Luna "Joy" Sanders belongs to Flautist4Ever and I


Chapter 21

"Nice to see you again… Yaiyo." The figure seemed to be smirking under his hood. "Even after I warned Hala of your abilities and gave her the iron powder, you still resist me in this reality, sis."

"What? Why did you call her that?" Peter asked him.

Jessica looked down at that. "I'm sorry we didn't tell you this sooner, but… the truth is, Yaiyo is the twin sister of Taichi Ito."

Luna went silent as she tried to process what she heard. Wait, what?! "You're this guy's sister?!"

"I am Groot…" The tree mumbled, though, through his tone, everyone could tell he was just as surprised.

"Unfortunately, yes," Yaiyo admitted as her gaze fell to the ground, unable to meet the eyes of her friends.

"Finally, LET'S PUT YOU TO JUSTICE!" Sir Raleigh had an upset expression as he looked like he wanted to take down this opponent for good, then charged forward. However, Eight stepped on the rodent's tail to prevent him from doing anything reckless. "LET ME GO! MY BLADE WILL BE THE LAST ENEMY HE EVER FACES!"

"No." The robot told him while the mouse kept protesting.

Tai just shook his head as if he found this amusing. "Now, now. I'm not here for a fight. I came here for other reasons, such as to see the new Keyblade bearer."

"Here I am," Luna frowned. "Now you can go." However, he didn't move. "Hello? Did you hear me? You saw me. Now leave us alone."

"Don't be so impatient, or you will cause unnecessary inconveniences. And there are more ways to see than using your eyes," The dark being gave her a serious look before he turned his attention to the blonde. "Jessica Jenkins. The Archaeologist. I'm sorry to come in such an incomprehensible way as instantaneous travel. I'm impressed that you and your group managed to defeat Lalo and his squad when we sent them to recapture Yaiyo and Sir Raleigh last season. I must admit your deductive skills and perception are sharp enough to slice open anyone's sheet and reveal their true colors… possibly even my own…"

His statement left most of the Guardians, as well as Luna, confused.

Jessica just stared at him for a few moments before taking a few steps towards Yaiyo. "Never mind that. So, you're Taichi Ito, huh? I may not be able to see your face, but what I can see reminds me of images I've seen of Ramono…"

"Ramono? That is a name I have not heard for a very long time. So you are from there, and you know those people."

"If you utter one insulting syllable-"

The figure just held up his hands. "I have no intention of doing so. Such things are beneath me. However, not that I should warn you, but I'm afraid that General Realm and his family can afford that luxury. And you, daughter of Thanos…"

Gamora narrowed her eyes at him. "What do you want?" The teen noticed her hand had gone to the hilt of her sword, and had no doubts that if it came to it, her teacher would attack this figure. Tai seemed to notice, but he didn't care.

"While I wish we could've met under different circumstances, I don't appreciate the disrespect you gave when you spied on the private correspondence between me and your father. Sneaking out of bed like a child and listening to a vital conversation. You shouldn't be involved in this." The warlord told her.

"I choose to be involved, especially if what you plan is going to threaten the galaxy," The green woman said.

"I'm bringing peace not just to the galaxy, but to the whole universe. Everywhere I look people continue to grow violent, but never learn from their mistakes. It only brings the destruction of harmony closer. So I might do a favor for your father: renounce the Guardians of the Galaxy and return to his side."

"Never," Gamora growled. "If you truly think I would do that, you are deluded. To paraphrase something they say on Terra, 'take your offer and shove it where the sun doesn't shine'."

Under his hood, Tai smiled. "Oh, I think you should reconsider. Unless you want me to tell Thanos about that thing growing inside your belly."

That got the Most Dangerous Woman in the Galaxy to shiver. "What?! How-"

"'How do you know? Answer me!'" The first figure mocked as she stole Gamora's lines before chuckling about it.

The green assassin's surprise turned to anger. Pulling out her sword, she rushed forward to remove the warlord's head from his body. However, in a flash, her attack was blocked by the warrior who called forth a Keyblade of his own.

"It seems I've touched a nerve, haven't I?" The first figure smirked at the Guardian.

Gamora just growled, paying less attention to the fact that his guy had a Keyblade and more to the fact that he had threatened her unborn child. "Think this through, Gamora. How many people did you kill? Haven't you received more hate than praise from people? That cold, hard fact is the reason why you and your child must return to your father. He can protect you two from anyone who would try to make you pay for the sins you've committed." Tai remained calm despite the struggle with her.

"Shut up!" The green woman hissed, swinging her sword only for him to block it with his weapon again. "You must be deaf if you haven't heard me from before. I will NEVER go back to him."

"Gamora, stop! Don't let him aggravate you into making a reckless move! You need a strategic approach." Jessica called out to her. Star-Lord clenched his fist, looking just as angry at the threat that had been made.

"I think you should listen to her because she has common sense. Furthermore, I am not here to fight, and I don't want to hurt your unborn baby either." He blocked her next attack with ease.

The Most Dangerous Woman in the Galaxy growled as the two fighters found themselves in a sword lock. "Then you'd better shut up and get out of here."

"And what will prevent Thanos from coming after you himself? Would you be able to live with yourself if he broke his practice and annihilated an entire planet to draw you out? What if it was Spartax that fell to his wrath? Or say, Earth?" The color draining from the woman's face made the figure grin underneath his hood. "Could you bear the pain of the knowledge that you caused your student to become the last of her species in the universe? Even when Thanos has agreed to remove the bounty placed on her if you returned to his side?"

"Tai!" Drax ran forward to attack, but was frozen in place by one of Tai's lackeys. "W-what is this?" He found he was only able to move his face while the rest of him was immobilized by the female figure.

With a smirk, she said, "Not so fast."

"Leave her alone!" Quill attempted to help his love, but found himself suddenly pinned down by the other figure.

To everyone's surprise, the green woman stood down. "... Fine. For Earth and Spartax. My friends and family."

"No!" Luna gasped, shaking her head. "I'm not worth losing yourself to Thanos!"

"You are to me." She said sadly as she looked at Star-Lord. "All of you are."

There was a blast from Rocket, but his shot was frozen inches from the warlord's face. "What? Oh, come on. What's the point of blasting someone if they're just gonna freeze it?" Rocket grit his teeth with frustration.

"Rule one: there are no rules in battles to the death." Tai turned to the furry Guardian before he fired a blast of dark energy at him. He yelled in pain as he was sent flying backward while Sir Raleigh finally broke free of Eight and charged towards the dark warrior. "You are always so offended when I am near you, rodent." He shrugged before parrying a blow from the mouse warrior. The teen was surprised he was able to keep up with Sir Raleigh's movements, despite the rodent's small size and speed.

The Keyblade bearer was then surprised by the archaeologist, who had placed a hand on her shoulder to get her attention. "Come on. Let's go snap Gamora out of Tai's manipulation."

Giving a nod to the more experienced adventurer, the duo moved forward to their friend. However, their path was blocked by the last figure who had stopped the leader of the Guardians, who managed to knock the raven-haired teen back with a strong kick. She stumbled a bit, but regained her footing.

"That's far enough. Don't take another step or I cannot guarantee your safety. It would be far too risky for you weaklings." The figure warned them.

Jessica frowned at him before she smirked. "You should probably take into account that great achievements involve great risks."

"Tch, snap out of your rhetoric nonsense, Jessica. Are you saying you're okay with knowing that you caused Thanos to destroy an entire planet instead of just half of it?"

"Quit trying to turn this on us! We're only trying to do what's right!" Luna snapped at him. While she prepared for another fight, she was surprised to see the warlord turning to all of them.

Holding up a hand, he said, "Everyone, stand down." Returning his gaze to Gamora, he said, "There may be a way out for you. An alternative none of you have considered."

"I won't-" She began.

"Wait! If it means you can avoid Thanos doing to your baby what he did to you and Nebula, maybe you should hear him out!" The teen from Earth called out to her.

That made Tai smile, as if amused. "Smart girl."

Placing a hand on her stomach, the green woman asked, "What is this alternative?"

"For me to keep quiet about your child, and to not return you to your father, you will do a service for me of my choosing. When I decide you need to do it, you will help me without question, without reservation."

Gamora and a few others were surprised to hear such an offer from someone who worked with the Mad Titan. One moment he was willing to drag her by force back to her father, and now he was offering to keep quiet about her and the baby. And all she had to do was agree to owe him a favor?

"Why this sudden request? It seems you're really trying to make sure you can profit for yourself." The blonde frowned with suspicion.

The warlord just smiled under his hood. "My interests align with the interests of Thanos. It does not matter if Gamora rejoins her father or not. All paths will lead to the Titan gaining all six of the Infinity Stones. The universe will be brought to balance, and then it will be cleansed of its impurities. Everyone will walk a path where there's no struggle or pain that they needlessly live through now."

The raven-haired teen just twirled a finger around her temple at that. This guy was crazy, and she could tell her friends thought so as well.

"We'll stop you." The Destroyer promised.

"I am Groot." The tree added with a glare.

Gamora, who had been keeping an eye on Lance, said, "Spare everyone right now, and I'll do it."

"You're not in a position to be making demands. However…" The leader then turned to one of his minions who had been approaching the genius. "Stop. Leave him. For now."

His lackey then turned to him. "B-but-"

"It doesn't matter right now. We got what we came here for."

"Are you kidding? These guys have been problematic since last season! I was going to finish the dork off as soon as the others were too busy to protect him!"

"Wouldn't it be better to let him know we can finish him whenever we want? It's a better way to humiliate him," His words seemed to convince his follower.

"... Fine." The figure grumbled and turned away from his quarry.

"By the way, we have three more things to tell you." Tai turned to the others. "You can tell your countrymen about them. First…" he then disappeared in a flash, only to reappear in front of Luna, causing her to yelp as she stumbled back. Before she could react, he grabbed her by the collar of her jacket.

"Ack, don't touch-"

"First off, soon, you'll be free as a bird."

"What?" Joy was confused. "B-but I thought-"

"That the bounty would only be removed if Gamora was returned to Thanos?" The first figure waved her finger. "Wrong-o."

"Don't bother. She's a mind reader. As for your doubt, the favor has changed." The warlord corrected.

"What were you going to have Gamora do?" The teen asked.

"Not her favor. Your favor." He told her. "I intend to have you do something for me, too."

"What? No way!" Luna immediately denied it.

Tai then released her from his grasp. Jessica then made her way between them, acting as a shield for her friend. "Well, looks like someone will meet their destiny quicker the more they try to prevent it."

The archaeologist glared at him. "What are you getting at?"

"The second thing is, I sense you're still twisting yourself. You and I have a common enemy in Forever America, mostly the General. It seems you have more experience with him and his family, yet you convinced yourself to accept it as a 'coincidence'. Oh, he is holding a possible key to defeating the General for good, though it would be a problem to my cause…" Tai continued, not answering Jessica's question.

"Could you repeat that because we don't speak krutacking riddles!" Rocket snapped at him as his eye twitched.

The blonde was just as confused. "Wait, 'he'? Who are you referring to?"

"Don't trifle with me, yourself, or your friends. What was it that your leader on your world called him again? Was it… Subject 8?" With that, the warlord leaped back to rejoin his comrades.

The grey alien then spoke up. "Wait. You said you had three things to tell us. That was only two. What's the last thing?"

"So the big ox can pay attention," One of the cloaked figures smirked.

"I am not an ox!"

Tai didn't answer him, but one of his lackeys did. "Leave the stones alone. They are ours. Your quest is futile, because that hellhole we called 'home' is no more." He smirked before the dark portal opened up.

"Excuse me?" Patrick raised an eyebrow.

"What did you mean? Who the heck are you?" Jessica demanded, but was ignored as the figures entered the portal one by one.

Only their leader remained. "Time to cut our ties for now until we meet again in the future. Especially you, Luna 'Joy' Sanders." He then turned for the portal.

"Hey! We still have questions!"

Her words were ignored as the enemy stepped through the portal and it closed, leaving them alone. Almost immediately, time resumed and Drax crashed against the ground while Rocket's blast hit some rubble. The Nova Corpsmen looked around with confusion as they realized the team was now in a different location than they were what must've felt like a second ago. "What's going on? I mean, you two were right here, and now you're over there." Dey tried to make sense of what had happened, glancing back and forth as he gestured.

"Uh… what the hell?" Sam also joined in.

"I… have no idea." Quill lied. He didn't think it was a good idea to mention the people who had just threatened his team. They'd probably think the Guardians were going mad if he did.

Shaking his head, the young cadet resumed his work. "So, how did you- whoa."

"What?" Luna asked him.

"There was a large bounty on you, but now it's gone. Just vanished seconds ago."

The teen's eyes widened as she felt relief sweep through her. Tai had actually kept his promise, and now the bounty was gone! She could go back to Earth without worrying about aliens attacking her friends and family. However, the encounter with the fallen warrior had left her shaking a bit, and who knows what he was going to do next.

She then took a look at Yaiyo, who was still on her knees. Despite their best efforts, many were looking down with worry on their faces. The teen decided to check on them while Sam finished up his report. "Are you… okay?" Luna asked them.

"He's gotten stronger…" The mystic shuddered. It was clear that Yaiyo was not taking this news well.

"That was…"

"Surprising?" The rune girl muttered, as if ashamed of herself. She must be thinking about the revelation about her relationship to Tai.

Nodding, the raven-haired teen said, "Yeah."

"I'm sorry I didn't tell the truth. My brother… it was a sensitive topic and… after his betrayal, people viewed me as a demon's sibling. You have every right to be angry at me for lying." She refused to look at the half-Spartoi while she spoke.

"I'm not mad." Joy told her. "If anything, I'm just sorry you have someone like him for a brother."

"... so am I…"

"Look, he may be related through blood, but that doesn't make you an evil-doer like he is."

"He wasn't always like that. I can't even imagine how Rita would feel if she were alive to see what he's become."

"Rita?"

"A teammate we had, but lost. Before I met my new friends. She was sweet and brave, and, well, she and Tai were close…"

The teenager blinked before she realized what she meant. "Ohhh…"

"In a way… I'm glad she doesn't have to see what has happened…"

Eventually, the Nova Corps finished up their reports, and managed to finish questioning the teams. Once all the protocol was finished, the Corpsmen began entering their ships to return to Xandar. Except for Sam, who actually flew over to Luna. "Here's my phone and email, if you want to talk to someone about this back on Earth."

"Thanks." She told him before he flew off to rejoin the others.

As everyone gathered around, Gamora sighed as she said, "I'd like to go for a drink, but I have to abstain for several months. That's going to be hell."

"Not for the rest of us," The raccoon grinned.

"Always time for the men," Patrick grinned as well.

"Men always suffer once they let themselves drown to the bottom of drinking," Jessica sent a look at the two of them before turning to the teen. "So, that Nova boy gave you contact info?"

"Yup. He said he's from Earth, like me, but he works for the Nova Corps." Luna explained.

The blonde didn't look certain about that statement. "Look, I don't know if he's one of Barwolf and Hand's super friends or why he was willing to hear your story, but that doesn't mean you need to be open for him. Remember what I told you about being careful who to trust about your origins? Don't forget that Nova Corps are allies of Forever America and recently I was told the General ordered something unforgivable."

"Yeah…" The Keyblade bearer sighed. She remembered the conversation between her friend and the captain from Forever America, that General Realm ordered a genocide on a planet after they refused to be part of his regime. Even though she doubted that Sam was really working for Realm, there was a chance he could be spying for him, and the possibility couldn't be ruled out.

"I'm just saying you need to be careful."

"I know."

Groot then spoke up. "I am Groot?"

"Uh-uh. You're not old enough for a drink, and I remember the last time you had a hangover." The furry Guardian shuddered. "I ain't cleaning the bathroom again."

"I am Groot."

"I don't care if you're technically in a regenerative cycle. The answer's still no."

"Why don't you guys go ahead?" The leader of the Guardians suggested. "Gamora and I will catch up."

Mantis looked at the two of them. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah. We'll be right behind you."


The bar the Guardians went to was completely trashed from the crashing of the ship earlier. One of the walls was torn down, tables were overturned, and there were no other patrons around. The barkeep, who was also a blue-skinned alien, poked his head up when he heard footsteps approaching. "Is it safe to come out now?"

"Yes, you can stop cowering like a baby," Drax told him.

"And we're mighty thirsty." The raccoon added.

Thinking about it, he said, "Well, you did just save Knowhere, and the galaxy, from the Kree. Guess a few rounds on the house wouldn't hurt if people knew the Guardians of the Galaxy frequented here."

"Great!"

Luna peered out from behind the Destroyer. "By any chance, do you have water or Pepsi?"

"Pepsi? What is…" His voice trailed off when he saw her. "Wait a moment. You're that new kid. The one who slew that great big monster."

"Uh, well, Jessica and Peter helped out quite a bit." She rubbed the back of her head.

"Since you're part of the Guardians, I'll get you something." With that, he poured her a cup of water, and slid it to her.

Gratefully accepting the drink, she said, "Thank you," before she took a sip. Ah, that was so refreshing after all the hard work they did in stopping Hala, fighting the Heartless, and surviving Tai. She felt a little more confident in herself, but was more than ready for this adventure to be over.

"Hey, you were quite sharp with that hoverboard," Patrick gave a heavy clap on her back before he took a sip of his drink. She muttered out thanks while coughing a bit on the water that was in her mouth.

The grey alien then looked at him. "How did you not bleed to death when Hala stabbed you in the gut?" Turning to him, the bruiser of the Cassandra lifted his shirt, revealing his stomach was mechanical as well. "Oh. So what happens in there when you eat or drink-"

"Whoa. Have some manners, Drax." Lance interrupted as he, Luna, and several others didn't want to hear about the workings of an artificial digestive system when they were drinking.

Mantis ended up gagging on her drink as she stood next to where Luna had sat. "I don't know how anyone can ever get used to this stuff," She said as she placed her cup down, then looked towards the teenager. "Joy, there's something I've been meaning to say. I know you never knew your biological mother, and the questions you have for her are… eating you up inside, as they say on your planet. So I was thinking, what if I could give you a few moments with her?"

The teen nearly choked on her drink from that, and had to cough several times before she could speak. "I'm sorry, but what?"

"I could do that if you would like me to."

"What about the others?"

"I'm afraid I can only do it once."

She paused at that. This was… her only chance? What if the others wanted this chance? What if she was taking that away from them? Was she being selfish?

"Calm down," The bug lady's antennae were glowing, as if she were reading her thoughts.

"But…" the raven-haired girl wasn't sure how to explain things as she thought about those who also lost loved ones. "I'm sorry, but I can't… wait, why are you smiling?"

"Because you passed. I had to test your selflessness, and now I can truly grant you a moment with your mother. Everyone else who desires it can have a few moments with their loved ones if they so choose."

That made the teen raise an eyebrow. "Huh? Who came up with this?"

"The name my people would have for Him would be lost to you, but I sense you have met Him before. Shortly before you gained your Keyblade."

"Him? Who's 'Him' that you're talking about?" Luna asked, tilting her head in confusion. When she… hold on. She did recall someone else in the Station of Awakening when she first called Guardian's Lullaby to her. For some reason, she couldn't recall the name of that person. Was that-

"Yes, that's him," Mantis confirmed. "Now, if you do not wish to speak with your mother, I will not force you. I just wanted you to know that if you wanted to ask your mother your questions about your parentage, you could."

Looking at the empath as she mustered the courage, Luna took a breath and said, "Okay, I'm ready."

As the bug lady placed her hands on the Keyblade bearer's shoulders, the bar vanished from sight. Instead, the raven-haired girl found herself sitting in a place of whiteness beyond that of snow. It was more beautiful than anything she had seen before, and a part of her wished to stay. Stepping to the side, Mantis let the half-Spartoi see another figure standing there, as if she had been waiting for her.