The atmosphere inside the ship became charged with anticipation as they approached planet Athena. Tobi couldn't shake the feeling that Rayla's silence held secrets, mysteries that were about to unravel. He stole glances at her, searching for any sign that might offer a clue about her enigmatic connection to this particular planet.

As the ship descended through the outer layers of Athena's atmosphere, the vibrant colors of the planet's surface came into view. Lush greenery, sparkling bodies of water, and majestic mountain ranges stretched across the landscape. It was a planet of stunning beauty, seemingly untouched by the conflicts that had marred other worlds.

"We're almost there," Tobi announced, his eyes briefly meeting Rayla's. There was a tension in the air, a silent understanding that this moment held significance.

Rayla, her gaze fixed on the approaching terrain, finally spoke, "This is where I need to be."

Tobi and Rito exchanged puzzled glances, curiosity etched on their faces. "Why Athena?" Tobi inquired, unable to hide the curiosity in his voice.

Rayla hesitated for a moment before responding, “there is someone I need to see” she said before making her way out of the ship. 

Rayla found herself standing alone in front of an unassuming home on the tranquil planet Athena. The decision to embark on this journey had been hers alone, and she hadn't expected her companions, Tobi and Rito, to follow. There was unfinished business tethering her to this place, an old and rustic home that exuded a sense of warmth and familiarity.

A gentle knock on the door was met with the creaking of its hinges, revealing an armadillo-like man whom Rayla instantly recognized. "Rayla!" he greeted with genuine cheerfulness. "It's been ages since I've seen you. How's Marados?"

She couldn't meet his gaze directly, her eyes shifting to the side as she clutched a box tightly. "I'm sorry. He's gone. He wanted you to have this," she said, her voice carrying the weight of the heartbreaking news she bore.

The man's expression softened, and he stepped aside to welcome her into the home. "Ah, I see. I guess it was only a matter of time. Come on in."

Seated across from each other at a worn coffee table, Rayla carefully placed the box between them.

"Have you had a peek?" he asked, running his hand over the weathered box that bore the marks of time and travel.

"Of course not," Rayla retorted, a hint of offense in her tone. The idea that she wouldn't respect her grandfather's wishes struck a chord.

"Here." He moved to sit beside her, offering a better view as he opened the box. "Old Mardie loved to collect keepsakes of his travels, mostly photos." He revealed a stack of photographs, memories captured in time. "The whole team is here," he said with a melancholic smile. "He even managed to get a few of Cozha, and she hated having her photo taken." His gaze lingered on a wooden box within the larger one, a picture of Cozha taped to the front. "And her ashes. She was the first one to go."

Rayla's eyes scanned the multiple boxes bearing the names of the entire team, save for one. The final member was sitting beside her. "I'm sorry for your losses."

"No need to apologize. We can't change the way the universe is ever flowing. And soon, I will join them. I'm not sure if your grandpa ever asked, but after Cozha died, we decided to release our ashes together into the ocean of Planet Hydra. It's where we had our first mission as peacekeepers."

"You want me to release the ashes?"

"Yes, I know it's a lot to ask of someone so young, but I don't plan on kicking the bucket just yet."

Rayla nodded solemnly, a mixture of emotions swirling within her. The connection between her grandfather and this man, the shared memories of a team that had faced both triumphs and tragedies, tugged at her heartstrings. "I'll do it," she said, her voice steady with determination.

As they continued to reminisce about Marados and the adventures of the peacekeeping team, Tobi and Rito stood outside, respecting Rayla's need for privacy. Tobi couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence for the place and the memories it held for Rayla.

"She never really talked much about her past," Tobi mused, watching the door.

Rito nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's like she carried the weight of it all in silence. But whatever it is, it seems important to her."

Inside the home, Rayla listened intently to the stories, laughter, and shared moments. It was a bittersweet reunion, a convergence of past and present. The armadillo-like man, now an elder, spoke with genuine affection for Marados, Cozha , and the rest of the team. He shared tales of their exploits, the challenges they faced, and the victories they celebrated.

As the stories unfolded, Rayla felt a growing connection to her grandfather's legacy and the impact he had on the lives of those around him. She began to understand why this place, Planet Athena, held such significance.

When the time came to fulfill Marados's final wish, Rayla stood on the shores of Planet Hydra, the gentle waves lapping against the sand. The wooden boxes containing the ashes of the peacekeeping team were in her hands. The armadillo-like man stood beside her, his eyes reflecting a lifetime of memories.

"We had a good run," he said, a wistful smile playing on his lips.

Rayla nodded, a mixture of sadness and gratitude in her eyes. "I hope you find peace with them."

With a deep breath, Rayla scattered the ashes into the ocean, watching as they merged with the water, carried away by the current. The wind carried a whisper, a fleeting connection to the past.

Back on the ship, as they prepared to leave Athena, Rayla carried with her a newfound sense of closure. The weight of untold stories, unspoken sorrows, and the burden of her grandfather's legacy had eased. Tobi and Rito sensed the transformation in her, the subtle release of something long held within.

As the ship ascended into the star-studded sky, Rayla stood at the helm, her gaze fixed on the receding planet below. The mysteries of her past had unraveled, leaving behind a tapestry of memories and the comforting knowledge that, in fulfilling Marados's final wish, she had honored not only his legacy but the bonds that connected them all.

"So who was he?" Tobi asked in sympathy as she started at the photograph of an owl looking alien. 

"He was my grandfather, he saved me from planet Baccus" she said rubbing her eyes to remove her tears with her arm. 

Tobi felt a wave of compassion for Rayla as the weight of her emotions became more evident. He had sensed that her connection to Planet Athena ran deep, but the revelation about her grandfather added a layer of complexity to her story.

"He saved you from Baccus?" Tobi inquired, his voice soft and understanding.

Rayla nodded, her eyes fixed on the photograph. "I was just a kid. Baccus was a harsh place, and I was caught up in some dangerous situations. That's when he took me in and gave me a home.” 

Tobi could see the gratitude and pain intertwined in her eyes. "He must have been an incredible person."

"He was," she replied, a small smile playing on her lips. "Marados was not just my grandfather; he was a leader, a peacekeeper. He believed in doing what was right, even if it meant facing the toughest challenges."

Rito, who had been listening silently, chimed in, "Sounds like an admirable person. No wonder you hold Athena and his memories so dearly."

Rayla wiped away a lingering tear and took a deep breath. "He taught me about the importance of standing up for what you believe in, even when the odds are against you. And now, it's my turn to carry on that legacy."

Tobi and Rito exchanged glances, understanding the depth of responsibility that Rayla felt. The photograph captured not just an alien's image but the spirit of a man who had dedicated his life to making the universe a better place.

"I became a peacekeeper because of him, I don't know how he would feel knowing I was discharged" She croaked her words sounded defeated clearly she was still beating herself over it. 

Rayla's words hung in the air, carrying the weight of unspoken emotions. Tobi and Rito listened with empathy, understanding the significance of her admission. The camaraderie they had built during their journey had created a space for vulnerability and shared truths.

"I think he'd be proud of you, Rayla," Tobi offered, his voice filled with reassurance. "Being a peacekeeper isn't just about the badge; it's about the principles you uphold and the difference you make. Discharge or not, you've continued to embody those ideals."

Rayla nodded appreciatively, a small smile breaking through the layers of uncertainty. "You're right, Tobi. I might not wear the uniform anymore, but I still believe in fighting for justice and helping those in need."

Rito chimed in, "And that's exactly what we've been doing. Discharge or not, your actions speak louder than any official title."

As the ship sailed through the cosmic expanse, Rayla felt a renewed sense of purpose. The legacy of Marados, the teachings of a peacekeeper, lived on through her commitment to making a positive impact in the universe. The camaraderie forged with Tobi, Rito, and G-Mera added new layers to her journey, creating a tapestry of shared experiences.

"Thank you, both of you," Rayla expressed, her gratitude evident. "I needed this, and I'm grateful to have you by my side."

The trio shared a moment of quiet reflection, the hum of the ship's engines providing a soothing backdrop. In the vastness of space, their interconnected stories wove together, each thread contributing to the tapestry of their shared destiny.

As they navigated the cosmic currents, Rayla found solace in the realization that being a peacekeeper wasn't confined to a single role or title. It was a lifelong commitment to values that transcended official designations. The legacy of Marados thrived not only in the tales of the past but in the actions and choices of those who carried his teachings forward.

The ship sailed toward new horizons, guided not just by the navigation systems but by the shared purpose and resilience of its crew. The universe awaited with its mysteries and challenges, and the crew of unlikely heroes embraced the unknown with determination and unity.

Their journey continued, a tapestry of destinies interwoven, propelled by the enduring spirit of peacekeeping and the bonds forged in the boundless expanse of the cosmos.