It wasn't long before they were within the planet's atmosphere, Quill keeping the Milano under its cloak as they knew Korath would be ready for them to appear.

Jilaa was mostly green, and it became obvious as to why when they neared the planet, revealing the leafy canopy of the rolling jungles below. "Oh man, how are we gonna find Gamora in that?"

"I think that the green of the foliage is sufficiently dissimilar to friend Gamora's skin for us to easily distinguish between the two of them."

"Not what I meant, Drax." Quill sighed in what the Destroyer recognized as exasperation. "I mean she could be anywhere on the planet, and she probably ditched her pod as soon as she could, so Korath couldn't track her."

"Then she is on foot." Drax put his hand to his chin, now understanding the dilemma. He glanced at Star-Lord, seeing that Quill was flying with one hand as he ran scans with the other. "It is probable that Korath is near where she left the pod."

Silence followed his statement, and then the human glanced at him, "So if we find Korath …"

"We will likely find Gamora." The Destroyer nodded.

"Well," Star-Lord shrugged, speeding up to widen their search. "It's as good a plan as any." It went unspoken that the Son of Thanos would not be trying to hide, and as a result would be far easier to find.

The Milano zipped over the jungle, leaving the ground looking more like a green blur than leaves from their height. Several minutes passed like this before Star-Lord yawned, the ship dipping as he closed his eyes for a moment, and then they continued as they had before.

Drax attempted to ignore it, knowing that the human could not afford to sleep during the search, as he was the best pilot they currently had. Yet when Quill repeated the action twice more, the Kylosian frowned at him, wondering if he could fly the Milano without Star-Lord's assistance.

"Hey, Drax, you could always take a holo-pic, you know they last longer." The Terran gave him an annoyed glance, and the Destroyer deepened his frown.

"Quill, you are not well. I do not wish to crash because you fell asleep while piloting."

"I'm not gonna fall asleep, dude." Star-Lord stifled another yawn, glaring at Drax while he did it, as though daring him to comment. "Let's just focus on finding Gamora, okay?"

"I am focused." The Destroyer worried that Quill's head injury had worsened; the human was normally far more astute when it came to flying than he was being now. "I believe I see a disturbance in the distance." Drax pointed out the front window at the explosions on the edge of the horizon, and Star-Lord's eyes widened before he glanced at his screen in surprise. He then swiftly changed course, flying at top speed towards what were now recognizable as several small pods.

"Krutack. That a-hole on his ship was right; Korath brought his whole flarkin' army down here!" Star-Lord slowed down considerably to observe. Eight pods were hovering around just over the canopy of the jungle, occasionally shooting blasts at random areas. It was clear that they did not know Gamora's exact location.

Through the gaps between the leaves, the men on the ground were apparent, laser-cannons in their hands as they chased down the Daughter of Thanos.

"Gamora is in danger!" Drax stood from his seat. "I will go find her, and then I will bring her back."

"Whaddaya mean, you'll go find her?" Star-Lord's voice took on a dangerous tone as he lowered the Milano through a hole in the canopy, a safe distance from Korath's army. "I'm coming with you."

"Star-Lord, you are not-" Drax began, knowing how his leader felt about Gamora, only for the human to defiantly park the ship, letting it float several feet above the forest floor.

"I really am." Quill stood out of his seat, clutching the back of it for a moment as he put his full weight on his abused feet.

"Peter Quill." Drax said the Terran's name forcefully, and immediately had the human's bleary gaze on him. "You will not leave this ship to put yourself into the path of danger once more. I will not allow it!"

"And who put you in charge?" Star-Lord's shoulders were taught, his eyes on fire. He took a step forward, as though daring the Destroyer to answer him.

"I did, when my new family was captured and abused at the hands of my enemies." Drax spoke frankly.

For a long moment, they merely looked at one another, and then Quill sighed, his body relaxing. "You shouldn't just run out there, Drax, there are way too many of them to go alone. They're expecting us anyway, so I'll draw them off in the Milano. You should have a better chance at finding Gamora then…" It was clear that the human was reluctant to give up, and he looked the Destroyer right in the eyes as he practically pleaded. "Signal me when you find her."

Drax could see the desperation in the Terran's gaze, and he put his hand firmly on Quill's slumped shoulder, making it a promise. "I will bring her back, Star-Lord."

"I- … I know Drax." Quill sat back down, the pain on his face clearing slightly as he got off his feet. "Just … be careful."

"Drax the Destroyer is always careful!" The Kylosian spoke jubilantly while he left the bridge, ignoring Star-Lord's snort at his declaration as he sheathed his knives, dropping into the underbrush only moments later. He could hear the quiet hum of the Milano above him for a few seconds before it left, quickly leaving him alone.

The Destroyer almost immediately heard the distinct sound of Quill's Terran music from above him, and then the sound of blasters firing. Korath had been expecting them, and must have been ready for their appearance.

… Zoo time, is she and you time? The mammals are your favorite type and you want her, tonight …

Now he only had to find Gamora.

Drax had been raised on a planet with large, strange trees, though there had not been quite as many. So it was with natural ease that the Kylosian climbed one of them, the fact that they were closer together making it easier to move between the branches, leaving him a clear path.

He began to run through the jungle, listening to the distant sounds of Korath's men and Star-Lord's dogfight far above him. From the distance came the distinct sound of an explosion, and Drax knew that Quill probably taken down one of the pods.

… This town ain't big enough for the both of us! …

The Destroyer ran as close to Korath's front line as he dared, and then crouched down, spreading his legs to grip the branch beneath him in his hands as he leaned forward to look. Korath was beneath him, anger on his face and orders spewing from his mouth as the Son of Thanos attempted to gather his men against the new threat.

Drax watched as the guards fired, moving slowly away from his position as they were drawn out by Quill. Through the leaves of the canopy, Drax could see the fight above him, and he smiled when he saw that the human was clearly the best pilot in the sky.

… Flying, domestic flying, and when the stewardess is near do not show any fear …

The Kylosian now had his opening, and he turned to face the other direction, staying as silent as possible, though he wanted nothing more than to rush out and dispatch all of the guards. He could hear Quill's voice in the distance over the speakers of the Milano, no doubt annoying Korath more than attempting to reason with him.

Drax's need for movement was beginning to strain his body, and he hoped that his leader would not be so foolish as to get caught. The Destroyer still wanted to help, but knew that finding Gamora was the most important thing he could do for his family right then.

… Heartbeat, increasing heartbeat …

So the Kylosian sat as still as he possibly could, surveying the jungle before him quietly, watching for any movement at all. It was several minutes before he was rewarded, and Drax could feel his tense muscles beginning to cramp as his eyes zeroed in on a small movement.

It was slow, labored, and it took the Destroyer a long moment to recognize what he was looking at as Gamora's arm. The green appendage was mottled several different colors, making it practically invisible against the carpet of foliage on the jungle floor.

Gamora had been hiding in the underbrush, her skin helping her to blend in quite well, and when her head came up, Drax saw that her hair was filled with dirt, leaves and twigs, effectively hiding the incongruous colors within.

… As twenty cannibals have hold of you, they need their protein just like you do …

She stumbled to her feet, dirt crumbling away from her body as she stood, and it was then that Drax noticed the odd angle of her leg. Gamora looked around the clearing, and then he saw her limp quickly towards one of the trees, clearly intending to climb it, obviously having recognized the music from the Milano.

Drax ran quietly along the branches of the canopy, feeling the burning anger from before consume his heart as he observed her feeble attempts to climb to safety.

What had Korath done to her?

The sounds of the battle behind him were getting ever farther away, and Drax realized that Quill must have somehow fooled Korath into seeing him as a greater target. This meant that Gamora was much safer, but that Star-Lord was in danger once again.

… And it ain't me who's gonna leave! …

The Kylosian dropped out of the tree only a few meters from Gamora, calling her name as he did so. "Gamora!"

To his surprise, she nearly lost her balance at once, gripping the tree next to her for support as her wide eyes met Drax's, her other hand reaching for a blade that she no longer had with her.

Gamora still managed to defend herself, and a rock flew at the Destroyer, kicked viciously by her good foot. Drax allowed it to bounce off of his chest as he neared. "Gamora, I am here to rescue you! Quill is distracting Korath!"

"Drax?" The Zehoberei assassin seemed to be in shock, and now that Drax was closer he could see the many small contusions on her body, all oozing green blood. "What are- how did you get here?"

… Heartbeat, increasing heartbeat …

"We will have much more time for me to explain when we are back on the Milano." Drax soothed, seeing that she was on the verge of collapse. His vendetta against Korath became more solidified as he saw the cuts that covered her body, along with a dark bruise where her slave collar had once rested. He quickly pressed the comm link on his ear, speaking fervently. "Quill, I have found her."

"Is she okay?!" The human's voice was frantic, competing loudly with his music that still blared in the background. "Drax! Is Gamora all right?!"

Gamora had been near enough to catch the question, and her shock had apparently begun to wear off, since she leaned closer to growl. "Just come pick us up, Quill!"

… This town ain't big enough for the both of us! …

"Right! Right!" There was the sound of a small explosion, and a yelp from Star-Lord before he replied. "Sit tight, I'm on my way!"

The link was cut before Drax could question the metaphor, and he looked uneasily at Gamora. "We should move to a place where Quill can more easily retrieve us."

… Census, the latest census …

"Pick me up, and I'll gut you." Gamora seemed to be able to tell what Drax had been considering, and the Kylosian nodded towards her leg.

"You are injured, friend Gamora. Allow me to help."

… Heartbeat, increasing heartbeat …

"That looks like a good spot." The assassin ignored him to point at a lighter patch of jungle not more than 300 meters away. Then she began to limp towards it, leaving the Destroyer to follow close behind, ready to help if she needed it.

He had his chance only a moment later, when Korath's shout came from behind them. "Gamora! I know you are still here!" With the end of Quill's distraction, Korath's attention had returned to its original target.

… This town isn't big enough, not big enough for both of us! …

"Krutack." The Zehoberei muttered, attempting to speed up and immediately slipping. Drax picked her up easily, mindful of her bad leg as he ran towards the spot. Gamora wriggled in his grip for about two seconds before growling, "If you tell anyone about this, I'll kill you, Drax."

"Haste is necessary, friend Gamora." The Kylosian reached the clearing, and set her down gently. Now they only had to wait, but Korath was getting closer by the second, his shouts and threats dangerously near. The deafening Terran music was nearing them at an alarming speed, and since nothing was visible, it was easy to assume that the Milano was once again cloaked.

Two pods were attempting to follow the noisy invisible ship, but seemed to have trouble pinpointing it, since their shots never hit anything.

… I ain't gon-na leeeeeave! …

A quiet hum came became audible above them just as the song ended with a shriek, and the Son of Thanos ran into view. "NO!" He sprinted towards them, and Drax threw Gamora into the hole that appeared in the air above them before leaping in as well, hearing the ships blasters fire on Korath.

"Quill, go!"

The Milano took off at full power, the door barely closing behind them as the ship rocketed straight up, the music blessedly silent at last.

Drax sat against the wall, the anger in his chest still burning as he looked at his newly retrieved friend. Gamora's eyes were closed, her chest heaving with exertion. Drax's desire to kill Korath grew exponentially, and yet he knew that they could not afford to go back.

Hopefully Star-Lord had hit him.

"Gamora!" Quill descended from the bridge quickly enough that he almost tripped, and Drax immediately noted that his mask was activated, hiding his face. "Gamora! What- … what happened to you?!"

The assassin took a long moment to answer, her eyes still closed, but her voice was smooth when she spoke. "Korath bought me. I escaped when I could, stole a pod, and crashed it on that planet."

"Ah. This explains much." Drax nodded. "Did you break your leg in the crash?"

"You broke your leg?!" Quill slumped to his knees beside her, his hands hovering, as though he weren't certain what to do.

"Korath broke my leg after he bought me, to keep me from escaping." Gamora opened her eyes to look at Drax, but her gaze slipped to Quill and an eyebrow quirked. "Why are you wearing your mask?"

"Korath broke your leg?" The Terran would not be deterred, though Drax wished to know why he was wearing his mask as well. Yet the Destroyer could relate to the anger in Star-Lord's voice.

"After we have retrieved the rodent and the tree, we will return and I will kill Korath."

"Get in line, dude." Quill growled, his voice tinny from within his mask. He sighed immediately after. "But first we gotta set that leg …"

"I can do it myself." Gamora began to sit up, and Drax stopped her.

"Friend Gamora. Allow us to help you. You are injured."

The Most Dangerous Woman in the Galaxy was silent for a long moment, and then she sighed angrily. "Where are Rocket and Groot." It wasn't a question, but it wasn't denial of Drax's request, either, and the Destroyer took it as his cue to pick her up gently, feeling the strain of his abused muscles and the cuts on his back as he stood.

"The Collector bought them." Quill followed just behind as the Kylosian laid her on the table in the center of the room.

"What?" Gamora's snap made the human jump, and Drax calmly felt along her left leg, causing her to grimace as Star-Lord answered quickly.

"Don't worry, we're heading there now. We'll get 'em, G."

"Just as we rescued you." Drax gave her an apologetic look before applying the pressure needed to set her leg. It made a popping sound as it went back into place, and her face paled as she sucked in a small gasp of air.

"Whoa, Drax! A little warning would be nice!" Quill's hands had been hovering the whole time, and now he twitched back a little in surprise. Drax merely shrugged, having now discerned that the human was hiding his own abuse from Gamora with his mask.

"A warning would not have lessened the pain."

"Maybe not, but-!"

"Peter." Gamora's lips had turned at the corners with a small smile, her hand gripping Star-Lord's wrist to quiet him as she looked between them almost fondly. Her eyes finally settled on the Destroyer's, and she nodded slightly. "Thank you, Drax."

"You are welcome."

What is wrong with me?!

All of these cute little chapters, and then WHAM! Here's the mother-truckload of fic RIGHT IN YER FACE!

For those of you who are interested, the song is This Town Ain't Big Enough for the Both of Us by the Sparks. It's in the GOTG video game, and it's pretty great. (It's also a really weird song, and now it's totally stuck in my head.)

But I digress. I certainly hope you enjoyed this chapter YAY!GAMORA, and soon we'll be seeing Rocket and Groot again, for those of you who are waiting for them!

Any comments or encouragements, or things I need to fix, let me know below, even if you've only got time for one sentence!

Till next time!

-Al