Yaaay! Thank you to those who reviewed, favored, and followed my story! I hope you enjoy this chapter!

When Lucy woke up she was lying on a cot at the guild. Wendy was asleep on her bedside with Happy laying on her stomach. She continued to lay in silence; thinking back on the mission and trying to recall exactly what happened. Everything was a bit of a blur.. She remembered a demon.. Or were there two demons?

The key.

She remembered now. The Death God saved them, in his own unique way.. She instinctively reached for her keys, fingering each one to make sure they were all there, sighing in relief once all were counted for. Placing her keys back on the bedside table she heard two clunks as something fell to the floor. The sound woke both Happy and Wendy up.

"LUCY!" both shouted in unison, relief plastered on their faces at their friend's recovery.

"Hey Happy, Wendy, what's with the tears?" Both were crying as the anxiety of having Lucy unconscious for so long finally washed away, making way for smiles and larger than life embraces.

The commotion in the infirmary didn't go unnoticed as the door flew open as everyone ran to Lucy's side.

"Lucy! Are you okay?! How are you feeling?! You were out for so long.." Natsu tumbled in first landing on Lucy's bed, tears in his eyes and a big smile in place just for her.

"Lucy, you are never to scare us like that again! Do you understand?" The stern voice could only belong to Erza, as she fought back tears of her own approaching Lucy's bed.

"Now come into my bosom," She demanded as she roughly pulled Lucy face first into her generous chest, in Erza's traditional odd show of motherly affection.

"Erza you're suffocating Lu-chan.." Levy chimed in, making her way into the room, relief apparent on her face.

"Lucy!"

Lucy's room was now filled with her entire team, Natsu still bouncing on her bed with Happy flying circles while Gray actually attempted to gently pull Natsu down before he smashed Lucy, or reopened his wounds. Levy was now standing between Wendy and Erza, all three with tears in their eyes as The Strauss siblings, the Raijinshuu, Gajeel and Lily, Cana, Makarov and many other miscellaneous members stumbled into her room.

Loke had just appeared, going through his own gate; not wanting to use any of Lucy's magic.

"Princess! Are you alright? Your spirits have been worried sick about you!"

"W-what's up guys? You're acting like I came back from the dead or something.." Lucy nervously laughed, wondering what all the odd tension was about.

"Lucy.." Makarov was now standing at the foot of her bed, "you were unconscious for three days. Wendy had no idea when you were going to wake up or if you were ever going to wake up. You used up all of your magic back in that cave, you're lucky to even be alive.."

As Makarov spoke silence took over Lucy's room. Looks of guilt were on her S-class team's faces as they recalled how Lucy had nearly died trying to save them all. Laxus finally walked in, his face the most distorted out of anyone's. He was the S-class mage, he was in charge, their lives were his responsibility and he let everyone down. Guilt and grief had over-taken him, and if the girl would have never regained consciousness he would never be able to forgive himself.

Lucy smiled, "What's with all the long faces? The way I see it I was finally able to pull my own weight for once and you guys were actually able to depend on me. Words can't describe how happy I am to have been such an asset on such a dangerous mission. We're all friends, no, family.. All of you took just as much risk. Besides, we should have asked more questions, the mission was meant for me and I met with the employer, it was my fault." A few members smiled sadly, others were still upset over the mission; what exactly was that demon? How was it so powerful?

"Lucy's THE man!" Elfman shouted in an attempt to lighten the stiff mood - everyone started laughing; except for a few members from her last mission.

"Thanks Luce.. But it was everyone's fault. We should have been more prepared, looked into the situation better and realized it wasn't as simple as we originally thought. I shouldn't have wandered away from the team.. I left myself wide open to his attack.. He got me pretty good." Natsu had a strained face, recalling the events within the cave and all his internal injuries he had to have healed immediately. Natsu and Gray got the worst of it; both mage's organs were shaken through and through and a lot of internal bleeding ensued. Natsu being part Dragon definitely helped coat his organs, but even at that one more hour without any medical attention and both mages would have surely died.

"We really had no idea what we were up against, to think an opponent could cause so much damage is literally mind boggling. Hell if Wendy were there it might've been a little different, wit the internal injuries and all.. But having just us and no medical aide?" Laxus had a stern look on his face. "We should have gotten more information on the demon from the employer, any information would have been alright. Who would have thought a demon that powerful was just hiding in a cave in a small town like that. The whole thing just feels off."

Lucy gave Laxus a small smile, understanding that he must have been really upset with not being able to defend his team. She could see the frustration in his eyes; they took the mission too lightly. She remembered the look in is eyes the entire time they were in the cave, he was genuinely worried about everyone.. He really had changed a lot; he would make a great guild master some day.

"Lucy.. I don't mean to change the subject.. But I'm very curious about your new keys.." Loke finally spoke up once realizing the girl was relatively fine.

Keys? All attention was on Lucy, and then she remembered the clinking sound she heard earlier and looked straight to the floor. There they were; A single black key and next to it, a starch white key. As Lucy reached for her keys and picked them up, the room became silent again.

She eyed both keys, analyzing every detail and every inch. The black key was slick and cold – a metal she'd never seen before; the skull image decorated as the head sending chills down her spine as images of toothy grins and eye patches slowly resurfaced in her memory. But the white key, this one she didn't remember. Where did it come from?

It was very light, and felt as though it was made out of bone with a platinum lining. Its surface was smooth with fine detail ridging it entirely. After closer inspection Lucy noticed what appeared to be multiple swords bound together from the top narrowing down to the tips and the edge of the key. As she slowly traced each ridge she counted what seemed to be 10 swords making up the keys design. How odd.

"Lucy.." Makarov's voice snapped Lucy out of her trance as she noticed all eyes were once again on her. Some were apprehensive, some curious, others excited, and the ones that new better had fear laced in their gaze. "Laxus told me about your new found spirit.. That it was unruly and couldn't be trusted.."

"Master, that is not true!" Lucy protested, feeling defensive over her new spirit. Yeah he was a little unpredictable and yes unruly may have been a good word to describe him.. Maybe he needed a little anger management therapy.. Restraints.. Meds.. But he still came when she called, and if it weren't for him none of them would have made it back from their last mission.

"I know he came off as.. err.. a little rough around the edges.. but the fact of the matter is he saved us. All of us! None of us would be here today if Kenpachi hadn't come when I called!"

"Lucy, that key is not part of the Celestial world.. We have no knowledge of it or where it came from, how it was made or exactly what it can do. It could be dangerous.." Loke interjected, still upset with how much magic that spirit required, almost killing Lucy.

"Lucy, I won't lie when I say the thought of such a violent and aggressive spirit in your grasp doesn't have me on edge.. And Loke has an excellent point. But above all else, I trust your judgment, and if you feel the spirit can be trusted I believe in him too." Makarov finally answered as he smiled kindheartedly at the girl. She smiled back and instantly thought to summon him again, she did forget to make a contract and her code of honor as a Celestial Mage demanded that she keep up with all her contracts.

"Master, how about I summon him so everyone can meet him, I wasn't able to make a contract with him last time so I can make one now!" She all but chirped in excitement. Makarov slowly nodded his head and rubbed his chin. Loke wasn't looking too pleased, but his master knew best, and if she believed in her spirit then he would too.

"Very well Lucy, bring forth your spirit. We shall all meet him and personally thank him for saving all you brats in your moment of need; but let's wait until you're back to full health before then." Makarov had decided for the girl that today was not the day; and everyone in the room instantly become anxious to meet Lucy's newest addition.

A few days more of recovery and Lucy felt ready for her summoning. Everyone from the guild had gathered at the training grounds, overcrowding Lucy at a very close proximity. Minus three Dragon Slayers, an Ice Mage, a Runes Mage, and a Seith Mage who decided observing from a distance would be better this time around. Sure they didn't trust the spirit any further than they could throw him (clearly none of them would be able to throw the guy) but they knew he wouldn't hurt Lucy. After all, he had protected her and pretended to do it indirectly.. Maybe he wasn't all bad.. Maybe…

Lucy took her stance and braced herself, taking one glance back at her guild mates, waiting for the go ahead to open her gate. Makarov gave her an affirmative nod and she began her incantation; silently praying Kenpachi wouldn't be too upset with her calling him out when there wasn't a fight to be had. "Open, Gate of the Death God!"

Light once again shone right in front of Lucy, and everyone from the guild tensed up, bracing themselves for the mountain of a man the rest of her team had so vividly described upon their return and explanation of what happened during the mission.

But there was no mountain of a man this time. He was still tall, but much more fragile looking than what they described him to be. He had long white hair, not black; and his uniform was mostly white and quite immaculate looking. He had gentle green eyes slightly hidden under his bangs that were slightly parted to his left side. At first he seemed a little startled, and surprised at his predicament, but unease quickly faded to a warm smile as he laid eyes upon the girl.

"So you're the one Captain Zaraki spoke about, and here we all thought he'd finally lost his mind completely!" He smiled even wider, especially at the shocked expression from the girl.

"U-ummm, I'm sorry but, who are you?" She finally managed to say, confusion just as evident in her voice as it was on her stunned expression.

"Oh my how rude of me! My name is Jushiro, Jushiro Ukitake. Captain of the 13th division of the Gotei 13." He finished with a smile. "You must be Miss Lucy Heartfilia, am I correct?" He inquired, still smiling at said girl.

Lucy was stunned; this man was in every way Kenpachi's complete opposite. Her head instantly filled with a million questions when she began to feel the strain on her magic once again.

"Jushiro.. Ukitake.. Wow, I have so many questions.." She slightly mumbled towards the end of her sentence. Nothing was making sense to her, why was this man here instead of Kenpachi? Granted his presence was much more enjoyable and he didn't suck her magic out nearly as badly as Kenpachi had, but she was finding herself more and more confused.

Ukitake chuckled at the girls clear confusion, she didn't have any knowledge of her key or what it's possibilities were; and sensing her drop in reiatsu, err, magic he knew he wouldn't be able to explain everything to the girl. Kenpachi clearly didn't know anything about the key; none of the younger captains should have had any knowledge of it. Only he, Yamamoto, and Shunsui were even aware of the keys existence. It was supposed to have been hidden away, and even if it were ever found no one should have had the strength required to open it. Yet here she stood, right before him, summoning him.

"Miss Lucy, may I ask you a question?" He inquired, making firm eye contact with the blonde.

"Oh yes, yes of course! Ask anything you want! I uhh, have a few questions too.. heh heh.." She smiled a little unsure of what was going on.

"How is it that you're able to open a portal?" He was staring at the girl, he had to know, had to find out how this young lady was able to call them from their spirit world.

"Well, I'm a Celestial Mage, my magic is the ability to open portals into the spirit realm, and call forth spirits for battle." She gave him a curious look, he didn't know she was a Celestial Mage? Had he never been summoned before? "I'm also a little curious sir.. How is it that you came through instead of Kenpachi? Are you his split personality or something?" She had to ask, she was still way too confused.

"Hmmm, well that's a good question. Why did you open the gate just now?" He had an idea why he was there instead of Kenpachi, but he needed more details to know for sure.

"Oh, well I just wanted to make a contract and ask a few questions I guess.." Lucy was now tapping her chin, looking up and a little deep in thought.

Yes, he knew why he was there instead of Kenpachi. "Well Miss Lucy, it would appear that the gate opens to the one who suits your needs the most appropriately for the given situation. It called Kenpachi for battle, or most likely carnage if he was summoned, and it called me to give you information – the reason you opened the portal."

That made sense. In a way.

"So, how many are there? I mean, you said you were a Captain of the 13th division, and Kenpachi is also a Captain?"

"Well there's 13 Captains and Lieutenants, and there are those in their respective seats.. a few thousand; and yes, he's the Captain of the 11th division; basically our strongest division within the Gotei 13. I'm surprised more damage wasn't done if he was called for battle." Ukitake chirped in a much too friendly a voice than what his statement had meant.

Everybody sweat dropped.

In a fit of nervousness she started fingering her keys, Ukitake noticed the black key in her hand and the skull symbol clearly representing Soul Society. This was the key; the one that was forged in their realm. What caught him by surprise was the key in her other hand. She had both keys. This could be bad.

"Lucy.. Where did you find the Arrancar key?" Smile gone and stern look in place, Ukitake didn't realize how serious the situation was becoming. True the keys didn't do what their original purpose was intended for, but clearly the souls used to forge both keys created a rift, or link to their world. And this girl was able to open the door that was supposed to divide them. This would be interesting.

Lucy was now looking at her white key, "Arrancar key..?" So that was its name. Apparently Kenpachi pulled the key from the demon he fought; the demon was holding both keys, but what for?

Before Lucy could ask about her white key, she felt her heart skip a beat, and her legs were becoming shaky. Her spirit had been out for too long, it was time to close the portal or else she'd end up unconscious again.

In the same way Kenpachi was in tune with the girl, Ukitake was now as well. He felt her struggle and knew he needed to go back.

"Well it would appear our time has come to a close my dear Lucy Heartfilia." He gave her another warm smile.

"B-but I have so many questions! Wait! What days can I call you guys?! I need to make a contract, my honor as a Celestial Mage depends on it!" She was now sitting on the ground, Levy and Erza by her side, "Lucy are you okay?!" They both began to ask - worry evident in their voices.

"My dear, that key will call forth whomever it is that you require at the given moment, a contract will not be necessary. But I must warn you Lucy, opening this gate will take a lot out of you, we've only been chatting for less than 10 minutes and you're already straining; if I were to unsheathe my Zanpakuto you would surely be unconscious by now." He finished with a sad smile.

Lucy nodded in understanding. She could feel it, and when Kenpachi was fighting she only had the guy out for two minutes and was unconscious for three days. She needed to get stronger; she wanted to be able to use these keys without putting her life in danger.

"I understand, I'll be sure to get stronger! I want to be a mage the Gotei 13 can fight together with!" She gave Ukitake her determined look, smile in place telling him she was definitely going to do it.

"What an interesting girl.. This should be funny to watch all the younger Shinigami being called to battle. She'll be the 11th division's new best friend."

"I believe that you will Lucy, I have faith in you and I look forward to meeting with you again. There's much to discuss and not enough time at the moment." He began to turn until he remembered something. "Oh, and about that Arrancar key.." He was now looking at Lucy from over his shoulder, "If you thought Kenpachi was scary, you don't want to know what's behind that gate." He gave her one last smile and disappeared; back to his realm.

Lucy began sweating a little again.. making a mental note, "only use white key in DIRE emergency."

She began to recall the mural she saw in the old man's mansion in the country of Seven. The soul reapers fighting the demons, and the white creatures, Arrancar she was assuming, coming from the shadows below. But what were they fighting? The demons? Or the Shinigami? Maybe both.. While fully contemplating the entire situation and taking everything in, she was completely shutting out everyone's shouts and questions from behind.

.

.

She needed to get stronger.

"So is it true, Ukitake. Someone is actually able to open the portal between worlds?"

"Yes sir, her name is Lucy Heartfilia, a Celestial Mage."

"We must keep a close eye on this situation, that key must not be brought back to this realm. We'll play along with the girl for now."

"Yes sir, she seems very nice. I think our ranks are going to have fun with this"

"And you said she has the Arrancar key?"

"Yes, she does."

"God help her."

Lucy needs to get to work if she wants to use these keys! And will she ever dare use the white key?! muahahahaha!

There was a question about characters making appearances, and yes, you will seldom see the same Bleach character twice. seldom, I play favorites.. So you will be seeing those ones more than once!

I'll take requests too, if somebody wants to see a favorite Bleach character in action, I'll definitely try to add it to the list!