open; i got issues, but you got 'em too

[operation]

Who: grant ward + you
Where: all over wonderland
When: 3/22-3/26
Rating: pg for now
Summary: ward's done hiding. it's time to make some connections.
The Story:

[ It's a good thing Ward's always been highly adaptable. Waking up in Wonderland? No problem. Realizing this is his afterlife because there is no way he could have survived getting his chest crushed? Well, he's learning to deal with it. It's not like he wasn't ready for it all to be over anyways. He just wasn't going to go down without a fight.

What's it been now? A week since he arrived to this ridiculous place? Ward hasn't seen a lot of Wonderland just yet as he's been cooped up in his room mostly; licking his wounds, biding his time, doing some research. But hey, what a room. Four walls. Literally. He probably could have come up with something better, but it's not like he needs much anyways. It could have been worse. He could have woken up in a coffin. Yikes.

All dressed up in a leather jacket, comfortable jeans and a crisp white shirt, Grant Ward takes a good look at himself in the mirror and asks himself who he wants to be today. Because walking out that door is a big deal. He's about to start a brand new chapter in his life. He can do anything. Be anyone. And what does a dead man want?

Well, freedom's out of the question. So -- how about a walk around Wonderland? And maybe some company? Come on. Is that really too much to ask for? ]

Comments

[divaricate]

[And here's someone else with a history in Hydra for you, Ward. (Though Wanda's history with them was more like 'whoops and then I accidentally Hydra'.)

Wanda is making her way to go to the beach, just to sit and relax there for a bit; though, as she walks, she's not paying quite as much attention as she should or could be to her surroundings and nearly bumps into him. That gets her to look up at him.]

Uh -- sorry. [She apologizes with a quick half smile. Ward may or may not know her face from back in their world.]

[operation]

[ There's a reason why Ward's made his way over to the beach. He'd been following her of course. Who wouldn't recognize that face after the whole Sokovia incident? Wanda bumping into him is definitely no accident, but he lets her think that it's entirely her fault. All part of his grand plan. A little information gathering.

That grimace on his face though? It's not entirely fake. Wonderland might have miraculously healed his broken ribs, but he still has a bruised chest. He presses a hand to the area before letting out a slight shake of his head. ]

It's fine. Just... I think I might need to sit down for a minute. [ Now, now. Is he exaggerating his injury in order to get some attention here? Yes, he is. ]

[divaricate]

[ It works well enough. Concern shows across her face as she reaches out non threateningly towards him. ]

What's wrong? Did you hurt yourself -- well, I guess I should be asking how?

[operation]

[ The how of it is something he doesn't feel like rehashing right now. He can't tell her the truth anyways. It's more than a little complicated. Ward takes an involuntary step back when she reaches out. Okay. So maybe he's not quite ready to deal with any kind of physical contact. Not when the memory of Coulson crushing his chest is still fresh in his mind. ]

I... was involved in an accident. Recovery's taking some time. But I'll be fine. [ He gives her a reassuring smile as he straightens up. Well, he's certainly given her the impression that he's not a threat. ]

Can't believe this place has a beach. Is it safe for swimming?

[morethan084]

[Daisy was on her way back from the fitness center, which she's been going to every day at the same times. Either late at night, or early in the morning. It was easier for her to focus with no one else around, plus, she could blast her music. Either way the last thought on her mind is that she would see someone she hoped to never see here. Actually, right now all she can think about is having a second cup of coffee.

She hears footsteps approaching her and only gives a passing glance at the person about to walk past her. At least until her eyes make their way to his face and she quickly stops. Of course the last time she saw this face it was when an ancient inhuman was possessing it, and also had her under his control. It's not Hive and she realizes that pretty quickly.]

Ward?

[Just saying his name sends ice through her veins. Did he just get here? She should warn the others, or do they know already?]

[operation]

[ Yes, he was about to walk right past her because who's Mary Sue Poots Skye to him really? Totally not someone who'd been important to him at all. Did not fall head over feet for her. Nope. Did not let his emotions get the best of him because of her. Nope. Did not choose impressing her over his allegiance for HYDRA. Nope.

But he had done all of that and more. So was he really going to just walk past her? No. Not really. Not at all in fact. But it's nice to pretend like that's a possibility anyways.

Is he surprised that she's here? Yes. Pleased? A little bit. He hadn't had a chance to say goodbye after all. Why else would he be hanging around in this gym? Okay, he'd been considering using the facilities, but right now he's here because of her. And as he's looking at her, he is reminded of the fact that there is still this option for him to pretend to be someone else entirely. Except there's too much he wants to say. Too much he still wants to try to get her to understand. ]

Your hair's different. [ It's definitely a step up from just saying hello. ]

[morethan084]

And you're alive.

[Are they just throwing facts at each other now? Although Daisy quickly realizes they had not seen each other in over a year. Clearly a lot has changed about her, but would he think anything was off in the fact that she was cagey? Especially since she had been like that with him ever since he betrayed the team, betrayed SHIELD.

If he hadn't yet gone through dying yet, then the statement could've easily been taken as her being sarcastic. After all he did get out of SHIELD's custody.]

[operation]

[ Maybe, just maybe there had been a small part of him that had hoped he somehow hadn't died on a strange planet with his corpse left to rot there all on his own. Where he'd be forgotten.

Learning about HYDRA's history and seeing what it could mean if he had been successful at bringing back Hive had set him on the path to thinking that he could have done more for himself; made something of himself.

Oh, well.

Thankfully, he's quick at compartmentalizing his emotions so the confirmation of his death is pushed to the furthest corner of his mind where it can't affect him. He's not going to let her have that satisfaction. She can be cruel like that. He's seen what she's capable of. There's a darkness inside her too. Raina had been right. ]

The magic of Wonderland. [ Seeing all of these familiar faces again, he's not sure if it's a blessing or a curse. ] Disappointed you weren't the one to crush me, Skye?

[hypoxic]

[All he wanted was lunch.

Jemma and Fitz have been too busy with labwork to do much else lately, but food from the closets never tastes as good as real, if generated by rubbish magic, food prepared by hand. Fitz never manages to make it to the kitchen though, freezing in the hall as if held in place by invisible arms.

That's Ward.

That's Grant Ward in Wonderland.

Wonderland is supposed to be a Ward-free space.

He's not sure what to do -- should he run? Should he find a weapon? -- and so he stands in place, staring. Maybe it's an unannounced event. Maybe it's a hallucination that'll dissipate if he gives it long enough. Or maybe his legs will remember how to move to get himself out of this horrible horrible moment.]

[operation]

[ It's certainly too late to run as Ward has already spotted him. Leo Fitz -- frozen in place with so much fear in his eyes. He almost feels sorry for the guy and he's not sure why. The thing is, despite all that's happened, Fitz hasn't quite made it on his hit list. Sure, there's that anger and hate constantly boiling under the surface ever since he'd had the unfortunate luck of getting in contact with the Berserker Staff, but the most he's ever felt around Fitz is annoyance. A great deal of it, but not enough that he'd put a bullet in his head or anything like that.

Fitz is Thomas. In a way. He hadn't meant to hurt him. But he did. Because of reasons. Because he had to. ]

Relax. I just want to talk. [ He moves to put a hand on Fitz's shoulder -- to keep him in place, stop him from running. Did he make it out of Maveth? Or is he from a different -- what's that called? -- timeline altogether? It's definitely something he intends to find out. ]

[hypoxic]

[He flinches at the movement, backing away to keep Ward from making contact.

He should tell Klaus -- but what would that solve? It would be condoning murder.]

You've done all the talking you'll ever need to do.

[But look at him, completing sentences without a single stutter. He's doing so much better than he'd been.]

[operation]

[ When Fitz moves away from him, Ward gives him his personal space and keeps a good and reasonable distance away. It's not like he wants to attract any kind of attention from those passing through the hall anyways. ]

You're still upset. I get it. [ But just how many times is he supposed to explain himself? He's thinking Fitz is most definitely from a different timeline or he'd likely have reacted differently. He certainly wouldn't seem so afraid of him. ] If this is about the pod, don't you think you ought to take some responsibility for that? Hm?

\o/

[mandrakes]

[Regis is leaving his rooms when he spies one of his more elusive neighbours stepping out into the corridor. He can understand the feeling of being restricted - he gets the creeping sensation himself sometimes - and he doubts many here could say they didn't occasionally feel it too.

Not everyone is as sociable as he is, but he still smiles and nods in greeting as he pulls the door shut.]

Good afternoon.

[operation]

[ The positive side to seeing a face he doesn't recognize is that it's a face he doesn't recognize which means there's likely no baggage here. But the fact he has no idea who this person is puts him a little on edge. He's wary of people in general. The ones who manage to get close enough to him? Well, he tends to put them through their paces, lets them experience firsthand how dangerous he can be. It's a scare tactic, really. When people fear him, it makes him confident he has the upper hand. Who needs friends when you can have subordinates, right?

He realizes he needs a new plan here entirely though because his HYDRA ways aren't going to work in Wonderland. He ought to finish that book he'd borrowed from the library. The one by Dale Carnegie on how to win friends and influence people. He's currently on Chapter Four. ]

Afternoon, sir. [ He's a master of deception, and he's one hell of a great actor. It's easy enough to pull this little act. The one where he's just a regular guy with absolutely no worries on his mind. What's harder to do is being himself. He has no idea who he is. See, a man named Garrett took that away from him, but that's a story for another day. ]

I was starting to think I was the only one living on this floor. I haven't seen many people around. [ He moves to take a few steps forward, offering the older gentleman a handshake. Manners -- he has them in spades. ] I'm Grant. Newly arrived.

[mandrakes]

[When it comes to making friends, someone as affable as Regis is as good a place to start as any. With his door secured, he moves to take the offered hand.

People who were well-experienced in observation would immediately notice several things which were 'off' about Regis himself. The hand that takes Grant's sports slightly longer-than-normal fingernails that round to an almost-point. The way he smiles is peculiar, almost pursing his lips as the corners tip up. His mode of dress is outdated, but the more marked thing about him is the constant scent of roots and herbs about his person that emanates from the small leather bag attached to the belt strapped across his chest.

Careful examination of him in sunlight would reveal that he doesn't cast a shadow as most do.]

Regis. I believe I have been here for almost ten months. This floor is somewhat sparsely populated, particularly in this area.

[But, honestly, he does prefer it that way.]

Are you managing to find your feet?

[operation]

[ He's observant enough to notice a few things, but mostly that Regis' nails are due for a trim -- seriously. Being a survivalist, he's been trained to keep a careful eye on those around him; figuring out their habits, picking up on strange patterns of behavior, learning as much as he can, but mostly he likes watching people when they think they're alone. It's when they reveal the best bits about themselves.

There's something odd about the guy, sure, but it's not enough to set off any internal alarms. He's in Wonderland. There's bound to be plenty of eccentrics here. ]

Ten months? Long time. [ There's a reason why he chose this area of the mansion. He wanted the privacy. Seems like he's not the only one. He could have picked the room across from the guy or a few doors down even, but he has his reasons for wanting the room next door. It's a test. If Regis here packs up and move, he's either a loner or has some deep, dark secrets to hide. The latter of which would interest him. If he doesn't move, well -- Ward finds himself with a possible acquaintance. It's a win-win. ]

I'm not really sure what to make of this place. Got the welcome pamphlet. [ He pulls it out of his pocket. ] Mirrors, events. Sounds like fun.

[notuptight]

[ From the other side of the mirror, Caitlin's been watching. It's not as if she doesn't have anything better to do. There's other Mirrors to torture and make cry, of course. But that's an everyday thing. It always catches her eye when Reals linger in front of their reflections.

What she wouldn't give to be on the Real side again.

So when she spies a new face seeming to study himself in the glass, she just can't help herself. Picking up a pen, she jots down a message for him. One that seems innocent enough. ]

Good morning.

[operation]

[ The welcome pamphlet had mentioned something about the mirrors. Ward didn't think he'd be experiencing an encounter with one of these mirror selves anytime soon, but hey -- consider him a lucky man.

He sees the words being scribbled on the surface and pauses in the act of getting his hair fixed. It's a little unnerving to know that he's being watched, but he allows it for now. ]

Good morning. [ He'd been warned to approach with caution. He's not sure what to expect here really. But he's curious to know what they're capable of. ] It's not nice to stare.

[notuptight]

[ On the other side of the mirror, Caitlin grins as she watches his reaction. She can't help but wonder if he's unnerved, if he's scared. Or even better, he's intrigued. She hasn't been here long, not compared to others, but she hasn't really seen a Real that was up to her challenges. ]

Who said I had to be nice?

[operation]

[ A mirror with an attitude. He lets out a bit of a smirk. At this point, he's not sure what to think. Or feel. The fact he'd just been resurrected in Wonderland is enough of a mind fuck. Of course, he's creeped out a little. Who wouldn't be? These words that are being scribbled on the surface of the mirror? It's making the hair at the back of his neck stand up, but he's managing to remain composed; refusing to show any signs of fear. ]

So, naughty then. Well, that's fine. What do you want? [ It's a fair question. They all want something. He wanted a lot in his short life. Of course, he didn't know he could want until it was too late. ]

kitchen;

[radiopalkiller]

[ What does a dead man want?

This one could do with an impeccably cooked serving of balsamic-glazed salmon fillet, for starters. Because if you've got nothing but time on your hands, and England's reputation for crap food to battle with, well, honestly, the dining room can go right to hell. Philip is as much a regular in the kitchen as he's at the bar, and currently he's about to sprinkle a measured amount of oregano over his work when--

It's like that feeling you get when somebody's standing right behind you. Only creepier, because Philip turns around, and there's nobody at all. And then, one second later, some nobody walks into the kitchen. Great, just great, because who doesn't love alien bat echolocation? Philip sighs. No, that's fair, it'll probably come in handy once it stops making his skin crawl.

He gives a half-hearted wave of his hand to the walk-in. Thinks it's either a new arrival, or somebody he couldn't have been arsed to pay attention to just yet. Correction: Not yet, and not now. He turns back around, and slides his salmon dish into the oven. ]

If you need the stove, I'll be done in about fifteen minutes.

[ Ten quid says he won't need the stove. Dining hall loving cretins, the lot of them. ]

[[ OOC: Ability information on part-alien pseudo-telepath and recent human radar Philip. ]]

[operation]

[ Like Phillip, Ward prefers to prepare his own meal. He'd been thinking about making himself a sandwich. Something simple because he's not that hungry. But even that usually that takes him about twenty minutes because he's meticulous as hell. Don't judge him.

He's not surprised to see someone else in the kitchen. There's always bound to be people around these parts. He's kind of prepared himself for that. Ward's not used to making casual conversation, but in a place like this -- he doesn't really have a choice. ]

No worries. Just making myself a sandwich. [ He goes to the fridge and starts pulling out the ingredients for that epic sandwich he's preparing to make. He roasted some chicken yesterday so there should be some leftover... ] That salmon smells good.


+ i saw your ooc post about phillip leaving wonderland. no worries if you want to drop this thread. sad to see him go! ;o;

[choosetruth]

[When he reaches the kitchen in his tour, he'll find Georgia, who's stopped by for lunch and more importantly, caffeine. She pops the tab on her Coke and turns towards him, raising an eyebrow over her sunglasses.]

You're new.

[She could be wrong. She pays close attention but even she can't notice everyone when they first arrive. Still, if he's not new, he's been keeping himself extremely low profile. Otherwise she'd at least recognize his face, if not know who he is.]

[operation]

[ So much for just poking his head in for a quick look at the kitchen. Ward gives the girl an easy enough smile as he steps further in, trying not to seem too out of place in a magical mystery mansion. ] Yep. Newly arrived. Name's Grant.

So does everyone know everyone around here? [ He wouldn't be surprised if that's the case. Most of the residents are likely living in the mansion and Wonderland's not that huge. The fact they're all trapped here means it's going to feel more and more like a prison soon enough. It's still a step up from the cell he'd been imprisoned in at the Playground though. There's that for a silver lining. ]

[choosetruth]

Georgia. [She gives him a cool nod in greeting.] No, not really. It's a small mansion, but not that small.

[Especially with how often people leave or come. You never know if the person you meet will still be there tomorrow.]

But small enough that I do tend to at least recognize faces. You're either new or the sort who avoids the network entirely, and your clothes don't mark you as pre-phones, so the former seemed like a safe bet.