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A celebration echoes throughout a palace in a far distant planet. A celebration that screams the names of the Guardians of the Galaxy, especially for their newfound allies, Thor and Loki, brothers of Asgard. Though these victories are common for the eldest brother, the trickster stands dumbfounded by their medal of honor--if that's what they like to call it.
It was like any other mission. A big gigantic alien attacks a helpless planet only for the Guardians of the Galaxy to drop by. They were on the brink of death when Loki played a final trick on the monster. Another illusion to trick the monster into their ultimate defeat. Loki's praises were sung throughout the night with a feast big enough for an entire fleet. And yet, Loki left a rift between the joys of survival and themselves. The people shout as if they saved them out of instinct when it's far from the truth.
Overwhelmed, Loki vanishes away to seek solace in a balcony with a high view of the planet away from hollowing cheers. In the cool air of the night, they take a soothing breath as they lean against the rails, lost in their own thoughts.
"Loki?" A familiar voice calls to them. Loki turns sharply to the source, but is surprised to see a gentle smile that could warm the entire planet, Mantis. "Oh. It's just you," Loki murmured. "What do you want? Out with it."
"You are sad," Mantis says. Loki tightened their grip, scoffing out a smile. "Sad? Hardly," Loki says. "I'm not one to celebrate such feats. Is my brother making a fool of himself?"
"Yes. He is...very energetic at a party." Mantis sighs. "Though, I wouldn't call it foolish. He is having fun like you should." She joins them on the balcony, resting her arms on the rail and tilting her head. "You are not fooling me. I know you are a trickster, even to yourself."
Mantis was never one to be so swayed by their lies and tricks. Peter mentioned that she has empathy powers and can easily read people. The only member who could truly understand them. Their façade fails them. "And what? Am I to just play the hero for their amusement?" Loki says, irritated.
"It is not for amusement. You saved us and all those people," Mantis replies. "They are all grateful."
"Yes, of course. Gratitude. Had they known my past, they would not be singing praises. Quite the opposite." Loki sullens at their past. The battles they've lost, trying to be a God. "I'm not worthy..." Loki slips out. Just as they were about to vanish out of there, Mantis brushed their hair to the side. "But today, you saved us." Her expression softens. "I saw your bravery and your fears. You did not wish to lose us." Loki's heart sinks as she admits it to them out loud. Now they REALLY want to vanish out of there.
She cups their hands and smiles. "Everyone has darkness, but also light. I see both, fighting for control," Mantis says. "Allow yourself, just this once, to celebrate your own victories." Loki's defenses began to crumble as her words sank in like one of their daggers. “How can I when there's so much I've done?” Loki says.
Mantis frowns as she tries to come up with a way to reassure them. She lights up when an idea reaches her. "Follow me," Mantis says as she pulls Loki towards the ledge.
"What? You want me to end it all here?" Loki says with a smirk.
"No! Of course not! I want you to sit by me." Mantis replies.
"Come on. Jumping sounds more fun, don't you think?"
"Loki!"
"Alright, fine. Have it your way."
They do what she says and join her on the ledge, keeping their head high to avoid the sight of the ground beneath them. "Sometimes when I feel down, Peter would take me somewhere to sit down where we could see a nice view," Mantis says. "Then he would tell me to shout my lungs out to the world until the sad feelings go away!"
"Ah yes, that sounds like something your brother would do."
She laughs at his remark. "Yes, you shout out reassurance. Something to keep you going. Like this..." Mantis clears her throat and shouts with all her might. "I am worthy!!" She turns to Loki. "Now you try!"
"This is stupid," Loki says.
"Yes, but I know you want to try it," Mantis says.
Loki stares at her for a moment, then at the view. He takes a deep breath... "I am worthy..." Loki says.
"Louder!"
"I am worthy."
"Louder!!"
"I am worthy!"
"Come on, Loki! Say it with your chest!"
"I AM WORTHY! I! AM! WORTHY!"
Their shouts echo the deadly night of the party. They repeat it over and over until it overlaps everything else around them. For the first time that night, Loki felt a shift in them. Finally, a smile broke through.
"Thank you... Mantis..." Loki says softly. She smiles, her heart beaming with joy. She knows deep down that his smile is genuine and so is hers. They both suddenly feel shy around each other now. One day, they'll share it with each other.
But today, they are worthy companions till the end.