Another World

Chapter One: Secrets of the Shrine

        Jade shot straight up in her bed.

"Just another nightmare." she sighed to herself. Ever since her mother told her they would be going to Japan for the summer, she's been having the same dream every night.

A man with white hair and a cresent moon on his forheard is looking down at her with a single tear in his eye. (The moon reminds her of the birth mark on her back. A birth mark that always hurts after these dreams.) She can also see other people. A small girl in an orange kimono is clutching a large sword to her chest; she is cryig as well, and an odd looking green creature who is crying. The most disturbing part is the girl behind all of them. She had long pink hair and is wearing a short white kimono. She's smiling. Jade keeps trying to tell the others to turn around, but to no avail. Then came the part that always woke her up. She would keep trying to warn them, and then her whole body would be covered in flames. She always woke up at that point.

        "Jade! Time to get ready for school. You don't want to miss your last day, do you?" Jade's mother yelled up to her.

"Wouldn't dream of it." Jade laughed; voice full of sarcasm.

"Remember we leave for the airport tonight. You don't want to keep Grampa Sota waiting. You know how grouchy he can get." Jade's mother laughed.

"Yeah, I know. Hey, is he going to tell us more stories about Kagome?" Jade asked.

"You're still interested in those silly stories? I thought you grew out of that phase?"  her mother said; opening her door now.

"I have, but he hasn't told any in a really long time. I was just curious." Jade lied. The dreams always made her think of the stories her grandpa told about his sister who lives on the other side of the Bone-Eaters Well in their shrine.

"You can ask him. I'm sure he would be over joyed to tell you more." her mom smiled, "Now get ready for school."

"Yes ma'am." Jade replied and got out of bed.

        "Another sleepless night?" Abby asked.

"Huh?" Jade asked; not paying attention.

"I never knew you to let stupid dreams disturb your sleep, Jade." Camile laughed.

"She's finally scared of something!" Abby teased.

"I'm not scared! Would you two give me a break already?" Jade snapped.

"Okay, what ever you say." they laughed together.

"Hey, do you have archery or martial arts today?" Camile asked.

"No, but we're going to the airport tonight." Jade answered; sweat forming on her forhead from the pain in her back that she was trying to ignore.

"Jade? Are you okay?" Abby asked; noticing her discomfort.

"Yeah, it's just that stupid birth mark on my back again." Jade said through gritted teeth.

"The one right between you shoulder blades? I thought that hadn't acted up in years?" Camile said; worry filling her voice.

"It has been lately." Jade replied; furrowing her eye brows. The mark was starting to burn, and there was nothing anyone could do. She would just have to endure it until it was done. That's what she always had to do.

"Do you need to see a doctor?" Camile asked.

"No. I'm fine." Jade said; faking a smile, "Let's get to school before we're late."

Jade started running, and Abby and Camile ran after her.

"Wait up! We don't run as fast as you! You have that ninja speed and we don't!" Abby yelled.