Title: The paths we choose
Summary: 'While a SHIELD agent is considering right and wrong, HYDRA's already taken a shot.' What if you had not one, but two individuals agree on that aka Ward wasn't the only one working undercover for HYDRA.
AN: Well here goes my attempt at a multi-chapter Shield fic. It's an AU mostly told from Fitz's point of view, so it will be Fitz (and Ward centric). It's my answer to the question what if Ward wasn't alone when he infiltrated SHIELD. What if there was someone else with him? And how would that affect the story? Read and find out, and drop me a line if you like it!
-oo-
"There are no wrong turnings. Only paths we had not known we were meant to walk."
― Guy G. Kay
Chapter 1
He felt the blood run down his finger and in wonder, more than anything else, he traced it with his other. How little was needed for people to bleed... Well, he had tried for a long time to make a difference and this was his first real opportunity to do so. As his mentor used to say – when it came to science there was a bigger pain in not knowing then living with the consequences of the action that lead to it. The cause did not matter as long as the answer was achieved.
In all his years studying he couldn't relate to that statement. Maybe that's why he was here, pushing forward despite many choosing otherwise. He was trying to find that bigger truth that would justify his actions and deeds.
Most of them thought that he wouldn't be able to handle the pressure but he was still here when the rest have fallen. But not him.
Distracted by a dull noise he recognized as a duffel bag being placed on his table he looked up at the source of the disturbance. In front of him stood a rather stoic young man around his age and there ended all the similarities they shared. The man was clearly an agent in the making if not one already.
"Hello. How may I help you?"
The young man looked back at the row of tables filled with young intern scientists and then turned back to him.
"Need someone who's going to be in charge of my gear and any important equipment I may need in the future. Do you fit the bill?"
Fitz felt the swell of pride that someone actually thought of him as good enough to be a capable supporter. He couldn't help but say, "I am to be Q to your Bond?"
He looked at him as unimpressed as before, but a small smile tugged on his lips before he answered.
"I will try to bring them back in one piece."
Fitz felt his own smile stretch as he moved to collect the items from the bag. He whistled in wonder.
"You've got some grade A stuff here, but no worries, I can make them better."
The man nodded in approval.
"That is good to know."
With that he felt some of the awkwardness lift as he inspected the gear. He was in his element.
"Yes well, this is only a Shield prototype. It may be above what you can find on the market but still not up to what we need."
He heard the young man chuckle and sit down in an empty chair.
"I'm agent Ward."
He glanced up to acknowledge that he heard him and responded in kind.
"I am junior scientist Leo Fitz. Just Fitz. So, I am in charge of your toys from now on?"
He regarded Ward carefully hoping he will finally have someone to provide support for. Ward in return nodded and looked back towards the other scientists.
"They looked rather mundane for what I need."
He only looked on as Ward explained his reasons for choosing him.
"You seem to be the kind that can think outside the box and being the only one who doesn't wear a white coat helps. I hate people who try so hard to fit into neat little boxes. That is not what we stand for."
He could only nod. Fitz had to admit he didn't expect such an elaborate answer. Agents here were really something else.
"I have a lot to prove and I will try not to let you down agent Ward."
He wanted to justify the choice Ward made. That somehow, he was worth it.
"Let's hope for both our sakes that you don't. We will be under a lot of pressure for the next operation I hear. The young talent from this facility will be the first to try the successful infiltration."
Yes, he had heard something along those lines and he couldn't help but feel excited and scared at the same time.
"I am confident we will succeed Fitz, no matter what the cost."
He stood up to leave before shaking his hand.
"It was nice meeting you Fitz. Here's to a long and successful partnership."
Fitz could only shake his hand in return and answer with a confidant salute.
"Yes sir. Hail HYDRA."
Agent Ward answered the same and moved away from his station.
Maybe he was too young and inexperienced but he will damn well try to keep up. They had to if they wanted to protect the world. Nobody else had the courage to do what was necessary but an organization like HYDRA was here to show the world that there are those who can and who will.
He lowered his eyes to his injured finger, that had stopped bleeding, the numbness setting in. This mission will prove if he can withstand the pain or succumb to it all and fail in what they have set out to do. Time will tell.
-oo-
AN: There you have it. This chapter was more of a prologue, next one will be longer I promise. I have most of the story planned out so if guys like it, I'm hoping to update pretty regularly.