Could Be Worse
Summary:
Nebula and Gamora listen to Loki being tortured by their 'father'. Afterwards Gamora tells him "it could be worse" and Nebula can't quite explain to Loki why.
Post: Thor. Pre: Guardians of the Galaxy & Avengers.
Nebula sits there, sharpening her blade as the screams seemed to tear through space itself. It irked her some, but then again her father was very talented- and did not blame the Aesir for being in such agony. With each solid movement of the black asteroid stone against the unique metal from Knowhere, the grating was in time with the rhythmic screams. When the pale male had first arrived, his voice had been smooth and deep, but now it sounded as if the cords in his throat had been worn raw. Occasionally the Prince's voice would brake and the blue woman would let her fingers twitch in reaction.
Across from her Gamora sat, body remaining still and impassive. It would've fooled anyone else save the dark eyed woman, she had known her sister for far too long. It was in her eyes, as they flitted to the door every time the groans and screams reached a crescendo.
Pity.
A daughter of the mighty Thanos felt pity for a rejected Prince of Asgard, who undoubtedly was the most petulant being she'd ever laid eyes on. When he arrived, Loki had boasted his heritage and prowess- threatening them with fancy words dipped in silver. However there was no bite to this man's bark, his eyes were broken. Perhaps once he'd held that kind of confidence. It was now all posturing and Nebula loathed his bloated attempt at intimidation. But as another strangled cry came from within the room, an ounce of empathy unwittingly slithered through her heart.
No matter what the misguided Aesir had done, he didn't deserve the wrath and twisted torture of the Other and Thanos. It was wrong, or so reflected the look in Gamora's eyes. He wasn't an enemy, but Nebula had learned not to question Thanos long ago- at least out loud. Gamora turned her focus back to the blade, sliding the black stone over the shinning silver.
Shink. Shink.
It was silent, thank goodness.
It had been over a week since the screaming had started.
A few minutes passed with silence reigning down on herself and Gamora, when the door opened. Their father emerged along with his henchmen, the girls both stiffened- awaiting orders. "Watch him." His voice carried weight and no room for argument. "Train him." The Titan barely spared them another glance.
He was Thanos after all, there much more important things to be doing than addressing his daughters.
They sat there for a moment without moving. Nebula briefly let her eyes lock with her sister's as footsteps echoed in the stone chasm, eventually the prisoner stumbled out in what appeared to be his disheveled linen clothes- hastily tied. No doubt hiding the cuts and blood. No longer was he a crown prince in this prison. His only title was his name- Loki. The proud Aesir stumbled a bit more- visibly wincing as he leaned against the stone wall, and slowly slid down into a sitting position.
It was silent once again as the pale man examined his arms, "Is he always this hospitable." He remarked sarcastically, it wasn't even a question. It was impressive that his voice was not gone. But something in the way he said it caused the corner of Nebula's lips to tug up at the corner- for a brief moment.
"No." Gamora's voice was honest, if not a touched confused. It made the blue skinned woman roll her dark eyes, sarcasm and jokes were lost in this place. "It could be worse." Her voice continued in some odd form of comfort.
Finally done, Nebula tucked the knife into her boot and tucked the stone into her pocket- eyes running over the man's features. He looked momentarily rattled at the notion- his green eyes immediately turned to away from the green woman and to her. Nebula could feel him looking at her electronic implants and alterations. There was obvious curiosity and intrigue painted across his sweaty face.
Nebula let her eyes meet Loki's. "He could have made you half machine." She said in an even tone, the sarcasm was there- but only just. It seemed the man wasn't sure how to respond. Standing the assassin looked down at the broken body of a former prince, it was time to move him to quarters for training. Grabbing his forearm, Nebula heaved the Aesir to his feet as her sister assisted.
As they began down the hall, Loki's curiosity still lingered in the air. But Nebula's tongue was caught and unable to say what she had really been thinking. "He could have adopted you."
.
Notes:
I know it's short! But this was just a drabble, I plan on writing more as a way of exploring Nebula- why she hates Gamora and Thanos. PLUS she's an important character in the next Guardians of the Galaxy movie. Exciting news! Please leave comments!
If you want more frequent news and early drafts visit my writing tumblr (link on my profile)
Regards, West