Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter twenty-five: Yellow Submarine

Inuyasha stared at Kikyou with a strange expression when he saw her snag the plug on Kagome's water wing. He watched her for a moment, unsure of what to make of the situation. He knew that Kagome wasn't a strong swimmer and depended on the water wings to stay afloat. If something happened to her because of what Kikyou did, he'd been a lot of trouble with Sesshoumaru and his parents; but, for some reason, his fear of them seemed diminished by his concern for her. That was even more troubling! No one else had seen Kikyou do it, so why would he rat her out for Kagome? He wouldn't! Besides, she still had one water wing that worked. Deciding that was enough to keep his conscious clean, Inuyasha went back to playing the game. But when Kagome went to dive for Sango, and then didn't come back up for air, his worries came right back.

"Hey, is she okay?" Sango asked as the four kids waited for Kagome to come back up. Miroku and she exchanged confused glances before turning to Inuyasha, who also had a torn look on his face. He chewed on his bottom lip nervously, deciding whether to help her or not. He looked up from the spot where Kagome had been when Kikyou let out a scoff.

"She's just faking to get more attention." She said in a blunt tone, not at all concerned. Sango then noticed the water wing bobbing on the surface of the pool and grabbed it.

"Hey, she's only got one floatie. Guys I really think she needs help." Her tone was worried and becoming frantic. Miroku nodded and yelled out for Izayoi, who sat up instantly and looked for Kagome with searching eyes.

"Kagome? Where's Kagome?" She asked loudly, rushing over to the pool with Inu-Taisho. It was then she saw the lone water wing in Sango's hands and she sucked in a sudden gasp. "Kagome!" She rushed over to the stairs, ignoring everyone as she searched for the little girl. But there was a sudden splash and everyone turned to see Inuyasha pulling Kagome over to the side of the pool, his chest heaving as he pushed her limp body over the edge. Izayoi scrambled to get to Kagome and she knelt next to her, doing anything to get her to breath.

"Move!" There was a rough shove to her arm before Kagome was taken from Izayoi and laid back down. Sesshoumaru knelt next to her and instantly began performing CPR, not missing a beat between pressing on her small chest and breathing into her mouth. Izayoi watched from behind him, her hands coving her mouth and nose as she held back tears. Everyone gathered around the unconscious girl, everyone except Kikyou; who was at the table lazily eating a hotdog. She could care less if something did or did not happen to Kagome. As Sesshoumaru continued trying to revive her, Izayoi's dread became dire when nothing was happening. After what seemed like hours, there was a spurt of water erupting from Kagome's mouth before she began coughing and hacking up more from her lungs and airway, her face going from sickly blue to beat red. Her hands trembled as air returned to her body and very slowly she opened her eyes to see everyone's worried faces looking down at her.

"Oh thank God!" Izayoi couldn't contain herself and pulled Kagome into her lap, showering the girl with kisses all over her face. Inu-Taisho went over to Sesshoumaru, who was catching his breath a little, and clapped him on the back.

"Good job," He said supportively, pulling his firstborn into his side before patting his shoulder. Sesshoumaru let a smile curl at the ends of his mouth and looked up at his father, glad to have such recognition.

"I was just doing what coach taught us," He said humbly, but there was a swell of pride in him that Kagura quickly picked up on. She stood next to Sesshoumaru, and though they did not touch, her mere presence there comforted and calmed him. As Kagome regained further consciousness, she sat up on her own and looked at Sesshoumaru with an appreciative, but tired, smile. Her little body was worn out from the ordeal and could barely support her weight.

"I'm going to take Kagome in. Touga, you stay here and watch the kids." Izayoi picked Kagome up and carried her into the house, ignoring the water dripping onto the hardwood floors as she passed through the rooms and into the kitchen. Outside, Inuyasha stood in place, staring at the French doors his mother had just gone through. He wasn't even thinking about it when his father came over and put a hand on his shoulder and acknowledged his good deed.

"Kagome will be okay, Inuyasha. Thanks to your quick thinking, she's only a little worn out. You did well," Inu-Taisho gave his son a comforting smile when the small boy finally looked up with amazement in his golden eyes. He was speechless; his father had never so publicly and openly shown his approval or warmth towards his youngest son. When Inuyasha was taken into a hug, his cheek pressed into his father's stomach, the young boy wasn't quite sure what to do. His arms remained at his sides as his father's strong arms enveloped him. "I'm glad to see you taking care of her, acting like she's your sister. It makes me very proud," He continued softly so no one would hear. Inuyasha stayed quiet still, thinking hard about his father's words. Had he saved Kagome out of fear of losing his little sister? No matter how much Inuyasha thought about it, he never could see Kagome in the role of his sister; he still considered her his enemy. But the young boy certainly didn't want her to get hurt. Once Inu-Taisho left to go check on Kagome, Inuyasha's friends came to his side.

"Do you think she'll be okay?" Sango asked nervously. She couldn't stop glancing at the doors, hoping to see a sign of Kagome. Miroku gave his female friend a gentle pat on the back and a reassuring smile, then turned to Inuyasha.

"It's a good thing you went down and got her. Her floats must have been defective or something." He was trying to reassure Inuyasha's mind, but Kikyou stepped in.

"Look, she's fine; so stop acting like she died or something. Come on let's keep swimming!" She took Inuyasha's hand in hers, which did get a small reaction from him, but Sango was still too bothered to play around.

"I'm going inside to check on Kagome. You guys keep playing." The seven-year-old ran inside after Inu-Taisho, and was soon followed by Sesshoumaru and Kagura. Miroku sighed and ran a hand through his damp hair, spiky from the water.

"I guess pool time is over for now. I'm gonna go inside too," He jogged towards the house and slipped inside, leaving just Inuyasha and Kikyou alone. The young boy turned to face the object of his affections and stared hard at her. Kikyou stared back, her chocolate eyes curious and blinking.

"Why'd you do it? I saw you pull the plug on her floatie." He asked with an accusatory tone in his voice. Instead of her temper rising and becoming defensive, Kikyou looked down shamefully and tucked some wet tendrils of hair behind her ear daintily.

"Why are you like this? I thought you like me, cuz I like you…but you act like she's more important." Looking up at him through her wet, slick bangs, Kikyou sent Inuyasha an effective look of guilt and sadness. "You won't tell on me, will you?" She asked meekly, taking a step forward. Inuyasha's hard demeanor instantly began to crack and fizzle as he was absorbed into those twin pools of chocolate. Kikyou could so easily get into his heart and disarm him, it was scary. With a soft sigh, Inuyasha shook his head.

"No, I won't tell on you. I like you a lot, Kikyou. But you gotta try to be nicer to Kagome cuz my mom really loves her, and it would kill her if Kagome got hurt. You're still more important to me; you're the most important." His cheeks had flared red with embarrassment, and also because he knew that wasn't the total truth of why he saved her, but Kikyou believed him and smiled as she took his hand in hers. The small action caused Inuyasha to jump a little and he was at a loss for what to do as he stared at her pretty, smiling face.

"Okay, Inuyasha. I'll be nicer to Kagome for you; as long as I'm your favorite," And with that, Kikyou leaned in and planted a kiss on Inuyasha's unsuspecting lips. It was still and innocent and her brown eyes shut as the two became oblivious to everything else. Inuyasha hadn't been totally prepared for it, and his eyes were the size of plates as he watched Kikyou during their kiss; but eventually, they did shut and he got lost in the new and exciting sensation. It only lasted a few seconds at the most and when they parted there was a goofy smile stretching across his face. His first kiss and it was with the girl of his dreams; what else could any other kid ask for? Kikyou saw the effect she had on him and laughed softly before giving his shoulders a playful shove and the two were instantly back to talking animatedly. Inuyasha loved this side of Kikyou the most; when she could be fun and generous and sweet. He wished she could show it to others the way she showed him.

From inside the house, Kagome stood at the French doors watching the scene with a sad, but confused expression. She had been told that it was Inuyasha who first rescued her from the water, and though she was still very grateful to Inuyasha, Kagome felt it important to thank him. As she approached the windowed door, it was obvious Inuyasha and Kikyou were in some kind of serious discussion that shouldn't be interrupted. So, Kagome watched and waited for the perfect time; all the while figuring out what had happened. Why would Inuyasha save her? They were sworn enemies, but now he was rescuing her? Sighing softly, Kagome figured that was as good a time as any to interrupt and grabbed the handle to open the door; but Inuyasha and Kikyou were kissing before she could make a move. Her blue eyes shot open and her first reaction was to look away, but since neither of them had noticed her, Kagome looked back up and watched curiously. There was a weird feeling inside, like two emotions battling inside her heart. On one hand, she still hated both Inuyasha and Kikyou for being so mean to her in the past, and still now; but on the other hand, he had saved her life…that was worth something, right?

Hesitantly, Kagome took her hand away from the handle and let it fall by her side. Instead of thanking him, Kagome came to a decision that not many at her age would be so mature to make; she would forgive him, and try to forgive Kikyou, for their cruelty in the past. Part of Kagome still hated Kikyou for being so mean to her and never apologizing like Miroku and Sango had, but it was tiring to hold grudges. Still, even if Kagome could forgive Kikyou for being mean then, seeing her kiss Inuyasha like that didn't make Kagome want to do it. Who was she to kiss him like that? Biting her lip, Kagome forced herself to turn away and go back to her mother and father in the kitchen. She would forget it ever happened and go on with her life, hopefully without the bickering and fighting with Inuyasha.

Naraku Itou stopped his car in front of the Taisho residence and stepped out onto the gravely driveway. His white, hand-made, Italian shoes crunched against the small, rough rocks as he approached the front door. He was wearing his favorite white pair of pants, finely tailored and pressed, along with the matching white jacket. Underneath that was a light purple shirt that seemed to match the strange color of his eyes. As always, there was an air of arrogance and pride that hung around him like the obnoxious cologne he insisted on dousing himself in. Everything about him reeked indulgence, greed, and corruption; but that didn't erase the fact he was a self-made millionaire with many friends in high places all over the world. After ringing the doorbell twice, it didn't take long for one of the maids to answer. Taking off his brand-name sunglasses, Naraku smirked and sent her a chilling look.

"I'm here to pick up my sister Kikyou," He informed casually.

"Just one moment, please come in." She stepped aside to let the insidious man walk past her. With the door shut behind him, the maid left him in the foyer to go alert Izayoi. Everyone was in the entertainment room watching a movie, the kids waiting to be picked up. Inuyasha was sitting with Kikyou in the second row of theatre seats when the maid came in and told Izayoi who was at the door.

"Kikyou, you're brother is here to pick you up," She stood up from her seat and walked with the young girl to the front door. When her brother got in sight, Kikyou smiled and ran towards him. Naraku knelt down and picked her up easily, his impressive muscles flexing under his fine clothes as he balanced his small sister on his hip. Though she was put off by the eldest Itou child, Izayoi smiled and walked them to the door.

"Thank you for letting her come over. I know Inuyasha really enjoys being with your sister," She said kindly before opening the door for them. Naraku turned and smiled a sickeningly sly grin. Izayoi had to stop herself from shuddering.

"Thank you, Miss Taisho. It's a comfort leaving her here with your family; always the pinnacle of morality and whatnot." He stopped to chuckle and let Kikyou back down onto the marble floor. Izayoi let out a nervous laugh and put her and on the door, eager to shut it. "Tell your husband to call me sometime; I'd love to do business. I hear his resources are quite impressive." Naraku watched Izayoi, observed her reaction as her feathers became ruffled and she tried to hide the annoyance behind a pretty smile.

"I'll tell him that you're interested. Have a safe drive home," Izayoi watched as the Itou siblings descended the stairs. They were a product of a shamed husband and wife who, through a series of strange and mysterious events, disappeared and left their entire franchise to the eldest child, Naraku. Only twenty years of age when he inherited the multi-million dollar marketing franchise, Naraku maintained the status of the business against everyone else's predictions; the only thing that stumped people was the mystery of where he got the funding to keep the business successful. There were rumors that he was behind some sort of underground scheme that generated enough money to fund his projects, but there was never any hardcore proof to accuse him with.

The lack of evidence didn't stop Izayoi from distrusting him though, and she knew her husband could sense something amiss as well. He had been presented with offers from Naraku before, but his answer was always no. Watching as the siblings got into the impressive car, Izayoi finally allowed herself to shut the door and released a heavy sigh. It had been a busy day and all she wanted to do was sit down and relax with her family; but since Miroku and Sango remained without sign of leaving, it seemed as if one or both of them would be sleeping over.

"You look stressed," The deep baritone of her husband's voice sent a frightened shock through Izayoi's body that caused her to let out an 'eep' before spinning around with a hand to her heart.

"You scared me! Bad husband!" She wagged her finger at him with a cute pout on her face, but all it got him to do was chuckle and take a step forward. The demon had changed back into clothes, comfortable and casual for once. He reached out and grabbed the dainty little finger being wagged at him and gave the tip a chaste kiss.

"I apologize; now am I forgiven?" He asked with a charming, sarcastic tone that always got Izayoi to calm down and laugh. Izayoi smiled before leaning against the strong frame of her husband, drawing strength from him. She was tired, but happy and content as well. If things stayed this way forever, that would be fine with her.

"So, how was the party?" Naraku asked as he and Kikyou drove towards their downtown home. The young girl in the back seat looked out the window with a bored expression while also absentmindedly playing with the ends of her long hair.

"It would have been more fun if it was just me and Inuyasha…and I guess Sango and Miroku. Everyone else was just a drag." Her voice was dull and listless as she heaved a sigh. Naraku chuckled and stopped behind another vehicle. His eyes shifted to look at his sister through the rearview mirror.

"You seem particularly put out today," He observed, which seemed to strike a nerve inside Kikyou and she folded her arms indignantly.

"That's because there's a girl living at Inuyasha's house and she's really annoying but no one else sees it! She's got everyone on her side and even pretended not to know how to swim to get attention." With a frustrated huff, Kikyou sat back in her seat and glowered at everyone on the streets. She hated the fact that Kagome lived there with Inuyasha. Sure, she wasn't pretty or interesting and didn't pose a real threat, but it bothered Kikyou nonetheless. Naraku continued towards their home calmly; he was fully accustomed to Kikyou's temper and this did not faze him in the least. But the knowledge that the Taisho's had adopted a child was rather intriguing.

"Why did Inuyasha's parents adopt her?" He asked curiously, but not so curiously that it would make Kikyou wonder.

"Miss Izayoi hit her with her car and they feel bad cuz she was homeless. Get this! I've seen her before! She used to stay at the subway entrance and was always asking for money. It was so gross the way she looked before; all dirty and ugly." Kikyou gave a visual shudder of repulsion. "Inuyasha's making me be nice to her though cuz his mom really likes her." All was quiet as Naraku pulled up to the front entrance of the building they lived in. Kikyou got out on her side of the car as a valet came up to Naraku to take the car to the parking garage. The siblings walked beside each other into the expensive apartment building and made their way to the elevator that would take them to their two story home, which consisted of the top two floors of the building. As the metallic doors shut in front of them, Naraku turned to his sister.

"So what is her name?" He asked thoughtfully. Kikyou had to think a bit since she never really cared to remember much about the girl.

"Kagome…something. Start's with an 'H' I think. Why?" Naraku smiled his charming, but sly, smile at her and ruffled his sister's hair playfully.

"No reason," It was then the doors opened again to reveal the first floor of their home. It was modern in style and very nicely furnished, but one could get sick of the over-refinement after a while of being exposed to it. "Go up to your room; big brother has some work to do." Brushing past his young sister, Naraku made his way to the office room which Kikyou was never allowed into. It was probably the only rule she ever strictly adhered to. Closing the door behind himself, Naraku waited until he was seated behind his desk to take out his phone and call one of his newest and most promising 'go-to' guys. The phone rang twice before a familiar voice answered.

"Hello?" Nobu Higurashi answered slowly, his voice slurred from the effects of alcohol. But this time, it was far less gruff and angry than it had been. There was a strange happiness and mirth in his drunken state, and it was all thanks to Naraku's influence.

"Nobu, how do you like the apartment I bought you?" Naraku leaned back in his chair lazily as he listened. Nobu let out a slow laugh that was shared by the distinct giggles of women. "I take it you're also enjoying the girls I sent?"

"Yesss, they are just what I needed after years of fucking nothing but the trash off the street. Thanks boss," Naraku looked down at his finely manicured nails boredly, slowly losing interest in the conversation. He wasn't eager to know about his new employee's previous escapades.

"You're free to keep the apartment and use the girl's whenever you need them, but don't lose perspective Nobu; I can take it away just as easily as giving it. I've got a job for you to do." Naraku waited as he quietly listened to the sounds of Nobu shoving the girls away from him.

"What is it?" There was eagerness in Nobu's voice that was driven by fear and desperation for more of what Naraku could give him.

"Dress in the clothes I gave you and go to the dance club called 'Lizzard Lounge'. Go to the VIP section upstairs and find a man wearing a bright orange shirt; he's your contact. All you have to do is sit down next to him and he'll give you a package. As always, I want you to take it to the usual place and give it to Ramón. He'll give you the money and your share of the product. Bring me the money before you use this time, thank you. I don't want to have to deal with you tripping your ass off again. Understood?" There was no hesitation on Nobu's end as he quickly agreed. Naraku nodded and stared out the window of his office calmly. He had a hunch, but didn't want to divulge too much to the other man just yet.

"One final thing; I want you to prepare to change your identity. Pick a new name and forget ever being Nobu Higurashi…this will come in handy if what I suspect is correct. Don't get rid of your crappy old clothes though. And get someone to put your name on the inside of the coat. I'm going to have you fake your death at some point and they'll need identification to write you off the books." Nobu didn't question Naraku who was God in his eyes.

"Yessir…but how are we going to fake my death?" Naraku grinned darkly and swiveled around in his comfortable chair while the wheels in his head turned.

"I'll find some vagrant that looks enough like you. We'll rough him up, remove his teeth and fingertips so they can't prove he's not you…it's perfect." Resisting the urge to laugh evilly, Naraku went to hang up when he remembered something. "Oh, Nobu, one last thing; if I don't have the money in my hand by ten o'clock tomorrow it really will be you on the coroner's table." Finally done with him, Naraku pulled the phone away from his ear and ended the call. Now all he had to do was prove his hunch correct or not.

Going onto his computer, Naraku used his investigative and hacking prowess to find secret hospital and government files. He already had a file on Nobu, but the information about the man's family only indicated that there was a deceased wife and a living child. Up until this point, there had never been a reason to know more about him, but with this new development there was a certain need for the information. All it took was more delving into public files and Naraku had everything needed to piece the story together. As he read over past medical papers pertaining to Nobu's wife and daughter, an evil grin curled on his face as his hunch was realized. Kagome Higurashi was the only daughter of Nobu and Shima Higurashi and was, in fact, the girl living with the Taisho family. There was no information on her in any database until a few months ago when she was admitted to the hospital. Izayoi's name was linked to it and so was a social worker's report, which told Naraku all the missing information that he needed.

With a satisfied smile on his face, Naraku began to concoct a plan. He wanted in on Inu-Taisho's good fortune and resources, but the guy was too smart to fall for the usual tricks to enter into a contract. So far, Naraku's only trump card was his younger sister Kikyou.. If she did her job well, Kikyou and Inuyasha would one day get married and Inu-Taisho would have no choice but give in and allow their companies to do business; opening the floodgate for Naraku's underground 'project' to reach new clients across the seas. But with Kagome there, there could be unforeseen difficulties for Kikyou. Right now, it seemed Inuyasha was not keen on the girl living with them, but he could easily change his mind. Kagome would have to be eliminated. But how?

The first step would be to lull her and the entire family into a false sense of security; Nobu's death would certainly do the trick. After that, Naraku was stumped. He would have to gather more information on Kagome and the family to better prepare for the day Kagome's influence was completely snuffed out. It seemed this plan would take some time to perfectly craft and coordinate, but that didn't worry Naraku; he had many other side projects to busy himself with until the time came to take action. The drug lord grinned smugly; proud of his work for the day, and felt he deserved a treat. Opening a small drawer in his desk, he reached in and pulled out a little wooden box containing a fine, white powder. With his forefinger and thumb, Naraku pinched a bit of the stuff in between his fingertips and brought it up to his nose before giving a few quick sniffs. Rubbing the excess amount over his font teeth, it didn't take him long to start feeling the addictive effects of the drug and Naraku twitched ever so slightly as a maniacal smile spread across his wicked face.