The Writer rides in with another chapter for you. Enjoy

Chapter 8

Coming a stop in front of the cemetery, Jack got off of his motorcycle and made his way past the headstones and towards the Caretaker to get to him answer the questions he needed answers for. As he made his way through the cemetery, he saw that the Caretaker was busy chopping wood with a simple axe.

"So. I hear you met up with BlackHeart." The man said, not stopping in his wood chopping.

That stopped Jack as he looked at the Caretaker. "How'd you know?" he asked.

The Caretaker stopped his work and gave a smirk of amusement at Jack. "Call it a hunch."

Shaking his head, Jack stood in front of the Caretaker, making sure to stay away from the swinging axe. "I need you help."

"About?" the Caretaker asked, not looking up from his work as he placed another block of wood on the stump.

"What can you tell me about why BlackHeart would want something called an Infinity Stone, more specifically, the Soul Stone." Jack explained.

The Caretaker stopped himself from swinging his axe when he heard Jack say the words 'Infinity Stone'. He looked at Jack for a few moments before sighing and placing the axe against the stump and indicated for him to follow. Following the Caretaker into his house, he sat down onto one of the chairs and watched as he grabbed a rather ancient looking book from his bookshelf.

"Tell me everything that happened." The Caretaker asked as he began flipping through the pages.

So Jack explained everything that had happened, about how he found BlackHeart and his lesser demons to the part about how he learned about the Soul Stone and the Contract. The Caretaker said nothing the whole time as he continued to flip through the pages. When Jack had finished reciting his tale, the Caretaker placed the open book on the table before turning to him.

"I think its best if you learn the whole story of the Infinity Stones." he said as he showed the book to Jack.

Looking down he saw that it was about the Infinity and how they came into existence. It read:

Before creation itself, there were six singularities. Then the universe exploded and the remnants of these systems were forged into concentrated ingots. Infinity Stones. Time. Space. Power. Mind. Reality. Soul. These stones can only be wielded by being of extraordinary strength. The first of these were beings called the Celestials.

These Celestials, with the Infinity Stones could wipe out entire civilizations like wheat on a field. However, one rule that was written was that the Infinity Stones were never to be brought together by a single entity. For if they were to posses all six Infinity Stones, they would have the ability to shape the multi-universe as they saw fit.

This was the case when the Mad Titan called Thanos possessed all Six Infinity Stones. It was only through the combined efforts of the Celestials and avatars of the universe was Thanos defeated and cast out of the multi-universe and into the void between realities. Once the Mad Titan was defeated. The Celestials and avatars of the universe decided to scatter all six Infinity Stones into five other realities. The only Stone left was the Soul Stone and it was too powerful to scatter it out. It was decided that the Soul Stone would remain within this Universe.

However, before the end of the Celestials, a prophecy was made that said that the Six Infinity Stones would one day be brought back together and that Thanos would return soon after.

As Jack finished reading the last line, he thought about the Soul Stone and was thankful that the other Stones were scattered throughout the multiverse. It would be a nightmare to keep the other stones safe if someone was that desperate to gain all six. Another thing that made him think was the Mad Titan, Thanos. Something about him sent a shiver down his spine and Jack hoped to never face him ever.

"So? What do you think?" The Caretaker asked, peering at Jack.

"Well I think that this is such a wonderful bedtime story. Makes me want to take a nap." Jack joked which earned a snort from the old man. "But honestly, this still doesn't tell me much about what BlackHeart ants with the Soul Stone."

"Perhaps he wants to reap the souls of every being in the universe." The Caretaker stated.

"Maybe, but that would mean he has less people to rule over. I mean,, isn't that what he's after? Get the Soul Stone and rule a universe of mindless people." Jack asked.

"So what do you think he wants the contract of San Venganza for?" The Caretaker asked.

Jack sighed as he ran his hand through his hair. "I don't know. I mean, what would gaining a thousand evil souls do to a person, let alone a demon?" Jack asked himself as much as he was asking the Caretaker.

"I don't know either kid. But I do know this. Whether or not he has a thousand evil souls or just one, BlackHeart can still be defeated. You just hope he never gets his hand on the Soul Stone." The Caretaker said.

Jack nodded in agreement and understanding. He did however have one final question. "You once offered to help me better understand the Ghost Rider and his abilities. Is it still open?" he asked.

The Caretaker simply gave Jack a smirk.

"How much do you know about the origins of the Ghost Riders?" The Caretaker asked as he watched Jack cut some logs.

"Nothing, actually." Jack replied as he placed another log.

"Well it seems some history in order kid." The Caretaker said. "You see, The devil as you call him is actually called Mephisto. He may seem all powerful but don't mistake him for the real devil."

"Why not?" Jack asked.

"Because he serves another, far more powerful master. This master is as old as the universe itself and while he might be active right now, he soon will be." The Caretaker explained. "From Mephisto came the Ghost Riders and while he cannot control the Riders, his master can. You see, as legend tells, this master fought against another being of equal strength. The master was a being of destruction and the other of creation. They fought each other for many millennia until Mephisto's master was beaten and cast out. In anger he created his own domain and from there Mephisto was born."

"What's his name?" Jack asked.

"Unicron." The Caretaker answered.

That name sent a shiver down Jack's spine and he could even feel the Rider's own disquiet at the name. Jack did not know why but the mere mention of Unicron's name made Jack fear for his life and the Rider's uneasiness. "What about this other being? What happened to it?" he asked.

"I don't know, kid. But legend says that it sent out an Angel of Justice to keep an eye out for any whispers of Unicron's appearance." The Caretaker replied.

Deciding to finish cutting the logs, Jack quickly split the logs in twain before facing the Caretaker. "So what's next?" he asked.

"The Ghost Rider has always been able to control hellfire to do whatever they wish with. They can create weapons of Hellfire, massive explosions powerful enough to level a city and even create portals to other worlds. As I'm sure you're aware by now, you have increased mobility and strength and while in the Rider, you can not be harmed by any form of damage, though you can still feel some of the pain." The Caretaker explained.

"Any limitations?" Jack asked.

The Caretaker shook his head. "Not that I'm aware of." he answered.

Jack stayed silent for a while as he mulled over what he had just learned, and he came to the same conclusion that he did days ago and that was that the Caretaker was Carter Slade from the story and also a Ghost Rider. The question is how he managed to survive for so long. he decided to ask.

"Can the host of the Ghost Rider live beyond their life span?" Jack asked.

"Now why would you ask such a question such as that?" Caretaker asked with a look of scrutiny.

Jack simply shrugged, keeping a straight face as he did so. "Just asking?"

The Caretaker was silent and Jack as worried that he might have pissed him off. That is until the Caretaker answered. "It is said that when the host and the Ghost Rider stay together long enough, the host becomes long lived so long as the Ghost Rider is still within. The only way for the host to die is for the spirit and host to separate willingly or for the spirit to be banished." he explained.

"Is that how you know so much about the Ghost Riders, their history and how what they're capable of?" Jack asked. "You're Carter Slade, aren't you?"

The Caretaker gave a long hard stare at Jack as he seemed to think something over. "I am." he answered.

Three days had past since Jack had confirmed the identity of Carter Slade and another two since he left, staying for another day to learn whatever Slade could teach him about the Ghost Rider. Currently he was driving through the Neveda desert road, appreciating the silence besides the roar of the engine.

As he continued to drive, he thought about what he was going to do and was coming up empty. He could return to the Autobots and continue to help them combat the Decepticons. While that would appeal to him, he did not know if his mother would want him to return to school. That brought a silent groan as he thought about all the homework and studies he had to catch up on. That was going to be a pain.

Another part of him wanted to find BlackHeart and deal with him before he causes more trouble. Unfortunately without a ways to track him, he had to wait for him to make a move. That did not sit well with him.

Shaking himself out of his thoughts, he continued to ride forward when he began to feel a presence he had not felt in a long time. Slowing down before stopping to the side of the road, Jack closed his eyes and stretched his senses out before snapping them open. He glared at the figure that was now standing in front of him.

There, standing in front of him was the person who caused him to lose his father and turn him into the Ghost Rider. Mephisto was standing there with a slight smirk wearing the same clothes he wore when he met him all those years ago, cane and all.

"Hello Jack." Mephisto greeted, as if greeting an old friend. "It's been quite some time hasn't it?"

"Not long enough Mephisto." Jack shot back. "Why are you here?"

"I'm here about the deal we made Jack. Now that my son has made his presence to you known, it is imperative that you bring him home." Mephisto answered, unfazed by Jack attitude towards him.

"And how do you suppose I do that? I don't exactly know where he currently is. Besides, why do you want him? Surely the Chaos Bringer would want one of his underlings to cause chaos." Jack stated.

"Be very careful on how you speak about my master Jack." Mephisto warned. "Unicron is not someone to be trifled with. The reason I want my son home is because Unicron wants to punish him for his disobedience."

"You still haven't answered my question, how do I find him." Jack asked.

"That I cannot help you with, however what I can do is warn you." Mephisto said.

"Warn me? About what?" Jack asked, careful to not trust him completely.

"Unicron's return is imminent. If he is not stopped then your world and all you hold dear will die." Mephisto explained.

"Why do you care?" Jack asked, not believing him for the moment.

"Profit. Without a world for me to manipulate and play with, I'll get bored. Besides, there are some interesting people in this plane of existence that intrigue me." He answered.

"So that's all we are to you? Toys?" Jack asked, not knowing whether to feel insulted or angry at the person in front of him.

"Of course." Mephisto replied, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Jack shook his head. "If what you say is true, then my immediate priority is preparing for Unicron's return." he said.

"You cannot stop his return Jack. Only survive against the storm that is coming. You must however, find and bring BlackHeart home before the year's end." Mephisto stated. "I can at least tell you that you should stay within New York, one of his minions should be around."

"What makes you think they will come after me?" Jack asked.

"They will, of that I'm sure. Good luck." Mephisto says before disappearing in a cloud of black smoke.

A little short, but there was very little for me to write without it feeling forced. I hope you like this chapter. Tell me your thoughts in the reviews, send me a PM if you have any questions and remember to have an AWESOME DAY!