If it hurts enough, grip with both hands,
Cut it open, let yesterday's curse expand.
Through endless night and day it flows,
Leaving behind only scars that show.0

As the lively chime of the prison bell rang, Ashe got up to wash and brush his teeth. His mind was still tangled in thoughts about the Swordswoman's strange behavior over the past few days.0

For a change from her usual idle chatter, she had suddenly zeroed in on him with a barrage of pointed questions in the Virtual World. She asked him about his favorite color schemes, how he made friends, whether he preferred mysteries or horror, and even whether he liked large breasts or small ones. Ashe was completely baffled. Isn't that a ridiculous question? Who wouldn't like large breasts!?8

To make matters even more confusing, her demeanor shifted through four completely different moods in a single night. At times, she was gentle and caring; at others, cold and arrogant. Then she became seductive, only to turn innocent and cute moments later. Ashe couldn't...1