Lanterns glimmered in the darkness as Ronan made his way down the long corridor that led to his father's private quarters. His heavy strides warned the guards of his arrival and they nodded their solace as Ronan pushed open the heavy doors. Walking in the doors swung closed with a loud 'thud' and Ronan's eyes quickly scanned the area.
The room was quiet, deserted. Just as with the rest of the Dark Aster, the walls were black and carved in them were ancient Kree runes. Ronan walked over to where a giant circle was carved into the floor; a maze of runes decorated the surface. Getting down on one knee, Ronan lifted up the hidden handle and twisted it to the left, right, and then pushed back down.
As he stood up the markings began to slowly break apart, revealing a thick, dark fluid. Ronan waited patiently as a platform began to rise from beneath the liquid; a large man became visible, laying still on the stone surface. A web of tubes were going both in and out of his body and Ronan stepped forth as it made its way to ground level.
The man began coughing, black liquid escaping his mouth. His eyes blinked opened and stared up at Ronan.
"Father." Ronan simply stated as he once again got down on one knee. He helped his father into a comfortable position and gently wiped his father's face and chest with a rag. Afterwards, Ronan covered him in yellow powder; an ancient Kree tradition that prevented the now exposed skin to dehydrate.
"What brings you here, my son?" Theus' voice was haggard and it was difficult for him to speak. His own purple gaze fell onto Ronan. "Are you in peril?"
Shaking his head, Ronan mustered up a small smile. "No, father. In fact I bring you wonderful news. You are to be a grandfather."
Theus felt his eyes well and a few tears fell. In his heart, a warmth bloomed and spread across his body; it was welcome alternative to the cold and loneliness he had been feeling since falling ill.
"That is wonderful news, my son." Theus said happily. "If only your mother and sister could be here to share in it."
A pang of guilt tore at Ronan. If only he would have been there when Xandar attacked his people, he could have saved them.
"Son, stop that nonsensical thinking." His father's stern voice quieted Ronan's thoughts. "We have been through this before. It is not your fault for what happened." Using what little strength he had, Theus lifted his arm and laid his hand on Ronan's shoulder. "You should be glad that you are doing your part in continuing our race."
"But the child will be only be half Kree." Ronan pointed out.
Theus' eyes were soft as he looked at his son. He saw the sadness in his eyes and the fear that simmered beneath. "Are you implying you will not love your child because of their mixed heritage?"
A spark of anger erupted in Ronan at the accusation. "No, I will love my child. Just as I love my wife."
"Good." Theus said joyfully. "I hoped the past wouldn't color your future."
Another twinge of guilt ate at Ronan. He didn't want to admit to his father that he still wished for revenge and given the right opportunity would use the Infinity Stone.
"It is still on this ship, isn't?" Theus asked.
Shocked, Ronan gaped at him. "How…?"
"You don't think I know my own son?" While Theus' voice was hard, the look he gave Ronan was full of understanding. "I know you are angry and that you seek vengeance; especially now that your heart is involved."
Ronan gave Theus a curious look.
"Your wife." He simply stated. "I know what she has been through and I did what I could to get her away from it." He eyed his son. "Please, for both of your sakes, let the past be for what it is – the past and look to the future. You have a child to consider. A child that I hope to meet someday, if I can make it." He sucked in a deep breath and steadied himself, his strength was fleeting.
"You will!" Ronan persisted.
Theus opened his mouth to speak when he faltered. Ronan gently repositioned him and soon his father drifted off to sleep. Ronan sat quietly as he lowered his father back down into the black liquid. As the stone runes connected back together, he began walking towards the doors.
Xandar
"So our daughter is with child?"
Merry's father, Jael, sat back in his plush chair as he digested the news. He looked over to his wife who wore a disgusted look.
"I can't believe she lain with that horrid creature." Kehya spat out, her noise scrunching.
"Now, Kehya," he began, "What else could she do? It isn't like she was interesting enough for any of the Xandrian Lords."
Scuffing, Kehya turned her head to the one who brought them the news. "You have seen her. I know there is nothing special about her. In fact, she is plain looking and her body is shameful." Taking a sip of tea she shook her head, "We should have restricted her eating habits."
Nebula gave a malicious smile as she heard Merry's parents speak ill of her. "I do not understand what Ronan finds appealing but perhaps he too is desperate."
"He is a Kree." Jael stated. "He has no standards. A savage is what they all are and will fuck anything that has a heart-beat." He shook his head and stood up. "Enough about them, what brings you to Xandar and to our presence?"
Nebula raised her brow. "I come on behalf of Thanos."
Blood drained from their faces as Nebula spoke of the titan.
"What does he wish to do with us?" Kehya's voice was fearful.
"Thanos wishes for the Infinity Stone that Ronan possesses."
"What does that have to do with us?" Jael impatiently asked.
Waltzing up to stand before where Jael and Kehya sat, Nebula crossed her arms over her chest and stared down at them. "Ronan will only give up the Infinity Stone if pressed to. He has feelings for Merry and therefore will do anything to ensure her safety." She gave a cold smile. "We take Merry, we get the stone in return."
"How are we to do that?" Jael spoke up, "I want nothing to do with her. I would rather not have her back in my house; especially after she has tainted herself by bedding a Kree."
"Leave that to me." Nebula promised. "They are planning a dinner to announce the pregnancy. During the party, some of Thanos' soldiers will attack the ship and when Ronan orders Merry to go back to their chambers, I will be there and then we will hold her hostage here."
"And our compensation?" Kehya coaxed, her voice was shrill and smug. "If we are to have such filth back in our home, we need a decent payment."
The cyborg's eyes glanced from Jael to Kehya. "Thanos will grant you the means to overtake Nova Prime and restore Xandar to its former glory."
"We accept the offer!" Jael exclaimed, instantly. He turned to his wife who wore a devilish smile. "It is time, my wife, for Xandar of old to rise again."
The Dark Aster
Peeking around the corner, Merry spotted her husband. He was stoic as he sat at the helm of the command center. She pushed herself up on her tip toes to survey the bridge, no one else was there with him. Taking small, smooth steps she made her way to him.
"Ronan." She said softly.
His turned his head to look at her as she approached him. She was clad in a green dress that matched her eyes and it flowed delicatley over her body. He held out his hand for hers; taking it, he pulled her into his lap.
"Is this proper?"
He opened his mouth to refute her but she spoke over him. "Yes, yes, I know. You don't care for propriety."
Ronan gave a small chuckle and gathered her up into his arms, her bum was nestled against his large thighs and he wrapped his arms around her. She lay her head on his shoulder and placed her hand on his chest. "Why are you alone?"
"I wanted to be." He spoke quietly. Ronan felt Merry stiffen in his embrace and he placed a kiss on her forehead and molded his hand against her stomach. "I welcome the company of my wife and child." He drew lazy circles on the fabric that covered her belly.
She looked up at him and could see something was weighing on his mind. Merry raised her hand and traced the lines of black war paint that marked his face; when her fingers met his lips she raised herself up and gave him a tender kiss. Letting her hand drop, she moved it over his larger one against her stomach.
"We are here, if you wish to talk about it." She whispered and burrowed her head against his chest. Merry wasn't going to push the issue, she knew if Ronan needed to get something out – he would.
It was silent for a few moments before Ronan spoke up.
"I can scared for the future."
Merry was surprised at his admittance. Ronan was so strong and confident, she couldn't imagine him being fearful. She sat quietly, waiting for him to continue.
"I fear my father will not make it to see the birth of his first grandchild." He continued, "I am scared I am not strong enough to look beyond the past." His eyes closed and his hand flexed against Merry's tummy. "I am scared I will be a terrible father."
Moving so that she now sat astride him, Merry's hands cupped his face. "Ronan," she began, "I know not of what the future holds but if your father is every bit as strong as you then I have faith." Wrapping her arms around his neck, she looked at him with soft, green eyes. "Your past is your own to recover from; however, I will be there to remind you of what you have in the present and what will be yours in the future." She kissed him softly.
"Will you love our child?" She asked, "Will you protect them, feed them, play with them?"
"Of course." He answered, wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Then you will be a wonderful father, Ronan." She rested her forehead against his, "Our child is lucky to have you."
He nuzzled his face in her throat and took a deep breath. "I hope so, Merry."
Merry held him close and let her eyes slowly shut. Unlike her pitiful childhood, she knew her child would be loved, cherished, and protected. She had unwavering faith in her husband.
She knew he would not disappoint her.