Chapter Two

As Kagome drifted in and out of consciousness, she could hear hushed voices and feel a cool cloth being placed on her forehead. The pain that had initially wracked her body was slowly ebbing away, replaced by a sense of relief as she rehydrated and rested.

Time passed in a blur, and Kagome wasn't sure how long she had been in this unfamiliar place. When she finally woke up fully, she found herself lying on a comfortable bed with a canopy overhead. The room was adorned with colorful fabrics and intricate patterns, quite unlike anything she had ever seen before.

Sitting up, Kagome took stock of her surroundings. She was still in the home of the kind woman who had rescued her from the scorching desert sun. As her eyes adjusted to the soft lighting, she noticed a tray of food and a jug of water on a nearby table. Her stomach rumbled loudly, reminding her just how long it had been since she'd had a proper meal.

Kagome eagerly devoured the food, feeling her strength slowly returning. The woman who had saved her, whom Kagome now knew as Fatima, entered the room with a warm smile. She carried a tray of fresh fruit and a cup of what appeared to be fragrant tea.

"Feeling better?" Fatima asked as she set the tray down beside Kagome.

Kagome nodded, her mouth full of dates. Swallowing, she replied, "Much better, thank you. I can't express how grateful I am for your help."

Fatima waved off her thanks. "It's no trouble at all. My husband and I couldn't just leave you out there in the desert to suffer. We're just simple farmers, but we help those in need when we can."

Kagome smiled, touched by the kindness of these strangers. "I'm Kagome," she introduced herself. "I'm not from around here, as you can probably tell. I'm not even sure where 'here' is."

Fatima's eyes twinkled with curiosity. "You're in Agrabah, dearie. It's a bustling city not too far from here. And you, Kagome, are our guest until you're back on your feet."

Agrabah.

Kagome had never heard of such a place, but she couldn't deny the intrigue that welled up inside her. She had always been an adventurer at heart, and her accidental arrival in this mysterious land seemed to be a sign of new beginnings.

"Thank you, Fatima," Kagome said sincerely. "I'll do whatever I can to repay your kindness. I don't have much with me, but I can help with chores or anything you need."

Fatima's eyes sparkled with appreciation. "That's very kind of you, Kagome. For now, though, you need to focus on resting and recovering. You've been through quite an ordeal. We'll figure out the rest later."

As the days turned into weeks, Kagome settled into her new life in Agrabah. She learned that Fatima and her husband, Minos, were indeed humble farmers who lived on the outskirts of the city. They grew crops and tended to a small herd of goats, making a modest living. Though Kagome had a feeling they were more by how they carried themselves, but kept that to herself. They were helping her after all.

Kagome decided to use her skills in healing to help around the farm. She would assist Fatima in tending to the animals and tending to the crops, using the knowledge of herbs and remedies she had gained during her time as a modern-day priestess. In return, she had a roof over her head, food to eat, and the warmth of newfound friends.

One sunny morning, Kagome found herself by the goat pen, carefully inspecting a young goat that seemed unwell. Fatima approached, her kind eyes filled with gratitude.

"You've been a blessing to us, Kagome," Fatima said, her voice filled with warmth. "Our goats are healthier than they've ever been, and our crops seem to be thriving with your care."

Kagome smiled, a sense of fulfillment washing over her. "I'm just glad I can help, Fatima. It's been a pleasure being here."

Fatima's expression turned thoughtful. "You know, dearie, you're not like anyone I've ever met before. Your clothes, your mannerisms, they're all so different. You mentioned you're not from Agrabah. Could you tell me more about where you're from?"

Kagome hesitated for a moment. She couldn't reveal the truth about the well, the Feudal Era, or the sacred jewel. They were secrets she needed to keep, even from her new friends. So, she decided to share a simplified version of her story.

"I come from a faraway place," Kagome began, choosing her words carefully. "It's a world quite unlike this one. I was on a journey, and I got caught in a strange magic that brought me here. I'm still trying to figure out how to get back."

Fatima nodded, though her eyes held a mix of curiosity and sympathy. "Well, you're welcome to stay here as long as you need to, Kagome. Agrabah can be a challenging place, especially for a newcomer. We'll help you in any way we can."

As the days passed, Kagome continued to adapt to her new life in Agrabah. She explored the city, marveling at its vibrant marketplaces, colorful bazaars, and the grandeur of the palace that always seemed to loom in the distance. She couldn't help but wonder about the tales she had heard of a young prince named Aladdin and his magical adventures.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the city's lanterns began to cast a warm, golden glow, Kagome decided to take a stroll through the bustling streets. The air was filled with the scents of exotic spices, and the chatter of merchants and shoppers created a lively atmosphere.

As she walked, Kagome couldn't shake the feeling that her arrival in Agrabah had brought her to a place of destiny. Little did she know that her fate was about to take a dramatic turn, all because of an unexpected encounter with a fierce tiger.