The Web of Iron

Chapter Twenty-two: Hardship

Kiyora woke up in bed and found the morning light drifting through the window. Brushing her hair out of her face, she looked around and at her arms. No white sheets like in a hospital, no crisp white walls, no suicide-proof windows. Just her normal books and videos. "And no IVs. That's good."

Dressing, she made her way downstairs. Mom was cooking breakfast, as always. "Good morning, Mom."

"Oh, good morning Kiyora," said Mom. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yeah, I had some really crazy adventures, actually," said Kiyora. "Mind control, scheming, and stuff. I kind of expected to wake up in the hospital or something."

"Well, I'm happy to say it is only the morning afterward. You've more than your share of adventures for a lifetime," said Mom. She used the pink spatula Dad bought to separate mushrooms from finely sliced onions. "I heard from your father, by the way. He should be back by tomorrow."

"Oh, that's great," said Kiyora. "Um, about my question?"

"You wanting to sign up to become a Dream Sage, you mean?" said Mom.

"Yeah. Um, I mean, I'm already involved in all these things," said Kiyora. "So, I figure some training wouldn't hurt."

"I know," said Mom with a sigh. "What happened a few days ago made it clear that you are risking your life no matter what happens. I suppose you must have some training. But I've made arrangements."

"What kind of arrangements?" asked Kiyora, curious.

"I hired some Dream Sages to set up wards on this house," said Mom. "If any more spider demons make a go at my home, they'll have a nasty surprise waiting for them."

"Thanks, Mom," said Kiyora.

After breakfast, Kiyora printed out a resume for the Department of Spiritual Defense. Then she went into the living room by a window to start filling it out. And Alchara above was it dull. Every moment was an absolute slog, and it was all she could do to keep writing. She set forth the full power of her will, wrestling with the wall of sheer boredom set against her.

Long did she strive with it. Yet though all her power was set against it, it held against her. At last, Kiyora despaired. She rolled onto her back and into the air was thrown her pen to land on the floor as she let loose a groan of sheer apathy.

"Alchara above, filling out a resume is boring," said Kiyora. "Dad must be glad he doesn't have to do it. Ugh..."

Then she heard a tapping noise on the window. She glanced up and saw Laurus standing there, tapping. "Laurus?" she stood up. "Why are you tapping on my window? Knock the front door like an adult!"

Laurus disappeared. A few moments later, there was a knock at the door, and Kiyora opened it to see Laurus on the other side. He looked apologetic. There was a bruise on his face. How did he keep getting those? "Sorry, I figured I'd surprise you," he said. "So, was I interrupting something?"

"No, I'm just working on my resume to apply for a position as a Dream Sage," said Kiyora. "How did you get that bruise?"

"I uh, I fell," said Laurus.

It was a lie. And Kiyora had heard it before. That was it; she was going to call him out on it. Something was happening to him to give him those injuries.

"Listen, I was wondering if you wanted to go out and get coffee together?"

Kiyora froze. Her heart fluttered. "You mean with the others?"

"I was actually thinking just us," admitted Laurus.

"Are you asking me on a date, Laurus?" asked Kiyora, smiling.