Chapter Text
They reunite with the Guardians, and begin a new process of healing. Things are different but they are too, and there’s a chance to make a newer, better team.
Mantis is stronger, more assured of her own strength. She will not tolerate being treated as weak or lesser. Drax mocks her appearance the first day they’re back and she tells him that it’s true, she likes him, but she will not be treated like an insect any longer. To everyone’s surprise, Drax listens. Gamora and Nebula admire her all the more for it, and start training her to actually fight.
Quill has learned to be secure in what he brings to the team, and stands up for himself against Thor to remain leader. With the ship watching, Thor cedes control. Quill works closely with Rocket to develop the ship’s technology and weaponry, developing a better understanding and appreciation of one another’s skills. Things with Gamora aren’t the same, but he’s unwilling to rush and assume anything- he can tell Nebula already explained a version of them were together. Gamora keeps her distance, but Nebula finally seems willing to become friends of a sort.
Peter has finally developed the level of skill necessary to keep up with a crew of heroes this strong, and they learn to love him quickly. Rocket takes the addition of another genius in stride and seems inclined to help mentor him, introducing him to a whole new range of weaponry. Groot just seems excited to have another kid aboard the ship. Thor is overjoyed to reunite with another Earth hero and they come to one another when they need to remember what they’ve left behind. Nebula acknowledges his untrained potential and forces him to join her, Gamora, and Mantis for combat training.
The three of them stay close- they became a family of their own while lost in space and that’s not easily lost. Some nights, it’s all they can do to huddle together and remember those endless nights in bleak space, that day trapped on a perfect planet trying to destroy them, not sure if they’d ever make it out- they don’t dwell on it, though. They’ve lost months trying to regain the past and waiting for the future; but now they’re able to find a family in the present.
They receive notice of a powerful, panicked being appearing seemingly out of nowhere, with a proclivity towards trickery and latent ice powers, and the team changes course for it. Each and every Guardian knows the value of second chances, and the hurt that comes from being left behind.
They won’t let it happen to anyone else.