Thank you for all the continued support! It means a lot! Slowly I plan on revealing the truth behind the keys, and why Zeref wants them. If I spill it all in one chapter then there wouldn't be too much to look forward to - I wanna do as many summonings as possible before everything is revealed.

Also, I've been getting A LOT of Ichigo requests; yes, I know, everyone's dying for Ichigo. I have something very special planned for our favorite little strawberry. Remember, some key characters will be making multiple appearances. It'll build up, I promise - like I said, there's about 30 chapters in the works (that's A LOT of summonings.) so patience my friends.. Patience.. ;)

The team finally arrived in Dawn City, and it was beautiful. They all decided a little rest was well deserved, especially since Natsu had a few injuries to attend to and Lucy was fairly drained again. Having the little Arrancar in his child-like form was a lot less daunting; good thing he only stayed in his monster form for a few seconds and didn't use any special attacks.

Lucy, Levy, and Erza decided to take in a few of the shops while the boys and exceeds opted to eat the rest of their money away – the whole reason they couldn't get a vehicle was because they were a little tight on money; and since they did more damage to the last town than the actual demon they got zero reward.

Natsu couldn't stop thinking – which was rare – about Ignem's comment about being there to kill Lucy. The demon at Gallowstown went for Lucy first too; but now it didn't seem like revenge, there was more to this. They didn't just want Lucy dead, they wanted the keys back too, desperately. "Why does Zeref want these keys? I don't get it, he's not a Celestial Wizard, what could he possibly want with them?"

"Hey Fire-Match; think too hard over there and you might kill off what's left of your brain cells; what's eatin' ya?" Gray was on the other side of Gajeel, he'd noticed Natsu wasn't eating as much as he usually does and in his own way wanted to know what was going on. Sure, Natsu was an idiot, but he was a friend.. Kinda.. Sorta.. But still an idiot.

"Knock a couple screws loose or something in your fight Salamander?" Gajeel barely spoke as his mouth was full of shrap metal and various screws and bolts.

"Hmmmm, oh. Yeah. Just thinkin' about something the demon I fought said." Natsu barely paid any mind to his two companions, even ignoring their insults; this was odd..

"Alright Natsu, spill." Gray was now giving his full undivided attention to Natsu; it wasn't like him to overlook a fight. Gajeel had stopped chewing on his screws so he could listen, he was curious too.

"Well he said he was only there to kill Lucy and take her keys.. The demon at Gallowstown said the same thing but I thought it was just because she killed Daemon and he wanted to avenge his friend. But in the forest Ignem was more focused on the keys.. Plus we did take the keys from another demon that was guarding them." Natsu was looking at the ground as Gajeel and Gray were still intently listening, gazes focused on Natsu.

"What I'm saying is that I think these demons are after Lucy, the two you guys fought were only a distraction – I think they were trying to single Lucy out." His look quickly became lethal; the idea of them wanting to hurt his best friend was enough to send him on a rampage.

"Wow.. You thought of all that by yourself Natsu?" Gray was genuinely surprised.

"This is serious Gray.." Natsu was still staring at the ground.

"Salamander's right, it makes sense. And if that's the case we need to stay with Bunny Girl. Chick saved my life and I've yet to repay her; you can count me as one of her personal body guards." Gajeel was giving Natsu a look saying he was dead serious.

"If what you're saying is true then I'm sticking by her too. She's one of my best friends and partners, I'm not gonna let anything happen to her." Gray now donned the same look as Natsu.

"Seems the conversation got pretty serious over here." Lily was now walking up with Happy, both exceeds with fish in their hands.

"What's goin' on Natsu? You seem upset.. Want a fish?" Happy was now in front of Natsu, offering him a fish.

"Thanks Happy, but I'm okay, you eat your fish." Natsu gave Happy a half-hearted smile.

"Why are you upset Natsu? Maybe I can help.." Happy was now patting Natsu's hand, wanting to be of use in his friend's melancholy state.

"We think the demons are after Lucy." Gajeel flatly stated, there was no point in hiding it.

"I thought as much.. They did seem to want to go after her more than anyone else." Lily was now looking to Natsu too, the atmosphere was heavy.

"But why would they want to go after Lucy?" Happy was still confused. Lucy was one of the nicest people in the guild, why would demons go after her?

"Because of her keys. Lucy getting her hands on those two keys has indirectly put her on a hit list." Gray was staring at the floor now too.

"Woah.. Should we come back.. Everybody looks like they just lost the grand magic games.." The girls finally showed up, Erza and Levy walking behind Lucy.

"LUCYYYY!" Happy flew into Lucy's face, crying tears of relief. "I'm so glad you're back in one piece!"

"Uhhh, yeah Happy, we just went shopping.. What's going on?" Lucy was now looking to all three men at the table, and all three were still staring at the floor.

"Okay talk. What's going on." Erza slammed her foot on the table, effectively getting everyone's attention.

"We think the demons are targeting Lucy. That the ambush in the forest was to single her out and take her keys." Natsu was looking Erza in the eye, very seriously. She took in his features for a moment, he was clearly upset.

"Yes I know." Erza's expression was completely unfazed.

"W-what?! You knew?!" Natsu had jumped from his seat. Gray and Gajeel both equally as stunned. "But, how did you know?!"

"When the demon at Gallowstown targeted Lucy first. True he wanted to avenge his comrade, but he was sure to take her keys before anything else. Plus the demon that went after you and Lucy was the only S-class demon of the lot; they want those keys back." Erza was casting a cool glance over at Lucy, as Levy was now hugging her from behind.

"Then, all the attacks, everybody getting hurt, all the towns people.. It is all my fault.." Tears started to fill Lucy's eyes.

"No Lucy, just like what the Master said back at the guild. We have no control over their actions and this would have happened sooner or later. If they want those keys then it's for something far worse then what we're dealing with now." Erza placed a hand onto Lucy's shoulder, trying to ease her friend's guilt and provide comfort. Happy now laying on top her head, tears still falling.

"Lucy, we're your friends, if demons were after any one of us, you'd fight for our sake, wouldn't you?" Levy was peeking over Lucy's shoulder, just barely seeing her eyes.

"Y-yes.." She blushed a little, glancing at everybody through hazy eyes.

"Okay good, then what we're doing for you isn't any less than what you'd do for us. At least you can understand where we're coming from." Levy was now smiling, trying to get one back from the Celestial Mage.

"That's right Luce, we're here for each other. I'm not gonna let anything happen to you!" Natsu was now in front of Lucy, hands on her shoulders, trademark grin in place.

"Aye sir!" Happy was now above the three.

"Don't worry Luce, we're all here because we wanna be. You're our friend, don't ever think otherwise." Gray was now standing too.

"I owe ya a debt. Besides, if some demon offs ya who's gonna dance to my music Bunny Girl?" Gajeel was smirking with his arms crossed as Lily nodded in confirmation.

"We're all here for you Lucy, you have nothing to worry about." Erza was now smiling; she didn't want her friend to be troubled over this realization. She purposely kept it to herself so Lucy wouldn't try to run off on her own or something foolish of the sort to prevent her friends from getting hurt.

"Thanks guys.." She was desperately trying to hold back tears. But they pushed themselves through anyways. How did she get so lucky, her friends were truly amazing.

Zzzzzzz zzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzz

"Erza, something's vibrating in your bag" Levy was hanging over Lucy's shoulder, trying to see what was in the Knight's bag.

She quickly pulled her Communication Lacrima out, Makarov had given one to each team leader in case of an emergency or the teams needed to be in contact with either the guild or each other. If she was getting a call; something was most likely wrong.

A face popped up in the Lacrima, it was Master Makarov. "Erza?"

"Yes master, I'm here." Erza's expression was serious; the rest of her team was now standing behind her and looking at Makarov's face.

"Oh good, your entire team is here and accounted for. Excellent. No serious injuries are there? How's Lucy? Did she use her keys? Is her magic depleted? Oh there she is! Hi Lucy! How are you doing?!"

Everybody sweat dropped.. Was this just a casual call? Oh Master..

"Uhh, yeah I'm good Master. I actually managed two more summons." Lucy was giving Makarov a questioning look, couldn't this have waited until they returned?

"Good, good, it would appear you're getting better at managing those keys and your magical ability the more you use them. I'm glad to hear it." That's funny; Capricorn said the exact same thing. Plus she was feeling fine at the moment; she had Wonderweiss out for a good 15-20 minutes and was still able to walk to Dawn City.

"Master, is something the matter?" Erza finally cut into the dull chatter, the Lacrima's were for emergency's, not for casual conversation.

"Oh yes, sorry Erza, sometimes I forget how strict you are. Yes, the reason for my call, well it's about Blue Pegasus' team that took on the S-Class mission solo. Well their guild Master, Bob, hasn't heard from their team in 2 days, they think something may have gone wrong. Your team is currently the only one that is both finished with their original mission and nearest to where their team was last seen. I'm asking you, my children, to answer Blue Pegasus' call for help."

Everyone from the team was now looking to Erza, she was the team leader, and she called the shots.

"Of course master, our team will check it out. Where were they last seen?" Erza didn't even bother to look to her team for acceptance of their newest assignment; she already knew they'd be more than willing to help Blue Pegasus.

"Good, I knew I could count on your team. They're currently in Matza Valley, just south of Gallowstown. They were last seen near the town before the mountains. There are currently 4 missing mages, you may know them as the Trimens." Both Erza and Lucy visibly shuddered.

"Please contact me as soon as you find anything out so I can relay the information to Bob. Now go forth my children! Make Fairy Tail proud!" He ended off with the famous Fairy Tail insignia as the vision clicked out.

"Matza Valley huh? Good thing we decided to walk to Dawn City, we're actually halfway there already." Gray was raising his eyebrows surprised at their luck, it was about time something went their way.

"Alright, we'll take the first train out tomorrow. Everybody ready?" Erza was now facing her team, all with determined expressions on their faces. "Looks like everyone agrees, let's gather some necessities and meet back at the hotel, we'll leave first thing in the morning."

"Aye!"

The train ride was fairly short; well shorter than their previous two. Natsu was again sprawled on Lucy's lap as Gajeel found himself on Levy's. Erza claimed the window seat as Gray was sitting on the outside row, currently removing his pants.

"Gray.." Lucy was exasperated, how could he really not realize he was taking his clothes off all the time? I mean, come on..

Overhead: Next stop, Matza Valley.

"This is us. Let's go find our blue pony friends." Gray was smirking as he grabbed all the supply bags from overhead. Natsu and Gajeel were useless, Erza had all her bags, and Lucy and Levy had their hands full with the pathetic Dragon Slayers. Happy decided to catch a ride on Erza's luggage as Lily laughed at Gajeel.

"Okay so we know they were last seen outside town; should we work our way out?" Levy was now handing Gajeel off to Lily, he was way too heavy for her to carry.

"Yes, but being last seen 'outside of town' doesn't really give us a great lead.. We may need to split up again." Erza was rubbing her chin, trying to come up with the most efficient battle plan possible.

"Alright then Erza, how about we go take a look near the mountains, if that's where they were last seen then maybe we'll find some clues." Gray was ungraciously dropping Natsu on the bench.

"Alright, so where should we start?" Lucy was now standing to attention, waiting for orders from Erza.

"Not gonna happen Bunny Girl." Gajeel had just placed his hand on Lucy's shoulder, as though he needed to hold her in place. "Me n' Salamander will take the rest of the uncovered area. We should be able to sniff 'em out."

"Wait.. You don't want me to do anything?" Lucy had one eyebrow raised, looking at the Iron Dragon Slayer skeptically.

"Yeah hold on, why are me and Lu-chan left out?" Levy was now scowling at Gajeel with her arms crossed.

"You need to stay with Lucy; if something happens it's better for the two of you to be together." Gajeel's eyes weren't going to take "no" for an answer. Erza may have been team leader, but Gajeel made this very clear: the girls were to stay put.

"We're not helpless Gajeel! We can take care of ourselves!" Levy was furious. She didn't need him thinking she required his protection or that he could order her around. "We're supposed to be a team! Lucy and I can help! Let us help!"

"NO!" Gajeel all but roared. "We are a team. But when there's a hoard of demons after Bunny Girl shit changes. You're one of her best friends Shrimp, take care of her." His eyes were hardened over; he didn't mean to be so loud, but Levy would have never let it go otherwise. She gave him a just as deadly look back.

"I understand. I'll stay put. I don't want to cause the team any more trouble than I already have." Lucy's eyes were dull and cast towards the ground. She wasn't going to cry, her team has already put up with enough because of her.

"Lucy.." Levy was now holding Lucy's hands. She couldn't leave her, and she knew Gajeel was somewhat right – that he only wanted to keep her safe; but he didn't have to make it so blatantly obvious that he didn't think Lucy could take care of herself. Or that he didn't think she herself was capable either, he really needed to work on his sensitivity skills.

Levy and Lucy decided to casually walk around town, it was small and quaint; not a big city with lots of people and traffic. Most of the shops appeared to be family owned and ran; seemed odd that there was the possibility of a demon running around with how calm and serene everything seemed. Natsu and Happy decided to take the East side of the mountain as Gajeel and Lily headed West. Gray and Erza proceeded North; so the girls decided to take a peak immediately outside the town, they couldn't just sit around and do nothing - the rest of the team didn't have to know.

"So Lucy.. I was wondering.." Levy was now walking backwards, directly in front of Lucy to look her in the eyes. Both hands innocently behind her back and coy eyes giving the Celestial Mage an idea of what topic her blue-haired little friend was about to explore.

"U-uhh, yes Levy?" She was nervous now.

"That whole thing with Sting back at the guild.." A crooked smile was on her face as she noticed Lucy's light blush.

"Oh that.. Haha.. That was nothing.. He was only trying to get under Natsu's skin, that's all!" She was waving her hands in front of her face profusely denying any implications Levy was edging towards. Sting didn't like her; he was just trying to piss Natsu off.

"Hmmmm, I dunnoooooo, he had.. The look Lu-chan." Levy was barely containing her laughter as Lucy went from a light blush to a full blown tomato. The "look"? What did that mean?!

"What are you talking about Levy?!" Lucy squealed slightly, embarrassed and curious at the same time.

"Oh you know, that look you get when you find something really good to eat and can't wait to take a bite.. If ya know what I mean." Levy was in full bouts of laughter as Lucy was covering her face and whining her name. This was humiliating..

"No Levy.. I think you've got it all wrong.. He's just competitive.. He's under some weird impression that Natsu may see me more as a friend and wants to get one up on him. Trust me." Lucy's blush was almost gone as she finished her sentence in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Well, what about Laxus?" Levy's devious facial expression was back. Boy was she on one today.

"Oh Levy, now you're just crazy." She couldn't help but roll her eyes at that one.

"Well, he did say some rather sweet things to you before your mission. Plus when you all came back Laxus was the one that carried you in; he looked like somebody had just taken all the lightning out of his life." Levy knew Lucy didn't know about this little detail and was taking in her reaction.

"H-he did?! I always just assumed Natsu would have carried me.." Lucy was staring straight ahead, "Wow.. Laxus did that huh? He really is a good guy deep down inside.."

"Yep! Granted Natsu wasn't too happy about the set-up but that's what happened. He was also at the guild every day and night while you were in the infirmary. He refused to leave; Freed had to go to his house to grab some of his stuff. Same with Natsu and Gray.." Levy was gauging Lucy's reaction to the rest; she knew nobody had told Lucy since Laxus threatened everyone to not say a word. He really was a softy on the inside, just like Gajeel.

"Wow.. I had no idea.. I mean he probably just felt really guilty since he was team leader and well, I did almost die.." Lucy was rubbing the back of her neck. She expected that reaction from Gray and Natsu, she would have done the same thing for either of them, but Laxus was a surprise.

"Hmmm, maybe.. By the way, were you able to put any of that lingerie to use that Cana lent you?" Levy was gaping from ear to ear. Lucy was so red Erza's hair would have been envious.

"Omg Levy! No! I didn't! And Natsu even went through my bag and pulled a pair out, he wore them on his head! I almost died! I never thought Bixlow would let me live it down!" She'd almost completely forgotten about the memory, once she woke up in Magnolia everyone's focus was on her keys, including her own.

"He's probably afraid you'd send one of your spirits on him." Levy and Lucy were laughing now, imagining Wonderweiss chasing Bixlow and attempting to eat his dolls as if they were bugs of some sort – the boy really seemed to like bugs.

"By the way, why was Natsu going through your bag..?" Levy had one eyebrow down and the other arched, definitely curious.

"'Cuz he's Natsu.. He's always getting into my stuff.. Breaking into my house, eating all my food, putting my clothes on.. Sleeping in my bed.. I even caught him trying to run off with one of my bras on Happy's head one time.. He's such an idiot." Lucy was face palming, he may be her best friend, but he was lacking in the common sense department, actually in the brain department all together.

"Wait.. You've slept with Natsu?!" Levy accidentally screamed, why hadn't Lucy ever told her about this before?!

"No, no, no, Levy, you've got it all wrong, we're just friends, he crawls into my bed sometimes because he says his hammock is uncomfortable. Happy sleeps in my bed too, he's never touched me." It was her turn to laugh at Levy now, she was so flustered. "By the way, what's the deal with you and Gajeel, you two seem rather close." She was on a roll; it was her turn to put Levy on the spot.

"Not that this idle chatter isn't interesting or anything, but I'm afraid I have to cut the two of you off." A voice echoed all around the girls; stopping them in their tracks – cold sweat running down their backs.

"Lucy.. I don't see him.." Levy was now standing back to back with Lucy, just so they'd have a 360 degree view.

"I don't either Levy.." Lucy was slowly starting to panic; nothing was worse than not being able to see your enemy. She started to think back on her mission to get the keys in the cave. She instinctively reached for her pouch, causing them to jingle a little as she held one in her fingers.

"Oh my how lucky, the Celestial Mage would actually wander away from town and right to me, how very nice.. I figured the red head in the knight armor wasn't the one we were after; so it had to be either one of you." His voice was everywhere, and nowhere. He was whispering in her ear and speaking from a distance. He felt to be the very air itself.

"Where are you?! Show yourself?!" Levy was preparing to defend herself, and getting ready to send a signal out to the rest of the team

"I am here, I am there, I am everywhere.." he began to chuckle darkly, clearly amused with himself.

"Are you the one responsible for Blue Pegasus' disappearance?!" Lucy was becoming angry; these demons really were ass holes.

"Blue Pegasus.. Ahhhh.. Yes.. That sounds familiar.. They had that Air Magic Mage.. He was quite annoying." Ren..?

"Where are they?! They better be okay!" Lucy was becoming furious. She'd had enough of all these demons.

"I thought I smelled a wonderful perfume! Trimens – assemble!"

Out came Hibiki, Ren, and Eve with Ichiya in the lead – trade mark Trimen pose full force with stars and everything; except they all looked like shit.

"…"

"…Are you guys okay?" Levy wasn't sure if she should be worried or not, sure they had a lot of energy but they looked absolutely battle worn.

"My princess, this is nothing for your Prince," Eve was now on one knee, kissing Levy's hand.

"Please, have no fear; I will give my life to protect you." Ren was now formally bowing in front of Lucy.

"Can I get you ladies anything? Beautiful women such as yourselves should be enjoying the finer things in life." Hibiki was now pulling up two lawn chairs for the girls to sit in and two iced teas. Both girls sweat dropped. Where did the chairs and drinks come from?!

"Such lovely perfume as always Miss Heartfilia." Ichiya was full-blown sniffing Lucy's arm now. She was blanching and fighting the urge to Lucy-kick him. "Why did we even bother coming.."

"So you've finally come out of hiding have you?" The voice was back, and the Trimens were finally getting serious.

"Hibiki, what do you know about this demon?" Lucy was looking to the Archive Mage; sure he'd have researched the demon's abilities.

"He's a type of Air Element; and he somehow manages to get one up on Ren every time – we've only been able to hold him off between my archive shield, Ren's air manipulation and Eve's Snow Magic – but nothing seems to work. Even Ichiya's perfume magic is practically useless unless it's for defense. He just keeps slipping out of all our attacks.. Did anyone come with you Lucy?" Hibiki was looking at the Celestial Mage with hope in his eyes. They were in desperate need of back up.

"We're here with Natsu, Erza, Gray, and Gajeel; they headed towards the mountain to look for clues about your guys' whereabouts. Your guild master sent us to find you." Lucy was now looking to Levy, if the Trimens were barely fending this guy off what should they do? "Levy, do you think you can signal the rest of the team with a firework?!" She remembered Levy's signal back on their walk to Dawn City, if that didn't catch everyone's attention then nothing would.

"Sure thing!" Levy threw the word "firework" into the air again, but then it slowly became transparent until it disappeared. Almost as if the wind just.. Carried it away.

"W-what?!" Levy was startled, what happened to her magic?!

"Come now, like I'd let you call for reinforcements.." The voice was whispering in Levy's ear, goose bumps formed all over her body.

"Looks like we have no choice then gentlemen. We must protect the ladies! Trimen! To battle!" Ichiya was posing and winking at the girls, God he was so gross sometimes..

"Yes Ichiya aniki!" All three Trimen members were now behind their leader.

"Must we go through this again.. Your Air Magic only matches my Air Curses at best. Your attacks don't work on me." The voice was now laughing, and slowly began to take a ghostly form only a few yards away from the group. He was completely transparent, barely even a silhouette, he looked like some sort of lost spirit. Speaking of spirits..

Lucy pulled her keys out, they were there to save the Trimens after all, and she couldn't just stand by and let them do the saving.

"Alright guys! Stand back!" Lucy had determination in her eyes, after all her summonings she was sure she could keep this gate open long enough to handle this. She decided to use her black key this time, the thought of Wonderweiss coming out and chasing the nearby fireflies made her mentally face palm.

"Open! Gate of the Death God!"

A light shone and slowly dimmed out into a form. And what a form it was. The Trimens were all standing, speechless. Words couldn't describe the sight before them – heck they couldn't even pull it together enough to strike a pose.

"Oh, so this is what Ukitake and Kenpachi were talking about, what a trip."

Oh my..

steady foot steps could be heard down the halls of Las Noches.

"Harribel.."

A blonde Espada stopped, turning her attention to whoever was addressing her.

"Barragan, is there something I can do for you?" Tier Harribel was carefully watching his movements, he never sought her out. For anything.

"As I'm sure you noticed, Wonderweiss' reiatsu disappeared completely for about 20 minutes. He was not in any part of Hueco Mundo, the Living World, or the Spirit World."

"Yes, I did notice."

"I also noticed the same thing with your reiatsu the other day; though it was for only 5 or so minutes."

"..."

"Harribel, were you by any chance summoned to another world?"

"How would you know about something like that?"

"Child, I was the former ruler of Las Noches, don't forget, I've been around for a very, very long time. Did you happen to see a key?"

"A key? No, I didn't. What's this about?"

"...I'm sure it's nothing."

A spirit that has everybody speechless?! And what does Barragan know? What's he keeping to himself? Dun dun dunnnnnnnnn!

Next chapter will be up either tomorrow or the day after - schools kicking my butt right now, but I did both chapters together!