. It wasn't much, just Mac N' Cheese heated in the microwave. Yet that didn't bring Gabe's mood down in the slightest. He was just happy to eat with his older brother like always. Robbie sat to eat too, despite what happened not that long ago, despite the fact that Gabe no longer had his wheelchair and the fact that he received a beating from Guero and his crew. Just seeing Gabe with that smile gave Robbie the ability to endure it all. Just as they were about to be done with dinner, the two brothers suddenly heard something that at this point was already pretty familiar.

BANG BANG BANG

"Firecrackers again?" – asked Gabe.

"Yup. Remember what I've told you about firecrackers Gabe?" – asked Robbie.

"We never go outside when we hear them!" – answered Gabe excitedly.

"That's right Gabe." – said Robbie, looking at Gabe brim with joy knowing he answered correctly. And even though Robbie gave him a smile, the teenager was anything but happy by hearing those sounds. – "Soon Gabe. I promise that I'll get us out of here soon."

Once they were done with dinner and homework (and after playing with Gabe a little bit) Robbie took his little brother off to bed before heading for his own bedroom. He tried to sleep, but the sound of those gunshots from before, the police arresting that gang member and Guero and his crew. All of those images and sounds filled his head and as he stared at the ceiling. That kind of life was not one that a kid should have, especially someone like Gabe. He then remembered something he heard while working.

Robbie knew that that was a big gamble, but the reward could likely be worth all of the trouble. After all, not everyday do you get the chance of earning fifty thousand dollars. Getting up from bed and donning a black leather jacket Robbie quickly and silently left his home and headed for Canelo's Auto and Body repair shop. Once there he managed a way to get inside and he then headed for a certain modified 1969 Dodge Charger that he was working on before.

"Hey girl, what do you say we go out for the night." – he said, not noticing the malevolent image that appeared next to his reflection. – "I promise to get you back before they notice you're gone. It'll be our little secret."

Opening the gate of the garage he entered the car and drove off. It took him about ten to fifteen minutes to arrive at a certain area of the city. The place was filled with a number of people and cars. The cars were all lined up and I'm front of them was a man of shady appearance that had a golden tooth and decided to wear shades in the middle of the night. Robbie parked right next to the other cars and before exiting his borrowed vehicle he took a helmet that was next to the driver's seat. After all, win or lose he didn't want to reveal his identity to a bunch of gangsters and what not.

"Would you look at that, it seems like we have another contestant over here!" – said the man to the public.

"I want in."

"Direct to the point eh? Well, I like people like you. But you see, this is kind of a private event. I can let you get in, but you'll have to pay a fee." – said the man.

"The car is my fee." – replied Robbie.

The man turned his gaze to the car, as if he was inspectionating it before smiling. – "That's a nice ride you got there, alright ready, the race starts in five."

After hearing that, Robbie got back to his car and drove to where the race would eventually start and after five minutes the main event of the night was about to begin. The man then got in front of the racers and started to ramble about something that Robbie didn't bother to listen to. He didn't care about anything the guy had to say, there was only one thing on Robbie's mind. Fifty thousand dollars, that was all and he only had to win this thing.

After the guy finished his little speech he went to the sides and then a woman with two flags got in front of them. There were no words from her, she just raised the flags she had, carefully eyed each and everyone of the cars and then she pulled them downwards. The sound of the engines as well as the smell of burned rubber filled the area as the cars zoomed away from the crowd. While at first they were all about even in terms of placing Robbie soon took the lead.

"Hell yeah! Come on baby let's win this one for Gabe!" – shouted Robbie.

After some time passed and with Robbie still on the lead he took a look at the rearview and noticed that all the other cars were suddenly turning away from the road. Robbie found it odd, but before he could think of it any further as a light was suddenly lit on top of him.

"What the-" – said Robbie before looking up, when he did he saw a helicopter chasing after him. – "C-cops?"

Suddenly images of him being arrested passed by his mind. The idea of being taken to prison was already bad as it was. But what really got him tembeling to his core with absolute fear was the idea of what would happen to Gabe if that happened. Robbie seated cold realizing that his greatest fear may be close to turn into reality.

"No… no,no,NO,NO!"

Robbie tried everything he could. He made multiple turns, he passed by many red lights, everything, but the helicopter was still hot on his tracks. Robbie made yet another turn but unfortunately for him, said turn guided him to a dead end.

"GHAAA! You stupid, stupid- why did you do this?! You GODDAMN IDIOT!" – screamed Robbie.

Maybe he could talk his way out? Maybe if he gives himself in they would let him off the hook with a warning? Yeah, like that'll ever happen. Robbie screwed up, he had to man up and afront the consequences of his actions. The only thing that still troubled Robbie was Gabe. How could he face him after this?

Robbie got out of the car and raised both of his arms above his head. – "Officers please, if I could-"

"DON'T MOVE!" – shouted one of the officers.

Robbie simply resigned himself, he got on his knees and put his hands behind his head. – "Gabe, I'm so, so sor-"

But Robbie never got to finish that sentence.

Suddenly, young Reyes was suddenly bombarded by an onslaught of bullets all shot at him. After almost one whole minute of shooting, Robbie fell to the ground, miraculously he was still somehow alive. Although calling it a miracle would be stretching it. He was covered in lead, with him choking in his own blood. Having what may as well be the slowest and most agonising dead young Reyes could ask for.

One of the men quickly went to the car and opened the trunk. The content was multiple duffle bags filled with pink pills. – "The packet has been secured." – he spoke to a radio.

"What about the body sir?" – asked another one of the men.

"Light 'im up." – he replied.

Just when the men were about to do as they were told they suddenly heard the rumble of a motorcycle. When they turned back, each and everyone of the individuals there (even the dying Robbie) saw a light approaching. However the light seemed… odd. As if it behaved in an unnatural manner.

"What's that?" – one of the men asked.

"Probably some hero patrolling the area."

"Don't know if I can believe you man. I sure as hell haven't heard reports of heroes operating on this part of town."

"Whoever that is must be dealt appropriately." – said the leader of the group before turning to his group. – "Half of us will go ahead to deliver these to Dr. Zarbo. The rest must make quick work of that idiot, understood?"

"Sir yes sir!" –they all shouted.

Quickly half of the men boarded the helicopter while the other half remained, ready to face whoever was that was approaching. When they saw that the helicopter was out of reach they then turned to meet their opponent who had just arrived. As one, they all flinched when they saw the appearance of the hero.

The man (if you could even call it a man) rode on a chopper that was set on fire. The… creature stood around 6' 2 and wore a black leather jacket, nothing out of the ordinary. Well, at least until you looked at his head, that's when things took a turn. It's head was nothing but a flaming skull. Meeting its eyes (or where its eyes should be), they all saw an empty lifeless void, filled with absolute nothingness that unerved the arm men.

"W-what… what the hell is that thing?" – one of the men muttered.

"Heh…" – it chuckled, unnerving the men even more than they were.

"S-stop cowering you lot. I-It's probably some kind of creepy quirk or mutant power."

"C-could it be some kind of inhuman?"

"D-don't know if he knows Blackbolt, but it looks pretty inhuman to me."

"Oh, I know Blackbolt alright." – it said, it's voice was so cold, filled with dread. It was a voice that could easily make anyone tremble in fear. Just like the men standing there.

"ENOUGH! If you don't have the spine to finish the job-" – said one of the men, suddenly turning larger. Easily matching the size of a black rhino. – "THEN I WILL!"

The giant behemoth charged at the creature, roaring as it took a swing with enough force to destroy an armored truck. But to everyone's shock and horror, the flaming creature didn't even flinch. It didn't even move an inch, it stood there not acknowledging the massive fist that was on its face.

"W-WHA-" – but before the man could finish his sentence, the creature backhanded him to the side of the building. Bringing down most of it on top of him.

Everyone saw the event unfold in horror. They knew how strong that man was, for there were times in which he could fend off and even defeat heroes on his best day. Yet, that… thing, not only did it withstood a blow from him like it was nothing. But it knocked him to the side as if it was nothing.

The creature then started to pull chains coated in the same ungodly flames that covered him and he then turned its hollow gaze to the rest of the men. Every single one of the arm men quickly started to shoot at it. Yet the creature remained unfazed by their efforts. It simply swung its chain, grabbing one of the men and flung him across the alley. The rest of the men kept firing on the creature, hoping to cause some kind of damage. Yet that made nothing to slow it down.

Extending one of its arms, the skull monster raised a wall of fire in front of them. The men were now blinded by the intensity of the flames' heat. Without warning chains grabbed a hold of three men. Pulling them towards the flames where they all screamed in agony. The last two remaining shook in fear as the monster emerged from the flames. As it started to close the distance between it and its prey, the behemoth suddenly jumped in, grabbing its skull, hoping to crush it.

"DIE ALREADY YOU- AAAHHHH!" – he screamed when the creature grabbed a hold of his hand. Crushing it as if it was nothing, removing it from its face before grabbing his neck and pulling him downwards with ease.

"Ivan Woznyuk, your sins are far too great to be left unpunished." – it said, pulling him closer to it. – "For that, I shall wreak vengeance upon your soul."

What followed, was the most horrifying scream any one of them had ever heard. Ivan Woznyuk, one of the most cold blooded and merciless mercenaries in the world was screaming like a scared child crying for his mother. All by just looking at the creature's eyes. One of the two remaining men quickly grabbed a shotgun and shot it point blank at the monster's head. Despite the fact that the shot blew its head off, the monster's unholy grip did not lessen. The body still stood tall and to add to the horror of it all, its head quickly began to reform.

The monster then turned towards the man, who was shaking to his core. It then threw the body of Ivan to the other mercenary, knocking him out cold.

"P-p-please… no more… I d-d-don't w-w-want to see m-m-more…" – said Ivan, turning back to his normal size.

The monster then turned towards the last remaining member of the group. He was shaking as if a scared chihuahua, with him being as pale as a ghost. All the color had drained from his whole being. His trembling only worsened when the unholy beast started to slowly close the distance between the two of them.

"N-n-n-no… Please no… I-I-I'll give you anything you want just- OH GOD PLEASE NO!" – he shouted before an ungodly scream filled the streets of Los Angeles.

On that dark alley, six beaten bodies laid on the ground covered in burns. Whether they were alive or not did not concern the flamed skeleton. Just as it was about to leave, the creature's gaze caught a seventh body laying on the ground. That body that was filled with bullets belonged to Roberto Reyes, but that wasn't what originally caught the creatures gaze. What did thou, was the fact that within young Robbie's was something… sinister. Something that shouldn't be there, as if an extra malevolent soul just imprinted itself within his body.

Getting closer the creature saw that the boy was somehow still alive, but that he wouldn't last long. Robbie laid on the ground, coughing blood and struggling to breath. With his tired eyes, Robbie looked at the thing that dispatched the armed men. He looked at where its eyes should be and for some reason the pain grew to a point that burning alive would be preferable. He would have screamed in agony if not for the fact that he was currently choking.

The monster noticed it and had it had a face, it would have frowned. He shouldn't feel that much pain, something felt odd. It then took a look at the charger that was besides the kid. It instantly knew that the car or more specifically something that was inside of the car was to blame. It then looked back at Robbie and while trying to make as little eye contact as possible it looked at his expression. It was one of desperation, one of a man that would condemn one's soul… one that the creature was more than familiar. And considering the fact that if he focused he could hear a malevolent voice whispering, well, that didn't alleviate the creature's worries.

"Idiot." – said the creature before placing its hand on the boy's chest.

Soon, flames started to cover the boy's whole body and while Robbie was in incredible pain. The malevolent entity was in even more so, considering that it no longer whispered into his ears. It screamed.

"AAAAH!" – Robbie screamed.

Looking around he saw that he was no longer on that dark alley, but instead he was now back home. Looking through the window he saw that it was no longer nighttime. The sun had risen and the birds were singing. Believing that it was just a simple dream Robbie got out off bed and into his bathroom to wash his face. As he looked at his reflection he noticed something… odd.

"What in the-" – said Robbie, looking at how his right eye suddenly changed colors. Now instead of the original dark brown it suddenly gained a bright orange coloration. – "I better not be getting sick now."

"School time, school time, YEAH!" – Robbie suddenly heard Gabe's voice.

"That's right Gabe, it's school time. You ready little buddy?" – asked Robbie.

"YEAH! Are you going to drive in the new car?!" – asked Gabe.

"New car?" – asked Robbie.

He then quickly went to the front of the house and quickly opened the door. Parked in front of his driveway was the charger from last night. Robbie then quickly pulled out his phone and called his boss.

"Reyes? what is it kid?" – he asked.

"Hey Canelo, remember that black charger from yesterday? Some guy took it and parked it in front of my house. I know you're going to claim bull but-"

"Oh yeah the charger, did you like it?" – he asked.

"I swear to… wait what?"

"Yeah. Apparently the owner was some sort of gangster or something. Got beaten up so bad that the guy literally confessed every shit he ever committed. Then some hero with a goatee came to me to talk about you."

"And you didn't think that was suspicious?"

"Course I did, but I looked him up. The guy's the real deal."

"Ok… then what?"

"He said something about talking to the police. Something about pulling a few strings so that you could keep the car. When I asked him about it he said that a guy like you deserved to be spoiled every once in a while or something. Can't say I don't agree with him, you're a good kid Robbie."

"Yeah right. Something tells me that the guy wants something from me."

"Probably, you should keep an eye out just in case. But still, look on the bright side. With a car like that you can move faster. Well, it's kind of early in the morning, why don't you take her for a ride by driving your little bro and yourself to school? See ya later kid." – said Canelo before hanging up.

As he was contemplating just how weird his day has been going lately his phone rang. Looking at the screen, he saw that it was his friend Lisa, a girl that he once helped by tutoring in calculus. Even though he felt like she actually didn't need his help and just wanted to use it as an excuse to hang out with him and Gabe. Not like he cared or anything, he enjoys her company.

"Hey Lisa, what's up?"

I was wondering if you were going to do something today before going to work. You know, maybe we could go get breakfast or something."

"Well, I was planning on going to school. You know, considering that today is Thursday."

"Wait you haven't heard?"

"Heard what?"

"School's been canceled for the day."

"Wait, you serious?!"

"That's why I called."

"Do you know why?"

"Nope. I even called Mr. Wakeford to see if he knew something but even he doesn't know why."

"That's weird. Well, I was going to make breakfast for Gabe before driving him to school. So how about we meet at the mall at 10 o'clock?"

"Sure, that sounds… wait, did you say drive?"

"Umm, yeah."

"I didn't know you had a car."

"Neither did I until just a couple of minutes ago."

"How did that happen?!"

"I'm still not sure. How about I tell you what I know over breakfast?"

"Oh, umm sure. I'll meet you in the main entrance."

"Alright, until then. See ya Lisa."

"See ya."

After hanging up, Robbie took another look at the charger before getting inside to prepare breakfast. Something about the car was oddly familiar now that he had a closer look at it. After driving Gabe to school, Robbie returned home to take a shower before meeting up with Lisa. Just as he entered his house he suddenly heard someone's voice.

"You seem to be having an odd day."

"You have no id-" – Robbie suddenly stopped when he remembered that he was the only one that was supposed to be at home. Turning around he saw a transparent man floating in front of his couch. – "W-was there something on that cereal?"

"There are plenty of things in that cereal that are not as healthy to you as its mascot rabbit will try and make you believe but trust me Mr. Reyes. I am as real as you are." – said the man.

Suddenly Robbie's expression turned serious. Greeting his teeth and his right eye suddenly started to glow bright as steam started to come out of his body. However the man simply raised one of his hands.

"Please Mr. Reyes I mean you no harm."

"Yeah right prove it!" – he said, his voice suddenly changing as fire started to come out of his mouth.

"If I did, then I would have done something to you as you were preparing your younger brother for school. Or when you were dropping him with Mrs. Valenzuela, or even when you stopped by the pharmacy to buy yourself something in case you were feeling sick. By the way, that's quite the charming young lad and also, as a former medic I really don't approve of people automedicating themselves. You should go see a doctor before ingesting anything that could cause you harm."

Robbie's eyes suddenly opened wide. – "How… how did you know all of that?"

"Let's just say that I have a few tricks up my sleeve. But I didn't come here to talk about that, I came here to verify something. And by the way you started to spit flames from your mouth as your right eye started to glow I can most certainly say that my worries were proven correctly… dammit Johnny." – muttered the spectral man.

"Look man, I have no idea what you want, but I already have plans for the day, so if you could-"

"Oh I heard. You're going to meet with a certain Lisa. Friend of yours?" – he asked. – "Well, while that was certainly not on my mind when I moved some strings to have school canceled for today. I guess you're allowed some fun after what happened yesterday." – said the man, shocking Robbie.

"Wait that was yo- Hold on! You mean… you mean that wasn't a dream?" –asked Robbie in disbelief.

"I'm afraid not Roberto. But that's why I'm here, to help you. Don't worry, it won't take long I promise to be done with time to spare for you to go on your date."

"It's not a date."

"Sure it's not." – said the man.

"... Fine, make it quick. By the way, I never got your name."

"My apologies, where are my manners?" – he said after clearing his throat. – "My name is Stephen Strange, sorcerer supreme of this plane of existence and I will like to make a proposition to you Roberto."

"What kind of proposition?"

"The kind that could help improve the kind of lifestyle you and your brother have. The one that will allow you to have a better control of the abilities that you'll soon realize you have. The kind that could answer why Ghost Rider decided to save you by infusing your soul with hellfire."

"... I'm listening."

"Very well then, before that I do have a question." he– said getting all the attention of young Robbie. – "What do you think of Japan?"

Robbie Reyes will return