By things of destiny, the guardians plus Yondu found themselves together in what it looked to be a throne room. It was a vast, dark room. The guardians looked at each other. The air was so cold it gave Goosebumps to those who weren't wearing shirts. Like Drax for example.
"Where is Peter?" Gamora asked. The others shrugged. But that didn't stopped them from being worried.
A clap echoed through the room. It was creepy and a little spooky. "Bravo. You've made it this far." A female voice echoed. "I thought you wouldn't." The sound of heels made their way closer to them. There, stood Crimson Red with hood away from her face, revealing her red hair, eyes and lips.
"Let Lotus go!" Rocket shouted pointing his gun towards. "Or I won't hesitate on shooting you!"
Crimson waved a dismissing hand. "Oh, that won't be necessary if you don't want anything to happen to the baby."
"Where is Lotus?" Drax asked, his voice full of venom.
Crimson ignored him, giving him an answer. She wouldn't tell him. The guardians had their weapons up, but did not tried to make any movements, for Lotus' life was at stake. "It's a shame, really. That you came all this way to rescue this infant in vain. Too bad that it was her 'grandfather' who sold her." She walked a few steps forward.
"Hey! I already said I was sorry!" Yondu exclaimed, throwing his hand in the air.
"And that's why you are a bitch." Rocket complained.
"Where's Peter?" Gamora asked, pointing her sword towards her longtime rival, Crimson.
Crimson smirked, her eyes glowed a little bit. "Oh, you mean Star-Lord? Yes, yes. I had a little… 'Chat' with him before."
"Where. Is. Peter?" Gamora asked more dangerously.
Crimson smirked. She turned around a little bit. "Peter, darling! Someone wants to see you!"
In a few seconds, footsteps, long and heavy footsteps echoed through the vast room. Suddenly, Peter appeared behind Crimson with a serious look on his face. Rocket smirked. "Peter! About time! Now's your chance! Kick this bitch's ass!"
But Peter did not made any single movement. Instead, he just stood beside Crimson.
Crimson chuckled. "I think he can't hear you, vermin. He's under my control now."
Gamora took one careful step forward. "Peter?"
"Don't bother, green. He obeys my every single command. Like this." Crimson turned to Peter. "Peter. Kick your fellow raccoon."
Unexpectedly, Peter ran towards Rocket and kicked hard in the abdomen, sending him backwards. The raccoon growled and shouted every single obscenity known to the galaxy while holding on to his stomach. "YOU SON OF A BITCH!" Groot quickly helped Rocket to get up.
Peter walked back to Crimson's side and stood there, unmoving. That's when Yondu noticed for the first time the strange metal collar around Peter's neck. He gasped, knowing what was going on. "You are mind-controlling him?"
Crimson snorted. "What a genius… You figured that by yourself? And what are you doing here?"
"I'm here because this dumbasses dragged me here to rescue the baby who happens to be my 'granddaughter'." He took a side-glance to the guardians, who were eyeing him suspiciously. "Not that I care…" He crossed his arms. "Why do you want Peter anyway? He's a good for nothing…"
"Well, he is a half-terran who controlled an Infinity Stone. He has quite the power and Thanos can't let that just pass by."
The guardians had expression of realization mixed with horror. It was Peter she was targeting all along?
"And Lotus inherited his power. Along with mine…"
Oh, yeah. Didn't see that coming… They WILL talk to Peter about this later.
Crimson took a few steps forward. "Well, too bad." She took off her cape and threw it away, revealing a full red long-sleeved catsuit complete with red killer heels. Her hands and eyes glowed in a fiery red. "She's with me now."
The guardians raised their weapons up again.
"Who's ready for round number one?"
OOO
"Nova!"
Nova Prime turned around and faced Dey. He was sweaty and his hair stood out in every direction. "Yes?"
"We received a message from the Ravagers. They request our enforcements."