The battle hall aboard the Sanctuary II, used for training, was like an ancient civilization lost in an underground cavern.
Towering black stone formed the palace's basic palette. Pillars thick enough for two people to encircle supported a dome carved with obscure patterns. Around the nearly circular training ground stood rows of metal pods, each sealed around a different powerful creature, used for live combat drills.
When James strode across the gangway and into the battle hall, the Mad Titan's two adopted daughters had already been training there for some time.
Gamora gripped a two-handed greatsword, crouched low with her breathing still fairly steady. Opposite her, Nebula knelt on one knee, holding an electrified short blade in each hand. Her modified metal arm crackled with electricity, barely able to keep hold of her weapon.
Neither of them stopped their standoff at James's arrival. They continued glaring at each other.
Nebula's mechanical arm suddenly twisted at the forearm, extending a chain that whipped the baton-like weapon in her hand toward Gamora. At the same time, she lunged forward and struck with all her strength.
"Emotional, and she still hasn't found a way to harness the power of emotion."
James shook his head and commented casually. Gamora charged straight into Nebula's attack instead of retreating. Ignoring the incoming lash, she thrust her greatsword at Nebula's neck, trading a wound for a kill.
The blade flashed.
Nebula's smooth indigo head remained on her shoulders, but her metal arm was severed at the shoulder and clattered to the ground. The electrified baton flickered a few more times, then went dark.
"How many arms is that now? Nebula, maybe your new combat instructor can help you grow a little brain."
Gamora, the victor, glanced toward James, then bent to pick up Nebula's severed mechanical arm