Love Untamed

New Beginnings [Past]

Here is the first chapter of my newest project. I am quite excited by it and I am hoping that it develops into something long term and different.

This first chapter is a glimpse of the past, of young Sesshoumaru and Kohana (OC). The next chapter will be of present time, and then it will go back and forth. I think it will make it a more interesting, and probably a more addicting sort of read.

Sesshoumaru and any of the main characters have now entered my imagination and therefore any representations of them in this story are my interpretations and my twist on them. As for my original characters, they are my creation, and I always do enjoy creating my own original characters as supplements to my stories. If you have read my other story on this site, you should know that my stories are mostly my original characters and plots, with one or two main characters included, and every once in a while having some others show up.

I also think I might be putting up one of my older, way longer stories that I had published on the other site I used. If I did put it up, it would be in its original state, which is not quite edited to perfection as I now do things, nor is it exactly the same style as I write nowadays. I believe there are some though that may enjoy something to read on the side. Even though I wrote it so long ago, I still find myself interested in reading it on occasion.

Anyways, enjoy the new story! I would certainly love feedback as the story progresses.

xoxoTiff

"1," Punch, "2," Kick, "3," Spin, following through with a snap kick, "4," Crouch, swing leg to unbalance attacker, "5," Knee to groin, hand with knife to throat. The routine was simple, boring, tame, and utterly predictable.

"Very well, Kohana. You are so far beyond your fellow classmates here," Sensei Baku commented, pleased. His assistant was leading a group lecture about the importance of focus in battle. This class was a very silly version of the boy's class. As women who would be ladies, and other classes among nobility, we really weren't being trained how to fight, only to defend.

I bowed, letting a fake smile brighten the old man's day. "Sensei Baku, may I leave class early?" I requested, wanting to watch the end of the boys' lessons.

"Sure, sure Kohana-san. Enjoy the rest of your day," He waved me off and I moved to get my bag, which held my books for classes and some notes, along with two lovely, sharp daggers.

I was currently located in a large school for the next generation of nobility. There were other schools scattered across the lands but this had the best Sensei's for all subjects, and the lowest demon attack rate. There were, however, a straggling demon that every once in a while wanted to test the limits and would somehow slip by security. My father had given me the daggers as a present, without my mother having known. She would have feinted I imagined…

I was fifteen, and my father had been training me since I was ten, in battle strategies, defensive and offensive, negotiation tactics, setting up mutually beneficial relationships, and many small things that went along with being Lord of a territory. He was Lord of the Eastern lands, my mother his beloved Lady.

She has never once taught me anything. She had a maid teach me how to do some light cooking, she had a young woman teach me dancing, and she has had private tutors for me all my life to increase my knowledge on math, sciences, and general history.

My father decided a week ago that I would be enrolled at this new private school for nobility. Their new term was starting and with how much they had grown, a generous influx of new students would be attending. Father thought this would be an excellent way to increase my experiences, and my social skills.

I glanced back at the girls tending to their lesson. They were all dressed in very simple light and dark blue kimonos. My father had talked to Master Sensei Katsuto, who oversaw all classes and lesser Sensei's, making final decisions about the general running of the school. He insisted that my individuality was important to him, and that as a Princess, I should be held in higher regard, and allowed to wear what I wish. With that, and a hefty donation, Katsuto agreed, as long as I was appropriate and presentable.

Today I was wearing a lovely green kimono, with white designs dancing intricately along the silk fabric. I had white socks and brown sandals, matching the brown obi that held my kimono tight around my pale skin. My hair was as black as the night sky, and my eyes as blue as the ocean. I was all extremes, just like my father. My hair reached my thighs, and my bangs were perfectly straight, getting a little too long for my liking.

Though I was young, I was toned and had muscle, though it was subtle and almost unnoticeable. As full dog youkai, I had matured faster than a normal human. My father insisted that I always show at least some of my markings, so that no one would threaten me unknowingly. On the back of my calves I had a bright blue diamond shaped marking, matching my eyes. The only other visible one, when my bangs were blown in the wind, was a purple marking that went around my head. It was obvious when I was first born, but once I grew enough hair, it was hidden easily.

I breathed in the fresh air as I left the classroom. I quickly slid off my shoes and socks, sliding them in my satchel. They were so uncomfortable… If Katsuto saw and made a comment I would just feign that my feet had been aching, and the wet grass soothed them.

I moved away from the group of buildings that were on this part of the grounds and headed towards the stretch of field where the boys were taken to be taught fighting skills. They were grouped together and all sitting. The Sensei was standing before them, lecturing about something. I found a tree a little ways away, where I wouldn't be considered interrupting but I could still hear the group. I let my satchel fall to the ground beside me with a small thunk.

I watched and not even after a minute of being there a silvery head lifted and turned, locking in on my slender body leaning against the tree. He bowed his head slightly to the side, him being polite without being able to get up and fully greet me. Since I could, I let one leg hook behind the other, bowing low and elegantly, bringing a small smirk to his lips.

He stood and turned to his instructor. "Sensei, might I greet my fiancé formally? I will return as we partner off," Sesshoumaru requested, though we all knew he wasn't requesting. He didn't make requests of those he considered less than him.

"Of course, Sesshoumaru-san," the Sensei replied, treating it as if it was nothing, and it really wasn't. Of course future Lords and Ladies would receive special treatment, and since there were only 3 in this school, it wasn't that big of a deal.

He strode towards me easily, an amused smile on his face. He looked silly in the classic blue uniform that this school insisted upon. The top was loose though and I could see glimpses of his toned chest. He was sixteen, full dog youkai, and lovely in all aspects. His muscles were obvious and he promised to be a strong man.

Our parents had arranged our marriage long ago and he enjoyed using it to his advantage often. For example, getting out of a part of his class that was probably just as tedious as mine was. This was the first time we had seen each other in weeks.

As he stopped in front of me, he bent low, taking the hand I offered, and kissing it lightly. He turned it over and kissed my wrist, and then began kissing along my whole arm. I stopped him when he went for my neck, laughing and hitting him on the shoulder playfully.

His greeting was really only supposed to be a kiss on my hand, and on the inside of my wrist. He leaned his arm on the tree next to me, remaining awfully close to me. His free hand fingered the fabric of my kimono.

"Your father insisted for you to wear your own clothes, didn't he?" He inquired.

"You know him well. Your father wanted you to experience being on equal footing to others, didn't he?" I inquired in the same simple tone he had used.

He laughed softly. "You know him quite well. Yes. That was actually close to his choice of words too…," He replied, shaking his head. "At least I don't have to see you in these drab blue garments. After enduring my time here, I will never wear blue again," He muttered angrily.

I didn't smile though, I just watched the sun play in his hair, the slight strain of muscle in his arm where he leaned against the tree, thought about how we knew each other's fathers so well… My thoughts continued wandering.

"Does it ever scare you?" I whispered, frowning.

He chuckled, amused by my question. "I don't know what you're talking about, but I am Sesshoumaru, future Lord of the Western Lands. I fear nothing," He exclaimed, turning to see the other classmates partnering off. He moved to lift my hand, to kiss it goodbye and I just pulled it away, staring angrily at him.

"You're an idiot, Sesshoumaru," I grabbed my satchel and walked past the group and towards the tallest building on this land, where my next class was located.

"I thought you wanted to greet your fiancé, not upset her," His friend and partner, Riki, commented and I could feel Sesshoumaru becoming annoyed. I didn't bother turning to see if he was even focusing on me anymore.

How could he not even ask what it was that scared me? Or worry that I was upset. He could be so insensitive sometimes… I made it to my next class and found a seat to sit in towards the back. This was math and I was already advanced in this subject thanks to my father's rigorous expectations of my education. He only sent me hear for the sake of more social skills, and making friends and acquaintances that I would be seeing and possibly even dealing with later in life.

"Princess Kohana," A voice greeted me and I glanced to my side, standing immediately in my surprise.

"Prince Wataru," I bowed low. "I was not informed that you would be attending this school," I commented.

"I heard that other than you, Prince Sesshoumaru and Princess Ikuna would be attending, so I switched my enrollment. It would be entertaining I think, to be able to become closer friends with those I will be dealing closely with in the future," Wataru smiled, and took a seat next to me.

Wataru was future Lord of the Northern lands. I would never say it aloud, but he was incredibly handsome, strong, and showed immense potential as a Lord. He was intelligent, confident, and thoughtful. He was very dream-worthy for a young girl who had all the time in the world to dream. My reaction to his presence was always very girlish, and slightly embarrassing, and extremely noticeable to those that knew me well. Sesshoumaru, the jealous type, practically hated Wataru because of all this.

Wataru was seventeen, tall, with short and wavy honey brown hair, deep green eyes, and a light tan on his skin. Everything about him was God-like. He made me think of a sort of god of nature. He had sharp purple lines on his face, underneath his eyes, for his visible markings, similar to Sesshoumaru's.

He was also wearing his own clothing; a deep and rich red, with a black obi. He looked exactly like the royalty that he was.

"I haven't seen you in months, Princess Kohana. How has everything been going with you?" He inquired politely, as a few more students came into the room.

"Please, Prince, we have known each other quite a long time, address me as a friend would at least," I smiled and he bowed his head in agreement.

"Then I would ask the same of you, Kohana-chan," His voice seemed to wrap around my name as if it were something delicious to be tasted slowly, or maybe that was my imagination running wild.

"Wataru-kun, everything has been going quite well. I am excited about the opportunity this school provides, but so far I have found most of the material to be review. I am sure you will be quite bored with the material as well," I whispered, so as not to offend others that had not seen any of the material, ever.

He just nodded, understanding. "I am hear more to mingle, and enjoy myself. As with you, my tutoring when I was younger was rigorous and demanding."

"So far, all of the instructors have enjoyed my intelligence, and are quite lenient with letting me leave early. I enjoy roaming the grounds, seeing the beautiful scenery," I said with a small smile.

"It is quite a beautiful set up for a live-in school. This is your first, but it is actually my third, and the other two I have been to were not this pleasant," He observed and I smiled, nodding.

"How is your family doing? Your sister's birthday was a short while ago, was it not?" I inquired politely.

"They're doing well, thank you. Yes, Ramika turned 8. She has grown quite a bit since you have last seen her I imagine. The next time we have a break in lessons for a few days, perhaps you should travel back with me. I would greatly enjoy your company, and my family would be delighted with seeing you again," He offered with a charming smile.

"I will consider that. I would enjoy going to the North. I haven't been to those lands in years," I smiled exuberantly at the idea.

"Wonderful. And your fiancé? How is Prince Sesshoumaru?" He questioned, though I could hear a more cold tone come into his voice. He knew Sesshoumaru hated him, although he didn't seem to know why. I didn't know if he returned the feeling, or was indifferent.

"He's doing well, thank you for asking," I replied, keeping it simple, knowing he wasn't truly interested.

Soon all of the students were in the classroom and seated. The instructor came in and I zoned out mostly, letting myself gaze out the window. I thought about Sesshoumaru, and I felt suddenly bad for being rude to him, especially in front of his peers. I wouldn't apologize though, not first at least. He should have had at least asked me about what was bothering me… Unless he didn't care…

I must be deluding myself, of course he didn't care. Sure we've grown up together, and we've been arranged to marry when he is eighteen, and we've explored each other's bodies in ways I would never think of doing with others. Not sex, but smaller things that are just as important. Even with me taking all of that into consideration, it wasn't necessary that he care for me, that he love or care for me. It was more necessary for him to put on a show that we were close, a powerful joining of two lands.

I was now successfully saddened and frustrated. Before I knew it the class was finished and everyone filed out, chatting amongst themselves. Wataru stood and offered his hand. I took it, letting him help me stand. He also reached down to pick up my bag, sliding it gently onto my shoulder.

"Thank you, Wataru-kun," I smiled and he returned it, waving me forward.

As I exited the classroom Sesshoumaru was waiting outside. He started to move towards me and then froze as he saw Wataru following behind.

"Ah, Prince Sesshoumaru, good to see you again," Wataru was nothing but polite.

Sesshoumaru simply nodded, not returning even a few polite words. Wataru just smiled, disappointed in the continued behavior probably.

"I'll see you soon Kohana-chan. Do think about my offer," He reminded me subtly, and walked away.

"I didn't realize he would be attending this school as well…," Sesshoumaru said, practically glaring at Wataru's retreating figure.

"I wasn't aware either," I said simply, turning to walk in the other direction to stop by my room before going to my afternoon classes.

"Kohana?" Sesshoumaru called for me, catching up easily and stopping me. He pulled me into an unoccupied classroom, shutting the door.

He leaned in close to me, letting a hand stroke my face. "You're not angry," He commented.

"You're observant…," I whispered, avoiding eye contact.

"You're sad… I would rather you be angry with me," He sighed. "What was bothering you earlier?"

I thought of a multitude of responses. You don't care about me, or love me. We put on a façade of a perfect arranged marriage, happily accepting our parents blessing.

"Nothing, I'm having an off day. I'll be fine tomorrow," I said, letting a smile fall into place on my features. Why ruin our arranged marriage? We would be married in a year or so, have children, take over the Western lands when his father was finished reigning. I would have everything I have ever wanted and more. I will be secure and happy. What more can I really ask for? Perhaps Sesshoumaru would grow to love or care about me… All I had to do was be patient.

He seemed unsure but smiled after a moment, nodding. "Good," He closed the space between us, letting our lips meeting softly for a gentle kiss. His hand came up to hold my face and the kiss deepened.

After a moment our lips parted, but he stayed close. "We're perfect together, Kohana. No need to be afraid of it, or question it," He whispered and I was startled, stepped back so that I could see his whole face.

He just shrugged, smiling. "I know you, Kohana… Of course I knew why you were upset, where your mind was. If I hadn't already known, I would have asked."

I stared at him for a second, considering him, and then smiled wildly, my arms circling around him and letting our lips meeting again, promising myself that I would stop overthinking every little thing, and simply enjoy life, and the blessings that I have been fortunate enough to receive.

Disclaimer: Inuyasha belongs to Rumiko Takahashi and all of the OCs are my own creation.

I hope you enjoyed two postings within a day of each other! It'll probably never happen again, but I got no sleep tonight because I wanted to write this chapter so badly.

I have so many ideas going on in my head for this story, and I hope some of them make it all the way through the creative process. : )

xoxo Tiff