I Fear For Our Lives & I Fear Your Closed Eyes
Grant walks into the Playground to find it a complete mess. It looks like an earthquake struck, the building is in pieces. And he knows that Daisy had something to do with it. Coulson meets him in his office, May, Fitz and Simmons are all present. ''What happened? Where's Daisy?'' Coulson tells Grant to take a seat and he refrains, leans against the wall with his arms crossed. ''A lot of things have happened since you've been away Grant''. Coulson tells him while taking a seat at his wide desk. ''Care to fill me in?''
Phil and May share a look that doesn't escape the former Specilaist. ''Spit it out Phil''. ''You died''. Grant's face falls ever so slightly, he glances around the room like he doesn't understand. Kebo glares at the Shield agents and asks which one of them killed Ward, denial is all he gets. ''That's bullshit and you know it, I bet it was you, wasn't it Ice Queen?'' Kebo snarls at the Calvary who gives him a look that if all possible would have killed him a thousand times over.
There are a few more remarks from Kebo that are not at all friendly until Grant tells him to knock it off. Grant can't really describe his emotions in this instant. Just that he's sad, disappointed in himself. Grant should have been there to save his counterpart, that's why he was here in the first place. It's the reason he left his family, and now that's all been for nothing. Grant hasn't failed a mission in a long time, and Garrett's voice is back in his ear telling him what a sorry pathetic excuse of a man he is.
He misses Skye. He wants to be back in her arms, his children at their side. He wants to go home now. ''How did it happen?'' Grant's voice sounds strange to his own ears and he pushes his feelings down. There will be a time to grieve but it is not now. Everyone in the room refuses to meet his eyes, and Grant can tell there's something they are keeping from him. ''Coulson how did it happen?'' Phil sighs into his hands, glances at May.
''He died on Maveth. The Hydra creature there killed him''. ''And how do you know that? Were you there?'' Coulson shakes his head, ''I wasn't there''. ''Then who was?'' ''Your wife''. ''Shit''. Kebo mutters, looks at Grant who seems like he can't believe what he's hearing. ''My wife is at home with our children''. ''She's not''. Fitz tells him. They then proceed to tell Grant Skye's time at Shield, how she left a couple weeks ago to try and find him.
''She watched him die''. Kebo says, worried for his friend and how he knows how much that hurt. The first time Skye watched Grant die so many years ago, she didn't handle it well. Drinking became the new normal for her, and his death weighed heavy on her, she was never the same. It's taken a long time for those scares to heal, some of them never well. Her biggest fear is losing Grant again, and in a way she did.
Grant's concern for Skye out weighs everything else at this moment. He needs to go after her, find her and reassure her that everything is okay. That he's still here and breathing. He's starting to think that the reason the Playground looks the way it does had nothing to do with Daisy, perhaps it was Skye's reaction to seeing Ward die. She has to be a wreck. ''What did you do with his body?'' Grant suddenly asks, fear gnawing at the corner of his mind. Coulson hangs his head in shame, ''we left it on Maveth''.
Kebo scoffs, ''of course you did''. Grant shifts against the wall, ''where's Daisy?'' Another glance around the room and he's about to lose it. ''She's gone''. ''Gone where?'' Coulson tosses a tablet over to Grant and Kebo leans over his shoulder to look. Grant isn't entirely sure what he's looking at. It's an image of him in a long black coat, but there's something off about his expression. It's cold, no warmth in Ward's eyes. And then Grant starts putting the pieces together.
''This isn't Ward. This is Hive''. Coulson gives Grant a puzzled look, ''I'm sorry who?'' ''Boss you should cut your hair look that, it looks nice''. Kebo nods to the photo and Grant elbows him in the ribs to shut him up. ''Hive, that's the creature's name on Maveth''. ''And now he's possessing Ward's body, isn't that nice? Anything else you want to spring on us? Did Skye get punched in the face by her counterpart too?'' ''Do you ever shut up?'' May asks Kebo who isn't ashamed to hide behind Grant just a tad, the woman scares him.
''No he never does, it's one of his many annoying talents''. Simmons almost smiles at Grant but then catches herself. Not even caring that he's the supposed good guy here, he's still the Grant Ward who betrayed them all. ''Grant he took Daisy''. ''Took isn't really the right word. She went freely if I recall''. Fitz comments, gesturing to the damaged Playground. Grant shares a look with Kebo before demanding that Coulson tell him everything. So he does.
He tells Grant about Hive having the ability to attract Inhumans, to get them on his side in a form of brain washing. How everyone at Shield thought it was anyone else but Daisy, that she was too strong for that. By the time Coulson is done Grant could laugh at what he's gotten himself into. ''But why Daisy? Out of all the Inhumans, why her?'' Kebo wonders aloud. ''She's their leader?'' ''She's powerful''. ''It's because of Ward''.
All the Shield agents turn to gape at Grant, who puts his hands in his pockets. ''All of those reasons factor into why he chose Daisy, but it's also Ward's feelings for her. She has always been his weakness and Hive has his memories, Ward's emotional attatchments to her more than likely played a big part in that''. No one believes him, they are all still convinced despite what Skye told them previous that Hive just wanted Daisy for her powers.
That Ward was a cruel monster who was only capable of evil, that he didn't know what love felt like. Grant knows of course that was never the case, he's loved Skye since the moment he met her. ''And what exactly do you expect me to do about this? Hive can't be killed''. It's Coulson who answers, ''you know more about Hive than any of us. We need your help''. ''I need to find Skye first''. ''We don't have time''. Grant raises an eyebrow at May, ''Not my problem''.
''We need you agent Ward''. In Grant's world Coulson has been calling him that for years now so it isn't a shock to him, but to everyone else they stiffen. Remembering agent Grant Ward with his clean cut face and robot personality. He was their friend, the perfect Shield Specilaist. Until he betrayed everything they stood for. The office falls silent and no one will look at him. ''My wife is my first and only priority Coulson, I need to find her''.
''Mack is already working on it, following up on a lead in Boston. We track down Skye for you, just find Daisy for us''. Kebo and Ward look at each other, ''boss what do you want to do? I can go look for Skye myself if you want''. Grant shakes his head, ''it's fine. Shield can find her. Coulson tell me exactly what happened here''. Phil informs him of Gideon Malick's death and Daisy's destruction of the Playground. How she is being brain washed by Hive and they have no idea on how to get her back. Grant glances at his phone multipule times. Kebo notices.
''So what's your plan here boss? Why in the hell are we not out there looking for Skye? Do you have any idea what a mess she probably is?'' Kebo asks him as they're boarding a quin jet. ''Because I already know where she is and she's fine. When we get Daisy back I'm going to go pick up Skye and we'll go home''. ''How do you know where she is?'' ''Spies''. Kebo rolls his eyes and remains quiet until they take off. ''So are we going to talk about you dying and your body being taken over by a Hydra creature?''
John's voice drifts back loud and clear, Grant is having a hard time shaking him off. ''What I want to find out is why Skye was even on Maveth, I mean why did that Marcus fellow send her there in the first place? Maybe he thought she could save Ward but clearly she didn't. So why torture her further? What was the point? And why did Hive kill you and not her?'' ''Kebo these are all questions that I don't have the answers to''. ''And what does Shield expect you to do about Hive? He can't be killed''.
Grant glances over to his friend in exasperation, but he still won't shut up. ''Besides did you not notice how nice they were to you? It was creepy, and when we left no one threatned you. Did you not find that strange?'' ''Of course I did''. ''So why are you so mellow about this?'' ''I'm not. I don't trust this Shield, but someone has to save Daisy and they aren't capable of doing that''. ''And how exactly do you plan to free her from Hive's sway?''
Grant has a flashback to Kara and he blinks her face away. ''I have experience in mind control''. Kebo gets this sad look on his face, ''I know. Look I know Shield is hell bent on killing Ward and everything, but is there a way to save him you think? Like remove Hive from his body?'' Grant thinks on this and comes up empty. ''I don't know''. ''If there's a way we'll have to fight Shield to do it''. Grant squares his shoulders as the quin jet climbs into the clouds. ''Fine with me''.
It takes longer than Grant would like for them to track down Daisy and Hive. She actually gets to Shield first, cornering Fitz and telling him to stop looking for her, to stop trying to save her. The next time Grant misses out on the action again, more to do with lack of communication on Shield's part than anything else. He gets a phone call from Coulson while him and Kebo are once again boarding the quin jet. ''Daisy attacked Mack, she's too far gone Grant''.
This makes him pause, anger rolls over him. He doesn't like the direction this conversation is already taking. ''No one is too far gone Coulson, just give me five minutes with her. I can save her''. ''She can't be saved''. Grant scoffs, Kebo stops by his elbow to listen. ''That's your problem right there, this isn't her fault Coulson. Take it from someone who knows''- ''Save me the pity party Grant, you weren't brain washed. Everything you did you did of your own free will, you told Skye just as much''. ''This isn't about me, Daisy needs help''.
''And I hope you get to her in time. We have a location thanks to Lincoln. Him and Daisy have been in contact''. Kebo makes a face at the mention of the Inhuman , they never did get along. ''Coulson you're not touching Daisy. When I get her out of there I want your word that you won't harm her''. The line goes dead and Grant clutches the burner phone in hand so hard it nearly breaks. ''Well I think it's safe to say that Coulson has offically lost it''.
Grant doesn't understand this version of Shield he's in. In what universe would Coulson give up on Daisy? When he treated her no better than he treated Ward? None of what's happened is her fault, she's being brain washed for god sake. Where's the compassion? Where is Coulson's philosophy that everyone can be saved? That no one gets left behind, especially a member of his team? Of course none of that applied to Ward apparently, but this is Daisy. It's different with her.
''She won't be safe at Shield''. Grant says when they take off. ''So what do you propose we do? And what exactly is your plan for getting her away from Hive? He's this super powerful creature from hell right? You maybe a bad ass but not even you can beat this guy''. Grant grins, ''you doubting my skills Kebo?'' He sighs, rolls his eyes. ''Your cocky attitude is annoying boss, seriously that joke is only cute with Skye. Who by the way is probably going to kick your ass when she finds out that you knew she was here and didn't come after her''.
Grant doesn't comment because Kebo is more than likely right. ''If something happens and it looks like I'm not going to make it out, find Daisy and get as far away from Hive as you can''. Kebo freezes in his seat, narrows his eyes at Grant. ''I'm going to need you to repeat that because it sounds like you just said to save Daisy instead of you. Which is not going to happen, you have a wife and kids back home who need you. And I promised your son I wouldn't let you get hurt. I'm not leaving you boss, not for Daisy''.
''Kebo I''- ''Daisy is not your wife, you realize that right? Ward is supposed to be with her in this life, not you. You already have her and Skye would be destroyed if something were to happen to you. I'm sorry Director, but I'm not going to do it. Not for Daisy and not like this. If you can't get to her then she's on her own, if it's between you and her she'll get no help from me''. Grant opens his mouth to respond but his phone rings just as they begin their ascent to the ground.
When they land in the wearhouse Hive and Daisy are at, Grant hangs up the phone. ''Who was that?'' ''Fitz. I think I know how to save Daisy''. ''Better hope so''. Grant scowls, his hand on the release hatch. ''You should have gone to get Skye''. Kebo nods in agreement, gets his gun in hand. ''Last chance to go back boss, pick up Skye and get the hell out of the dimension''. Kebo's answer is the doors opening. He fights off the nerves in his stomach.
When the light clears Grant comes face to face with himself. Which isn't as odd as the first time, but it's still strange. Grant can tell immediately that the person in front of him is not Ward. The way he stands, too poise, the way he has his hands behind his back. His entire persona screams darkness, danger bleeding at every inch of his skin. Hive cocks his head to the side, ''I don't understand''. ''It's called your about to lose your girl, bitch''. Kebo announces as he runs past Hive and starts searching for Daisy.
Hive takes the bait and turns, just as Grant attacks. He hasn't used his powers in the field in months, and it feels good. He's going to burn this place to the ground. Ward was unaware of his other half's powers, which means Hive is too. He dodges the flames Grant throws his way, and all too soon the place is nothing but flames and smoke. Hive's strength combined with Ward's combat skills means he's a force to be reckoned with. But so is Grant.
Grant has Hive in a headlock when he hears, ''stay away from him!'' It's Daisy, and after a moment Grant finds himself thrown into a wall. He shakes the dust off and Daisy goes after him, her face turning to confusion when she sees who her opponent is. ''What the hell? Ward?'' ''It's a long story. Kebo I thought I told you to grab her''. Kebo is looking back and forth between Grant and Hive and says, ''sorry. I got distracted''. ''Distract him, you're good at that''.
Kebo looks at Hive with a smirk, ''personally I like Ward better, no offense mate''. Kebo gets a face full of glass and a mean kick to the ribs. While he is occupied Grant takes this second to get his arms around Daisy. She fights his arms that come around her, ''I'm not trying to hurt you Daisy. I'm trying to save you''. ''I don't need saving. I'm finally home, where I belong''. ''Shield is your home''. ''Not anymore''. Grant sighs, his fingers drift over her neck and she stills.
''I'm trying to protect you''. Is the last thing she hears before his fingers find the right spot against her skin and she slumps against him. Once she's on the ground and Grant is leaning over her, he does as Fitz instructed. One hand comes to rest against her chest, and he softly calls on her powers to ignite. Knowing from experience that his powers won't hurt her, if Fitz is correct Grant should be the cure. ''You better be right about this Fitz''. Grant looks over his shoulder to see that Kebo is still successfully keeping Hive busy. Honestly Grant is amazed it's lasted this long.
Sparks ingite from his finger tips and scatter over her chest, smoke rises from the both of them. Daisy depsite being in her unconscious state gasps and arches off the floor, some kind of light breaks open out of her chest. Her brown eyes meet Grant's before they close, full of fear and water. Grant holds the fragment of light in his palm, it's cold to the touch. He sets it on fire. ''Boss are you done yet?'' Kebo yells from across the room, lunging out of the way when a table is thrown in his direction. ''Let's go!'' Grant swings Daisy up in his arms and heads to the jet.
Kebo sprints up the ramp and holds his arms out, Grant transfers Daisy over to him and turns back to Hive. Who is blinking up at him against the smoke. With a twitch of Grant's hand the chain he's grown so fond of (honestly it's probably his favorite part of his powers) wraps around his arm, flames dance up the silver. Hive smirks, accepting the challenge. ''You're never touching her again''. ''We'll see about that''. The smoke becomes too much and Hive makes his escape.
''We have to go boss!'' They make it in the clear just as the wearhouse bursts into flames and eventually collapsing in on itself. Grant leaves the cock pit and Kebo takes over. Grant drifts over to Daisy who is resting in one of the chairs, her eyes still closed. Grant misses his wife terribly. Daisy is so different from her with her short hair and ghosts haunting her every step. He remembers what she was like in the early days of their relationship, so hard to reach.
''Super spy Coulson is on the phone''. ''Ignore it''. ''You got it. Where are we headed? You said she wasn't going to be safe at Shield''. Grant turns his attention back to Kebo. ''Coulson will lock her up, that won't help her. Take us to the safe house in Georgia''. ''Yes sir. So what in the hell was that back there? What did you to do her, set her on fire?'' ''Fitz told me to try it, I think it worked''. ''You think? And what happens if it doesn't?'' ''Guess we'll find out when she wakes''.
''I nearly died for you''. Kebo complains as he nurses his wounds with a bottle of whiskey and a towel. ''Wouldn't be the first time''. ''Not funny boss''. Grant looks away from the stars to his friend. ''Thank you, you know I couldn't of done this without you''. Kebo rolls his eyes, ''I know. You'd be lost without me you incompetent fool''. Grant chuckles quietly and Kebo sighs. ''She's going to be a mess when she comes to''. ''I know''.
''How exactly are you planning to deal with that? I mean to her you're Grant Ward, the son of a bitch who betrayed her and her entire team. Plus her brain is all wonky from the brain washing, it's going to be one hell of a ride Sir''. ''I know''. ''You're sure she's worth it? I mean technically she's Shield's problem now, you don't owe her anything''. ''Kebo I'm not having this conversation with you. I just understand what she's going through in a way, that's all. And Shield will lock her up like they did me, Daisy deserves more than that''.
Kebo shakes his head, ''whatever you say boss. Just don't come crying to me when she shoots you again''. ''I'll keep that in mind''. Grant glances back to Daisy, her short hair framed around her bruised face. She looks so pale and shaken. He's afraid for her, of the world she's going to wake up to. She's going to need all the help she can get, and Grant thinks he may not be the best person to offer it but he's going to try nonetheless. Daisy is going to get what Ward was denied after John died, a second chance. Help, understanding and sympathy.
Because she's going to need it, she's going to need to feel safe and warm as she goes through the mess Hive left in her head. And Grant would walk through fire to give it to her.