Suddenly, a figure traveling so fast that Nick and Violet couldn't make it out, caught Midhe. It then, just as quickly, flew onto the cliff only a few feet away. Wind blew back their hair as the Bird Laguz King descended to the ground, Midhe in his arms.
Violet gasped behind him, but Nick didn't noticed. All he could think of was Midhe's battered body. Tibarn set her down on the grass, feathers falling around her. Various wounds covered her body, sealed shut by burns from the magical fire. Her wings were almost bare of feathers and scarred deeply. Only one thing seemed to have come out of the attack completely unscathed; the necklace she wore around her neck. The small stone hung from its strap as it always did, not a trace of disfigurement.
The bushes rustled behind Nick as Violet rose to walk towards Midhe. The sound snapped him out of his daze and he immediately rushed over to her side. He quickly raised his hands and began to summon healing magic to his palms. With tremendous effort, he managed to focus on her non-breathing body. Tibarn, a grim expression evident on his face, watched on. Violet did as well, but tried to stay out of Nick's sight so that he wouldn't notice the tear trailing down her cheek.
He poured every drop of magic he could muster into his hands, which glowed a soft blue above Midhe's battered frame.
After what felt like hours draining his magic, but was only about a minute, he realized that he had barely affected even the smallest of injuries. With frustration, he knew that his simple magic was no match for these wounds. Nick pulled back his hands and sat back. This can't be it. I can't let you die! He wailed in his head.
Tibarn turned his vision from the despairing boy to the sudden battlefield only a few yards away. Bird laguz choked the skies in their transformed states, often joined by the bright magic flaring from the magical users. Splashes could be heard as both laguz and enemy fell off of the cliff into the frothing water below.
Three laguz flew over, who Tibarn recognized to be his advisors.
"How do you fly so fast?" Nassir asked, panting slightly. Tibarn simply shifted his eyes to the beaten body of Midhe. Everyone fell silent, taking in the sight before them.
Although Nassir felt tempted to ask what happened, he also knew that this was simply not the time to be asking. And Nick looks exhausted. He thought. He must have used all the magic he had.
A small leaf lightly stuck to the back of Nassir's shirt. He reached behind him and pulled it off, rubbing his arm against the staff in the process. His eyes widened in remembrance and he hurriedly pulled it out of his belt.
"Nick." He called out softly. The beorc slowly looked up, his eyes laced with misery. Nassir handed the staff to Nick, wondering if he felt a small glimmer of gratitude flash from the orb as he released his grip.
Nick started at the voice speaking inside of his head. Hello, my master.
What? What are you? Nick asked
I am Galen, and have long awaited the day I would meet you. Before Nick could say anything else, it continued. But I can explain later. I believe you want to help someone?
Midhe! He exclaimed, jerking himself back to the present. Can you save her?
Together we can do many things that you could not before. Place me before the laguz.
Nick obliged, quickly holding the staff in between him and Midhe, impatiently waiting for an answer.
This will be difficult. Not only is her body greatly wounded, but her soul is as well. The only way to bring back her spirit is to delve into the world inside of her mind. However, you will have to overcome your own challenges first. The staff explained.
It doesn't matter. I need to save Midhe!
Then, it stated, I will lend you my full power. Just remember, if you die there, you will die here as well.
Magic surged into Nick, restoring both his confidence and strength. The Staff's last words echoed in his ears as he closed his eyes and prepared for whatever would be coming next.
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