Thank you all for reviewing! I truly appreciate the support! I also appreciate the criticism; if I miss details in my stories that are important I need to have them pointed out. But also keep in mind, just because something isn't specifically mentioned does not mean it didn't happen! Don't forget Lucy's summonings are like a blur right now, details will wait until she can hold the gates for extended periods of time. :)

Ask and ye shall receive! Chapter 8's Bleach appearance was requested, and I liked the idea so I went with it.

Enjoy~

A few more hours of walking and it slowly began getting dark, the team decided to call it a night and make camp. Virgo popped up, tents in hand along with sleeping bags, pillows, and clothes for Gray – which were off in 3 minutes anyways..

"Thanks Virgo! You really are the best!" Lucy really was lucky, though she didn't require her Zodiacs for battle as much lately, they were still there for her.

"Of course Princess, punishment time?" Virgo stood expressionless.

"No Virgo, no punishment for you." She lightly laughed, her spirits sure were something else..

"If that will be all Princess then I'll be on my way" She was about to jump back through her gate when she suddenly turned back around. "By the way Princess, it's only been about 8 hours since summoning your last spirit and you're already able to support me through the gate. You've grown much these past few weeks. I am proud to call you my master." Virgo gave a small smile before disappearing back into the spirit world.

Lucy flushed a little, flattered by her spirits compliment and also fully comprehending what Virgo just said. Wow, she's right. Last time I was out for 3 days, this time only knocked me for 8 hours, granted I couldn't open one of those gates until tomorrow at the earliest but at least I can call on my Zodiacs. She also realized how much power she had to sustain with her most recent spirit and began thinking back on the fight. Tier Harribel... so cool! She was now rolling around on her sleeping bag, unable to contain her excitement. Her spirits really were just way too awesome, who wouldn't be excited?!

"Wow Lucy, looks like you're having fun in here!" Levy and Erza came walking into their extravagant "tent". It was more like an enclosed cabana with furniture and "sleeping bags" that were more exquisite than her bed at home.

"Heh, sorry guys, guess I got a little over excited thinking about my newest spirit." She blushed a little, embarrassed being caught up in her own spirits – she probably looked juvenile.

"Oh my goodness I know! She was so cool Lu-chan! She was all stoic and strong, waltzing up to the demon, (in a Harribel impersonation voice) 'sharks eat fish'! Kyaaaaaaaa! So awesome!"

"I know! She looked like a queen! I'd follow her anywhere!" Levy and Lucy were now holding hands, sparkles in their eyes as they remembered Harribel's exploits.

Erza just stared at the girls, and then they realized how foolish they must've looked to the Titania. "Errr, I mean, no one's as good as Erza. She is the Titania after all.." Lucy was now scratching the back of her head. "Uhh, yeah, Erza's really the most dependable woman out there with a sword!" Both began nervously laughing, not wanting to hurt their friend's feelings. She was a powerful mage and swordsman in her own right after all.

Erza was lightly blushing, eyes slightly glazed, the same look she would get while eating strawberry cake. "Lucy, do you think you could call her out again? I'd like to discuss battle tactics and sword technique.." She now had stars in her eyes – apparently she was just as dazzled as Lucy and Levy over the shark Arrancar.

"Yeah Luce! She was awesome! I wanna fight her!" Natsu came walking into the girls' tent, fists up and Happy sitting on his shoulder.

"You'd only challenge her to a fight cuz she's Lucy's only fighting spirit that doesn't seem like she'd just off you for the heck of it – unlike eye patch.." Gajeel shuddered again thinking of the Shinigami. Wasn't the white key supposed to be worse than the black key? How come the white key's spirit seemed so much more in control with herself?

"Lucy I have to admit, out of all your spirits so far, she's by far your coolest. You should definitely call her out more." Gray came walking in, slightly blushing as he thought back on the ridiculously hot spirit – not only was she strong, but she saved their best friend from drowning. Maybe he was in love..

"Geez Gray.. Better not let Juvia see that face.." Levy was waggling her eyebrows suggestively. Lucy was now holding her keys protectively, as though Gray would attempt to molest them.

"W-what?! What are you talking about?!" He was furiously blushing now.

"Gihi, can ya blame the guy?" Gajeel now had a lecherous smirk on his face, remembering her outfit choices and her barely contained cleavage. Levy smacked him with her book bag and huffed. Taking a quick peek at her own lack of chestly attributes.. It wasn't fair..

"Serves you right Gajeel." Lily was now sitting on Levy's lap, laughing at Gajeel's stunned expression at just being hit.

"I don't get it.. What are you guys talking about?" Natsu was scratching his temple, confusion written all over his face.

Everybody sweat dropped. Natsu.. You're such an idiot..

"Anyways.. I think we should all get some sleep. It's nearing midnight and we had a very long day today, especially Lucy." Erza gave her motherly smile to Lucy, proud of her friend's latest achievements. Then she lost temporary control when Lucy smiled back, pulling her into her chest for a face hug – "come Lucy, come to my buxom, I'm so proud of you.."

"Erza.. I don't think she can breathe.." Levy was trying to pull Lucy out of Erza's death grip as the boys made their way to their own tent, laughing slightly at the girls' antics.

The team was now on their way to Dawn City, catching a good night's rest did the team good, especially Lucy. The walk wasn't too long, and it was definitely full of beautiful scenery; it was nice to get out of Magnolia from time to time. The team couldn't of been more than 30 minutes from the town, as they made their way through a rather dense forest, signs were guiding them, telling them each time that the city wasn't much further. After a little while more of walking, the group started to realize that something wasn't quite right; they should have arrived by now. They'd been wondering the forest for a good 2 hours and trees were beginning to look familiar, were they walking in circles?

"Something's not right." Erza halted her team, assessing her surroundings. Gajeel had been tense for the past 20 minutes, knowing something was a little screwy but not wanting to be the one to voice it, he was hoping it was just his imagination.

They eventually came to a T-junction in the road, a sign pointing in all 3 directions stating every way led to Dawn City.

"Should we split up..?" Lucy was looking to her team; everybody was thinking the situation over. It was clearly a trap.

"I think we should all stay together, it seems like they want us to split up.." Levy subconsciously gripped onto Gajeel's arm, worry evident in her voice.

"Yes, it is a trap. But they probably won't show themselves unless we split up, otherwise they'll most likely wait us out until we're exhausted and attack then." Erza looked to her team; she didn't want to split up if not everyone agreed with it. They were obviously stronger together, but a few more hours of this and they'd be too exhausted to fight at full capacity.

"I say we split up and fight! Bring it on! I'll take them ALL on!" Natsu was now lighting his fists up, battle face on.

"Tch, I agree with Salamander, we can take 'em." Gajeel had his cocky expression on, hand now on Levy's shoulder, telling her to stay with him – he'd protect her.

"Alright, Natsu you go with Lucy down this path; Gajeel will take Levy this way and Gray and I will head down here. If anyone of us runs into trouble, fire your magic into the air and the other two teams will come to your aid. Everybody clear?" Everybody gave Erza a firm nod. She was team leader for a reason.

"Alright! Let's go! The sooner we beat 'em the sooner we can eat!" Natsu was already walking down his path, "Aye sir!"

The teams went their separate ways, about 30 minutes into their journey the ground began to rumble and an explosion was heard. "sounds like a battle.." Lucy and Natsu tensed, both trying to find which direction the commotion was coming from; then an ice ball was shot into the sky and exploded, Gray was signaling that he and Erza were under attack. A second later, the word firework floated into the sky and exploded, signaling Levy, Gajeel, and Lily were also under attack.

"Well I don't want you three to feel left out.. So shall we begin?" A reptilian creature now stood in front of Natsu, Lucy, and Happy. He had spines from the top of his head rolling down to his back and ending onto his long tail. He was covered in thick armor like scales and was pitch black with red eyes. He was tall, maybe 7 feet and had talons on his hands and feet. He barely had a presence, but he was without a doubt a demon.

"Who are you?!" Natsu was now in battle stance, standing protectively in front of Lucy and Happy.

"My name shouldn't matter. For you won't be living for that much longer." And in an instant he was gone. These demons were fast, unbelievably fast – almost as fast as her spirits. He reappeared in front of Natsu and simply placed a hand on his shoulder; then disappeared again.

"What the..?" Natsu barely registered the Reptiles movements, before his shoulder caught on fire with a blue flame. "AHHHHHHH!" He was now clutching his shoulder. What the hell?! Fire shouldn't have this effect on him!

"Natsu! Are you alright?!" Lucy and Happy were by his side, assessing the damage to his shoulder. His skin was singed; it looked to be a second degree burn. But how? Wasn't Natsu part Dragon?!

"I see now, you're the Fire Dragon Slayer, aren't you? My flame should have incinerated you. Very impressive. Looks like I got lucky that you happened to pair with the girl."

"What do you mean?! Who are you?! Flames shouldn't work on me! And what do you want with Lucy?!" Natsu was angry, this guy was really getting on his nerves.

"Well since you survived my flame I guess I can tell you who I am." The Reptile was now standing on top of a tree branch about 50 feet in the air, his voice echoed. "My name is Ignem, am I to assume you're Igneel's son?" The Reptile creature was giving Natsu a pointed look, observing him.

"You know my dad?!" Natsu was now standing, curiosity coming forth.

"Yes. I know your father. He's the only Fire Dragon to withstand my flame."

"Heh! Sounds like my old man alright!" Natsu now had a cocky grin in place.

"Mmmm, yes, he is rather.. Formidable.. However I was also able to withstand his flames. When we fought all those years ago; it was a draw." Natsu was stunned – his old man wasn't able to beat this guy?!

"Y-you're lying!" Natsu was angry, the demon had to be lying, Igneel's flames were unmatched.

"Am I? Well, my standing here before you should be proof enough that I am indeed speaking the truth.. However.. Maybe I should show you my flame; just so you have a better understanding."

The demon took a battle stance, dark energy began radiating around him; the team was becoming very familiar with this "curse" power.

"Demon's Fire Roar" ..What?!

Before the team realized, a large blue flame in the shape of a Dragon roar was hurdling straight for them. Natsu instinctively stayed in front of Lucy and Happy, he could handle the flames – they couldn't.

"Oh my, still standing? Igneel would be proud." The demon was mocking him now. Natsu was barely standing, and pain was radiating throughout his body.

"NATSU!" Lucy and Happy were now holding Natsu up, he wasn't looking so good.

"Luce.. Happy.. Don't worry. I can beat this guy – I'll do it just so I can shove it in Igneel's face when we finally meet again!" Natsu's determined expression was back, and he was standing again. He was nowhere near ready to give up.

"Now you listen to me! You may have survived a bout with my old man, but all that means is I need to finish what he couldn't! Don't think you're walking away from this alive demon!" Natsu was serious. The fight was only beginning.

"Hah! Truly! I'm glad to hear that, otherwise this would have been too boring. My target may be that girl behind you, but I'd much rather kill you instead." He was now grinning.

So the demons really are after Lucy.. Natsu was focused, he wouldn't let this demon come near his friend. "Hah, Like I'd let you touch her!" In one furious motion Natsu leapt up to the Demon's branch, "Fire Dragon's Roar!" the whole canopy was now in flames, the demon landing onto the ground.

"My my my, I truly didn't give you enough credit.. I think you singed my scales a little." He was smirking again, this was going to be a battle to remember, just like Igneel.

"There's more where that came from!" Natsu was now jumping towards the demon, fists on fire, "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!" Natsu and the Demon were going back and forth; Blue and Red flames intertwining – it would have been beautiful if Natsu wasn't so heavily wounded.

"Hah.. Hah.. Hah.. You.." Natsu was breathing heavy. Their fire power was equal, but the demon having those damn scales protecting him gave him the upper hand, plus he had to keep the flames away from Lucy and Happy.

"Oh no.. Natsu.." Happy was covering his mouth, worry in his eyes. Natsu looked as though he would collapse any second.

This is bad.. I need to do something.. Lucy was fidgeting nervously, Natsu was having a tough time, and having to protect her and Happy while simultaneously fight the demon was too much.

"Lucy! Can't you do something?!" Happy was flying in front of Lucy's face now, pleading with her. Alright, it's time to step up. She reached for her key – could she handle a summoning right now? None of her Zodiac spirits were equipped to handle this kind of fire, Aquarius would be fried.. She'd have to use one of her new keys.

She was now looking at her two new keys, I know! Maybe Harribel will come again! She is a water Arrancar after all and definitely powerful enough to handle this guy! Alright Happy, stand back!" "Aye!"

Lucy took her stance, ready to call on her gate.

"And what do you think you're doing little girl?" The reptile was looking at her now, he knew what those keys held, he wasn't about to let her summon a spirit. As he was about to leap Natsu let out another Dragon Roar, effectively blocking him. "Go ahead Luce! As long as whatever you call out can protect you and Happy I can finish this guy!" Natsu gave her his toothy grin, telling her he had it under control.

"Alright Natsu! Here I go! Open, Gate of the Arrancar!"

A light shone and Lucy prepared herself for the impact the spirit would have on her magic – hoping it was the Shark Empress. But she hardly felt anything as the light faded out into a being.

"..."

"W-w-whaaaaaaaat?!" Lucy and Happy both exclaimed at the same time. Before them stood an Arrancar. Or so they thought..

"Ooooooaah aaaaaaaaah."

"…"

"…"

"Lucy what the fuck is that?!" Natsu was now standing with his jaw hitting the floor.

There stood a little blonde boy with freckles and two buck teeth. His bright purple eyes were staring at Lucy as he smiled. He was wearing all white and black like Harribel did, and had a hole in his chest. He had a bone fragment on top of his head, resembling a tiara.

"Ummmmm, h-hello.. Little guy.. What's your name?" Lucy gave a worried smile; maybe this little guy was more powerful than they gave him credit for. They should at least give him a chance, after all, all his other spirit counterparts were very powerful and – oh.. Wait.. No.. There he goes.. Chasing a butterfly..

Yep.

They were fucked.

"Oooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaah! Aaaaah ahhhhhhhhhhh!" The Arrancar was running around the vicinity, chasing a butterfly. He even ran right in front of the demon, not even paying him any mind. Even the Reptile sweat dropped. Lord Zeref was after this…..?

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh ooooooooooooooh"

Is he drooling…?

"..."

"Omg we're all going to dieeeeeeeee!" Happy was now latched onto Lucy's chest, bawling. Natsu even felt all his luck had finally run out.

The demon still hadn't moved. He was still focused on the spirits.. Odd.. Behavior. What's the deal with the butterfly?

"It's all my fault! My magic was too drained! This was all I could support through the gate!" Lucy was now on the ground, bawling and holding Happy as the accepted their inevitable fate.

"Ehemm.. Well.. Back to where we were before this.. Uhh.. Spirit came through.." The Reptile was now looking over to Natsu, ready to continue fighting.

Natsu was slumped over, depression hanging over him.

"Ummm, yes.. Well I guess I'll just go ahead and continue." The Demon was now back into his battle stance, ready to fire another fire attack, "Blue Demon's Flame Arrow!" A blue flame shot straight at Natsu, shaking him from his current mood and bringing his attention back to the battle. He narrowly dodged, landing on the lowest tree branch. All this guys' attacks resemble Dragon Magic.. I can do this.

"Alright demon, let's finish this! I still plan on taking you on! You-"

"Ah Ah Ahhhhh, Oooooooooh."

"…"

The Arrancar was now on the branch above Natsu. Playing with a caterpillar.

The demon took advantage of Natsu's distraction; he gathered all his curse power and prepared for one final Demon's Roar, trying to kill both Natsu and the Spirit. "Times up son of Igneel, Demon's Fire Roar!" Natsu had just noticed the attack, he was ready to jump then remembered the boy spirit, he'd be burnt to a crisp, he jumped in front of the spirit to protect him.

"Natsu! Look out!" Happy was screaming from his place on the ground.

"Please help Natsu!" Lucy all but screamed, not too sure what she was hoping for at this point.

Natsu braced himself for the flames. But they never came. Instead the roles had suddenly been reversed, and the boy was now standing in front of Natsu, and all the flames were gone. Except it wasn't the same boy, it was.. A monster?

His shoulders and thighs grew significantly larger, with the shoulders popping out upwards. His arms and legs were also altered in size, being much skinnier than before. There were five holes in his abdomen, with two or three lines within each hole, except the middle. His face was covered from the upper half by a tall mask with three small horns, which seemed to make his eye sockets hollow.

"W-what? Where did my flame go?" The demon was wide eyed and confused, his flame just, disappeared. Did the boy spirit from a moment ago transform into.. that?

"Woah.. Uhh. Thanks little, uhh, I mean now big guy.." Natsu wasn't sure what happened. But he knew he wasn't getting any answers from the spirit; didn't seem like he could speak.

Lucy was glad she was on the ground. The seemingly weak little boy chasing butterflies just transformed and she felt the impact. She began to sweat, I've really gotta work on my endurance more.

The young Arrancar was looking at Lucy again. He reverted back into his child form and skipped over to her. She stopped sweating and the impact was gone, he didn't feel much different from having a Zodiac or two out.

"Ahhhhhhh ahhhhh oooooooooh." Big purple eyes were on Lucy. He crawled into her lap and started hugging her, placing his head in her chest and closing his eyes.

He really is just like a little boy.. He's actually.. Kinda cute.. Lucy was now patting his head, and holding him with her other arm. It was almost like having Plue out. "Thank you, for saving my friend." She was smiling at him now. Mentally kicking herself for doubting his abilities. Happy was patting his head too, "uhhh.. Good scary spirit.. Good boy.."

Shit. My flame, I don't have much left.. The demon was sweating now; he no longer had the upper hand.

"Now I may not be too familiar with that curse power or whatever, but I can definitely sense the drop in yours. Between your decreased flame power and my injuries from protecting my friends, we should be just about even now." Natsu was now giving the demon a deadly look, cracking his knuckles and grinning. This was going to be a battle of wills; and Natsu had friends he needed to protect.

"Alright, son of Igneel. Let's finish this." The demon took his stance; readying for another roar.

"This is for you boy! Demon's Fire Roar!" All the demon's blue flames came pouring out, this was just as packed as his last one, Natsu stood to take the hit – and opened his mouth.

"W-what?! What are you doing?! You can't eat my flame!" The demons eyes were bulging, the boy was insane.

"Watch me!" Natsu's stomach ballooned as all the blue flame disappeared. He smiled, "Fire Dragon's Blue Flame Roar!" And shot all the demons fire mixed with his own flame back onto the demon - direct hit.

Once the smoke cleared the demon was lying on the ground, which was incinerated about 4 feet in depth. "Son of Igneel.. No.. Natsu was it?" The demon had its eyes closed. Smile in place, "you truly are the son of Igneel, he would certainly be proud. I know I would be." He struggled to open his eye; wanting to make eye contact with the boy who just defeated him. "Though I must confess I wasn't completely honest; my fight with Igneel, it did not end in a draw. Your father spared my life." He was gauging Natsu's reaction, seeing shock and a little pain in the boys features. "I just hurt someone my father allowed to live.." He was now a little ashamed of the way the fight ended. "I know what you're thinking; don't. I would have killed you and all your friends. Dying by your hands sits just fine with me." He gave one last stern look before slowly turning into ash, the intensity of the flames and having no curse power left to protect him – he succumbed to the heat. Natsu was taking in what the demon had just said, a little sad to have ended his life - but he was right, he would have killed Lucy, and many others.

Natsu stumbled, but caught himself before collapsing. Happy flew to his side, holding him up by using his wings. "Thanks Happy.." "Aye sir.."

"Natsu.. Are you okay?" Lucy was still sitting in place, the Arrancar firmly in her lap.

"Yeah Luce, I couldn't of done it.. Uhh.. What's he doing..?" Natsu was now eyeing the boy. Who was smashing his face in the valley of Lucy's chest and using his hands on either side to smash her breasts inward.

"Ummmm..Well.. He is just a.. Child.. And he did kinda save us.. So ummm.. I guess it's okay.. Just this once.." Lucy was furiously blushing. She was hoping he'd be done playing with her chest by the time Natsu finished the fight.

Natsu was blushing furiously. "Hey Luce.."

"Yeah Natsu?"

"I've saved you multiple times."

"…"

Sensing his master's anger the Arrancar went into released form again, chasing Natsu, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Forgive me Lucy! Forgive me!"

"Lucy! Natsu! Are you guys alright?" Levy came running up, Lily and Gajeel behind her covered in battle wounds.

"Levy! Yeah we're fine now! Are you guys okay?!" Lucy was eyeing her friend up and down, looking for wounds.

"Yeah we're okay, Gajeel and Lily managed to take the demon out, he was some sort of plant demon, he didn't stand a chance!" Levy fist pumped with stars in her eyes, proud of Gajeel's victory.

"You look like shit Salamander" Gajeel was now approaching Natsu, a teasing glimmer in his eye.

"Yeah well, that's what happens when you fight fire with fire." Cocky grin back in place and Happy's paw in the air, "Aye! Nobody can beat Natsu's flames!"

"Not when I'm all fired up!" Natsu was now smiling, feeling rather full of himself.

"Where's Erza and Gray?" Lucy was looking left to right, trying to find her friends.

"Luce where did your little spirit go?" Natsu was now looking left and right as well.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh… Ah Ah"

"Ummm.. Lucy.. Is this one of yours?" Erza and Gray were walking towards the group through the bushes. Carefully walking behind said spirit, as it was trying to catch a Dragon Fly with it's mouth..

"Uhhh.. Yeah.. He actually helped us out.. I wish he could tell me his name though.."

"Wonderweiss Margela"

"..."

"What was that? Did you say something little guy?" Natsu was now bending over, the rest of the team was speechless; did he just say a full blown coherent sentence?!

"I think he said his name is Wonderweiss.." Lucy was stunned. The Arrancar was now looking to her expectantly, like a little boy waiting for his treat after doing something good. Then he tackled Lucy, head back in between her chest; as Lucy was blushing bright red, tears in her eyes.

"Wow Lucy.. Ummm, your spirit, Wonderweiss? Must really like you.." Gray was blushing now, and slightly peeved the spirit got away with shoving his face in Lucy's chest without a Lucy kick. Every time he snuck into her shower he was black and blue for a week..

"Gee, ya think?" Lucy was giving Gray a pointed look. Natsu was still pouting, "No fair.. I've saved you more.." As Erza hit him across the head, "That's different!" … "Sorry Erza.."

"By the way Erza, Gray, any injuries?" Levy was examining Erza, looking for scratches on her armor.

"Not really.. It was an illusionist type of demon, the one who kept sending us in circles. He evaded us for the most part but once Erza smashed his mirrors, he was pretty simple to destroy. Nothing like the demon from Gallowstown - not even S-class worthy." Gray stated matter-of-factly, arms crossed.

"Yeah ours was pretty sad too.. I don't think it was one of the demons on the request board.. way too simple." Lily was now standing in the exact same pose as Gray.

"Guess we got the ring leader, he was one tough customer.." Lucy was looking at Natsu's injuries again, he was a little beat up, but he'd been through worse. If Wonderweiss hadn't helped with the whole flame issue though, Natsu would probably need to be carried the same way she had to on their last job. There was no doubt he could have beaten the demon, but at least he was able to do it and escape unnecessary injury.

"Thanks for all your help today Wonderweiss, you really are a good boy." She was smiling warmly at the top of the boys head as she began patting it.

"Gihi.. I doubt that spirit's as innocent as you think he is."

All eyes went to Wonderweiss. A big grin on his face as he looked up at Lucy through half-lidded eyes. He knew what he was doing.

"FORCED GATE CLOSURE!"

Well that was fun! For those of you who may be confused or forgot, Wonderweiss was solely created to extinguish General Yamamoto's flames. His release name is Extinguir - which means "to extinguish" in Spanish.

Side Note: Don't worry my loyal readers, I've got a good 20-30 more chapters I plan on writing out full of multiple summonings and explanations. Just keep your fingers crossed that your favorite character comes out sooner rather than later, though I guarantee he/she/they will be making an appearance and most likely kicking serious ass.