Lost and Found

Chapter Eleven: This 'Spells' Trouble

It's been a while, I know. I wanted to take my time on this chapter and get it right. That being said, I must mention that it is a darker chapter and not as light toned as the others.

WARNING: Mentions of torture (Not too graphic, but still), mentions of suicidal thoughts/actions (not too graphic, we all know what was probably going through Loki's head at the end of Thor 1), and swearing.

Chapter Eleven: This 'Spells' Trouble

"I don't get it," Pietro mused as he turned the stone over in his hands. "It's a rock."

"A rock that just so happens to have a rune carved into it," Loki said.

"Ruin?" Bucky asked. He was already awake from his nap by the time the brothers joined them back at the car. Bucky looked somewhat refreshed from his nap, but the messy hair and dark circles under his eyes gave away his exhaustion.

"Rune. R-U-N-E" Loki corrected. "Runes are letters or symbols that are mostly used for magical rituals. There are many kinds, like Greek runes or Roman, but this one is Nordic. And I know the person whom this rune represents."

"Ah," Bucky said, the confused look on his face fading only slightly.

"So this Amora chick is teaming up with an evil, sword-wielding skeleton guy who has the Power Stone?" Pietro asked in order to recap the brothers' story.

"That is what we believe," Thor replied with a nod.

"And you can use this hunk of rock to find Amora in order to rescue your family?" Bucky asked.

"Yes," Loki replied. "I need to find other items for the spell to work, though."

"I don't get it," Pietro spoke up as he leaned against the hood of the Mustang and crossed his arms in front of his chest. "I thought you couldn't use magic."

Loki nodded. "I personally cannot, but someone else can."

"How does that work? You said that only people naturally born with the ability to use magic is able to do so without dying a painful death," Bucky pointed out.

Loki sighed. It was going to be hard to explain to three non-magic users the concept of magic. Even Thor didn't know the most important aspects of magic, and he grew up in a land of magic.

"Everyone emits an essence or aura. Those with born with magic are more easily traced because their aura sends off flares of pure energy every time they use their powers. It follows you around, even when you are not using it; much like an invisible fog. Do you know how you can sense electricity or a storm coming without seeing it?" Loki asked. Everyone nodded in response. Wonderful; so far so good.

"It's like that. Auras are different colors which is why my magic looks green. Skilled users can change their auras into different colors or shape it into something to create objects 'out of thin air,' but its still there and you cannot cover it up. You can block magic, but the presence will always be there. Each aura and personal store of magic is different and unique to each user, but they are all traceable," Loki explained. He looked around to make sure the others were paying attention, which they were. Perfect. Moving on...

"Bucky, you are right. If someone who doesn't hold the innate ability to possess magic, then their body will practically burst from the strain of holding it as it consumes them. Since magic is tuned into each person, only they are able to control and possess their own magic without much danger to themselves," Loki continued.

"So, like spontaneous combustion?" Bucky asked.

"Yes!" Loki practically shouted with a small jump. At least someone was getting it. "Exactly like spontaneous combustion! Those cases when people randomly burst into flame is most likely from them using someone else's magic, with horrific consequences."