Mantis thought that would be a very short game, as she had seen some very uncoordinated moves from humans in her short time on Earth. "So, how is it fun, then? If everyone is falling over, what is the point?" She tried so hard to understand the ways of Earth; this one, however, escaped her.
Ella laughed fondly, remembering playing the game when she was younger. She couldn't remember the last time she had played this game with someone who didn't already know how to play. "We aren't, that's what makes it fun! You have to try and put your body parts where it tells you without falling over."
Sensing the confusion and fear in the air, Mantis focused her abilities, attempting to calm those around her, hoping to get them out of the crossfire. With delicate gestures and soothing words, she directed people to safety, her gentle touch providing a sense of reassurance amidst the turmoil. "Follow me, quickly, this way leads to the emergency exits. We must evacuate the premises immediately." After getting the small group she was escorting to the exit, Mantis turned back to the ballroom in search of more people to help. "Hey, are you okay?" she asked, coming up behind another guest. "Come on, we have to get you out of here, it's not safe."
@cxylers
She had seen some amazing inventions in her travels around the galaxy, however none intrigued her quite as much as the human device known as a 'smartphone.' All of Earth's knowledge, right in the palm of her hand. Not to mention all the adorable creatures she could stand to watch, probably her favorite part of the device. "He fell into his bowl!" Mantis squealed in delight as she turned her screen to share the video of a puppy tripping into his water bowl with the other.
Mantis listened intently to Loki's revelations, completely understanding the complexities of his familial dynamics, having come from a similar background. She nodded sympathetically as he spoke of his father's disapproval and the challenges he faced in embracing his magical abilities. "It must have been difficult, living with your family not fully embracing who you truly are," she remarked softly, her voice tinged with empathy. "But it is good to hear that you are striving to embrace your abilities for the sake of your daughter. Hopefully she'll never have to feel what you did."
"Impressive enough to shut down an entire city and put country's government on alarm," he smirked, before shaking his head at her question. "It's not an ability that's looked upon highly back home." Loki paused at that, adding, "My father wanted that part of me suppressed." Until it was the right moment for him to reveal it and use it for his own gain, but he left that unsaid. "But my daughter has the same magic, so I've been trying to use it more for her sake."
Mantis felt a warmth spread through her as Johnny wrapped his arm around her, the comfort of his presence grounding her. She let out a soft, contented sigh, leaning into him. "Thank you for sharing that with me," she said quietly, her antennae twitching gently as she spoke. "It's comforting to know I'm not alone in feeling this way. I didn't have a family for a long time, and it's still strange to think of the Avengers as my family, but I'm grateful for everyone in the tower." She turned her head slightly to look up at him, her eyes bright with sincerity. "If you ever feel like it's too much, you can always talk to me. Okay?"
"I get it. I was speaking from experience. I do, too." He looked up to see her already looking at him and smiled, shifting when she put her head on his shoulder so he could move his arm around her. "That was weirdly insightful this early in the morning while eating donuts," Johnny teased, giving her shoulder a squeeze. "I'm glad you feel like that, though," he continued, a moment later. "I know it's hard for a lot of people. It was for me." He dropped his head to the side, resting against hers. "Still is sometimes and I have my dad and stepdad here."
"Of course, I can help you navigate this maze of a tower! It can be quite overwhelming at first." Mantis smiled warmly, her empathic abilities already sensing the other's unease. "You're not alone in feeling lost here. Many of us felt the same when we first arrived. But don't worry, you'll find your way around in no time. Where are you trying to get to?"
anna marie was used to being around big groups of people , at least other mutants , but joining a new superhero team has her feeling all sorts of uneasy . avengers hq was completely different to xavier's mansion , she's already lost after wandering the corridors for so long . so she's grateful when she turns the corner and is greeted by a fairly familiar face .
" hey , y'all got a big place here . wont'cha help a girl out ? "
Mantis tentatively stepped closer, her large, empathetic eyes studying Pietro. "Sometimes, being alone isn't the best way to heal," she said softly, her antennae twitching slightly. "I can feel your sadness, your pain. You don't have to carry it all by yourself." She hesitated, then added, "I didn't mean to intrude. I just want to help."
Pietro heard the voice from behind him and turned with a scowl. "Who invited you up here?" he asked, looking back to the cityscape. There were plenty of balconies in the tower, but this particular section of rooftop was a little harder to get to, more out of the way. Still, maybe she had just stumbled on him by accident, and she'd leave as quick as she'd shown up. "I'm fine. I'm not hurt." Not physically anyway. "I just wanted to be alone."
Mantis was that much more excited when her enthusiasm was returned, looked up from the screen at Carol with a bright smile. "Screaming goat videos? I shall definitely explore those. Thank you for the suggestion, Carol Danvers," she replied, shaking Carol's hand with a gentle warmth. "I'm Mantis. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"Pause, rewind, and repeat babycakes, because that is the most adorable thing I've seen all day." Nevermind that it was only ten-thirty in the morning, that wasn't important. Carol flashed a grin to her newfound companion. "Apart from yourself, obviously. Carol Danvers," she said, extending her hand earnestly. "Also, if you need a switch-up, try the screaming goat videos. I found those to be very funny."
Mantis blinked in confusion, her head tilting slightly. "Inside her head?" she questioned, trying to imagine what the inside of the giant green lady might look like, which only made her wonder if it was rude to be wandering inside of the lady to begin with. Peyton's question about fostering animals pulled Mantis from her thoughts, her heart fluttering with warmth at the idea. "Oh, I've been thinking about it a lot, actually. A cousin for Leia and Luke would be wonderful. I can sense their longing for more family," she mused, her empathic nature attuned to creatures as she reached over to pet them. "Maybe we can fit that into today's plans too, although I did ask Johnny if he wanted to come when I decided... But nothing says I have to decide today! We're just looking."
"Yep." She agreed with a nod, sitting Leia down beside her brother so they could eat the pancake together. "I don't actually know yet, but it's not top secret unless they tell me. And they didn't tell me. So..." Peyton looked up at her and smiled, before snorting at what she said next. "Yes, we can go get a giant pretzel. And go to the Statue of Liberty. You can walk inside her head." She nodded at her. "So, did you think about fostering an animal anymore? I think they could totally use a cousin."
It had been an adjustment, although anything was better than her life back with Ego so Mantis couldn't complain. "I've gotten lost around the tower a couple of times, but other than that, it's been quite pleasant," Mantis assured the other, face lighting up at the question. "There's so many things to love about Earth, honestly. The food has been very interesting. I've been trying so many new things. I also really like the animals the most, especially the babies ones. There's still so much I know I haven't experienced yet though, so maybe that part's my favorite. That there's just so much to do and love about it."
"Well, that's good," Wanda said with another smile, sitting down beside her. "I know this -- " she gestured vaguely around the space in the tower they were in " -- can be a lot at first. It was for me, at least, and I'm from Earth," she added, teasingly. "What's been your favorite thing down here so far?"
Mantis grinned at Johnny's reassurance, feeling a surge of confidence as they swayed to the music. Her antennae twitched with excitement, picking up the rhythm of the song as she followed Johnny's lead. Despite the unfamiliarity of Earth's customs, she found herself enjoying the moment, her worries melting away with each step. "Oh, well, this really isn't too difficult at all," she commented after a moment. "Thanks for dancing with me," she said softly, meeting his gaze with gratitude shining in her eyes. "It's really nice to just forget about, you know, everything that's happened. Even if only for a moment."
He smiled and took her hand, leading her to the middle of the dance floor. "I have danced with worse. I promise." Johnny kept his hand in hers and placed his other at her waist. "Besides, this is type of fancy ass dance isn't really custom anymore, so I think a lot of are out of our comfort zones." He smirked, "You're doing fine."