Thanos stood tall, his towering frame radiating menace as he watched Star-Lord prance around the command room, singing and dancing like a deranged fool.
The corner of his mouth twitched, a mixture of disdain and disbelief flickering across his face.
This is the man who won my daughter's heart? he thought incredulously.
Just as he was beginning to tire of the display, a sudden blur of green shot through the air. Gamora, blade in hand, lunged at him with precision honed by years of training.
"Damn it! Why doesn't anyone stick to the plan?" Rocket growled under his breath from the sidelines.
Gamora soared toward Thanos, her blade aimed for his chest. But Thanos was no ordinary opponent. Within moments, he recovered from the initial surprise, catching the blade with one hand. With a sickening crack, he snapped it in two.
Gamora didn't hesitate. Reaching into her belt, she drew a second weapon—a dagger Thanos himself had once gifted her. Its name alone struck fear into the hearts of gods: God Slayer.
The blade gleamed with deadly intent as Gamora drove it toward Thanos's heart. This dagger was no ordinary weapon; it had felled monsters and gods alike, earning its reputation as a weapon of legend.
But as the blade reached Thanos's chest, it stopped. The point hovered mere inches from his heart, trembling in her grasp. His massive hand had intercepted hers, halting the attack effortlessly.
"My daughter," Thanos said, his voice low and calm. "Have you forgotten who taught you everything you know? Every skill, every tactic, every feint—you learned them all from me." His grip tightened on her wrist. "Even now, I can predict your every move."
Thanos had handed the God Slayer dagger to Gamora for a reason. He had anticipated her betrayal. He always did.
Across the galaxy, on a desolate planet, Talos stood amidst the wreckage of a Kree fighter. The burning remains cast eerie shadows as he surveyed the scene, his expression grim.
"Just an ordinary ship," he muttered, though his furrowed brow suggested deeper concerns.
With the Skrulls now scattered and weakened, even a single Kree fighter ship was cause for alarm. The questions weighed heavily on his mind: Why was it here? Was it a reconnaissance mission? Had it managed to send a message to the Supreme Intelligence before crashing?
An adjutant hesitated before speaking. "My lord," he began cautiously, "if the Kree launch a full-scale invasion, our defenses won't hold. Should we… should we inform Captain Marvel?"
Talos remained silent for a long moment, his gaze fixed on the smoldering wreckage. Finally, he shook his head.
"No. We can't jump to conclusions. Stay vigilant and prepare for the worst."
Deep down, Talos felt a pang of pride—though it was laced with bitterness. The Skrulls, once powerful rivals to the Kree, had been reduced to relying on Captain Marvel's protection. While they were grateful for her help, their pride as a once-mighty race made it difficult to fully accept the situation.
Back in the command room, Gamora glared at Thanos, her expression cold and defiant.
"You already knew our plan," she said through gritted teeth.
Thanos chuckled, his mood oddly light. "Of course. Did you really think you could outmaneuver me? I know you too well, Gamora. You wouldn't have been caught so easily if you didn't have something else in mind."
His smug tone only fueled her rage. Gamora broke free momentarily, grabbing the broken blade from the floor. But before she could strike again, Thanos seized her hands, subduing her with ease.
At that moment, Drax charged forward, his twin blades raised high.
"Thanos! You'll pay for the lives of my wife and daughter!" he roared.
Thanos didn't even flinch. He grabbed Drax by the throat mid-charge and hurled him across the room like a ragdoll.
From above, Mantis descended, her hands glowing as she prepared to use her hypnotic abilities. But before she could make contact, chains shot out from the shadows, wrapping around her midair and binding her tightly.
Rocket and Groot barely had time to react before they too were subdued by Thanos's guards.
"Let her go, you overgrown purple raisin!"
Star-Lord's voice rang out, filled with defiance. He stepped forward, his blaster aim on Thanos.
Thanos turned to face him, his lips curling into a smirk.
"You must be Peter Quill," he said, his tone mocking. "The so-called boyfriend of my daughter."
"No!" Quill shot back. "I'm not just her boyfriend—I'm the legendary Titan Killer! Now let her go, or I'll blast that wrinkled chin of yours into the next galaxy!"
Before Quill could fire, Gamora's voice cut through the tension.
"Peter, stop!" she cried, tears streaming down her face. "It's not him—you promised me!"
Quill froze, his hands trembling. The blaster wavered in his grip as he turned to look at her.
"Daughter," Thanos said, his voice dripping with mockery, "he's weak. He won't do it."
Gamora's gaze softened. "Peter," she whispered, her voice breaking. "Shoot. Please. I love you."
Quill's hand trembled violently as he raised the blaster again. His voice was barely audible as he murmured, "I love you too."
Closing his eyes, he gritted his teeth and pulled the trigger.
Biu—biu-biu!
A strange silence fell over the room. Quill opened his eyes, confused.
Quill glanced at the weapon in his hand. Instead of deadly plasma bolts, three harmless suction cups had shot out,
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