Soni looked at Nine, “You've lived here before?” he asked. Nine shook his head.

“Oh, then you must've traveled through here a couple of times,” Soni tried again not really asking. Nine shook his head again. He smiled looking at Soni mischievously.

“Do you see tourist traveling on top of the arch in st. Louis?” Nine asked grinning.

“How did you get this view?” he asked puzzled.

“I've ventured the world over. There are only a few places my eyes have not seen.”

“In the real world?” Soni, now fascinated asked.

Nine sat down letting his legs hang over the side of the arch.

“Sit down young one. What I have to tell you won't take but a moment of your time.”

They sat together staring at the scenery below them. Everything looked so surreal to Soni. He could hear the city calling for him to explore. He thought about his grandmother's ability to produce amazing places that seemed unknown to this planet but was interrupted by Nine continuing.

“There are unlimited levels of mind control,” he started. “Controlling your subconscious dreaming is one of the main levels.” He turned to Soni, “and from my encounters and experience with you I can see that you've mastered that technique.”

Soni felt a sense of pride envelope him for a moment.

Nine paused for a moment choosing his words wisely, “The level I want to introduce you to drifting.”

“Drifting?” Soni interrupted racking his brain trying not to seem oblivious.

Nine held up a hand stopping Soni’s thought process.

“Its known to you as out of body travel, or astral projection,” Nine chuckled at the thought. “And no this is not out of body travel.” He waved his hands over at the city around them. “Let me finish then you will understand.” Soni nodded as he continued.

“If one does not know about the possibilities of drifting, subconscious dreaming will be the only feat they achieve. One has to be educated to make such a feat. Your spirit, awareness and knowledge must be as one to drift.” Nine looked at Soni for a moment, “good” he thought to himself. He had his attention.

“One must be aware at all times”

“Like a reality check,” Soni added.

“Exactly!” Nine proclaimed happily he wasn't wasting his time. “Of all the levels, drifting is the most dangerous.”

He noticed Soni's concerned facial expression.

“What do mean by dangerous?” he asked confused. “How so? Seems to me like there's no difference between the two. I've seen some of the things you can do and it looks like fun”

This is the part Nine wishes he could forever hide but knew it would eventually come to light. He knew deep down Soni would drift eventually by accident if that's the case, and study up on it on his own and try to master it as he had dream control. It was best to be straight forward.

“There are others who don't like the fact that some know about drifting. And then there are those that don't like the fact that there are drifters hence the point that they can't see them.”

“Wait a second,” Soni said perplex. Then realization struck him. There were others. He'd never even thought about that. But that wasn't what concerned him. “Are you saying you can get harmed while drifting? How when you're not in your body”

Nine looked at Soni. He wanted to see his reaction to what he's about to say. He didn't want to push the kid any further than he's willing to go.

“You opened that door when you sat down in front of my young one. Your spirit knows when my presence is around at all times. I pulled your eager spirit into its first dream realm experience yesterday. That's only because you're comfortable around me.”

“Will anyone else have that same effect you have?” Soni asked. Nine chuckled lightly.

“Beleive me when I tell you this Soni,” Nine said with a direct stare. “You will be able to see me when I'm finished. “You have a gift that is rare. You will Know who presents a danger to you.”

“Wait…” Soni started. But Nine once again waved his thoughts off.

“One lesson at a time. Your awareness will enhance your memory he said fading from Soni's view.

Soni felt Nines presence fading. He looked down at his hands thinking about the teachings his grandmother gave engraved in him.

“Why did you hide this from me, grandma,” he whispered to himself as he looked over the city confused by the night's events.