It takes a minute to really process what she's seeing. The room is already dark with only the light source coming from the machines. Even the moonlight seems to be dimmer than usual on this night. It takes a moment for her eyes to adjust and to truly see what's in front of her.

It's a snake.

A snake is talking to her.

What. 

What the hell!?

A snake is talking to her!

Does she panic, panic, or panic?

Juno, of course, decides to panic.

She lets out a yelp, jumps out of bed and lands on the ground with a loud thump.

"Wh-what?!"

The snake gets closer to her face.

<Calm down, please.>

Unfortunately, saying that has the exact opposite effect, "H-how can I possibly sstay calm right now! Don't hurt me!"

What is this? A curse?

She shakily gets up from the ground and tries to put distance between them, which so happens to be by hiding in the bathroom. She locks the door for good measure. (As if somehow a snake, known for not having arms, could open the door.)

Almost at the exact same time she turns on the light does she hear the same deep voice say, <I'm still here.>

She jumps back in shock, "Ack!?"

Had she not been in a mini coma for two days then there is no doubt that she would have lost consciousness.

She should have paid closer attention.

How could she have not noticed!?

The snake is coming out of her head!

She lets out a loud scream this time while the snake just blinks at her reaction. She instinctively tries to pull it out!

Of course, it doesn't work out. The snake moves out the way and she's grasping at empty air.

<Excuse me! Don't do that. It's just going to hurt both of us.>

This HAS to be one of those weird dreams I've been having. Right? There's no snake attached to my head! It's a dream! Of course!

"Haha! Another dream! I'll wake up soon!!!"

That's the only reasonable explanation!

Unless she really has been cursed.

The snake, ignoring Juno's internal breakdown, says, <Please, Juno let me explain what's happening to you.>

She absentmindedly tugs on her other strands of hair, double checking for any more snakes. "Haha. Okay sure little snake. Go ahead!"

<This isn't a dream.>

"..."

<This is real.>

A long pause before Juno laughs nervously and says, "You're so funny! But there's no way this is real."

<It is. I would not lie to you. Also, I'm also not that funny.> The snake closes its eyes, almost as if tired. <You must have heard of Medusa's Blessing.>

Juno blinks, "Huh?"

The snake looks like it wants to roll its eyes but at the same time doesn't want to be rude, <You're a gorgon right? You must worship Lady Medusa.>

"Um... Y-yes?"

<Then you must have a perfect understanding of what's happening you.>

She stares at it in silence.

This time the snake makes a hissing noise in frustration.

<Long ago, Lady Medusa was said to be the first ever gorgon. She was powerful and respected amongst mortals and immortals. When she ascended the heavens she decided to bring forth a race of gorgons, and she did that successfully. Or almost. Of course, they wouldn't be exact copies of her, they would look similar, but be vastly weaker. Less magic, no snakes to guide them. They would just be mortals. They would die just like any other mortal. That would be you.>

"B-but I already know this-"

<Don't interrupt me! But soon Lady Medusa would feel that her gorgons were too weak. So out of love or out of pity, she granted one gorgon in every generation, a blessing.>

"Wait a second…"

<This blessing, would be us. As you know Lady Medusa is well known for her hundreds upon hundreds of snakes that live on her head. She told 12 of her snakes to be reborn every generation onto a gorgon who is worthy. We would grant them power and protection. We are her blessing!>

"Oh my gods."

<Do you understand now?>

"This has to be a dream! I mean like, why would I, a regular, mostly normal, insignificant person, be chosen for this. Haha I've lost it!"

<Juno, this isn't a dream! I'm right here in front of you!>

"B-besides, it's imposssible! I'm pretty sure no one has seen this blessing or whatever for over a thousand years! So why now!? Why me!?"

<Ah. About that…>

"Dream or not, I'm sorry but I don't need you! Thank you but no thank you! So would you please kindly leave my head!"

<It doesn't work like that. We can't just leave you. Let me explain some things before you start jumping to conclusions.>

"I don't care how it works! You will leave… h-hold on did you just say "we." As in, there's more of you?!"

<I did say 12. Were you not paying attention?>