Night Watch: The Man in the Shadows
Draft Version
by Sango-sama

Disclaimer:
I do not own Inu-Yasha.
I only rent Miroku.
I have to claim Yagenei
So nobody will sue.

Spoiler Warnings: Up to and includings Chapters 206-207 in the manga. Much
futher than the anime currently. If you don't mind spoilers, there is a bit
of review so it is not necessary to go out and try to read all the manga first.

For this chapter, Words placed in this notation indicates a telepathic conversation.

************************************************************************************************

A small figure clad in white stood before me, eyes glazed and unfeeling. A mirror in her hand
overflowing with the mist and smoke of freshly stolen souls.

My powers feeling fully charged.

Kanna...it is time.

"Hai."

Focusing my thoughts, I dip my finger down to touch the surface of the mirror. A vision appears
on the surface as as my hand pulls away.

***************************************

A large, two-tailed cat leaps upon the scene, stopping at the feet of one of the women.

"Kirara! You're back!"

In a cloud of fire, the large cat shrunk. The woman stoops down and cradles the cat in her arms,
nuzzling its head as the other gather in closer.

A slight figure moves on top of the cat's head and jumps onto the nearby hanyou.

"Inu-Yasha-sama!"

After Inu-Yasha squashed it, the bug demon floats to the ground like a leaf. Seconds later inflating
back to normal size and sharing what it has learned.

"What were you able to find out in town?"

"Inu-Yasha-sama...there are rumors of shards to the North and to the South."

"Is that so..."

The Houshi lifts an uncursed hand to his chin in a thoughtful expression. "Naraku will probably
send one of his baboon puppets in either direction."

"Or one of his 'children'," the demon huntress volunteers.

"In either case, we cannot have these shards falling into his hands. He already has such a large
chunk of the jewel, we just can't chance losing any more ground."

"So, Houshi, what are you suggesting?"

"We should split up."

Eyebrows all around the group shot up.

"What other options do we have?" asked Kagome.

"We don't have any other allies we can depend on to give us the shard if they help us."

A pregnant pause hovers.

One by one, each nodded their head in agreement.

"Okay...Inu-Yasha, you'll take Kagome, Shippou, and Myouga. Sango and Kirara will come with me."

Looks of annoyance linger on Kagome, Inu-Yasha, and Shippou's faces.

"Look Houshi..."

"Do you object to going with Kagome?"

"No...but..."

"--It's alright," said Sango. "It's the only way the groups will be balanced."

The Houshi smiled at the girl.

*************************************

Smiling, I place my finger on the mirror and the vision fades.

"Perfect. Exactly according to plan."

Kanna...stay here. I will return shortly.

Unblinking, she answered simply. "Hai."


Chains clinked in a darkened corner of the room, as a column of light falls on angry eyes.

My dear, I have a job for you.

Her jaw set in indignation. "You keep me here in chains, expecting to bow to your every command."
She pulls forward, chains clinking as a testament to her straining. "I will not take any more
of your games."

Such spirit. Truly, Kagura, you are my child.

"Feh." Grunting in protest, chains clink again as she tries to lunge at me.

Ah, ah. We'll have none of that. I have but one more job for you...and then you may have what
you desire.

Her eyes spring open.

Yes, my dear, you will have your freedom.

Sighing with resignation, she leans back against the wall. "What do you want me to do?"

************************************************************************************************

***************************************End of Book One*******************************************

************************************************************************************************

1) Kanna is such the conversationalist. "Hai."

2) Yes, this is the end of the first book. So you're saying, where is Kouga? Where is Fluffy?
They're coming. Early in the second book...and that is a promise. ^__^

3) Wahhhh!!! I'm tired of being profound! Please review!

A Schnee! Production
by Sango-sama