Thanks to my lovely beta: House of Eternal Moon

Chapter Two: Premonition

A week after the accident, Kagome finally woke up, much to her mother's relief. Opening her eyes, she saw a white ceiling and started to look around, trying to recognize the place. On her right side, there were venetian blinds and some flowers over a table. Once she turned left, she met the worried eyes of her Mother.

"Kagome, honey, calm down. We are at Tokyo General Hospital."

"How did I ended up here? What's goin' on?"

"Inuyasha brought you to the shrine after Naraku had stabbed you. You were going to bleed to death had he not come so fast. We called the ambulance saying that you have been attacked in the woods near home by some psychotic, who left afterwords."

"How long have I been here?"

"One week."

"Inuyasha?"

"I told him to leave five days ago. He could be needed in the past and you are safe here."

"Thank you, mama. I'm so tired. I think I'm going to sleep for a bit more." And with that, she went to dream land again.

Later that night, Mrs. Higurashi went home to take a rest and left the elder Higurashi in the room. Kagome woke up again and decided to ask her grandfather about the dream.

"My child you know that our family has a long line of Monks and Priestess, right?"

"Yeah... I think."

"I know that, for you, youngsters, I'm just a crazy old man, who does not know anything that makes sense..."

"Its not like that, Grampa..." Kagome softened her eyes at her Grampa's expression.

He continued: "You see, Mikos for a long time were not seen just as a woman who heals or prays at the villages. The shinto shrine maidens received messages from the Gods and alert people about calamity and other things. With some more training, they summoned the gods to protect, read fortune and talk to the dead. People with this kind of power were known as Shaman. There was a time that whole country was guided by people with these kind of spiritual power. The emperors, feudal lords, and all of the rulers had by their side someone of great power to contact the Spiritual Dimension and receive good advice. With the development of technology and the western invasion, their importance is almost gone. One can develop shamanic powers in different ways. such as: being born with it or surviving a near death experience." The elder Higurashi lowered his eyes.

Still not understanding where the conversation was leading, she snapped.

"You mean... I developed these... shamanic powers, you said, 'cause I was half dead? I don't feel any difference. And what's the connection with my dream"

"The woman you saw is from another traditional clan from Japan. She received a premonition and contacted me, then, you."

"Why have none of us, Mama, Souta and me, known about this before? Why you were hiding?"

Grandpa Higurashi became serious and said:

"Why should I? You never believed anything I said before, why would you have believed this? Had you not fallen down the well and see real youkai and the power of Shikon no Tama, you wouldn't have ever believed that any of my tales were true!"

Kagome was almost shocked by this. Had her grandfather felt that way the whole time? She never wanted to hurt his feelings, but how could she have believed in demons, powerful monks, or sacred ofudas? Still, she was ashamed for her previous actions.

"I'm so sorry, gramps. I never mean to hurt you. It's just..." Kagome said with watery eyes.

"I know, my child. I was just like you, in the proper age. I have no real powers, neither my father. For some centuries, no child developed power in our family until you. Kagome, I'm... so proud of you". Grandpa became very emotional. "Not only will you keep our shrine tradition, but keep the family honor."

Again, Kagome does not know what to say. What does Jii-chan want with all of this? Does he...

"Grandpa, I'm happy to be a prodigious member of our family, but I can't start to train this new power right now. I need to back to the past and finish my duty!"

Once again, he was serious.

"No, you can't."

"What do you mean? I can't let my friend's down! I don't even know how they are after the last attack!"

"It does not matter. You won't go back until the right time."

"You can't stop me! It's entirely fault the Shikon broke, therefore it's my duty to finish it" She screamed.

"It's not your choice. The well was sealed after Inuyasha left."

"What? Why you did that, grampa? How could you?" Kagome was crying. He had no right to do that!

"It was not my doing. As I said, I have no powers."

"But... how...?"

"The woman in your dreams. The message that I received was that the well has been sealed and wont open again until you have enough power to break the spell. None of us know when it will be, but there is one more thing: If you can't do what is need, all of your friends you love will perish for your weakness."

Kagome was in shock. Her beloved friends will suffer if she keeps being the weak one? This can't happen! All the bad things that had happen because of the Shikon no Tama. Destruction, deaths, hate. Now, Naraku will win. What can be worse? She decided then she won't let her friends down.

In her side, she felt the Shikon shard. Naraku can't complete since she has a jewel shard with her. With a deep sigh, she decided.

"Grandfather, what I have to do?"

Proud of his granddaughter's conviction, he explained...

A few days later, Kagome headed to a place called Funbasi Onsen, at the limits of Tokyo.

This is how her adventure begins.

Thank you and please review!