It had been a few hours since Apophis and Nebula had left the Kyln and took off with one of the Nercocafts to search around for Gamora and the Orb. Apophis leaned back slightly in his seat as Nebula was piloting the Nercocaft.

"So where are we going to check first?" Apophis asked, glancing over at Nebula.

"The closest planet to the Kyln is Xyrax, so startling there wouldn't be a bad idea," Nebula said, putting in the coordinates of Xyrax.

"How long should it take to get there?" Apophis asked.

"To reach Xyrax, it takes about eight hours," Nebula said."You can relax in the back on one of the small benches," She said.

"I'm good, just a bit tired from cleansing the place," He replied, yawning slightly.

"Then lay down. You don't have to be up here with me," Nebula said.

"Alright, but if you need me to take over, just call back for me," Apophis said, getting up from the seat and heading toward the back after placing his mace near the chair.

He then got on the small black bench and laid back down on it.

Apophis was lying on the semi-comfortable bench. It wasn't comfortable compared to his bed on the Dark Aster, but it was better than the chair.

He caught a few winks of keep, but that was all his body allowed him. Apophis had always been a light sleeper during his missions for Ronan, which stemmed from the fact that it was never safe. Apophis was an assassin, and his line of work caused him to make a lot of enemies.

He never trusted to have his guard down. Only on the Dark Aster has he been a deep sleeper. He trusts them enough not to do anything; well, sometimes, he doesn't trust Gamora. A deep sleep could cause an enemy to sneak up on you during a mission and ensure you had a permanent rest. It wasn't normal for most to live on the edge and worry, but Apophis was normal since he started this line of work.

A familiar mutter was heard entering the back area, causing Apophis to turn his head slightly from the sudden noise. It had been about two hours since he had last seen Nebula. He had retired here from his exhaustion of cleansing their presence at the Kyln. He spared a glance to see Nebula muttering to herself. He couldn't help the smile that came to his face when she her annoyed at how cute she looked.

Nebula spared him a glance but not else, just her usual emotionless expression as she moved to the other bench. It wasn't necessary when she was didn't get as uncomfortable relaxing in a chair, but her coming back here meant she felt more comfortable near him."I thought you were asleep."

"I got some sleep," Apophis replied, groggy from waking up a few minutes ago."Did you need something?" He asked.

"No," Nebula grumbled, shaking her head. It was clear that she wasn't entirely telling the truth."I just needed a break from piloting, so it set on autopilot."

"You sure that's all?" He asked, looking for her with concern in his eyes.

Nebula didn't say anything and climbed onto the bench, lying on down. The sound of her metal rubbing against the bench filled the room. Finally, after a few minutes, she spoke."I don't need your comforter; just a bit tired of that all."

Apophis scoffed."No offense, Nebs, but you're a terrible liar. I can quickly tell by your voice there is something on your mind. You know you don't have to lie to me or keep anything from me. The point is if it is about your nightmares or anything else. I'm always here for you as a comforter because you're important to me," Apophis said softly.

"A," Nebula paused momentarily, not knowing what to say."Apophis..."

"You don't have to say anything or tell me now if your is not ready," Apophis whispered, glancing at Nebula but couldn't make out her expression since she was facing away from him."Just get some rest. I'm sure we have a long search ahead of us. Inlet you know when we arrive at our first stop."

Apophis missed the tiny smile sent him as he headed to the front to take over the piloting.

"Thank you, glow eyes," Nebula whispered.

"Do you think you think Gamora and her group are here?" Apophis asked as he and Nebula exited the ship.

Xyrax was a planet that Apophis didn't go to often if he had a break before returning back from his mission if he was done early. It was an exciting planet through. It is shining, colorful buildings and lots of flashing lights. The crowd's cheering was blasting in their ears, along with singing. It was like a party center.

"I don't know. It was just the best place to start," Nebula replied.

"Huh?" Apophis questioned with narrow eyes as he heard a voice cheer.

"Go, Aurora!" The voice cheered.

"Let's check over there," Apophis replied vaguely, walking ahead.

Nebula frowned slightly, not used to Apophis daze expression. He wore on his face as if he wasn't entirely there as he weaved his way through the crowd of aliens. He was headed toward one of the most popular bars.

"Look, you could have gotten a drink after our mission," Nebula said as she followed after Apophis.

"That's what I'm here for," He said with a sigh as he greeted the light purple alien female at the bar."Have you seen a blonde with greenish-yellow eyes and white skin?"

The woman blinked, processing Apophis question."Im sorry, but I haven't seen anyone with that appearance."

"What?" Apophis questioned in confusion, looking around at everyone in the crowd and bar.

Nebula wondered what was going on, Apophis. She had never seen him look around so dazed or confused. She wonder if this had something to do with his past before Ronan.

"Apophis, what going on? Who are you looking for?" Nebula asked, tapping his shoulder.

"Ne," Apophis paused, words caught in his throat as he glanced at Nebula.

"Hey, come here," Nebula said, leading him to a bench away from the crowd and bar and making him sit down. She also took a seat, stareing ahead, pretending not to notice the way he was holding his face to hide his tears. It was silent as she shivered slightly at the chill of the night.

"I heard a voice I haven't heard for years," Apophis said, causing Nebula to glance at him."The voice of my big brother and thought..."

"You thought he was here because of a voice that sounded like him?" Nebula said, starting to understand what was going on.

"Yeah, I know where to find Gamora Nebs," Apophis whispered, running a hand through his hair."But I need to find my big brother. He just up and left me without a goodbye."

Nebula awkwardly patted Apophis's shoulder, trying to comfort him like he always did for her even though she always pushed him away."You find him one day; let's go. I don't believe Gamora," Nebula started as her head flashed blue."I picked up a transmission where heading for Knowwhere that, where Gamora is."

"Right, let's contact Ronnan," Apophis said, getting up as he and Nebula returned to the ship.

Here we go; another chapter for A Suvior's Strength has been published. I have progressed well with this story, especially after watching the new movie. I gain even more motivation and inspiration to write this story towards the end and even one for Volume 3. I hope you have been enjoying this story so far.

I believe that Nebula and Apophis are bounding quite well, in my opinion. I'm enjoying the moments between them. There growing into my all-time favorite, shipping from all the romance stories I have written. Nebula comforted him for the first time after he thought he heard his older brother's voice. I still plan to make a story one day that focuses on his older brother's story and why he left, and where he went.

As I mentioned, more moments between him and Krobb will also be coming. Show the father and son figure relationship between them.

Thank you, everyone, for reading my story. The support is appreciated!

I also got a new cover made by zherozi

Word Count: 1403