A/N: Hi guys, sorry for those of you that have followed the story and I haven't updated in forever. I became a mother and wife and so life kind of grabbed me by the ankles while I kicked and screamed the whole time. I've decided to give it another go. Hopefully I will finish the story this time. I actually sat down and wrote out an entire timeline so I don't really have an excuse not to. I did change a few things in this chapter which is why I am re-posting it and I will be changing the second chapter as well. Anyways, I hope those that choose to take the time to read enjoy it and drop me a line! Like I said, I became a mom so my small social life I had before has pretty much died. *claws at the computer screen* save meeee...

A beeping pierces the silence in the darkened room causing a figure to shift in the bed nearby. A hand shoots out from underneath the warm covers to snatch the phone off the bedside table. Pushing a button stops the beeping, allowing for the message to be read.

Happy Birthday Ichigo, I hope you're not in bed still.

A sigh sounds from under the covers as the figure sits up in bed, allowing the covers fall, displaying a head covered in orange flowing locks. Honey sepia eyes take in the darkened room as the owner rubs the rest of her sleep from them.

Looking back down at the phone, she begins typing back her reply to the only person she ever contacts with this phone.

What do you plan on giving me this year? 18-year-old girls must be hard to find presents for.

A small smile graces her face as she sends the message and waits for the other to reply. Almost instantly her phone lights up and begins beeping alerting her to another message.

Would you like anything in particular?

While some girls would ask for makeup, clothes or maybe even the latest gadget that was out on the market, Ichigo had one simple wish and that was to meet this person face to face.

In the six years that Ichigo had been staying in the home she has been living in, she has been living a life of luxury. Waking up in this very room one day to find numerous people surrounding her had been frightening. To make matters worse, she had no prior memories from before she awoke.

From what she was told, her family had been murdered and she had managed to escape, but not unscathed. The Master of the estate had come across her and she had asked for help before simply passing out in his arms.

A beeping brought Ichigo out of her thoughts, as she looked down at her phone to see another message had been sent.

Or perhaps I know what it is that you want. I know every year for your birthday you have asked for the same thing and I have told you to simply wait for the right time. Soon Ichigo, that is all I can say, is that soon you will meet me face to face.

Ichigo stared down at the phone with a scowl. As for him knowing the question that she would ask him and knowing the answer would upset her seemed, redundant.

Yes, for the six years that Ichigo has lived here, she has yet to meet the Master that took her off the streets and saved her life. Even though this was his estate, he never stayed. If he did show, it was late at night while she was asleep. She would learn of him coming by in the morning when the servants would gossip around the table at breakfast, only to infuriate her that he refused her the one thing she constantly asked for.

Tossing the sheets back from her body, Ichigo made her way out of bed and toward her dresser, getting ready for the day seemed to be the appropriate action to take seeing as she would was too annoyed to fall back asleep.

Every year it was the same, the Master would text or email her asking her what she wanted and every year the answer was the same. Just being able to put a face to the words of kindness she receives everyday has long been one of her dreams.

Pulling out the first thing she sees, she heads to the bathroom to begin her morning routine. Stepping under the hot spray she allows her thoughts to consume her. Six years and she has not once heard the Master's voice. She has asked the staff numerous times what he looks like, even just to know the man's name. But each and every time the staff had changed the subject or simply ignored the questions.

It was frustrating at first, not knowing if this man could really be trusted. Not knowing anything about him, and yet he was kind enough to allow her to live in his home. It took some getting used to, the secrecy and why it was so important. Though it was never spoken aloud, but it was for the Master's sake. While she may not know her savior, she knows her dictator.

Seeing Aizen on that television screen a few days after she had first awoken in the home made her feel ill at ease. The man on the screen seemed polished and reserved. He spoke with a gentleness that seemed unbefitting to the dark, almost morbid curiosity his eyes held. His gentle tone did not match with his words that he seemed to be preaching to his audience. He spoke with such authority that what he was saying felt like it was set in stone, no rebuttal or dispute could be made against him. Over time, those that felt they could or at least tried where met with such a violent end that squashed all hope. Rebels were dealt with cruel punishment and their bodies would be placed in view for all the country to see the outcome of fighting against someone like Aizen.

For years, anything that was displayed on TV was what Lord Aizen wanted his subjects to see what was being done in creating a perfect world. In this world he is God. Money only exists to the select few that make up his elite guard, the Espada. Super soldiers that are rumored to be genetically modified. Each Espada holding a ranking with responsibilities tied to the operation of our country.

Prostitution rings can be found all over the country, drugs could be seen being sold in just about every dark alley way in the city. The Black Market having hands in everything whether it be girls, drugs or even weapons. Under Lord Aizen's rule it isn't old age or illness that was the main cause of death, you could consider yourself lucky if that happened to be your case. Murder was a normal everyday occurrence, whether it was by a mercenaries hand or and another citizens. Everyday living becomes a battlefield for anyone.

Under Lord Aizen's rule any religious books have been banned and ordered to be burned. History books have been censored to read and say what Lord Aizen permits them too. Anyone seen with banned items can consider themselves enemies against the purified state and would be order to be shot on site.

A knock on Ichigo's bathroom door brought her from her musings. She quickly finished washing and rinsing, climbing out of the shower wrapping a towel around her body she cracked the door open to peer on the other side.

On the other side of the door stood Lisa, one of the women that had taken an immediate liking to Ichigo when she had first come to the estate. Standing just a few inches taller than Ichigo's already five foot six frame, Lisa had her jet black hair pulled back into a high pony tail, thin framed glasses sat on the top of her nose and her uniform covered every inch of skin save for her hands and neck.

"Good morning birthday girl, I thought I heard you get up. Although you are up a bit earlier than normal", she said with a smile gracing her face and placing her hands on her hips.

Ichigo laughed and allowed the bathroom door to fall open, allowing Lisa to step in.

"Master woke me early this morning, he must have a busy day planned," she said, turning and quickly getting dressed.

Finally dressed, she turned to face Lisa who looked Ichigo over with a frown.

"Jeans and a t-shirt, honestly Ichigo you have such beautiful clothes hanging in your closet yet you hardly wear them. It's such a sad thing to see, especially when Master spends so money on you to have designer things."

Ichigo's face reddened at the comment; of course master was well off. If the grandeur of the estate and the land it sat on didn't prove it, you were either blind or had something bigger to show off.

Although Ichigo is thankful that she lives in such a luxury, where she doesn't have to worry about how to afford rent or just being able to get by like most of the citizens, time and time again she has expressed to her Master that such grand things only served to embarrass her.

"I think Master gives me all those things because he has nothing better to spend his money on. That and I think he just gets a kick out of embarrassing me," she said crossing her arms over her chest in annoyance, red still slightly tinting her checks.

Lisa could only stand there with an amused smile adorning her face as she looked over her young charge. "Well either way, it's the Master's job to make sure you are taken care of. That is the only thing he cares about." Walking out of her room, Ichigo turned to follow her; falling into step with Lisa as they made their way to the main part of the estate.

"What did you have in mind for today anyways, tradition states that your lessons be cancelled, and giving you the whole day to do whatever it is you want." Looking sideways at the girl, she couldn't help but roll her eyes at the look she received. "Okay first breakfast, then your morning workout, another shower and then disappearing into the library for the rest of the day till dinner. You are just full of surprises Miss."

Laughing Ichigo could only shake her head. It was the same every year since she has been living in the estate. Getting lost in the library was one of her favorite things. Secretly it contained the very things that Lord Aizen had banned, allowing her to truly learn what existed out in the world before Lord Aizen seized control.

Walking down the hallway, they came to the dining room. Lisa step forward to open the dining room doors for the birthday girl allowing her to step into the room.

Looking around she noted everyone standing next to their chair waiting on her to take her seat at the head of the table. Walking up, Shawlong pulled the chair away allowing her to sit. Once she had everyone else took their seats and waited for breakfast to be served.

Lisa took her place on the right standing next to Ichigo's seated form and looked out to her fellow employees. "Our birthday girl had decided that this year will be no different than past ones. Happy Birthday mistress, may your books be wonderful as always." Laughter rang out through the room, as Ichigo sheepishly looked around the room.

"There is nothing wrong with reading books; I would think that Byakuya would be at least a little happy with me." She said slightly pouting, slumping in her seat just ever so slightly. "Please Ichigo, you must have read all those books at least twice, and that library isn't small by any means! Come on, you know you want to spare with me in the ring for most of the day."

Before Ichigo could speak up, Shawlong stepped out from behind Ichigo with a covered plate; along with the rest of the kitchen staff serving breakfast. "The Master has stated that Miss Ichigo will do whatever she pleases on her birthday. Plus, how many times has the mistress knocked you back on the baboon buttocks of yours." Laughter erupted around the table has Renji threw an annoyed look toward Shawlong.

"My mistress, speaking for the entire staff, we want to wish you a Happy Birthday." With a flourish he placed a fully loaded plate in front of her. Looking up at the man Ichigo offered a smile. "Thank you Shawlong, it looks wonderful." Bowing, Shawlong turned to seat himself on the left of Ichigo, while Lisa took the right seat.

Throughout breakfast, the servants chattered about any topic, some still teasing Ichigo about her love for books. In truth, the library was a gift for her 13th birthday from the Master. Every subject could be found on the shelves and Ichigo instantly fell in love with the room. Byakuya, her mentor, taught her quite often in this room. She understood subjects easily and was willing to learn just about anything.

"Ichigo, has the Master told you what he'll get you this year?" Looking down next to her mentor, Rukia leaned over the table to look down at her friend. Rukia and Byakuya were siblings, and Rukia would often have lessons with Ichigo. She enjoyed the companionship the petite girl offered, even if her fascination with rabbits was a tad on the creepy side.

Shaking her head, she looked out onto the now quiet table. "No, Master has not stated what it is I shall be receiving this year." Looking down at her plate she thought about what the Master had said earlier this morning. Looking to Shawlong she couldn't help but ask "Has the Master said anything you? He was kind of vague this morning when he text me. I couldn't really get a straight answer from him."

Smiling Shawlong stood up from his chair and bowed. "He has stated that he may have upset you this morning and that he is trying to think of a wonderful gift that will cause you to no longer be mad at him". Blushing Ichigo focused her attention back to her plate, pushing her food around. "He's the one that brought it up, knowing I wouldn't be happy with the answer. I think he does it on purpose so he has an excuse to buy expensive things for me."

Look up at her company; she notices each of them have a smile on their face, causing hers to flush red in embarrassment. With an irritated huff, her attention is pointed back to her plate. "So, basically Master is acting like a husband trying to sooth his upset wife. It's so adorable! No wonder you get treated so special."

Looking up with horror and shock stained with a red face Ichigo's gaze zeroed in on her best friend. "Rukia! Shut up, you know…the Master…he….just no!" Laughing everyone stood up from the table to carry on with their days work while Rukia made her way down to where Ichigo sat, waiting for her to stand as well.

"Come on you know I love teasing you about it, I always tease you about it. You have to admit Master does really care for you."

Sighing Ichigo stood and started making her way back to her room. "I know that. I just wish you would stop pointing it out so much." She murmured under breath, not knowing Rukia heard it all and followed her friend with a knowing smile gracing her face.