Golden Days✓ Tony Stark [Book 3]

22: What More To Lose?

"I am Groot." Groot says irritably.

"Tinkle in the cup. We’re not looking. What’s there to see? What’s a twig? Everybody’s seen a twig." Rocket replies nonchalantly.

"I am Groot." He states and this time Thor responds.

"Tree, pour what’s in the cup out in space, and go in the cup again." Thor says, making me turn to him in surprise.

"You speak Groot?" Rocket asked.

"Yes, they taught it on Asgard. It was an elective." Thor responds as Groot grunts.

"I am Groot."

"I'm not looking Groot, I promise." This time all eyes turned to me.
"What?"

"Nothing." Rocket replied as Groot went back to his business and Thor took a seat beside me.

"I am Groot."

"You’ll know when we’re there. Nivadellir’s forge harnesses the power of a blazing neutron star." Thor responds before looking down nostalgically, "It’s the birth place of my hammer. It’s truly awesome."

"Hey. It's gonna be okay." I said, even though it felt and sounded like I was trying to convince myself.

"So, dead brother, huh? Yeah, that can be annoying." Rocket says as he tapped a couple of buttons. I could see he was trying to comfort us and I really appreciate it. But the only thing that can bring me comfort now is Thanos's death.

"Well, he’s been dead before, but this time I think it really might be true." Thor responded and I looked away, trying to will the tears away.

"And you said your sister and your dad?" Rocket asked.

"Both dead."

"Still got a mom, though?"

"Killed by a dark elf." My mind goes back to Asgard, when Frigga was still alive, her funeral and the time I spent with Loki after.

"A best friend?" Rocket asks again, suddenly getting worried for the god man.

"Stabbed through the heart." Thor responded and I winced.

"Are you sure you guys are up to this particular murder mission?" Rocket asked, looking between the both of us.

"Absolutely." Thor and I agreed. "Rage, vengeance, anger, loss, regret…they’re all tremendous motivators. They really clear the mind. So I’m good to go, right lady Stark?" He asked.

"Right. Especially when I feel stronger than ever now. I'm not sure if it's adrenaline or I'm just so pumped up but I'll figure it out after I kill Thanos." I responded with a broad smile that I'm sure doesn't reach my eyes.

"Yeah, but this is Thanos we’re talking about…He’s the toughest there is." Rocket says in concern.

"Well, he’s never fought us." Thor replied.

"Yeah, he has."

"He’s never fought us twice. And I’m getting a new hammer, don’t forget." Thor says.

"Better be some hammer." Rocket comments as Thor perks up like he remembered something.

"About weapons," he says before turning to me pulling out something from the side of his suit, "he asked me to give you this."

Tears filled my eyes as I looked down at my retracted, pen sized staff. I let out a sad soft laugh, taking it from him.
"He said not to loose it. I actually thought I did. Thanks Thor."

"Are you guys sure you're up for this?" Rocket asked again.

"You know, I’m 1,500 years old. I’ve killed twice as many enemies as that, and every one would have rather killed me, but none succeeded. I’m only alive because fate wants me alive. Thanos is the latest in a long line of bastards and he will be the latest to feel my vengeance because fate wills it so." Thor grits.