Cosmic: A Guardians of the Galaxy Story

Chapter 1: Changes

STARK ECO-COMPOUND, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 6TH, 2023

As Tony's funeral wrapped up, people disbanded into their own little groups.

Sylva smiled sadly at Wanda as the redhead trudged away from Clint, who remained by the edge of the water.

"Still think you can sneak up on me?" He asked, noticing her presence.

Another bittersweet smile crossed the brunette's face. "I came to say goodbye." She responded, causing Clint to turn and face her.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

Sylva shook her head. "The last five years killed a lot of us. Lost two friends in one day. I need a fresh start."

He was silent for a moment, pondering the news.

"So where you going to go?"

"Rocket gave me an offer with the Guardians. We leave from New Asgard tomorrow."

Hurt clouded his voice. "So just like that, you're going to space?"

"It's not anything indefinite. I may come back."

"You know you can always stay with us..."

"You need your family, Clint. You need to heal."

The man began to cry harshly. "Don't leave, Marcus. Please. You and 'Tasha are the only friends I've had..."

"You'll be alright."

Sylva caught her best friend in a hug, comforting him as he cried into her shoulder. She almost felt guilty taking off after Nat died, but she couldn't stand to be an Avenger anymore. She didn't feel worthy of it.

KNOWHERE, SOMETIME IN JUNE, 2026

Sylva slipped out of bed, got dressed and walked out into the 'daylight' of Knowhere.

After three and a half years with the Guardians of the Galaxy, Sleep schedules never got easier.

"Well look who it is, a little ray of sunshine."

Sylva turned around and flipped a double bird at Rocket.

"And she woke up the wrong side of the bed."

"You're sassy for a raccoon!" She joked, already making her way to the Cargo bay to meet Kraglin. "Where's Peter?"

"Blackout drunk in his apartment."

Sylva frowned, his behavior was starting to bother her. While they had been in a casual relationship for about a year, he was still mourning Gamora. Which there was nothing wrong with, but he seemed obsessed with her.

Stepping into his room, she saw him sleeping peacefully.

"See you later, space boy."

He caught her arm drowsily, and in his sleep, whispered.

"I love you."

Sylva's heart panged, because she wasn't sure if he was talking to her or Gamora.

Nonetheless, she leaned down to kiss his cheek before leaving on a supply run with Kraglin and Cosmo.

Kraglin had noticed something was off with her.

"Y'alright, kid?"

Sylva shook her head lightly, toying with the small blade Natasha had given her.

"I don't know if me and Pete are gonna work. Sometimes I almost feel like I'm just filling in for her."

"I would say 'give him some time, he'll come around', but He's been kinda unpredictable lately."

"Tell me about it. I though maybe after Mantis told him she's his sister, he'd get better. He's got good and bad days lately."

When they returned to Knowhere, Cosmo challenged Kraglin to a contest.

"You and arrow, versus me and rock, no?"

"That's not even fair, you'd beat him so easily." Sylva teased, earning an unappreciative look from Kraglin.

"I'll do it. I Can handle the arrow."

Sylva snorted "What do you mean? You nearly shoved it up your nose once," she reminded him.

"That was a long time ago!" He protested.

"This oughta be fun. My money's on the space pup."

Kraglin frowned. "What a friend you are."

"One of the best!" Sylva grinned jokingly. "Now excuse me, I gotta go get some things for your little contest."

She grabbed some various scraps from Rocket's pile of equipment and returned to the spot that Cosmo had chosen for the challenge. She arranged them randomly, giving the rivals a bit of difficulty. By the time she looked up, many people had gathered around.

"Alright. Rules are: no hands, one person at a time, first one to knock down each piece is the winner."

The crowd hushed as Kraglin whistled lowly, levitating the glowing red arrow. It stayed in place for a second, before his pitch changed, sending it flying sideways. The control didn't last long, though, as it fell short of the first target.

Aw's resounded through the lot of spectators.

"Kraglin is out. Your turn, Cos."

The dog braced her legs and lowered her head, concentrating as she levitated the rock in the air, then sending it around each target, knocking them down.

The crowd chuckled. Kraglin whined.

"Telekinesis is cheating! That was a pebble, I can do that with my dang finger!" He looked at Cosmo. "You're a bad dog."

"Do not say that to me!" Cosmo scolded.

Sylva turned her focus away from the quarrel when she heard a crash and a scream.

Something gold flew by her, nearly sending the woman to the ground. Eyes searching the town, she zeroed in on something, no, someone. And that someone was gripping onto Rocket.

Confused, she turned to Kraglin. "What the hell was that?!"