Editing Thanos (Marvel Cinematic Universe) (section)

====Ambush in Knowhere====
Thanos arrived on Knowhere with the intent of acquiring the Reality Stone from the Collector, who had been safeguarding it since the Second Dark Elf Conflict. After securing the stone and adding it to his Infinity Gauntlet, Thanos anticipated the arrival of the Guardians of the Galaxy, knowing he needed Gamora to find the Soul Stone.

To lure the Guardians into a trap, Thanos used the Reality Stone to create an illusion, making it appear as if he was torturing the Collector and asking about the Reality Stone. He waited for the Guardians to arrive, while the illusion masked the true destruction of Knowhere. The Guardians eventually made their presence known, with Drax being knocked out by Mantis to prevent him from attacking immediately. Gamora charged at Thanos' illusion, breaking his weapon and stabbing the illusion in the throat, then using the switchblade Thanos had given her to stab the illusion in the heart.

As Gamora mourned what she believed was the death of her father figure, Thanos revealed himself, having used the Reality Stone to manipulate the surroundings and show the true, burning wreckage of Knowhere. He boasted about his ability to alter reality and offered Gamora a chance to join him willingly.

Gamora refused and tried to retrieve Godslayer, but Thanos easily restrained her and turned Drax and Mantis into stone and string with the Reality Stone. Star-Lord confronted Thanos, threatening him with his Quad Blasters. Thanos recognized Star-Lord as Gamora's boyfriend and challenged him to prove his love by shooting Gamora, believing that Star-Lord's affection would prevent him from acting.

Despite the pain, Star-Lord hesitated, and Thanos used the Reality Stone to turn his ammunition and blasters into bubbles. Thanos then teleported away with Gamora, admiring Star-Lord for his conflicted emotions, and restored Drax and Mantis to their normal forms.