Pain.
That was the first thing Satou registered as consciousness slowly returned. Not the dull ache of healing wounds — sharp, lancing agony that radiated through every fiber of his being. His muscles screamed in protest. His bones felt like they'd been ground to powder and hastily reassembled. Even breathing hurt, each inhale sending sparks of pain across his chest.
He tried to move, to shift his position on what felt like a bed beneath him. The movement sent a fresh wave of agony crashing through him.
A groan escaped his lips — low and involuntary — and the sound, quiet as it was, shattered the silence of the room.
"Satou!"
The voice was familiar. Feminine. Filled with relief and concern in equal measure. Footsteps rushed toward him, and he felt gentle hands on his shoulders pressing him back down as he tried to sit up.
