Story Chapter 4: Waking In Another World

Haruka slowly opened her eyes. “Uhh…” The first thing she noticed was the grass beneath her. It rustled softly against her skin as she shifted, leaving her confused and disoriented. “Where… am I?” She tried to push herself upright, but her body felt unusually heavy. “Urgh…” Haruka paused, pressing a hand against her head as a sharp headache suddenly struck. “Ahh… my head…” She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, breathing slowly until the pain began to ease. After several attempts, Haruka finally managed to stand. She swayed unsteadily, still drowsy, and looked around at the unfamiliar landscape. There was no sign of her home. No bedroom. No portal. Only an endless field beneath a brilliant blue sky. Haruka stared in disbelief. “…This isn't home.” For the first time, the reality of what had happened began to sink in. She was somewhere else. And she had absolutely no idea where.