X marks the spot

Past Life

"We had a fancy name for that place. But, it sounded a little pretentious." Daisy laughed a little at Simon's words. She looked between the two versions of her friend. Seemed his previous words of "no name" were a lie.

"For what it's worth. You aged nicely." Daisy got a smile from Simon.

"What'd you call it? The void?" Simon shook his head, looking back at the younger version of himself with a sad look. His arms folded to try and secure himself. Tell him that this was real. He'd stopped it this time.

This time.

"Nah, call it a razor's edge. Always there. Tilting one way, then the other." Daisy couldn't help her next question with these words.

"What was on either side?"

"Finally beating that thing. The other is fully giving into it."

"Which side do you say you're at?" Her tone was soft. Simon closed his eyes for a moment. Having to remind himself that this wasn't a flashback. Or his brain bringing them back for a moment so he could feel some peace.

No, it was real.

He opened his eyes, meeting his oldest and closest friend's eyes. They were waiting patiently for an answer. Occasionally going back to his younger form.

"For me, I'd say we're more centred than anything. Still trying to balance it out. As for him...." He paused as he looked at Aaron's still unconscious figure. His head resting on Jemma's shoulder as she did what she could for his cuts and bruises. She simply kept the head there at the end. A reminder that her friend was alive and still with them on this side of the void.

"... I don't know."

Aaron shot up with a gasp for air. His breathing shuddered as he tried to get his bearings. Daisy was over in a minute, placing her hands on his shoulder, "Aaron. Aaron. Hey! You're ok, you're ok." She said softly. Aaron met her eyes with his own panicked ones. Ones that were just in a fight moments ok. But, looking into Daisy's eyes. He saw warmth in them.

She was safe. They were safe.

His breathing started to calm as he collected himself. Shutting his eyes to try and help himself. He felt a hand hold his. Looking over, he saw that it was Jemma. She had brought him to the realisation that they were actually fine. He missed the look between the two girls as they saw that he seemed to not know what he had done before.

Daisy turned her head to look at Simon. The man shook his head. Don't do this. Not now. At least, not until we're out of here. She looked back to Jemma, her friend looking conflicted. But ended up nodding.

"You alright, bud?" Daisy moved her eyes back to their youngest friend when she asked. His eyes drifted to her; he gave a stiff nod. But, for the time being, it would have to do.

She rose to her feet from her crouched position, holding out a hand to him, "We need to move." She said; he slipped his hand into hers. She pulled him up. Giving him a once over, before leading the others to their escape.

That escape was an escape pod. One that connected with a ship. The doors opened, with Daisy leading the fractured team – hopefully – to the others that would once again make it whole. Daisy turned a corner, checking for anyone. She gave the all clear as she did a sweep of it.

"Hopefully we can say the same for Enoch." Aaron looked at Fitz with his words. Wondering if the man meant it for Enoch's sake, or for theirs.

"The diversion seems to have worked. They're still searching for this ship." Enoch's voice came over the radio. Giving Fitz his answer.