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On Ego's lush and vibrant surface, Javier and Mantis continued to build a relationship that seemed as otherworldly as the planet they inhabited. Their connection was undeniable, but it was the subtle, quiet moments that defined them—moments where Mantis's shyness melted into giggles under Javier's deliberate yet clumsy attempts to charm her.
Meanwhile, the Black Order struggled to contain their growing frustration and confusion over Javier's absence.
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On Ego: A Proposal in the Making
Mantis was tending to a patch of luminescent flowers, her delicate fingers brushing their glowing petals. Javier stood nearby, arms crossed as he watched her with a fond smile.
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Javier: "You know, Mantis, I've seen countless stars and galaxies… but nothing shines as brightly as you."
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Mantis looked up, her antennae twitching with the faint blush that crept up her cheeks.
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Mantis: "You're very kind… but I'm just Mantis."
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Javier moved closer, his expression softening.
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Javier: "No. You're not 'just' anything. You're special, Mantis. More special than you realize."
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Mantis blinked, her large, curious eyes locking onto his.
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Mantis: "Why do you say such things to me? Is it because you want something?"
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Javier knelt beside her, his hand gently brushing against hers.
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Javier: "I don't want anything from you, Mantis. I just want you. I've seen what this universe can do to people. How it hardens them, breaks them. But you… you're pure. You make me want to be better."
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Mantis smiled faintly, though doubt lingered in her gaze. She wasn't used to being the center of someone's attention, let alone someone as enigmatic and persistent as Javier.
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Mantis: "You really mean that?"
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Javier nodded, his sincerity clear.
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Javier: "Every word. But… I also know I don't deserve you. Not yet. So, I'll wait. As long as it takes."
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The moment hung in the air, heavy with emotion. For the first time, Mantis began to see Javier not as someone who was trying to gain something from her, but as someone who genuinely cared.
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The Black Order: Fury and Betrayal
Far away, on the cold, metallic expanse of the Black Order's ship, tensions ran high.
Proxima Midnight, pacing back and forth, clenched her fists in frustration.
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Proxima Midnight: "He left without a word. After everything, he just… left."
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Nebula, leaning against the wall, sneered.
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Nebula: "What did you expect? He was always playing games. Making us laugh, trying to get under our skin. This is who he is—a coward."
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Gamora, sitting quietly, finally spoke.
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Gamora: "Maybe… we were too hard on him."
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Proxima whirled around, glaring at her.
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Proxima Midnight: "Too hard? He abandoned us, Gamora. He made promises and then disappeared. How is that our fault?"
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Gamora: "Because we never gave him a chance. Not really. He tried, over and over, to connect with us, and we pushed him away."
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For a moment, silence filled the room. Even Nebula seemed to consider Gamora's words.
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Nebula: "So what? We forgive him? Pretend he didn't walk out on us?"
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Gamora: "No. But maybe… we find him. Ask him why. If nothing else, we deserve answers."
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Proxima Midnight scowled but didn't argue.
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Proxima Midnight: "Fine. But if he's been wasting time while we've been waiting, I'll make him regret it."
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Ego's Response
Back on Ego's planet, the Celestial himself was less than pleased with the developing relationship between his empathic daughter and the mysterious outsider.
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Ego: "You think you can just waltz onto my planet, charm my daughter, and walk away with her? You underestimate what it means to be part of this family."
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Javier faced him without flinching, his voice calm but firm.
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Javier: "I don't underestimate anything. I know who you are, Ego. I know what you've done. And I know what you'll do. But Mantis deserves better than being a pawn in your plans."
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Ego's eyes narrowed, his voice dripping with disdain.
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Ego: "And you think you're the one to give her that? A mortal playing god?"
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Javier stepped closer, his tone unwavering.
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Javier: "I don't think I can. I know I can. Because unlike you, I see her for who she really is—not just what she can do for me."
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Ego regarded him in silence for a moment, the tension crackling in the air. Finally, he spoke.
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Ego: "You're bold, I'll give you that. But boldness doesn't mean you'll succeed. If you want her, you'll have to prove you're worthy."
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Javier's jaw tightened, his resolve clear.
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Javier: "Then tell me what I need to do."
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Ego smirked, his voice low and dangerous.
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Ego: "You'll find out soon enough."
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End of Chapter 71: A Love Blossoms, A Fury Ignites