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WHEN I ENTER ARCHANGEL Tower, there's only one thing on my mind.
Haniel.
I imagine myself bumping into her, having a polite chat and an exchange of smiles. I'd give anything for another glimpse of her perfect face. As I make my way to Jophiel's office, I heave at least a half-dozen dreamy sighs.
I still can't believe I get to visit Archangel Tower every day. Each time I pass one of the Archangels, I can't bring myself to look at them. I feel so ordinary and out of place.
When I tap on Jophiel's door, I hear an apathetic, “Come in. Door's open.”
Jophiel's sitting at his deck, signing a bunch of papers. “What's that? What are you doing?” I ask.
“None of your business.” I must look disappointed by his answer, because he gives me a better one a few seconds later. “A new dorm was built two days ago, and I have to approve every piece of furniture that goes into every room.”
“That sounds boring.” For some reason, he's using a quill. Why would anyone choose to use a quill when there are easier ways to write? “Can't the students just manifest new furniture for themselves?”
“You couldn't. And we need to work on that, by the way.” Jophiel returns his quill to its inkwell and folds his hands on the desk. I have his full attention now, which is always a little intimidating. “Think of something you'd like to manifest, and let me know what you've chosen. I'll guide you through the process.”
Haniel. She's the first thing that pops into my head, but I'm not sure it's possible to manifest a person.
Hearing my thoughts, Jophiel replies, “No, you cannot manifest a person... or even an Archangel, for that matter. I could, however, summon her to my office. Then you can tell her all about your creepy obsession with her.”
“It's not creepy!” I defend myself. “I just... I happen to really admire her.”
“She occupies a lot of space in your mind, Pho. You don't think that's creepy?”
“No.”
“Good for you. Now, focus,” he lectures me. “I need to get you manifesting soon, or I'll feel like a failure. Try to manifest an apple.”
“Nah.” I shake my head and sneer. “I don't really like apples. I'd rather manifest a hat.”
“Alright. Fine. Whatever.” Jophiel sounds exasperated, but I don't think I've done anything to warrant it. He's just grouchy. “Hold out your hands, focus, and imagine the style of the hat you'd like to manifest. Imagine how it feels. Imagine how it might smell.”
“Smell?” I chuckle at the thought. “Why would my hat have a smell? Did I wear it in a barn?”
“No. It could be leather, or... something.” Jophiel stamps a foot and repeats, “Focus! You're not focusing!”
“Okay!” I try to imagine the kind of hat you might see in a mobster movie. It's black, it's kind of soft, and it has a white band around the—
In the middle of my visualization, the exact hat I'm imagining suddenly appears in my hand.
“Well done!” Jophiel exclaims. “That didn't take as long as I feared.”
Dropping the hat on my head, I ask, “How does it look?”
“It looks absolutely ridiculous.” His answer is cruel, but at least he's smiling, so I try not to take him too seriously.
“Is it really that bad?”
“No. I'm sure Haniel will swoon when she sees it.” Jophiel's rolling eyes tell a different story. “Anyway, we should get on with our mission. I've figured out a way to make it happen.”
“You're talking about the Anna dancing mission, right?” When he gives me a nod, I ask, “Um... how?”
“You and I will enter her dreams, Pho,” Jophiel says. “I haven't done it in ages, but I know it's possible. There are a few spirits—we call them Dreamwalkers—who have perfected the skill. With a Dreamwalker's assistance, we should be able to enter her dreams and dance with her there. Well... I will dance with her.”
“You?” I glare at him under my hat's wide brim. “Why you? Why not me?”
“Because I'm going to assume I'm a much better dancer.” Jophiel gives me a consoling pat on the shoulder. “Or did you also dance a dozen quadrilles with a dozen debutantes in Victorian England?”
No, he's right. I'm a terrible dancer. I've never danced with a girl before, so this shouldn't be up for debate. The only time I've ever danced is when I'm alone in my room... or in the shower. Hopefully there wasn't a spirit guide around to witness my naked pop and lock.
Curious, I ask, “Do spirit guides ever watch their charges when they're... naked?”
“It's frowned upon, but I'm sure it happens. Personally, I would never do it. It seems like a violation of privacy.” Jophiel lowers his voice, but I can hear him murmur to himself, “That's another reason why I'm not a cad...”
Without warning, Jophiel warps us to some guy's living room. He's sitting cross-legged on the floor with a white cat on his lap, and when he sees us, he looks surprised. He's burning woodsy incense, and judging from his clothes, I would guess he's Native American.
“Um... hello?” The man studies us with a raised eyebrow. “I wasn't expecting you to just drop in.”
“Well, I did tell you we'd be coming.” Jophiel joins him on the floor and motions for me to do the same. When we sit, the cat abandons the man's lap.
“My wife's cat,” the man says. “Angel isn't too fond of strangers. And my name is Rain, by the way.”
It takes me a moment to realize he's introducing himself for my benefit, even though he's looking directly at me. “Oh!” I exclaim. “I'm Chris.”
Jophiel says, “I've already explained the situation via text, but now that we're here, I'll elaborate further. My student and I find ourselves with an unusual mission. Our charge is a disabled young lady named Anna, and her wish is to dance. Unfortunately, barring a miracle, I can't think of a way to make this happen... which is why we've come to you.”
“You want to enter her dreams?” Rain's gaze snaps back and forth between Jophiel and me. I wonder what he's thinking.
Jophiel whispers to me, “He's probably thinking you look ridiculous in that stupid hat.”
I swipe the hat from my head and nudge him with an elbow. He's so mean. I didn't think it looked that bad!
Ignoring our whisperings, Rain says, “It's a clever idea, and it's definitely possible. Normal spirits can't enter dreams without training, but I should be able to get you in.”
“Good. Excellent!” Jophiel exclaims. “When can we start?”
“Well, my wife is away on a mission. I suspect she'll be gone for several hours, so... any time is fine with me.”
“Now seems like the perfect time.” My eager instructor is back on his feet and hoisting me onto mine. “Thank you for your help, Rain. We are truly indebted to you.”