At the raccoon's feet.
A tiny figure made of bark wobbled to his feet.
He was only about two feet tall, with a crown of fine new shoots and wide, innocent eyes. Green sap still dribbled from his mouth as he looked around.
"I am Groot..."
The little sapling rubbed his head. His voice was soft and drowsy, as if he had only just woken up.
"Hey! Don't wipe your sap on my gun! It's custom-made!" the raccoon shouted.
The last one out was a shifty-looking lackey with slightly crossed eyes. He clung to the hatch and vomited.
This odd group of four was Yondu Udonta of the Ravagers, Rocket Raccoon, baby Groot, and the lackey Kraglin. They had made a string of frantic jumps to meet up with Star-Lord.
After a while, all four found their footing. They looked up and met the wary gazes of Jane and Thor.
Yondu narrowed his eyes at the hammer in Jane's hand, then at the large wrench in Thor's.
"Looks like we've run into the locals."
He gave a whistle.
"Whoosh—"
The red Yaka Arrow shot up from his belt and hovered beside his shoulder. Its tip pointed at Jane's forehead, glowing a dangerous red.
"They don't look too friendly."
Rocket raised his energy cannon and aimed it at Thor. He barely reached Thor's knee, but his swagger was just as imposing.
"Hey! Big guy!"
"Put that thing down, or I'll blow your head into mush!"
Thor looked down at the wrench in his hand, then at the raccoon standing no higher than his shin.
"A... rabbit?" He looked baffled.
"Is this talking rabbit threatening me?"
"Rabbit?!"
Rocket hated being called a rabbit, a raccoon, or a wildcat.
"I'm Rocket, you blond ape!"
"I am Groot," baby Groot chimed in.
"This is