A Mistaken Past

A/N: Sorry for the wait between updates. Holidays had me a little busy. I do have the next chapter ready though, hope you enjoy this one. And as the summary hinted there will be a hint and maybe even a little of Tatsuki with another. For now the end pairing looks to be Tat/Bya, unless further into the story I get reviews making requests. But I'll wait until we get there and then see what happens.




Chapter Four



“He’s in a right fine mood this evening My Lady.” Ayumi did her best to soothe the babe as his mother undressed behind the curtain.


“He takes after his father,” Tatsuki pulled the shirt off of her shoulders in disgust. It reeked of sweat and burnt flesh. Both had come from her just this morning. The wound on her shoulder had already been healed by Orihime but her pride still smarted from the blow.


She’d been married for five months now and had seen her so called husband on two occasions. The morning after they’d arrived when he’d informed the servants who she was. The other was last week she’d managed to catch him meditating under a rather large sakura tree.


This suited her well because she had nothing to say to him. If he wanted to pretend she didn’t exist then it was his choice. Two months ago she’d decided to join the Academy with Orihime. As soon as they heard she was joining she’d been given the choice to join the same class as her friend. Other students had snickered that she got special treatment because of who she was. Which was bullshit; she got her ass beat during a session just like anyone else. The instructor hadn’t gone easy on her today or last week. If she didn’t know any better she’d say the man had it out for her.


She knew better than to complain about her life. Ayumi was a wonderful nursemaid and her son was happy. He hadn’t grown much but she assumed that was to be expected. Since everyone aged so much slower here it would probably be years before her son got out of diapers.


“That he does, I should know.” The older woman had helped raised the man and could still remember him being rash and hotheaded until a few decades ago. Once in a while she could see that part of him wanting to rear its head.


“Do you mind keeping an eye on him while I take a walk? I have an awful headache and some fresh air might help.” She had noticed that night was coming and she wanted some time alone. When she wasn’t at the Academy she was with her child.


“You go on ahead. I’m going to see if I can get him to take a nap.”


“Thanks,” Tatsuki wanted to kiss the old hag but resisted the urge. She reached for a dark blue kimono that was plain except for the small flowery design near the knees. When he’d told her they’d be taken care of he had kept his word. She didn’t want for anything except love and affection. This was something she knew she’d never get from the man.


This was a marriage to ensure his son was accepted as his heir. Besides Ayumi no one spoke to her and kept out of her way. If not for Orihime she wouldn’t have any friends. Ichigo and Rukia had stopped by once to see how she fared. Renji had been seen several times but they never spoke. She almost felt like a prisoner in her own home.


The one person she might have enjoyed seeing hadn’t bothered to come by and see her but she knew that he’d came to Soul Society twice since they got here. She couldn’t understand why Ishida wouldn’t come visit her when she wasn’t that far away. He had the same access and privileges as Ichigo. The only thing she could think of is that he didn’t wish to see her.


It was just as well, there was no future for them and she had made her bed. A bed that was rather cold and lonesome. Was this what the rest of her existence would be like? Would there be a night when she wouldn’t go to sleep feeling empty and lost?


No one stopped her as she stepped outside into the main yard. She was tempted to go for a long walk and stay out most of the evening. Ayumi shared the room with Kouji so her son was fine without her. It might do her good to get out for a bit.


There was little chance of anyone bothering her. Even most of the class seemed to ignore her unless they were ordered to par off against her. She hadn’t gotten as far as Orihime and still had lots to learn. Her reitsu tended to be rather hazardous if she wasn’t careful. Using kendo was going to be the death of her.


What she needed to learn was how to get her weapon. The instructor stated that it would take months and perhaps years before she had the ability to receive one. It would be nice to feel like she’d accomplished something besides becoming invisible.


As much as she didn’t really care for her husband she’d like for him to acknowledge her. No one was asking him to share a room with her or dote on her like a besotted fool. She just wanted him to manage a hello and not to always be gone when she was around.


Speaking of her husband, she paused in her walk noticing the broad form standing underneath the sakura tree. How often did he come here? She was sure he didn’t know she was there because he didn’t run off like his ass was on fire. Instead his head was tilted back and he was gazing upwards. Was he thinking? She couldn’t imagine about what but could always start guessing. Her first one would be his deceased wife.


Rukia had informed her how much the man had loved the woman. It had to be serious if he still mourned her passing after so long. It put her feelings for Ishida to shame. She could already tell that the hurt had begun to heal with time. If love came she wouldn’t mind trying for it and hoped he’d do the same.


Byakuya knew she was there but kept his gaze towards the top of the tree. How long would it be before the last petal dropped? Just like control over his life the petals were falling daily. If the girl knew what was on his mind she would have ran and not stood there watching him.


He knew that she kept away from most in the household and the rest of his family. It was just as well or she might have become distraught over the latest gossip being spread. If only he could find the one starting the rumors. If things kept up at this rate he’d be forced to do something about it.


It was true he’d only taken her for wife in order to bring his son into his family. He had no doubt now that it was his child but others were talking. Commenting that it couldn’t possibly be true, if the girl wasn’t his wife in the proper aspect. They had found out that she slept on the opposite side of the building and did not share his bed.


It wasn’t any of their concern but he knew others were looking to find flaws in his methods. Some were not happy with him being head of the family. Talk was that he’d brought another unworthy female into their midst under false pretenses. No one had questioned why he’d married Hisana and had kept their opinions to themselves.


How could he have fathered a child with a woman he refused to touch? That’s what a very unlucky servant had been repeating just this morning. He was sure it was his own servants that were discussing his personal life. Threatening wouldn’t stop wagging tongues or end the speculation. They wanted to know why he hadn’t just taken the child to raise if it were his. Why marry a woman that he did not want as a wife?


How would she take to his decision? It was possible for them to come to some kind of arrangement without bloodshed. Where the hell was she going? He was sure he’d informed her not to leave the grounds after dark.


Tatsuki squared her shoulders and eyed the guards standing post near the doorway. If she tried to go by then they might demand to know where she was going. She saw no reason she couldn’t go for a walk. What could possibly happen? If anything he not wanting her to leave after dark was another way of throwing his authority around. Well not for this girl.


With a boost of strength, she jumped onto the wall and onto the other side. Her feet landed on the gravel without much noise. If the guards laughing and gossiping about some woman’s tits were any indication they hadn’t noticed her.


Taking a deep breath she expanded her senses just like she’d been instructed. Her husband was still in the yard where she’d left him and hopefully he hadn’t noticed her leaving. Somehow she highly doubted it since he had tact for ignoring her.


There was no one else on the long stretch of isle that presented itself before her. It was a good thing that she was good with remembering directions or she might become lost in the huge place. It was understandable now how two people could wander around and never run into each other.


Another jump had her skipping along the roof tops, crossing several streets before she came to a stop. Orihime would probably ready to sleep after today. A captain had stopped by to speak to her friend after class. The lady from the Fourth Division that focused on healing above fighting, it suited Orihime. Tatsuki wasn’t sure where she’d be placed if anywhere once she managed to graduate. That would be a long time off so she wasn’t going to worry about it.


The air was refreshing against her flushed cheeks. They were trying so hard during the day, during the evening she just wanted to relax. There was no dire rush for them to finish but she felt rather useless just learning. Unlike Orihime who had already helped out without becoming an official shinigami.


Glancing in both directions she chose to head to the west and further away from her home. Searching again she sensed that Byakuya was now leaving the place and towards her direction. How fast was he? With a shrug of the shoulders, she leapt forward and didn’t look back.


It was fun being able to run at a fast speed and jump high. This was something she couldn’t do as a human no matter how hard she had trained. Air rushed by her as she landed onto the street and picked up her speed. An unwanted presence was catching up to her too fast for her liking. Why did he decide to follow her today of all days?


A chuckle escaped her lips as she rounded the corner. It ended in a squeak of pain and shock, as her ass made contact with the hard concrete. The thud made her bite down on her bottom lip and come to a sudden halt.


When had the Seireitei gained moving walls? When she’d left home she hadn’t been worried about being assaulted by another person perhaps she should have concerned herself with concrete structures. She was positive that the stinging in her rear meant that it had taken most of the blow.


“Are you hurt?” Shuhei Hisagi peered down at the small female sitting ungracefully upon the ground. He’d been lost in thought and hadn’t been expecting to bump into anyone. She was grumbling to herself about stupid walls.


He was sure he’d never seen the girl before now and wondered who she was. Instead of wearing a traditional shinigami uniform she was in an expensive blue kimono that couldn’t have been easy to come by. The language oozing from her mouth wouldn’t be coming from a noble woman but then where did she get the clothes?


From here he could see that she was rather short and slender from the position. Heat crept into his neck seeing that the garment had shifted to the side giving him a view of slender calves. He extended a hand in assistance as she tried to rise. “I apologize.”


“Its fine, not your fault someone put a wall in the way.” Tatsuki could have sworn that’s what she’d plowed into. Seeing that it was actually a shinigami had her blushing in embarrassment. It was her fault for trying to keep an eye on where her spouse was.


“I guess we are both at fault. Are you hurt in any way?” Hisagi released the hand as she stood and tried to right her clothes. Now that she was upright he got a good look at the rest of her. Slender but filled out, short but not tiny, and very cute. Large brown eyes lifted to look him in the face and he was positive he’d never seen her before.


“Nothing but my pride.” And her ass! Why couldn’t her instructor look like this? She caught her breath seeing the smile cross his features. He was definitely cute, just her luck. Of all the people that had to witness her bust her ass it had to be a cute guy. In most physical regards he was the complete opposite of her husband but just as appealing. Except for the tattoo on his face, what the hell?


“Good, do you mind if I ask where you were going? You aren’t a guard and I’m sure I’ve never seen you around before.” He wasn’t normally the type to ogle females but he couldn’t help but notice that she was very cute and had amazing eyes.


“I’m kind of new. I’ve only been here for five months or so and I don’t get out much.” Tatsuki wasn’t going to inform him of her social status or lack of. Most of the students knew of her marriage but she always introduced herself using her own name. She wouldn’t use his name because she didn’t feel like his wife.


“I see and may I ask your name? Are you from a noble house?” Hisagi could feel a strong reitsu approaching them at a slow speed. Was she from one of the families? “The kimono, it speaks for itself.”


“Oh,” she hadn’t thought about that. Compared to the ones she’d seen Orihime and Renji wearing during off time, this guy had a point. It wasn’t often that she bothered to wear the clothes that had been supplied. Her days were spent running around in the typical white and red given by the Academy.


“Shuhei Hisagi, at your service.” He introduced himself with a slight bow of his head. A pink tint colored the girl’s cheeks.


“Tatsuki Arisawa, pleased to meet you.” Her eyes landed on his cheek until she could do nothing but stare at the tattoo. Did he have any idea what it stood for? She wasn’t a complete pervert but had heard and read enough to know what the use of that number was for. Perhaps it was his rank number and he was just unlucky.


“Is there something wrong?” It was obvious that she was staring at him and it was making the situation awkward. Not that he cared if she wanted to look at him but not if she was finding something amiss.


“No, I was just wondering about something. Is your luck as bad as my own or are you bragging?” She crossed her arms and waited for the answer. Did all shinigami feel the need to mark up their person? If she didn’t have morals she’d be tempted to ask Renji to strip down in order to check out all of his tattoos.


“Eh?” A brow quirked in confusion at the question, what was she referring to? A dainty finger stretched out to point towards the mark upon his face. “Yes; that I did out of respect for another.”


Now she was the one confused. It was safe to assume that he didn’t know of the ulterior meaning behind those two numbers. She couldn’t be the only pervert in Soul Society. With a groan she took in the rest of him. Tall and slender, shinigami robes, zanpakuto, and white robe over it. Shit! Why hadn’t she noticed it before now? That meant he was a captain and she’d been about to accuse him of being a pervert. “Sorry.”


What was she apologizing for now? Taking his attention from his companion for a second he wanted to see who it was that had joined them. Standing idly on the roof of the building was someone unexpected. Was it coincidence? “Good evening, Kuchiki-taichou.”


“Keh!” Tatsuki was sure her stomach had just rammed itself into her throat. She’d forgotten all about being followed. When had he caught up to them? Why had he bothered to follow her? In the five months since the ‘wedding’ he hadn’t cared what she did. Figures, the one evening she needed time alone he had to be a nosey bastard. “I didn’t need you to follow me.”


“Shuhei-taichou,” Byakuya acknowledged the other man. Although the younger male was new to the position he was doing a decent job of taking over for Tousen. The way he saw it he saw no need to explain his actions to his wife. The girl should have known better than to run off after dark. “You will return with me.”


The two knew each other? Hisagi lifted his gaze from the other captain towards the girl. She was now standing erect and with a displeased look on her face. Was she the mysterious wife he’d heard about? But hadn’t she introduced herself as Arisawa? The other captains had been informed of the marriage but none knew the girl’s name or what she looked like. His gut was telling him he had just met the newest member of the Kuchiki family.


“Fine,” she didn’t think it wise to test him in front of another captain. Not to mention with her luck she’d find her services under this captain in the future. What she didn’t need was him remembering her as a disrespectful person. She was tired anyways so going back with him wouldn’t hurt.


Byakuya was displeased at her leaving but was glad she hadn’t gone far. What had the two been discussing before he arrived? Without waiting for him the girl took off in the direction of his home. He’d follow behind her at a slow pace to ensure she returned. With a quick nod, he bid the other man farewell.


With a frown Hisagi watched the two leave. Just as fast as the girl had appeared she had left. Was she really his wife or just another member of the household? Did it matter? How could he find out without directly asking either two? Perhaps Arabai would know something.





“He had the nerve to follow me.” Tatsuki dusted the soot from her palms in an aggravated manner. Two nights ago was when she’d returned home to receive a scolding from her husband. He told her in a calm but demeaning voice that she was to follow the rules that he had set. Then promptly after talking down to her like he would a two year old he turned his back to her and walked away. Her patience was wearing thin. If not for the fact that he was older, a lot older, and she’d been raised to respect her elders, she would have tried to deck him one.


“He was worried about you?” Orihime couldn’t explain the man’s actions to her friend. She didn’t understand them either. She’d given up on trying to over a year ago. “Was he angry?”


“I don’t know and that’s the damn problem. No matter what he’s doing or saying he always has this bored look on his face. It’s really aggravating and I hate it. At least when my own parents lectured me I could see that they were pissed at me.”


“Did anything happen while you were out?” Orihime focused on the reitsu in her palm. It was a new method to try and control a certain amount for an extended period of time. Tatsuki had already lost control of hers within five minutes.


“I think I met another one of the captains. He said his name was Hisagi something and he had on the white jacket.” She sat back down and brought the sphere of reitsu into her palm.


“Ninth Division, he was Vice-Captain to Kaname Tousen. Tousen was one of the shinigami to betray with Aizen. I believe Hisagi-taichou handled the squad after the man defected and was given the position after the war ended.” Orihime had met the man on several occasions and thought him to be a likeable person. Quiet and serious but he had helped her save Rukia-chan’s life.


“I see,” Tatsuki groaned as the reitsu wanted to flare more than necessary. She’d do better to join a squad that liked to kick ass over blowing shit up. This working with magic was a real pain. But she had to control her reitsu in order to train to become a true shinigami. It took gaining her shinigami powers in order to receive her zanpakuto. Couldn’t they just turn on a switch?


“You are trying too hard Tatsuki-chan. Just let it flow freely and only pull back when you feel it spiking.” Having previous experiences made it possible for her to help the brunette. She could probably take the test to move to the next phase but didn’t want to leave Tatsuki behind.“It’s always spiking!”


“You have no stability or experience so it is acting off of your emotions.” Orihime dismissed hers and reached out to place her hands around the one holding the flaring orb. “Try to take a deep breath, and think of nothing. Just feel the power centering in your palm and get to know it.”


“If you say so,” Tatsuki closed her eyes and tried not to think about the asshole she married. It was difficult but the world around her started to go vacant. Warmth escaped from her palm which she recognized as her reitsu.


Orihime didn’t speak as her friend held steady for several minutes. The progress was good, so much she removed her hands and went back to work. Tatsuki’s problem was the girl was new to it all and had a lot on her personal plate. The most Orihime had to worry about was being on time to class. There was no man in her life and no hope for one in the future.






“It is a pleasure, Hisagi-taichou.”


Hisagi ignored the instructor that had taught him at one time. This wasn’t a social call nor was it a professional matter. Curiosity had him stopping by and checking out the information he’d heard yesterday.


He’d planned on questioning Arabai about the girl but hadn’t needed to. Upon arriving at the man’s whereabouts, which happened to be Orihime-chan’s place, he’d heard the girl’s name. The two were discussing how training was going. All he’d hard was Tatsuki from the two and had assumed that it was the same girl. To make sure he found himself looking at the Academy roster.


“Is there a particular student you are interested in?”


“Perhaps, but do you mind if I look around Moichi-senpai?” Hisagi wasn’t going to ask about Tatsuki in case she was married. “I hear an acquaintance of mine is now studying here. Can you tell me where I can find Inoue Orihime?”


“Ah yes, but I believe she has already been spoken for.” Moichi was sure the man couldn’t be interested in a student that wouldn’t be fit for battle. There was a good chance the man was here for personal reasons but it was none of his concern. “I believe she is in training hall twelve with another student.”


“Thank you,” he bid the man farewell before heading out of the office. Would Orihime give him the information he sought without guessing his intent? The girl wasn’t the brightest but he wanted to be careful. He wasn’t even sure why he wanted to know.


A few students passed him along the halls but didn’t greet him. He could recruit another two members to replace those he’d lost. If anyone asked he’d use that as an excuse for his being here. Orihime was best suited to healing and helping others, that girl wasn’t cut out for combat.


He neared the specified room and hesitated outside. The privilege of being a Captain was the he could scout out students that might interest him. As of yet he didn’t have a Lieutenant but he wasn’t likely to find one here.


Without asking permission he slid the heavy door open. The training room was one for practicing kendo and that’s what the two females were doing. Orihime spun hearing the door slide shut and the other girl froze mid-incantation. His luck was bad! The girl he’d come to inquire about was standing in the room with Orihime.


“Hisagi-taichou,” Orihime bowed as the scarred man came to stand before her. What was he doing here? Already two captains had stopped by to speak to her about joining their ranks. She had declined the offer made by Ukitake-taichou.


“Orihime-chan, it’s good to see you again.” He greeted the girl before turning to his interest. “Ah, Tatsuki-chan, I didn’t expect to find you here.”


‘Obviously’, Tatsuki kept her thoughts to herself and nodded. Why did he have to interrupt? She was getting the hang of this spell. It wouldn’t be the first bigwig to stop by and want to speak to Orihime in private.


“What brings you here, if I may ask?” Orihime wasn’t sure what to say to the man.


“I came here on squad business and noticed your name on the roster. Mind if we speak in private for a few minutes?” There was a way to get his answers now without being too obvious.


“Okay, we can step out into the hall. I’ll be back in a minute Tatsuki-chan.” A hand was placed on the small of her back making her a tad uncomfortable. Orihime let herself be led into the hallway and didn’t speak as the door slid shut.


“Sorry to interrupt but I figured I’d speak to you while I was here. I heard from Arabai that you and another recently joined and were progressing well.” It wasn’t a lie, he had heard it being said from the man; it just hadn’t been directed at him.


“Hai, Tatsuki and I both joined a few months ago. Things are going rather well,” she wouldn’t point out that her friend needed more help.


“Am I to understand that you have already agreed to join under Unohana-taichou?” If the girl went anywhere else it’d be a mistake. He knew the answer before she answered.


“Yes, I think that would be the best choice for me. As much as I’d appreciate an offer for another division, I don’t think I could.” She did want to help but she didn’t want to fight if she could avoid it.


“I see and I’m disappointed. How about your friend, has she accepted any other offers?” The question had been asked and now he’d see what kind of information the girl was willing to supply. Hisagi didn’t like playing games but knew when to tread lightly.


“Tatsuki-chan hasn’t had any offers. I don’t think she’ll receive any because it is assumed that she’ll join the Sixth Division once she graduates. I think she’d accept another but no one has asked.” Orihime wasn’t sure if joining the one led by Byakuya-sama was a good idea but Tatsuki might not have a choice.


“Why do you assume that? I’m not the only captain looking for new members. Anyone with exceptional talent is welcome.”


“Oh, I thought all the captains knew. Tatsuki-chan is married to Kuchiki-taichou.” It wasn’t fair but she knew the man didn’t play fair. Rukia had complained on several occasions that her brother was the reason she hadn’t been offered a higher seat. Everyone knew that Rukia was better than the two that constantly fought over Ukitake’s attentions.


“I’d heard about a marriage but didn’t know who the lady was. I see,” and he was disappointed. Still, even if she were off limits, she should be allowed to have options. “I would gladly offer her a position since I am looking for a few recruits.”


“That would be wonderful but Tatsuki-chan still needs help. Sakyu-senpai says she won’t be ready for a long time.” She greatly disagreed and believed the man just didn’t like them. Of course he wouldn’t tell her that since she was far beyond those in their class.


“Let me be the one to decide. I have to get going, but would you extend my offer to your friend? Inform her that I shall return within the month to speak with her on the matter.” Hisagi was glad that the girl hadn’t had any offers yet. Most likely the other captains hadn’t even thought to recruit the female due to who her husband was. It was Rukia’s talents that had gotten the girl noticed and placed in a squad. “Until next time take care, Orihime-chan.”






Next Chapter: An incident in class. please read and review......