Departures

- - - - -

Groot laid down beside Ana's head on the cushion she rested on, listening to her MP3 player. Wu-Tang Clan was on. Something Daniel got her into when they were together. She was still asleep. After Yondu's funeral, they all crashed around in Kraglin's ship until they could get the Milano back up and running. It also gave them time to rest before they get back to aiding the galaxy. The battle took at lot of out them. Physically and mentally. Especially from Peter. But he was lucky, he had those around him — his true family.

Gamora had tended to the wounds on Ana's hands, leaving them snuggly bandaged. She had left a cup of water on the bedside stool along with a few food bars. Groot took a granola bar for himself and waited patiently for her to open her eyes. He pressed the two ear buds against his ears, eyes wide. He then took one and placed it into Ana's ear, pumping the volume up to the max.

"I am Groot." He called. She shifted, inhaling deeply when she could hear Wu-Tang in one ear.

"What the-" She peeked an eye open and saw Groot, munching on some food beside her. "Groot, buddy, how long have I been out?" She yawned, pushing herself up into a sitting position.

"I am Groot." He replied, and packed away the music.

Ana made a puzzled look. She still couldn't understand him and rubbed her eyes. "Where's the gang?"

He hopped off the bed and started walking with small strides towards the open door. Ana swung her legs over the edge of the bed, drank the cup of water and picked up the other granola bar. She unwrapped it and stood, being careful not to tear the stitches in her hands. Just as she neared the doorway, her vision dotted and her legs went numb, causing her to crash onto the threshold. She caught herself before she could trip, accidentally denting the metal, and swallowed thickly, reaching up to place a hand over her head. She noticed it was ice cold and throbbing. This always seemed to happen after heavy use of her abilities.

Instead of going back to bed like a smart person would do, Ana ignored the unhealthy sign and kept walking.

She fiddled with her hair until it bunched up in a low bun and followed Groot onto the main flight deck. There, the group sat around discussing their next course of action, eating their lunch. She could hear a couple of names of different planets being thrown around and suddenly, she remembered.

"Oh my freakin' God! I have to go back to Earth!" Ana exclaimed, causing all of them to face her. Whatever Ego's plan had done, it must have left some part of Earth damaged and vulnerable. She glanced down at the Sling Ring hanging on a chain that she never took off and covered it with her palm.

Rocket jumped off his seat and approached her as Peter and Gamora stood. "What? Right now? But we need your help with Xandar." Rocket remarked.

"We got a lot of reports saying big blobs of blue sprouted from different parts of planets. Ego caused a lot of damage." Peter reported, placing his hands on his hips.

Ana's eyes softened. "I wish I could stay and help, but... I've got my own planet to take care of. Not to mention I've been away for too long now." She sighed. She could feel that there must have been a disturbance on her planet, and that they needed help.

Gamora nodded. "It's alright. We understand."

Drax looked up from his blue jelly. "But I was just saying how you wanted to visit more planets. They'll let you in now that we know who you're father is."

"Some planets, you idiot." Rocket retorted, "If I remember correctly, the Sentinel had enemies. I don't think it's a good idea drawing to much attention to the fact that you're his long lost daughter."

Ana furrowed her eyebrows. Her lips twitched upwards slightly. "You've all heard about my father?"

"He was a well known warrior." Peter smiled, hinting at her own alias.

Gamora walked forward to place a hand on Ana's shoulder, "Word has spread about you, Ana. And I'm not sure that's a good thing." She explained, concern in her eyes. She knew all about the dangers that came with bounties, especially if they were meant for cosmic beings.

Ana's face paled. "So you're saying killer aliens are gonna knock on my door?"

"They don't know how you look or where you come from. I'm positive you'll be safe on Earth, away from any galaxy civilisation. Just promise me as a precaution you won't divulge to people about your true father. You can't trust anyone." Gamora was very stern with her words and it made Ana nod in response. The idea of people coming after her because they knew her father was hard to digest. She didn't even know him.

"Right." Ana cleared her throat. "I won't. It's just..." She trailed off, making the rest of the group frown in curiosity.

"What?" Peter pried.

"What if there's someone out there who can tell me who my father really was? As a person. Not just some legend or story. Like what if there's more? Maybe he had a family. What if he did and they're still alive?" Ana looked at all of them, eyes glassy and red.

"That is unlikely. Trust me," Gamora began, "There are many people out there who could use that vulnerability of your yearning for answers in their favour. For example, alien empires that trick their way into your mind by taking form of those closest to you. Ana, believe me, you will find out more about Marcus, when the time is right, you'll know it. You'll feel it. You just have to be patient."

Ana appreciated her words. She couldn't be more grateful towards them all. She managed to smile in response and nodded.

"I guess you're right. Again."

- - -

"Before you leave, I want you to have this."

After getting her belongings together, Peter showed her a flame pin about the size of his palm. It was their signature symbol and she grinned slightly, picking it up with her fingers.

"Does this mean..."

"That you're one of us, hell yeah." Peter chuckled. "You fought by our side and helped us defeat a monster. A lot of people would have ran the other way, but you stuck around, and that means a lot. It proves to us all that you have our backs no matter what. That you're family."

Ana couldn't keep the joyous laugh that left her lips and embraced Peter tightly. "This is so amazing! I don't even know what to say except thank you." She pulled back and gave him a sincere smile. "I wouldn't even be here if you guys hadn't found me. Since then it's been a whirlwind of good, and few interesting, times. And hey, I got a few friends out of it. So, thank you, again."

"Our pleasure." Gamora smiled at her warmly. Ana knew it was a long shot, but she approached the assassin with open arms, wagging her eyebrows suggestively as the stupid grin on her face grew.

Gamora looked up briefly before sighing and waving her forward. Ana laughed in victory and crushed the woman in a tight embrace. "I've made you soft, Gammie." She snickered.

Gamora pulled away and narrowed her eyes. She jabbed her index finger in Ana's face. "I told you not to call me that."

Drax had stepped in for his hug and Ana groaned when he squished her too hard. The rest of the Guardians cringed when they could hear her bones creak. A mischievous grin appeared on her lips and she returned it with equal force, earning a surprised shout from him.

"Ha! I will miss our arm wrestling and tag battles." He announced as she stepped back.

"Me too, bud."

Rocket was scratching the back of his neck as Groot constantly bounced on his feet, arms up as a gesture for Ana to pick him up. Ana knelt in front of them and put on a smile. "You guys... you're probably the ones I'll miss most. Come 'ere, Groot." She opened her hand for the little one to step on and she patted him against her shoulder.

She looked at him and beamed. "I am Groot."

Groot gasped, eyes wide. "I am Groot."

"He says you just connected with him on a spiritual level." Rocket chuckled, bumbling fists with the half human.

"Well, I am a sorcerer. I'm into those spiritual vibes." She let Mystic energy pool around in her hands, watching as it dripped through her fingers and Groot jump around to catch it. He sneezed when he breathed it in and Ana chuckled with a bless you.

She stood up straight, hiking her backpack on her shoulders. She removed the chain round her neck and managed to slide the ring onto her bandages fingers. The others watched as she waved her hands in a circle, creating a portal to Earth.

"I'll hit the spot Ego infested and dig out the spore he planted." Ana told them, "I wish you guys the best. And I'll see you soon." She stepped into the portal, waving goodbye to the Guardians.

"Goodbye, Ana." The chorused, waving their hands.

Her smile was weakening as she watched the portal close, eyes dropping to the ground when it blinked out of the air. She held the flame pin in her hand and gazed at it, knowing she will see them again soon. Her fingers tightened around the object and she looked up, finally realising where she was.

Ana was at a corner bodega in New York. Her lips pursed briefly, wondering why she didn't go the area Ego hijacked. Then it dawned on her. Apart of her was thinking of her parents when she created the portal. Out of the corner of her eye she could see the neon signs. Right down the street was the Metro General Hospital, which means she stood in front of the place the burned down twenty seven years ago. The place she was born. And the place her mother and father had burned.

In it's wake, a small but busy convenience store stood. She was stationed on the edge of the sidewalk, looking in through the windows. She could see the workers serve their customers, and one in particular caught her attention.

Her eyes squinted. "Parker?"

As if Peter had heard her, the hairs on his arms stood and he got a tingling sensation at the back of his head that caused him to frown. It made him look over his shoulder, and his eyes enlarge. He snatched his food from the counter after getting his change and dashed out the doors.

"You're finally back!"

Ana saw Peter run wildly and steadied herself when he wrapped his arms around her. She discreetly carried him and walked further away from the side of the road, just to be safe.

"Sorry for doubling the time of my trip. I didn't expect to be held back." Ana began to explain as Peter pulled away and smiled up at her. The gesture faltered though once he saw the bruising and scratches all over her. And the dark eyes worried him.

"Are you okay?"

Ana realised she had never spoke about her parents with him. Peter still believed her adoptive family was in Europe. He still believed they were ordinary parents that led ordinary lives. He didn't know about their true ones. He didn't know they were Hydra. If she were to tell him the truth, she knew he would want May to hear about it too. But she wasn't ready to tell them. She could just imagine the horror on their face, and it made her sick.

Ana kept her hands on his upper arms and squeezed them slightly, offering him a smile. "I'm fine. Let's get back to your place, I'm starving."

"Who's this?"

A teenager stood in Peter's living room with one hand carrying his laptop while the other pointed at Ana. She had just walked in with Peter, laughing about something he had just said when the unfamiliar voice alerted her.

Peter hopped forward and clapped his best friend on the shoulder. "Ned, this is my close friend, Ana. She's the one that helped me ace Spanish last semester."

"Hola, Ned." Ana waved with a grin.

Peter extended his other hand towards her. "This is my friend from school, Ned Leeds. We've got some homework to do before dinner. Do you mind?" He questioned hesitantly, shooting her an apologetic smile.

Ana shrugged her bag and jacket off, shaking her head. "No, no. Go for it. I'll tell you when it's ready. Nice to meet you, Ned." She looked to the boy who hadn't looked away from her the second she walked in.

Peter had to drag him off when Ned began stuttering in Spanish as a way to respond to her earlier statement. She walked in the kitchen when she heard a curse and a bang followed by another wail. May was trying to get the oven working as Ana crept up from behind her. They young brunette tip toed closer, a grin on her lips. The moment she was close, she poked May's sides and yelled,

"Mayday!"

May shouted in surprise and turned to face Ana with her hand over her rapidly beating heart. She narrowed her eyes at the laughing woman in front of her and swatted her shoulder, causing her to whine.

"Don't sneak up on me. I hate it when people do that." May disgruntled.

Ana rubbed her shoulder, "Seemed right at the time."

May's stoic expression melted into one of a warm smile. She reached for Ana and wrapped her up in a hug. "Oh, it's good to have you back, honey. Peter was beginning to worry after the third week."

Ana pulled back. "I had to stick around and help a couple of acquaintances. They were in a bit of a... twist."

May picked up a stray tea towel from the counter next to her and rubbed Ana's cheek. "And you didn't bother showering after?" She snorted.

Ana swatted her hands away, "I'll have one after I eat. Which is why I came here. So, what's on the menu?" She surveyed the kitchen and saw nothing but unopened food boxes and empty pans.

May shoved her glasses further up her nose with a huff. She threw her arms up. "Well, oven's not working so there goes lasagna." She replied.

Ana pointed at the magnet on the fridge on the other side of the kitchen. "I got you that magnet for times like these. Joe's Pizza is the best in New York. And I'm a premium customer with a stomach rumbling for cheesy supreme."

"Alright, but I'm buying." May sternly eyed Ana before she packed away the food and pans. Ana sat at the table and picked up the home phone, dialling the number she knew by heart.

"No argument there."

- - -

"So, how was your trip? Where did you go?"

Looking up from her cup of soda, Ana glanced at May, finding the older woman staring at her with a curious smile on her face. Ned and Peter also faced her, interested in her answer. Ana stretched her lips into a smile, trying to figure out a lie. She was hoping to avoid this part. She couldn't exactly share with them her galaxy adventures, otherwise they would look at her like she was crazy.

"Oh, uh, I went to..." Ana's eyes trailed around, her fingers fidgeting with the pizza crust on her plate. Her eyes landed on one of Peter's school books. "India?" She squinted at it, before nodding enthusiastically. "Right! India."

"That sounds like fun." May responded, tilting her head.

Ned leaned forward, "Did you visit the Taj Mahal? You can't go to India and not visit that amazing white mausoleum."

"Was it hot there?" Peter added.

"How was the food?" May threw in.

"Did you take photos?" Ned asked.

Ana glanced at each of them, trying to respond but nothing but a pathetic uh left her mouth. She then sighed, taking in a deep breath before facing each of the interrogators. She hadn't done this in a while, make things up. She always did it as a SHIELD agent.

To May. "Food was great. I loved the bread most of all."

To Ned. "Yes I did visit the Taj Mahal, and it was stunning. I did not take photos because I didn't have my camera on me."

To Peter. "I was sweating bullets, but I did enjoy the sunshine."

Peter frowned, looking her over. "You don't have a tan though."

Ana threw him a dry look. "I wore sunblock."

Ned looked at his pizza, mumbling out, "How could you forget to bring a camera on a vacation?"

Peter smirked at Ana. "You hate putting sunblock on. You think it's like marinating your skin."

May sighed. "You get sick after eating too much bread, honey."

Ana chugged her drink down. She leaned back into her seat and crossed her arms. "It was a long flight and I'm really tired."

The three chorused in understanding, continuing to eat their dinner. They conversed with each other, while Ana sat quietly. Her mind drifted off to her father, and what Ego had said about him. She knew if there was anyone to talk to about her father, it would be Thor. He was thousands of years old, even though he had the face of a baby, and maybe he could shed some light on the Sentinel. Marcus must have come from a species with extraordinary abilities. The strength she possessed was superhuman. And, as she has come to realise, it only grew as she aged.

"Ana?"

She was snapped back to reality when May called her name. She peered at the woman across from her, humming. "Yeah?"

"Want me to pack the leftover pizza for you?"

Ana smiled. "Yes, please."

- - -

"I'll swing by tomorrow morning, Pete."

Ana was trying to peel the fifteen year old boy off her. He was laughing in her ear, legs wrapped around her torso and arms clutching onto the material of her jacket as she tried to walk to the front door. His weight was no problem to her at all and May was having a laugh at her place on the sofa. It was almost quarter to midnight and Ned had left about an hour earlier.

"You promise?" Peter questioned, pulling back to smush his face against hers. His nose squished her own and she scowled.

"If you get out of my personal space, then yes." She removed him and held him arms length away. He was grinning, kicking his feet in the air above the floor. She couldn't help the smile that wormed its way onto her face. It reminded her of how she used to carry him around when he was a kid. Even now that's all she saw when she looked at him.

May joined them just as Peter was placed on his feet. She gave Ana a kiss on the cheek as Peter did the same on the opposite side of her face. Ana smiled at the gesture and waved as she headed out the door. "Bye, Parkers."

"Safe walk home, sweetheart." May called after her before the door shut.

Ana exited the apartment building and walked a couple more blocks until she got to her own. The streets held a handful of people, making it a quiet walk home.

Once she got inside the apartment building, she used the elevator to climb to her floor. She couldn't be bothered taking the stairs. She dragged her feet, eyes drooping as she neared her room. Inside, she dropped her backpack on the couch, removing her jacket and kicking off her shoes before face planting onto her mattress. She noticed the fresh smell her sheets gave off and knew May tidied up while she was gone. A groan escaped her lips when her muscles ached.

"Home sweet home."

- - - - -

Hey guys! Hope you enjoyed and as usual, please comment and tell me what you thought. Also, did anyone catch that Skrulls reference? I really want to add them into this storyline just need to figure out how. Stay tuned and I'll update again soon!

will be next. Third book will be up sometime and in that, we will start off with the !

Q- What did you guys think of the Defenders?