Prologue

It was a bright sunny day in early May and a small group of 6-7 year olds, along with their parents gathered in one of the larger rooms in the testing area. They were towards the end of the long and laborious testing procedure that all Magi children went through around the age of 6. All these children had been identified as powerful with dual abilities and their parents were hoping that they would be bonded.

Most of the children knew each other as they were all part of the same part of society. All except one, a girl of Italian-American heritage, long messy brunette hair and with a clear south Boston accent. Most of the other children ignored her as they tried to see if they could be bonded. The only one not snubbing the Brunette was a petite Blonde who was also on her own. When the Brunette saw that there was another on their own, she screwed up her courage and went over to her. She held out a hand that was covered in an old, brown leather glove.

"Hi I'm Jane." The Brunette said, smiling at the Blonde.

"Hello Jane. My name is Maura." She Blonde replied excitedly, extending her own gloved hand, though hers were obviously brand knew and made of white kid.

Maura had been standing there rather nervously as she did not really know anyone, even though her Mother had said she should speak to Garett, who was the nasty boy who had tried to push her over. She was very surprised when another girl came over. She had seen the girl before but was too shy to speak to her. She had just been trying to gather her courage when the girl had come over to her.

Jane on the other hand, was fed up with all the snobby types who thought they were better than everyone. She had not been planning to speak to anyone when she saw Maura. She didn't like to see someone looking to alone, so she thought that maybe they could be friends or maybe even Bond, just as her Nonna had said.

The two girls chattered a bit about their schools and what they did. Jane learned that Maura did Ballet and liked books. Maura learned that Jane was good at sports and played the piano.

After about half an hour, one of the supervising Magi came over. He could see the two little girls were getting on so he decided to administer the first test.

"Would you both please remove your right glove for me girls?" He asked, standing to one side.

Both Maura and Jane nodded, having both been told by their parents to obey the Council staff. Slowly they both removed their right gloves. Jane struggled a bit as she was left handed. Soon they both stood there, holding their right gloves in their left hand.

"Right I need you both to reach out and place your right hands together, palm to palm." He instructed.

Both girls nodded again and slowly reached out their right hands toward each other. As they came close, both girls braced themselves in case there was an adverse reaction. As their palms met, both girls closed their eyes and it was only after they had been touching for a few seconds, that they opened their eyes and looked first at each other, then at the Magi.

"Well it seems you are at least basically compatible." The Magi said with a smile. Why don't you see if you can maintain contact for a little while." She said, before heading over to another group.

Jane looked at Maura and smiled.

"It feels so good to be able to touch someone again, It's been ages since my magic happened and I had to start wearing gloves and no-one could come near me." She said, beaming at the thought.

"Me too. I was only just 6 when my magic developed and that was months ago. Not that anyone really interacted with me before, I just want to be able to live my life. I want to be a doctor. How about you?" Maura asked.

"I want to be a 'tective and catch bad guys." Jane replied. She then looked at Maura nervously. "D'you think. I mean would you mind if I gave you a hug? Ma used to hug me all the time but she hasn't been able to since my magic appeared. I used to think it was annoying, but now I miss it.

Maura looked at Jane in shock. She had never had a hug from anyone that she could remember. Certainly not her parents. She wondered what it would be like.

"If you want to Jane." Maura replied. She had barely got the words out when Jane enveloped her in a bear hug. There was no reaction and both immediately felt safe.

They stayed like that for a while, both enjoying the sensation, until another of the supervisors came over.

"Well it seems like you can do extended contact. What you need to do now is meet up a least a few times a week over the next month or two until both you and your families are certain that you want to be bonded. When you settle this, we will get you back to complete the final test and arrange the ceremony." She smiled at the two girls, "Where are your parents?" He asked.

"My Ma is over there." Jane said, indicating the seat where her Mother was sitting, beaming at the sight.

"What about yours?" She asked Maura.

"They are not here. My Mother had an art exhibition so my Nanny brought me, she is over there." Maura said, indicating a woman who was sitting on her own in one corner.

"Hm, not exactly protocol but we'll have to make do." She frowned at the thought before waving both women over.

When they arrived, she addressed them both.

"These two have all the markings of a successful bond pair. In order to help make it work, they need to spend some time with each other so each can really get to know the other. Then in a month or so, if a Bonding is agreed, we will get them both back here, perform the final test and arrange the ceremony. What I need you to do now is exchange contact details so you can arrange to meet up." She finished, before handing each woman a slip of paper so they could fill their address and contact phone number on each. Once they were done, they swapped slips. Then, after the girls had a final hug with a promise to call that evening, they both left. Looking forward to the future.