Phoebe walked to Ian’s side and rested a hand on his shoulder. “My powers may be of little use in rescuing your friend, but they can help you unlock the secrets of your mind, Ian Page. Perhaps in time, I can help you find out why your memory has left you and give you back your lost memories.”
“I—thank you, Phoebe. I appreciate it.”
Ian turned to Alli. She wore another of her work uniforms, the odd jumpsuit emblazoned with the Spirit Cop logo over her heart. She looked away from them and it was clear that something else bothered her.
“This is about more than Peach,” he said. “I didn’t even expect to see you today. I expected you to take a day with Marilyn. Our rescue wasn’t much of one, but I know you’re happy to be reunited with her. So why are you here?”
Alli didn’t say anything for several long moments. She just looked away as if lost in thought.
“You don’t have to fear us,” Phoebe said. “You can talk to us. We’re not your enemies.”
“Don’t read my mind,” Alli said.
“I wouldn’t. If I tried to pickup anything more than surface thoughts, you would know. But I don’t need my powers to know something sits poorly inside you. Let it out. Let us help you.”
“I’m not really sure what’s bothering me,” Alli said. “Everything seems different now. I let her go with Cyrus. I let her get kidnapped. And when I went to rescue her, I let a mad god out to menace the universe. I’m lucky he didn’t kill me. And I didn’t do anything to stop him. I was transported from one world to the next by that monster, and I was unconscious the entire time.”
“It’s not your fault,” Ian said. “I’m sure Marilyn doesn’t blame you for anything.”
“I know. But I still blame myself. And that makes it hard to just be present. It’s like my mind is constantly going back there. So I came to work today, but when I saw Phoebe, I just couldn’t control myself. All my frustration just seemed to explode out of me. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”
“No one expects you to be perfect, Alli. I’m a man with a broken mind and a deadly power that scares the crap out of me. I’m not the first one to throw stones.”
She nodded. “I raised myself for the most part, Ian. Having my mom around was always great, but she wasn’t all that useful in keeping me alive. So I had to learn on my own. I guess that makes me more ready to take the blame when I do something wrong or let something go to pot. But I think you’re right. I need to refocus and concentrate on the matters at hand.”
“You’ll be alright in time,” Phoebe said. “Now go see your love. Let her know how you feel. This is the time for love in your life. Embrace it.”
Alli nodded. “I—I’m sorry I’ve been such a bitch. Thank you.”
“Think nothing of it,” Phoebe said. “I am here in this world now. I have to find my path. If all I ever accomplish it to help you along yours, I will at least count one success. Good day, Alli Finch.”
“Yeah. Thanks.” Alli gave Ian one last quizzical look as she started back towards the door. “Ian, while you two talk, you might want to work on her modern English skills.”
Phoebe turned to Ian as the door closed. “What does she mean? I gleaned my knowledge of your language from your minds. The language I use is common American English. Is there something wrong with my words?”
“Not exactly wrong,” Ian said. “You just don’t sound natural. But we can work it out. Come on. Let’s see what food we can scrounge up.”
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