Melody No. 5 ~ Just like you protected us.

[thelittlecanary]

[Some would call it an act of unflinching selflessness, others, one of great stupidity. Opinion cannot reverse what she has done. Garnet has gone and exchanged her arm (and a great deal of her hair) for her white magic. Unlike others who have been butchered unwittingly, Garnet has knowingly made the sacrifice to regain her healing abilities after

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[a_gentle_boy]

[Here's the boy you talked to once on the phone. He, too, has been sticking around the area waiting for the injured to come by -- When he sees a girl without her arm, he naturally runs up with a worried expression on his face.]

Miss . . . ! Your arm! Hold on, I'll -- . . . Oh! Oh, good.

[He slows down as he realizes it's healed.]

You should go home and rest . . .

[thelittlecanary]

[Turns with a surprised exclamation at the sound of the familiar voice. She regards the child with a furrowed brow, expression brightening when she does recognize him.] Oh, there's no need, Lucas... [She brushes her fingers over the spot where her arm should be, frowning slightly.]

Perhaps I should...but not yet. Not while people might still need help.

[a_gentle_boy]

Huh?

[It takes him a little while.]

Miss Garnet? It looks more like you should be getting help than giving it.

[thelittlecanary]

[She nods her head when he calls her by name, as if to say, "Yes, that's right, it is me."] N-no, I'll be alright...You weren't hurt, were you?

[a_gentle_boy]

No, I didn't change for anything. I've just been helping where I can . . .

[He's covered in a large quantity of blood himself because of this.]

So many people are hurt. It's a little overwhelming.

[thelittlecanary]

[Garnet eyes the boy with admiration and sympathy. The poor child must have seen so much - too much - today, and he still had it in his heart to stay and heal the wounded.] Yes, it is...but it is important that we remain calm. [This advice sounds hollow and more directed at herself. If he had a breakdown here and now, she wouldn't blame him.]

[a_gentle_boy]

[Having finished breakdown earlier, Lucas is more emotionally stable at this point. As well as anesthesized to massive quantities of blood. It is terribly unsanitary.]

I know . . . If I'm running around screaming, I guess I can't be of much help to anyone else.

[slightly guilty cough]

But, honestly, Miss Garnet. You just broke your ribs and things and now your arm is . . . You should be recovering.

[thelittlecanary]

... [She pauses she is silent for a moment, running her remaining hand over the stump where her arm used to be. Each time she does this, fresh shock and disbelief flow through her, and she can hear Jecht's harsh words in her head again.

Still, if she can be of any help, take the ability that Mayfield had made her bleed for and turn it against them by helping others, then it's more than worth it. She lowers herself into a bench with a sigh.]

I gave it up willingly, you know?...It was broken anyway, and so many people were dying...Zidane lost his entire hand...there was just no other way to stop the bleeding in time. [Just talking about it makes the memories from a couple hours ago come flooding back.] I was so afraid...but I don't regret it.

[a_gentle_boy]

You . . . asked him to take your arm? B-But Miss Garnet! If you can ask for things, you should have gone with something less important . . . !

Well, I guess it's too late to think about that. . . . You're really brave.

[thelittlecanary]

I asked for my white magic. [And at her words, the tips of her fingers glow faintly, illuminated by the magic.] It was the only thing worth sacrificing for.

[She smiles gratefully when he calls her brave, but bows her head, slouching forwards slightly - something she can finally do now that her ribs are healed.] The worst part is that Jecht saw me. He was so angry...I don't blame him. He swore to protect me, and I went and put myself in danger.

[a_gentle_boy]

White mag -- I've heard of that before. People have called my PSI that. A-Ah. Miss Garnet . . . You gave up your arm so you could heal everyone else?

. . .

Your friend should be proud of you. Maybe rightfully angry, but still a little proud.

[thelittlecanary]

[Looks up at Lucas when he mentions that Jecht should be proud of her. She's smiling, and her eyes are slightly watery, but with all that's happened today, she can afford to be a bit teary-eyed.] Thank you, Lucas...I have to make it up to him somehow.

[a_gentle_boy]

. . . He probably just wants to see you safe. So don't work yourself too hard.

[thelittlecanary]

[She nods her head slowly, wanting to believe him. A sigh escapes her lips, and she slowly stands again.] I'm tired. You were right, I should go home and rest.

[a_gentle_boy]

[Lucas nods.]

. . . Do you want me to go with you?

[thelittlecanary]

[Turns to look at Lucas, a tender smile on her face.] I would like that very much.