Two Sides Of The Same Coin

"Sky, it's okay. Calm down. I'm here." Peter comforted Sky as she remained irresponsive.

"It-it's not possible… he died – I killed him… Oh my God…"

Peter looked dumbstruck. "What do you mean? Who did you kill? Sky?"

"I didn't kill him… he came to kill me... it was all an accident…" She muttered without looking at Peter.

Taking her arm as he realised she wasn't going to respond, Peter pulled her into her house and made her sit down on the sofa as he found the kitchen and put the kettle on, soon returning with 2 steaming mugs of refreshingly hot tea. Gently putting the mug in her hands, Peter rubbed her back consolingly and patiently waited for her to explain.

Sky took a long draught from her mug, inhaling the soothing scent of the tea for strength before beginning to explain to Peter what had transpired.

"I fell asleep by my computer – I was exhausted last night… I was sure I'd locked the door, but when I woke up, it was blown wide open, so naturally I shut it." Peter brushed his bangs from his eyes, then nodded, showing that he was following the story so far. "Then I came back, and I saw that someone had written on my laptop, I turned around and was knocked unconcious." She breathed in deeply, rubbing her head in indecision. "The next part's more complicated. For starters, you probably won't believe me, or you'll just think I've gone crazy…"

Peter suddenly grabbed her hand. "I won't. I'm serious. Just tell me."
Glancing down at her hand in his, Sky smiled weakly before continuing. "I woke up and I found this… man, this terrible man, leering down at me. He was right where you're sitting now… he offered me tea…" She paused off pensively, frowning at the strange coincidence, before shaking her head and taking another calming sip of her tea, she cleared her throat. "That was when things started to get really weird…I don't know how, but he- this man- he lifted me off the ground, quite literally." Peter's eyes widened in surprise. "Then he threw me against the wall – all with his mind, and tried to cut open my head, but… I healed. That didn't go down too well with him of course, so it ensued in a fight – he chucked books – anything and everything at me and I healed. But suddenly, something happened and I stopped healing-"

"You stopped healing?" Peter asked in alarm, seeming seriously concerned. "But you healed yourself earlier…"

"In the car, remember that? I wasn't healing then… anyway, I haven't finished…"

"Sorry, go on."

"Like I was saying, he had me completely at his mercy and I suddenly felt really, really angry – I was fed up of being thrown around like a toy. I shut my eyes and when I opened them I discovered that he had been thrown against the opposite wall."

"No way!" Peter exclaimed, making Sky smile slightly as she took another slurp from her tea.

"Basically, after that, I accidently chucked him through my front window with his own power. I thought I'd killed him – I didn't mean to though… I felt terrible – I thought I was a murderer…"

"Then you rang me?"

"Yes, I rang you 'cause you were the only person I could turn to – I'm sorry I've got you involved now… and I think you more or less know the story from then on, apart from the part where I threw that loathsome perve across the beach with my mind – you missed that bit."

Sky let out a deep breath, feeling strangely relieved and unusually emotional. She shuddered slightly as everything came back.

"Wow." Peter said in awe. Then he caught sight of Sky who was desperately fighting the urge to cry and release her tears. "Sky… it's okay, I promise alright?"

Sky nodded, biting her lip then turning away as the tears began to fall, regardless of her wishes. Burying her head in her hands, she trembled, trying to regain some self-control.

Suddenly, Peter gently embraced her, holding her comfortingly against his warm, soft chest as she trembled with the unexpected emotion. Sky relaxed against him, feeling that she was finally safe as he whispered to her soothingly whilst tenderly stroking her hair.

A few long minutes later, Sky managed to recover from her emotionally unstable state and composed herself, setting a small smile on her face to reassure Peter that she was okay.

"Now it's your turn." She prompted.

"Well, you know that whole thing I said, on the airplane, about wanting to be somebody?"

Sky nodded, then realisation dawned. "Can you do something too?" She asked in amazement.

Peter grinned at her. "I can fly!"

"No way! Can you show me?"

"Sure, I'll try once I finish telling you. Anyway, that picture you saw in the newspaper of me near the edge of the building. I knew I could fly. I'd dreamt about it… so I had to see if it was true."

"You jumped?" Sky gasped.

"Yeah, my brother flew up and caught me, then he let go. I plummeted, and suddenly I was drifting through the air like an eagle, my brother beside me." Peter said dreamily.

"Wait a minute. Did you just say your brother?"

"Yeah, Nathan, he can fly – he saved me and thanks to him, I can fly too."

"Well, of all people, I'd never have thought he would have a…" Sky searched for the word.

"Ability?" Peter suggested.

"That's the one!"

"But Sky, these powers… we've got them for a reason – so we can save the world… there's this artist, Isaac Mendez, he can paint the future. I've seen it. We're all gonna die. You, Nathan, everyone …" He trailed off, looking devastated.

"How? Why? What happens?"

"New York blows up 'cause of me Sky. Imagine having that on your conscience." He paused for a moment. "I see it in my dreams – I explode and wipe out the entire city." Peter stared down at his hands as if expecting them to start glowing in a real-life representation of his nightmares.

Sky looked stunned. "Blow up? But… you said you could fly? Can you do other things like me?"

"Yeah, I sort of… absorb people's abilities, I mean so far I can fly, then I've met people who can read minds, turn invisible and paint the future – when I picture them in my head, I can do what they do. I couldn't control it before – all that power. So I'm learning how to use it, maybe if I learn to control it there won't be an explosion. Maybe…" He paused, turning to meet Sky's eyes directly. "Maybe we were meant to meet on the plane, like destiny…" He stopped, his eyes dark and serious as he looked at her. "But you - you weren't in my dreams Sky, maybe you're the only one who can change the future…"

Sky just stared at him disbelievingly. "I honestly do not know what to say, except that we're both mental."

Peter chuckled, tucking his unruly hair behind his ear as his handsome face showed his amusement.

"Well, it's nice to know that I'm not completely alone… I wonder if my abilities work like yours…" She frowned. "I have no idea how I learnt to regenerate… unless…" Sky was suddenly hit by a solution, cursing herself for not realising earlier. "I almost forgot to tell you Peter, yesterday, I was sent out by my boss to a random construction site to write a report about anything 'unusual'. Turned out that I ended up being chased by two creepy guys – one of them had a gun… anyway, there was this girl… a cheerleader… she was bleeding but didn't look hurt… now that I think about it, maybe I'm like you!" Sky enthused. "Now that would be destiny!"

Peter grinned at her. "You're extraordinary – did you know that?"

"I wouldn't have believed you before, but I really like this idea of having powers!"

"Amazing..." Peter trailed off in thought. "D'ya think I can do what you do?"

"Telekinesis and healing? Probably. But could you show me some of your moves?" Sky asked slightly flirtatiously, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Sure, I'll try." Peter replied, interpreting her request in the most benign way possible. Concentrating hard on an image of his friend Claude in his mind, Peter chuckled as Sky's mouth gaped open in amazement at the spot he had been standing in.

"That is very cool!" She exclaimed, jumping as Peter suddenly sneaked up behind her and began to tickle her. "Argh! Peter! That's just not fair!" She shouted, trying to hit him, but only grasping mid-air.

She closed her eyes momentarily, and when she opened them again, she was relieved to see that Peter was visible once again and had ceased tickling her, instead watching her with a smirk.

"Thank you – big improvement."

"What? You can see me?" Peter asked, shocked. "But I'm still invisible!"

Realising that he was still using his power, Sky smirked. "Not anymore – and it's payback time for tickling me!"

Sky lifted her hand in an attempt to use her telekinesis. She pushed desperately with her mind, but the power simply refused to work. In one last attempt, Sky focused all her energy into pushing Peter over with her absent telekinesis.

Peter watched curiously as Sky's power didn't obey her; she held her hand up to no effect before her image suddenly started flickering, disappearing and reappearing rapidly before she collapsed on the floor.

"Ouch! What the heck was that?" Sky asked sleepily, feeling her head throbbing as she clumsily pulled herself off the sofa.

"You overdid it. I had that once too. All my abilities came out at once. But looks to me like you should only use one at a time – just to be safe." He advised her, gently stroking her cheek before smiling.

"Right, so which one am I going to learn next?" Sky asked keenly, eager to extend her knowledge.

"Ohh no. You've had enough for today, and I don't want to see you get hurt again." Peter overruled her.

Sky pouted making Peter laugh once again.

"Not giving." He told her firmly, a smile dancing around his lips.

"Meanie." She replied, before breaking out into a smile. "Do you want to stay for tea?"

"Why not?" He said with a grin. "Thank you Sky. It's been a while since I met someone like you."

Sky smiled back, unsure exactly what he meant, but taking it as a compliment. "Same. I should be thanking you though! You saved me!"

Peter watched as Sky walked into the kitchen, wondering if she'd noticed his slip.

As Peter laid back to relax on the sofa, Sky's thoughts suddenly came drifting into his head. Peter was slightly alarmed as he had not yet mastered this ability.

Wow. He's so nice – and so sweet. Heh, if I ever wanted to go out with someone, it would be someone like that. He heard her think.

As Sky walked back into the room, Peter looked slightly embarrassed, feeling guilty for overhearing her thoughts. It seemed like that power worked like a radio, tuning in and out of signals, randomly picking up people's thoughts. Or maybe that was just him.

What's he doing? Sky thought as she saw Peter, apparently immersed in thought.

"Oh, nothing." Peter replied. Quickly realising his mistake as Sky walked over, an eyebrow raised in suspicion.

"Did you just read my thoughts Peter?" She sighed, as opposed to getting angry.

"Yeah, sorry. I gotta watch out for that one, it often takes me by surprise." He apologised earnestly.

Sky blinked, then found she had acquired the ability, as in turn, Peter's thoughts came into her mind.

Oh God, she's probably really mad now. He thought.

"No worries Peter!" She answered smugly, causing him to jump.

"How did you just – oh!" Peter said in dawning realisation. "You read my mind!"

"Now, can we get a rule here Peter, I won't go in your head, if you don't go in mine – deal?"

But I didn't mean to in the first place! Peter thought, then cursed himself.

I heard that! So do we have a deal or not?

"Yeah." Peter agreed with a grin, he realised that he'd probably finally met his match.

They stood for a moment, gazing at each other in awe, unable to believe that they had finally found someone they could share their secret with.

Sky jumped suddenly as the alarm went off in the kitchen, indicating that the meal was ready. "Just a sec, I'll go get the dinner."

Peter followed her into the kitchen, and spotting a cutlery draw, took the liberty of setting the table.

"Thank you!" Sky said with a smile as he sat himself down at the table.

He simply grinned back, pushing his uncontrollable bangs behind his ear and watching her prepare the food.

As she removed the plates from the cooker, Sky accidentally burnt herself on the red-hot oven.

"Damn!" She cursed, blowing on her fingers before walking over to the tap and turning it on, closing her eyes in relief as the cool water soothed the pain…the pain which had now disappeared completely.

Opening one eye carefully, Sky glanced down at her hand to find the skin flawless, it had once again healed again of its own accord.

I totally don't get this! She thought, When I want a power to work, it hardly ever happens, but when I need it to work, it does it itself… Rubbing a hand over her eyes wearily, Sky reached out for her glass of water which she had left further along the work surface. It promptly flew towards her and smashed on the floor as she sidestepped the offending object. Now that's just strange!She thought in confusion.

"Sky! I think I've got it figured out now!" Peter suddenly announced triumphantly. Sky hadn't realised that he'd been watching her the entire time. "It looks like most of the time, your ability heals you – like a sorta default setting, but when you closed your eyes just then – even to blink, your power changed. It's like it switches when you aren't distracted. Try it out!" He urged her.

Sky looked at Peter, then smiled. Shutting her eyes briefly, she briefly wondered what ability would surface and jumped in surprise as she heard Peter's voice in her mind.

She's pretty when she closes her eyes like that…but so alone, so hurt… Suddenly, Peter glanced up, rising to his feet as he became aware that Sky was reading his thoughts. Sky! We had an agreement – your agreement!

Sky eyes flickered shut again, and she looked at Peter apologetically. "I'm sorry. I really am, I didn't mean to do that… I'm sorry."

Peter stared at her, and Sky knew he was probably checking her thoughts quickly before he sank down in his seat.

"Don't worry. The powers… they're a novelty and you want to try them all at once. I understand that. Just next time you read someone's mind, let it be Sylar's or something." Peter said gently, smiling as Sky placed a plate of food in front of him.

"Sylar? Who's Sylar?" Sky asked as she sunk into the chair opposite Peter and began to tuck into her meal.

Brushing his dark hair from his eyes, Peter put down his fork to explain. "You know you mentioned a cheerleader earlier? I don't suppose you got her name?" He asked.

"Er… yeah… she said she was called… Claire I think." Peter nodded and smiled. "What? Do you know her?" Sky asked.

"She's my niece."

"You're kidding me Peter! Of all the people to bump into!" Sky said with a laugh.

"Yeah, she's a sweet kid-"

"Peter, you know what this means right? You can heal too!"

"Oh yeah, er, sorry, forgot to mention that one… " He trailed off pensively before continuing. "Anyway, about a week ago this man called Sylar came after her – he tried to get her ability – and mine. He threw these lockers at me then went for Claire – but I stopped him – just."

"Wait a minute. He threw lockers at you? Did he have like super-strength?"

Peter looked down at his food, his hair falling in front of his eyes, his face shadowed and unreadable.

"No Sky. He used telekinesis."

"Does that mean…?"

Peter nodded, keeping his eyes fixed guiltily on the floor..

"Sylar is the same man who came after me last night! Why didn't you tell me this before Peter?" Sky demanded as she rose to her feet, no longer hungry.

"I didn't want to scare you! He's killed a lot of people, and it looks like you're next on his list! I wanted to protect you. But you had to push didn't you?" Peter said angrily.

Closing her eyes momentarily as an idea came to mind, Sky used her thoughts to talk to Peter.

I'm sorry, but I had to know. Now I can be prepared.

Prepared for a psychopath who goes 'round killing people for their abilities? He hurt you once, and I'm not letting it happen again! Peter thought.

Peter, please, I am not some damsel in distress that needs rescuing all the time. I fought him off once, I can do it again if I have to.

"But he's gonna kill you!" Peter suddenly shouted aloud.

"He can't. I can heal - remember?" Sky said defensively.

"No, it's too dangerous. You can't take that risk." He argued, his eyes full of passionate concern.

"You can't be sure till I've tried - I could fight him with these new powers! I'd relish the challenge!"

"Look Sky, this isn't a game. If he's stronger, he'll kill you. He's a monster."

"But he isn't stronger!" Sky reasoned.

"You don't know that!" Peter shouted, banging his fist on the table before turning back to her. There was a long silence as he calmed his breathing whilst Sky watched him warily. "I'm sorry Sky… but can't you just see?"

"No." Sky replied flatly. "I don't see."

"I know." He said in a softer tone. "I just want to help you… you still haven't learnt to control your powers, you need to do that."

"Are you implying training?" Sky asked with a raised eyebrow. "How?"

"I'll teach you."

"How's that then? Peter Petrelli teaching me how to become a hero!" She joked.

"Sounds pretty good to me." Peter answered, his hair flopping over his eyes once again.

Sky smiled, then, without thinking, she gently tucked the bangs behind his ear making him lift an eyebrow in surprise. As she withdrew her lingering hand, Peter caught it in his own.

"I'm sorry I got mad Sky. I-I don't want to see you hurt again." He lifted her hand to his lips and gently kissed it before glancing up to meet her eyes.

Damn, did he just read my thoughts again? Sky thought worriedly, as a subtle red tinge spread across her cheeks.

Sky's heart began to beat faster as she suddenly noticed how close Peter had come to her lips. She could feel his soft breath tickling her face gently and saw his deep, brown eyes sparkling secretively. He leant closer to capture her lips, and just as Sky began to kiss back, Peter recoiled unexpectedly, jumping away from her, before turning transparent.

Closing her eyes, her heart sinking in disappointment, Sky opened them to see Peter by the door, a finger on his lips, he shook his head quickly as she opened her mouth in query, indicating for her to stay still.

Shutting her eyes once more, Sky used her mind-reading to try and understand what was going on. Within moments, a deep, silky voice broke through into her mind sending chills down her spine.

Another ability, another step closer to being even more special. She heard, her heart began pounding frantically as she recognised the voice as Sylar's. He had returned, just like he said he would.

As Sky glanced around desperately in an attempt to find Peter, she suddenly felt an all-too-familiar iron force grip her body, slamming it up against the wall as Sky closed her eyes in an attempt to turn invisible.

Her ability failing to change successfully, Sky cringed as the bruise on her head healed, using her regenerative powers.

Sky's heart sank in dread as the figure of her nightmares approached with a smug look on his face.

"Hello again Sky. Did you miss me?" Sylar asked mockingly as he increased the pressure holding her against the wall. "Oh, that's right. Last time you saw me, you tried to kill me and left me for dead…" He sighed dramatically before another smirk fixed itself on his face.

Sky briefly wondered where Peter had gone whilst she struggled to free herself from his grip. Maybe if he's distracted long enough, Peter will be able to finish him off and do us all a big favour. She thought.

Sylar drew closer again, the smirk turning into a malicious grin. "You know why I'm here… I'm back to finish what we started." He reached out his hand, and gently stroked her cheek with the back of his hand, making her hiss in discontent. Before she could react, Sylar lifted her arm with his telekinesis and stabbed her with a large needle, speedily injecting a fluid which caused her to collapse on the floor, unconscious.

Infuriated by Sylar's treatment of Sky, Peter silently approached him, only revealing his presence when he had secured the knife against the villain's throat, hesitant to complete his plan of action.

A smirk spread across Sylar's handsome face as Sky's body fell limply onto the ground. That wasn't too difficult. He thought. Sylar cocked his head to one side as he sensed a movement from behind him. Suddenly, he felt cold steel press against his throat and acting on impulse, Sylar swiftly raised his arm, telekinetically throwing his ambusher across the room.

"You!" He said in disbelief, his dark eyebrows rising in surprise as he recognised Peter. "Why are you here?"

"Could ask you the same question." Peter retorted, silently cursing himself for not acting faster as Sylar lazily slammed him against a wall, using his power to hold him there, helpless.

"Heh, no you couldn't. Not if I kill you right now."

Peter gasped as Sylar increased the pressure of the telekinetic power which was pinning him against the wall. He's gotten stronger. Peter thought despairingly as Sylar approached, hand positioned to cut open his head.

"You know, I only came for the girl, but I found you too… must be my lucky day!" Sylar teased as he drew closer.

"Let her go!" Peter breathed threateningly as Sylar looked him over disdainfully.

"You really think I'm going to listen to you?" He asked smoothly, a mocking smile dancing on his lips. This Peter Petrelli really is even more stupid than I thought. He heard Sylar think. But that girl… she really is fascinating…I'm going to have fun-

"Stop!" Shouted Peter. "Don't you dare even think about doing that Sylar!"

Sylar raised an eyebrow, then smirked as he realised Peter could hear what he was thinking. "Oh but Peter, that's only the beginning…" He taunted maliciously.

Lifting his hand slowly, Sylar's eyes sparkled in excitement as he proceeded to split Peter's forehead, feeling the satisfying rush of adrenaline as he anticipated the feeling of Peter's power flowing into him, making him special…

Just as he had almost finished the cut, Peter unexpectedly disappeared in front of his eyes. Sylar's eyebrows joined in a deep frown of confusion. This was new to him, his victims had never disappeared before.

"One more ability I'm going to have to take from you." He muttered with a grim smile.

Turning back to Sky's limp form, Sylar lifted her in his arms and placed her on the sofa – the same place she had woken from, would be the same place she died. The irony. He thought.

Lifting his finger, Sylar slowly cut open the girl's head to reveal her brain, and after examining it for a few minutes, he felt the familiar rush of power as his hunger was sated.

"Such a waste." Sylar mused in mock sadness before elegantly lifting his eyebrow and turning away to leave the room with a triumphant smirk plastered to his face.

Suddenly, he felt a surge of pain as something swiped across his face, breaking his nose with a loud crack, shattering it and causing blood to fly in all directions. Sylar quickly reached up to stem the flow of blood as he turned around, his face surprised when he recognised Sky who was wielding a large, heavy book.

"That hurt." He told her calmly, removing his hand from his broken nose with a smirk. "Oh well…"

Sky watched in horror as Sylar healed instantly, wiping the remaining blood on the sleeve of his black jacket before producing Peter's knife and plunging it into her gut, pulling her close so that his breath tickled her ear.

"That wasn't nice." He whispered to her, before drawing out the knife and carelessly discarding it on the floor, watching the girl collapse for the second time that night.

His eyebrows rose in amusement as, after a few moments, Sky coughed up some blood, gasping as she pulled herself to her feet.

"Didn't you know? Healing is my default setting." She panted, looking up into his dark, mysterious eyes.

Sylar smirked as he looked down at her, then using his telekinesis, he drew her closer to him. Sky realised that she was trapped. If she switched abilities now, she could quite easily die. On the other hand, she didn't want to have to endure a lifetime of torture from Sylar.

Sylar used his telekinesis to pick up a piece of glass and experimentally hurl it at Sky, sighing as he watched her heal again. Drawing close to her, he gently stroked her cheek, a dark smirk fixed on his face, then he withdrew his hand to absentmindedly ruffle his stylishly messy hair.

Sky felt slightly uncomfortable as she observed how handsome he was, even in torturing her. She looked up to meet his impenetrable, black eyes which seemed to glitter in the dim light.

"Well this is fun. Don't you agree Sky?"

Sky watched him warily as he retrieved the blood-stained knife, lifting it to her arm and cutting a small nick into her flesh before watching it heal instantaneously. "Fascinating." He grinned up at her making her stomach turn over with an emotion she was afraid to identify. Just as he reached out to touch her with his bloody hand, Sky jumped in surprise as unexpectedly, the knife disappeared from his grip and a small Japanese man appeared from nowhere.

"Stop! Bad man!" He told Sylar sternly, who seemed frozen in action.

"Care to explain what's happening?" Sky asked breathlessly, relieved as she finally felt Sylar's telekinetic force release her.

"We must stop bad man – Sylar - and save you. Peter Petrelli sent us on urgent mission - I must save you from vi-vilan." He said in strong accent, gesturing at the statue-like Sylar.

"So what exactly is your power?" She asked as she gazed in awe at her motionless surroundings, Sylar was frozen in an expression of surprise whilst motes of dust were caught, frozen whilst spiralling elegantly in the air.

"I am a master of time and space!" He announced happily, before reaching to grab her shoulder, "Demo now we must go."

The Japanese man screwed up his face, his cheeks wobbling comically as he scrunched up his eyes, obviously concentrating hard.

The scenery of Sky's apartment disappeared in the blink of an eye and was replaced by a room with cream coloured walls, dark red curtains, a sofa, chairs and a fireplace.

Glancing at his surroundings, the Japanese man's face lit up excitedly as he realised he'd managed to arrive in the right place – Wherever that is. Thought Sky.

"Yataa!" He shouted, startling the young woman as he flung his arms in the air enthusiastically. She watched as he ran out the door into a hallway and shouts were heard from the other room.

Rather than follow her strange rescuer, Sky decided to stay away from the crowd, brooding as she wondered where she was. She soon found that her mind kept flicking back to Sylar; his appealing dark smirk, his unfathomable black eyes and his gentle touch on her face.

What am I thinking? She asked herself in horror. He tried to kill me and here I am daydreaming about him!

She glanced pensively out of the window to see the pinpricks of New York lights glowing in the hazy dusk. Biting her lip, Sky found herself unable to distract her thoughts from her attacker, I'm sure he can't be all bad… there has to be a reason he acts like this… he scares the hell out of me, but at the same time, I sense there's another side to him, someone gentler… someone who might've even felt guilty for hurting me...

Her thoughts were interrupted abruptly as a formidable, dark-haired woman entered through the door, glancing Sky up and down before stepping closer.

"Oh, thank goodness you're safe." She said, bewildering Sky. "You can thank my visions for that young lady."

"Er… thanks. I don't suppose you could tell me where I am?"

"Yes dear, this is the Petrelli residence. I live here with Nathan, Peter's brother." She paused. "I asked Hiro Nakamura to save my son, then I saw you in one of my visions…" She trailed off as suddenly, a familiar head appeared around the door, and Sky was surprised to see Peter. She frowned in confusion as he rushed over to embrace her.

"Sky! Are you alright? I asked Hiro to get to you as soon as possible…Sky? What's wrong?"

"It's all my fault Peter!" Sky said, close to tears. "He's got my power now – I should've listened to you… and now look what's happened – that monster is indestructible – 'cause of me!"

The woman pursed her lips in displeasure as she heard Sky's words, she watched the young woman's interaction with Peter, her mutual expression quickly changing to one of frosty disapproval.

"You silly little girl. You were supposed to help us, not assist the enemy. I suggest you keep away from my son." The woman said with a hint of a threat.

"Mom!" Peter exclaimed, shocked by her arrogant attitude.

"It's for your own good Peter."

Glaring down at his mother, Peter wrapped his arm around Sky protectively as she shivered slightly. A tingling warmth spreading through her skin as his bare arm made contact with her exposed shoulders. "Leave her alone, it wasn't her fault."

Stepping fearlessly towards her son, Peter's mother looked as if she was about to shout at him, but before she did, she was interrupted by a deep voice calling her from the room next door.

"Ma! Where's Pete? I need him to-" Nathan Petrelli broke off as she saw Sky shivering in the room, Peter's arm laid tenderly around her shoulders. "Oh."

"Sky, this is my brother Nathan, Nathan, this is Sky. And Sky, you've already met my Mom, Angela Petrelli." Peter introduced civilly.

Nathan glanced quickly between Sky, Peter and his mother, recognising it as a dangerous situation. He nodded briefly to Sky as she inadvertently made eye-contact, before sending a quick smile to Peter. "Second thoughts, don't worry."

He clapped Peter on the shoulder in a brotherly fashion, sending a quick frown at his mother before leaving the room again.

"See, told you he wasn't so bad." Peter whispered discreetly, his breath tickling her ear.

"Hmm." Sky said unconvinced, watching as Angela Petrelli glowered at her from across the room, her eyes narrowing at Peter's quiet words.

"Peter, I need to talk to you." Mrs Petrelli told him sternly.

"Mom, lay off okay?" Peter asked as his mother continued to obviously display her disapproval of Sky.

Angela simply sniffed before turning on her heel and walking out the room, expecting Peter to follow.

"I'll be back before you know it." He said, sending her a charming smile and embracing her gently before following his mother.

Sky raised her eyebrows at him then smiled back. "Okay, but could you tell me if there's somewhere I can clean up?"

"Oh, yeah! Sorry!" Peter apologised as he glanced down at her blood-stained fingers and hair, some of which was dyed crimson with her own blood. "Through there, on your right there's a bathroom. See ya in a minute Sky."

Sky followed Peter's directions, curiously peeking around the tall oak door to find a massive, elegantly furnished bathroom.

Wow, Peter's family sure are well off… not sure what to think of his mother though…Sky sighed, remembering Angela's evil look when Peter had caringly laid an arm around her shoulders to comfort her. I guess she's just being protective… Nathan on the other hand actually doesn't seem half as bad as the conceited git he appears to be on TV.

Rubbing the remaining blood-stains off her hands, Sky rung out her hair then looked in the mirror to see her own, slightly pale and shaken face staring back at her. Large grey rings had developed under her eyes, and her hair was scraggly and untamed, overall, she wasn't looking at her best.

Sighing gently, she stretched her aching limbs before making her way back to the lounge where the Petrelli's were in deep conversation.

Angela was stood in an aggressive stance, hands on hips, a fierce look on her face whilst Nathan listened to Peter explain, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. Realising this was a bad time to interrupt, Sky froze at the doorway, before moving back into the hallway where she watched the hushed exchange.

"Don't be ridiculous Peter! What do you think you'll achieve?" Hissed Angela.

Nathan stepped forward to lay a restraining hand on her arm, whilst exchanging a glance with Peter.

"Ma, give him a chance, we gotta at least try to help." He reasoned.

After a few moments of silence, Angela sighed. "You're my sons and I will do everything I can to keep you happy and safe. If you have to do this Peter, I'll warn you, the future is dark." Angela prophesized grimly.

She's a right bundle of laughs this one. Sky observed with raised eyebrows.

"Thanks Mom." Peter replied, giving her a hug and a quick peck on the cheek before warmly embracing his brother.

"Take care Nate, and look after Sky for me."

Nathan nodded. "Sure Pete. Be careful okay?"

Peter smiled before hitting his brother affectionately on the back. "Will do."

Sky jumped back to reality as Peter began to walk towards the hallway. She quickly moved away from the door so it didn't look like she had been eavesdropping.

Peter strode into the hall, amused as he saw Sky innocently inspecting the family photos, approaching her quietly, he gently laid an arm around her shoulders and smiled.

"You weren't eavesdropping were you Sky?" He teased, as Sky realised he must have heard her thoughts.

"Meh, cheat." She grinned up at him to see that his hair had once again flopped in front of his eyes. Without thinking, she reached up to tuck the unruly bangs behind his ear and as she withdrew her hand, once again, Peter reached up to grab it in his own.

"Sky… I've gotta leave town for a bit, just to visit someone…" He started.

"Who? Why?"

Peter glanced down at her soft hand and gently rubbed circles on her skin with his thumb. "My Mom… she can sorta see the future in her dreams, and something terrible is gonna happen unless I stop it."

"I want to help." Sky volunteered immediately, she felt soothed by Peter's gentle contact until her released her hand to cup her cheek affectionately.

"Sky. No, don't do this. You're not well, you've just fought Sylar and been injected with God knows what. You need rest. Stay here, Nathan and Mom'll take care of you." He said sternly, his sparkling brown eyes now turned hard and serious.

Sky shook her head in protest. "But you fought him too Peter – you're probably even worse off than I am!"

Peter gently moved a strand of her from her face, his soft touch sending an involuntary shiver down Sky's spine. "I couldn't save you last time. And I'm not letting him hurt you again. Please Sky, do this one thing for me." He finished, with a pleading look in his irresistible puppy-eyes.

Sky sighed, then lifted her hand to her cheek and laid it on top of his. "For you."

Peter smiled at her gratefully, then bent down to lay a light kiss on her forehead, stroking her hair gently.

"Thank you." He whispered almost inaudibly.

Peter turned away sadly, his heart sinking as he remembered how he'd been unable to do anything as Hiro had teleported him away when Sylar was hurting her. Every time he looked in her eyes he saw her concealed sadness and pain. He wondered if she blamed him.

"Peter." Sky called, making him turn around to see a light, but concerned smile on her face. "Be careful."

In response, Peter sent her a charming smile as Sky felt a strange feeling tug at her heart, almost a warning of some impending danger. Trying to pushing the feeling to the back of her mind, Sky watched as he strode confidently to the end of the hallway. Sending one last look behind him at Sky, Peter smiled then fearlessly strode out of the door to confront his destiny.

By the way, just to inform you that this is set before Simone is shot, but Peter knows about Claire being his niece etc, so it's set around episodes 15/16. Anyways, thanks again to my reviewers :) It's great to know people are reading and enjoying what I write.

So please continue to review – the more reviews I get, the faster I update!

Next chapter should be interesting to write (it will be set around episodes 18/19 if all goes as planned!)

Hope the chapter's ok and you like it.

~ TheMastersDaughter