CHAPTER 97

Rocket Raccoon disregarded Star-Lord's seriousness completely.

stated Rocket Raccoon.

"Alright, enough fooling around, let's capture this guy quickly."

Rocket Raccoon disembarked from the spaceship. By this time, the high-frequency sound waves had already dislodged the parasite from the host, leaving it sprawled on the ground like a puddle of mud.

Meanwhile, the humanoid alien, previously parasitized, couldn't endure the environmental strain of the asteroid any longer and was on the verge of death.

His fragile form struggled briefly before falling silent, deprived of air and protection from cosmic rays.

Rocket Raccoon secured the parasite in a specially designed box, equipped with high-frequency sound wave emitters, ideal for containing the creature.

Once confined within this unique box, the parasites remained trapped, unable to break free.

Given the soaring demand for parasite-capturing equipment, Rocket Raccoon's inventive prowess shone through, surpassing existing market offerings.

Returning to the spaceship with the parasite in tow, Rocket Raccoon stored it in the cabin, now brimming with the repulsive creatures.

Peter observed the squirming parasites with a mixture of disgust and triumph, even planting a kiss on the container.

"Ah, my precious. Finally, we've got you. Seeing you here, I feel like I've struck gold."

Rocket Raccoon shoved Star-Lord's eager face away.

"Back off, your saliva's all over this thing, it's gross."

Star-Lord, undeterred by Rocket Raccoon's remarks, remained excited by the prospect of their bounty.

Rocket Raccoon assigned the task of guarding the parasites to Drax the Destroyer, emphasizing the importance of using high-frequency sound waves if necessary.

Drax the Destroyer nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, the parasite began speaking, attempting to manipulate the Guardians of the Galaxy with promises of enhanced strength and riches.

"Wait, don't take me to Asgard. I can multiply your strength a hundredfold. With such power, you could rule as you wish. It's better than exchanging me for a reward, isn't it?"

"Let's make a deal. I can augment any one of you a hundred times stronger if you release me. Then, you can do as you please."

Despite the parasite's attempts to seduce them, the Guardians remained unfazed, focused solely on claiming the bounty.

"We're not interested in strength," Star-Lord retorted. "Our only interest lies in the reward."

The parasite persisted.

"With my power, you could amass even greater wealth."

"No, you misunderstand," Star-Lord clarified. "We're only interested in the reward itself."

The Guardians' indifference perplexed the parasite, which struggled to comprehend their priorities.

Groot, with his limited vocabulary, chimed in with a knowing smile.

"Groot."

"Really? You think so too, little buddy?"

Only Rocket Raccoon could decipher Groot's cryptic language.

While the Guardians remained unswayed by the parasite's enticements, Drax the Destroyer pondered the offer carefully.

Unlike his comrades, Drax harbored personal vendettas against the Kree Empire, whose actions had decimated his homeworld and family.

At every opportunity, Drax sought to exact vengeance upon the empire responsible for his suffering.

As the conversation unfolded, Drax stealthily made his way to the escape pod, intent on fleeing.

As the others focused on their discussion, Drax activated the pod's safety protocols, preparing for a swift departure.

Unbeknownst to the Guardians, Drax harbored treacherous intentions.

At that moment, an issue with the escape pod's connection appeared on the main interface.

remarked Rocket Raccoon.

"Drax, could you check the escape pod settings? Something seems amiss."

Rocket Raccoon inquired, but received no response from Drax.

Perplexed by Drax's silence, Rocket Raccoon glanced back.

"Drax, what are you up to?"

To their astonishment, Drax stood transfixed, clutching the parasite-filled box.

Meanwhile, the parasite, sensing Drax's susceptibility, urged him to open the container, promising untold power.

Encouraged by the parasite's manipulations, Drax began inputting the box's combination, unlocking its contents.

Star-Lord and Rocket Raccoon watched in horror as Drax succumbed to the parasite's influence.

"What are you doing, Drax?" Star-Lord exclaimed.

"Is he really falling for this parasite's nonsense?" Rocket Raccoon lamented. "His brain's just full of muscles, isn't it?"

Groot attempted to retrieve the box, but was too late.

As the box opened, the parasite swiftly seized the opportunity, merging with Drax's body.

Drax screamed as the parasite assimilated with his totem-laden form, transforming him into a darkened entity.

Rocket Raccoon cursed their failure to intervene in time.

"We're too late. Drax has merged with the parasite."

Peter and the others sprang into action, aiming high-frequency sonic guns at Drax.

"Quick, shake the parasite out of him," urged Star-Lord.

Star-Lord and Rocket Raccoon fired their weapons, targeting the parasite.

Despite Drax's newfound strength, the parasite remained vulnerable to high-frequency sound waves.

However, rather than confront the Guardians, the parasite directed Drax to flee, seizing control of the escape pod.

Drax, now imbued with enhanced abilities, swiftly evaded the Guardians' attacks, boarding the escape pod and initiating its launch sequence.

As the pod ejected from the spaceship, Star-Lord and Rocket Raccoon raced to intercept it.

But they were too late.

The escape pod propelled away, leaving the Guardians stranded in disbelief.

"Darn it, he got away," Star-Lord lamented.

"Chase him, we can catch up. There's not much fuel in that pod; we'll intercept him before long," Rocket Raccoon urged.

Fueled by determination, the Guardians pursued Drax, refusing to let their friend succumb to the parasite's control.

As the spaceship sped through the cosmos, Drax's escape pod raced ahead, propelled by dwindling fuel reserves.

Despite Drax's acceleration efforts, the Guardians remained hot on his trail, determined to rescue their comrade from the parasite's clutches.

With each passing moment, the pursuit intensified, driving the Guardians to their limits.

Rocket Raccoon, his anger simmering, vowed to apprehend Drax before it was too late.

"I'd love to blast that big lug to smithereens," he seethed.

Peter interjected, offering words of encouragement amidst the chaos.

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