by Shayn Bloom
their notebooks and binders. “Remember to study the Neo-Freudians,” Adia reminded the class loudly. “Especially Karen Horney!”
Ash and I departed together. Chancing a backward glance down the hall, I saw Adia walking resolutely in the opposite direction, her arms full of folders and her heels clopping loudly on the floor.
And then she vanished.
I grasped Ash’s hand. “She went invisible! Right in the hall!”
Ash sighed. “She can and she does.”
“Does she have any other powers?” I asked, breathless.
He nodded. “Utopians in general have an aptitude for prophecy. Adia has an extremely acute ability. It’s stunning, really.”
Skylights brightened the stairs as we descended them and went outside. Birds flew as clouds waved. It was a beautiful day and an even more beautiful day for Dreamdrifting. Thinking my questions were becoming bothersome, I refrained from asking another until we were in Magic and speeding toward Everest.
“How can I enter the subconscious mind,” I began slowly. “When I’m not a Dreamdrifter?”
Ash winked cheekily as he turned the enormous wheel. “With my help! Humans can’t enter the subconscious mind without a Dreamdrifter or a Utopian assisting them. The subconscious is unlocked and only unlocked by a Dreamdrifter.”
“I’m so excited!” I exclaimed.
“It’s not all fun and games,” Ash said. “Dreamdrifting is serious. We will be entering a real person’s subconscious mind. We will be witnessing someone emotionally naked. Ethics and their practice are part of being a Dreamdrifter. The subconscious is a delicate place.”
Everest was fast approaching. Soon we were parking Magic against the deck. Moving at an even pace, we walked across the deck and into the house. It required all of my self control to not go dashing ahead to search for the dream portal.
“Where is everyone?” I asked.
Ash shrugged, unperturbed. “People come and go as they please. I’ve long since given up keeping track of them.”
While passing through the kitchen and into the library, a question occurred to me. “How do Dreamdrifters make money?”
“We don’t make money,” Ash said. “That’s why so many Dreamdrifters live communally like we do. Me, sis, Wayfara, Julian, and Cassie all live here at Everest and there used to be even more. Divion, Adia, and her brother Todd also once lived here. It’s true that living together helps to unify the Holurn, but it’s also true that we can’t afford to live separately without holding a day job like Adia and Divion.”
“So there’s no salary?” I asked in surprise. “No benefits?”
Ash laughed. “Dreamdrifting is thankless, Annie, remember that. The International Bureau of Dreamdrifters does offer small salaries, but they will only employ Utopians with proven ability and many years of experience. Luckily, Julian and Cassie are both on the payroll. They’re the ones keeping the creditors away from Everest.”
Sunlight illuminated the hallway beneath Coraline’s study. The door was open. We traveled the length of the hall, stopping only at the end where the spiral staircase wound upward.
“Anyone home?” Ash called.
“Who goes there?” Wayfara’s voice replied.
“Who do you think, nitwit?” Ash hailed.
Wayfara laughed. “And it’s about time!”
Gesturing to the staircase, Ash allowed me to ascend first. Wayfara was sitting in the high-backed leather chair, his feet luxuriously propped on the Holan’s desk. The youngest Wildecore spread his arms in an exuberant welcome.
“What are you doing here?” Ash asked.
Wayfara raised his eyebrows. “Waiting for you!”
Ash was already walking to the desk. In one quick motion, he spun the chair around hard. Wayfara’s feet were dislodged from the desk as their owner went flying from the chair, landing with a thud on the floor.
Ash’s tone was impatient. “Where are her instructions?”
Rubbing his head, Wayfara smiled up at me. “How’s that dreamcatcher working, Annie?”
“No nightmares since it arrived,” I said, smiling. “Fingers crossed!”
Wayfara beamed. “Excellent!”
Ash seated himself in the chair recently unoccupied by Wayfara. Gathering some notes from the desk, he scanned them quickly. “Any day now,” he said. “You’re free to share her instructions.”
Ignoring Ash, Wayfara addressed me. “First time Dreamdrifting, huh?”
I took a seat in front of the desk. “Yes, it is.”
“Are you excited?” Wayfara asked.
I nodded fervently. “Very.”
“You should be,” said Wayfara. “I remember my first foray in the subconscious. It was… unbelievable.”
“That crazy?” I asked excitedly.
“That crazy,” he reassured. “It was so trippy!”
“It’s not supposed to be trippy,” Ash interjected, frowning from the desk. “It’s supposed to be helpful! Our purpose is to enter the subconscious and attempt to put wrongs right. We’re there to lift people higher. Not get high, Wayfara!”
“Right, of course,” Wayfara said.
“Speaking of which,” Ash continued. “Coraline’s instructions?”
“She didn’t say much,” Wayfara admitted. “Josephine is your patient and Annie should sign the Creed.”
“She wants Annie to sign the Creed?” Ash sounded surprised. “That’s unusual for a guided endeavor.”
Wayfara shrugged. “Holan knows best,” he said, his sarcasm obvious. “It’s on the desk.”
“Take this,” Ash instructed, handing me a document from the desk. “Coraline wants you to read it before we submerge, although I don’t see why she’s bothering.”
I read the document.
Dreamdrifters’ Creed
I am an usher of peace
I am a power for good
I am the secret unspoken
I am our secret untold
I am a torch in darkness
Ash looked apologetic as I handed it back. “Holurns have different Creeds,” Ash explained, taking the document. “And they vary greatly.”
“Except for the secrecy part,” Wayfara remarked dryly.
I frowned. “It said that twice, didn’t it?”
Ash shook his head. “I am the secret unspoken means you’re not supposed to blab about what you see in someone’s subconsciousness. I am our secret untold is about keeping Dreamdrifters secret.”
“Who wrote it?” I asked.
“Grandfather Wilhelm,” Wayfara answered. “And our grandmother, Regina. The Holan reserves the right to amend the Creed.”
“Coraline,” I thought aloud. “Has she amended it?”
Ash’s expression was unsure. “I don’t think so.”
“She better not!” Wayfara growled. “Not without our approval! Anyway, Dad was going to amend it when he became Holan, but then our parents –”
“Josephine!” Ash interrupted. “It’s Josephine, right?”
Wayfara nodded. “That’s her.”
Reaching down, Ash opened a drawer in the desk. He retrieved a small chest made of a light colored wood. It looked like a miniature treasure chest. Handling it gently, Ash placed it on the desk.
“What’s that?” I asked.
“The Dreamchest.” Ash replied. “Come take a look.”
I walked around the desk to examine the chest more closely. Though its sides were curiously plain, a mysterious and ornately carved dreamcatcher was etched into the rolling top.
Skipping ceremony, Ash opened the chest. I was expecting something truly spectacular inside. However, the chest was filled with nothing besides rows and rows of tiny glass vials, each brimming with an unknown liquid.
“She should organize this better,” Ash muttered, examining a document before perusing the chest. I could easily guess the subject of his thoughts. “The names on these vials are almost impossible to read.”
“I don’t understand,” I said. “Who are the vi
als for?”
“You,” Wayfara answered. “And you only. We don’t need submersion potions to go under.”
“Found her!” Ash called, holding the vial high in victory. “You’re mine, Josephine!”
“What’s her diag, anyway?” Wayfara asked.
“Dysmorphic syndrome,” Ash said.
I scratched my head. “So each vial leads to someone’s…”
“Subconscious,” Wayfara nodded. “Each and every one.”
I was starting to feel overwhelmed. “What’s dysmorphic syndrome?”
“Josephine’s diagnosis,” Wayfara replied unhelpfully. “This might sound odd, but sometimes I do better when I don’t know a patient’s history.”
Ash nodded in agreement. “He has a point.”
“So if you guys don’t enter with vials,” I began. “How do you enter?”
Ash’s enormous smile tanned my consciousness. “And I thought you’d never ask,” he said, gesturing to the dreamcatcher curling down from his neck.
“Ah,” I said, understanding. “Anything else I should know?”
Wayfara looked at his brother. “Does she know what to expect?”
Anxiety crept over me. “Why? What should I know?”
“The subconscious,” Ash began slowly. “Can be...” He trailed off, searching for the right word.
“Disconcerting,” Wayfara rescued.
Ash nodded quickly. “Disconcerting.”
“How?” I asked.
“The subconscious mind is like a child,” Wayfara said. “You can’t reason with it or force it to comply. You can’t tell it what to do. There is only one way to control it. You must show it the way.”
“He’s right,” Ash reinforced. “And you can’t touch the subconscious either.”
I frowned. “What do you mean by touch it?”
“You’ll see soon enough,” Wayfara commented.
Ash smiled encouragingly. “Ready to go?”
Excitement had been racing through me all day, exploding like firecrackers. After hearing their discourse on the subconscious mind, however, my nerves were also exploding.
“No worries, Annie,” Wayfara said, his eyes upon me. “Ash, surprisingly, is a very capable Dreamdrifter. He’ll keep you safe.”
“I will,” Ash said, nodding a thank you to his brother. “Of course I will.”
Taking a deep breath, I stood up. “I’m ready.”
Wayfara went to the spiral staircase. “Remember, Annie, never touch it,” he said. “Good luck!” And he was gone, sliding down the staircase with his hands suspending his body from the rails.
Coming from around the desk, Ash guided me to the sofa. His voice was a whisper. “We will also be going downstairs.”
“I’m ready,” I responded, trying to believe it.
We lay down amid the light of the surrounding windows. “I like this tower room,” I said, trying to distract my nerves. “It’s quiet.”
Finding my hand, Ash squeezed it before releasing me. My hand, however, wasn’t empty. The vial remained on my palm. Bringing it to my eyes, I read the name written in the tiniest of script: Josephine.
“Take it,” Ash said. “I will meet you there.”
Trembling, I opened the vial and drank it whole.
7. Josephine
The silence was heavier than sound.
I was still standing. That was good. Regardless, I kept my eyes shut tight. Reaching down, I felt the same blue jeans I had pulled on that morning; felt the same useless change pocket that I had never used and never would use.
Despite my clothes, I felt naked.
“Annie?” His voice soothed. “Are you alright?”
I focused closed eyes. “Ash?”
“It’s me,” he said. “We are here. We have arrived.”
“We’re in her subconscious?”
“Yes,” Ash said. “You can open your eyes now.”
I kept them closed. “Is it scary?”
“No,” Ash breathed. “It’s beautiful.”
“Really?” I asked. “You promise?”
“Yes.” His words were a trickling laugh. “A thousand times yes!”
I opened my eyes. I gasped, the surprise catching in my throat. We were surrounded by plants. Every growth imaginable from tiny sprout to enormous tree encircled our position. The air in my lungs was wonderfully fresh. Rising above us, a gargantuan metal and glass dome covered everything in sight.
It was a plant menagerie.
“See,” Ash pointed out. “It’s so –”
“Beautiful,” I breathed.
Turning to him, I saw that his appearance had changed. Ash’s v-neck was hugging his muscular arms and chest, but his perfect figure wasn’t catching my attention this time. The dreamcatcher on his chest was no longer motionless. It had come alive. Twirling crazily, it was spinning energetically around and around and over and up. It whirled an inky dance of swirling black.
Ash smiled at my goggling eyes. “Neat, isn’t it?”
“Very,” I agreed. “Does this happen to all Dreamdrif –”
“Shh!” Ash shushed, silencing me. “Don’t say that word! That’s how we go home, by saying it! Use ‘Drifter’ instead.”
“Whoops,” I said sheepishly. “Does that happen to all Drifters down here?”
“Oh yeah,” Ash replied. “Julian is especially amazing to watch in the subconscious. His whole body comes to life.”
I gazed around. “So this is the subconscious mind?”
“This is Josephine’s subconscious mind,” Ash corrected. “Everyone’s is different. You never know what to expect.”
“Should we look around?” I suggested.
Taking my hand, Ash squeezed. “Lead the way.”
A dirt pathway led forward. I moved gently, feeling as though the very ground beneath my feet was Josephine. The plants changed as we traveled. Titanic lavenders turned to tulip gardens on both sides of the path, and in the distance I glimpsed elephantine trees.
Without warning, Ash planted a kiss on my cheek. I burned a bright, glowing red. My blushing didn’t recede when he wrapped his hand around my waist, either. Ash smiled hugely. “This is a romantic subconscious.”
“Should we do this here?” I asked self-consciously.
“Naturally,” he said.
Before I could respond, Ash had whisked me into the air. Holding me tight to his strong chest, he brought warm lips to mine. Wrapping my legs around him so as not to fall, I kissed him back, hugging him tightly as I did. Ash’s eyes were dancing amid hazel dresses. It was over far too soon. He lowered me to the ground before picking a berry from a nearby bush. “Blackberry?”
“No thanks,” I breathed. “I’m full.”
“I’m impressed,” Ash commented. “You didn’t ask whether we should be eating the fruits of someone’s subconscious. You’re getting comfortable down here.” Holding the berry aloft, he examined it closely. “This is probably within ten minutes of her prime.”
“You know berries that well?”
“I know nothing about berries,” he admitted. “But I know the subconscious mind. It’s a tricky place,” he added. “These berries might be poisoned. Oh well, there’s only one way to find out!” And he popped the berry into his mouth.
“No!” I shouted, grabbing at him. Ash fell through my arms and hit the dirt, rolling as he clutched his throat. His mouth was foaming. I screamed. “Help! Help! Somebody, help!” I clutched at Ash’s shirt, terror roaring inside of me. And then it was over. Ash rolled on the ground, roaring with laughter. Fury filled me. “That wasn’t funny!”
“I – I don’t know,” he gasped. “I thought it was a good one!”
“You’re wrong,” I spat angrily. “Don’t do that again!”
Standing quickly, Ash threw me a salute. “Yes ma’am!”
I smiled helplessly. “You’re a goof.”
“Better a goof than aloof,” he remarked.
“You’re supposed to be my leader down here,”
I accused.
“I will be!” Ash said, nodding fervently. “Follow your leader!” He thrust off through the plant growth. I hurried to follow.
“So what are we looking for, anyway?” I asked.
“An exit,” Ash replied. “Out of this green house place.”
I frowned. “Are you sure there is one?”
“It’s a guess,” he said. “But I think so.”
“Suppose we need help,” I asked. “Will other Drifters come?”
“We won’t need help,” Ash said, his tone heavy with finality. “See,” he said, pointing. “The exit!”
The remaining mile was stunning. It was lined with rosebushes that sprouted around the path, their tops blossoming with red giggles. The exit was a large, iron gate, its exterior covered in green, peeling paint. Once outside, we could see gardens abounding in every direction. Ash and I continued forward with our hands intertwined. Maple trees extended on our right as a grove of pear trees passed on the left. A mass of blue gathered in the distance.
“It’s a lake,” Ash said.
I grinned appreciatively. “This place is like Versailles.”
“Like Versailles,” Ash agreed. “But bigger. Much bigger.”
“I hope we find what we’re looking for,” I said. “What are we looking for now?”
Ash raised his eyebrows. “Isn’t that obvious?”
I shook my head. “Not really.”
“Josephine, of course.”
“Josephine,” I repeated. “Is she here?”
“Oh yes,” he answered. “She’s here.”
Confusion was pummeling me. “How do you know?”
“We Drifters can sense suffering,” Ash explained. “It’s like a frequency we’re always dialed into. In the subconscious mind, we follow the frequency and that’s how we find them. In fact,” he continued, changing direction. “I think she’s this way.”
“I’ll take your word for it,” I said.
Ash had heard the anxiety in my voice. “There’s nothing to be afraid of down here, Annie,” he reassured. “We’re the ones trespassing, not Josephine.” While we passed through an apple orchard, I began to feel hungry. I reached for an apple but Ash stayed my hand.
“What?” I asked.
“Josephine.”
My eyes followed his. And then I saw her. She was standing a distance away, motionless in a row of apple trees. Her back was facing us as her dark hair fell over her shoulder, hiding her face from view.
“What’s she doing there?” I whispered.
Ash’s eyes were narrowed. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “But let’s find out.”
I followed him as he approached her. Josephine, it appeared, was wearing a colorful shirt of some kind. Her pants were the same color. Only twenty feet away now, she still had her back turned. As we drew closer, however, I realized what she was wearing. I stopped dead, my heart thudding wildly in my chest. Ash was ready. As I opened my mouth to scream he covered it quickly, silencing me.
“Don’t,” he said quietly. “It will frighten her.” I screamed into his hand anyway. “It’s just Josephine,” he said calmly. “It’s just Josephine…”
“Let me go!” My horrified words were muffled by his hand.
“I am!” Ash said, releasing me slowly. “Just please don’t scream! It hurts them.”
I silenced my scream somehow. The feat required all of my self control and more, but I achieved it regardless. In any case, upon scanning Josephine more closely I had realized what she was wearing: nothing.
Josephine had no skin. Instead, scales covered her entire body. Her hands ended in sharp, deadly claws that erupted from where fingers should have been. Regardless, she had the unmistakable form of a human woman. I had yet to glimpse her face.
I turned to Ash but then stopped. I had seen movement on the
