Sanctuary

Again, sorry for the late updates, medical problems, and now constant migraines make it difficult to stare at a computer screen for extended periods, but I'm getting better. So, enjoy and humor me when I say it takes a while to continue the updates.

-N

Peter woke in the night and clenched the woman he held tighter. Looking around the room, he relaxed when he saw and sensed nothing. Since he had returned from Fisk, he couldn't bring himself to be truly calm. While he understood what he had done, murdered one 'man', and permanently scarred another, he couldn't figure out why he didn't feel any remorse for what he had done. He felt her presence then, she didn't speak, but he felt her mood. She was proud and calm, satisfied with what they had done. But she just couldn't let him enjoy the quiet.

You did what had to be done, don't dwell on it. He nodded, understanding her point. Felicia was safe, and, all things considered, was in one piece, but he couldn't stop worrying. He knew that Fisk would respond. After all, he had broken in, again, humiliated him by killing his assassin, and to top it all off, he had disfigured the man. His face broke into a grin at that. He remembered the way his body shook as he brought the probe close to the fat man's eye. But, he had settled on his cheek. Still though, the way he screamed and bellowed like a dying bull had made the simple scarring worth it. His gaze shifted down to Felicia, and felt his heart stutter.

The bruises on her face had bloomed to much more unique shades of yellow, green, and black. He looked to her exposed hand, and saw that all the stings were starting to weep clear fluid. He could even imagine what those beautiful blue eyes would look like if she were to open them. He had to move her, out of the city, if possible, out of the state, but where? She was Felicia Hardy, the paparazzi followed her constantly. They both agreed that it was a miracle that they hadn't found out about the Black Cat, or himself. You're right, she must be moved, we have to keep her safe. He looked out the bedroom window, and his gaze hardened. Where could she go where she'd be safe? 'Maybe Stark?'

Peter looked back on all the times that he had worked with Tony, and while they had worked well, he did have reservations about asking him for help. You're damn right there! He started at her outburst. 'Are you jealous?' His thoughts were answered by a harsh laugh that sounded like a bark. I'm not jealous of that drunk, just remember he does have a reputation. He nodded at that. Everyone, both heroes and civilians, knew that Tony was a womanizer. Correction, he's a man-whore. He smirked at that, but couldn't find any reason to disagree with Alpha. Sure, Felicia was hurting now, but soon, Tony would be chasing her around his mansion. 'So, if not Tony, who?'

What about the blind lawyer? Peter shook his head at that. Matt Murdock was a dear friend, and had gone out of his way more than once to help him clear both his name and Spider-Man's. But the problem was that Matt lived in New York with him, and on top of that, Fisk knew who Matt moon-lighted as. Fisk knew what could cripple his abilities in seconds. He knew that all it would take for Fisk to finish Felicia would be one flash bang grenade, and she would be his. So, if not daredevil, than who?

Peter searched his mind, and slowly came to a decision. They always said he could come to them, that he would be welcomed, and not shunned for his abilities. True, they did live in New York, but it was at one of the southern most points in the state. He thought of their home, and how on one visit, it went from peaceful tranquility to a chaotic fortress by just flipping a few switches. Again, his eyes traveled to the woman he held, they would let them stay, and she would most likely cause trouble, probably by getting into the heads of the male populous, but they would accept her. They'll do quite nicely.

He gently set her down onto the bed, out of his arms. As he rose, he only paused to cover her with the blanket, and again, his anger grew seeing what Fisk had done to her. He wanted to go back to his tower. To torture him and make him scream again, his eyes fell to his bandolier and costume. It would be easy enough, he would still be restrained, and if not, he could easily remedy that. No. He heard the command and stopped, silently asking, 'why not'? Because you acted out of vengeance for her and the need to protect. If you go back now and hurt him again, you're no better than him.

He was still angry, but he knew she was right. If he did go back, than he should just kill himself now; after all, how would he be able to deal with it afterwards? He still retrieved the suit, and after donning it, climbed out the window. He was preparing to leave when he felt that she was watching him. "Peter," he turned and saw her standing there. When he looked into her eyes, he saw just how much worse they had gotten. Every vessel seemed to have burst, and made it look as if she could now cry crimson tears. He wanted to turn around then and hold her tight, to tell her that it would be alright, but that would be a lie for now. He had to handle this errand first, then he could comfort her. "Where are you going?"

Deciding he did have time, Peter went to her and pulled her close. "I'm going back to your place, we need to pack." She raised her eyes to his, and he was pleased to see a little humor light them.

"Oh really," she giggled slightly, and turned back to his bed. "Where are we going?" He stared at her back, wanting to tell her more, but knowing she would enjoy the surprise. Even if she would never admit it.

"You'll see, just starting packing my stuff, enough for two weeks okay?" He squeezed her gently. "After you're done, take some more drugs and go back to sleep." She nodded, and he let go, diving out the window into the dark. As she turned to his closet, and after retrieving his battered suitcase, began to fill it. As she did though, she couldn't help but wonder, 'why the hell does he want to go on a trip?"

"Where are we going again?" She leaned out the window, and watched as the constant, similar landscape passed by. When he had returned, Felicia noted that he was insistent that they leave as soon as possible. She smiled when she remembered what he had packed for her. Jeans, T-shirts, sweatpants and a few sweatshirts. Unisex clothes, exactly what she expected him to grab, well, that and he cleaned out my panty drawer. She had laughed out loud at that, and enjoyed watching him blush. She hadn't really felt like herself since she had been attacked, but seeing his face when she told him how kinky he was had gone a long way. Now, they were driving along some random side road without anything of importance, with the exception of the rare farmhouse. The last town she had recognized was Locust Point, and now, everything was like reading Greek, she had no idea where she was.

"For the umpteenth time, it's a surprise, we're still a few hours away if you want to grab some sleep." She nodded and turned back to face the window. She had insisted that they take their nightwear with them. Peter had tried to talk her out of it, but all it took was one puppy dog stare and he was packing them. It was low she knew, he felt bad enough about her getting hurt, but still, it felt good to get him to do something he didn't want to.

It still surprised her at how Peter had changed. How he had broken up with, correction divorced his wife. Then, he goes and changes his costume, hell, he had even bought an old pick up truck. Flat black with silver trim. But for her, the icing on the cake was when he lost control with her a few weeks ago. She raised her uninjured hand to her neck, and absently stroked the mark on her skin. She wasn't surprised by how fast she had healed, but by how clear the scar was.

Anyone who saw it, could instantly tell what it was and how it got there. She smiled, remembering how her friends had reacted when she saw them the next day. How they had instantly wanted to meet him, and how some had even asked if she wanted to share him. She surprised herself at how defensive she became at that. Peter was hers, no one else's; and she would be damned if anyone took him from her. This vacation was going to be interesting. She had his mark on her, when he was around, everyone knew what he had done and how she belonged to him. Well, when we leave wherever we're going, you'll be mine as well.

Two hours later, Peter pulled up to the iron wrought gates. He could see the mansion in the distance, and smiled. He remembered what their boss, the Professor, had told him about this place. "Peter, you know you'll always be welcomed here," they were at these same gates all those years ago. Peter had come to them looking for a cure, for a treatment, and had left with enlightenment. "This isn't just a school."

"I know, I saw the basement." Peter smiled when the man had laughed. He had found the professor, while slightly aloof, to be a man who was truly compassionate and cared about all his charges.

"No Peter, what I mean is that this place is a sanctuary, you will always be welcomed here. Just remember that." Peter had left then. He was still going through changes with his powers, and was grateful that they hadn't kept him there. He had the feeling that they would've had no problem stopping him from leaving.

He shook himself from the memory, and rolling down the window, pressed the call button on the intercom near the gate. He heard static, and waited. After several minutes her pressed the button again. 'You've got to be shitting me.' No one home, really? "WHAT?" Peter jumped, and smiled hearing the growl come through the speaker. True, he wasn't the first person he would want Felicia to meet when they arrived, but she'd have to run into him sooner or later.

"Hello Logan." The speaker was silent then, and he could picture the face on the other side. Suspicious. Rightly so Peter, you'd be too if you had his shattered memories.

"Who is this?"

"Its me Logan, the 'Web-Head'. I need sanctuary." The speaker was silent, and Peter waited. He remembered all the meetings he had had with Logan. The man and him were never truly friendly with each other, but they got all well enough. 'Even though each time, he had almost gutted me'. Eventually, the gates swung forward, and he drove up to the front door. When he stopped, he reached over to Felicia, regretting that he had to wake her. "Felicia," he watched as she stretched, some how catlike in the cramped cab. "We're here."

Felicia looked out the window, and was ashamed that she found herself gawking. The Mansion had to easily have twenty bedrooms. She looked to it, three stories of solid granite, and rosewood doors at the entrance. She turned and saw the fountain, a fountain! An angel, wings spread with the water sprouting from its feathered ends. "Peter, how did you afford this?"

He had climbed out of the cab, and was reaching into the back for their luggage. "Its not a resort," he looked at her confused expression and continued. "It's a friend's place, figured we could stay here. He said that the invite to come was always open." They turned to the entrance and Peter saw him. Logan stood leaning against the doorframe, smoking with a passion that would have impressed even Jonah. The living weapon just stared back at them. "Felicia, that's Logan." He lead the way up the steps, trying to whisper quietly enough so that he wouldn't hear. "I'm serious, no sudden mood-swings with him, he's a little 'intense'."

"Intense like focused, or intense like psychopathic?"

"The latter." They had reached the top, and stood waiting. Peter watched as he appraised him, and his nostrils flared slightly. Are you sure that this was a good idea? He's an animal, I've seen your memories. I know what he's capable of. Peter agreed, but he also knew that Logan was never violent with some sort of reason. "What Logan, no hello?" His reward was a snort as the smaller man strode forward.

"Ya smell like the web-head, and no one could be more annoying," his gaze shifted to Felicia and went from annoyed to entertained. "But he has a thing for redheads, not ditzy blondes."

"I may be blonde," Felicia drew herself up, shedding her sunglasses and letting him see the damage that was done to her. "But I am anything but 'ditzy'." Peter held his breath then, as he saw Logan clench his left hand. Slowly, he saw the gleaming metal slide from his knuckles. When he raised the blades, Felicia eyed them and smirked. "I have claws too, but mine are nicer to look at." Peter rolled his eyes, but kept silent. 'Felicia, while you're at it, why not just tell him he's got a stubby, little dick.' He heard the mutant start to growl, and after squatting, produced an identical set of claws. His senses were on fire, and he dropped the cases. You did say that you two always met with a fight, maybe this is his way of saying hello. Peter himself groaned, he could already feel the welts that he'd have afterwards.

"Logan that's enough." The two stopped and turned to the entrance. They could hear him coming first, the whirl of the motor was loud enough to announce his presence, even if he hadn't spoken. Slowly, he came into view. Professor Xavier was a slim made with an easy build. Dressed like his name sake, he looked more like a history buff than a psychic. "Peter, welcome back," he looked around, and saw Felicia, who had replaced her sunglasses. 'You don't have to hide your eyes my dear, we all have our scars.'

"What the hell!" Peter turned and saw her face, shock, awe, and anger. At him. He turned back to the Professor, and saw the man grin.

"My dear," Peter was grateful when her gaze became focused on the professor. "Myself, and the people who live here are, what you might say," he smiled again, and this time, even Peter heard him. 'Unique'. She nodded, and smiled.

"So, you're a psychic. Okay, I can deal with that, but what with shorty and the expensive manicure?" He heard the growl, but Peter relaxed as he heard the tell tale sound of the claws sheathing.

"That my dear is Logan, also known as 'The Wolverine'. Among his claws, he can heal from anything."

"So watch it girlie, anything you hit me with, I'll give back threefold." The trio watched as he reached into his pocket, produced a match, and walked away leaving a trail of smoke.

"You'll have to forgive Logan, he can be… trying at times. But, please come in." He rolled back, and shepherded them inside. As they fell into line, Peter could hear her speak, and she sounded worried. Peter, I don't like him, he will try to read your, our thoughts. I don't want him in your head. He couldn't agree more, having one voice made his head feel crowded enough. Eventually, they were ushered into a small room that Peter recognized as the Professor's study. He gestured for them to sit, and moved to be behind his desk. They sat in silence, until he deemed it necessary to speak. "Peter, not that I don't enjoy you being here, but I was surprised when Logan told me you were outside the front gate. That being said, why are you here?" Peter looked down at his lap, and took Felicia's uninjured hand in his.

"Professor, I don't know where to really start?"

"I have always found that the best place is at the beginning."

Felicia sat and listened to them talk. Like she said, she could deal with the bald guy being able to read minds. She could handle the fact that the short guy at the door carried butcher knives around inside his arms. Hell, she could understand how Peter had gotten in contact with them. But she couldn't figure out was why they had come out here for a getaway. When he had told her that they were taking a trip, she figured that it was going to be a cabin on the lake, fireplace and sex on the beach kind of vacation. Not hanging out with a group of super humans for two weeks.

Still though, two weeks away from home was two weeks away from home. She looked to Peter, and smiled. While she was disappointed that they would be staying in what the Professor had explained was a school. She knew they could have fun. She wasn't afraid to admit that she had a few fantasies involving a school setting. She was watching them both now, Peter explaining his divorce, and how they had gotten together. She didn't stop the hiss though when he got to what they were doing there. "I'm sorry, did you just say that we came here to hide?" Peter had the decency to blush at her outburst, and looked to the Professor for help.

"My dear," she turned to the psychic, and felt her anger fade. She just didn't see the need to be angry with him anymore. He was just being Peter, he wanted to get her out of harm's way, at least for a little bit. "You know how Peter can be, he just wanted to keep you safe. You mean so much to him."

"I suppose."

"Why don't you go to the kitchen, Ororo is there, and I'm sure she would love to meet you." She nodded and rose, going to the door.

"Peter," he turned to face her. "We will take about this later." She left, and he turned to face the Professor.

"Thanks for the save," the man chuckled.

"I thought you might need some help, she must be quite the handful back in Manhattan."

"You have no idea. So, Storm is here, anyone else?"

"I'm afraid its just the three of us. Jean and Scott took the children on a training mission around Virginia for a few weeks, Remy and Rogue have gone down to Louisiana to, 'get back to their roots', and Hank, he is now doing government work helping with mutant-human relations."

"Glad everyone is keeping busy."

"Yes, but what I want to talk about is you."

"Why?"

"I understood why you did what you did to this Fisk person. If someone had ever truly hurt the ones I cared about, I would want them to suffer as well. But I'm concerned about your sudden change. You've become more aggressive, quicker to violence, I remember what you were like when you first came here. And I am surprised at the change in your personality."

"I'll admit, I did notice the change, but my life hasn't been better. I have a woman who truly accepts what I am, and she wants to help me accomplish my goals. She wants me, she gives me a purpose I didn't know I was missing." The Professor nodded, and understood to a point, still.

"Peter, I would like to enter your mind. I remember what you told me, about how the alien creature could alter a person's mind. I am worried that the creature may have left something behind, something that may now just be starting to affect you. Please, let me check, if something is wrong I can help you."

I am not a parasite Peter, I have told you this before. 'True, but the last thing a parasite would want would be for its host, me, to find out about it.' Very well, let him look. I have nothing to hide. "Okay, but if you find anything wrong, you stop, get out and explain it." Peter relaxed, he already knew what to do, and slowly his mind became blank.

Professor Xavier had seen may things in the minds of those he helped. He had seen the terrors that had haunted Logan's shattered memories, and had felt the power from Jean, but he had never encountered anything like this.

The cave he stood in was immense. I reeked of age, and seemed to be endless, near the center a small fire burned. He couldn't find anything of Peter's mind, all he found was this. Then he felt it, a presence that seemed to radiate power as the dying embers faded. "I understand that you wanted to talk. Well, talk." He heard her voice echo throughout the chamber. The power was potent, almost the same as his, but it felt raw, fueled by Peter's emotions.

"What are you?" She laughed then, and he felt her behind him.

"I am something that you cannot even begin to understand." He turned but nothing was there. He chuckled, now knowing what a fly must feel like when caught in a web. Knowing that a tormentor was near by and unable to tell exactly where, or do anything about it.

"Then who are you?"

"You are much more intelligent and understanding than Peter, so I'll tell you a little more than what I told him." The fire was burning again, and he could make out a figure sitting just beyond its light. "I have been called many things, sometimes a Goddess, other times a Demon. I have been named a savior and a destroyer, but that is only due to whoever won that particular war. I have been called Lilith, Morrigan, Hecate, Maeve, Mab, angel, deliverer, lover, murderer, and countless others. I was the first, and now, I am probably the last." He noted that she seemed to speak with an air of self pity and disgust.

"So, then what is the symbiote to you?" He heard her huff with disgust.

"As I told Peter, I am nothing like a parasite, more like what they should have been." The flames again grew dim as she rose and walked. "I provide him with guidance, and see to it that he truly becomes all that he can be. I give him perspective and advice, and all I ask in return is a vessel to survive in. That is what those creatures were originally meant to do, but when they were created, they were never shown emotions.

"When they experienced them for the first time, it was intoxicating. They wanted more, and like a junkie, they had to keep getting more, even if it meant destroying the minds of those they were supposed to help." She turned to walk away. "Its time for you to leave," she flicked her wrist, and Xavier found himself being flung from the cave, unable to stop.

Xavier felt himself being slammed back into his body, and watched as Peter came to, panting. He was at a loss. He had never experienced anything so powerful. Something that could force him out of another's mind. He was intrigued, but apprehensive, something so powerful could have destroyed him, but she hadn't. She had just sent him away. "Everything alright in there Professor?" He watched as the boy tapped the side of his head.

He looked to Peter and nodded. "Yes, I believe that whatever inhabits you means only good, but it is powerful. She had avoided my skills, never allowed me to see her, and forced me out of your mind as if I were a novice. She didn't tell me much, but all I know for sure is that she, at this point, is only wanting to help you in exchange for a host."

"So, she is a symbiote?"

"I don't know," he rolled towards the door, and motioned for Peter to follow. "But I suggest that you don't dwell too much on it. Only worry if you truly do something wrong. So far, it seemed that you have only acted violent when it would be considered morally acceptable. Understood?"

"Sure."

"Very good, so, lets go find your friend."

They were nearing the kitchen when Peter heard the women laughing. As they entered, he was shocked by the conversation, and apparently the comparisons. "My dear, if you think that little love bite is bad, you should she what Logan did to my legs." He was stunned as he saw Storm, one of the most conservative women he had ever met, roll up her skirt revealing rounded white scars on otherwise flawless skin.

"Are we interrupting?" He was given two identical grins, and the room seemed to stand still.

"Ororo, behave," Xavier entered shortly afterwards, and gestured to Felicia. "I believe that our visitors might want to get settled." Peter nodded, after having another voice rattling around inside his head, he needed a break. To do something that didn't require any real thought. I wholeheartedly agree. "Peter, Felicia, your things are upstairs, just start trying doors until you find one that's open." Peter nodded, already walking out.

"Felicia," she stopped when the other woman called to her.

"Yes?"

"Have fun." She laughed as she walked away. Storm turned to her cup, smiling as the door swung shut. She was glad she could make girl laugh, after what had been done to her. When she saw the scar forming on Felicia's neck, she knew exactly what had happened. Nice to see another woman has an aggressive and possessive man.

"Ororo," she looked to the professor.

"Yes Charles?"

"I understand that you and Logan are 'together', but I really don't need to know how 'together'." She blushed, but nodded.

"Of course Charles." He nodded and started to leave.

"One more thing Ororo." She looked to him expectantly. He smiled, even after all these years, she still looked to him like the small girl he had found. "Can you two please try to keep it down at night, I'm not light sleeper, but you two wake everyone every night." He chuckled, closing the door before hearing her explanation.

Felicia smiled as they eventually found the room. It was somewhat Spartan. A closet, bathroom, dresser, and a king-sized bed in the center. In other words, a large dorm room. She immediately fell onto the bed, spreading out and getting a feel for it. Firm, she gaze drifted to Peter as he emptied their things into the dresser. Good. She rose quietly, and wrapped her arms around him. "Peter, I wanna play." He smiled. Well, indulge her. Turning around, he embraced her, and she surprised him by clawing at his shirt. After she had removed it, she pulled his head low. "Get those pants off and your ass in bed, now!" He was surprised at her forwardness, but didn't argue. As he walked away, he let his jeans fall and sat down, waiting for her.

All for me, she slinked over to the bed, taking great care in slowly stripping for him. She could tell he was ready, but he had teased her before, turnabout is fair game. Eventually, she was near the bed, and gracefully settled into his lap, guiding him into her. "Now Peter," she slowly had to pump him, and he had to focus on what she was saying. He slowly brought his gaze to her and nodded. "Look at this," she turned her neck, and he stared at the scar. I was getting clearer, and he had the feeling that it wasn't going to be fading anytime soon. Her pace started to quicken, and he bit his lip to keep from groaning. "Remember what I told you, how I would put my mark on you?"

She squeezed him then, and he couldn't stop the growl. She grinned wickedly at that, and sped up her pace. "Payback can be a bitch." He felt her hands slide to the middle of his back, and her nails dig into his skin. She began to moan, and he placed his hands at her hips, pumping into her, increasing the ever building pace. She's making you hers. Tell her. DO IT!

"I'm yours," he felt her nails start to drag up towards his shoulders. The pressure was harder than before, but he enjoyed it. She wanted him, then she could have him.

"Louder."

"I'M YOURS," he roared into her neck, shaking as he felt her tighten around him, and her hands suddenly ripping up to his shoulders. They held each other afterwards, shaking from the pleasure. He watched as she raised her hands to his face, and he saw it. Her hands were covered in blood. His blood.

"Now we're even." She pushed him back onto the bed, and laid down on top of him. He felt the need for sleep start to take him, and began to drift off when he heard her. "And Peter?" He opened his eyes, and gazed at her. "Don't plan on wearing a shirt to breakfast. Ororo said she wanted to see my handiwork after tonight." He chuckled and pulled her close, letting himself drift to oblivion.

In the dark recesses of the mind, many things are able to hide. Hidden thoughts, desires, animal instincts. Everything that a person wanted to forget or needed to hide is kept there. Alpha walked there, it was her haven, and her playground. She went to the memory that had just been burned onto the wall, an image of his marking. Next to it was when he had marked Felicia. "Everything is going smoothly." Her eyes drifted over to an image of his symbiotic suit. "Very soon, that will be forgotten, and I will take its place."

Again, sorry for taking so long with the updates. Reviews are always appreciated, but now, down to business. I am putting out a challenge for all my readers. The king pin has two more strikes left, and I need to send someone to the plate. I challenge you all to send me two characters you would like to see go up against Peter and Felicia. But I don't want just a character's name, I want to know why. Convince me why I should use those characters, and I'll give the winner(s) credit for the chapter, and will send them a preview to see what they think ahead of publishing.

Thanks for reading and take it easy,

-N