By 10 past midnight, I was at Hitsugaya's house ready for bed. I entered my room and on the bed was a box that was wrapped in purple and white paper with red ribbons. I immediately knew who it was from, and smiling to myself, I couldn't wait to open it.

Chapter 24

Illusions of Happiness

I lifted up the lid of the box to see a book with an additional smaller pink box on top of it. Opening the smaller box, I gasped at what was inside. There was a diamond bracelet that shone like the stars. The chain was made up of silver flowers with individual little diamond gems as the center of each flower. It was the prettiest bracelet I had ever seen. Leaving it on my desk, I looked to see what was below it. Below the small box was a book. After quickly flipping through the pages, I discovered that they were all empty. It was a diary. I loved it. The diary was white with red autumn leaves falling down the edges of the spine. I would be sure to thank him for it tomorrow. The bracelet must have been expensive. I was tired, but genuinely happy for once. It was the best night for me to begin writing in the diary. Even though it was already morning, I figured I could write about last night's experience. I grabbed a pen left on the desk near my bed I begun to write:

Dear Diary,

Tonight was the best party I could have ever asked for. Toushirou planned this extravagant party. He invited everyone in Gotei 13. I recognized many of the people. Many of them are in my squad even! It's so strange having them not recognize me. I was given so many presents but I haven't had a chance to open any of them yet. I found Toushirou's present for me sitting on the bed. It was a beautiful bracelet and this diary. His gift is so amazing and I love it very much. It's heartbreaking to see him every day but not the real him. Well not my him at least. It feels painful not being acknowledged or recognized by him. It's almost as if he doesn't know me. I get that he doesn't know me but it's just unusual. I miss him. I want to go home. Back with him. Back to where I belong.

12-17-Y26

I closed the book and deeply sighed. It was going to be a long time until I got back home to my time. I wanted to stay up and think for a few more moments, however I was too tired. Within minutes, I slipped into sleep and rested dreamlessly and peacefully throughout the night that I didn't even hear him enter the house moments later.

It was already half past midnight by the time I arrived back at his home. The stars were shimmering brightly above me illuminating the way towards home. I was tired, very tired to say the least. I had spent all morning and part of yesterday planning the party. I had gone out to purchase a present for her, get everything sorted out with the Head Captain, have every division do their part, get all the invitations sent and much more. With a plop, I landed back first on his bed. It felt nice to rest to relax for a moment. I hadn't bothered to change of of my captain's haori. Sleep came to the quickly and easily to me.

I woke up with a bad feel. There was an uneasy feeling that was circulating throughout my body. Something was wrong. I sat up and went over to the living room. I was only asleep for a few hours and it was easy to get back up. Sitting down on the couch I noticed it immediately. What the feeling was, or rather the feel that was lacking.

Meanwhile down the hall moments earlier…

I awoke. My eyes shot open, sensing that something was wrong. I stared at the black ceiling above me. I barely had the chance to move before I felt something behind me. Out of instinct, I reached down at my waist to grab my zanpakuto. I hesitated for a moment when I remembered that I didn't have one with me. That was my mistake. Before I could make any noise, a large hand clasped over my mouth, leaving me wailing in attempt to make noise. I kept wiggling back and forth trying to push him off me but it was to no avail. I tried to kick him but it was impossible, he was about double my size. Why was someone trying to attack me while I was inside of Hitsugaya's house? This didn't make any sense! I couldn't give up though! It was still dark and my vision was adjusted, however his probably wasn't. This was my one advantage, and I was probably faster than him and his big body. Even though I didn't have my zanpakuto, I was still capable of physical fighting despite my size. I quickly turned my head, causing his hand to fall for a split second. Taking advantage of that time, I grabbed his whole arm and flipped him around. With a loud sound, he dropped flat down onto the floor beneath my feet. If only it wasn't soft carpet. Within a second, the attacker had stood back up, ready to pounce on me. I would have made a run for the door but he was standing right in front of it.

"I'll get you back for that. I think you twisted my arm," he snarled at me.

"Heh, well it serves you right for trying to capture me. What are you trying to do anyways?" I asked him, trying to get some information out of him.

"Private orders by Aizen. He wants you."

"Wants me? For what? Who are you?" I asked him bravely. If he was one of Aizen's men then he was surely strong.

"Me? I am one of Aizen's Arrancars! Mwahaha! As for you, you'll find out won't you? Taicho-san…" Before I could even ask how he knew who I was, all of a sudden, he started laughing, more like…cackling? It was suspicious and a millisecond after I knew why he was laughing. It was my entire fault for putting my guard down thinking that he was the only enemy.