'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3' Introduces Friends From Rocket's Past

Spoiler alert: This article contains major spoilers for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

"It's time to face the music."

After nearly a decade on the big screen, it's time for audiences to say goodbye to their favorite intergalactic bunch of a-holes — the Guardians of the Galaxy. The misfit superheroes embark on one last mission in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, doing all they can to save Rocket's (Bradley Cooper) life from the traces of his traumatic past.

Rocket spends most of the story in a coma, but the movie includes various flashbacks showing his painful upbringing alongside his anthropomorphic furry pals, one of whom is an otter. With that said, keep scrolling to learn more about the adorable otter in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

For fans of the comics, the fleeting glimpse of an otter hugging Rocket incites plenty of excitement.

The character, known as Lylla, is an anthropomorphic otter and Rocket's one true love. She made her Marvel Comics debut alongside Rocket in Incredible Hulk Vol. 1 #271, published in February 1982. In her comic storylines, readers learn Lylla is the heiress of the largest toy-making company and its empire on the planet Halfworld.

Unfortunately, Lylla never truly gets to inherit the enterprise because a calculating former associate known as Judson Jakes murders her parents and takes over the business. Judson then plans to marry Lylla for her wealth, but she has no interest in him. Instead, she falls in love with Rocket and the two quickly begin a relationship.

By the end of Rocket's original comic run, they retire in search of a new life that doesn't include kidnapping or chaotic space adventures. Sadly, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows because the two went their separate ways at some point before Rocket met Groot and joined the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Thankfully, the soulmates reunite in Annihilators #4; however, it's not under the right circumstances because Rocket eventually discovers that Lylla is now married to an anthropomorphic rabbit named Blackjack O'Hare. He shockingly gives Blackjack and Lylla his blessing before jetting into space with Groot.

In the final flashback, audiences see Rocket construct a key to break out of the High Evolutionary's (Chukwudi Iwuji) captivity. He tries to help his friends escape, but sadly, the sociopathic scientist catches up with Rocket's plans and shoots Lylla as she exits her cage. She never gets to see the sky that Rocket had promised.

Rocket loudly wails before attacking the High Evolutionary, ripping off his face. Unfortunately, he kills the villain's henchmen too late; he soon discovers that Teefs and Floor have been shot and killed. It's a brutal sequence, and we can never unsee the image of a young Rocket standing among the bodies of his friends, crying in misery.

When he flatlines and has a near-death experience, Rocket reunites with his friends in the afterlife. He apologizes for failing to protect them and says he's ready to join them, but Lylla tells him that his time has not yet come. And thus, Rocket comes back to life, having made peace with Lylla, Teefs, and Floor's tragic deaths.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is now in theaters.