If I attack Maractus that has the "Exploding Needles" Ability with a damaged Lillie's Comfey's "Fade Out" attack, would I put 6 damage counters on Lillie's Comfey and knock it out before it goes to the hand?
No, Lillie's Comfey would go to the hand first and then Exploding Needles would be triggered and find no valid target.
Fade OutExploding Needles