Welcome back to Ashes of Midnight. Last time, the HYDRA takedown marathon was starting to take a toll on all involved, when Sabretooth decided now was the best time to strike. Thankfully, with some help from Wolverine, Cynder and her team were able to take the mutant down, but not before he found his way into the grasp of Lilith and Malefor, alongside a mysterious figure who took down the pursuing Wolverine after Lilith made Sabretooth one of her Fallen. So, what awaits going ahead? Read on to discover...

(Our scene opens with Cynder, Ghost Rider, and Magik arriving back at The Abbey, with Caretaker and Nico Minoru waiting for them)

Nico Minoru: Heard you guys had some unexpected guests out there.

Cynder: Yeah. Faustus' notes said nothing about Sabretooth being on HYDRA's payroll. Thankfully Logan showed up and saved our necks.

Ghost Rider: Which reminds me, how are you and Wolverine on a first name basis?

Caretaker: Logan's not his first name. It's actually James.

Cynder: He prefers Logan though.

Magik: Despite all that, it was still good to run into some fellow mutants.

Cynder: Speaking of mutants, have you heard from your brother recently? I'm starting to get worried about Colossus out in Ukraine.

Caretaker: Piotr actually just sent a letter to his sister while you were away.

Magik: Thank goodness, he's still alive.

Caretaker: While you get caught up. I'd best look into what happened tonight.

Cynder: You needn't worry about Logan, he's an honorable man, if rough at the edges.

Caretaker: It's more Sabretooth I'm concerned with. He's a homicidal maniac, and if he's got his sights on you, it's not a good thing.

Magik: (Having finally registered that Caretaker knows Wolverine's real name) Wait, backing up a few minutes, you know Logan?

Caretaker: Who do you think told me about you? You have no idea how many people have wandered into these woods over the years. And some do have a habit of finding their way back. This isn't the last we've seen of either of them, I'll guarantee it.

Cynder: Good to know. (Yawns) I think I'm going to turn in early tonight. I'd advise you kids to do the same.

(With that, Cynder heads into The Abbey to sleep, and then the next morning, she's back in the makeshift command center with the others, getting the latest from Bruce Banner, who seems frustrated about something.)

Bruce Banner: Apologies for the delays. Steve and I are the only ones holding down the fort here and given my... condition, I just haven't been myself.

Iron Man: Hey, we all have those days. Though I'd say you have that worse than...

Cynder: (Shooting an evil glare at Iron Man) Tony! (Back to Bruce Banner) Bruce, come on, you're more than the Hulk. You're one of the most brilliant scientists on the planet!

Caretaker: Indeed, and it's time you shared some of that brilliance with us, Doctor. When can we expect to see your findings?

(Before Bruce Banner can respond however, the comm system seems to short out again)

Iron Man: Gremlins again.

(Captain Marvel appears to be just about to kick the thing again, but then the reception comes back, admittedly spotty, but it does.)

Bruce Banner: Losing power... on Arc reactors 1... and 3... facing... complete... DEFENSIVE GRID FAILURE!

(At this point, everybody is stunned.)

Cynder: It's Lilith and Malefor, I can sense it.

Iron Man: Impossible, even for them!

Cynder: Do you have any idea how many times Spyro took down the defensive grid on accident? He's way less powerful than Malefor, and Malefor's actually trying to do it!

Iron Man: Okay, dropping it down to improbable.

Bruce Banner: Incoming... HYDRA gunship... We're being completely overrun... Missiles... TARGETTING... OUR...

Captain Marvel: Oh, this isn't good. Bruce, I need you to stay calm.

Bruce Banner: I... am... calm. I'm... ALWAYS CALM!

(A missile hits the comm system taking it out)

Captain Marvel: BRUCE!

Iron Man: Keep trying to work the comms, Carol. I may be able to reboot the system if I can get close enough to the tower.

Cynder: If Lilith and Malefor are behind this, you'll need me there.

Iron Man: Normally I'd be saying something, but we've got no time to argue. Let's go.

(As Cynder and Iron Man take off through a Limbo portal to Avengers Tower, our scene ends for today)

And that looks like a fittingly cliffhanger to leave off on. So, the assault on Avengers Tower begins. But will Cynder and Iron Man get there in time to keep Bruce Banner out of HYDRA's clutches? Or is it already too late? Tune in next time to find out! Same time... same channel!