Hercules, Crystal and Black Knight go for a joyride in the skycar, but crash land it on a stretch of highway after it goes wildly out of control. Watching from Olympus, Ares and Hera agree to a contest to see who can cause Hercules the most sorrow. Dane finds the skycar was sabotaged and suggests to Black Widow and Vision a connection to Swordsman and Magdalene. Hercules leaves for an appearance at a children’s hospice with Crystal and Thor, but Dane, reluctantly desiring distance from Crystal, declines to accompany them. The Avengers charm the children and impress hospice volunteer Taylor Madison. Possessing Thor, Ares attacks Hercules, goading him to kill the Thunder God, but Hercules realizes who his true foe is when Thor calls him by his ancient Greek name “Herakles.” Forcing his opponent to use Mjolnir to summon lightning, Hercules has Crystal boost the lightning, forcing Ares out of Thor’s body. Hera appears and spirits Ares away, but Hercules’ outrage over their conduct becomes relief upon seeing that Thor survived. Hera watches as Taylor sees to Hercules’ injuries and laughs, her plan to cause Hercules sorrow just beginning.