Peter grinned as he led Rocket, Groot and Drax back to the Milano. It had been a successful day! They had spread the fame of "The Guardians of the Galaxy" to yet another world – this time, they even managed to make it about mostly good things. While it was true that they were sticking to the law these days, that didn't make them popular.

That was changing, though, as they had just rescued over one hundred domesticated baby gichercaws from trees. It had cost them all a few scratches, unsurprisingly most on Rocket, but Drax and Groot had hit it off with the scaly little creatures, so much so that it had taken a bit of a fight to make them leave them behind.

"Gamora," Peter called as he walked onto the Milano. She had excused herself from the PR stunt, claiming allergies. To be truthful, Peter thought she just wanted a little bit of time to herself. "Gamora, we're back."

Silence greeted him. Peter frowned, jogging to the cockpit while Drax and Groot argued with Rocket over whether the gichercaws were cute little pets or demonic monsters. Not finding Gamora, Peter then went to the "library," which was where Groot spent most of his time. Nowhere. Last, he checked the quarters they all had to share (since there wasn't enough room for them each to have their own room. Nothing.

"Hey, have you guys seen Gamora?" he asked, returning to his shipmates. "I can't find her anywhere."

"She probably snuck out to get a bite to eat or something," Rocket said, shrugging. "She does her own thing. She'll be back before you know it."

"I am Groot," the little waist-high tree said, nodding.

Peter stifled a sigh. They were probably right. He had wanted to leave, though. It was time to move on to the next planet on their tour. Building a positive reputation took a lot of work. He returned to their quarters, planning to get a little shut-eye. When he laid down, though, something crinkled under his pillow. It was a piece of paper with Gamora's writing on it.

Peter. I know you're going to be angry with me for not telling you in person, but I'm leaving. The life of a hero is not for me. Goodbye.

Blood rushed in Peter's ears. He stared at the short note, reading it again and again. It couldn't be true. Gamora wouldn't just leave like this. Something must have happened – Thanos. He jerked to his feet.

Goodbye.

No, he vowed. No, I am not giving up on you like this. I am going to find you, Gamora. He would find her. However long it took.