The first thing he checks is his pocket.

[john_the_brave]

He isn't sure how it'd happened, how he'd been practically flying down the road to visit Freak Lake one minute and his bike was knocking into the corner of a building taller than any in Clayton County the next, but it isn't in John's nature to dismiss the obvious. No, John is all about the small details, the little things, the things that most

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[knowmycall]

[john_the_brave]

He startles, knowing it's a little ridiculous but unable to help himself really. Everything had been turned upside down even worse than had happened a few months ago. He isn't sure if he wants to call attention to himself, get help, or simply stick it out alone.

For that matter, he isn't sure if this person is really a person or another one of his 'demons' playing with him, trying to see how he ticks, trying to figure him out as Foreman had.

"Wasn't paying attention," and John is glad that he's too shocked to really be anything but shocked. He isn't sure where he stands on his rules at the moment, given the situation.

[knowmycall]

[john_the_brave]

John decides to take a calculated risk, a simple question. Depending on the answer he gets, he can figure out the level of 'screwed' he's currently at and start making plans.

"Where am I?"

If the man started giving him streets, he was probably just a normal citizen and it was a case of some sort of transportation. If the man started explaining about the city itself, this person was probably in league with Nobody and Foreman because that would just be weird.

[thehighestwing]

Man, they just fall through the Rift in droves these days, don't they?

Phoebe winces when she takes note of the boy with the bike come through. She sighs in sympathy, before jogging toward him.

"Hiya, cutie!" Waving at him, she approaches a bit further still. She knows she's quite possibly the least intimidating person on the planet. "Need some help there?"

[john_the_brave]

Blonde. Pretty. His first thought is of Brooke, Brooke as he'd last seen her in her perfect shorts with her perfect, clear skin and her long hair.

Walking away.

The image of her walking away forces the other ones out, the fantasies and the dreams, the memory of the moment he'd almost had with her even if he'd--

All right, at the time, he'd wanted it, but that was Mr. Monster. He has things under control now, or so he hopes.

Ducking his head, looking away for everyone's safety, he shakes his head.

"No, I'm fine. I didn't hurt myself. I mean, it's not like I ride into corners all the time, but I didn't do too bad for an amateur."

[thehighestwing]

It never does get any easier, having to break the news.

Phoebe has joked about being a welcome wagon for wanderers before, but there is nothing funny about having to tell a person their home is gone.

All they have known and all they have cared for can never be theirs again.

"It wasn't bad at all," Phoebe promises in what she hopes is an encouraging gesture.

Giving him a slight smile, she takes another step forward. Her wings twitch, a sign they're asking for release.

Phoebe stifles the urge immediately.

"This might sound totally weird to you but I'm an angel. I saw you fall through a rift just now. You're not from Chicago, are you?"

[john_the_brave]

The bright cheerful voice doesn't help. Brooke was always cheerful and friendly and maybe a little weird, but in a way that showed that she loved people, loved life, that she felt connected to and blessed by the whole world