[ Silence stretches for a long while (too long, you idiot), and Peter has no idea what to say. All he knows is that he's entirely out of his depth here. He doesn't know what it's like to be made into a tool, doesn't know what it's like to have his freedom stripped from him. Even during his early days on the Eclector, the Ravagers had given him the liberty to roam the ship, let him ask questions and even help out if he asked nicely enough.

He worries that anything he says now will tip the scales too far to one side, make Maya clam up after this confession, and he doesn't want to lose her -- not to a group of religious fuckwits with a death wish, and not to the fear that seems to be building up inside her.

So when he speaks next, it's obvious that he's choosing his words with deliberate care. ]

None of that was you, Maya. You have to know that. The only ones to blame here are those dipshits at the abbey, and we took care of them. [ And here his expression darkens, and in moments like these it's little wonder that most of his life was spent among criminals. Clearly, thinking about the Brothers who did this to Maya has dredged up that Peter, the one who fought and threatened and killed his way back to her. ] We sent them a message that they won't forget. They won't try this again, if they know what's good for them.

And if they're stupid enough to give it another shot? They're goin' through us, they're goin' through me. I can promise you that much. Me, Gamora, Drax, Groot, and Rocket -- you've got a team of goddamn maniacs backing you, and we'll fight tooth and fucking nail to keep you safe.

[ He takes a breath, and finally his expression softens, and his shoulders drop. ] You'll get control of your powers again. You'll get control of your nightmares, too, but I can't promise they'll ever go away. You just need to give it time.