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Chapter 02 – Awakening

The pain in my head woke me up, though I was too tired to even try to open my eyes. Through my eyelids I could see light, so I definitely wasn't in the well anymore. I heard some voices close to me, so I focused on what they were saying.

"But how could something like that happen at all?" It was mum, so they came to pick me up after all.

"All I can think of is that it could be a work of some demon. If the well was really sealed, there's no other way she could get inside." A demon? What are they talking about? Demons aren't in my time. And who is the man who just spoke? I couldn't recognize his voice at all.

"The well was sealed, but what are you saying? A demon? Why would a demon want to attack her?" Mum asked the unfamiliar man again.

"Well, she is a priestess. For some demons, that's a good enough reason." He answered as if it was the most obvious thing and then continued.

"How did you find her anyway? If the well was sealed, what led you to go look there?"

"Kei heard her scream so we went to check it out." Mum answered.

Kei? Who's that. I don't have any friend of that name and I can't recall any of my mum's, grandpa's or Souta's friends who would be called that name. Maybe a customer, but mum wouldn't call a customer by name. I sat up, holding my head, and Souta immediately screamed beside me.

"Oi, Kagome! You're awake!" He was happy about that, but I definitely wasn't happy about the level of his voice. I just frowned at him and then was interrupted by that man who was talking with my mum before.

"How do you feel young lady?" He asked and I just stared at him. Who is he anyway to ask me something like this and talk to me in such way?

"Other than the fact that my head hurts like it was on fire, and that I have absolutely no idea who you are, I am quite fine." I replied irritably, and watched his reaction. He looked at me shocked, and then turned to my mum.

"It seems that the injuries are worse than I thought. The fall probably damaged her brain and she lost her memories."

"Stop talking about me like if I wasn't here. I didn't say I don't know anyone, I just don't know you!" I cried angrily. He gave me a short look and turned back to my mum again.

"She probably has a partial amnesia. But if she can remember at least something then it should make her recovery easier." He continued talking to my mum, and I was really getting annoyed. The door to my room opened, and I saw a girl walk inside with some clothes in her hands. No, I was wrong. She wasn't just a girl, she was a demon girl.

The girl had dark brown hair set into two short pigtails on each side of her head. She had green eyes, though she was still looking to the ground so it was hard to tell. She was definitely some kind of wild animal demon, but she was in such bad state that I couldn't be sure. Lynx maybe, or wolf, she could have even been a fox. I really couldn't tell. She wore just some old clothes, almost rags, which should have been changed a long time ago.

No one paid her attention until she tripped over something and dropped the clothes on the floor. I stared at her terrified face as she shamefully looked at my mum. Who is this girl, and why is she here? Souta and the nameless man just glanced at her and then turned to me as if nothing happened. But what surprised me the most was mum's reaction.

"What do you think you're doing? You're good for nothing!" She yelled angrily. "I wonder who advised me to choose you anyway. Now pick up the clothes you dropped and go get some clean ones. No, no, rather you get out of my sight until I call you. I'll get the clothes myself."

I couldn't believe my eyes and ears. Why did mum scold her so much just because she tripped and dropped some clothes? It didn't make sense. I opened my mouth to say something but mum looked at me with a kind smile and I was stunned by her sudden change.

"Don't worry honey, she will be punished for her negligence later. I'll now go get some clean clothes for you." She said kindly, but I replied quickly, partly shocked and partly angry.

"Negligence? What do you mean by that? She just tripped, so why should she be punished?" Now it was mum who was staring at me confused and I didn't understand why.

"Doctor, are you sure she will be alright?" Mum turned to that man. He seemed to be deep in thoughts and then answered.

"I really can't tell right now. We will probably have to do some tests and watch her closely. Then we will be maybe able to tell how much damage the injuries caused." They were talking about me without me again, but I didn't care so much about it anymore. The only thought in my mind right now was: What did I get myself into?

They were talking about the demons so easily, like if it was the daily routine, and the way mum scolded that girl. I had to find out what's going on here as soon as possible. I turned to Souta and whispered.

"Souta, may I ask you for a favor?" He nodded. I needed to find a way to make him tell me everything he knows without making him think that I am completely crazy. Thankfully, I already found that way.

"I don't want to go to all those tests." I continued. "Maybe I can avoid them if you will tell me everything what I need to know."

"But sis, what if it will become worse? You should let them to look at you." That goes for my plan. I frowned internally, but I wasn't going to give up so easily.

"Please Souta. I am alright, really. It's just that some information slipped out of my mind, but I am sure I will remember if you tell me something." I did the best puppy eyes I could manage, and he sighed.

"Ok. But I hope it won't get us into trouble." I smiled at him encouragingly.

"You're the best. Thank you." He nodded and then we just had to wait until we would be left alone.