Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.

Spring- Part Four

I'm completely exhausted. Today has been one great adventure after another.

It'd been a two day car ride to the Takahashi estate. My driver was a rude, no-nonsense type of person. He did not tolerate idle chit-chat and to him, I wasn't worth even a 'hello' when I got into the car.

The rest of the ride had been pleasant. I'd never been anywhere near the western region, it was a nice change from all the time I'd spent living in a stuffy town. The air is cleaner, fresher, it makes breathing something like a luxury. We passed countless open fields and barely any houses.

As we drove farther and farther away from my home I felt a good feeling. I wanted this job more than anything. I'd give anything to live here.

We arrived early the third morning. I practically flew out of the car, laughing, because two days in a car had made me loopy. The driver rolled his eyes at my childish behavior.

He escorted me through the front gates of the house and then was off. I was struck still with awe at the house, more like a palace. The house itself is made of a pearly white stone, marble or something. The front doors were absolutely grand, made of wood and designs carved carefully into the surface. Bushes and trees surround the front. A gardener or someone must have been caring for them, for there wasn't a branch out of place. There must have been at least a hundred rooms.

I slowly walked through the stone pathway up to the house, taking careful steps. I ran my hand over the wooden surface of the door gently, as if it would break at my touch. Anxiousness had suddenly replaced my amazed feeling. This was it, I told myself. I glanced at my suitcase I'd brought. The other one was in the trunk of the car. My driver kindly said he'd bring it up later. My hair was done by Mother in a tight and neat braid. I wore my most plain dress that she had picked out. She said it made me look more serious and professional, the qualities I would need to win over Mrs. Takahashi. It felt odd calling her Izayoi now.

Taking a deep breath of the oh-so-fresh air, I knock on the door. It was probably three seconds before some one answered. It was a woman. She had long black hair that was tied back in a ponytail. Her outfit was simple but beautiful. Her bangs were long and just made it to her eyes. She smiled at me.

"Mrs…Takahashi?" I asked timidly.

The woman laughed and waved her hand in the air. "Oh, no, no, no! My name is Sango. I'm the house keeper." She bowed as if I were her upper, "Please, come in. The lady of the house will be with you in a minute."

"O-okay," I entered the house. It was just as grand, or perhaps even more grand, than the outside. A large staircase greeted me just a few feet from the entrance. To the left and right were hallways that were carpeted in a lovely shade of red. I looked to the ceiling and saw a chandelier that hung from a golden chain. I definitely wasn't home anymore.

Sango led me into a large sitting room. I sat in a large wooden chair that seemed a bit out of place. I noticed there were large vases of flowers gracing every table in the room. Mrs. Takahashi seemed to be a flower-type lady.

She offered me a cup of tea which I gratefully accepted. I was thirsty, "Madam will come in soon," she said, "She tends to be a late riser and only just woke up when you arrived."

"That's alright," I smiled, trying to be as pleasant as possible. I was always one to believe that first impressions were the most important thing in meeting a person.

"Please let me know if you need anything," Sango left after that.

I waited, sipping my hot tea, tapping my foot, waiting for Mrs. Takahashi to enter and look me over. I hadn't prepared anything I'd say or practice any answers to questions she might throw at me.

Finally, she entered. She seemed to be a cheerful person. Her hair was long and raven. She had on little make-up, something I didn't expect from such a rich lady. She looked young, maybe in her mid-thirties but looking at least 25.

"Welcome to my home," she smiled. Her hands were pressed together like she was praying, "I hope you had a good journey."

"Y-yes," I stuttered, still a bit nervous.

"Splendid," she said, sitting down on a chair across from me.

We spoke idle chatter for a few minutes. I became less and less nervous. Mrs. Takahashi seemed to be a kind-hearted woman.

"Well," she finally said, "shall we get started then? As I said in my letter I have heard you were bright and talented. Your references seemed to not have been joking either."

"Thank you," I said.

"I do hope you'll help me. I have tried to hire others but all have refused. I can't find anyone to teach him."

"So," I said, "You have a son?" I felt my heart sink a little. I had been really hoping for a girl.

"…Sort of," she said. She shifted upright in her chair.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Well, he's not really my son. He was... abandoned at a young age… I took him in." She looked away, seeming to start getting a bit edgy.

"I see," I said, "That's kind."

"Yes…" She said, still looking away.

"So," I said, trying to get rid of the tension that seemed to be rising, "your 'son' is how old?" I wanted to know.

"His eighteenth birthday was last fall."

I almost fell out of my chair. Eighteen! I advertised specifically for children thirteen and younger. I had only ever had experience with younger children.

"I apologize," she said, seeming to know my problem, "I know you requested younger children and yet, I called for you. You see, so many have turned me down. And my darling isn't getting an education he needs. I've tried to teach him myself but it's been a disaster. I'm desperate for help."

Her eyes were glossy as she told me this. I took a sort of pity on her.

"Well," I said, calming myself down, "I don't see a problem in looking at him. But eighteen's not much younger than myself. I'll try though. That is, if you hire me."

"What do you mean 'if'?" She asked, "You're hired."

"What?" I asked a bit baffled, "But you haven't even interviewed me or anything."

"I know a hard worker when I see one. And you dear, are a hard worker. I have faith in you."

"Oh, uh… thank you," I said, "But I'd first like to meet my pupil before we confirm anything."

She paused, "Of course. He's up in his room."

"Alright."

She led me up two large flights of stairs and through twists and turns of hallways. I wondered if it'd be a challenge not getting lost for a few weeks.

She stopped at a door, "He seldom ever leaves his room," she whispered to me, "A terrible thing happened when he was only a little boy and he's never been the same. He might be a bit upset about you meeting him."

I nodded. This was nothing of new information to me. I've heard of this happening to children everywhere.

"I would like to meet him alone," I said.

"Of course," She said, "I'll be waiting out here if you need anything. Oh, how silly of me for forgetting, his name's Inuyasha."

Inuyasha? A pretty strange name but I didn't say anything and went inside.

The room seemed to look like no one had lived in it. The only reason I knew it was inhabited at all was because there was a figure staring out the window.

From his back I could see he had long silver hair. It was the most unusual thing I'd ever seen. What was more unusual was that on the top of his head were the ears of a dog! I figured that he was a demon.

One of his ears twitched, making my insides all but melt. I have to say that they were adorable, even from the back. He turned from the window to look at me.

He was pale, like his face had never seen the sun. His eyes were a beautiful shade of amber but with bags under them, looking like he didn't sleep much. His bangs flopped in his face. I noticed that a claw graced each one of his fingertips. His clothes had multiple rips like he tore at them frequently. I was a tad bit afraid. He was growling at me.

"I-it's alright," I said not coming closer, "My name is Kagome Higurashi. You're Inuyasha?" I tried to be as unthreatening as possible. "Your mother hired me to teach you."

His growling ceased but he back up, "Don't believe yew." He slurred.

"Please," I said, "I speak the truth. I am a teacher that works with children with problems. I can help you."

"I ain't stewpid," He said coming closer.

"I know that," I said truthfully, "I never said you were stupid. But you're hurt inside, aren't you?" I really had no idea what else to say.

He didn't respond. But he came closer still. I felt my muscles tensing up. I tried to stay relaxed. I needed to look as calm as possible in front of him.

He came to me at an arms length distance. He extended an arm and reached up at my face with a claw tipped finger. My breathing stopped.

He gently touched my cheek. His head tilted in curiosity. He seemed to be trying to figure me out.

He retracted his hand and stood still. I found this as a perfect time to speak, "I won't hurt you." I said, "I want to give you an education."

He turned back to the window as if he'd lost interest in me, "Go away."

I obeyed his order, "We'll start tomorrow, okay?" And I shut the door behind me.

Mrs. Takahashi asked me how it went.

"I will help him," I smiled.

"Wonderful," she sighed in relief, "you won't tell anyone will you?"

"Tell anyone what?" I asked.

"That he's a half-demon? If anyone found out they might try to take him away and kill him. Half-demons aren't allowed here."

Half-demon. Now I see why I didn't know about him.

"No, of course not." I said.

"Oh thank you!" She laughed, "You're practically an angel for all that you're doing!"

"Oh, no I'm not!" I laughed back.

"Well," She said, "I'll show you to your room."

We went down the hall, a good distance away from Inuyasha's room. She led me inside a big, blue room with beautiful curtains and more flowers on a table.

"My housekeeper Sango will bring your things up." She said, "I believe you've met her."

"I have... thank you. You didn't need to do this." My room at Hiroaki's house was in the basement. It was the smallest thing and was filthy. Hiroaki's mother wouldn't allow his father to move me to a better place. I was a servant in her eyes. Servants got the lowest things. Hiroaki was in a room next to mine.

"Of course I did," she said, "you're doing me many favors and I will treat you like a guest, for you are." She turned to leave, "I'll let you get comfortable. Lunch'll be in an hour. After lunch we'll discuss payment." She left before I could respond.

I fell onto the bed. It was big and fluffy, just perfect for me.

I thought about my new pupil, Inuyasha. His eyes were full of fire and anger. He looked abused and betrayed. I want to help him. I wanted to know what his story was.

I wrote a letter home, telling everyone I made it safely and I got the job. I don't know how long I'll be staying.

The rest of the day was enjoyable. Sango is a sweet woman, though a bit tough. She told me her father was a swordsman and had taught her all he knew. She admires me, she said for being so unselfish and for my career. I know we'll be great friends.

Her sort of assistant's name is Miroku. He makes sure things run smoothly and that the servants do what they're supposed to. He's kind of like their boss. He's also a pervert. The second he met me his hand went straight to my bottom. Sango seems to be controlling him in there because she gave him a good slapping. I wonder if the two are together. He seems to grope her frequently.

With that aside, I think I'll like it here. I don't know how tomorrow will go with Inuyasha but I believe I can do well in teaching him. How hard could it be?

~Kagome