Destiny Unbound [Marvel X DCU]

"I want revenge, not negotiation!" Drax the Destroyer shouted, poised to fight Gamora and Nebula at any moment.

"You seek revenge, and I won't stand in your way," Ivan said calmly, trying to appease the enraged Drax.

"But you must understand who your true enemy is."

"I know your wife and daughter were killed by Ronan the Accuser, and now Thanos is working with Ronan. That's why you've directed your hatred towards Gamora and Nebula. But you need to know that Gamora and Nebula are victims, too. Thanos destroyed Gamora's planet, killing half its population, including her mother. And Nebula—Thanos transformed her into this inhuman form. They despise Thanos more than you do. They lack the strength to fight him. In many ways, you're all on the same ship."

"We've never been in a spaceship together!" Drax retorted, his literal interpretation causing a moment of awkward silence. Did he need to take metaphors so seriously?

Although Ivan was just an intelligent program, he understood Drax's straightforward nature. He continued in simpler terms, "It means you can become partners. Let's take down Thanos and Ronan together."

Drax visibly relaxed, nodding in agreement. Star-Lord and the others exchanged looks, frustrated that they hadn't thought to recruit Drax sooner. He was surprisingly easy to convince.

Ivan turned to Nebula and Gamora. "I've looked into your histories. I know you both want to kill Thanos but haven't had the opportunity. Maybe we can work together in the future."

Finally, Ivan addressed Rocket Raccoon and Groot. "As for you two, I know you're motivated by money. Just ensure the Orb reaches me, and you'll get paid."

Seeing how Ivan had swayed everyone so quickly, Gamora felt uneasy. "The Orb contains an Infinity Stone, a Power Stone capable of destroying planets. How can we trust you won't misuse it? Your reputation may be better than Thanos', but that's not enough."

Nebula nodded in agreement, not because of any sisterly bond with Gamora but because failing her mission for Thanos would mean severe punishment, possibly death. She wasn't afraid of dying, but she wanted to kill Thanos before her end.

"Maybe giving me the Power Stone isn't the best choice," Ivan conceded. "But it's better than letting it fall into Thanos' hands. And I'm not asking for something for nothing. I'll give you what you need in return. Let me check your conditions first."

A spider-shaped robot projected a beam of light, scanning everyone present. They tensed, thinking it might be an attack, but relaxed when they realized it was a harmless scan.

After a few minutes, Ivan spoke again. "I know what you need. Drax, you want to kill Ronan, but your current strength isn't enough. The tattoos on your body are more than decoration—they're runes of power from your Destroyer clan but are disorganized. I can optimize them, unlocking your clan's unique power and making you several times, even dozens of times stronger. Then, you can take down Ronan with your bare hands. But you must protect Star-Lord while on my ship."

Drax, now understanding, nodded eagerly. Revenge was within his grasp.

"Rocket Raccoon, your modifications have increased your neural response and brain capacity, allowing you to understand Groot. But these modifications also cause you constant pain, hidden behind your bravado. I can fix these flaws, remove your pain, and even give you a special gift."

Rocket's eyes suddenly lit up. He was fed up with the constant severe pain. There had never been a solution before, so he had endured it. Now that there was a way to fix it, he had no objections. He nodded in agreement immediately.

"Next is you, Groot," Ivan said. The spider robot projected several beams, displaying three objects: a green crystal, a staff of unknown materials, and a small creature with two green leaves on its head, hopping around. It was some plant life.

"This stuff is made from the branches of a magical plant called willow. It's a powerful offensive weapon, usable only by plant life, which makes it perfect for you."

The image changed to show a substantial humanoid creature with limbs made of thick, long tree vines. Something long swayed between its legs, which was somewhat suggestive and made some onlookers blush.

"This crystal contains the life essence of a tree person, an elemental being like the one in the picture. He is a guardian and destroyer, towering dozens of meters high. By using this crystal..."

But Groot wasn't paying attention to the first two items. His eyes were fixed on the third creature. After a moment, he turned to Ivan and said, "I am Groot."

Groot agreed immediately, even before Ivan finished explaining. Ivan felt like he hadn't needed to try so hard.

"It seems you like that little guy. It's a magical creature called Hushuluoguo. It's peaceful and extremely shy, feeding on insects and protecting trees. There are a few in the ecological park on the Cosmic Walker. You can try to communicate with them, and I'm sure one will be willing to join you."

Turning to Nebula, Ivan continued, "Miss Nebula, your body was mechanized by Thanos. You've endured unimaginable pain, and no one wants to live like this. Fortunately, you still retain some of your original body. I have a perfect regenerative potion that can restore your body at the genetic level, allowing your lost body parts to be reborn in flames and become human again."

Nebula's eyes sparkled with hope, but she hesitated. "Even if I recover, as long as I'm under Thanos' control, he will turn me back into this...thing."

"Don't worry. This regenerative potion is permanent. It won't wear off after one use. You'll be able to recover quickly from injuries, even regrowing lost limbs, provided you have enough energy. Everything obeys the law of conservation of energy."

Nebula was finally persuaded and was about to nod when Gamora interrupted, "No. Thanos ordered us to capture Star-Lord and retrieve the Orb. Now you're suggesting we protect Star-Lord. Thanos will never let us go. No reward can change that."

"Hmm, that is a problem," Ivan admitted. "How about this: you two sisters can claim to be captured. Rocket, Star-Lord, Drax, and Groot will act as your captors. Declare that you were outnumbered and captured. If Thanos' subordinates stop you, pretend to threaten your life. Thanos will believe you did your best and won't punish you too harshly."

"Okay, I agree!" Nebula responded first. She then turned to Gamora, her gaze intense, as if warning her not to disagree.

In this situation, did Gamora have a choice? She finally nodded, feeling somewhat cheated but wanting to gain something in return. "I agree too, but can I at least ask if there's any benefit for me?"

"Miss Gamora, your situation is the most challenging," Ivan said. "You don't need as much as the others. I can offer you a superhuman serum to enhance your physical fitness and increase your strength, though it won't be as significant as the others' enhancements. This is my greatest offer. If you don't accept, there's nothing more I can do."

"Do I have any room to object?" Gamora replied with a wry smile. She removed a device from her waist and pressed a button, deactivating the signal blocker.

As soon as the blocker was turned off, Star-Lord's signal was reactivated. Moments later, a rumbling sound came from above the ruins. The ceiling was forcibly broken open, and a ball of light descended in front of everyone. As the light dissipated, Stakar appeared with its enormous wings of light spread wide.

Seeing that Star-Lord was safe, Stakar relaxed. Ivan, projected by the spider robot, said, "Stakar, you're just in time. We've reached an agreement. Take everyone to the Cosmic Walker. Star-Lord will explain everything on the way."

The spider robot retracted its light and jumped onto Star-Lord's wrist, transforming into a watch. Stakar burst into light again, forming a protective sphere around everyone, and they ascended into the sky.

Meanwhile, Shaw received the message from Stakar while fighting Kalibak. He immediately issued a retreat order. The mutants forced their opponents back and regrouped on the Cosmic Walker quickly. Once everyone was aboard, the spacecraft entered light-speed flight and disappeared instantly.