1 Prologue

Kana gently opens her eyes. Surrounding her is an empty white void. She feels herself floating as if she were underwater. Her head droops and shoulders slump, her chest rising and falling slowly. It's quiet, free from the ringing of disdainful voices boring into her skin. Her eyes snap open as a tingling sharpness pokes up against her side, stabbing inward with a jolting pain that makes every nerve in her body scream. Her throat constricts, mouthing hanging agape, but no sound comes out. She clutches her stomach. Leaking through her fingers were rivers of red, coating her fingers. A bright, crimson, neon red. It contrasts with the white atmosphere, and the sight makes her head spin. Her breath quickens, and her throat tightens. Her limbs writhe but soon fall limp. Kana wants to vomit, but nothing comes out. She glances up. At least she thinks it's up. A soothing warmth, like soft sunlight in summer, engulfs Kana's body. Kana's heartbeat slows until she can barely feel it. The pain slowly dissipates, and Kana closes her eyes.