EXT. SCHOOL YARD. DAY

We open on a bright and sunny day as we pan down to the blacktop of a children's playground in the back of an elementary school.

Kids are running all over the place, playing tag and all sorts of other various games that children play.

We begin to zoom in on one particular child though, a little girl named Lana. She is only five years old.

We finally get a full shot of her as she stands alone underneath the jungle gym. You can tell she is shy and doesn't socialize very well. She doesn't exactly have friends either. She feels completely alone as all the other students at her school play. And then a shadow is cast over her.

The camera pans up as she tilts her head the same direction.

Standing before her on top of the jungle gym is a young boy. Our protagonist Peter Quill.

He stares at her as she stares at him. There is absolute silence until finally Peter speaks.

Peter

What's your name?

Lana

Lana...

Peter

Why are you all alone Lana?

Lana

I'm new here... I don't know anybody.

Peter

Well you know me now.

Peter jumps down and stands directly in front of Lana.

Peter

My names Peter.

Lana shyly waves.

Peter

What do you want to do?

Lana

What do you mean?

Peter

Well I suppose we could stand around all day with our thumbs planted

firmly up our butts or we could have some fun.

Lana

How?

Peter

I've always enjoyed hide and seek,

however there are not many places to hide here.

I suppose we could settle for a game of tag.

Lana

You really want to play with me?

Peter

Of course.

Lana

Why?

Peter

Because a girl as pretty as you shouldn't be alone during recess.

Lana blushes.

Peter

Now I'm normally not "it" since

I'm such a beast at this game, but I'll make an exception for you.

Heck, I'll even give you a head start!

Peter walks behind the jungle gym.

Peter

I'll wait here, look at this pole

(He points at a pole)

And count to ten. After that is when I take off.

Lana

Ok...

Peter

Alright then.

Peter leans his body against the pole and covers his eyes.

Peter

1-2-3-4-5

CUT TO:

1 YEAR LATER - EXT. PETER'S HOME. DAY

Peter

6-7-8-9-10, Ready or not here I come!

Peter uncovers his eyes to reveal we are no longer at the school, in fact it's a whole year later. In this time Peter and Lana have become very close.

Peter uncovers his eyes and looks around the outside of his house for any sign of where Lana could have run off to.

He quickly spots a couple of footprints in the dirt, Lana never was good at covering her tracks and even though Peter immediately knew where she was he would wait a while before "finding her" so that she could feel like she won.

All he wanted was for her to feel special and happy.

He knew she had climbed the tree a few feet away and was now watching him as he pretended to look around.

This goes on for a few moments before Peters mom comes out of the house.

Peter's Mom

Peter, Lana! Come grab some lunch real quick.

Peter

Ok mom! Lana come out, its lunch time.

Lana hops out of the tree, not even afraid of getting hurt. Peter wasn't quite sure why, but he admired that about her. Not being scared.

They both scurry inside and quickly grab ahold of the two plates that were on the kitchen counter.

INT. PETER'S HOME.

Both had plain peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and a pile of chips on them. It wasn't much, but the pair was more than content with what they got.

Peter

Let's eat while we watch TV.

Lana

(taking a bite of her sandwich)

Ok.

The walk over to the living room, and sit in front of the TV and Peter turns it on.

Peter's mom sits on the couch behind the two.

What comes on is some sort of superhero show. They both immediately are grasped by it in a gaze of wonder.

Lana finally snaps out of the gaze a few moments later and turns to Peter.

Lana

Peter.

Peter

Yeah?

Lana

You think maybe we could play something

else when we go back outside?

Peter turns to Lana.

Peter

(confused)

Like what?

Lana

I don't know...

(turning back to the TV)

What about that?

Peter

What?

Lana

Superheroes...

Peter thinks about that for a moment.

Peter

That just may work.

Lana

We've got to think of names!

Peter

Like what?

Lana

I don't know.

Peter's Mom

I've got an idea for you Peter...

They both turn to look at Peter's mom.

Peter

What?...

CUT TO:

8 YEARS LATER - INT. HOSPITAL. NIGHT

We softly fade into a new scene now. This is now 8 years later.

We open on the hospital floor, we hear music playing in the background.

The camera pans up from the floor to an older Peter Quill.

He has headphones on as he listens to Ooh Child, sobbing.

He is trying his best not to cry, but it's hard. A few tears stream down his cheek as he quickly wipes them before anyone can see him.

Peter's grandfather comes out of a hospital room.

His eyes are also teary but he sucks it up for Peter.

Grandfather

Peter, your mother would like to see you.

Peter stays sitting down, he knows what's to come and would like to postpone it as long as possible. This however doesn't postpone it much as his grandfather grabs his headphones and Walkman and helps him over to the door way.

Grandfather

Here, I'll be out here if you need me.

Peter turns to get one last look at his grandfather before he closes the door, he can see tears streaming down his face.

The door shuts, and now it's time for the inevitable.

Peter's Mom

Peter, honey come here.

Peter looks to the front of the room to see his mother there, laying on a hospital gurney. He knew this was coming for a long time now, he just never knew how surreal it'd be until now.

He slowly walks over to her. She has no hair left on her head, and she is pale and skinny.

This is not how Peter envisioned seeing his mother for the last time, and that breaks his heart.

He finally gets to the side of her bed as she watches him smiling. She is so proud of you.

Peter's Mom

You look just like your father...

And he was- Well he was an angel honey.

Peter had never known his father, but he knew he was someone important...

Peter's Mom

I've got a little something for you.

His mom slips him an envelope.

Peter's Mom

Don't open it now.

Peter

When do I open it?

Peter's Mom

Open it on a day when you feel you're weakest.

It will help you through the day I promise.

It will give you hope, when all hope is lost.

Peter

What if that's today?

Peter's Mom

No- Believe me sweetie, today is not your weakest day.

It's a tough day, we both know that.

But there will be darker days ahead of you,

and I know that you will come out on top...

A tear falls from peters cheek and onto the cheap hospital blankets his mother was forced to use on her deathbed.

Peter's Mom

You are so special Peter... More than you can ever imagine.

You're going to grow up and do, just amazing- simply amazing things.

Peter

How do you know?

Peter's Mom

Because I've seen it...

This remark goes over Peters head, but somehow it always stuck with him.

Peter's Mom

Look, your grandpa will take good care of you until your dad comes for you ok.

Peter

Dads coming for me?

Peter's Mom

Maybe not today, but certainly...

One day, I promise you. He'll show up,

and you'll understand just why you are special, and why you are destined for greatness.

Peter seems confused, as he should be by the way his mother is speaking.

Peter's Mom

I want you to promise me one thing before I go.

Peter

What?

Peter's Mom

There will always be things in our world that will try

and cause harm to something. Promise me you will always do what's right,

no matter the risk. Promise me, you'll represent bravery, and heroism...

Never back down. Even when you're so scared,

promise me you will never give up.

Can you do that for me...

my little Starlord?

Peter doesn't want to look her in the eyes, he is so confused about all this. So much is going on in his mind right now.

Peter

I promise.

Peter's Mom

Good.

(a smile goes on her face)

Hold my hand... Please.

Peter hears what she said, he just ignores it.

Peter's Mom

Honey... Please take my hand.

Tears now begin to stream from Peters face. He can't take it anymore.

Peter's Mom

Please...

Time stands still for Peter, he knows what he should do, and what he wants to do. He instead ignores all of that and without even meaning to, his body makes his head nod "No"

He looks up at his mother's face in this moment, he knew he missed his last opportunity to hold her hand, to feel her alive.

Peter Quills mother was dead... and he was all alone in the world.

Peter

No!

Peter runs out of the room as the alarms begin to sound for the nurses.

He smashes through the door and past his grandfather who was waiting for him. He just keeps running until he's out of the entire hospital, and then he runs some more.

He goes into the woods just to be alone.

He finds a stump in the middle of a clearing. He stops and just sits there. He begins to cry.

He had no true family left anymore. The person he cared about most is dead now...

He decides to sleep on that stump that night, he figured he'd find his way home in the morning.

He lays down in the fetal position, trying to stay warm, sobbing all night until he finally falls asleep.

The camera pans up into the night sky, it's so peaceful.

You'd never imagine that anything of the sort just happened, especially to a young child such as Peter.

We see what looks like a shooting star begin to fall down to earth, this is quickly realized that it is not indeed a star.

We cut over to where the star is about to hit the earth with a loud thundering crack.

It is some sort of ship.

The earth beneath it is destroyed, and it looks extremely hot from its descent.

There is no movement for a while and then-

Pieces begin to crack off it as a liquid pours out of it. A symbiote of some sort.

CUT TO:

INT. LANA'S HOUSE. EARLY MORNING

We cut to an older Lana who is sleeping in her bed. She looks so peaceful Peter thinks as the camera pans up to reveal him standing there, watching her sleep.

Lana senses someone watching her and slowly wakes up.

She turns around to see Peter there.

Lana

Peter?

Peter

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you.

Lana

Peter your grandpa has been looking for you all night,

he came by here!

Where have you been?

Peter

I don't know.

Lana

Are you ok Peter?

Peter doesn't answer.

Lana

I heard about... well you know.

Peter

My mother.

Lana

Peter, I am so sorry.

A tear falls onto Peter's cheek again.

Lana

Come here, come sit down.

You look awful, and dirty.

Peter

(chuckling)

I slept in the woods.

Lana

(concerned)

Why would you do that?

Peter

I don't know, I just didn't want to be with anyone...

Can I stay here for a while?

Lana

Of course you can hang out here,

look I think I even hear my mom in the kitchen.

Peter half smiles at this thought, Lana's mother was always a great cook.

Lana

Just promise me-

Peter quickly turns to Lana.

Lana

That you won't run off again.

Peter slowly looks back at his feet.

Lana

Promise me Peter...

Peter

I promise.

Lana

Good, now let's go get some breakfast.

Lana stands up off her bed.

Peter

She made me promise something last night too.

Lana

Who?

Peter

My mother.

Lana

What was it?

Peter

That I'd never stand down from a battle.

Lana doesn't know how to respond.

Lana

You need some food and some rest, come on now.

She grabs Peters hand and drags him off the bed.

Peter and Lana come down the stairs and turn into the kitchen where Lana's parents Mandy and Brian are sitting.

Lana

Hope you don't mind, I brought someone for breakfast.

Mandy turns around and see's Peter.

Mandy

Oh my, Lana was he there all night.

Lana

No! I swear, he was just there when I woke up.

Peter

I slept in the woods...

Mandy and Brian stare at him.

Mandy

You hungry sweetie?

Peter

Yes.

Mandy

Come and sit down, I'll serve you a plate.

Your grandfather has been so worried.

Peter sighs.

Mandy

I'll call and tell him you're ok.

Lana sits down beside Peter and gives him a smile that Peter quickly recognizes. It's the smile he always gave her to signal to her that everything would be ok.

The roles had reversed in Peter's world. Now it was Lana taking care of him.

He didn't like this.

CUT TO:

EXT. DIRT TRAIL. EVENING

Peter and Lana are walking down an old dirt trail talking.

Lana

So are you going to move in with your grandpa now?

Peter

I don't know, I suppose so.

Lana

Do you want to?

Peter

Why ask me that?

Lana

Because I'd like to know what you're feeling right now,

you haven't exactly been that open with me.

Peter

I have exactly been open with anyone Lana,

it's been a total of one day now.

Lana

I'm just trying to understand your feelings

so I can help you.

Sorry.

Peter sighs

Peter

It's ok... It's not you. I'm just so agitated by this whole-

this whole damn situation.

Peter tries to kick a stone on the trail but misses and falls

Peter

God dammit! See.

Lana giggles.

Peter

(trying to stand up)

You think that is funny!

Lana

(laughing)

Yeah, a little.

Peter is about to get mad and then see's the funny side.

Peter

(smiling)

I suppose it was a little funny.

Lana laughs.

Peter

It's not fair.

Lana

What isn't fair?

Peter

This whole thing. I don't want to live with my grandpa,

I don't want to move,

and I certainly don't want to move on.

Lana

Life changes sometimes Peter, for better or for worse.

Peter

Well mine has changed for the worse.

Lana

Maybe not completely.

Peter

Oh yeah? How so?

Lana gets in close to him,

Lana

Maybe it will bring you closer with someone.

Peter sees her advance on him, and as much as he'd love to embrace it. Now isn't the time.

Peter

Lana...

Lana

What?

Peter

This isn't the time.

We cut over to a few hundred feet away in the woods where something watches the two. Staring them down, almost as if to attack. The pair have no idea.

Lana

Isn't this what you always wanted?

Peter

What?

Lana

Us, together.

Peter

It's all I've wanted out of life.

Lana

Well then take it now, right now.

Peter

I don't want it like this though.

Lana

I can't believe this.

Peter

Lana, now just isn't the time.

Lana

Since the day I've met you, you've literally been flirting with me.

And now that I actually give you a chance to do something about it,

and become something more between the two of us,

you don't take it?

Peter

Because you're only doing it so I will feel better!

Lana

No I'm not.

Peter

Let's face it, you've never liked me in that way.

I knew that, and I accepted that.

Now you think if you just let me make out with you,

I'll feel better about my mom.

Well guess what I won't.

It'd be like raping you or something.

Lana

Raping me? What the hell are you talking about?

Peter how do you know I haven't had feelings for either?

Peter

Because if you did, we'd already be together.

Right now.

Lana stops and just looks at him. He makes a good point.

Lana

Peter... You mean so much to me.

They both hear a couple of branches break in the nearby woods.

They turn their heads looking for what could have caused the disturbance.

Lana

What was that?

Peter stays staring at the woods.

Lana

Maybe it was a raccoon or something.

Peter still stares, even though he is a logical thinker, somehow he knows that was no animal.

Peter

I think we should go now.

Peter grabs Lana's hand and drags her away down the dirt trail to head back to her house.

We cut back to the thing watching from the woods, he doesn't like that Peter is leaving, not one bit.

It lunges out of the woods with great strength and gets onto the trail with a loud thud.

Peter and Lana turn to see what is behind them, something they immediately regretted.

Standing before them was a symbiote being, an alien. And it was coming right for them.

Lana screams at the top of her lungs, Peter knows he has to get her to safety. He was willing to do anything to do that. Even sacrifice himself.

They keep running down the path but the monster is gaining on them.

Lana

Peter I don't know how much longer I can run.

Peter

Come on Lana, we can't stop!

Lana does her best to keep running.

Peter finally makes the decision as he stops.

Lana turns to him and Peter quickly scoops her up and carries her in his arms and begins running again.

The monster is still following them, and now has gained even more because of Peter's stop.

Lana

Peter it's gaining on us!

Peter

It's ok it'll be ok-

The monster catches them finally and snaps his arm like a tentacle at Peter's leg, causing him to fall and drop Lana.

Peter tries to get up real quick but the monster stomps on his chest.

Lana

Peter!

Peter

What does this thing want!

The symbiote begins screeching into the night sky, almost as if he's cheering about something.

Peter begins to freak out.

Peter

Lana do something!

Lana tries to go up to the Symbiote and push it off, instead it pushes her away and makes her fall again.

Peter

Hey don't you touch her you- slimy- disgusting, whatever the hell you are.

The symbiote turns its hand into a blade.

Peter

Oh my god!

Lana

No!

Peter

Don't hurt me! Don't you touch me!

The symbiote puts the blade to Peter's neck.

Lana is about to witness her best friend be killed by some creature, and can't do anything about it. But then she see's something in the distance.

She doesn't know what it is, but it's coming straight for them. Almost like a shooting star.

She realizes it is indeed heading straight for them.

Lana

Peter, look!

Peter turns his head to see the object moments away from impact, and so does the monster.

It quickly jumps off of Peter and tries to dodge the incoming craft.

The craft smashes into the earth, much like the Symbiotes did earlier, causing destruction and devastation all around.

Peter stands up and begins frantically looking for Lana.

Peter

Lana!

Lana

Over here!

Peter runs to where he hears her voice.

He finds her and runs up to hug her.

Peter

Are you ok?

Lana

Yes, and you?

Peter

I'm fine... What is that thing?

Lana

I've got no idea, but we should go.

Peter

Hold on, I just want to see what it is.

Lana

Are you insane! Peter we've got to go, what if it's more of those monsters.

Peter

And what if it's not? Here just wait here, I'll be fine.

Lana

No!

Peter

I'm going to see what that is, whether you come with me or not.

Lana sighs and grips Peter's arm harder, as they begin walking to the spacecraft.

The get to the side just near the cockpit when it pops open.

They look at each other as a blue muscular alien stands up.

Markuiz

Are you Peter Quill?

Peter looks at Lana.

Peter

Yes?

Markuiz

Good.

Peter

What are you?

Markquiz

I am a friend.

The alien lifts his gun and seemingly aims his gun at Peter and Lana.

Peter

Whoa you said you were a friend!

The alien shoots his gun as Peter flinches.

He opens his eyes to see both him and Lana are ok. He turns his head further to see he actually shot the Symbiote that was sneaking up behind them. It is splattered all across the ground now. Although we can see a nearly microscopic bit of it slither off into the woods.

Peter

What was that thing?

Markuiz

It is a symbiote, a disgusting and evil species. It came to this planet to find you.

Peter

Me?

Markuiz

Yes.

Peter

Why?

Markuiz

Because you are the last known remaining guardian.

Peter

Guardian of what?

Markuiz

Guardian of the Galaxy.

There is silence and then, Peter bursts out laughing.

Peter

You've got to be kidding...

Peter see's the look on the aliens face.

Peter

You're... You're not kidding?

Markuiz

No human, I am not.

Peter

How is this even possible?

I'm just a regular ol' humanoid kid from a small town.

Markuiz

But you're not. Your father was a great man...

He was once the leader of a great colony.

Peter

You know my father?

Markuiz

I know of him.

I've never had the honor to meet him personally.

Peter

Did you come here to save me or something?

Markuiz

Yes. And make you become what you must become.

Peter

A guardian?

Markuiz

Our guardians are gone, nobody can find them.

Our galaxy is in grave danger.

We thought maybe you could find them.

Peter

How?

Markuiz

We don't know.

We just thought maybe you'd be willing to take a chance,

go on an adventure and find them.

Are you up for that?

Peter

Are you asking me to go into space and find these other "Guardians"?

Markuiz

Yes.

Peter looks at Lana.

Lana

Peter this is insane, you can't go.

Peter

You heard him! The galaxy is in danger.

My mother told me I was special, maybe that's what she meant.

Lana

You aren't seriously considering this are you?

Peter

Lana I've got to.

Lana

I can't believe you!

Peter

It's my destiny.

Lana

Remember earlier when I asked you to promise me you wouldn't run off again...

This is where that comes in!

Peter

Lana... I've got to.

Lana

Don't go peter! This is stupid!

Peter

I'm sorry... I'll be back for you, I promise.

Peter lets go of her hand.

Peter

You'll be better off without me anyway.

Peter begins to walk towards the ship.

Peter

Let's go blue's clues.

Lana

Peter!

Peter ignores her and climbs into the ship with the alien.

Markuiz

You.

He points at Lana.

Markuiz

I know while this seems hard to fathom...

losing a friend you are so close to,

but there are bigger things at stake than your best friend leaving your side.

Know that even though he is leaving, he will still be with you.

Time heals all wounds,

and you will become a stronger person.

Lana

What?

Markuiz

We all have a destiny, and I know yours...

You are destined for something great too. Just like your friend.

He will be back one day. Look amongst the stars,

and know that one day one of those stars will be him coming back for you.

Lana doesn't know what to say so she just stares as Peter sits down in a chair in the cockpit of the ship.

The alien too sits down in the main chair with the controls, and then he closes the cockpit door.

Markuiz

(looking at Peter)

Are you ready... Peter.

Peter looks at him.

Peter

That's my name down here.

Markuiz

What do you mean?

Peter

Up there.

Peter points at the sky.

Peter

Up there, my name will be Starlord.

Markuiz

Very well. So... Starlord, are you ready.

Peter

Yes...

Markuiz starts the ship and it begins to hover off the ground.

Peter takes one last look at Lana, and then at the speed of light, they are halfway through space.

Peter is now amongst the stars. And Lana is the one all alone.

We fade to black as the title card comes up

"STARLORD"