Losing touch

“What was the diagnosis?” I asked, while shifting my weight, to ease the ache of standing for so long.

“Nerve damage.”

“Fixable?”

“Nope.”

“Progressive?”

“Fortunately no. Only my hands”

“So what will you do?”

“Kill myself.”

“Bad joke.”

“Not necessarily a joke. I literally had my life ripped away.”

“Being a bit dramatic, aren’t we?” She glared at me, offended.

“I can no longer do my thing.”

“So? Find another thing.” It seemed obvious to me. Adapting is key to survival, even for us.

“You know that’s not how it works.”

“I mean…it kind of does.” Another glare, this time joined by a heavy sigh.

“You don’t get it.”

“Really? You can be so… ignorant!” I huffed. “I lost my leg! I can’t run anymore, and we’re being hunted! How do you think I feel? ”

“Can you still cast? Yes.”

“Oh my god! If we could switch, I would! Would you?”

“Yes.” No hesitation.

“You’re an idiot,” I said, resigned. “Let’s get going. We need to get home before they close the gates.”

“Should I tell them?”

“No. Not until you know what you’ll do. I’m afraid they might overreact otherwise.”

“Banishment?”

“Something of the sorts, you wouldn’t qualify as a witch anymore. You need to find a use for yourself, cause no one else will.”

“I’m scared.” I took hold of her hands.

“Hey, look at me. If they let a lame stay, they won’t kick you out.”

“I hate that word,”

“So do I” I chuckled. We started back.

“I figured it out!” She yelled, barging in through the unlocked door. Never making that mistake again.

“Get out! It’s not even sunup!” I muttered, furious, but tired.

“Yeah well, I can’t come over any other time!”

“Why not?” Why ask? Why encourage them? What’s wrong with me?!

“I don’t want people thinking we’re scheming.”

“Yeah, cause meeting up at dawn isn’t suspicious at all,” I replied sarcastically, sitting up, giving up on rest.

“Oh…” She sunk down next to me, realising her mistake.

“Doesn’t matter. I’m up now. Talk!”

“I’ll learn a different aspect.”

“Can you do that? I haven’t heard of anyone who managed it.”

“Well, I’m more motivated than most, aren’t I?”

“I guess. What will you learn?”

“There isn’t much I can do without feeling the tethers of magic. The one thing I think I might have an affinity for is time manipulation.”

“You’re kidding, right? You have to choose the most difficult one. How come you ended on it? Please tell me it wasn’t ego.” The ridiculousness of the notion made me laugh even though the situation wouldn’t have called for it.

“It wasn’t.” She said pouting angrily. “It seemed closest to what I did before. It’s the same type of weaving, creating, sculpting.”

“I see. Well, it’s worth a try, I guess.”

“I need help though. I don’t even know where to start. But…”

“You’re afraid they’ll send you away if they find out rather than help.” She nodded, casting her eyes down. “I’ve been thinking. There’s one other way we can make them keep you. A backup plan, if you will, in case your secret gets out or you lose your use some other way. When you’re bonded to someone in here, they have no choice but to protect you too or at least let you stay.”

“You’re offering?”

“I-I mean if you have no one else in mind.”

“Wouldn’t it be strange? Wouldn’t people be suspicious?”

“So, let them be. It’s not like they can refuse to bond us, just because they have no knowledge of any previous romantic connection. If we say we both want it and no one is forcing us, it should be enough.”

“You’re right. But who would volunteer? I’m technically an outlaw.”

“We don’t have to relay that.”

“You’re very adamant.”

“It’s the quickest and most safe way.”

“It’s also binding. For life.”

“I’m sorry, do you want to be thrown out to the hunters?” I asked half-jokingly.

“No, but… Don’t act like this isn’t a big deal!” Her frustration made her jump up, giving her a height advantage.

“I know it’s drastic, but I’d rather overdo it than lose you! Okay?” I matched her stance.

“Are you ready?”

“They can’t throw me out, can they?”

“Now they can’t.”

“But they can refuse.”

“We’ll figure it out if they do.”

“Hah! You? Figure out time manipulation? No offence, but that’s pretty far from your aspect.” I didn’t grace that comment with a reply, just pushed the door open to enter the council building.

“Ah. Long time no see. Where have you two been hiding?”

“We weren’t-“

“Honeymoon.” I cut in. That surprised them and deterred any more questions. After a long, uncomfortable silence.

“We see. So what brings you here now?”

“I need a teacher. I want to learn a new aspect.”

“Reason?”

“I…I’m losing my touch.” Another long, thick silence.

“That’s unfortunate. You know the consequence of losing your magic.”

“Hold on! She’s my companion, you can’t just banish her!”

“Yes, that does make things more complicated…”

“So why not give her a teacher, let her master time, and regain her status. It would be best for us all.”

“Time? Really? Is that the aspect you chose?” She nodded shyly. Now she can be modest and quiet. It’s like our personalities switch up whenever we face authority. She forgets how to stand up for herself, and I grow a pair. “That indeed would be quite useful. However, as of yesterday we no longer have a teacher available for that particular task.”

“What happened?”

“He was found and killed.” Found?

“Why wasn’t he inside the boundaries?”

“He was banished. Before you ask, let me assure you his punishment was well deserved, but we cannot disclose its nature to anyone.”

“So what now? Who will teach her?”

“She’ll have to do it herself. Motivation is key, we were told, and what better to help you than the fear of being an outlaw.” I was too shocked to respond. Next thing I know we are being ushered out, the wooden doors closing behind us.

“What was that?!”

“I guess, they can throw me out.”

“No. This is not okay. This isn’t how our laws work!”

“Shh! They might hear you. Let’s go to your place.”

“Our place.”

“What do you think happened to the previous time spinner?”

“They sounded very diplomatic. Which means they’re covering their asses. Ergo they feel guilty. So he was probably an adulterer.”

“That’s it. He broke a bond and was thrown to the hunters? He was one of the most important people in our ranks! A freakin’ time spinner!”

“Yeah. It’s nonsense. I’m feeling less and less safe in this safe haven.”

“Agreed.”

“So how will you learn?”

“No clue. Books, if I find any. Experiments if I don’t.”