Alex studied the Pill Clouds still, but with Shumi no longer in control of them, there wasn't much time for him to learn anything at all. And with Memory needing his help, he soon stopped.
He checked on Shumi afterward, seeing that she was only mentally fatigued. His concerns vanished as he realized it was nothing serious.
"What happened?" Alex asked, checking up on her. "Did they reject your connection?"
"Not exactly," Shumi explained in a small voice. "The Intent within it was too strong. I had to fight back while making use of my authority, and that took more out of me than I could have imagined."
"Oh, so you can't help me again?" he asked.
Shumi shook her head. "I'm going to have to rest before I can help. I'm sorry."
"No," Alex said. "Don't be. We're only just getting started. Even if you help just once a day for the next few years, I'll have enough time to fully understand what I need. I'm sure of that."
Shumi smiled. "I'll try my best."
