Who Is the Lamb & Who Is the Knife?
The next time Skye wakes it's because of many voices speaking at once. With a sinking feeling she realizes the shrill voice belongs to Simmons and it towers above everyone else. ''After everything we've been through, why? How could you?'' Skye feels around in the sheet next to her, Ward isn't there. Which means he's standing in front of the bed more than likely, guarding her from Simmons or whoever else he deems a threat.
Skye didn't want this. She doesn't want the team hating Grant because of her. She doesn't want him feeling guilty for any of this. ''Simmons if you're asking me to apologize for what's happened I'm not going to''. ''I'm not asking you to apologize Ward! I'm asking you to explain how, how any of this happened. You hated her just as much as the rest of us''. Skye knows Grant doesn't feel comfortable talking about his feelings, or anything in general.
So she's surprised and isn't the only one when he says, ''I did hate her. I wanted her locked up, out of the way where she couldn't hurt anyone. I didn't protect you and Fitz before, I should of been there on the Bus when she dropped you two in the ocean. But I wasn't, I am sorry for that. Skye told me that someday I would understand why she did the things she did, and I do. It's someday. Not everything with Garrett was her fault Jemma''.
''So me being shot, you're telling me that wasn't her fault? She admitted to knowing about it she let John Garrett pull the trigger''. Skye will probably never stop feeling guilty for that, but at the time she just wanted John to live. Did whatever necessary to keep him on the planet with her. ''And you have no idea how much she hates herself for that Simmons. I can't apologize for her, but Skye was brain washed.
Garrett took her in and manipulated her for ten years, how can you ignore that?'' There's a silence and then Trip says, ''he has a point Jemma. Skye has done bad things and I'm not saying she gets a free pass, but there's more here than meets the eye''. ''She was just a kid, didn't know any better. Garrett knew that, it's why he took her. Made her into whatever he wanted to be, his own perfect solider. She would of never left him, he made sure of that''.
Kebo comments and Skye feels a hand on her arm. ''Well Coulson doesn't care about that, he's out for blood''. Is that Bobbi? What is this? Why are they all here? ''The Director has made you a target too Ward, he plans to arrest you along with Skye''. A scoff, the sound of pacing. ''We need a plan boss''. ''We're going to have to fight our way out of this''. Skye jumps from the sound of something heavy dropping, Simmons sucks in a sharp breath.
''What has gotten into all of you? Agent Morse you're willing to risk your life for someone you don't even know''. ''It's the right thing to do''. ''Helping the person who put Fitz in the hospital? Because of what she did to him''- ''I was trying to save you''. Skye's voice is barely a whisper and at the sound of it Ward comes to her side. He looks so worried, he hasn't shaved in what looks like days, his hair is a complete mess.
''You need a shower''. She tells him, running her fingers down his face. ''Is that your nice way at saying I smell?'' Grant kisses each of her fingertips softly, ignoring just for a moment the chaos all around them. ''Simmons I told you before, John would of killed you if I didn't do something. He would of put a bullet in you and Fitz''. The woman Skye met on the Bus seems long gone as she looks at Skye with nothing but hatred.
''And you would of stood by and watched''. ''Garrett ordered me to take care of you, how was I supposed to know the pod wasn't going to float?'' ''You could of done something else''. For some reason this sets her on edge, what else does Simmons want from her? ''I had no time Jemma! Do you have any idea how hard it was, the sacrifices I had to make''- ''We nearly died because you worshipped the ground John Garrett walked on!''
Skye takes a deep breath her voice low, ''do you have any idea what he would of done to me if I failed?'' She and Kebo share a glance, he lightly squeezes her shoulder. ''If I didn't get you off the Bus he would of shot you right in front of me and there wasn't a damn thing I could of done. You have no idea what it was like with him, no idea''. The room goes deathly quiet, Hunter keeps giving her sympathetic looks.
She didn't say those things so everyone would feel sorry for her, she just wants it to be clear she didn't have a lot of options. But if Skye is being honest, she'd do it again. No matter how awful John was to her, she would do anything for one more moment. One more glance, one more time to hear his voice to feel the rare embraces he gave her. Simmons looks her over then glances to Ward, her expression suprised.
''He hit you?'' Skye winces and Grant tells Jemma to back off. Skye licks her lips, ''probably would of done a lot worse if I didn't get rid of you. I had to protect him, Fitz tried to kill him. But I was also trying to keep you two safe, Jemma you don't have to believe me''. Simmons doesn't speak for a long moment, just stares at Skye with watery eyes. ''And who was protecting you?'' Ward clenches his jaw and Skye runs her hand down his arm.
''While this is all nice and dandy we need a plan here, or are we all just ignoring the fact that Coulson is more than likely going to storm in here at any moment and take the Terminator out over there?'' Hunter asks as Bobbi rolls her eyes. ''I want no part in this''. Simmons says before walking over to the door, pausing as she opens it and turns back to Skye. ''I will never forgive you for what you did''.
''I know''. Skye has already grieved for their lost friendship, she never expects anyone at Shield to give her a second chance. ''But I'm sorry you were raised by such a monster''. With that she leaves the room and Trip whistles in her wake. Skye looks between Hunter, Bobbi and Trip, shakes her head. ''I can't let you guys risk your lives for me, I can't ask any of you to do that. Simmons was right none of you should be involved in this''.
''Listen love I'm just here to keep an eye on this one''. Hunter comments, winking at Bobbi who elbows him in the ribs. ''What Hunter means is that this is the right thing to do Skye. We joined Shield to help people, and maybe Coulson has lost that. He gave up on you but we won't''. ''What she said''. Trip smiles at her and Skye starts crying. Ward is there and wipes them away, kisses her forehead. ''Pay up Trip''.
Bobbi says watching Skye and Ward. ''I told you he was in love with her''. ''Man I thought you forgot about that''. Grant ignores the trio as they begin to bicker back and forth, his attention on Skye. ''How are you feeling?'' ''I'm okay''. ''Not in any pain?'' ''No I promise I'm good''. His hand is on her belly again, his other hand running through her hair. ''Grant''. She starts, her hands shaking. By her tone he stiffens, worry over taking his face once more.
''Are you okay?'' He seems surprised by her question. ''Shield is your life and because of me they want to hurt you''. ''Skye you don't have to worry about me''. ''Yes I do, this has been your life for like fifteen years''. ''Skye''- ''You don't, you aren't sad about leaving?'' He shakes his head, she looks to find something anything resembling sorrow but finds none. ''Sweetheart you are my life now, nothing else matters''.
A dark look comes onto Kebo's face, ''besides it's not like Ward would come back to Shield after the deal Coulson tried to offer him''. Ward shoots Kebo a glare but it's ignored. ''What deal?'' Skye can tell Ward is fighting himself, wanting to tell her but not wanting to upset her. ''What deal Grant?'' He sighs, running a thumb across her knuckles. ''Wanting to arrest you and keep you here until the baby is born''.
Skye shakes her head in disgust, ''and then let me guess, ship me off god knows where''. ''Yeah''. ''And what did you say?'' ''That was never going to be an option''. ''So he's going to arrest you''. ''Looks like it''. Skye falls back against the pillows, ''what the hell are we going to do?'' It's Kebo who answers, sliding an ICER into her hand that's resting against the sheets. ''Whatever we have to''. Skye stares at it like it's a foreign object.
''Do I even want to know how you managed to get one of those in here?" He gives her a wink, ''probably not''. ''I don't think it's safe for you to take off running again Skye''. Bobbi speaks up and Skye nods. ''I can carry you, no problem''. Kebo tells her, looking at Ward for approval who agrees. While Skye hates being treated like a helpless doll, she understands, doesn't want to put her baby in any kind of danger.
''So what's the plan now? I'm assuming you were going to take off when I was better but now that's clearly off the table since Coulson wants to take you into custody''. Ward looks around the small room before responding, she can tell he doesn't like this situation at all. ''We have to move quickly, we need to be one step ahead of Coulson''. ''Which is why you should go now''. Hunter says, checking his watch.
''It's only been a few hours since you were brought in''. Skye can see how tricky this all is, Ward doesn't want to move her in case she's in pain. But they can't stay here either, both options puts her and the baby at risk regardless. ''Hand me a phone''. Grant gives her his without quesetion. ''I'm going to hack into the security feed, blind the cameras. Once I do this we'll have about thirty seconds until Coulson sends in whoever to attack us.
That gives us a small window to get out, sound good?'' Ward only takes a second to think it through and then he's back on his feet. Falls into Specialist mode, his face blank. ''We'll hold them off''. Bobbi says taking out her batons, Trip and Hunter get their guns out. Skye takes the ICER Kebo gave her and holds it in one hand, the phone in the other, looks over to Ward. ''You ready?'' She asks him, ''do it''.
''Ward''. Trip calls and all eyes look to him. ''Be careful''. Skye can't read into the expression Trip is giving her boyfriend, so many words he won't say in his eyes. But Ward clearly does because he nods, his expression still giving nothing away. ''Don't be a stranger''. Is all Hunter says and it's Bobbi who walks over and smiles at the two of them. ''In case no one told you, congratulations. You'll make amazing parents''.
Skye gives her a grateful grin and Ward simply nods. ''Here we go, starting the hack now''. Skye gets in easily, the second it's done Kebo whisks her up in his arms and they head for the door. ''Are we ever going to have just a normal day? Jesus I need a vacation''. Kebo comments as they slowly begin walking out. ''Skye you okay?'' ''Fine robot. I'd tell you if I was in pain''. The IV bag is sitting in her lap, the needle in her arm, thought it was the smartest option.
The Playground is quiet, Skye can hear Kebo breathing, her own heart beat. If something happens if Ward is hurt trying to protect her- don't. Don't go there everything is going to be fine, he's the best of the best. And he has Bobbi, Trip and Hunter watching his back. It's going to be okay. They turn a corner and three agents are blocking their way, ICERS raised. Kebo immediately gets down, shields her body with his.
It's all over in less than fifteen seconds. Ward tells them to keep up as he starts walking, stepping over the unconscious bodies. This happens ten times. Every time they turn around someone is there blocking their path, but Ward takes them out easily. The man hasn't even broken a sweat, but Skye knows this is just a warm up. Coulson isn't stupid he knows how Ward operates, who he is.
He's saving the best for last and honestly? It's such a Garrett move. Her suspicions are confirmed when they are nearly to one of the back exits and there's an ambush waiting. Ward already prepared himself, steps in front of Skye and Kebo. Once Bobbi Trip and Hunter catch up, they do the same. Johnson and his team are waiting for them, along with other fellow Shield agents and May.
''Stand down Ward''. ''Not going to happen''. May just shrugs, ''then you leave me no other choice. General Johnson''. ''Yes?'' ''Get Skye, do whatever you have to''. The man let's a slow smile creep onto his lips, ''of course Agent May''. It's like everything happens in slow motion. Skye watches from behind the glass door of a room Kebo pulled her into. Johnson moves first and Ward is on him, a wave a force not to be messed with.
Skye had forgotten how amazing it is to watch Ward in a fight. How flawless he is, how skilled and deadly he can be. It's almost comical as Johnson tries to get the upper hand, but he can't. Ward breaks him in two minutes, he is out cold his body limp on the ground. Skye watches as he moves from Shield agent to agent, each trying to take him on but failing miserably. Bobbi Trip and Hunter are also doing this with ease.
It's only when May and Ward turn to each other that Skye begins to worry. She's seen May in action she can destroy a guy in seconds. But so can Ward. ''Don't make me do this Ward''. ''You don't have to May, you have a choice''. ''So did you, you chose wrong''. And the Calvary isn't called the Calvary for nothing. Her fight with Ward hours before doesn't even faze her, she just keeps attacking Grant like it's the only thing keeping her alive.
Skye hates sitting here doing nothing while everyone else is in the fight, she wants to join in she wants to help. But she can't, she doesn't even want to try really. Just hates feeling like the damsal i distress when she is so not one. She's seen Ward take major hits before, hell he's gotten shot so many times since she's known him she lost count. But it still worries her and this time is no different when May lands a mean right hook to his jaw.
What Skye wasn't counting on was May spinning around and kicking him in the chest, Grant in turn grabs her by the leg and they both crash through the glass doors beside Skye. Who Kebo drags out of the way just in time, shielding her from the broken glass. ''You don't have to do this Ward, Coulson is willing to work with you''. Ward nearly laughs, dodges the blow meant for his ribs.
''Working with me means either locking Skye up for the rest of her life, or arresting me and taking both Skye and the baby away. How in the hell is that a deal?'' May shakes her head as they begin circling each other. ''She's not worth it Ward''. ''Don't''. They both glance at Skye at the same time who is standing in the corner of the room weapon out, Kebo in the exact same position beside her. ''Can't you see she's playing you?''
''No she's not''. ''Think about it, we were closing in on her and she knew it. What's the best defense against all of Shield? You. You're the best agent here you know how we operate, you have access to missions, everything all of our information. She doesn't love you Ward she's using you''. They don't speak for a second until Ward let's out a small breathless laugh. ''Did Coulson put you up to that? Sounds like him''.
''I don't want to hurt you Ward''. ''You won't''. The fight ends two minutes after that. The room is trashed there's broken glass and furniture everywhere, May is unconscious on the floor below Ward. Who's nose is bleeding, two fingers are broken, but he seems alright otherwise. Skye is about to breathe a sigh of relief, walk over to Grant to check him over. But she doesn't get the chance.
A fresh batch of Shield agents come running into the hallway, Trip sighs and Hunter loads his ICER. Ward glances at her to see if she's still in one piece and just because she can even though it's not an appropriate time at all, she blows him a kiss. It gets a smile out of him as he stands in front of the door frame. Ready to defend her once again. It's another battle all over again, Ward has one eye on his opponent and the other on Skye.
''Go help him''. Skye tells Kebo when five agents at one time surround Ward. ''He's fine''. ''Popeye''. ''I am not leaving you here, Ward can take care of himself''. It's then it seems Johnson is all for the dramatics because he's there in the room suddenly. Joining the agents up against Ward, Johnson didn't come empty handed. There's a crow bar in his hand and Skye stiffens. ''Want to help him now?'' ''Not really''.
''Popeye''. They both wince when Ward takes a hit to the ribs with said crow bar, not that it slows him down or anything. ''A crow bar, really?'' If she wasn't so stressed out Skye would laugh. Ward always had a dry sense of humor. Apparently May refuses to stay down long either because she gets off the floor with such grace really it's unfair. Ward must sense her behind him because he swings one arm out striking her in the chest and knocking her across the room.
May looks up to Skye, they are only a few inches apart from each other. And then Kebo's gun is in the Calvary's face, ''don't even think about it''. Kebo never stood a chance. While Ward just taking on Johnson now May slowly walks towards Skye, who's ICER is raised. ''Skye we don't want to hurt you''. ''I really don't believe that''. May pulls out a gun and Skye tenses. ''What are you going to do May, shoot me?''
May doesn't answer. Ward breaks Johnson's leg and leaps across the space to tackle May. Knocks the gun from her hand and uses it to shoot Johnson, Ward didn't even glance behind him but his aim was true. A bullet to the head. Or it would of been if one of his men didn't jump in front of him. Blood splatters across the floor and Skye has to choke back vomit. She's at a disadvantage here, she's holding her IV bag with one hand a the ICER in another.
Letting go of either of them is not an option. Johnson seeing that Ward is occupied limps his way over to Skye, who glares at him. ''One girl. You're one small girl yet cause all this trouble''. Beside her Ward calls her name, but May slams him into one of the walls and punches him in the throat. Skye shrugs, ''what can I say? I always did enjoy being in the spot light''. ''We're going to lock you away in a tiny little box''.
''Not today''. Skye pulls the trigger and watches with satisfaction as he goes down, blue staining his shirt. May cries out in pain and when Skye turns around Ward has her pinned to his chest, her back to his front. One hand twisting her arm to the point of almost breaking it, the other on the back of her neck. Skye sees him twitch his thumb against her skin, and May is back on the ground amoungst the glass and bullets.
The Playground is quiet again, the only sounds are heavy breathing, the painful noises some of the agents on the ground are making. Kebo is one of them, curled into a ball on Ward's left side. ''Stop being dramatic''. Grant comments, helping him up. ''I nearly died!'' ''I'll never be that lucky''. Kebo puts a hand to his chest, ''hurtful''. Grant takes a deep breath and glances over to Skye.
Who is still standing there with her IV bag and ICER, eyes wide, breathing hard. Ward approaches her carefully like she's about to take off running. ''You okay?'' ''Is it over?'' He closes the distance and pulls her into his arm, taking the ICER out of her hand. ''It's over baby, it's over''. He kisses her hair over and over, one hand trailing up her spine. ''Get me the hell out of here Ward''. He takes her hand, ''follow me''.
They leave the room and pass Bobbi, Hunter and Trip, who all stop at the same time to look at the couple. ''You know this isn't over Ward''. ''I'm aware. Thank you, all of you''. Bobbi comes up to lightly punch his shoulder. ''Don't get emotional on us now robot''. She looks over to Skye, ''be careful. And take care of this dork''. Ward seems offended by the word, no one has ever called him that before and it makes Skye laugh.
''I will I promise''. ''Good, now get out of here and send me pictures of that baby when it's here''. Bobbi hugs her lightly and Skye fights the urge to cry again. ''I hope it has your cheekbones mate''. Hunter comments and Skye agrees. ''That's one of the things I'm hoping for''. Hunter hugs her as well, Trip looks Ward over. ''You look terrible man''. ''So do you''. ''I don't know what you're talking about, I always look good''.
Ward gives his friend a smile, ''thank you''. ''Any time man, we're all cut from the same cloth right? Be careful out there''. Skye takes his hand again and Kebo trails after them as they leave the Playground. Ward doesn't look back, he will never be here again.