Mischief and Magic

Chapter 16

Since Morgan was dead asleep, and Loki had her magic contained with his own protection spells, he was able to sleep deeply enough to actually replenish his magic. It helped that he didn't need to exert magic on maintaining his illusions. Morgan hadn't been shocked or repulsed by his natural form.

It was lucky indeed that Loki got to sleep properly. He knew the next day was going to be difficult with all of the explanations he was going to have to give. Morgan deserve to know the truth, and since she had undergone a magical transformation, there was no time to delay in giving that explanation to her.

Loki slept as long as he could, but was woken suddenly by a shriek of surprise and alarm from the girl who had been cuddled in his arms like a plushie. He groaned awake and forced himself awake, looking for danger. He was still exhausted after all of the magic he had used, but he was a trained warrior, and prepared to fight on a moment's notice. And on no sleep, usually thanks to Thor's antics. Which got his brother stabbed for starting the day too early. Unfortunately, the oaf never learned.

Fortunately, there was no danger.

When he sat up and finally took in his surroundings, he saw that Morgan was sitting up, staring at herself in the dresser mirror as her hands were investigating the fluffy fox ears on top of her head. Her fluffy fox tail was all puffed up and swishing anxiously as she was taking in the sight, clearly trying to comprehend what was going on.

"I guess that stuffed fox really was perfect to represent you after all," Loki teased her fondly. He was trying for normal, trying to calm her down by being calm himself. She wouldn't be willing or able to hear any explanations until she had calmed down. Until she could breathe and relax.

Her tail kept swishing back and forth anxiously. She turned her attention from the mirror back to Loki. Her eyes were wide and her breathing too fast. At least she was healed enough to breathe properly now, which Loki took pride in. "Why do I have a tail???" She asked, her voice too high pitched. She had accepted easily that Loki had magic. It was much harder to accept that she had magic that she'd never known about before.

Loki gave her a gentle smile. He understood. He'd helped enough young mages that he knew well what she was feeling. "Because you're a Kitsune," he told her gently. He let the words sink in. He could practically see the gears in her head turn as she took in that information.

"A... Kitsune?" She asked softly. Her Starklet brain had taken over, analyzing what she knew of that word, how it could apply to her. "A Japanese fox-spirit who takes the form of a beautiful woman?" She asked incredulously. That did not sound like her, not in her opinion. She was only famous because of her dad, not because of her own good looks. Or at least, that's what she thought.

Loki nodded. He kept his voice and expression gentle. "Yes, the Midgardians have changed the definition slightly over the years. The original Kitsune are from Vanaheim. They are a subspecies of the Felis; they're fox shapeshifters who attain more tails the more powerful their magic becomes,"

"More tails?" Morgan repeated. She felt stupid and absently pet her tail. It was a comforting gesture that a lot of Felis and Kitsune did when they were stressed or anxious. The reminder made Loki smile.

Morgan had always been fascinated with foxes and magic.

But this... this was a lot to take in. Especially after she'd almost died. Especially after all the healing and magic. She needed time to process, time to make herself believe that this was real.

Loki saw it in her eyes. So when she stood, he didn't stop her once he was sure she was standing steadily on her own.

She clearly had come up with a reasonable excuse to spend a few minutes alone to process. She sounded almost calm when she spoke. "I should find us something to eat. The safehouses are always kept stocked with at least some food..." It was a decent excuse, as far as excuses went, and one that Loki definitely wouldn't protest. They both needed to eat to regain their magic.

He inclined his head. He wouldn't fault her the need to be alone, to come to terms with what had happened. He would be there for her when she wanted or needed to talk, but he would also give her the space she needed. Within reason. "An excellent idea, just stay inside the house," he needed her to stay where she would be safe. Inside the safehouse was generally a good place to ensure she would stay safe. "I'm going to freshen up while you search," he reassured her. He would be out of her way for a few minutes at least.

Morgan gave him a relieved look, glad he understood, and slipped out of the room to begin her hunt. Loki didn't expect her to actually succeed. She really just needed time and space to come to terms with what she was.

It was something Loki understood all too clearly. At least in her case, she had someone there for her, someone who would love and accept that she wasn't her birth species. It was something Loki had desperately needed when he found out he was Jotun and something he hadn't had.

He wouldn't let Morgan feel the same pain he had lived through.

Never.