Deals With Our Devils
May and Mack raced into the the lab with soldiers at their backs. When they looked around, they saw no signs of anyone.
“What happened?” May frowned as they entered the lab. “I expected a crater.”
“No explosion.” Mack replied as he looked around for Ward and Coulson. “The room seems stable.” May rushed off to see if she could find Lincoln. “Was it some kind of energy weapon?” Mack wondered to himself. “This all feels wrong.”
“No Lincoln either.” May stated. “I don't get it. There should be some sign of them. It's like they vanished.”
“Coulson?” Mack called on comms. “Ward, Lincoln, report in.” They got nothing.
“Alpha Team do you read?” A SHIELD Agent called to Mack and May on comms. “We’ve got movement. Joseph Bauer is in the South Corridor.”
“Joe.” May said. “Let’s see what he knows.” Together they raced off to the South Corridor. Meanwhile, Joe was walking through the halls when he was called by an agent.
“Mr. Bauer.” The agent said. “We’re here to escort you out of here.” Joe turned around to face the four agents and raised the carbon dagger he’d created. The agents cocked their weapons as they saw it.
“Beautiful no?” Joe murmured. “Pure carbon.”
“Sir you have to put down the weapon.” The agent ordered. Joe complied, dropping the dagger and watching it shatter on the ground. Suddenly carbon spikes shot out of the agents’ bodies instantaneously, killing them. By the time May and Mack arrived, all they saw were the bodies of the four agents and a giant wall of carbon blocking their path.
“We’re into nightmare territory here.” Mack murmured, examining the bodies. “This is evil. This is…”
“It’s Joe.” May stated.
---
The team and Gabe gathered around the monitors to watch the video feed of what had happened to Coulson, Ward, Lincoln, Robbie, Eli, and Lucy. Everyone bore looks of horror at what they’d just witnessed.
“This is a tragedy.” Mace stated. “We have to prepare for the likelihood-”
“Whatever you're gonna say, don't.” Daisy insisted. “I see the way you're all looking at that screen. We don't know what happened.”
“Daisy.” Mack sighed.
“It's okay.” Mace assured. “This is a process.”
“No, it's SHIELD.” Daisy retorted. “Impossible things happen all the time. That... that machine ghosted that Lucy woman who by the way vanished too.”
“So what Coulson Ward and Lincoln come back in five years, bloody and insane?” Mack demanded.
“I don't know.” Daisy replied. “That's my point. They could be stuck in one of those boxes or…”
“Or maybe they're gone.” May stated coldly.
“May I know it's crazy.” Daisy said. “But Coulson came back from the dead, Ward and Lincoln shoot fire and lightning from their hands, and Robbie's head turns into a flaming skull. I mean if there is anyone in this world who could come back from something like this it’s them.”
“We need to get Joseph Bauer off the street.” Mack stated.
“No.” Mace replied. “Fitz and Simmons need to study this tech first, figure out what makes Bauer tick.”
“He’ll kill again sir.” Mack frowned.
“He just killed four agents with his mind.” Mace stated. “Go after him now you’ll make it five.”
“Those agents died for no reason!” Mack exclaimed.
“And hopefully Agents Fitz and Simmons will give us a way to avenge them.” Mace replied. “And if we’re really, really lucky, they’ll find hope for saving our friends.” Daisy nodded and left the room. Once she was far enough that the rest of the team couldn’t hear her, she slammed her fist into the wall. She took several deep breaths, attempting to calm herself to avoid spiraling.
“You don’t get to die on me Grant…” She murmured. “I don’t care what it takes you are going to get your ass back here. I need you.”
---
“So what kind of powers do you think Mike’s gonna have?” Fitz asked Simmons as they drank the coffee Sarah made for them.
“If I had to guess something mental.” Simmons answered. “He’s complaining about headaches but no physical symptoms.”
“That’s probably better for him.” Fitz mused. “Harder to test for though. I mean if he’s got fire powers like Ward or superstrength like Mace all we’d need to do is wait for him to accidentally break something with his powers. We could have him try to solve some complex puzzles and see if that gets us anywhere.”
“Sounds like a good idea.” Simmons smiled. “There’s a few from Survivor we could give him.”
“Good idea.” Fitz grinned.
---
May was pacing around the Quinjet when Mack came in to find her.
“I know you're not okay, but... you okay?” Mack asked.
“What if Daisy was right and they're not dead?” May said.
“Where's this coming from?” Mack asked. May reached onto the shelf and pulled down her bag. She opened it and revealed the Darkhold inside.
“I have a feeling.” May said. “Can't explain.”
“I know you're hurting, but Coulson was clear.” Mack stated. “Do not open that book.”
“He didn't know what was inside it.” May protested.
“Those ghosts did.” Mack said. “And from what they’ve said, it's Pandora's Box, and you don't know the consequences.”
“Neither do you.” May insisted. “This might be our only shot at saving them.”
“Melinda, don't you dare.” Mack growled.
“You wanted to speak?” Their argument was interrupted by Mace’s arrival outside the Quinjet.
“Yes, sir.” Mack nodded. “I, uh... I think I've found a workable lead to track down Joseph Bauer, from one of May's better ideas.”
“Then let's hear it.” Mace nodded for them to continue.
“Remember Chen, the head of the Chinatown Crew that ordered the heist of these boxes?” Mack asked.
“He got infected by Lucy, went through the same thing I did.” May elaborated.
“Until his brains hemorrhaged all over the lab.” Mace nodded.
“Well I think Joe’s gonna recruit them to his cause.” Mack stated. “They already expressed interest in the technology. It wouldn’t take much for them to strike up a deal. I think they might know where he’s holed up. I figure, if I find their hideouts, I find Bauer, and then I can-”
“Slow down.” Mace held up his hand. “We're not gonna just go cracking heads.”
“It's not cracking heads.” Mack frowned.
“Let him go.” May said. “Someone should.”
“Look, my job is to keep people safe.” Mack stated.
“Mine too.” Mace replied. “So, first we sharpen the ax, and then we chop the tree.”
“My ax is plenty sharp.” Mack glowered. “And a shotgun.”
“We'll follow your leads in due time, after we study this tech.” Mace stated. “The Zephyr is wheels up in five. Agent Mackenzie, there are four fallen agents who need to be prepped for their... for their last ride home.”
“Yes, sir.” Mack reluctantly agreed before stalking out of the Quinjet.
“You and I will ride ahead in the Quinjet.” Mace said to May. “Get this cargo back to base, max speed. Doctor Radcliffe will work on them immediately.”
“What about Fitz and Simmons?” May asked.
“They’re still working with the inhuman kid.” Mace stated. “They managed to get him out of the husk but they’re trying to determine his powers. Until they do it’s safer for them to be present with him and his family in the event his powers are more destructive. Radcliffe and Donnie are smart. They should be able to handle this.”
---
Daisy walked into the cargo bay and saw Robbie’s brother Gabe sitting in front of Robbie’s car. She figured he could use someone to talk to.
“Hey.” She said as she approached him. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Daisy.” Gabe didn’t say anything. “Penny for your thoughts?” Daisy asked.
“They were my closest family, and I didn't know them at all.” Game murmured. “They both... I knew Robbie was disturbed, but... But I was afraid that was 'cause of me... 'cause I was holding him back.”
“No, you... you were what he held onto.” Daisy assured him. “You grounded him.”
“But I wanted him to leave.” Gabe said softly. “You know, figure himself out. I didn't know that was what he was up against.”
“Your brother loves you more than anything.” Daisy insisted.
“I just wish we had talked.” Gabe sighed. “Last thing I said to him was about how he was a murderer. You really think he's not gone?”
“I know the feeling when someone's gone, and I don't feel that now.” Daisy said. “Plus, your brother's pretty damn stubborn.”
“You have no idea.” Gabe chuckled. “What about you? Usually people have a reason when they’re as insistent as you were about them still being alive.”
“Yes.” Daisy nodded. “One of the guys who picked you up. He’s someone special to me. He’s also a stubborn sonofabitch who refuses to die no matter how much people want him to. I believe both he and your brother are gonna make it outta this. And like I said Coulson died and came back to life. They’ll come back.”
“If Robbie is out there, he's gonna go straight for Uncle Eli’s boss.” Gabe said. Suddenly they heard the sound of a motorcycle revving and saw Mack with his shotgun axe sitting on his bike.
“And he'd be doing the right thing.” Mack growled.
“Mack, what are you doing?” Daisy frowned. Mack didn’t say anything, instead beating the SHIELD agent who tried to stop him from leaving and driving off down the ramp.
---
Back in the particle chamber, Ward, Coulson, and Eli dragged themselves off the floor as Lincoln raced into the lab.
“Fucking hell what happened?” Ward groaned. He caught sight of Robbie dragging Lucy up from the floor. Eli was the first to notice the difference.
“Lucy you seem different.” He said. “Less ghostly.”
“Does that mean she’s cured?” Coulson asked.
“No.” Lincoln shook his head. “It means we’re screwed.”
“The blast must’ve altered our state somehow.” Eli stated.
“Your nephew said you would fix me!” Lucy snarled.
“Hey I’m not the one who gave Joseph back the book!” Eli shot back.
“I wouldn’t’ve had to do that if you’d read it yourself!” Lucy shouted.
“Enough!” Ward shouted. “You two are gonna give me headache.” May and Mack arrived and they quickly discovered that they couldn’t see them. Everyone followed them back to the Zephyr where the team went over the plan.
“Guess this is what it’s like to go to your own funeral.” Lincoln muttered.
“I hate watching my own demise.” Coulson nodded.
“We’re not dead.” Lucy scowled. “Not yet anyway. Though I’m not sure how you think we’re gonna fix this. Your friends think we’re dead.”
“You mind explaining whatever the hell’s the matter with us?” Ward grumbled.
“We’re out of phase with our reality.” Eli explained. “It's like the invisible quantum mechanics inside the boxes, moving in and out of our dimension. We’re stuck in between.”
“Trapped between dimensions?” Coulson frowned.
“Yeah.” Eli nodded. “That shock wave? That wasn't turbulence. That was friction between two dimensions. Imagine the world is a raft floating on water. And Joe punches a hole right at our feet. We're getting sucked down into... who knows what?”
“Like Tobias Ford.” Ward said to Coulson. “And if our situation is anything like his…”
“We’re being dragged to hell.” Coulson sighed.
“We’ve also been pulled further than the other ghosts.” Lincoln added. “They could be seen, interact with the world around them. We can’t even do that. Hell I can’t even use my powers.”
“Robbie what about you?” Coulson asked. “Got any hell demon tricks up your sleeve?”
“No.” Robbie said, clenching his fist. “He’s fighting me right now.”
“Guess we stick together then.” Ward sighed. “Figure out how to make them hear us.”
“Frederick and Hugo.” Lucy said. “They may be able to see us. They’re stuck between dimensions too.”
“So we just have a little ghost powwow?” Eli frowned.
“It’s not like we’ve got any better ideas.” Lincoln sighed.
“Fine.” Eli grumbled. “Let’s go talk to them.” And with that Eli dragged Lucy out of the room to where Frederick, Vincent, and Hugo were holed up.
“Hey Linc.” Robbie said. “You’re a Doctor right?”
“Yeah why?” Lincoln asked.
“I’m cold.” Robbie groaned. “Freezing. I need sunlight. Warmth. Anything.”
“Yeah alright.” Lincoln nodded. “Coulson I’m gonna see what I can do about Robbie.”
“Good.” Coulson nodded. “Ward and I’ll keep trying the team.”
---
Ward followed Daisy out into the hall and watched her punch the wall.
“You don’t get to die on me Grant…” Daisy murmured. “I don’t care what it takes you are going to get your ass back here. I need you.”
“Skye I’m here.” Ward insisted. “Skye please. Look at me.”
“Daisy?” Ward turned around to see Kara standing in the door holding what looked like Ward’s brown jacket.
“Kara hey.” Daisy greeted, wiping her tears.
“I know you’re trying to put on a brave face.” Kara stated. “But I agree with you. Grant is too stubborn to die like that. And if he’s alive he’s gonna fight tooth and nail to get back to you.” She held out Ward’s jacket to Daisy and she tentatively took it.
“He better.” Daisy sighed, staring at the jacket. “It’s not gonna be the same without him here.”
“You’re thinking about coming back?” Kara raised an eyebrow.
“I am coming back.” Daisy corrected. “It’s time. I’ve been running for too long.”
“What changed your mind?” Kara asked.
“Coulson.” Daisy admitted. “He quoted Batman-sorry, Alfred-to me and I guess it’s what I needed to hear.”
“I think it may have had something to do with who said it.” Kara chuckled. “Coulson’s a guy who’s faith in you you feel compelled to validate.” Ward couldn’t help but agree. As much as Daisy motivated him to be a good person, there was always a part of him that wanted Coulson to have the faith in him he used to.
---
Eli and Lucy arrived at the ghost lounge where they found Hugo, Frederick, and Vincent pacing about the room.
“So now what?” Hugo asked. “We helped them. Got them the book. They’ve got all the supplies. What happens now?”
“I don’t know.” Frederick grumbled. “They keep saying they’re gonna do everything they can to help us. But with the kid with the flaming skull gone they can’t hold us anymore. I say we give them a few days to resolve this situation and if they can’t we leave. Figure something out ourselves.”
“Frederick. Hugo.” Eli called. The ghosts turned and looked right at Eli and Lucy.
“Well well.” Frederick chuckled. “You’re one of us now eh Eli.”
“Actually I, we, are worse off.” Eli explained. “Coulson, my nephew, and two of his agents are in the same predicament. Extra incentive on figuring all this out.”
“Well good.” Frederick said. “So what should we do?”
“Just tell SHIELD we’re still alive.” Eli stated. “Fixing you should fix us too.”
---
“May, I need you to hear me.” Coulson pleaded with May as they both stood aboard the Quinjet. “I'm not gone! May, help!”
“You're not allowed to be gone…” May murmured. “Not yet.”
“No, I haven't gone anywhere.” Coulson nodded, willing May to hear him.
“You're not dead.” May insisted. “After the Glasgow Assignment, we promised that we would open that bottle of Haig if we ever had a worse job. We've had 10 by now.”
“I think Fury would rather have had us die than give up that bottle.” Coulson chuckled.
“What the hell are we waiting for?” May sighed.
“Hey. I'm here.” Coulson called out. “May, I'm right here. You can do this. Hear me, please.” May looked up in Coulson’s direction, giving him hope. “Yes. It's me, May. I'm right here.” May got up and strode over to the backpack containing the Darkhold and opened it up. “The Darkhold.” Coulson’s eyes went wide. “No. No no no. That's not how we solve this. May. No.” Mack then strode into the Quinjet looking for May.
“I know you're not okay, but... you okay?” Mack asked.
“What if Daisy was right and they're not dead?” May said.
“Mack. Do not let her open that book.” Coulson ordered.
“Where's this coming from?” Mack asked. May reached onto the shelf and pulled down her bag. She opened it and revealed the Darkhold inside.
“I have a feeling.” May said. “Can't explain.”
“I know you're hurting, but Coulson was clear.” Mack stated. “Do not open that book.”
“Thank you. Someone listens.” Coulson sighed. As May and Mack argued, Coulson heard screaming coming from the cargo bay. Exasperated, he raced down and saw Ward and Lincoln crouched over Robbie. “What’s happening?” Coulson demanded.
“I don’t know he just doubled over.” Lincoln sighed. “Says he feels cold but there’s nothing I can do.”
“We’re being dragged down.” Robbie groaned. “He doesn’t wanna go. He won’t go.”
“Who won’t go?” Coulson frowned. Robbie suddenly raised up into the air. Fire emerged from Robbie’s body and before anyone could react, rushed into Mack.
“What the hell just happened?” Ward demanded.
“It’s gone.” Robbie panted.
“He’s gonna go straight for Uncle Eli’s boss.” They heard Gabe say. The engine of a motorcycle revved and they saw Mack mounting up.
“And he’d be doing the right thing.” Mack growled. They watched him dispatch a SHIELD agent and, ignoring Daisy’s protests, drive off the ramp.
“Did what I think just happened just happen?” Coulson asked.
“Looks like.” Ward sighed. Kara, having heard all the commotion, raced down the stairs.
“Daisy what’s going on?” Kara asked.
“Mack just went AWOL.” Daisy answered.
“Damn.” Kara sighed. “Piper. Tell May what happened. Daisy and I are gonna follow Mack and see what the hell’s going on.”
“Got it.” Piper nodded.
“Hey Gabe.” Daisy said as she threw on Ward’s brown leather jacket and grabbed the keys to Robbie’s car. “If you ever get the chance, don’t mention this next part.”
“Oh no we’re way past that.” Robbie shook his head.
“What are you thinking don’t go.” Coulson ordered.
“If I’m being dragged down to hell this might be my chance to take Joe with me.” Robbie stated. “Sorry Coulson.” And with that he climbed into the back seat of the car. Once Kara was in the passenger seat, Daisy started the engine and pulled out of the Zephyr.
“What’s going on?” May asked as she arrived on the scaffolding above the garage.
“Oh nothing Mack’s just the Ghost Rider now.” Ward grumbled. “Course you can’t here me so fuck this day.”
---
Daisy raced down the street after Mack, doing her best to keep up with him. Robbie sat in the backseat as they did.
“Any idea what’s gotten into him?” Kara asked.
“He’s the Rider now and He can’t control it.” Robbie said.
“Not a clue.” Daisy sighed. “He just beat up on a SHIELD agent and took off to God knows where.”
“May said he wanted to track down that Chinatown Crew that stole the first box.” Kara said. “If I had to bet I’d say that’s where he’s doing.” Daisy pulled up beside Mack and rolled down the window.
“Pull over!” Daisy shouted. “What are you doing?!”
“What needs to be done!” Mack snarled. “Don't get in my way!” He revved his engine and sped up, turning down an alleyway.
“Damn it, Mack.” Daisy groaned as she followed him.
“Please be gentle with my baby.” Robbie pleaded. Daisy swerved to avoid a dumpster which caused the car to scrape against the wall on Kara’s side.
“Fucking shit!” Kara shouted as she shielded her face from the sparks.
“It heals itself.” Daisy said more to herself than Kara. “Scientifically impossible self-healing car.”
“Only works when I’m the Rider.” Robbie groaned.
“The car may be indestructible but it can still crash!” Kara shouted. “I don’t wanna die in a wreck.”
“You worry too much.” Daisy smirked.
---
Fitz and Simmons observed Mike as he worked through the puzzles they’d given him. It was remarkable how fast he was doing it. Inhuman almost.
“So what does this mean?” Sarah asked.
“It means we think Mike’s power is increased intelligence.” Fitz answered. “His intellect is greater than that of a regular person.”
“So his powers aren’t dangerous?” Sarah said. “He’s just got a higher level of intelligence?”
“Yes.” Simmons nodded. “Since we’ve determined his powers don’t pose a threat to anyone, our work here is done. If there’s anything you need have Congressman Kellerman get in touch with us. We have pressing matters to attend to back at SHIELD so we best be off.” Fitz and Simmons said their goodbyes and boarded the Quinjet. As they did, Fitz noticed Simmons had a large smile on her face.
“What’s up?” Fitz asked.
“I just wonder what our son might be like.” Simmons smiled. “Or daughter. Whether they’ll take after you or me.”
“You think about that?” Fitz asked.
“Of course.” Simmons answered. “All the time. I believe you and I will get married one day. And I hope to have children with you.” She gave him a half smile and pressed her lips to his.
---
“They're out of their minds.” Mace sighed as he, May, Donnie, and Burrows made their way to the lab. “They are out of their minds. Driving off against orders. With no helmet? Mack knows better.”
“Daisy and Kara will bring him in quietly.” May assured. Mace seemed to relent a bit before turning to Burrows.
“See the younger Reyes boy gets some counseling.” He ordered. Burrows nodded and left while the others entered the lab where Radcliffe and Aida were already examining Lucy’s box. “Doctor Radcliffe.” Mace greeted. “Thank you for coming on such a terrible day.”
“Yes of course.” Radcliffe nodded. “Agent May, Donnie, you've both met my assistant, Aida. We're devastated by what's happened to Agent Coulson and the team. We've gotten to work straight away.”
“Good.” Mace nodded. “Any progress?”
“Sort of.” Radcliffe answered. “These boxes look empty, but they're not.”
“They harness energy from multiple dimensions.” Aida stated.
“Well, theoretically, could be used to manipulate matter states, transfer dimensional energy, but practically, it's light-years beyond me.” Radcliffe explained. “We will, of course, keep working.”
“We know, Doctor.” Mace assured.
“The people who constructed these boxes used this.” May stated, opening her bag to reveal the Darkhold.
“And three of them are here and able to give insight.” Donnie added.
“A book.” Mace smiled. “Great. Comes with an instruction manual and everything. Well, please, get back to work. If you'll excuse me, we've had some casualties, and I need to inform their families.” With that, Mace made to leave and May dismissed the other scientists in the room.
“Help me out here.” Radcliffe frowned. “A manual?”
“I don't know what it is.” May sighed. “It's supposed to have answers. But it worried Coulson in a way I've rarely seen.”
“In that case perhaps we’d be better off speaking with the ghosts about this technology before we open this thing.” Radcliffe suggested. “Agent Coulson isn’t one to scare easily so I think it’s best if we tread carefully. If you could go retrieve them?” May nodded and left to go get them. Once she was gone, Donnie pulled Radcliffe aside.
“What if we had Aida read the book?” Donnie suggested. “I mean if this book is as dangerous as they say wouldn’t she be the ideal person to read it? We can just wipe it’s contents from her memory.”
“Not a bad idea.” Radcliffe mused. “This is what we built her for after all. Aida if you could.”
“Of course Doctor.” Aida nodded. She opened the book and began to read. Once she’d finished, she closed the book. “I know how to bring them back.” She stated.
“Do you think you could guide the ghosts to the right conclusion?” Radcliffe asked. “So we can preserve the fiction that you’re not an android?”
“May I ask why that’s necessary?” Aida asked.
“We want to build trust and if we tell SHIELD what you really are they might be less inclined to do so.” Radcliffe explained. “Once we bring Agent Coulson and the team back I think we’ll be in a better position to unveil you.”
“Very well Doctor.” Aida agreed. May reentered the lab, followed by the three ghosts.
“Apparently they’ve been trying to work out how to bring the team back with Lucy and Eli.” May stated. “They’re not dead. And the ghosts can see them.”
---
The ghosts stayed on the Quinjet as to avoid prying eyes. Ward, Lincoln, and Coulson sat on the floor leaning against the wall while Eli, Lucy, Frederick, Vincent, and Hugo bickered, trying to work out a solution. As they did, May entered with a confused look on her face.
“We were just discussing with Eli and Lucy how we were gonna fix ourselves.” Hugo explained.
“You can see them?” May asked.
“Yeah apparently your friends got the same treatment we did only much worse.” Hugo replied.”
“Well I know someone who can help you.” May stated. The ghosts, Coulson, Ward, and Lincoln included, followed her to the lab where she explained what she’d discovered. Once they’d finished, Aida spoke up.
“I have a bit of experience with this kind of thing.” She stated. “I think I might know what you’re missing.”
---
Daisy and Kara drove the car into the Chinatown hideout. Mack had already been there. They could tell by all the dead bodies strewn about. As Kara and Daisy fought the thugs, Robbie ran down the hall and found Mack torturing one of the criminals.
“Please.” The thug begged. “I already told you where he is. What else do you want from me?”
“I want you to pay.” Mack snarled. “With your life.”
“Hey!” Robbie yelled. “Mack!”
“No.” Mack growled. “You're smarter than that.”
“You.” Robbie said in realization.
“I've been a voice in your head all these years.” The Rider said. “Now, finally, we get to speak face to face.”
“I've wanted you gone.” Robbie admitted. “But our work isn't done. Joe is out there. We need to stop him.”
"’We?’” The Rider scoffed. “There is no we. Your time is over.”
“No, no, no. Please, don't kill me!” The thug in The Rider’s grip begged. He simply tossed him against the wall.
“We had a deal.” Robbie snarled. “You still owe me vengeance.”
“Your neighborhood is soaked in the blood I spilled for you.” The Rider scoffed.
“None of that matters if I don't take down the monster behind all of this.” Robbie insisted.
“He’ll meet me too.” The Rider assured.
“You can't hold on to Mack's body forever.” Robbie said. “He's a good man. He doesn't have vengeance in him.”
“It's not ideal.” The Rider admitted. “But Mack? He has a lot of pain. He lost hope. I could survive off his pain for years.” Robbie dropped to his knees in agony from the pain of being dragged to hell. “I know where you're being dragged down to.” The Rider stated. “I've escaped it before.”
“Mack?” It was Daisy. She and Kara had finally arrived. “You need to come with me.”
“I'm never going back.” The Rider snarled, still looking at Robbie. Then his head caught fire and he turned to face Daisy and Kara. Their eyes went wide with realization as the Rider stared back at them.
“Mack, don't do this.” Kara pleaded. “That's not you. You gotta fight it.”
“I don’t think he can hear us.” Daisy murmured
“We made a deal!” Robbie shouted, dragging himself to his feet. “I ain't going nowhere!”
---
Aida, Donnie, and Radcliffe set up in an empty room in the base.
“It’s getting darker.” Coulson said. “We don’t have much time.”
“This’ll work.” Eli assured. “It has to.” Radcliffe handed Aida a pair of gloves as Donnie finished setting up the equipment.
“We’re good to go.” Donnie said.
“Are you sure about this?” May asked.
“I am.” Donnie nodded. Aida activated her gloves and Donnie went to stand by Radcliffe.
“We’re building an interdimensional gateway with an android I’ve created.” Radcliffe said so only Donnie could hear. “If this works I could die happy.”
“Just wish Fitz were here to see it.” Donnie agreed. “I mean despite the live and death of this whole thing, this if pretty fucking cool.”
“How is she doing this?” Lincoln asked as Aida began connecting yellow lines to create the portal.”
“I honestly have no idea.” Eli breathed. “But it sure is beautiful.”
“May I wish you could see this.” Coulson murmured. Aida brought her hands to the center and nodded to Radcliffe to turn on the machine. To Radcliffe, Donnie, May, and Aida, it seemed as if a window of some kind had been created. But the ghosts saw it as a gateway back.
“This is it.” Hugo whispered. He, Frederick, and Vincent rushed through the gateway. When they came out the other side, they were no longer ghosts. Frederick looked at his hands in astonishment.
“We did it…” He breathed. Vincent lunged at Hugo and wrapped him in a big hug. Ward jumped through first, followed by Coulson and Lincoln. And lastly Eli and Lucy. Coulson gave May a hug while everyone else celebrated.
---
“You're right.” Robbie said to The Rider, stepping between him and Kara and Daisy. “I won't survive this without you, but the truth is, you need me, too!” The Rider scoffed and flames shot out of his mouth. “We had a deal!” Robbie shouted. “How about a new one? Give me my vengeance on Joe. Settle my score, and I'll settle yours. All of yours!” The Rider seemed to consider that. And then he touched Robbie’s shoulder. Mack dropped to his knees, his skull no longer on fire.
“Mack?” Daisy said as she and Kara rushed to his side. He looked up and seemed to recognize them.
“What happened?” Kara asked.
“Robbie.” Mack murmured. That... that thing… he took it out of me.”
“Are you all right?” Daisy asked. “Some of those things you said... you... You said you were in pain.”
“No, it's just a rough day.” Mack assured. “I'm okay.”
“Good.” Kara breathed a sigh of relief as they helped him up. “Where'd he take it?”
“Hell.” Mack answered gravely.
---
Fitz and Simmons returned to base where they found Radcliffe and Donnie in the lab talking to Eli and the distinctly not ghostly Frederick, Hugo, Vincent, and Lucy.
“What happened?” Fitz asked.
“Oh Fitz my boy you should’ve seen it.” Radcliffe beamed. “We created an interdimensional portal. Brought Agents Coulson, Ward, and Campbell back from an alternate dimension. Lucy and Eli too. And it fixed our ghostly friends. They’re all rather good conversationalists now that they’re not all bloody and insane.”
“Seems we missed a lot.” Simmons chuckled. “I’m glad everything here went well.”
“Oh it was great.” Donnie grinned. “How was the thing with that inhuman kid?”
“Went well.” Simmons answered.
“Thankfully his power’s not destructive.” Fitz said. “Just hyperintelligence. Probably gonna be a scientist or something in the future.”
---
“I know it was tempting but I wanna thank you for not using the Darkhold.” Coulson said as he and May entered the Zephyr’s cargo bay. “That book is dangerous.”
“I know.” May nodded. “But had it come down to it, I would’ve used it.” Coulson looked at her and nodded.
“You know when this is over, you and I have a bottle of Haig to open.” He smiled.
---
Ward climbed out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist. After the day he’d had he felt he deserved it. He left his bathroom found Daisy sitting on his bed. She was wearing his jacket, zipped up, and a pair of sweatpants.
“Skye?” He raised an eyebrow. “What’re you doing here?”
“I wanted to see you.” Daisy answered.
“You alright?” Ward asked.
“Well I mean it’s not every day the guy you’re crazy about vanishes to another dimension.” Daisy shrugged. “And on top of that your good friend gets possessed by the Devil.”
“How is Mack after that whole possession thing?” Ward asked.
“He’s okay.” Daisy assured. “Robbie got it out of him.”
“I hope it’s not weird for me to say but I overheard your conversation with Kara.” Ward said. “You really planning on sticking around?”
“I think so yeah.” Daisy nodded. “I’m done running. And I’m done wasting time.” She grabbed the back of Ward’s head and kissed him.
“You know I feel a bit underdressed right now.” Ward chuckled against her mouth.
“I can fix that.” Daisy replied with a mischievous grin on her face. She unzipped Ward’s jacket, revealing nothing underneath. She took advantage of Ward’s surprise and spun him around before pushing him onto the bed.
---
Mack sat in the room with the portal, staring at a picture. On the back it read “Hope 04/18/06” in scrawled ink. Suddenly Mack heard screaming coming from the portal. He looked up to see Robbie kneeling on the floor.
“I thought I’d be seeing you.” Mack said as he stood up. “And I know you’re not alone.” Robbie looked up at Mack, panting as he got to his feet.
“Wanna help settle my last score?” He asked. And Mack nodded.