A/N: All right guy's I am back, this story is just appealing to write at the moment! We are going to have like a little intro then a time-skip in this chapter so I can get on too a bit of action. Hope you all enjoy.
"So you are The, reaper's scythe?" Natsu asked again looking at the large curved blade.
"Yes, and you are my wielder, so how do you feel?" Karite asked seemingly amused with his current situation.
Natsu cocked an eyebrow at the scythe "I feel like I hit my head on something and I am in some kind of messed up dream," He answered "If you are really The reaper's scythe, why would you bother with me anyway I am not anything special."
"Did the thought ever occur to you that I just wanted out of that stupid box? Karite retorted as Natsu began looking for a way out of the temple.
"Well, you don't have leg's so I could just put you down here and then you would be stuck in this stupid cavern." Natsu said in an irritated threat as he looked around the room.
Karite enveloped in a white light and returned to the gauntlet on Natsu's left arm "Well you could but without my help you aren't going to get out of this temple so that would be ill advised." He said nonchalantly
"And besides I promised to become your partner, I can't well do that from in here and you have a lot to learn." Karite continued
"All right Kari, you get me out of this whole in the ground and I will be your partner." Natsu said with nod 'At the very least I may be able to finally leave this village.'
"Oh, you want to travel?" Karite asked
Natsu sighed "Rule number 1, out of my thought's if I am not speaking out loud it isn't for you."
He heard the gauntlet sigh "I am pretty much inside your head at this point, your thought's are second only to my own."
"Well tune my thought's out!" Natsu demanded angrily
"I will do my best," Karite chuckled "All right, well the best way is for you to just cut a hole through the wall."
"That is you five thousand year old idea, I could have came up with that in five seconds." Natsu snapped
"Well come on then, cut your way to freedom so I can start your training." Karite demanded.
'Great now I am taking orders from a crazy ass scythe I found in a big hole.'
"I heard that." Karite warned
"Good," Natsu snapped as he gripped the Scythe in his hands, he spun it around in front of him "Can you make yourself a little lighter?"
"No," Karite answered in annoyance "Besides this is good exercise for you."
"All right diet advice is strictly off limit's Kari and besides I am not that weak!" Natsu defended as he hoisted the Scythe around him striking the wall diagonally the blade dug into the stone effortlessly, and he ripped it free of the wall cutting in an X before completing it with four strikes he let the large pieces of stone fall to the ground.
"You know cutting the box is far quicker," Karite said lazily "And besides I can tell you are getting hungry at this point you have 12 hours until your arm's will grow too heavy to be used and which point exhaustion will take you and you will die in this hole…just a small incentive to speed up."
Natsu gave into his anger "Fine you want speed!" he turned the scythe in a figure eight out around him and walked forward, allowing it to practically bore a whole through the stone. It took roughly 4 hours for him to get cut his way to the side of the mountain and step out into the fresh air, he looked down the side of the cliff at the village below them.
"I don't like the way you think." Karite said despairingly as Natsu leaped from the opening he had made.
He flew down with his arm's out around him for a few moments before he rotated and shoved the blade into the stone behind him bringing his to a screeching halt just above the ground, he nodded his approval "Well there is your speed."
"Boy if you die and I get stuck as another immobile object I promise your afterlife will be worse than anything you can imagine." Karite threatened, hiding how impressed he was 'For an idiot at least he has resolve.'
"Hey," Natsu demanded catching his thought "I am not that bad, and besides I have scaled this mountain like that more than once so calm down."
Karite groaned as he turned back into Natsu's gauntlet "I forgot you can hear my thoughts as well, besides you are getting hungry go home already, we will continue training in the morning."
"Time to wake up boy," The familiar voice of Karite roused him from his thoughts "We are almost to Avarosan."
"Why are we here again?" Natsu asked, it had been almost 9 months since he had found the annoying Scythe his has been travelling around the kingdom for 3 and they pair found themselves walking to a village that had requested aid and not received any from the royal army.
"They say a roaming pack o f bandit's it trying to set up a permanent base in this village," Karite answered "Should be easy enough work for us there is a pretty substantial reward in it."
Natsu pulled his cloak around him tighter, the winter air was already on the rise 'This is going to make job's more scarce.' he thought glumly as he pulled a scarf around his nose covering all but his eyes. "I still don't know why you are so insistent on this job, there is plenty of work for bounty hunters up before winter, the minute the season rolls over the work seems to evaporate."
"Hey, I think you will like this one I hear Avarosan is famous for its pretty girls." Karite chuckled
"For a Scythe you are oddly obsessed with women." Natsu groaned 'Should have known.'
"I appreciate fine beauty that's all my boy," Karite answered innocently, well innocent for a talking glove that can transform into a Scythe "And besides I think a pretty girl would do you a world of good."
"Oh, yes she will agree to become a bounty hunter and ran off with the boy who carries that talking perverted scythe," Natsu exclaimed in sarcastic happiness "And besides I don't have time for women slowing me down in a fight anyway."
"You stare death in the face on multiple occasions and you are still scared of women." Karite taunted
"No, I am not scared of them I just have much more realistic approach to women…And to answer you no people don't just take off and become bounty hunters!" Natsu snapped
"You did it, are you telling me you regret leaving your home for one of adventure?" Karite asked.
"No I don't regret leaving, but I am far from a normal person…For one thing I am bound to a talking Scythe!" Natsu retorted
If Karite had arm's he would have shrugged "I still think you could use some more human company."
"I know exactly where this is going I am not going to run off and join Hunter's academy just because you think I need to make friends." Natsu snapped.
"Halt who goes there?!" A Voice demanded from the top of a large wall, Natsu hadn't noticed in his argument with his companion.
He looked to the top of the wall where he saw the faint glint of steel and a few makeshift bows "My Name is Natsu Dragneel, you put in a request for a bounty hunter about a bandit problem, I would like a nights lodging and to discuss payment with your mayor."
"What is your I.D?" A guard shot down
Natsu groaned he didn't like the stupid name people had given him or the fact that he now had to hoist Karite into the air. he left hand enveloped into a white light and morphed into his large scythe he turned it around and placed it on his shoulder "I will say it again, I am The Scythe user Natsu Dragneel, I.D Tag The reaper I.D number 57365."
"That all check's out." The guard called down "Give us a second."
Karite morphed back into a gauntlet "Why don't you like your I.D it is very fitting."
"Because it is the most obvious and lazy attempt anyone has ever made, I use a scythe therefore I am a reaper."
"Well it's better than half the name I think they could have given you." Karite snapped
The gates opened with a shuddering groan and one of the guard's rushed out "Sorry for all the suspicion, we are a little on edge lately."
"Your security plan is weak anyway, anyone could pick up a Scythe and claim to be me." Natsu shot back a little more harsh than he had intended, he knew what bandit attacks did to villagers that are usually peaceful like this one.
"Well we have a profile on you appearance too, if you would remove the hood and mask we would like to complete our check."
Natsu nodded and knocked back his hood, his pink hair was slightly longer than it had been and hung almost to his mouth, he pushed it to the side and looked at the man, his hair was Identification enough as far as he knew no one had pink hair he had ever met.
The guard nodded "Welcome to Avarosan, Mr. Dragneel." he bowed politely and stepped out of the way.
Natsu entered the largely empty town, the only people he could see were the very limited number of militia troops from the village itself 'Likely a curfew for their own safety, I wonder how often these attack's hit.' His thought was answered by shouts and the ringing of bells, the guard who had been behind him rushed forward and bumped into him.
"They are at the Southgate, you can discuss your payment later first things first we need your help." The guard said quickly as he ran.
Natsu caught movement on the wall "You go on ahead, I know a thing or two about Bandit's and it is unlikely they are coming from only one direction, there most likely target is the women and children slaves fetch a pretty price to the north these day's I hear." The man stopped and looked at him horrified.
Natsu revisited the urge to shake the young boy "You go, I will make sure everyone in the village is safe."
The man took a few more moment's to collect himself before taking off at a run. Natsu pulled his mask up again and turned to where he had noticed the small amount of movement, he walked towards the eastern side of town completely aware of the multiple pairs of eyes on him.
"I Count 6 heartbeats." Karite said quickly
Natsu reached out a hand and ran the gauntlet along the stone producing a grating sound akin to nails on a chalk board and he rolled his neck relishing the click's of relief he got as he did. "All right time to come out, I do not have all night to beat you all back over the wall."
"I am impressed you noticed us," A shadowy figure stepped out from behind the corner of the building a small distance in front of him, Natsu heard the steps of 5 more behind him now fully surrounded he allowed himself a smile "You are not very bright boy."
"What's this 6 of you, oh no whatever shall I do poor little me." He feigned fear as he threw his arm out allowing Karite to morph into his scythe, he spun it around in a wide circle above him and waited "I am sorry to inform you gentlemen, this is the last night you take anyone from this village."
"Kill him!" The man in front shouted as the behind him charged at once.
Natsu gripped the Scythe in his hand and rotated it at a near blinding speed, the med behind him fell to their knees with a thud, before 5 more followed.
Natsu yawned and pointed his Scythe towards the last one "So what are you after here, it can't money and I assumed it was slaves but if that were the case you would be hitting the west end of the village where the women and children are kept in times of crisis such as this."
"You think I would be intimidated by trash like you?!" The man spat.
"That's funny from the man attacking a village with no real purpose in mind." Natsu dropped his weight and held the scythe to his left.
"Boy something is wrong," Karite said urgently "Do not waste time on this one, I cannot detect a single other heartbeat in the village."
"This means they wanted me here," Natsu shot back "But what is blocking your senses can anything even do that?"
"Not much in existents but I think I have a pretty good idea, dispatch this one quickly and get to the south gate." Karite said flatly
Natsu grimaced under his mask and sprang of his back foot with as much speed as he had, he cut the man in two with ease and continued towards the Southgate "The only thing I can consider is a traitor in the guards letting them all in, how many did it say this pack was?"
"There is the issue, I do not think even with the skill you have gained over these past months you will be able to take a hundred men on your own and they will have hostages." Karite answered
"I don't mind a hundred to one odd's, but you are right they will likely have hostages I can't see any other possible reason they would even attack this village." Natsu replied angrily
"I don't like the way your mind is right now." Karite warned
"Don't worry I have a plan." Natsu said simply.
Matsu peered down from a rooftop overlooking the Southern gate of the village, "I count 70 men and the 30 militia member's," Natsu said to Karite "Look's like only half the militia is on whatever this is, the women are huddled around in a circle."
"What do you want to do?" Karite asked
"I won't endanger the lives off all these innocent people, but I can't just let these men leave." Natsu wrestled the pros and cons in his mind if he attacked they may just begin to execute the women in front of him before he had a chance to do anything 'But if I offer myself up I may be able to split them apart.'
"I still don't like the way you think." Karite said simply.
Natsu grinned "Ye of little faith." he said simply as he jumped from the building landing with a soft thud on the ground, Karite returned to his Gauntleted form and he walked towards the soldiers and bandits with his arms above his head.
"Hello out there!" Hel called gaining the men's attention they all looked at him with varying degrees of anger, Natsu scanned the group of standing militia men and noticed none of them were from the north gate, so none of them knew who he was 'perfect.' he thought.
"Who are you?!" The men demanded
"Just a weary traveler looking for a drink and maybe some…feminine company." He added suggestively 'I just need to get close enough.'
The men chuckled "Well I would say it is your lucky day if you got the money for it."
"Why I have an abundance of funds," Natsu said cheerily "So what's say we have a little teal about it over some drinks?"
"A drink sounds good about now!" One of the men exclaimed excitedly
"Yeah I like this guy!" Another called out.
Natsu smiled 'Drinking, one this you can always rely on when it comes to bandits and soldiers alike.' "Well then why are we standing out here in the cold, I noticed the tavern on my way in…A warm hearth and some drinks!" He shouted in a cheery tone.
The man who Natsu's guessed was there leader turned to two of his men and told them a few things before walking out towards Natsu "My men and I would love to have a drink with a such a fine man as yourself." he nodded with a smile.
'I have got all of you.' Natsu smiled widely and nodded.
"You have quite the manipulative tongue boy, I am impressed." Karite said flatly.
'He left two men to guard the women, the rest seem to be on their way to the tavern once there, I will slip out dispatch the two guard's and then the rest of these men, we are not out of the fire just yet.'
"They have still bought your weary trusting traveler act hook line and sinker," Karite said "How do you want to go about this?"
'Fortunately alcohol has a very simple effect on ones senses, I think you can follow my plan from there.'
"Ah, you are getting them to drink dulling reflexes of all but the two guards at the women, in turn making them easier to fight." Karite said in understanding.
'That's right.'
"So what did you say what your name was there?" The leader asked
"Oh, I didn't but it's Jake just so you know." Natsu lied
"Well Jake you certainly know a way to talk to a crowd." The man said
"Why thank you, but I merely suggested what looked appealing to myself I cannot speak for you or your men." He said in an overly cheery tone.
The large group of people arrived at the bar, and began pouring drinks, Natsu sipped away heartily using any excuse he could to avoid consuming too much, after a significant amount of time he filled an extra two tankards and with a exaggerated wave "Now, as much as all of our enjoyment is peaked we have neglected two comrades and I think it is only fair that they enjoy the night themselves, so I am off to join them for a little while I will return soon!" He shouted, he walked out the door as the bar erupted with cheers.
"You drank more than you should have." Karite warned
Natsu shook his head "I am good enough, considering they are still drinking I should be fine in a few minutes anyway."
He straitened himself and replaced his wide grin, taking on his happy persona as he walked back towards the other two guards.
"Hey there!" He called out as he stepped around the corner to the one man shot up before sitting back down lazily as he noticed it was just there overly trusting traveler. "I thought you and your friend could use a little refreshment." He said with a smile setting down the cup's "
Where did you compatriot get off too?"
The man smiled evilly as he picked up one of the drinks "He went off to sample a piece of the merchandise."
Natsu gritted his teeth 'It is too early I need to know where he is.'
"Well who could blame him with so many fine women to choose from." He faked his smile as best his could.
"I got him, he is in the warehouse behind us I can sense his heartbeat again!" Karite exclaimed as he morphed into a Scythe, Natsu ran it through the man in front of him, he motioned with his hand's for the women to stay still and quiet, they all nodded as they watched his kick the door of the warehouse down.
Natsu shot forward wrapping his arm around the man's neck he lifted up the surprised man had little fight in him as Natsu dragged him back a few paces before twisting with a sickening crack the man fell in a pile on the floor. Natsu whipped his head around to the woman, who he hoped was okay. He walked over to her and realized most of her clothing was torn and tattered doing very little to cover her large bust, Natsu turned on his heel and fixed his gaze on the wall 'Now is not the time for this." He thought firmly he looked over to the pile of black clothing the bandit had worn, he pulled it off the man and tossed it to her "Cover yourself and rejoin the other's." He said quickly as he waited and listened 'They are going o come see what is taking me soon.' Natsu felt the unmistakable sensation of cold steel against his throat and his eyes snapped open.
"What kind of sick game are you playing pretending to save me like this, I know you were planning on buying us!" She snapped
"I am the one hired to save you, attacking all of those men in the open like that placed all of you in danger, I chose to play an act to separate the group." Natsu explained carefully as the knife pressed against his throat again drawing blood.
"Look the man outside is already dead, I need you all to get into a more safe part of the village so I can go back and deal with the rest of them." Natsu kept his voice level 'I swear if this woman kills me when all I did was save her I am going to come back and haunt this fucking village.' he thought angrily.
Natsu heard a scream and the knife retracted he bounded to his feet and hot out the door the leader of the group stood with a sword placed at the neck of a black-haired woman he could not quite make out "Who did this!" The leader demanded.
Natsu shot forward and sent the man flying with his fist, placing a large distance in between the group of woman and the group of soldiers, Karite returned to his Scythe form and he dragged the tip along the ground creating a large line in front of him before raising it and pointing it at the men opposite him "None of you will cross this line, this is the last village you attack these are the last women you scar and I am the last face you will see!"
A/N: All right hope you enjoyed it next chapter is my first large scale actions sequence for this tale! Will Natsu's plan work effectively, Who is the fiery girl he saved all shall be revealed!