The Wolf Among Us
Taskmaster sat at his desk considering his next move. He knew inhuman soldiers would be advantageous he’d seen as much when SHIELD’s went toe to toe with his Black Widows but they posed a considerable risk. Taking them on in a straight fight would only end poorly. He would need to play his cards carefully. Luckily, his employer had just given him a useful piece of intel. Director Jeffrey Mace was coming up for air. And it would be not on a mission where he’d be flanked by an army of inhumans. This was the arrest of that anti inhuman politician who was one of the presidential candidates. This was something Taskmaster intended to take full advantage of.
---
Daisy woke up with a yawn and rolled over in her and Ward’s bed. She noticed that Ward was already gone. She found this to be a bit weird because while even though Ward had a tendency to wake up early in the morning to workout, he usually showered and came back to bed when nothing was going on. She’d noticed he’d been acting off since they got back from the mission with Spiderman. Curious, she got up and dressed to go find him. She found Simmons in the common area reading a book with two guys on the cover, one in a tank top and the other shirtless with long hair.
“What are you reading?” Daisy raised an eyebrow. Simmons shoved the book under a pillow and sat on it.
“Nothing.” Simmons answered.
“It looked like some kind of steamy romance novel.” Daisy chuckled.
“What? No.” Simmons scoffed. “Well I mean there’s sex in it but it’s not a romance novel. It’s more of a fantasy type thing where the main characters are handsome men.”
“Okay.” Daisy shrugged. “Have you seen Ward?”
“No why?” Simmons asked. “You two aren’t having issues are you?”
“No we’re great.” Daisy answered. “He’s just been acting a bit weird lately.”
“Yeah I’ve noticed.” Simmons nodded. “He’s been a bit of a dick lately to be honest. Not in the usual Grant Ward way.”
“Okay so it’s not just me.” Daisy said. “He’s just not really acting like himself. I mean all week he hasn’t been in bed when I woke up which is extremely unusual.”
“ Earlier this week after you guys got back from the mission in New York Fitz asked him about testing the Framework’s training capabilities and Ward just blew him off like it was beneath him.” Simmons added. “I believe his exact words when Fitz asked were ‘that’s a waste of time and I have better things to do than help you test some science project.’”
“Okay that’s really weird.” Daisy frowned. “I overheard Ward talking about that with Fitz and he seemed to think it would be a great idea. Now a week later he thinks it’s stupid?”
“Why don’t you and I see if we can find him.” Simmons suggested. “Maybe we’ll be able to figure out what’s going on with him.”
“Sounds good to me.” Daisy agreed.
---
“I can’t believe you’re leaving.” Fitz said to Mack as they played a few rounds in Mortal Kombat.
“It’s time.” Mack shrugged. “I mean I’ve done a lot of good with SHIELD but I just don’t feel like this is where I should be anymore. It’s time for me to start the next chapter of my life and I just don’t think SHIELD is where that’s meant to be.”
“Well we’ll miss you.” Fitz replied. “Kara’s throwing you a big farewell party with Lincoln.”
“Man those two have been joined at the hip all week.” Mack chuckled.
“I know it’s disgusting.” Fitz grimaced.
“You and Simmons aren’t much better.” Mack retorted. “How are you guys doing lately?”
“A lot better.” Fitz answered. “We talked things out and we’re doing better with our communication.”
“Well I’m glad you two had your little cry sesh and hashed out your bullshit.” They turned around to see Ward standing in the doorway with a grin on his face that was very un-Wardlike.
“The hell is your problem?” Mack frowned.
“Oh nothing I’m just glad Fitz didn’t do something to fuck up his relationship with Jemma.” Ward smirked. “That’s be a real shame. Jemma is such a nice gal afterall.” Fitz started to get to his feet but Mack held him back and Ward strode away.
“I swear I’m gonna hit him.” Fitz grumbled. “He’s been acting weird all week.”
“Something’s definitely wrong with him.” Mack said. “Like actually wrong with him. We need to see about getting him secure so we can run tests.”
“Alright.” Fitz nodded. “I’ll talk to Donnie, you get the cold gun.”
“We should also get Daisy, Lincoln and Kara involved.” Mack added. “If there’s something wrong with Ward, we need all hands on deck.”
“So you guys saw it too right?” Daisy said as she and Simmons joined them.
“He made a comment that was incredibly unlike him.” Mack stated. “To be honest it sounded a bit like Kebo.”
“Oh god.” Daisy groaned. “If I don’t hear that sonofabitch’s name again for as long as I live it’ll be too soon.”
“Agreed.” Simmons nodded.
---
Mace, Coulson, and May followed Mahone and his team of FBI agents to the location of the debate. They gathered at the entrance and went into the building, displaying their badges to the security guards outside. They marched up to the room the debate was taking place and burst through the doors, much to the surprise of the numerous reporters present for the debate.
“Everyone please remain calm.” Mace said to calm the reporters as he entered the room. Mahone and Coulson walked up to Nadeer and cuffed her.
“What do you think you’re doing?!” Nadeer demanded.
“Ellen Nadeer you’re under arrest for aiding a domestic terrorist organization.” Mahone stated. Mace stepped up to the podium to address the reporters.
“Ladies and gentlemen.” Mace said. “I stand before you today to express an unfortunate truth. During SHIELD’s investigation of the Watchdogs we discovered evidence of Senator Nadeer has been embezzling money from her supporters and has been using it to fund them. I assure you that Senator Nadeer will be given a fair trial and justice will be done.” Suddenly there was a loud boom and several soldiers burst into the room, led by Taskmaster himself as well as Yelena and two other black widows.
“Excellent speech Director.” Taskmaster chuckled. “Very inspiring.”
“Get these people outta here.” Mace ordered to the FBI agents. Mahone hauled Nadeer out while Kellerman and the other agents led the reporters out of the room. Taskmaster made no move to stop them.
“You’re letting them go?” May frowned. “Why?”
“Because I’ve got no interest in killing a bunch of reporters and Feds.” Taskmaster shrugged. “Collateral damage is bad for business. Especially when it’s the future American president. Now I’m afraid your director’s coming with me. Hand him over and we can skip the fight scene.”
“Not a chance.” Coulson replied.
“Have it your way.” Taskmaster shrugged. “Take ‘em.” The Red Room soldiers advanced and Coulson engaged. May fired off a couple shots at the black widows, nailing one in the shoulder. Mace lunged at Taskmaster and managed to land several solid hits on him. Then Taskmaster began evading his strikes until he finally grabbed Mace’s fist and used the same open hand strike Mace often used to knock him back. Mace grabbed a chair and threw it at Taskmaster before rushing him. Taskmaster dodged only to be met with a powerful strike, sending him crashing through the doors into the reception area.
“Impressive.” Taskmaster chuckled. “But you still can’t take me.” Mace aimed a punch at Taskmaster’s chest. Taskmaster grabbed his arm and twisted it behind his back. Kicking the back of Mace’s leg, Mace dropped down to one knee and groaned as Taskmaster put pressure on his shoulder. As Coulson finished taking out the soldiers, he saw May pinned to the wall by Yelena and the black widows. He shot one of them in the head, allowing May to break free.
“I got them.” May stated. “Help Mace.” Coulson nodded and rushed out to see Mace pinned to the ground. He fired off a shot which hit Taskmaster in the shoulder, allowing Mace an opening to break free. He elbowed Taskmaster in the face hard so that his mask cracked a bit. Taskmaster picked himself up and stared at Coulson and Mace.
“I’m no fool.” Taskmaster said. “I know when to call it quits.” Before anyone could do anything, he threw down a smoke bomb. When the smoke cleared, he was gone. Mace and Coulson went back inside and saw May sprawled on the ground, bleeding. But Yelena lay on the ground unconscious and the other widow lay dead.
“They live up to their reputation.” May murmured as Coulson helped her up. “Where’s Taskmaster?”
“He got away.” Coulson answered. “But luckily we got one of his agents.”
---
Kara had decided to dress in something nice for her date with Lincoln. She’d decided on a red dress Ward had bought her while they were together and minimal makeup. She’d just finished getting ready when she heard the knock on her door. She opened it to find Lincoln standing in the doorway, nice suit and flowers in hand.
“You clean up nice Sparkplug.” Kara smirked.
“You too Copycat.” Lincoln replied.
“Ooh I like that.” Kara grinned. “Hey those can be our superhero names.”
“Works for me.” Lincoln shrugged. “What would the rest of the teams’ names be?”
“Well Daisy is Quake obviously.” Kara said. “After Grant’s little rage fueled murderfest last year he’d be Hellfire. Hydra called Donnie Blizzard and I think it fits. And Elena is already Yo-Yo.”
“You’ve put a lot of thought into this.” Lincoln chuckled.
“Nt that much.” Kara protested. “Just a little bit. So where are you taking me?” Before Lincoln could answer, Simmons came rushing over.
“We need your help.” Simmons stated. “Something’s wrong with Ward.”
---
“So according to our designs, these new gauntlets should help to focus your cooling powers even more.” Radcliffe grinned. “I dare say you might even be able to reach absolute zero like the cold gun. Your ice will also be significantly stronger and this tech will give you more versatility in the way you use your powers.”
“Thanks for helping me with this doc.” Donnie grinned, curling his fingers. “Can’t wait to try this out.” Just then, Fitz rushed into the lab.
“Donnie good.” Fitz greeted.
“Hey Fitz check out what Radcliffe and I made.” Donnie beamed, showing Fitz the gauntlets.
“Oh what are these?” Fitz asked.
“New gauntlets.” Donnie answered. “We based it off the cold gun except instead of a power source the gauntlets get their power from me.”
“That’s incredible Donnie.” Fitz grinned, giving Donnie a high five. “And they couldn’t have come at a better time. We need you.”
“What’s up?” Donnie asked.
---
Daisy and Mack found Ward in the armory. As they looked in, they saw a duffle bag filled with weapons and gear and Ward on the phone.
“Yeah Tommy I was just checking up on you.” Ward said. “Since we had some down time at SHIELD I thought I might come to visit you and Rose. Great. What’s the address again? Alright I’ll see you then.” Daisy’s eyes went wide.
“What is it?” Mack asked.
“Whoever that is, that’s not Ward.” Daisy stated.
“What?” Mack frowned.
“Ward’s told me before that he knows exactly where he’s got his brother and sister set up down to having both of their addresses memorized.” Daisy explained. “He’s never written it down and never said it over the phone. He told me he whenever his siblings have been relocated, he tells the address in person and memorizes it because he never wants even the slightest risk of someone coming after them. Ward would never need to ask for their address and he would absolutely never ask over the phone. Whoever that is, that’s not Ward.”
“Then we better figure out who we’re dealing with.” Mack said gravely. He pressed his finger to his comm and said, “Guys, get to the armory. Now.” As Ward exited the armory, he was greeted by Daisy, Kara, Donnie, Lincoln, and Mack who gripped the cold gun.
“I guess the jig is up.” Not-Ward smirked in a distinctly un-Wardlike manner.
“Who are you?!” Daisy demanded. “Where’s Ward?!”
“Agent Ward’s unavailable at the moment.” Not-Ward replied. “Sonofabitch sent me to Hell so I decided I’d wreak a little havoc on his life.”
“What are you?” Mack demanded. “Some kind of demon?!”
“Ding ding ding.” Not-Ward grinned. “You were always quick on uptake Mackenzie.” And suddenly it clicked.
“Kebo?!” Mack gasped.
“Wow give the guy a cigar!” Kebo laughed. “I hadn’t expected you to catch on so fast.”
“How is this possible?!” Daisy demanded.
“Let me tell you it wasn’t easy.” Kebo chuckled. “Had to drag my ass out of Hell. But I can take pride in knowing the King of Hell himself was took notice how fast I made the transition from meatsuit to demon. Usually it takes ten years at least which is roughly twelve hundred years downstairs but I got there in one which is only one twenty on Hell’s clock.”
“All that proves is you’re a vile sadist.” Kara snarled.
“True but hey it means I get to come back up here and get some sweet revenge.” Kebo shrugged. “And poetically, I get to use fire to do it.” As he spoke, Kebo created two large fireballs in Ward’s hands and flung them at the team, causing them to hit the deck. Mack fired the cold gun but Kebo met the beam of ice with a column of fire. The crossing of streams suddenly caused the cold gun to short out, sending Mack flying across the room. Donnie and Lincoln attacked at the same time, only for Kebo to quickly evade their attacks, throwing fire at them both. He grabbed Donnie by the throat and prepared to kill him when Daisy and Kara shot twin seismic blasts at him, throwing him across the room. Kebo stood up as Daisy and Kara advanced. Realizing he wasn’t gonna win this, he created a massive wall of fire to keep them at bay.
“No!” Daisy shouted as Kebo fled.
---
As Simmons and Aida patched up Mack, Donnie, and Lincoln as well as treat May for her injuries, the team gathered in the medbay to discuss what to do.
“David Kebo?” Mace frowned. “How?”
“Apparently he’s a demon now.” Kara sighed, rubbing her head. “He came back to screw with Grant. Using Grant.”
“How is that even possible?” Mace asked.
“I’ve had some experience with this kind of thing.” Kara said. “Or at least something of the supernatural variety. Of course demon possessing one of my best agents isn’t quite the same.”
“Whatever the case may be we need to treat this like any other mission.” Mace stated.
“Sir this isn’t just any other mission.” Fitz protested. “This is Ward. He’s our friend.”
“We’re not tracking Ward.” Mace stated. “We’re tracking Kebo. Who it should be noted is walking around with Ward’s powers. And unfortunately we have no idea where he’s going.”
“Yes we do.” Daisy spoke softly. “There are very few things in this world that Ward cares about. Which means there are very few ways Kebo can hurt him. But top of that list are his younger siblings. And Kebo already knows where they are.”