Welcome back to Ashes of Midnight. Last time, the impossible became possible, as Cynder's gamble with Nico Minoru's research paid out in spades, as Scarlet Witch and Spyro were freed from Lilith and Malefor's control. Caretaker was completely astonished by this working, everybody else was happy to see their friends restored, especially Nico Minoru and the rest of the Midnight Suns. And hell, even the ghost of Agatha Harkness showed up, if only in the background. And once everybody else had left for the night, Wanda, Spyro, and Cynder had a small conversation, basically thanking Cynder for not giving up on them. And with that, they headed to bed for the night. So, what awaits in the morning? Read on to discover...
(Our scene opens up in the chamber that Cynder is occupying, with her waking up from arguably one of the most restful sleeps she's ever had. But it's clear when she does, she's expecting to wake up next to someone, only the bed holds just her. She gets up and starts looking, and soon enough finds the person she was sleeping with, Spyro, out on the balcony)
Cynder: Spyro? I got to admit, this is a first. Usually you're never up before me.
Spyro: I couldn't sleep last night. And to be honest, I don't think Wanda could either.
Cynder: (Places a paw on his shoulder) Is this about Lilith?
Spyro: It still doesn't feel real. (Looks at the ring on his tail) I wasn't strong enough to fight it off. (As a tear forms in his eye) What right do I have to assume I'm strong enough to defend you...
Cynder: I'm going to stop you right there. Your strength is not in question. Nobody could have anticipated anything that's happened in the last few weeks. Lilith overpowered just about all of us when she first showed up. And adding Malefor's power into that... well, you get where I'm going. Your strength is not in doubt, at least not to me. And even then, you're not in this fight alone. You still have me. It's always been a team effort between us.
(Spyro dries his eyes, and puts his arm around Cynder, pulling her in for a kiss)
Spyro: Thank you, Cynder. I needed that more than you realize.
Cynder: Just doing what I can, my love. Now come on, let's head down for some breakfast before Wanda takes the last breakfast burrito.
(With a chuckle from Spyro, the two head down to the Mirror Table, where Cynder, Spyro, Scarlet Witch, and Caretaker are observing the patterns in Lilith and Malefor's activity while Ghost Rider is chilling in the background.)
Caretaker: It's not just in the southwest. Look at this.
Spyro: HYDRA's forces are mobilizing en masse in... Eastern Europe? What are they trying to do? Invade Latveria or Symkaria? Something tells me neither Doom nor Silver Sable would not be happy about that.
Cynder: That's not where they're headed.
Scarlet Witch: It's Transia.
(At this point, the Mirror Table starts pulsing, which it's not supposed to do)
Spyro: Is it supposed to do that?
Cynder: Not even remotely.
(At that point, the Mirror Table erupts into simulated fire, and something about it catches Ghost Rider's attention)
Ghost Rider: Holy disturbance in the force!
Scarlet Witch: It's anything but holy, Robbie.
Caretaker: For once, Wanda's right.
(And then, out of the bubbling Mirror Table, the form of Johnny Blaze on his motorcycle emerges)
Johnny Blaze: (To Ghost Rider) Wake up, kid. If you're getting this, well, we need to have a little chat. Ghost Rider to Ghost Rider.
Ghost Rider: I'm listening.
Johnny Blaze: (As the image of a church materializes next to him) Not here, at the Mesa. Bring your pit crew too. We're going to need all the help we can get here. I'm kind of counting on you to bring them.
(And with that the image disappears, leaving the Mirror Table bubbling.)
Ghost Rider: Well that was... odd.
Cynder: And cryptic. Even for Johnny Blaze. We'd best get on this straightaway. (To Spyro and Scarlet Witch) Are either of you up to this?
Scarlet Witch: Being honest, I don't even know if Spyro and I are truly free of Lilith or Malefor's grasp.
Caretaker: Twice in one day we agree on something, Wanda. This is truly unexpected.
Spyro: I agree with Wanda on this one. Plus, I have a feeling my purple hide is not one Blaze wants to see without skinning, especially after burning down the carnival.
Cynder: I understand.
Spyro: Actually, could you please send him an apology for all that?
Cynder: I'll do what I can. (To Ghost Rider) Somebody call Magik, let's move out.
(And with that, our scene ends for today)
And that looks like a good place to wrap up for now. So, all of this has Spyro doubting his strength to protect anyone, but especially Cynder. Hopefully she's put his mind at ease. And now Johnny Blaze has turned back up and is acting rather odd. What is he up to? The answers start rolling in next time, so tune in for that! Same time... same channel!