Welcome back to Ashes of Midnight! Last time, Spider-Man put his plan to get a sample of Fallen Venom's symbiote into action. And apparently that plan was to lead him back to the church where Spidey cast off the symbiote in the first place and use the bell to weaken him. Well, after dropping the bell at least once, the plan was ultimately a complete success, and now our team of heroes has a sample of Fallen Venom's symbiote. So, what comes next? Read on to discover...

(Our scene resumes in The Abbey, where Captain America is debriefing everyone on the Fallen Venom situation)

Captain America: Fury's got two teams digging for Venom as we speak.

Spider-Man: If I were in his eyepatch, I'd double that at least. Just saying...

Captain Marvel: Kid, you dropped a church on him. He's not going anywhere.

Caretaker: Parker.

Blade: Uh oh.

Cynder: Caretaker, this isn't the time.

Caretaker: Congratulations, on a job well done.

Spider-Man: Aw, thanks everybody. I'll remember this moment forever. Which is probably how long it'll take me to pay off the church's repair bills.

Ghost Rider: Don't sweat it, we've got a billionaire in the house.

Nico Minoru: At least Stark's credit card is good for something.

Iron Man: Real sweethearts, these kids. (To Spider-Man) Nice work, Peter. Executed that plan like a champ.

Cynder: See what happens when you're willing to take a chance?

Iron Man: Craziest plan I've seen in my life. I still can't believe he pulled that off.

Doctor Strange: Yes, and now, with that sample of the symbiote, we can finally develop a countermeasure.

Spider-Man: Then what are we waiting for? Let's get out there and save the world! Oh, by the way, if anybody happened to record that, could you send it to me? For training purposes, of course.

Iron Man: Well, we'd best get to the forge. Hopefully, with this sample, we'll have something by morning.

Cynder: In that case, I suggest we adjourn for the night. (Yawns) I'm honestly getting kind of tired.

Caretaker: Agreed. Though, Cynder, before you go, might we speak?

Cynder: (Sighs) Whatever.

(Sensing the awkwardness in the room, everybody else heads for either The Forge or their sleeping quarters, leaving only Cynder and Caretaker behind)

Cynder: If you're just going to complain that I took authority out of your hands, spare me the whining. I've heard enough of it from you to last a thousand lifetimes.

Caretaker: On the contrary. I'm actually quite proud that you decided to take charge.

Cynder: (Completely caught off guard by that statement) Come again?

Caretaker: I said, I'm proud that you took charge. Not many people have the guts to do what you did. Believe me, I know.

Cynder: No offense, but under your direction, we were getting nowhere. Like I said then.

Caretaker: And you did exactly what The Hunter would have done. Put up with none of it, take charge, and get the job done. It was reckless as could possibly be, but ultimately, I see it was the right move. And I applaud you for making it when nobody else would.

Cynder: Now let's just hope something will come of it. That maybe we'll find a way to get everybody back to normal.

Caretaker: And that brings up my second point. I know you and Nico are both hopeful for an alternative to bring Wanda, Spyro, and the others back to their senses. But I must ask you. If there proves to be no way to save them, are you willing to kill them.

Cynder: (Not even gracing the question with an answer) There's a way. I'm sure of it.

Caretaker: What makes you so certain.

Cynder: You know as well as I do. I was under Malefor's power from the ages of five to twelve. And there was a way to undo it. Even with Lilith's power enhancing his, this is still partially Malefor's magic. If I can be brought back from it, I know the others can too. We just need to find the right trick. Now, if you'll excuse me, I didn't sleep that well last night, and kind of need to catch up.

(And with that, Cynder leaves for her quarters, leaving Caretaker on her own)

Caretaker: I haven't seen a facade of strength like that in years. But I can tell you're still fragile underneath. I will do what I can to spare you from the pain, but your heart, I may not be able to protect.

(And on those ominous words, Caretaker leaves, as our scene ends for today)

And that looks like a good place to stop for tonight. Before we get to the recap, I will say this, Caretaker's last line is actually a reference to another Spyro fan work. If you know, don't spoil it. Can't promise that I'll reveal it next update, for note. So, it looks like for once, the good guys are making progress! And Caretaker is actually proud of Cynder for taking charge like she did? Mark that down as unexpected. So, what will Iron Man and Doctor Strange come up with? Tune in next time to find out! Same time... same channel!