Let's goooooooooooo! I'm so excited to revise this fanfic! Let me know what you guys think! I also decided to take a dark turn with Ego and here's a warning of non-consent, nothing incredibly graphic (I don't think so anyway), but still, be prepared for that. But also...Kurt Russell. Mhmmm (enough said) Anyway, enjoy!
"Is she okay?!" Peter shouted worriedly.
Peter ran over to Gamora and I as the others also come downstairs into the cargo bay from the cockpit.
"Eeeewww, why's there vomit all over the floor?" Rocket scrunched his nose up in disgust.
"Stellar might have a concussion because you and Quill decided to have a- -a penis measuring contest, and ended up getting her hurt with your reckless actions!" Gamora snapped.
"I think you mean uh...well, it's called a "dick" measuring contest- -" Peter tried to correct her, before receiving a deadly glare in response. "And...I'll just...I'll shut up now."
"Tsch, fuckin' whipped-ass humie." Rocket scoffed quietly.
When Gamora's words begin to finally sink in, however, Rocket's face falls completely when looking down at my barely conscious body. I moaned quietly and slowly move to sit up again as I cradled my head with one hand.
"Stellar, hey- -" Peter tried to talk to me, but was cut off as I slapped a hand over his mouth.
"SSsssssh. N...no talking." I hushed him gently, my words slurring a bit. "I...I'm drawin' a complete blank on what jus' happened, but...I d- -don't feel great a- -nd my head is pounding more than the last time we went bar-hoppin' on Knowhere, maybe even worse than that. I jus' need a few minutes to...to wake up an' recollect myself, 'kay...?"
I weakly moved to stand up, and ignoring Peter's shouts of worry, hopped out of the cargo bay. I find a nice patch of grass and dirt to sit on underneath a tree nearby, and lean back against the tree as I watched the other Guardians argue in the distance. Judging from Gamora's stance and expression, she was mostly placing the blame on my brother. While he didn't exactly help matters, I honestly believed just from I can recall, that it was Rocket's recklessness and disregard of others that truly put us in danger. I briefly remember them fighting over the controls after Drax had ratted Rocket out about stealing the Anulax batteries, and I think they lost control of the Milano?
But wait...there was that guy whose ship passed ours...a Terran looking man. He...looked very familiar to me somehow, but it was still hard to make out his face.
I start focusing on the conversation and listen in.
"Peter, we almost died because of your arrogance." Gamora continued to argue.
"More like because he stole…" The Terran points at Rocket. "The Anulax batteries!"
"They're called Harbulary batteries." Drax corrected.
"No, they're not!" Peter nearly sighed in frustration.
"You know why I did it, Star Munch? Hmm?" Rocket glared at Peter.
"I'm not gonna answer to Star Munch." Peter huffed quietly.
"I did it because I wanted to! What are we even talking about this for? We just had a little man save us by blowing up fifty ships!"
So he saw him too, huh?
I got up from my spot before sluggishly making my way back over to the others. I felt just a little better but still felt extremely tired.
"How little?" Drax asked curiously.
Rocket held his thumb and forefinger close together as his eyes squint a bit.
"Well...kinda like this?" Rocket muttered.
"A little one-inch man saved us?" Gamora gave him a skeptical look.
"Well if he got closer, I'm sure he'd be much larger." The raccoon argued.
"Yeah, it's how eyesight works, you stupid raccoon." Peter grumbled.
"DON'T CALL ME A RACCOON!" Rocket snarled.
"I'm sorry...I took it too far. I meant Trash Panda." My brother corrected himself.
Rocket glances at everyone in confusion as if searching for some kind of answer.
"Is that better...?" The raccoon asked.
"I don't know." Drax muttered with uncertainty.
Peter glanced at the Destroyer with a small grin as he absolutely fails to be subtle.
"It's worse, it's so much worse." My brother snickered.
Seriously Pete?
"THAT'S IT!" Rocket snapped.
"NOPE!" I grabbed Rocket by the back of his outfit before he can make it over to Peter. "I want some damn silence for a couple of seconds, not only is my head killing me, but I wanted to interject."
I lowered Rocket to the ground before hissing in pain and clutching my head with one hand.
"You alright- -" Peter started.
"I'm totally fucking fantastic, Peter. Now if you'd ssSSH! I'd be able to tell you that I can confirm what Rocket saw. There was...a Terran looking man standing on top of this huge ship that flew by us. He..." I paused, before hearing something in the distance.
All of us grew tense when the same large spacecraft from earlier lands several feet away from the Milano. I'm on edge immediately, and am quick to grab my elemental blasters from their holsters. Nebula, despite being our enemy, tries to offer up her "help" against our additional soon to be enemy.
"Someone followed you from the jump point. Set me free, you'll need my help." Nebula advised Gamora.
"No." The assassin replied dryly. "You'll attack me the moment I let you go."
"No, I won't." Nebula lied terribly before nodding at me. "Plus, the girl looks ready to drop dead."
"Fuck off." I rolled my eyes. "I might not be at 100%, but I'm not completely helpless."
...yet.
"You'd think my sister and a super villain would learn to lie better by now." Peter joked, before glancing over at me worriedly. "Seriously Stellar, are you sure you're...okay?"
I give Peter a curt nod and aim my weapons at the mysterious spacecraft that followed us.
"I bet it's the one-inched man." Drax guessed.
Yeah...same here, Drax. Although, I don't actually think he's an inch tall, just for the record.
Finally, the spaceship opened it's doors, revealing a older Terran-appearing man and a strange woman with antenna. The man stepped forward, looking at Peter with a pleased expression.
I don't like how he's looking at Peter. Like he wants to use him for something.
"After all these years, I've finally found you." The man spoke up.
"And who the hell are you?" My brother questioned.
"I thought my rugged good looks would make that obvious. My name is Ego, and...I'm your dad, Peter." He answered.
Whoa...WHAT?
Later when the sun settles, we find ourselves setting up camp for the night as Rocket continued making repairs to the Milano. It was pointless trying to get the raccoon to take a break, but I admit he was very dedicated to his work, and I could also admire that about him. I hadn't really had the opportunity to check on my wounds from hours ago after the crash landing, and decided to sneak off away from our makeshift campsite. Whimpering softly, I peel off Peter's sweatshirt and just about have my T-shirt half way above my waist, and heard a gasp from behind me. Being caught by surprise, I turned around to find the young woman that had been travelling with Ego.
"I am sorry. I did not realize you were back here." She apologized.
"No, it's okay." I breathed out, pulling down my Queen shirt and trying to compose myself.
"Are you alright?" She asked worriedly.
Ah, fuck. I think I might've opened up that wound when we crashed or something. I'm gonna have to sneak to the Milano to get the first aid kit...god damn it. How I managed to put this off for as long as I did is miraculous. But no wonder I felt so faint...probably from some blood loss. I'm still surprised I'm not down for the count though...
"Damn it, I really liked this shirt." I sighed. "Hey uh...Mantis, was it?"
She smiles brightly, seeming happy that I actually remembered her name. She almost reminds me a lot of what I had been like when Peter first encountered me, very innocent.
"I need to grab a first aid kit from my ship, but...I don't want to...alarm the others. Would you mind tagging along with me? I could say that I wanted to show you to the bathroom or something."
"Why would you want to show me the lavatory on your ship?" Mantis looked confused.
"No, I'm not actually going to." I chuckled. "I just...I don't want them knowing that I need the first aid kit. You get what I mean?"
The gash along my stomach begins to sting painfully, causing me to hiss in pain and clutch the area with one hand to try and prevent more blood from seeping out. Mantis' eyes widen as she moves forward in concern. I grab Peter's sweatshirt and tightly wrap it around my waist. Thankfully it's a dark color and it helps hide the wound and the blood.
"I'm fine..." I breathed out. "Can you...can you please help me get to the Milano? Just...act natural."
Mantis doesn't like the prospect of lying to everyone else, Ego especially, but reluctantly nods in response to my request.
"Y'know, I'll just say that I'm feeling queasy and need to lie down, alright?" I told her. "If anyone starts asking questions."
Mantis wraps an arm around my waist to help hold me up as I wrap an arm around her shoulder. As we walk together, the others over at the campfire notice us and wave us down, much to my dismay.
"Soooo, what are you two up to?" Peter smirked.
Wait a minute, I know that smile...does he think that me and her are...? OH MY GOD, EW! WHAT THE HELL PETER, YOU PERVERT!
"Your sister is not feeling well, so I was offering to take her back to her quarters on your ship." Mantis spoke up.
Oh? Wow, I'm surprised she covered for me. I was expecting her to totally blow that.
Peter doesn't get to comment as Gamora cuts him off.
"Stellar, do you want me to come with you?" She asked in concern. "Is it...?"
"No, I promise I'm fine." I tried smiling, even though it doesn't quite reach my eyes. "You guys enjoy the fire. I'll be back soon."
After the both of us walk away together, we pass Rocket and make our way inside the wreckage that is the Milano, before I locate the First Aid Kit that I initially left in the living room area. Shockingly, the room's not in too bad of a state considering the Sovereign's attack from earlier. Taking off my Queen T-shirt again, I reach down to remove the bandages, and grimace at the fresh blood coming out of the gash I'd cleaned earlier.
"Damn it...I think it's actually gonna need stitches. I was hoping it wasn't that bad..." I sighed. "The crash probably made it worse though..."
I nearly cringe from the memory of holding onto the ship for dear life and the cable that Drax had been attached to, just hours earlier.
"Oh my." Mantis gasped quietly. "Do you...shall I help ease your pain?"
"Unless you've got pain killers, I doubt there's much you can do. Although...I think Gamora keeps a bottle of booze hidden away in her room. If it's still there, maybe I could help myself to it." I thought aloud.
The woman opens her mouth to speak, but gets cut off.
"What the flark's going on back here? I'm tryin' to do some repairs on the Milano and I can't do that if- -"
Shit- -
Rocket found the two of us together in the living room, and his eyes widened at the sight.
"Jeez, Stellar, didn't know you were into..." Rocket started.
"Oh, shut it." I gave him a small glare.
When Rocket's eyes trail down to my body, he almost seems...angry, but not at me specifically. It was the first time in a while that I saw the raccoon seem so anxious about my wellbeing. Admittedly, I almost missed his...attentiveness, not that I'd ever tell him that, given how asinine he's been behaving lately.
"What the hell? When did you get hurt?!" Rocket nearly shouted.
"Shut up!" I practically hissed at him. "I don't want anyone knowing, okay? You know how the others can get!"
"Well obviously! You're always getting yourself injured somehow!" Rocket scoffed.
"Oh stop over-exaggerating. I don't always get injured, and if I do, I bounce back pretty quickly." I argued. "It's because I'm a...a Tita...something. Whatever the Nova Prime lady called it."
"You mean Titanian?" The raccoon raised an eyebrow.
S...shut up...
"She said that it might require stitches." Mantis spoke up.
"Dude, what the hell?" I looked at her in disbelief.
"Damn it. Hold on." Rocket rolled his eyes with a sigh.
Perusing through the First Aid Kit, Rocket pulls out a clean sewing needle and thread.
"Alright, uh...Mantis was it?" Rocket glanced at her.
"Yes, that's right!" She smiled happily.
"Alright." Rocket managed to resist the urge to roll his eyes again. "Well, I'm gonna need you to hold her down, if you can. She can be pretty flarkin' strong so..."
"I could put her to sleep?" Mantis suggested.
"Wait, what?" I blurted out, looking at her in confusion.
"I wouldn't, just in case she's gotta concussion from...earlier." Rocket sighed quietly. "But I can't have her movin' when I'm putting the stitches in, ya got me?"
"I don't need your help. You probably have better things to do." I muttered quietly.
Rocket barely bit back a sarcastic comment as he goes to sanitize the needle before putting the thread through it.
"You want my help or not, Quill? I can easily leave you to it, but I've got experience with this kinda thing and I know how squeamish you are around needles, princess. I can make it quick at least." Rocket raised an eyebrow.
Do I tell Rocket to flark off, or...?
I sighed heavily and reluctantly nodded my head in agreement as I slowly willed my body to relax. After several seconds, Rocket sighed before nodding at Mantis, who forced her hands on top of my shoulders as she made me sit down on the couch. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see the antenna from Mantis' head glow faintly.
I...don't even feel like moving a muscle. Interesting...is it because of Mantis? How's she doing that?
"Alright, I'm not gonna lie, this will probably hurt a lot. Just...try to keep still." The raccoon warned me. "It'll be over faster than you can say Contraxia..." He tried to joke.
Once I feel the sharp pain, I flinch slightly, but otherwise remained still and didn't inch away. It was quite a weird and foreign sensation, and as if I had the strongest desire to just...remain still and want nothing else at all. I didn't know how to describe it exactly, but normally, I knew I would've been less than agreeable when it came to needles being pierced through my skin, and yet the pain was still there. I failed to hold back my whimpers as Rocket continued to stitch the cut along my stomach.
"Here, allow me to ease your pain." Mantis offered.
Within seconds, her antenna began to glow brightly again, and just as she said, my pain suddenly vanished.
What the flark? How...how did she do that? I don't even feel anything now...
"What are you doing to me exactly?" I muttered softly.
"Well...I have empathic abilities. If I touch someone, I can feel their feelings...and I can also alter them." She answered.
Interesting...
"Wait, so she's actually not experiencing any pain just from your touch?" Rocket looked intrigued.
Rocket finishes stitching up the wound within the next two minutes and glances over at Mantis. Glancing down, I was pretty impressed with the quality of Rocket's stitching.
"What's she feeling right now?" He asked curiously.
"I can sense her anxiety, frustration, and confusion towards you specifically, grumpy puppy." Mantis immediately replied.
Ha...grumpy puppy...
My eyes widened when I realized her hands were still on my shoulders.
"But I also feel her...love- -" She smiled softly.
I quickly move out of her grasp and stumble forward into the raccoon's arms like an idiot before blushing from complete embarrassment. The two of us stare at each other for several seconds, and for a brief moment, that heated look in Rocket's eyes reappears.
"Um...so thanks for...for stitching my wound and uh..." I stammered.
Rocket doesn't move and his grasp along my waist tightens, causing me to gasp softly.
There's that tingling between my legs again...how...how does he make me feel this way? Is...do I actually...love him? There's no way- -he probably hates me at this point. Especially with the way we've been at each other's throats lately...but he makes it absolutely impossible to talk things out...maybe I need to be more blunt and confident like him.
"Stellar, I..." Rocket struggled to find the right words.
It's as if the world around us begins to fade the longer we continue to hold each other's gaze.
"Rocket..." I breathed out.
His body shudders against mine when I say his name, and he leans closer towards me. My heart is practically pounding when his mouth just barely grazes mine before the sound of Drax's laughter in the distance spooks us apart. After a couple of seconds, Rocket clears his throat and regains his composure before grabbing his repair tool to continue fixing the damage to the Milano. My face is practically burning like molten lava, and yet, I wanted more.
"W...wait I..." I stutter. "I'm sorry if I- -"
Rocket paused and glanced at me in confusion.
"Sorry for what? If anything...you've got every right to be mad at me, doll face." Rocket scoffed gently.
He's using those pet names for me again...does that mean...?
I grabbed Rocket's free paw and open my mouth to speak up before the raccoon pulls away from me entirely.
"I don't need yer sympathy or pity, Quill. I'll talk to you later." He grumbled.
And never mind, I was incredibly wrong...WHAT is his deal? He seemed...conflicted just now.
I watch Rocket walk away in silence, nearly forgetting about Mantis until she places a hand on my shoulder.
"You feel...sad, aroused, and very conflicted." She pointed out.
OH MY GOD. SHE WAS RIGHT THERE 0-0
Despite everything, I try to act casual and pull myself together.
"Do you mind uh...not saying anything about...whatever that was?" I nearly squeaked.
Yup, flark casual. This is beyond awkward.
Mantis giggles as her hand pulls away, but she nods at my request. After wrapping my waist with new bandages, I go inside my bedroom to grab a clean tank top before slipping on a clean sweatshirt and keep it zipped halfway. I toss Peter's bloody sweatshirt in my dirty laundry basket before walking out and rejoining Mantis.
I'll get the blood stains out later...
"You ready to go join the others?" I mumbled softly.
So I'll definitely need to follow up with Gamora about uh...these urges then. I think they're getting SO MUCH worse...
The both of us walk out together and join the others at the campfire.
By morning, Peter's convinced enough to go back to Ego's home planet to learn more about his heritage. It was even more surprising to learn that Gamora had been the one to change my brother's mind, knowing how stubborn the Terran could be at times. While I normally would've been supportive of my brother's decisions, there was something about Ego that I didn't like, or rather, there was something off about him that made me extremely distrustful of his actual intentions for coming into Peter's life like this after all of these years. I can tell that Ego feels the same way about me at first when Peter introduced us as "siblings." I was just hoping more than anything, that my gut instinct was wrong for once, considering how Peter secretly yearned for a father figure in his life. When we were children, he would always tell me about wishing that a Terran named David Hasselhoff was his father. I could understand the frustration about not knowing.
"So Stellar." Ego approached me. "Peter never explained how the both of you met. I'd like to get to know you better before we go if that's alright. How about we take a quick walk? We won't go far, I promise."
My stomach flutters as Ego wrapped an arm around my shoulders, not really giving me any choice in the matter, and starts leading me away from the campsite. I felt tense just being out of everyone's sight, but don't get to really question it because of how quickly things had happened. We were walking together in the woods before I knew it. It was rather strange actually, and I couldn't help but wonder if he was behind it.
Did he inject me with something? I feel weird...
"I- -I mean..." I stammered, before explaining, "Well um...I'll try to keep a long story short, but...back when Peter was first living with the Ravagers, they stumbled across a dying planet of a lost civilization hoping to steal some loot, but instead...they found me."
Ego nods as he follows along so far. The both of us continue walking by together at a small stream of water nearby.
"And I was just...lost, scared, and I had no memory of who I was in my past life and just barely surviving in this rundown shack that I made. Peter kept insisting that Yondu take me in, even though he and the Ravagers just assumed that I was going to be another mouth to feed, and...later on when everything was said and done, Peter gave me a name since I didn't have one. He's the best brother I could've wished for. He...he's taught me everything I know."
"Ah, I see. That was very noble of him." Ego smiled. "It reminds me a lot of how I took in Mantis when she was just a tiny thing. I guess generosity runs in our genes."
You think a little too highly of yourself. I can see where Peter gets some of his humility from...
"Yeah, I guess so." I let out an awkward chuckle.
Something in the older man's eyes change, before he's suddenly getting up close and definitely breaking a lot of my personal boundaries. My face burns when Ego cups my cheeks in his hands and holds my gaze very intently as if searching for something within me. When he finally finds what he's looking for, he cracks a smile.
"Well, I'll be damned...you're a Titanian Eternal. I don't know why I didn't see it before, I thought they'd all perished when their planet died out." He mutters fascinatedly.
"Wait...you know what my planet of origin is?" I asked curiously. "How can you tell just from looking at me? People always assumed that I'm Kree because of my skin color."
"I'm a Celestial, but call it intuition..." He trailed off with a shrug.
A WHAT?! Like a "Knowhere AKA Celestial's Head" type of Celestial- -? I also love how nonchalant he is about that.
Ego smiles as his thumbs brush underneath my eyelids.
"You're very...fascinating, Stellar. Not at all what I was expecting...but I can tell why Peter was so drawn to you. You're very powerful and I bet, just like your brother, that you haven't even tapped into your full potential. Did you know that the wound along your abdomen is already healed? Ever wonder why you recover so quickly compared to the others?"
Ego backs away and walks around me as he continues talking.
How did he know about that gash? Did Mantis tell him? I...didn't think she would have...
"When we get to Planet Ego, I can help educate you more about your planet, about your people. Everything that I know. I've lived for...millions of years, Stellar. I've seen it all. Anything you want, and it's yours." The Celestial offered. "Anyone that Peter considers family is someone I'll welcome and accept with open arms."
Okay...I definitely don't like Ego. There's something seriously...off about him, he's acting way too nice. But...I can't just brush him off so easily like I would with anyone else. I should at least try to make an effort to get along for Peter's sake...right? Or is it a good thing to be so suspicious of him?
"I'll treat you like you are my own daughter." He added with a warm smile. "And I can tell that just like your brother, you're destined for greatness. And I can help you achieve that."
"I mean, that's...that's very nice of you to offer, Ego but..." I tried smiling, even though it doesn't quite reach my eyes.
"You can call me dad if you'd like." The older man winked playfully.
Ummm...was that meant to be flirtatious or did I...misread that?
Ego makes his way back over to me until he stops just in front of me. I almost feel like the timid girl before the events that occurred with the Infinity Stone, but try to stand tall and not allow Ego to sway or intimidate me whatsoever.
"I- -I'm just- -"
"I don't wanna hear the hesitation, kiddo. I'm not asking you to make some kind of sacrificial offering." He chuckled. "Come here and let me work my magic. I'll show you that I mean well."
Maybe I was misunderstanding his intentions?
"Let me give you a small taste of what I can offer you. Close your eyes."
There's that strange feeling again...I feel tired now...
Ego approaches me cautiously as my eyes slowly close, and much similarly to Peter, he rests his hand on my shoulder in a comforting way before moving to cup my cheek. I can already feel my face heating up from his deliberate and careful movements.
"Relax, kiddo. I'm not gonna hurt you." He mumbled softly.
"Um...on second thought, I- -I don't really..." I stammered.
Wait...why can't I move? What the flark is he doing to me?
"E- -Ego, wait, I think- -"
My eyes flutter open the moment something soft is pressing against my lips, and am thrown by surprise when I realize that Ego appears to be kissing me. My hands move to his chest as I try with all of my might to push him away, but shockingly, he overpowers me and manages to keep me rooted in my spot. I struggle in his hold and open my mouth to scream before being frozen in shock, as his eyes became a bright blue, and start glowing with power. A small tendril of energy ghosts its way out of his mouth before sliding into mine, much to my dismay. From there, my body grows weak and I struggle to even keep my eyes open.
And the fact that my first kiss is going to literally be the death of me REALLY pisses me off, that and it's PETER'S FREAKIN' FATHER!
Suddenly, there's a pressure in my head, and then, millions of memories are flooding my mind of the childhood that I thought were long forgotten and lost. Everything becomes almost overwhelming to the point that my head is in excruciating pain from trying to process the pieces of my old life versus who I currently am now as an individual. It was almost like having the worst case of an identity crisis. By the time I'm even conscious again, I can feel tears strolling down my face as I look at the Celestial in disbelief, and wondered what the actual fuck he just did to me. Ego smiles down at me again and slides his hand down my cheek as if I were something precious to him.
I'm...I'm scared and...I- -I...what did he do to me exactly?
"I healed the part of your brain that was bruised, looked like it was an old bump to the head. Probably was the cause of your memory loss." He explained almost nonchalantly. "And...I also made you one of us. Part of me flows in your veins now, sweetheart. You're gonna be a Celestial, just like your brother and I. I admit the process is...less than stellar. Pun intended."
WAIT WHAT?!
I pulled away from Ego and started staggering away from him as if I were drugged.
"Stellar, wait. You'll overexert yourself, kiddo." Ego placed his hand on my shoulder gently.
"Fuggoff...get away- -" I slurred.
I don't get to protest as Ego picks me up bridal style effortlessly, and while he walks, I start blacking out again. By the time Ego takes us back over to our little campsite where both ships are located, the others are ready to leave for Planet Ego. Upon seeing us, however, Peter's face falls and he's practically running over in a panic.
"Is she okay? What the hell happened?!"
"I was just trying to offer some help by restoring her memory." Ego said proudly, before smiling sheepishly. "I might've overdone it though."
Gamora looked at Ego with wide eyes.
"You did what?"
"The part of her brain that caused her memory loss as a child, I healed it." The older man explained before glancing over to Peter. "She'll just need a couple of hours to sleep it off and your sister will be back on her feet in no time. Here, you should go put her to bed on my ship."
As Ego handed me over to Peter, Gamora gently wipes my hair from my face before her expression hardens.
"She's got tear marks on her cheeks, Ego. Why was she crying?" Gamora rests her hand along the hilt of her sword.
"Well, I imagine from being overwhelmed by all the memories she's re-experiencing. It can be a lot to process, but I was really just doing it to help her." Ego reassured the assassin. "Stellar is family after all. She'll be okay in a couple of hours, I promise."
The answer is enough to lower Gamora's guard, and she slowly relaxes as she walks with Peter inside the Milano. I start to stir awake by the time Peter lays me down on the couch within the living room area. My brother brushes some my hair out of my face and tucks it behind my ear gently.
"Hey...how're you feeling?" Peter mumbled softly.
I groaned as another wave of pain courses from my head and down my neck.
It feels like I'm on fire- -
"Ow, flark!" I cried out.
"Stellar, you're...a good friend."
Stop it...I need to think- -
"ATHEEENAAAAAA~! Time for dinner, my sweetheart!"
STOP IT.
I grip one of the couch cushions tightly enough that it started to rip from the seams. Peter notices and quickly grabs my hands before I can do more damage.
"...I- -I don't..." I whimpered. "Who...who am I? A- -am I...I..."
My eyes clenched shut tightly as I writhed on the couch, and even with both Gamora and Peter combined, it's hard to keep me still to prevent me from hurting myself, or anyone else.
"Stellar, you need to calm down and take some deep breaths." The assassin advised.
"Everything I do...is for you and your mother. And for the sake of restoring balance to the universe. One day, you'll understand."
"STOP IT." I growled.
"Whoa whoa whoa, watch it!" Peter hissed in pain. "FuckfuckfuckfuckFUUUUUCK! She's got my arm!"
"I don't think she even knows where she is right now." Gamora said worriedly. "Stellar, can you hear me?"
"You're more powerful than you realize, little one. And some day, I'm going to shape you into one of the finest warriors there are."
"...I won't let him use you."
"Be strong, my sweetheart- -"
"Athena."
"Here! Give her this and it should knock her out cold." Rocket tossed Gamora a small dart.
...R- -Rocket...?
"What's in this exactly?" The assassin raised an eyebrow. "Peter, hold her down!"
"You try holding her down! FLARK, HOW IS SHE SO STRONG?!" The Terran yelled from behind.
"It's a prototype, a little concoction inside this dart that I was workin' on to help...incapacitate someone without killing them, since Quill's a saint an' everything." Rocket informed Gamora.
"Oh shut up!" Peter spat out.
"Is it safe?" Gamora questioned.
"It should be." The raccoon sounded slightly unsure.
Gamora pops off the cap of the dart before popping the tiny needle into my upper arm. My body slowly begins to relax when Rocket's little concoction kicks in, and the voices in my head start to diminish and fade away. Gamora and Peter slowly recollect themselves and stand up from their positions on the couch. Rocket goes to feel my pulse along my neck, just to make sure I'm still alive.
"It's alright, Stellar. Just ride it out, sweetheart." Rocket mumbled softly, pulling back his paw before turning to his other comrades. "So...you're leaving her here, I take it?"
"She definitely needs some time to...recover from whatever Ego did." Peter breathed out.
"And what did your old man do to her exactly?" The raccoon rolled his eyes. "I've literally never seen her like that before."
"Apparently, he helped restore Stellar's memory of her childhood. He said that it would take some time for her to...process everything." Gamora answered.
Gamora now sounds just as skeptical of Ego's intentions as the raccoon does.
"He can do that kinda scut?" Rocket muttered curiously, his eyes widening.
"She'll be okay, she always bounces back after a couple of hours of rest." Peter tried to reassure them.
"Yer seriously plannin' on leavin' her here?" Rocket raised an eyebrow.
"I can't exactly take her with us while she's all..." Peter makes a distressed face and points towards his temple. "I want her to take it easy anyway, she's been lookin' pretty exhausted for the past few weeks. I don't think she's been sleeping."
Rocket frowns deeply at this, not having noticed these recent changes. This time, however, he doesn't argue with Peter regarding his sister.
"Just...call if you need anything." The Terran said.
"Don't plan to, Star Bitch." The raccoon snidely replied.
Peter rolls his eyes as he and Gamora walk out together.
Two and a half hours after Drax, Gamora, and Peter leave with Ego and Mantis to Planet Ego, I finally start to stir awake. I'm utterly confused as well as mentally and emotionally exhausted. I almost forget what my name is until looking at the "Stellar" & Queen logo on the back of my leather jacket laying overtop the back of the couch and cushion. I slowly sit up on the couch and take in my surroundings, familiar territory thankfully, and not Ego's ship.
"There she is, how was your little nap, Sleeping Beauty?"
When I see the raccoon, flashes of memories with the two of us together randomly come to the forefront of my mind, but I recognize him after a few seconds. Rocket stops working on his repairs to the Milano and turns around to face me.
"You okay Quill?"
I snapped out of my daze and spot him standing in front of me.
"Um, yeah. I'm good."
"That was really reassuring." Rocket nodded.
"Really?" I barely uttered.
"No." He nearly shouted. "Look, you sure you're okay? I...well, the others got really flarkin' concerned about you. It was like nothin' we'd seen before and- -"
When I'm staring at him curiously, Rocket grows flustered and covers it up by acting as if he's extremely annoyed.
"I...I heard your voice earlier...thank you for...for helping me." I spoke up.
The raccoon stood a little taller and gave me a quick onceover.
"Yeah...don't mention it." He folded his arms, before his nose twitches. "Y'know...you do smell a little different too now that I've noticed. You didn't happen to put on perfume or nothin', did ya?"
I've never even worn perfume...
I shook my head and look at him in confusion as he goes back to work on the repairs again. I stand at the entrance of the Milano with Rocket, Nebula, and little Groot as Peter's mixtape echoes throughout the area. Groot notices how withdrawn I'd become since the others had left, and keeps pouting at my lack of attention. Even Nebula starts to look at me curiously at one point.
"I am Groot." The Flora Colussus tugged on my shoe lace.
"'m okay, buddy, I just...I don't really feel the greatest at the moment."
"How're your stitches holdin' up? Did any of them break?" Rocket suddenly asked.
"...I can tell why Peter was so drawn to you. You're very powerful and I bet, just like your brother, that you haven't even tapped into your full potential. Did you know that the wound along your abdomen is already healed? Ever wonder why you recover so quickly compared to the others?"
"It's fine." I barely uttered.
I glance down at my feet and hug myself as if I were cold, despite the sun still being out.
"Stellar."
"Athena...daughter...together, we shall correct the balance in the universe- -"
"Stellar!" Rocket snapped. "For fuck's sake, I was callin' your name like ten flarkin' times already- -"
Stellar...my name is Stellar. Not Athena...
I blushed when realizing that Rocket's standing directly in front of me with his arms folded.
"You're seriously starting to worry me, Quill. Can you just...say something, already?" The raccoon nearly sighed in frustration. "You're more...quiet and spaced out than usual and...and I don't friggin' like it, okay?!"
"Sorry." I flinched from the loudness of Rocket's voice and avert my gaze.
"...alright, what did he do to you?" His voice lowered dangerously. "If that scut-flarkin' douche threatened you or laid a finger on that pretty head of yers, I'll go over to Planet Egotistical right now and blow up that hunka rock outta existence. I don't fuckin' care whose father he is."
I can tell he actually means that...
Tears form in my eyes as another severe headache comes about, and this time, it brings me down to my knees. Rocket just barely helps catch me in time.
Thank flark he's genetically enhanced or I would've flattened him- -
"Hey, look at me. What did Ego do to you?" The raccoon questioned.
Rocket- -
FLASH!
Ego approaches me cautiously as my eyes close, and much similarly to Peter, he rests his hand on my shoulder in a comforting way before moving to cup my cheek. I can already feel my face heating up from his deliberate and careful movements.
"Relax, kiddo. I'm not gonna hurt you." He mumbled softly.
FLASH!
I struggle in his hold and open my mouth to scream before being frozen in shock as his eyes became a bright blue, glowing with power. A small tendril of energy ghosts its way out of his mouth before sliding into mine, much to my dismay. From there, my body grows weak and I struggle to even keep my eyes open.
FLASH!
As my vision refocuses, Rocket's snapping his tiny fingers in front of my face.
"Anyone home? Stellar- -!"
"I'm...fine. Just tired."
I pulled away from the raccoon and hear him sigh in frustration before grumbling under his breath.
"Just kill me now." Nebula rolled her eyes.
"Don't make me taze you. 'Cause I will." Rocket warned.
"If it meant not listening to you two lovebirds argue every damn minute..." Nebula trailed off with a frown.
My eyes widened slightly from the statement and I began to ponder over what Nebula said.
FLASH!
"Well…I mean, one minute…he'll try to flatter me until the point that I can barely form a sentence, and the next…he's nearly insufferable and I get so worked up and- -I can't even form a coherent thought and- -and then…I just have this…urge. This weird…heat pooling in my belly."
Gamora seems highly intrigued at this and sits up taller as a small smile forms on her face.
"Do you…like Rocket?" She asked.
"With how he's been lately, can't exactly say he's been great to be around."
Gamora lightly smacked my arm.
"No." She chuckled. "I meant…do you like him romantically?"
FLASH!
"L...love?" I stammered weakly.
Rocket tensed up and tried to go back to repairing the ship again to keep busy.
"I can't tell if you're oblivious or just stupid." Nebula scoffed.
At this comment, Rocket whirled around and gave Nebula with an intense glare. Without hesitation, he used his weapon and sent a volt of electricity at Nebula who immediately screamed in pain. I was almost surprised from his actions until I saw that he was genuinely angry.
"Don't you dare call her stupid!" Rocket growled.
"Rocket stop!" I shouted in concern and run over to shield Nebula from another attack.
The raccoon immediately stopped once I got in the way, and lowered his weapon begrudgingly.
"You've only proved my point. When I kill her, I'm going to make you watch." She told him.
"I doubt you'll have much luck killing me, but you're certainly more than welcome to try." I said jokingly with a shrug, trying to break some tension. "Look, we're all just tired and hungry. Gamora grabbed some fruit earlier that we can have for dinner at least. But...let's just cool off and take a breather, alright? Before we all keep saying things that we don't mean and can't take back."
Rocket grumbled something under his breath again and walked out of the ship with some items in his arms.
"Why do you put up with that fox?" Nebula breathed out. "How you have any ounce of affection for it is beyond me."
"A) Don't call him a fox, 'cause he's not one. And B) Don't call him it." I retorted. "Rocket's a little rough around the edges, but...he's still my friend and I won't let you talk about him that way. I don't care whose sister you are. But... I'd like for us to get along though."
Nebula fell silent and seemed surprised from my sudden change of attitude.
If Nebula thought I would let her bully me, then she had another thing coming.
I crouched down next to Nebula as I went to a basket of fruit and began to cut it up with a blade nearby. I handed tiny slices to Baby Groot, who ate them happily with a cute little smile on his face.
"It's ripe." I assured them.
I hand fed several pieces to Nebula since her arms were bound, and she reluctantly let me feed her. I ate one of the pieces of fruit myself and saved several for Rocket when he would return. All of us fell into a slightly comfortable silence as we ate, looking up at the currently dark sky that indicated the time.
Rocket returns to the Milano approximately an hour later, a paranoid expression on his face as he messes with Peter's tape deck and hooked it up with a wireless remote control. After turning up the volume all the way, Southern Nights by Glen Campbell begins to echo throughout the forest. I end up being startled awake from the sudden noise and spot Rocket just about ready to walk into said forest.
"What's going on?" I yawn and stretch before moving to stand up.
"Listen, there's a signal that the Milano picked up a few clicks ago, and there's something headed straight for us. Hopefully it passes and it'll be nothing altogether, but I doubt we'll be that lucky. Get ready for a fight though." Rocket told me.
N...no, I can't let him leave on a note like that. I can tell shit's about to go down just from his tone.
Before Rocket turns to leave, I grabbed onto his paw. When the raccoon saw how genuinely concerned I was, his annoyed expression slowly melts away.
"Listen. I don't know what's been going on through that head of yours lately, but..."
I fell silent again, the warm and fluttering feeling in my stomach taking over that rendered me speechless the longer I stared at Rocket.
"But what?"
"I just want my best friend back." I murmured softly. "So...be careful, okay? I'll be your backup should you need me. And later...we can talk about why you've been trying to push me away."
Rocket's eyes widened as he gazed into my eyes in complete surprise and awe. As seconds turned to minutes, I could feel Rocket squeeze my hand back before finally pulling away. I blushed as I suddenly craved for more contact with Rocket, and mentally scold myself for being so clingy and protective all of a sudden.
"You don't gotta worry about me, Quill. Just stay out of my way, and we'll be good."
I frowned at this and watched Rocket as he ran back towards the forest, failing miserably to ignore the dreadful feeling in the pit of my stomach.
When Rocket's voice suddenly hums through the communication device he'd set up at the Milano, I caught on with what he was trying to do. He was trying to draw attention to the Milano and make it seem like he was still there to lower the enemy's guard.
He was trying to lure our enemy to the ship...which probably means he's planted some booby traps and all sorts of bombs around the ship, knowing him. But that also means we should be expecting company very soon.
I grabbed my guns from my thigh holsters and turn towards Baby Groot and Nebula.
"Groot...I'm gonna need you to stay with Nebula." I spoke up.
The Luphomoid-cyborg glared at me as she pulled at her restraints.
"And what about me?"
Fuck...I mean...I can't just leave her here, can I? She'll be pretty guarded with Rocket's traps. Assuming he planted a lot of them...
I didn't quite know how many enemies to expect, but hoped it wasn't a large number that we'd have to fight off. I felt very conflicted about releasing Nebula from her cuffs though, knowing she'd likely double-cross me the moment I let her go.
"If you're trying to get me to release you, you're out of your flarkin' mind. Gamora warned me about you. Nebula...as much as I want to trust you...I can't." I sighed. "At the same time though...I don't feel like I know the full story about you. I can tell there was a lot your sister was holding back."
"She is no sister of mine." She practically growled.
"I seriously don't have the time to argue about this, but for what it's worth...I can tell that she still cares a lot about you. That's all I have left to say on the matter. You should be pretty protected in here, but I'll try to be as quick as I can so you guys aren't left wide open. I just need to make sure that Rocket's okay." I told her.
After exiting the Milano, I ran towards the same direction Rocket had and climbed a tree nearby to get a high vantage point. Rocket's intuition had definitely been right about someone targeting us, whether they knew who we were or not. Upon noticing a lot of men with flashlights and weapons of all kind, I leaned down, and was able to recognize the type of clothing each of them were wearing and it was way more than familiar.
Is that...the Ravagers?! What the hell do they want with us? I thought things with Yondu had been settled after Xandar.
When one of the Ravagers branches out on his own, I took this as an opportunity to gather more info, and got ready to strike. When the Ravager is walking by the tree I'm hiding in, I jump down from the top, before landing right on him.
"AH SHIT!"
I quickly render the man useless and pin his body down before placing one of my guns underneath his chin in a threatening manner. Through the darkness, it was hard to make out who the man was, but I knew I'd recognize the man's voice anywhere.
Yup...that's totally Kraglin...
"So Kraglin, is there a reason the Ravagers are suddenly here? I'd say it's good to see you, but, I can tell it's not just to say hello."
I can hear some screaming in the distance, and became more tense, but try not to show any anxiety in front of Yondu's first mate.
"I'd love to tell ya, darlin', but I'm havin' a hard time breathin- -" He rasped.
I loosen my hold just a tad, but not enough for him to break free of my hold even as he tries to struggle. I rolled my eyes and slowly trailed my other gun down his body before placing it right in front of his groin.
"I've always liked and respected you Kraglin, but I've got no time for games. What are the Ravagers doing here? This time, I won't be repeating myself. If you still want the capability to fornicate...I'd suggest you start talking."
Kraglin laughs at first, before realizing that I'm completely serious. His face falls and he's practically sweating bullets at this point.
"Alright alright! I give!" He conceded. "We're collectin' a bounty on ya. Some golden lady with a snobby attitude hired us."
Wait, the High Priestess from the Sovereign? You've gotta be kidding me...I swear to Hala, I'm gonna kick Rocket's ass- -
"What did you guys do to piss her off, anyway?" Kraglin chuckled.
"Rocket thought it would be teaching the High Priestess a lesson by taking some Anulax batteries from the Sovereign." I sighed in reply.
"Ah. Gotcha." Kraglin hummed. "So...y'mind gettin' offa me, kid?"
Reluctantly I stood up and got off of him, but not before knocking his weapons away from us. I aimed one of my elemental blasters at Kraglin and discreetly set it to stun without him noticing.
"Stellar, I'd never hurt you kid, even if it is for a bounty. You don't have to worry 'bout- -" He tried assuring me.
"You're the one that told me never to trust what another Ravager says." I smirked. "I wish we could've seen each other under better circumstances, but I need to get goin'."
Kraglin manages to shout loudly right as I shot at him, and even though he was effectively knocked out, the damage had already been done. I can hear more Ravagers in the distance and run towards the nearest bush to hide in. Thankfully, I was able to use the darkness of the night towards my advantage, and stayed hidden as more Ravagers just began to arrive.
If I get to Rocket, we might have a fighting chance together. We've been in so many near-death fights, so this time would be no different. I just need to find him first.
I quietly observe four Ravagers move over to Kraglin and help revive him. Yondu's right hand man looked absolutely pissed off, but I wasn't about to go apologize to him for trying to turn me in. I crawled on the ground slowly as the Ravagers got in defensive stances and were searching the area for me. I get up into a crouching position and after taking a deep breath, jumped out of the bush to surprise attack the group of Yondu's lackeys. Within seconds, I aimed two blasts at two different Ravagers, causing a chain of electricity to course through all four of the men at once. After they all fell, I took off running deeper into the forest until I could hear more screaming.
My eyes dart in every direction as I search for Rocket as quickly as I can, and it's not until I stumble across an area with 12 unconscious men, that I realize that I was on the right track. I quickly yet cautiously walk through the trail of bodies until finally finding Rocket several feet away with his hands raised in surrender while a Ravager had his gun aimed at the raccoon's back.
Not on my watch, you flarkin' asshole!
Running at full speed, I jump and kick the Ravager from his side before he has the chance to harm Rocket, and knock him out after shooting him with my elemental blaster.
"Stellar! What the scut are you doing here?! You're supposed to be watching over Groot and Nebula!" The raccoon nearly yelled.
"You're fucking welcome!" I snapped.
Rocket's mouth immediately snaps shut from my angered expression.
"You take off on your own like a total moron, and you have the nerve to try and scold me when you almost got your fluffy-ass handed to you?!" I glared at him. "What if they'd captured you and had taken you hostage?! Or killed you?!"
Rocket tries to open his mouth to argue, but I cut him off with another deadly glare.
"For someone that's crazy intelligent, you're such a- -a flarking JACKASS!" I stammered angrily.
"Y'know what, Quill?! Stop worrying about me! I ain't yer problem, and you've needed my help WAY more than I've needed yours." The raccoon retorted.
He did NOT just say that.
"FUCK YOU! YOU'RE SO FULL OF- -"
Our argument is cut short with a loud piercing whistle that echoed in the woods. My heart skipped a beat as an arrow stopped mere inches from my face. As Yondu and his men step forward from the shadows and surround us, Rocket and I slowly raise our hands in surrender.
Flark...I think I might've been a little TOO loud there...
"Ah crap." I muttered.
"Well well well, ain't this cute? Havin' a lil' bit of a lover's quarrel here?" Yondu smirked.
Why does everyone keep mentioning love?!
"I think you have a weird flarkin' idea of love, pal." Rocket grumbled. "So how's it goin', ya blue idiot?"
"It's not so bad. We got ourselves a pretty 'lil good gig 'ere." Yondu replied. "Got a golden gal that has a pretty high opinion of 'erself offerin' us a large sum to deliver you and your pals to 'er."
Yondu circled around us slowly as his men grinned at each other smugly.
If Peter can talk his way out of a bad situation, maybe I can too. Plus, I've known Yondu since I was a child, so maybe he'll listen to reason? Nah, he's not THAT nice of a guy. I've gotta offer him something of interest to him and the Ravagers...
Barely holding back a sigh of frustration, I gently moved the floating arrow from my face a few inches to the side and slowly approached Yondu. I was prepared to do whatever was necessary for my family.
"I tell ya, it was pretty easy to find ya'll. I put a tracer on yer ship when we thought the world was endin'." Yondu pursed his lips.
So that's how he found us, huh? But how did the Nova Corps not pick up on it? They rebuilt the Milano in the first place!
"Let them go." I finally spoke up.
At this, Yondu looks towards me curiously, before his lips curled into a smirk again.
"Well you suddenly grew a backbone. The hell should I listen to you for, girl?" Yondu chuckled.
What can I offer him though? I don't really have anything valuable...
"Because I can make it worth your while." I guaranteed.
Rocket is practically baffled and barely bit back a sarcastic remark, but I could tell he was wondering what the hell I could possibly offer or was even planning for that matter.
"The hell are you doing, Quill?" The raccoon hissed lowly at me.
I ignored Rocket and took a few more steps forward, now noticing the looks of curiosity on everyone's faces as they glanced at each other in search of answers.
"I believe I would be considered something of value." I began.
"Oh yeah? Is that right?" The Centaurian folded his arms.
When the gears finally turn in his mind, Rocket's eyes widened as he turned to me in shock once he knew what direction this was going in.
"The Nova Corps just recently confirmed with my DNA, about my bloodline and who I'm related to. It was essentially the reason I was able to hold the infinity stone for as long as I could- -"
"Just cut to the chase, girl! I don' got time for yer games!" Yondu snapped.
"I was getting to that if you wouldn't interrupt, jackass." I rolled my eyes "Anyway, they found out who my biological father was. His name is Thanos. I'm sure you've heard of him."
At this, some of the Ravagers gasped and started murmuring amongst each other. I would have been utterly amused at the fact that Yondu looked speechless and baffled for once in his life, but I managed to keep a straight face.
"If you let him go and leave the others alone, I'll come with you willingly." I offered. "No fighting or escape attempts, it'll be easy pay. Unlike Peter, I keep my word. Plus, I'm sure that an actual blood relative of Thanos, his only biologicaldaughter at that, would be worth much more than some...some rat and twig." I spat out.
I felt repulsive of myself as I called Rocket and Groot those horrible names, and hoped Rocket would know that I didn't actually mean it.
"How do we know you're not lying?!" A Ravager yelled.
Yondu raised his hand to silence his crew member as he still kept eye contact with me.
"She don' lie. She never could keep a straight poker face." Yondu chuckled. "Plus we've got some access to Nova's database from our last job to verify that tidbit of info. If it ain't restricted anyway."
"No need for that, they gave me their proof that I could show to you." I added with a small nod.
As the Ravagers began arguing and discussing amongst themselves, I glanced over at Rocket and my heart nearly breaks at the sight of his broken expression.
"Stellar, what the actual fuck do you think you're doing?" Rocket muttered lowly.
I could sense Rocket's fear and uncertainty, and blink away tears as I tried to appear tall and stoic.
"I'm saving your asses. Just for once...don't argue with me." I murmured softly for him to hear.
Rewritten as of 04/13/22!
Sorry that took so long to re-do, I'd been working on it a while ago, but there was a lot about the plot itself that I wanted to add a little spice in. I don't wanna spoil the surprise of what Ego did to her exactly. I was doing a little brushing up on some research about Ego and kinda had some ideas floating around in my mind that I wanted to experiment with, especially with him being a "Celestial". But I promise, Ego's gonna be getting exactly what's coming to him.
Anywaaaaaay, let me know what you guys thought!
WE ARE GROOT!