Chapter Thirteen

Summary: Set after Avengers: Endgame.
Warning(s): Explicit. Disciplinary and erotic spanking; Heavy Domination/submission; sexual situations; dub/non-con (consent after the fact); violence and mentions of violence; AU

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Shuri had returned with the necklace and was explaining to the rest of the group what she believed that she'd found when Friday interrupted the meeting. "Mister Stark, Captain Rogers...my scanners have picked up Nick Fury's life signs. But they are very weak, indicating he is very near death."

Steve stood up quickly with an apologetic glance towards Shuri. "You can continue the explanation when we get back. Friday, send us the coordinates." He looked quickly towards Stephen and Lincoln. "Get whatever you might need...."

"Open the portal. Tell me what you need, and I'll go grab it," Pietro said quickly.

Makkari quickly signed that she would help.

Not hearing or really paying attention to the two speedsters, Stephen and Lincoln immediately ran to the infirmary, grabbing emergency gear, hoping that Friday was wrong, and it wasn't too late.

They returned within a minute, following Steve out of the base.

Friday had already given the coordinates and once Stephen opened the portal, Steve was through immediately, heading towards Fury's limp body...checking to make sure there were no immediate enemies in the vicinity.

It was immediately obvious, to Steve's eyes, that Fury wasn't in good shape. He couldn't see that the man was breathing, and it was obvious that he'd been tortured before being stabbed. He moved out of the way but stayed close enough that he could help if it was indicated he was needed at all.

Stephen and Lincoln both knelt next to the Director and began CPR... but it was soon apparent that it wasn't doing anything. And it was impossible to tell how long Fury had been in this location before Friday located him. His body was cold, though, so it was obvious it had been long enough. "I... I'm sorry, Steve..." Stephen whispered, before looking at Lincoln. "Help me change him into a gown. We will take his body back with us, at least."

Steve squeezed his eyes shut and ran a hand over his face, but that was the only moment of grief he allowed himself while they were here. "I'll keep watch." His voice was heavy with pain as he did just that, gripping his shield in a white-knuckled grasp.

Stephen and Lincoln moved quickly but carefully, making certain that they wouldn't add further injury to the man's body, even if he wouldn't feel it. As soon as they were ready, Stephen nodded to Steve so the Captain could lift Fury up into his arms. He opened a portal, motioning Steve and the others through before following and closing it behind. He then turned toward Pietro and Makkari. "Get Steve and Fury home first. Lincoln and I will be safe for a few seconds."

Quickly, the two speedsters did so, taking Steve and the limp body he carried as quickly and carefully back into the base, before returning for Stephen and Lincoln.

Steve didn't know what it was about this that had broken something so cleanly inside him. He'd known it was possible, even likely, that Ultimus had killed people...people he knew. But guessing and seeing the reality were two very different things. And Fury had only just been killed, which meant that he'd been held captive prior. They could have saved him.

Feeling numb with grief, Steve carried Fury's body through to the infirmary. "Friday, please have the others meet me," he whispered.

"I have alerted them to come, Captain." Friday's voice was subdued.

Stephen and Lincoln entered the infirmary not far behind Steve, clearing a bed for him to place Fury on, covering the man with a sheet up to his waist to preserve his modesty, even if he wouldn't know.

"I'm sorry, Steve... I wish we could have..." Lincoln swallowed hard.

The others trailed in. "Oh no..." Pepper breathed out in a hitched voice, tears immediately beginning to slide down her face.

Tony was silent, but his face had paled considerably, and he was shaking slightly.

Ajak had walked in after the others. She didn't know Fury, but something had caught her attention. As they covered Fury's body, she moved over to his side and leaned down to study the wound in his neck 

It hadn't been made by any of the instruments of torture. It was a needle mark. And there was some fluid still surrounding the hole.

Reaching her finger out, Ajak touched it to the fluid. She raised her finger to sniff and then delicately touched her finger to her tongue. Eyes widening a fraction, she turned and hurried from the infirmary, heading towards her own room.

Most of those in the room were too distraught at finding Fury too late to save him to notice, but Lincoln noticed Ajak's actions. Something told him she knew something they didn’t, and, on that hunch, he began to gather supplies, cleaning the worst wound first and beginning to stitch it closed.

It took a few minutes for Ajak to return. Getting what she needed wasn't as simple as picking it out of her supplies. She needed to mix the ingredients. Fortunately, thanks to the amount of times they'd gone out foraging, she had everything she needed. And while it had been a long time since she'd had a need for this particular antidote, the recipe was seared in her memory; which was just as well, as one wrong amount would ensure the compound wouldn't work.

Returning quickly to the infirmary, Ajak noticed what Lincoln was doing and nodded approvingly. "I need a sterile syringe and needle," she said quietly.

By this time, Stephen had noticed what Lincoln was doing and had begun to help him. When Ajak made her request, he quickly found and brought the items to her, a question in his eyes, though he didn't ask.

Steve noticed Ajak's return and what the two doctors were doing, and he quickly turned to the Eternal. "You know something?"

"Every myth, every legend, comes from somewhere. All have a grain of truth in them somewhere." Ajak slowly and carefully measured out the exact amount of the compound. "Take the legends of zombies, for instance. People being brought miraculously back from the dead. In nature, there are ingredients that, when mixed together, will slow a person's heart rate down so as to be non-existent. To lower their body temperature. To make them appear to be dead...though in actual fact, they are not." She waited for Lincoln and Stephen to finish and then moved over to Fury's side. "At least not unless they receive the antidote." As she spoke the words, she pushed the needle into Fury's neck on the other side, into his vein, and depressed the plunger.

"You think maybe...?" Stephen asked hopefully, even as he got emergency equipment ready to keep Fury alive, should he wake up and the treatment they gave him while he was under not be enough.

"Khonshu agrees with you," Marc said softly to Ajak. "He senses what you found..." He sounded a bit incredulous and nervous; he hadn't been aware Khonshu still used their body as an avatar.

Ajak looked at her bond mate and sent a wave of reassurance through the bond as she said, "In times of uncertainty, it helps to have another with similar knowledge agree."

It seemed to take an age. Steve was barely aware of the fact he was holding his breath. But finally, finally, Fury's skin began to warm with life. His heart rate began to increase.

"...Fuck..." Tony breathed out, nearly going limp in relief.

Lincoln and Stephen both began to take vitals and make certain that Fury had the best chance to pull through once his blood pressure rose to normal. "Give the man room to breathe..." Stephen ordered.

Pepper began herding everyone out of the room. "I'm sure they'll let us in when he is able to see visitors. We need to give them room to work..." she said confidently.

Taking a slow, deep breath, trying to calm down and remind himself that Fury could pull through this, had pulled through other serious injuries before, Steve followed the others out of the room. Still, he couldn't help but say, "This was a message. Whoever left him there knew what he means to us."

Frank glanced at his mate. "Yeah. They knew his importance to you and the others. They likely hoped to somehow get a lead on us and track our location, either because they thought we'd make a mistake in our grief, or in our hurry to save him." He paused. "But there is someone in their group who doesn't want them to succeed. They gave him a chance...."

"Or it is possible that they only knew of one of the properties of that drug and not the other," Ajak said quietly. "That drug will heighten any pain dealt to the person it is administered to. Given his wounds, it seems that they were done by someone who enjoyed pain."

Shuri hadn't gone into the infirmary with them, but she had stayed outside, holding the necklace that had been left for her. "I said already that this was left as a message from Namor. There were conflicts between our two peoples for a while, but we'd become allies and friends by the time Ultimus invaded. I believe he is asking for a meeting." She hesitated. "It is possible that he has somehow remained free of the conversion."

Marc looked sickened at Ajak's words, but he couldn't say she was wrong. "If they gave it to him to make him hurt worse... this group seems even worse than the regular HYDRA soldiers who are willingly working with Ultimus..." He glanced toward Shuri. "Maybe he can give some information that will help us in our fight?"

"Maybe," Shuri said. "I can meet him. He needs to return regularly to the ocean to keep his skin from drying out. I can go there with a few others...with some of those with long-range weapons waiting in case it turns out to be a trap."

"Just say the word and I'll be there," Frank promised.

Grant nodded. "Me too."

Steve took a deep breath and nodded to Shuri. "Once we have more of an idea on how Fury's doing, we can figure out when you can try for a meeting." He turned towards Tony. "My other worry right now is that there might be more prisoners wherever Fury was being kept. Can we get Friday to do a scan for any areas that could be being used as a base close to those coordinates we found him?" It was probably unlikely it would be as obvious as that, but...at least it would give them something else to focus on.

"Friday... Unless they have a sorcerer who can portal or a speedster... they had to walk to that location with a prisoner. Please check the area surrounding it and give us any information on places that look like possible hide-outs or bases..." Tony requested.

"On it, boss," the AI answered.

Steve took a deep breath and, knowing that there was nothing they could do other than wait, suggested they reconvene with the others to finish the meeting...with the understanding that Lincoln and Stephen would let them know the moment anything changed.

***

Even once the antidote had been given, it took Fury a long time to be able to surface. He'd been imprisoned for more than a year and his body, although not in anything like as bad shape as some of the other prisoners, had suffered from malnutrition and being chained for so long.

But equally, he'd been in bad, dangerous, painful situations before. So, when he finally began to wake up, it took longer than it would have had he been originally at full health. But it was still faster than a lot of people would have been able to wake.

"Welcome back, Director..." Stephen whispered, from his bedside vigil. He'd done everything humanly possible to make certain Fury made it through. And some things that only sorcerers knew how to do. It was worth it to see Fury's eyes slowly blinking open. "You have a lot of people anxiously awaiting your awakening."

Fury breathed in deeply. His body felt weak, but not in as much pain as he had been. He assumed that meant the drug he'd been given had worn off; that he was on painkillers, at least as much as they'd been able to get. He rolled his head slowly to the side, taking note of where he'd ended up. "Are we underground?" His voice was a rasp and he winced, trying to clear his throat.

"We are..." Lincoln said from the foot of the bed, where he was looking at the chart. "...We uh... had to leave your clothes behind in the area where we found you. I hope you didn't have an attachment to them...."

Stephen snorted. "One of our number, luckily, recognized the drug you'd been given. She was able to administer the antidote, which brought your vitals back up into living range. We don't know for sure if the person who gave you the drug realized what it fully did, or just wanted you to suffer, but they saved your life by giving it to you. It slowed your body down enough that we could treat the stab wounds. It kept you from bleeding out completely."

Fury grimaced a little. "I've had very few opportunities to change clothes in the past year or so since Ultimus invaded. Having clean clothes on for a change is a blessing." He was tired and still in pain, but there were things he needed to tell the people here. "I assume you're the ones fighting against Ultimus? I have a lot of information whoever's in charge needs to know."

Stephen began to check Fury's vitals. "And we will allow you to give that information as soon as I do my examination. Friday? Please have Steve and Tony come to the room? They can decide who else needs to hear your information..." Stephen looked back at Fury.

"Of course, Doctor," Friday replied, before passing on that information to Steve and Tony.

Steve was there within moments, having been waiting for that. He stepped into the infirmary and relaxed obviously as soon as he saw that Fury was awake...if still clearly in discomfort. "I'm glad you're awake," he said softly, but with feeling.

"That makes two of us..." Tony breathed out, having been close on Steve's heels.

"I am... more than glad to see the both of you," Fury said seriously. "If it had been under better circumstances, it would have been ideal." He took a deep breath. "I know I was left out there for you to find. I assume you've figured out already that there are other prisoners."

Steve nodded. "Tony asked Friday to scan the area you were found for any possible bases. She hasn't found anything."

"She won't," Fury said quietly. "There are leaders in the base who are willingly working with Ultimus. Two of those are alternates of you and Pepper, Tony."

Tony wasn't as surprised as he would have been, had Druig not also run into a version of himself willingly working for Ultimus. "Well, that gives us some insight into how they will be thinking," he said. "Unfortunately, it also gives them potential insight into us. If they decide to start thinking through potential things he might have done if he was me, they could find our base.... We need to be even more careful and vigilant."

"There are more," Fury said. "I assume you've guessed that there are other prisoners being held where I was." He hesitated. "There are a lot left...or there was, before I was taken. Unfortunately, their numbers have been whittled down."

Steve frowned. "Are they being interrogated?" Maybe it made sense. After all, they'd want to know how the resistance was fighting back.

"No," Fury replied. "Two of those in charge enjoy inflicting pain and fear. One of those was responsible for these injuries, although not for the injecting of the drug. Her name is Gwen Stacey and she...." He hesitated. "I suppose the closest explanation is that she's a black widow. And I mean in the spider sense. She takes a prisoner, normally a young man. I don't know what she does to them exactly, but they never come back." He hesitated, but Steve and Tony needed to know all information. No matter how difficult. "The last one she took was Harley Keener."

This time, Tony was shocked. "Harley? But...he's barely grown. There was nothing about him that should draw their attention, unless... Unless they were picking prisoners specifically that they knew I'd know and care about...."

"What better way to break the resistance than to go after their friends and family...?" Stephen muttered.

"We've got to find the base..." Tony said, in a tormented voice. "He isn't the only one I care about... How many of the others are connected to me in some way?"

"Maria, Rhodey and Happy are also prisoners," Fury said. "And Scott Lang was...but he was taken by the other sadistic leader. This one's a vampire."

"A real vampire?" Steve's eyes widened. "Drinks blood, burns in daylight, that sort of thing?"

"Near as I can tell," Fury answered. "There are two other main ones in charge. There's a sorcerer. I don't know much about him. He avoids the cells and I've only seen him a handful of times. The other...." He hesitated. "He's a Spider-Man. But not a human one. He only ever wears his spider suit...except for when he feeds. He eats people. I think it might be a need, though. The only times I've seen him feed, he's specifically gone after prisoners who are dying, or who are close to it. And I've seen him take their bones from the cells afterwards. As if they mean something."

"Stuff of nightmares." Lincoln shuddered.

"Those are the only ones you've seen? So we can probably assume there are at least two or three you've not seen. We know of one for certain, thanks to his leaving a sign for Shuri." Tony looked at Steve. "What are your thoughts?"

"There's the one who injected me with the drug," Fury interjected. "Although I don't know if he's the same one who left the sign. He's like the sorcerer. I've seen him briefly but know very little about him."

Steve nodded to Fury and then looked at Tony. "I think we need to let Shuri make this meeting. She's already told me that, if her contact asks about Fury, she'll tell him that he didn't survive. That he was dead when we found him, and it was too late. I think it makes sense. If they know we have someone who could contradict what they tell us, we might not get accurate information." He looked apologetically at Fury. "I'm afraid you'll have to play dead for a while."

"It wouldn't be the first time," Fury said wryly. "I'm not in any fit state to be of much physical help. I'm sorry."

Steve shook his head. "You're alive. That's the most important thing. Now you need to recover."

"I'm glad we got you in time..." Tony reached over and squeezed Fury's arm gently. "Focus on healing. There is no reason you need to fight."

Fury nodded and let his eyes close, even as he said, "There's probably still a chance to save Harley and Scott. There's always time between prisoners being taken."

Stephen nodded. "I'm sure we will do our best to get everyone that we can. We just need to find the base where they are being held..." he soothed. "Try and rest. I'll have one of the others bring in lunch for you in an hour."

Tony squeezed Fury's arm again and backed away, before heading out to meet with the others and make plans.

It didn't take long to decide, with Shuri, who would go out to meet Namor. They had Frank and Grant placed at an area where they could easily see who was at the ocean. And it was decided that Tony would go with Shuri, with Steve waiting by the portal with Mordo in case he was needed.

***

Namor didn't know for certain if Shuri would meet him or not, but since it was nighttime and he needed to go to the ocean anyway, he'd prepared to leave...or he would have if Gwen hadn't decided to stop him.

"I'm just asking, is having sex with someone in the water different to dry land?" Gwen stepped nearer to him and ran a hand over his chest.

Namor eyed Gwen. "I wouldn't know. I'm not intimate on land."

"There's always a first time." She stepped closer to him, into his personal space.

Namor laughed, the sound harsh and bitter. "You're not my type."

***

Tony remained hidden. When Shuri motioned him out, he would come to meet Namor, but he didn't intend to let anyone know where he was (he doubted they believed she'd come alone) until she motioned that she needed him.

Grant and Frank were on opposite sides, so they'd have any threats in sight and range, no matter which direction they came from. They were carrying on a conversation with each other in their heads while watching, though they were paying close attention.

So... did Shuri say what time that she was supposed to meet this Namor guy? I don't like just hanging out here. Feel like a sitting duck, even if we're hidden, Grant thought to Frank.

Frank responded, I know what you mean. I don't believe they had a set time, though, so we may be here a while.

***

"The sorcerer said he needed your help with something. To do with checking the traps." Spiders' whispery voice came from the shadows, followed by his body as he moved into view, attention focused on Gwen.

"Oh, fun!" Gwen's smile was bright and feral as she quickly left their view.

Namor waited a beat, but Spiders merely slipped into his own room and closed the door, not even glancing at Namor.

Breathing out slowly, Namor quickly left the base.

***

Shuri straightened quickly as she heard movement. She didn't really relax even when Namor stepped into view, eyeing him suspiciously.

"You got my message." There was a clear note of relief in Namor's voice.

Finally... Grant thought, as he saw Namor move into view. He didn't relax, exactly; too busy keeping his gun trained on Namor, while he kept watch on all surroundings to make sure no one else snuck up on Shuri, but it helped considerably having something occurring.

Frank's feelings were amused, but he could sympathize.

Tony remained hyper-vigilant, ready to message Mordo and call reinforcements if necessary.

Shuri nodded, still watching Namor with obvious suspicion. "You are working with Ultimus, but not under his control. Why did you leave me a message? Do you think to talk me over to your side?"

Namor's head jerked up and his eyes flashed before he calmed. "It is not through choice. Ultimus holds our people, our worlds, in his hands. If there is disobedience, it risks everything." 

Shuri narrowed her eyes. "You say we. There are others? Did you bring them?"

Namor shook his head. "Ultimus' soldiers are aware that we are not controlled. We cannot risk leaving the base together."

Shuri's eyes tracked towards where Tony was hidden. She didn't call out to him, but she felt it was safe for him to show himself. She was willing to extend that small bit of trust.

Tony saw her look and carefully exited his hiding spot, moving closer to her. He made sure not to move too quickly or aggressively and he kept his hands where Namor could see.

Namor glanced towards Tony, not showing any surprise at seeing someone else there. "You're the first double I've seen. You have an alternate working willingly with Ultimus."

"We found the double of one of our people... so that doesn't surprise me..." Tony sighed, not letting on that he'd already found out about his double. "How can we know that you are telling the truth and that you aren't trying to set us up?"

"I came here alone," Namor replied. "I know there are more than just two of you here. I expect you have others with long range weapons, prepared to shoot me if I make a wrong move. I have chosen to trust Shuri."

"Not exactly what I meant, but yeah..." Tony sighed again. "I meant, you could be acting like you are wanting to help us and trusting us, but be setting us up to fall later... However, Shuri seems to trust you and believe you wouldn't willingly follow Ultimus, so we have to trust you as much as you are trusting us."

"I can give you information about the base," Namor said. "Coordinates. Those who run it. The more dangerous ones. The base won't show up on any of your scanners. I assume for the same reason the resistance's base doesn't show up for Ultimus' soldiers. You have at least one thing in common with your alternate."

"That will be very helpful. Perhaps we can meet here a couple of nights from now. I'm assuming you don't want to be gone too long, or it would draw suspicion," Tony remarked.

Namor nodded. "I need to come to the ocean every night, so I will be here. I will collect any information it is possible to get."

"Thank you..." Tony nodded.

Figuring there was nothing more they could discuss at this time, Shuri began to move away as Namor headed towards the ocean. She wouldn't move in the direction of the portal itself until Namor was no longer watching, though.

Tony walked beside Shuri. He knew the others were watching and would move toward the portal from their own positions as stealthily as possible.

Soon, Namor was out of sight, and everyone had gathered at the portal location.

Mordo had stayed by the portal, along with Steve. When everyone had gone through the portal, he closed it behind them, and the group quickly headed into the base.

"What are your thoughts?" Steve asked Tony, in a low voice.

"He seemed sincere. He said he'd try and feed us information. He goes out every night to swim, so we can have people go to meet him if we are willing to risk it. He confirmed that I had a double there with much of the same capabilities as me. I think this is probably our best chance at being able to get information on Ultimus that we didn't have before, if we are careful. What do you think, Shuri?" Tony turned toward the Princess.

"I believe he is sincere in wanting to help," Shuri said. "But I also do not believe we can assume he is entirely trustworthy. He and the others he says are on his side are trying to keep their own dimensions and people safe. If it comes to a choice between helping us and risking the destruction of their worlds or betraying us so that their peoples are safe...."

Steve nodded slowly, not that surprised. "We still can't reveal that Fury is alive." He frowned. "I assume that, if we made an attack on the base, we couldn't rely on any help from the inside. At least not physical aid in a battle."

"I'm expecting that if we were to attack the base and anyone who might want us to win was there, they would fight us to protect their secrets..." Tony agreed.

"So, we make sure they're out of the base, somehow?" Steve looked at the two of them. "We know who one of them is. If we can get information on the others, we can tailor distractions that might be more likely to have them sent out."

"Once we find out who they are. If Namor trusts that they aren't truly on Ultimus' side." Tony frowned. "Coulson... what would you make of the situation? You've dealt with situations like this before... where you aren't positive who is truly on your side...."

"Hitting the base is going to be hard enough without adding even more people to fight to the mix," Coulson said. "If we're not entirely sure they're on Ultimus' side, then I think engineering distractions is a good idea. The good thing is that we're up against your own counterpart, Tony." He paused. "If Ultimus is holding their own dimensions and people over their heads, though, then we might have the option to break that hold. By faking their deaths."

"I have some suggestions on how to do that" Ross said. He'd been listening quietly. "Once we know who we want to get out of that situation, anyway."

Steve nodded in acknowledgement of Ross' response. "Namor for definite, then." He looked towards Tony and Shuri. "I think we need to try and meet the others, even if it's not possible to do so all at once. But maybe not to tell them any of our plans or ideas at the moment. What they don't know can't be passed on."

"Should we ask Namor to send one of those he thinks would work with us out alone to a certain location? Corner them and find out then?" Tony asked.

"That would probably be a good idea," Steve agreed. "I'm assuming Friday can scan the location for any other people who might be there. If the person isn't alone, we figure out how to handle it."

"I can do that, Captain," the AI agreed.

"So... we have a plan, then. Next time Shuri meets with Namor, ask him if he is willing to set his friends up so we can meet," Tony said.

Shuri nodded. "I will do that."

"Now... I believe I need to go brief Fury on what has transpired tonight..." Tony smiled and turned to leave.

***

It was a few days after his initial meeting with Shuri and the Tony Stark from this dimension and Namor had given them both information on the base, its layout, and the people there...how many and a rough idea of the kind of abilities they'd be facing. In return, Shuri had asked him about the others who weren't truly on Ultimus' side...requesting a meeting with at least one of them and giving coordinates to a rendezvous point.

Namor had finished his swim in the ocean and was returning to the base, but he didn't head inside the building. Instead, he sent a coded message through the communication device and headed to one of the few spots they'd found that were unnoticed by the others in the base.

They couldn't take long, but it would be enough time for him to pass on the request that had been made.

Blade and Jack both had a habit of going out at night at the same time as Namor; in different directions, so that no one would suspect anything. They followed the same routine, only heading to the rendezvous point when they were far enough away not to be noticed by Tony and Pepper, or the crazy train twins.

Blade was the first to arrive at the spot and he quickly looked around, to make doubly sure he hadn't been followed and that no one was waiting to lay a trap.

Jack arrived five minutes later. He could have come in sooner, but he felt it better to allow Blade to do his checks before slinking in like the wolf he became on the full moon.

The final one to arrive was M'Baku, having left the base later than the rest of them. He walked over and sat down on one of the logs, settling comfortably. "This meeting went well?"

Namor nodded. "I met the same two as I did the last time, although I suspect there were others remaining hidden in case I posed a threat."

"Makes sense. It's what we would do if we weren't trying to keep the others from knowing what we are doing," Blade said somberly.

"What else?" Jack asked hesitantly.

"They've asked to meet one of you," Namor answered. "At separate coordinates. I doubt those are anywhere close to their base."

"Why?" Blade couldn't help being suspicious.

"I'll go!" Jack said, at nearly the same time. He wanted to find out if his efforts to save Fury had worked.

Namor snorted softly. "More than likely because they want to see if they can trust you as well." He passed the paper with the coordinates on to Jack. "Make sure no one else finds it." He didn't really need to say the words, he knew, but it never hurt to voice a reminder.

Jack quickly looked at the paper, memorized the coordinates... then ate it.

Blade stared at the wolf. "You do realize you could have burned it? Or shredded it?"

Jack had a sheepish look on his face, still chewing silently. He shrugged.

"There will be no trace left this way. Not even ash." M'Baku shrugged, seeing no problem with Jack eating the paper. He likely would have done the same.

Blade just shook his head. "Perhaps you can find out the names of the prisoners that are still at the base and pass those on. They may want to know," he said.

Jack swallowed and grinned. "Already know them. Got very good hearing. We should head back now, though. Kate has been acting weirder than usual, even for her "

Namor nodded and stood up. "Watch out for Gwen," he warned Jack. "She tried to invite herself along when I met them the first time. I don't think she's suspicious, but in her own way, she's as unpredictable as Kate."

Jack nodded but shrugged. "I think Gwen is somewhat nervous of me. But I will watch. If one of you provided a distraction...."

"I am sure I can think of something," M'Baku stated.

"Great. See you all back at base, then!" Jack quickly left in the direction he'd arrived from.

Blade waited a few minutes, then did the same.

Namor allowed M'Baku to leave before him, taking some moments to make sure they'd left no trace of their presence behind...just in case the area was discovered...and then headed back to the base himself.

***

Back at base, Vamp-Kate was finishing her 'snack', Scott's soft groans music to her ears. They weren't groans of pain, though they were a bit fearful. She had learned how to make the bite pleasurable. He was obviously afraid she'd grow bored of him and not stop feeding one day. His pleas to her to not turn him or kill him, because he needed to find his daughter, hadn't been ignored. If she grew bored, she'd take him to her secret location, give him a pack and a map of places to avoid, and let him go. Like she had done all her toys. She'd not killed them like the others believed. She might be bad, but she wasn't an evil monster. With one last suck, she shifted her hand slightly and grinned as he came for her, his body going limp. First, she licked the bite to seal it, then she washed him off. There were numerous bite marks all over his groin and inner thighs. It would allow him to keep the fact he'd become a blood doll secret from anyone who saw him. She liked him and saw no reason for him to suffer because of her actions; and people could be cruel. After he was clean, she gently pulled his clothing back into place and helped him sit up, handing him a bowl of stew and bottle of water. "Eat up, Sunshine...." She grinned.

***

The rooms weren't exactly soundproofed, so Harley was able to hear something of what was going on in the room not that far from him. When he heard the door open, he tensed up-Gwen hadn't yet returned from her nightly excursions-but couldn't help but relax when he saw the Spider-Man suit.

Spiders wasn't the same as the Spider-Man in this world, the one who Harley had seen on the news. But he felt 'safe' to Harley. He hadn't seen what was under the suit, although he knew full well what it was. Thousands of spiders who could devour flesh in a matter of moments.

But he also knew that Spiders kept enough control over his instincts to only eat those who were close to death anyway.

Casting a glance back over his shoulder, Spiders walked over to Harley and offered him a bowl of soup and bread. He reached out and undid the chains enough to allow the young man to eat.

Harley did so, not thinking to question where Spiders had got the food from. While he ate, Spiders cleaned and covered the bite marks on Harley's neck and chest, his touch feather-light.

Gwen liked to bite. And she liked to draw blood.

Vamp-Kate stepped out of her room and closed the door, noting that Spiders was taking care of Gwen's toy again. Gwen never took care of her things. She stood at the door, a silent sentinel. When she heard Gwen's footsteps coming, she'd warn Spiders. He might not care if Gwen saw him taking care of Harley. But he might. And if it were the steps of Tony and Pepper heading their way, he would definitely care. She knew he knew she was there. She never hid when she was trying to help Spiders. He was one of the few beings capable of scaring her, other than Ultimus. She liked him.

Spiders knew that Kate was outside the room. He always knew when someone was there. It wasn't the first time she'd stood guard for him. They never really talked about it...but he appreciated it. He was still a monster, but if he could relieve their suffering at least a little....

When Spiders moved to leave, Harley reached out and put a hand on his arm. The younger man looked at his face, his own expression earnest and worried. "The others. Are they...?"

Spiders wasn't good at comfort. He wasn't good with people. Still, he tried to gentle his tone as he spoke the next words. "Fury is the only one gone."

Harley's face crumpled and he began to sob. "No...." Fury still being alive had given him hope to cling onto.

Kate heard the crying and felt bad, but she didn't know what to do about it. When she'd been mortal, she would have known what to do. But then the process of being turned had been traumatic. She was pretty sure any humanity she'd had in her had been tortured out of her by her sire, by the time he finally drained her and took her into immortality. She didn't know how to help Harley. The only way she knew how to make anyone feel better, she was pretty sure Harley wouldn't want. (Scott never said he didn't want it, but Kate wasn't certain he preferred her giving him that gift instead of what he was afraid she would do. Which. She would never, but Scott didn't know that. Did Scott not really want what she was doing and was just accepting it to keep himself alive?) She frowned. Harley wouldn't want it and if Gwen found out, Gwen would be pissed at her, so no making Harley feel better in that way. Wrinkling her nose and slightly upset that she felt incapable, she continued to listen for the others coming toward the rooms.

Spiders didn't actually know what to do. He hadn't told Harley that information to make the young man upset. "I'm sorry. I...." he started.

Harley moved, but it wasn't to attempt to get away or attack. Spiders was the only one who seemed to be taking care of him and expecting nothing in return. He needed comfort, so he turned to the only source of it he had.

Spiders was taken aback when Harley flung his arms around him and began to sob into his shoulder. He hadn't been touched by anyone since before he'd become Spiders and...it didn't hurt. Not really. But it made him feel funny inside. Where Peter's consciousness still resided. He didn't know what to do, but he couldn't bring himself to pull away. So, he stood there and let Harley hug him.

Kate heard someone coming. The footsteps were light, but not 'focused', so she was fairly certain it was Gwen. She quickly knocked on the door. Two short knocks, a long space and then three short knocks. She then began to walk in the direction she heard the footsteps, intending to slow Gwen down long enough for Spiders to clean up any evidence of him having been there.

Hearing the knocks, Spiders gave Hatley a light squeeze and then released him. "I have to leave." He quickly chained up the young man again and then gathered up the items. "I need to go."

"I'll see you tomorrow?" Harley's voice hitched hopefully.

"If I can." Spiders made sure no sign of his presence was left and quickly slipped out of the room.

Kate knew Spiders would do what he needed to do. They all did, at the end of the day. Still.... She quickly met up with Gwen and gave her a toothy grin. "What were ya doin? Were ya doin Namor?" she asked crudely.

"No." Gwen pouted. "I tried to, but he wouldn't let me join him."

Kate pouted for her friend. "No fun! Maaaybe..." She got an impish look in her eye.

Gwen looked immediately interested. "Maybe?" she repeated.

"...Maybe we should go wait for him to return, in his room..." She waggled her eyebrows. It would be a harmless enough prank on Namor; all he had to do was insist they leave… and maybe he wouldn't. But it would keep Gwen out of her room for a little longer so Harley could calm down. Gwen didn't like weepy people. It would be a win-win for everyone, really.

Gwen's eyes brightened and she grinned. "Yes, let's!" She grabbed Kate's hand and dragged her in that direction.

Kate giggled and followed quickly, picking the lock to Namor's room so they could get in; then, once inside, carefully locked the door again so he wouldn't realize they'd picked it. "This will be a fun surprise..." She grinned at Gwen as she headed to his bed and immediately stripped, so that she could be strategically posed when he walked in.

Gwen smirked at Kate and quickly removed her own clothing, settling on the bed with her legs spread and her head tipped back, exposing her throat.

Spiders appreciated what Kate had done, but he also knew that Namor wouldn't react well to the sight he was about to walk in on.

As the man approached, Spiders began to walk casually past him. "You have two visitors in Kate and Gwen," he warned.

Namor paused and sighed. "Thanks for the warning," he muttered.

Spiders didn't react as if he'd heard, just continued walking away.

Kate wasn't spread out quite as provocatively as Gwen. She had a feeling Namor wouldn't be too pleased, and she didn't want to give him more verbal ammunition when he saw them. For as uncaring as she acted, it hurt when people commented on how she looked. Her looks were all she had left of her old life, after all; her personality and sanity certainly hadn't survived her sire. So... she wasn't as open. But she was laying in such a way that he'd get a good view of her backside and her breasts, as she'd tried to lay in a way that made them look their best. She gave what she hoped was a coy look toward the door. One might have mistaken her for a bashful innocent if they didn't know her.

Fortunately, since he'd had ample warning, Namor was at least expecting the sight that met his eyes. He only spared them a glance before he was picking up their clothes, walked over to the bed and dropped the clothes onto them. "Get dressed and get out."

Gwen was pouting. "Come on, Namor. Two of us at the same time? Not many people get that offer." She reached out and trailed her finger along his arm.

He jerked away from her touch. "Now. Before I decide being on the same side doesn't mean putting up with your antics."

Kate pouted and wiggled her bottom. "But I've been so naughty... you don't wanna 'punish' me?" she teased. Her eyes were hopeful, though. She only needed Gwen to stay out of her room for a few moments more. Let Harley calm down and prepare himself. She'd even accept a spanking from an angry Namor, if it kept Gwen entertained for a few moments. Even if spanking didn't really do it for her and Namor would most likely not be gentle in the least.

"Oh, yes. Surely, you'd get some satisfaction from that!" Gwen sat up and clapped her hands.

Namor snorted softly. "I would. But you won't," he said firmly to Kate. "You need to leave my room."

Kate swallowed and licked her lower lip, glancing at Gwen out of the corner of her eye, trying to gauge if Gwen truly wanted to see Kate have her butt roasted by Namor, or if she was just pushing the man to push. She might not really get excited by being spanked, but she wasn't adverse to pain either. Her sire had made certain she could handle the worst pain possible and beg for more; he was sadistic like that. If Namor enjoyed punishing her and Gwen enjoyed watching, then she'd enjoy giving them both what they wanted. If they wanted it, anyway. She hated giving things to people that they didn't truly want. It felt pointless and wasteful.

Gwen's eyes gleamed. "Come on, Namor," she goaded. "Katie's been a really bad girl. You should punish her."

Namor knew her well enough to know she was trying to get a rise out of him. The best way to handle this was by causing her to lose interest. He yawned and gave her a cool smile. "Gwen, Kate. I appreciate your efforts, but you really aren't my type. Equipment in all the wrong places."

Kate blinked at that, having not expected such a retort. She slowly turned over and sat on the bed, drawing her clothes up to her to cover her chest. It was a lot less fun having her body looked at by someone who wasn't interested in it. For some reason, it made her feel cheap and exposed to be offering something that he'd never want. "N... Not even a little?" She pouted slightly, a hurt look in her eyes. It was one thing to be turned down because he wasn't in the mood. It was another to be turned down because he found her not attractive at all. Even if all she was offering was a chance for him to take out his frustrations on her rear-end.

Gwen didn't care enough to be upset or worried about Namor's reactions. But she was bored. Namor wasn't rising to the bait. She stood and gathered her clothes, though didn't dress as she turned to Kate. "Come on, Kate. You can play with my toy. I'll even let you drink from him," she offered generously.

Kate gave Gwen a wan smile. "That's okay, Gwennie. I think I'll just go to my room..." She sounded a little sad, though. She had no clue why Namor's rejection had hurt her, but it had. She was confused now and didn't want anyone to figure out that she was hurt and confused. It was safer to hide in her room. She got off Namor's bed, but unlike Gwen, she did begin to redress, her body language very subdued.

"Suit yourself." Gwen carried her clothes as she left Namor's room, not caring even a little who might see her.

Kate watched Gwen go, before pulling on the last of her clothing. Giving Namor another sad smile, shoulders slumped, she stopped long enough to whisper, "Did you see Spiders?" He should have had plenty of time to get out of Gwen's room by this point.

"I saw him," Namor confirmed. He didn't say anything else. Spiders was an unknown. When it came to it, he didn't know whose side Spiders would be on.

Kate nodded once, not elaborating. If Namor saw Spiders, that meant he wasn't in Gwen's room. That was what she'd come in here for, anyway. She didn't trust that Namor wouldn't rat her out to Tony and Pepper if she acted concerned, though, so she didn't. "I woulda let you, ya know..." Kate said, before sashaying out of his room, just a little less swagger than normal.

Namor didn't say anything. He locked the door behind her and finally went to bed himself.

***

It was the next night, after Namor had been given the coordinates. Jack had waited an appropriate amount of time before saying, "Time for my nightly gallivant." He was glad he'd made a habit of going out every evening. It meant no one questioned when he decided to go out.

Kate was bored. "I think I'm gonna go see if I can find some stragglers..." She sighed loudly. Occasionally, she'd go out and if some random HYDRA soldiers who followed Ultimus happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time? Well, they weren't supposed to come into Tony's territory anyway.

Jack gave her a sidelong look. "Just don't follow me, yeah? I don't need your brand of crazy...." he groused.

Kate pouted and stuck out her tongue.

Jack shook his head and left the base. As he walked to the coordinates, he kept close watch on his surroundings, not trusting that Kate wouldn't follow him anyway.

Kate deliberately went the opposite direction, but then began to loop around and track Jack, keeping far enough back he wouldn't notice her, even with his keen sense of hearing and smell.

The coordinates had been set far enough away from the base, with enough cover in case Namor's supposed ally turned on them. The portal was within range, with Mordo ready with a spell if he needed to go on the defensive.

Shuri was crouched in some undergrowth, waiting to see who approached. She sent a quick check in to the others, making sure they were all prepared.

Tony crouched next to Shuri, quietly waiting.

Jack finally reached the clearing where the coordinates had sent him and carefully stepped out into the middle, in plain view. He had to take a chance that they wouldn't kill him if he wanted to find out about Fury. "H... hello?" he called out softly. "My friend said I should come here if I wanted to find out information. I... the man you found several days ago. He seemed dead. Did... did he survive? I gave him something that should have kept him in stasis until he could get help, but... I've not used it before. Did it work? Is he alive?" Jack couldn't keep the hopeful worry out of his tone.

Kate had moved close enough to hear Jack's words and realized: he was meeting someone, and it was likely someone Ultimus wouldn't like him meeting. She kept very still and quiet. She wouldn't do anything unless they attacked Jack. She liked Jack.

It was the answer to the question they'd wondered. If the person who'd injected Fury had done so knowing that the compound could keep him alive, or if they'd done so because the compound would make any pain suffered worse. After all, Fury had been tortured. And while he'd confirmed it hadn't been the person who'd injected him, that didn't mean the one responsible hadn't enjoyed watching.

Shuri signed a quick message to Tony, letting him know she was going to reveal herself. She was dressed in her Black Panther costume, ensuring that her face was hidden as she stepped out of the undergrowth and into the clearing. "Why would you give someone something you hadn't used before? Are you a scientist?" She deliberately didn't mention Fury's survival. Not yet.

Jack swallowed, his wolf instincts wary at the potential threat. "No. I'm... I knew a scientist. She dealt in more esoteric things, though. Magics. She told me of the compound. That it could make someone appear dead, even if they weren't. I had to hope that I did it right... She was planning to leave him to bleed out slowly... to suffer. But I hoped..." He slumped slightly. "...I'd hoped that if the compound worked, it would slow his body function down enough that he wouldn't bleed out and he might be saved. Did I fail?" His voice fell at the end.

Kate blinked at hearing that. She wasn't upset at Jack's actions, though. She rather thought it a brave act on his part. She had no love for Ultimus and seeing her friend go against him in such a dangerous way was thrilling. She wouldn't say anything to anyone. For Jack's sake, she hoped he'd succeeded.

Tony was listening carefully, relaying the information to Mordo as soon as he heard it. Do you know of scientists who deal in 'magics'? he asked curiously.

Shuri slowly relaxed her stance and allowed her mask to drop, revealing her face. "One of our number recognized the compound you used and was able to give him the antidote. You are working with Ultimus. But you still acted to stop one of his plans. Why now?"

Not in this dimension, Mordo replied. If he is like Namor, he might have come from another one.

Jack's face twisted up in disgust and resignation. "Not by choice... he... he has my own world in his grasp and if I fail to do as he says, he will destroy it and everyone in it..." His voice was haunted. "If it were only myself, I'd let him kill me. I'm nothing to be missed. But... there are so many innocents and... I couldn't just... I had to..." He shook his head and swallowed hard again.

Kate frowned at that. She followed Ultimus because she'd had nothing and no one else and he gave her a place to belong that didn't dismiss her or hate her for what she was. Rather, the people working for him gave her that. Though there were some in the group that didn't truly value her, Jack wasn't one of those. He'd always treated her kindly. If it was a choice between Jack and Ultimus, she'd choose Jack. It looked like he didn't have a choice and she hated that.

He seems to be from another dimension. One that is being threatened, if he doesn't work for Ultimus obediently. We knew the possibility of some being forced to work for him, even if they weren't being controlled. He's our proof... Tony thought.

He is, but we can't assume that we wouldn't be betrayed anyway, Mordo replied. I know you and Steve talked with Fury about him forming a bond with one of Namor's allies. This man has already met Fury.

"Ultimus has destroyed so many already." Shuri's voice was sad and filled with empathy. She glanced towards where Tony still was. It seemed Jack was telling the truth.

Should I make the invitation? Or wait and have a group discussion and have him come back here tomorrow night? Tony asked for Mordo's opinion. Are you able to ask Steve and the others?

"He has. I... I'm sorry about your friend. What was done to him, I wish I could have stopped it entirely..." Jack said softly.

Mordo was silent as he spoke to Steve, who was waiting by the portal with others on standby. The conversation was brief, but the decision was made. The sooner the bonding can be formed, the better, he reported back to Tony. It will give another tie to Namor's group, along with Shuri's own ties to Namor.

I'll ask him now, then, Tony thought, before carefully stepping out into view. He was pretty sure Jack had known he was there, as the other man didn't startle in the least. "If you want to come back with us... you can see that he is alive and well. Plus... if you are willing... we can give you a protection against Ultimus, should he decide he wants to control your mind instead of using threats."

Jack looked at Tony. "I would appreciate being able to see him with my own eyes. And any protections from Ultimus that can be gained, I would like. But... if I do not return, my... team... will report to Ultimus and my world would be destroyed."

"You would be able to return tonight. Or we could make it seem as if an accident had befallen you. Would he destroy your world if he thought you dead and not defected?" Tony asked.

Jack thought about it. "If I was believed to be dead, I think my world would be safe. But I don't want to abandon the few allies I have from the team. If I can aid them in escaping as well, I would gladly stage my own death."

Kate frowned at that. As much as she liked Jack, she was under no illusions that he was talking about her being an ally. He was kind to her and treated her like a person, even though she wasn't human any longer. But he didn't work with her and had never told her any of the things he'd just confessed to the rebels. By rights, she should report him to Ultimus, but she wouldn't. He might not consider her an ally or friend, but she considered him one and she'd behave like one. She'd keep his secret.

Tony nodded. "If you come with us, you can see our friend is alive. And we can help you form a protection against Ultimus' mind control. Then we can bring you back to this spot this very evening and you can return back to your base with little suspicion. Or, hopefully, little suspicion."

"Let's go, then..." Jack agreed.

Shuri quickly looked around, making sure that there was no one in view, and began to lead the way back to the portal, where Mordo was standing with Steve and some of the others from the base.

Kate felt a stab of fear that Jack would be taken and not return. She silently glided after them, watching. When she saw the portal, it all made sense how they could move so quickly. Jack didn't look afraid. She settled into place to wait. They said they'd bring him back to this spot tonight. If they didn't, she'd report on them to the others, and they could go after them. If they kept their word, then no one would know of what was occurring. Jack wouldn't even know she knew.

Jack swallowed again as he saw all the people waiting by the portal. He'd sensed more than Shuri there, but they'd done a very good job of hiding. He nodded at Steve and the others. When Mordo opened the portal, he looked toward Shuri to see if he was expected to go through first or follow.

Shuri waited as Steve stepped through the portal with his mates, then motioned for Jack to follow. The rest of them would follow behind him, with Mordo last so that he could close the portal.

As soon as they stepped through the portal and it was closed, Tony turned toward Jack. "Normally, we ask that you change into a hospital gown before we go through the portal, so that any tracking devices are left behind..."

Jack blinked. "I don't have one on me that I am aware of. But it makes sense..." He began to strip. "...I'll leave my clothes here, so that I can put them back on when I return. Hopefully, there were no tracking devices on me..." He sounded unsure, though. "Your alter-ego is paranoid... so now that you mention them, I can't help but worry."

Tony gave him the hospital gown, then quickly searched the clothing he was handed. "I can't find anything, so you should be safe. As long as my alter-ego hasn't invented something so small, I wouldn't be able to find it...." Folding the clothing, he left it on a nearby rock to be found when they returned.

The whole group quickly made their way back to the base and soon, they were leading Jack to the infirmary to see Fury with his own eyes.

Fury had been resting in the infirmary. He was recovering more quickly, now that his body was stronger and he was eating proper, nutritional food, thanks to the fruit and vegetables growing. He was really only still in the infirmary because the doctors wanted to keep an eye on him and while he'd been thankful for the rest, he was hoping he'd be able to see the base in its entirety soon.

When Jack walked into the infirmary and saw the man he'd rescued, he slumped in relief. "It did work..." he breathed out, partly in surprise and partly in gratefulness.

Fury looked over the man who'd seemingly been working with Ultimus and commented, dryly, "No one was sure which action you were aiming for."

"Yeah..." Jack rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "...I can see how that would be confusing. I... I've had to watch as too many were killed just for vindictive pleasure. Couldn't stop it, because if I did..." He swallowed hard. "...But I couldn't stand by again. Not if there was a small chance...." He looked up, his eyes haunted and guilt filled. "I'm glad you survived. I hate what he is doing with everything in me, but the only way out for me is death, so... at least I don't have to bear the guilt for you as well." He sighed softly before looking toward Steve, Tony and Shuri. "Someone said there is a protection? That will help keep Ultimus out of my mind?" He straightened slightly. "Even if he has my balls over a fire and I don't have a choice but to serve him, I'd at least like to know he can't worm his way into my head and make me do even worse things than he already has...."

Steve glanced at Fury, making sure that the Director was still on board with this, and proceeded to explain the bonding and how it worked.

At the end of the explanation, Jack looked around. "You said you'd be able to help me do this, but... that means I'd need to be bonded to one of you. Who... who has agreed to take me on? I need to explain something about myself before they fully commit... in chase they change their mind."

"I've already agreed to this," Fury said.

Jack nodded, not surprised. "Then you should know. I'm a werewolf."

"That's not the strangest thing I've seen," Fury said mildly, not showing any surprise. After all, even before Ultimus had taken over, he'd seen a lot more than most people had.

Jack blinked. "Okay. That was accepted more quickly and better than expected..." He rubbed his neck again awkwardly. "Does there have to be witnesses?" he asked sheepishly.

"We can wait outside." Steve began to head out of the infirmary.

"Did Ultimus just raid worlds based on horror movies?" Shuri's voice was curious as she followed Steve out.

Jack couldn't help but chuckle at the overheard question. As soon as the others had left the room, he turned toward Fury. "I know the bond requires a Dominant and a submissive to take effect..." He shifted to the infirmary's bed, before kneeling beside it. "...So, I submit to you. My life is in your hands..." he said, quietly but firmly. After having had Fury's life in his own hands (even if it turned out the way he'd hoped), he didn't want that responsibility again. Not permanently.

"That makes things easier." Fury shifted, so that he was able to sit up more easily and reached out to remove the hospital gown from Jack. "What's your name?" he asked, as he let his hands rub over bare, uncovered skin.

"Jack Russell..." Jack answered faintly. He carefully stood so that the hospital gown fell completely and pooled at his feet, moving closer so that Fury could touch him. "I heard the other prisoners call you Fury. Is that your name? Or your temperament?" he asked hesitantly. His body flushed as Fury touched him. It had been a very long time since he'd been touched with gentleness. Just as long since he'd taken care of basic urges. It was embarrassing how quickly he became aroused just from touch.

"Nick Fury." Fury gently pulled Jack onto the bed with him, beginning to run his hands over bare skin with slightly firmer caresses. "No one uses my first name. As for the temperament? Many of the agents who were under my command would say that fit." He flicked his tongue gently over Jack's ear lobe, before pressing a kiss to the side of his neck.

Jack shivered and moaned softly at the action, his member springing to full arousal as his ear was licked. His ears were very erogenous. He let himself be shifted however Fury wanted and let his own hands roam over the other man's arms and chest, figuring if he didn't like it, he would tell him to stop. He tugged gently at the hospital gown Fury still wore, a tiny, displeased whine escaping that he couldn't touch skin too.

"You can remove it." Noticing Jack's reaction when he'd licked his ear, Fury whispered the words to him before he kissed the lobe and then gently tugged it into his mouth.

"Y...yessir..." Jack groaned as his ear was gently sucked in. He somehow, not as quickly as he'd have liked but quick enough, managed to remove the gown from Fury, so that he could touch bare skin. He gently raked his fingers over the man's arms, shoulders, chest and back; carefully avoiding where he had been stabbed and being very gentle in areas he knew he'd been tortured. His member was already dripping precum and he shifted closer to his future Dom, opening his legs so that Fury could slot between them, enabling them to get closer yet. He slowly, in case Fury told him to stop, took hold of Fury's member, bringing it into contact with his own, and began to pump both together so that they would rub against each other and mingle fluid.

It didn't take much for Fury's own member to swell and harden, beginning to leak precum, and he groaned softly around Jack's ear. Releasing the first, he sucked the second lobe in gently, his hands rubbing down Jack's shoulders and back. He pulled Jack closer, ensuring there was no space between them.

Jack groaned louder, beginning to pump their cocks in his fist just a slight bit faster and harder. It felt so good.... Still. "How... how do you want to take me?" he gasped out, his breathing rapid, uneven, excited....  As good as what was happening felt, for the bond to take, Fury had to be in him.

"Lay back," Fury ordered. "Wrap your legs around my waist." As he spoke, he reached for the lube that had been left. His own voice was hoarse with his arousal.

Immediately, Jack obeyed, laying back so he was stretched out in front of Fury, belly and chest completely open, his member fully exposed, his legs wrapped around the other man's waist. His wolf howled inside at being so vulnerable. It caused his arousal to grow, his member hard and purple, almost painful with his need to release. He didn't, though. He wouldn't until his master said it was time.

Fury quickly and thoroughly coated his own member with the lube and then, grasping Jack's hips, he pushed inside. He kept on pushing, until he was sheathed in as far as he could go. Then, he began to thrust.

Jack groaned loudly again as Fury pushed in. It had been so long, and he was so tight, it almost but not quite stung. It felt wonderful. When Fury was finally buried so deep, Jack thought he might lose all ability to think, the other man began to thrust. And then he didn't think... couldn't think... about anything but Fury's hard length pounding into him, stretching him, rubbing him so deep inside, he'd feel him for days. The noises he made in response weren't entirely human, but they were sounds of pleasure.

Fury was driven by instinct and seeking of both of their pleasure as he continued to thrust. His member was swollen and hard inside Jack and he groaned at the feel of being surrounded by the warmth. "You feel so good." He began to move his hands over Jack's chest and stomach, stroking and squeezing and rubbing and caressing.

"...Feels so good..." Jack instinctively raised his hands above his head, submitting to Fury doing whatever he wanted to his chest and belly while thrusting into him. He was as vulnerable as it was possible to be, and it felt right. "...Master... feels so good and right and perfect..." he gasped out, as Fury's thrusting found the spot inside him that made talking impossible. His vision was sparking with each stroke. His nipples were hard. His member was weeping, jutting, and bouncing with each thrust, neglected, but that didn't matter. All that mattered was his master inside of him, pounding as deep as possible, claiming what belonged to him.

Fury leaned over to follow the same route his hands had taken with lips and tongue, kissing and gently sucking on the skin, drawing it out for as long as possible. But it couldn't last forever and soon, it was at the point where they had to let go. Moving his hands to Jack's hips and squeezing firmly, Fury ground out, "Let go," holding back on his own release so that they'd come together.

At Fury's command, Jack released, hard, the wolf howling loud and long along with his submission. His body shuddered under and around Fury as he emptied for his master, taking in what his master gave him to fill the void.

Fury's own release came over him at the same time and he released hard inside his new bondmate, fingers tightening their hold on Jack's hips, holding him still to receive everything.

By the time Jack's body stopped spasming and he went limp under his new master, his release was already cooling on his chest and belly. He could feel his master still inside of him, his master's seed filling up every empty spot inside. It was warm and comforting and for the first time since Ultimus dragged him to this new dimension, he felt as if he belonged. It worked... I'm yours... he thought, almost in shock. He kept his hands above his head... kept his chest, belly and groin open to Fury's view and touch. He wouldn't do anything until his master said he could. Not yet, anyway. The feeling of belonging was still too new and needed to settle.

You're mine, Fury confirmed. He leaned down and brushed a gentle, tender kiss against Jack's lips. The need to dominate, to possess, came clear through the bond.

My master... Jack thought again, with a sense of peace and wonder. Even his wolf felt settled, calm, not trying to claw its way forward. It will be difficult to return, now that I've found this... he admitted.

It won't have to be for long, Fury promised. There are plans being made. Once those have been carried out, you'll come back here.

Then I won't ever have to leave you... Jack thought happily. He was still splayed wide open for his master, arms above his head. He opened his eyes to look into Fury's face, his eyes flashing the wolf's yellow before returning to his own hazel. He had to leave so soon, there wasn't truly time to let the bond settle, so he did the only thing he could. There was nothing but submission in his body and heart.

You won't ever need to leave me again, once it's over, Fury promised. And now that we are bonded, we can communicate through the bond. And even if I can't touch you physically.... He used the bond, pushing through so that it would feel like his fingers had stroked down Jack's spine.

Jack let out a surprised breath, then grinned at his mate. We can touch each other mentally... he thought, before sending through a gentle pressure on Fury's cheek, a kiss.

Fury smiled at that and sent his own gentle pressure, his own kiss, to Jack's lips.

Jack sighed happily, fully relaxed. He'd have to get up. Go back soon. But he was enjoying what time he could be with his mate.

Fury let his hands gently touch, stroke and explore Jack's body, getting to know every part of his mate it was possible to. Through the bond, it was clear all he wanted was to give Jack affection and enjoy this time he and his mate could spend together.

Is it too soon to love you? Jack thought. He hadn't felt this settled and secure since his condition had manifested on his sixteenth birthday.

No, Fury replied. Because I feel the same way. Sometimes it doesn't take long for a connection to form. He let his thumb stroke gently over Jack's lips.

Jack obediently opened his mouth for Fury, his tongue darting out and licking gently. His whole body was very sensitive and responsive to his master's touch. He was very sensitive inside as well, still stretched, though not quite as much, around his master's member. His own release was beginning to dry on his skin. He did nothing about it, though. His master was learning his body and he was staying put unless told to move.

Even though they didn't have long together right now, Fury was determined to make the most of the little time they did have right now. He replaced his thumb with his lips, kissing Jack deeply as he let his tongue slip inside the other man's mouth.

Jack eagerly returned the kiss, opening his mouth for his master, accepting Fury's tongue and letting his own tongue slowly dance around his master's. He gently sucked on his master's tongue, feeling his stomach flutter in response to the possessive domination. His member twitched. He liked Fury taking control of him and it was obvious.

Mine. Fury sent the possessive word and feelings through the bond, sliding his hands along Jack's legs. The feeling of satisfaction and arousal he got from Jack's submission came clearly through the bond.

Yours... Forever. Jack whimpered softly. He could feel his master's arousal mentally, but also physically, as the other man's member began to grow again inside of him. He couldn't help but squeeze gently around Fury and wiggle to get some friction.

I want you to feel me for as long as possible after you return to the base. Fury gently squeezed Jack's hips, his member growing to full hardness once more inside his bond mate.

I want that too, Jack thought, his emotions slipping slightly as he gave himself completely to his master.

Fury leaned down to kiss Jack again, hands stroking over his mate's chest and gently rubbing around his nipples as he began to thrust once more.

Jack opened his knees wider so Fury could thrust, hooking his ankles around his mate's waist to pull him closer and deeper. Feelings of complete devotion, submission, and a need to obey flowed through the bond.

Fury left himself open through the bond, allowing Jack to feel his own desire and need to possess. It took very little time for him to reach the point of release and he reached down to close his hand around Jack's member, beginning to pump it firmly.

Jack whimpered. He was so sensitive inside and out that it took almost no time to reach full arousal from Fury's pumping him. He would most definitely be feeling his master for at least the rest of the night and possibly through the next morning. He clung to the edge of falling, trying desperately not to release until given permission.

Fury pressed his lips to Jack's neck, over the pulse point, and growled out, "Now." If they weren't on a time limit, he would have dragged it out for as long as possible...made his bond mate beg for him. That would have to wait until they were together fully.

Jack immediately released, his body spasming under his master, clenching tightly around Fury's member. He dropped.

Fury waited until the waves of his own release had fully receded and once he came back down, he reached out and gently cupped Jack's face, calling softly to his bond mate.

It took several times of gently calling to him, but eventually, Jack blinked, turning his face into his master's hand and giving Fury a muzzy-headed look. "...Wow..." he finally breathed out, in a whisper, a faint disconcerted, but not frightened, feeling carrying through the bond. He already trusted his master implicitly, so it didn't frighten him, but he'd never lost himself like that before, so it did set his nerves off a little.

"I've been here for a while already...for long enough to have a lot of this explained to me," Fury said, idly stroking Jack's cheek. "Dropping is a fairly common reaction, so I've been told."

"It... it's a lot less scary when I know you have me..." Jack admitted quietly, shifting slightly. He had been in this position for a while now and between feeling extremely sensitive inside and out, plus feeling his master's release inside him and dribbling out of him, it was beginning to be slightly uncomfortable. He didn't want Fury to pull out until his master was ready, though; didn't really want him to pull out at all, even though he knew it was necessary, so he was reluctant to say anything.

"I'll always have you. Even when we're not together physically, we'll still be able to reach each other mentally." Fury carefully withdrew from Jack and reached for the washcloths that had been left, beginning to clean up his bond mate and then himself.

"For the first time since I was brought over... I feel like I have hope..." Jack admitted softly, as Fury cleaned him. At one time, he might have felt embarrassed at being cared for in such a manner, but... he belonged to Fury. It felt right that Fury would have even that kind of control over him.

"That's good. Hope is important. It helps you to stay alive." Once he'd finished cleaning Jack, Fury began to dress the other man.

It didn't take long for Jack to be dressed. All he had was the hospital gown. His clothes were folded up on a rock in the woods, waiting for him to return and go back through the portal. He gave Fury a wistful look. I'll talk to you as often as I can. Give you as much information as I can... he promised.

The link will always be open, Fury promised. He kissed Jack tenderly and then advised Friday that the bonding was completed, and it was safe for the others to return.

Steve led the way back into the infirmary. "All set?" he asked softly.

"I'd love to say no... to somehow make it look like I died, so that I can get away from them without endangering my world. But... I can't do that. The bond took. I'm... not ready to go back exactly, but everything we needed to do for me to spy for you has been accomplished," Jack said softly, not looking away from Fury once. He was memorizing his master's face, for the nights when he wished he could be in his arms but couldn't.

Fury reached out and gently squeezed Jack's upper arm. "We'll be making our own plans to get everyone out as safely as possible. If you can find a way to safely find out the condition of the prisoners taken from the cell, it would be a big help," he said quietly.

Steve relaxed visibly, relieved that not only had the bonding taken, it had also successfully tied Jack to Fury and it seemed like the werewolf was completely on his new master's side. "As soon as you're ready, we'll take you to the portal," he said softly.

"If we are waiting for me to be ready, that might never occur," Jack said, with rueful amusement. "Let's go now... before I lose my nerve."

Tony smiled sadly. "If it becomes too much and you are afraid they will find out your true allegiance, let Fury know. We'll arrange for you to 'die', so that you can get away without Ultimus taking it out on your home world."

Jack swallowed hard and nodded, impulsively moving into Fury's space and giving him an almost desperate hug, then backing away so that they could take him back to his clothing and portal him back to the clearing where he'd originally started.

Fury returned the hug, just as tightly, and sent a wave of reassurance and care through the bond as they led Jack away and back through the portal.

***

In their lab, Peter turned to this dimension's version of Peter Parker. "You think we're ready to report on our findings and theories yet?" he asked.

"Seems as good a time as any..." Pete responded.

"Okay. Friday, can you please ask those in charge to come to the labs?" Peter glanced towards the caged spider. "You think he can talk? Fury indicated they can when they're all formed together."

Pete wrinkled his nose. "The one spider? He doesn't have his friends with him... maybe he can only talk to his friends. Maybe the only way they can talk to anyone else is if they form the body...." He slanted his head. "Other than the DNA being similar to ours... how do we know this spider is from the being that ate the old man in front of Fury?"

Peter shrugged. "Well, if it's not, that means there are two beings formed out of spiders running around. And if they all have to eat human flesh, they'll quickly run out of prisoners and have to start eating Ultimus' soldiers. And considering how many have been freed from his control, I don't think he'd want to lose any more. "

Pete rolled his eyes. "That's not what I meant... but okay. Friday? Where is everyone? It's taking forever for them to get here..." he complained impatiently.

"They are currently escorting Mister Russell back to the portal, Master Peter, and will come to the labs as soon as they are done," Friday reported.

Pete sighed. "Didn't know all of them were doing that. Okay. Well..." Pete paused. "Was that Mr. Fury's new bond-mate that made that howling noise, Friday?"

"It was," Friday confirmed.

Peter blinked. "Does that mean there's a werewolf too? A vampire, werewolf, and someone actually made out of spiders?" He looked at his counterpart. "Did you have any experience with those here in this dimension? I know magic is normal here...."

"If we did, they kept themselves well hidden..." Pete smiled crookedly. "Not saying it isn't possible; I mean, we had two Asgardian princes, a half-celestial and various other beings that defy description, so anything is possible. I never met or knew about them, though."

"Huh." Peter gave a slight grin. "My dimension seems kinda tame in comparison to this one. Apart from me...well, you saw who else we had."

"Never thought of it, really... I thought the guys that came through with you were a bit odd and fit in with my world just fine. I didn't realize they were unusual in your world..." Pete acknowledged.

"I looked after I went back to my dimension," Peter commented. "There was no one. Just me. No sorcerers, even."

"Huh..." Pete paused, his head slanted. "Wonder why there are so many differences. What changed that caused my dimension to have all.... this..." He waved around. "...But your dimension to not have any of it?"

"Possibly the same reason we're both Peter Parker, but physically different," Peter said. "I'm theorizing it's to do with the differences in history and mythology."

"Yeah. It would be interesting to see where things branched off to become different, though. I mean, was it just the case of a butterfly fluttering its wings one second slower in your dimension than in mine and 'poof', everything is different?" Pete thought out loud.

By this time, the others had returned from taking Jack back to the portal. Tony was the first one to walk into the lab. "Hey, boyos! What you got?"

"We think we captured a spy," Peter said. "A spider not actually acting like a spider. So, we caught it and ran some tests and, well...." He brought up the different strands of DNA they'd been comparing.

Tony narrowed his eyes. "Is that what I think...?"

Pete nodded. "Yeah... the spider DNA is very, very, similar to Peter's and mine. Almost like we could be siblings with the spider...."

"Fury said that the Spiders working with Ultimus is made up of thousands of smaller spiders, right?" Peter asked. "If they all contain strands of the same DNA, it's highly probable that he's another Peter Parker. Only instead of being bitten by one radioactive spider, he was devoured by a whole hoard of them."

"So, they ate him, but somehow still retained his consciousness? His mind?" Steve asked.

"Not the most freaky thing I've heard of, believe it or not..." Tony muttered. "So... if that is the case, then the fact this spider was sent means he is trying to spy on us?"

Peter nodded, glancing towards his counterpart as he added, "But as no one's actually shown up to attack the base, he either can't get the information until the scout rejoins the hoard...or he's sitting on the intel."

"How do we know which it is?" Pete asked, worried.

"See if Jack can find out what he knows?" Steve glanced at Tony. "As long as he doesn't risk endangering himself doing so."

Tony shrugged. "Talk to Fury about that one."

Steve nodded slowly. "If nothing else, we'll be able to tell if Jack's loyalty to Fury is still as strong, in spite of the lack of physical proximity."

"Considering the howl heard on the whole first floor, I'd be surprised if it isn't..." Pete muttered.

Tony snorted but managed to keep his equilibrium at the younger man's comment.

"Speaking of...is he actually a wolf, or does he just, you know, act like one?" Peter asked curiously.

"He's a werewolf," Steve confirmed.

"Does that mean he turns into an actual wolf on the full moon? Or just has wolfy tendencies and instincts?" Pete asked, his own curiosity piqued.

“We didn't go into details about it. Maybe when he is able to live here with us permanently, you can ask him." Tony shrugged. "It's better to get it from his own mouth, anyway.... By the way. Did you get the before and after blood samples?"

Peter nodded. "The before samples from Jack show the usual marker someone from another dimension has. There're a lot of unusual things in his samples, but I guess if he's an actual werewolf, that's to be expected."

"We should keep an eye on Fury. In case the bond changes things for him..." Pete nodded.

"If you learn anything more, let us know," Steve requested. "In the meantime, we need to make sure everyone is briefed on the evacuation plan for if the base is attacked."

"Sooner for that, the better. Jack may actually be on our side, but that doesn't mean he wasn't watched and followed, despite our best efforts," Tony said.

Steve nodded. "We'll do that, and I'll ask Fury to check in with Jack later." He paused and glanced at the scientists. "Make sure you take a break soon." While he figured their bond mates would be on top of it, it was almost second nature to suggest...considering how often he'd encouraged Tony to take a break back before Ultimus had come into the picture.

Pete grinned. "He's just like you, Mr. Stark!"

"Where do you think I learned it from?" Tony winked at Steve. "But seriously. No need to work all night. Take a break. Go spend time with everyone else."

"Sure. I just want to run a couple more tests," Peter said.

Pete nodded. "Shouldn't take too long."

"Uh huh..." Tony didn't sound convinced, but if he knew Stephen, he'd be by shortly to drag Peter out. Ikaris was even more controlling.

"See you later!" Peter said brightly, heading back over to his own workstation.

Pete returned to what he'd been working on.

Tony shook his head and left to go find his mates. As far as he knew, they were in the bedroom. Before going in, he stuck his head in the room his daughter shared with three other children, making sure they were all okay and didn't need anything.

Steve went to talk to Fury and then headed to his own bedroom to join his mates.

***

Ikaris had been keeping a careful 'eye' on Pete...and since his mate had been working in the lab for almost the whole day, he headed there to retrieve the younger man. "Pete. It's time to stop," he said firmly.

Pete glanced over, then looked at what he was working on. Quickly marking his position so he could start in the same spot on the following day, he cleaned up, then went to join his mate. It only took a minute. "I'm ready, sir...."

Just at that moment, Stephen stepped in. "Peter... time for bed. Clean up."

Ikaris wrapped his arm around Pete's shoulders, drawing his bond mate close, intending to lead him out.

Peter blinked, glancing at the experiment he was running with a longing expression. It just needed a couple more minutes.... "Five more minutes?" he cajoled.

"Five minutes to finish and clean up. Otherwise, you'll have to leave it at whatever point it is at..." Stephen allowed.

"Okay!" Peter's happiness and gratitude came clearly through the bond as he leaned over the screen, frowning as he looked at the figures on the simulation he was running. When it finished, he sighed and went to clean up 

Stephen waited and, once Peter had cleaned up, led his mate to their own bedroom.

Soon, the base was quiet as everyone was in their own rooms with their mates. Friday was on guard duty.

***

Jack hadn't wanted to leave his mate, but it was necessary. He'd been walked to where he'd left his clothing, got redressed, then waited for Mordo to open a portal. He'd stepped through; alone this time, as there was no need for any of the others to come through. Once the portal was closed behind him, he took a moment to look around and orient himself before heading back toward the base. He never noticed vampKate hiding in the shadows, or that she was following him at least half-way.

When they were almost to the base, Kate quickly moved so she'd be coming from a direction to the side of Jack, instead of from behind, and walked up to him. "Enjoy your walk?" She grinned.

Jack nodded. "Yeah. The wolf needs the fresh air... you know?"

Kate nodded. "See anything interesting?"

"Not really. But I would have called for back-up if something interesting showed up. What about you?" Jack asked calmly.

"Naw. Nothing interesting at all. I never see anything fun..." Kate pouted, keeping the fact she'd seen him go through a portal with the enemy, and return back through a portal, to herself. She had no intention of telling anyone, so no reason to make him nervous about the possibility.

By this time, they were back to the base. "See ya later!" Kate grinned again, heading to the kitchen to get her 'toy' some food, then heading to her room.

Jack went straight to his room. He'd talk to the others who were interested in what he'd discovered at those coordinates in the morning. Stripping down naked, he got into bed before thinking, Master?

I'm here. Fury's response came immediately, along with a wave of reassurance, affection, love. You got there all right? Didn't run into any trouble?

None that I know of. Kate found me and was asking questions, but she didn't seem to know anything... Jack thought back, relief, love and need going through the bond.

Was it just her you saw? Fury asked. Two of the scientists here captured a spider they believe was sent as a scout. I've seen what's under Spiders' suit. Have you seen him send some of them away to bring back information before?

It was just Kate I saw, Jack responded. I haven't seen Spiders send out any of his... spiders... but I could ask him if he is able to send out scouts... see if he says anything about already doing so or not.

As long as you're careful doing so, Fury replied. I don't want you putting yourself at risk. And while I believe Spiders could be turned, I don't want that to happen at the risk of you.

Okay, Master... I'll be careful, Jack sent back quickly, trying to soothe. I don't want to be taken away from you....

Good. Fury sent through a gentle pressure down Jack's spine; a stroke against his bare skin.

Jack shivered at feeling the 'touch' of his mate. Feels good, sir... he thought, attempting to send a gentle caress back, against his master's shoulders.

So does that, Fury thought encouragingly back, allowing his touch to stroke up and down Jack's spine. Almost like he was petting his submissive.

Jack imagined gripping Fury's shoulders gently; caressing, but holding on as well, his need to be 'protected and kept' coming through with the action. He liked being Fury's 'pet', the wolf in him enjoying the dominating affection.

Through the bond, Fury sent feelings of holding Jack tightly to himself, allowing his bond mate to shelter within his arms. He continued to send through the slow, rhythmic stroking, going from the nape of Jack's neck down to the middle of his thighs.

Love you, sir... Jack's eyes slowly closed, as the mental affection calmed him physically, putting him to sleep. It was clear through the bond what Fury's actions were doing.

I love you. Fury sent a gentle pressure of lips against Jack's forehead, a soft kiss, as he encouraged gently, Sleep. I'll be here when you need to reach out to me.

Jack fell asleep.

***

Kate sighed, wandering the base. She'd fed Scott... but while she was hungry, for some reason, she didn't want to feed from him. She refused to believe it was because of the look of dread on his face when she'd started to stroke him to get him ready. She'd thought he'd enjoyed when she fed from him like that. It gave him a lot of physical pleasure, kept visible scars from forming in areas that were easily seen by others, and he came. Every time. But when she'd begun stroking him, he'd got a resigned look of dread on his face... like he knew nothing he did would stop what was happening, but he wanted anything else in the world to occur. It... it gave her an icky feeling inside. The look on his face reminded her of how she had felt when her sire had first got hold of her. She was trying so hard to not be like her sire. But... Scott was looking at her like she was a monster. As hungry as she was, she wasn't hungry enough to ignore that look. She'd stopped stroking him, redressed him in pajamas and left him to go back to sleep while she wandered the halls, hungry and unsettled at the new realization she'd come to.

Spiders slept only rarely, if at all. He couldn't remember the last time he'd slept for a whole night. It had probably been before he'd fallen into a pit of hungry, radioactive spiders who had devoured him and now carried his DNA inside them.

He hadn't been honest with Tony and Pepper about his scouts. He'd hidden the truth from them; from everyone. His connection with the spiders was always there. So, he knew what the base of the resistance looked like. And he knew its layout and he...had also known when the other two Peter Parkers had spotted him.

He'd let them capture his scout. He'd assumed they would destroy it and although it wouldn't have killed him, it would have affected him. He'd tried to take his own life multiple times, before becoming resigned to what he was. Resigned to the fact that he was a monster, and he was going to have to leave it in someone else's hands to put him down, like a rabid dog.

Except they hadn't. They'd extracted DNA from the spider, and they'd hit upon his fate. They knew who he'd been before this had happened to him.

No one else here in this dimension had bothered to find out.

Kate felt lonely. She was tempted to go find Gwen, but she wasn't in the mood for the woman's type of crazy. She was tempted to find Namor and tease him some more, but she wasn't certain he wouldn't take her up on that offer to spank her; and she didn't want that either. She knew the others tended to sleep at this time of night. Even Blade tended to keep normal mortal hours, since he made use of his 'Day-walker' status. The only one she could imagine still being awake at this moment was Spiders. She went to find the strange being.

Spiders had actually ended up wandering into the laboratories. Seeing the labs in the resistance's base made him remember his own interest in science and running experiments. He was standing in the lab, fighting down his own feelings of longing and wishing and hoping that things had been different, that they could be different, that he could be....

Human. He just wanted to be human again.

Kate found him there and for once, her crazy took a back seat to the caring girl she'd been once upon a time. "You seem sad..." she whispered, moving to stand beside him.

Spiders didn't look at her, his gaze focused on the computer system that had been set up. She wasn't wrong. He was sad. He was lonely. If he hadn't been feeling those things keenly right now, if he hadn't seen the human Peter Parkers in their own lab, he might not have said the next words that came out. "I miss being me," he whispered.

Kate bit her lip. She had nothing to say to that. She couldn't even remember the girl she used to be. Not clearly. In her dimension, vampires ruled the world. It hadn't always been that way, but Kate had been one of the last turned before the elders had decreed no more chylder would be made. Humans were nothing more than cattle now, raised to feed the vampire masses. She knew she'd been a happy child. But everything had fallen apart so quickly and her sire had made sure all her memories would be overshadowed by his training. She knew she'd been happy, but she didn't know how to miss being that child. "Do you think you could somehow be you again?" she asked instead. "They have a lot of magic in this dimension...."

"Unlikely." He left unsaid that he had no access to magic; that the only sorcerer he actually knew, the one in the base currently, wouldn't help him even if it was possible. He glanced at her. "You're up late."

"I'm a vampire. Being up at night is actually more normal than what I've been doing." Kate shrugged faintly. "Besides. I'm hungry...."

"Did you already finish with your 'toy'?" Spiders asked.

"No..." Kate pouted uncertainly. "He... He didn't seem to want what I was doing. Even though it felt good to him. He... he kept looking disturbed by it and... I couldn't. Not after I realized he really didn't want it...." She wrinkled her nose and looked down. "I coulda just fed from him normal, I guess, but finding out I wasn't any better than my sire... Decided to just leave him alone." Kate looked up at Spiders. "I know I'm crazy... But I didn't want to be evil..." she said, in a small voice.

Spiders didn't say anything. He didn't say that most of those in the base had done bad things. He didn't say that he understood, even though he did. The spiders that made up his body demanded feeding and if he didn't control it, anyone could be at risk. "Why don't you feed from some of the HYDRA agents?" He suggested a compromise...what he thought could be a compromise.

"They taste funny..." Kate wrinkled her nose. "I was gonna see if Tuesday could find a blood bank. It would probably be best anyway. We only have so many prisoners available."

Spiders shrugged. "They probably still exist here. No reason to get rid of them."

"Yeah. If the town was big enough..." Kate agreed.

Spiders just nodded. He was still lost in his own thoughts and thinking about what he'd seen of the resistance's base. Being in the lab hadn't made him feel any better. Really, it just drove home to him how much he had truly lost.

"We could go out hunting together..." Kate offered.

Spiders shrugged. "Okay," he agreed. He wasn't really interested in hunting, but the alternative was to be lost inside his own thoughts here, thinking about what he'd lost and what he'd become.

Kate smiled, her distress over her realization about Scott not wanting what she'd been doing disappearing under the novelty of someone other than Gwen agreeing to be around her. "I'll let you pick who we hunt..." she said, knowing that Spiders preferred to go after those whose life was already nearly over, or who were really, really, bad. She wouldn't even complain if they tasted funny.

Spiders didn't want to go after the prisoners, even if there were others who were close to death. He knew he was a monster, but Harley's constant requests for updates about the prisoners who were left made him feel even worse about what his nature was. "We're going to hunt some of the HYDRA soldiers," he said.

"Okay!" The gleam in Kate's eye turned a bit nasty. She had no love for those who had chosen to work with Ultimus against their own worlds. Nearly all of them looked down on her as well. She knew she was a bit 'mental', but they loved discussing it, and her, behind her back.

"There are some patrolling outside. I saw them earlier. They won't be missed." Spiders stopped looking around the lab and began to walk to the door. There was no point in wishing things could be different.

"Okay!" Kate bounced in place happily. She followed Spiders out to go hunt HYDRA.