The staff struck each of them once, and both Ghost Riders crashed to the ground. Their energy seemed to have run out; the flames on their bodies went out, and they reverted to ordinary human forms.
Johnny was the first to climb back up. He looked somewhat dazed, standing there with a hand over his forehead as he tried to recall what had happened.
When Danny got to his feet, he shoved Johnny and shouted, "Look at the mess you made!"
Johnny glanced at him but said nothing. Limping, he headed toward his motorcycle, seemingly intending to leave.
Danny rushed over again, blocking his path. "You destroyed everything, and now you think you can just walk away?!"
"What the hell are you talking about?!" Johnny said impatiently. "I was just doing my job. Can you stop bothering me all the time?"
"Who do you work for? Mephisto, isn't it?! That damned demon who destroyed the Cage family and ruined everything we had!"
"Who I work for is none of your business! I..."
"Excuse me." Stark flew over and landed slowly, looking at the two of them. "Don't you think you need to explain what exactly is going on here?"
"It must have been Mephisto!" Danny said. "He sent Johnny here to spread the curse, that damned devil!"
Stark turned his gaze toward Johnny. Johnny looked tired. He shook his head and said, "I came here only to carry out a Ghost Rider's duty."
"What duty?"
"To judge sinners." Johnny sighed before continuing, "I followed the scent of sin here. There are two souls here that I'm supposed to take away."
"What about the monster? What was that about?"
"I don't know. It had nothing to do with me."
"He's lying!" Danny stressed. "Devils are always good at deception. Mephisto couldn't