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As Quill addressed the others, his gaze continued to trail towards Sonia. She was certain his aside glances were on her and not Mantis. Yet she remained committed to her role as ‘observer’, drawing the least attention she could to herself. “I understand we’re learning to be together again and it’s tough. I really get it. But one way to cool the tension is if we have a temporary split.”
His words landed with a thud, none of the assembled crew took the news well, their dour expressions didn’t precede vocal protests. The silence prompted even forced Quill to resume. “Rocket, come on you’re always going to have routes you can slip right back into, like nothing ever happened.” A stiff nod and matching tone followed. “Feels like you want us all out of the way Quill.” Drax mumbled agreement then sharply interjected. “Do you think we can’t help in-”
A sharper tone ensued, an edge of frustration also apparent in his body language. “We have tried to find her. Every time it’s not close enough, we keep chasing down leads that slip away. Nothing personal anyone, but damn it I have to go solo.”
Mantis hand reached for Sonia, the blonde wrapped her hands gently around Mantis’ the pair becoming entangled. At any other time it would be endearing and lighten the general mood yet now their mutual tension continued to advance, mounting atop itself.
Quill and Rocket locked into a staring contest, neither budging until the former relented enough to speak. “The most promising clue I’ve got is Vormir. What Hawkeye told me about it…it’s a dangerous place. So, Sonia you’d have to stay behind.” A slight jolt the blonde hesitantly nodded, remaining distant. Rocket scoffed then stood up, approaching slowly. “What’re you thinking? That your Gamora is being held prisoner there and you’re going to break her out.” A glare as Rocket snapped. “She’s gone!”
Shaken by the harsh words rather then the raise voice, Quill’s resolve wavered. Rocket continued with an anger driven confidence. “Whoever we met back on earth, maybe that’s her now. She lost her memories or had ‘em taken.” The words hung in the air for a prolonged moment until Groot’s voice drifted across the silent space. “I am Groot.” Quill set his gaze on Groot, a narrow smile. “I know, I know. He didn’t mean to shout…”
Mantis shuffled to sit closer to Sonia, her free arm draped around her waist, the pair creating their own feedback loop of affection, of comfort.
Quill shook his head, briefly pacing then returning his attention to the others. “I can’t let it go. If she is out there and I don’t…” The group remained unimpressed, Sonia and Mantis’ continuing silence drew his attention. “I guess this is it for you, huh Sonia?” She nodded hesitantly. “Yeah, it’s been a good experience, Quill.” A faint smile exchanged between the pair.
Rocket let the moment linger yet still felt intrusive as he spoke. “That’s the way you want it then find another ship. Groot and I, we’ll take care of ourselves.” Drax took the pause as a prompt and interjected. “As will I.” Mantis frowned and rose her hand slowly, despite no permission offered she began. “I will accompany Sonia, so she won’t be alone.” The lack of acknowledgement from the others didn’t deter her, Mantis looked to Sonia. In turn she nodded with a narrow smile. “Thanks Mantis.”
The disbandment of the Guardians was done, amicable and temporary according to Quill. Sonia doubted it but couldn’t push it from her mind, she sat close behind Mantis as her companion navigated the small ship across the expansive cosmos. Their destinations name meant nothing to her, she’d gently rebuffed Mantis’ efforts to explain, to elaborate. Her gaze drifted between the blanket of stars and Mantis. Only the latter gave her any comfort.