Wow, first off I would like to say I had no idea this would get so big. Normally I like to thank or message those individually who favorites/follows my stories…but for this one there were too many! I couldn't keep up. Instead I would like to thank EVERYONE here who is reading and enjoying my story from the guests to the reviewers, followers, favorites and those just reading. It means so much to see you enjoying my entry in the Fate Crossover Contest.
"Your semblance was incredible!" Velvet gushed as the two continued through the dense foliage. "Are those the only weapons you can make or do you have options?"
Shirou scratched the back of his head awkwardly, he did not like having so much attention drawn to his abilities. He had theorized based on the unfamiliar terrain and sky that he may no longer be on Earth or perhaps he was in a different time…he had no way of finding out until he got out of the forest. For the meanwhile he would need to go along with the young rabbit-girl. Despite her cheerful and welcoming nature Shirou could not help but be reserved…for her own protection if nothing else.
Based on her word choice, a semblance sounded like power possessed in this world. Was it magic…did everyone have it? He had to find out.
"Yea…but only weapons I have seen," he tried to explain as simply as possible. "Yours was incredible too, you copied not just my weapons…but my style flawlessly."
Velvet's unbreakable smile seemed to waver at his words, her look becoming solemn and the energy draining from her face.
"That…wasn't my semblance," she sighed, tapping the camera behind her. "I can only copy weapons my camera takes a picture of which are then replicated inside it…I don't have any real weapons of my own. "I can…mimic styles if I see them firsthand…that is all my semblance can do…imitate those better than me…"
Shirou stopped in his tracks, causing the young girl to pause as well.
"Don't say that," he whispered, the frustration at the condemnation he had received at the hands of Gilgamesh and others flooding back. "I'm the same…I don't have any weapons of my own."
He held out his hands to prove that, like hers, his blades had disintegrated since the battle, leaving him seemingly unarmed.
"But…those swords…"
"Copies of better ones that were most certainly not mine," he smiled warmly. "Even the ones I learned how to make them from were just copies of the originals. "My…semblance," he started, electing to use her terminology despite not knowing its meaning, "lets me analyze and project weapons that I've seen and understand. The same is true for how to use them…I could never have mastered the style for each without the originals having done all the heavy lifting."
Velvet just stared back at him, her frown had abated somewhat, but she still looked uncertain. Before moving on, Shirou could not resist adding the words of wisdom he had learned during his time participating in the Fifth Holy Grail War.
"There is NOTHING that says a copy cannot surpass the original."
The pair pushed on, finally getting past the last of the large group of trees, stepping out into a wide expanse. Rolling green hills opened before them leading to a stone structure far in the distance, no doubt the temple they sought. Still there was no sign of Gilgamesh anywhere, how far could he have landed from Shirou's location?
"See, I told you it wouldn't be hard to find," Velvet smiled as she picked up the pace to a light jog towards their destination.
I don't recall you saying that, Shirou thought with a smirk as he kept up with her.
The 'temple' was not at all what he had imagined. When Velvet had mentioned retrieving relics from one he had pictured a grand palace not too dissimilar from Ryuudou Temple or perhaps even Ilya's mansion.
Shirou's chest ached at the memory of that place.
What greeted them instead was a small circular stone rotunda, less a temple and more a ruined shrine. If it had once been a place of gathering or worship those days were long since passed. The closest comparison he could think to it was Stonehenge he had seen in old text books, but even then there were differences. The symmetrical structure was degraded, barely standing yet inside twenty pedestals were set in place that appeared to have been recently repaired. Atop each one rested an item.
"These must be the relics," Velvet advised as he looked over the contents.
Atop each pedestal was a chalice of varying designs and colors. Shirou could not help but notice that they were set up in pairs with ten differing sets in total.
"How will we carry them all?"
Velvet turned, looking at him as if he had asked the most ridiculous of questions. "We only need one, we must be first…they are all still here. I wonder if it matters which we pick."
Shirou scanned over each one, the first was a shining silver color with looped handles on either side. Around the rim of the glass was an ornate drawing of a serpent devouring its own tail, it was quite beautiful. The other chalices were similarly adorned, some with emerald or ruby gems, another was jade with the cup being in the shape of a dragon's mouth as if it would devour whoever drank from it. Each one appeared grander than the last.
Shirou froze at spotting the next in line. The finish was gold shining in the daylight with round azure gems dotting the surface. The shape of the cup started wide but curved outward the higher up it went making the top much wider than the base. The side of the chalice was mostly unadorned save for wave patterns he did not recognize. What drew his attention was the carving etched above the patterns.
Standing prominently upon the side was a sword stabbing downward, the hilt reaching up to the top of the vessel. If Shirou did not see the etching he would not have believed it, the design was nigh indistinguishable from Caliburn in every way.
"Saber…Rin" he whispered under his breath. The rage in his heart flared towards Gilgamesh who may still roam free. Without consulting Velvet he picked up the chalice, looking it over to discern if it held any other purpose. Even after analyzing its structure he determined it was but a chalice…and nothing else.
"That one piques your fancy?" Velvet asked completely oblivious to the array of emotions surging through him.
Without turning towards her, Shirou nodded, squeezing his eyes tight to hold back the tears from falling. He would find a way back…he had to.
"Hey! Who goes there?" A voice called out from the distance. Shirou could spot two silhouettes coming up the same way they had.
"Hi there!" Velvet replied happily, apparently an acquaintance of hers. Beside her walked an absolute giant of a man. Shirou's gaze flattened as he realized her companion had to be almost 7 feet tall…if not more!
The man was a walking mass of muscle, shaved short dark hair and he wore a green robe with a single pauldron protecting the left shoulder. Slung across his back was an immense curved sword that looked to weigh more than Shirou did. His partner and Velvet's friend on the other hand…Shirou did not quite know what to make of her.
She wore a brown long-sleeved shirt with a black cincher secured tightly around her waist. Dark black pants and a matching scarf completed the base of her ensemble though she had a matching beret and dark sunglasses preventing any view of her eyes beneath. Combined with the various accessories and necklaces the first word that popped to mind at her attire was 'hip.'
"See, I told you you'd be fine," the oddly clad girl assured Velvet, suddenly noticing Shirou's presence. "He your partner?"
"He is, his name is Shirou," Velvet introduced, leaning in closer to whisper. "I think he's from some REALLY remote village…he didn't even know what a Faunus was. But he's nice and very skilled. We took out a small pack of Beowolves on the way here."
"Good to hear," she announced loudly, approaching the pedestals to claim her own relic. "This beast in armor is Yatsuhashi. At least we'll have some interesting classmates during our time at Beacon. My name is Coco."
Beacon…if they are students that must be the school name, Shirou continued to analyze the situation as he shook their hands in greeting, hoping to delay the discovery that he wasn't from there as long as possible.
"We should go," the giant accompanying Coco advised. "The Grimm will not stay idle long."
"Good idea, are you both ready to go?"
"Just…need a minute," Shirou asked. Between going straight from his battle with Gilgamesh and coming to this new world with almost no breather Shirou was exhausted. With a heavy sigh he leaned against a nearby tree…realizing his mistake too late.
What he had mistaken for a branch swiped sideways, latching onto and pinning him against the tree. As Shirou fought to free himself the entirety of the trunk began to move. Bark flaked off to fall towards the ground revealing a putrid black surface beneath.
He had been ensnared by a large Grimm that had been camouflaging itself as a tree. The creature was taller than the ruins itself…did it choose that location on purpose knowing students would come by? His biology courses came to mind despite how long ago they'd been, this particular Grimm species seemed to be a variation of stick-insects that could disguise themselves in order to avoid its natural enemies. With the monster's size it had perfectly imitated an entire tree and based on the aggressive mandibles clacking towards him it seemed this one was the one doing the hunting.
"Shirou!" Velvet called out, bounding towards the Grimm. With a war cry she performed a powerful high kick at the faux branches to little effect.
As she had rushed it, Coco produced a small handbag, in an instant the innocuous purse unfolded into an intimidating gatling gun. Yatsuhashi had to stop her from opening fire for fear she would hit its captive.
Shirou struggled, plans for escape getting hazy as the limbs cut off circulation. He couldn't focus on the weapons in his memory, glancing every which was he sought a means to free himself. As his vision started to blur his gaze fell on Yatsuhashi who was running to join Velvet in an attempt to free him.
"Trace…on!"
The limb holding Shirou exploded as a replica of Yatsuhashi's intimidating blade burst to life in his hands. Now free, Shirou spun around, burying the sword in the trunk of the mimc-Grimm, using the force of gravity to slash a gaping wound all the way down until he was safely on the forest floor.
Velvet did not hesitate; tapping the camera behind her she created another replica of Kanshou and Bakuya. So beautiful were the weapons to her she saw no need to choose any others and had multiple photos taken to spare. Despite Shirou's impressive blow to the behemoth Grimm it continued attacking as if feeling no pain.
With her fellow students clear Coco took aim an unloaded into the Grimm. The rate of fire and power behind her weapon was incredible as she actually slid backwards under the recoil until she bumped into Yatsuhashi. The gentle giant gripped her shoulders, allowing her to stay rooted as she continued her barrage.
Despite the hail of bullets, the Grimm appeared barely fazed. Bits and pieces of its bark-like skin chipped away yet there always appeared to be more.
"It's a Phasmat!" Velvet called out having to scream to be heard over Coco's gunfire. "Their bodies are VERY sturdy…go for the limbs!"
Shirou was uncertain if Yatsuhashi or Coco could hear her, but she rang loud and clear for him. Gripping his new weapon Shirou ran towards the Grimm that had fallen onto its stomach and started skittering towards the others.
"HEY! OVER HERE!" He shouted, leaping into the air with a powerful downward slash. The farthest back of the creature's numerous legs sheared cleanly off, rolling to the side as it started to disappear.
Yatsuhashi realized their plan, with a roar he checked the Grimm with his armored shoulder, halting its advance. Raising his weapon he hacked off two more legs. Velvet danced in from the opposite side, her hard-light copies of Kanshou and Bakuya claiming their own before shimmering out of existence. Coco's bullets finished off the remaining appendages.
The four sighed in victory as they reconvened, their opponent wriggling grossly on the ground as it still attempted to devour them with its putrid mandibles.
"That was…gross," Coco gagged, sticking out her tongue.
"We cannot leave it here," Yatsuhashi pointed out. "It may attempt to re-camouflage and lie in wait for others.
"Well," Velvet chimed in. "Now that it's immobile it should be easy enough to...relocate…it…"
The Faunus-girl's ears had started to shirk back in terror; she stepped away from the ruins. Shirou turned back towards their defeated foe.
Beneath the Grimm's dark mass dozens of tiny legs…perhaps hundreds sprouted, allowing the Phasmat to realign itself. Within a matter of seconds it was back up…rotating in their direction. Clicking its mandibles together it spit dozens of thin barbed needles towards the group. Coco barely reconverted her gun into the handbag to deflect the incoming projectiles in time.
"The…books never mentioned that part," the young Faunus squeaked.
"Um…new plan Bun Bun?" Coco asked, pushing her shades back into place on her head.
"I…suggest we…um…RUN!" Velvet called at last, darting off faster than Shirou thought possible away from the ruins further north.
With a quick glance to Yatsuhashi, Shirou complied with her request as all three took off running after her…the Phasmat hot on their heels, needles raining past them.
What...is this place! Shirou screamed in his head over and over as they ran with seemingly no goal in sight. Sprinting further ahead the forest eventually receded around them, giving way to more of the stone structures similar to the temple…only far larger. More circular pillars flanked both sides of a path he would have guessed was a long-forgotten road. It was easily wide enough for entire trucks to be driven through side by side.
The forest floor finally fell away as well as the four found themselves on a long stone bridge leading towards the high cliffs beyond. Before the path wound up there was an enormous tower situated in the middle of the stone paths almost half the size of the cliff face itself. Shirou could not help but recall tales of knights and mages while gazing up at it…clearly it had been a defensive structure long ago…and could be again. The Grub-like Grimm kept pace with them every step of the way.
"I can give you guys some cover from up there," Coco called out, pointing towards the tower. "Velvet, you too!"
"You can copy her gun too?" Shirou asked, clearly impressed that she could replicate modern weaponry with her camera as well.
"Of course!" She smiled, a hint of pride forming on her face as she bounded after her friend leaving Yatsuhashi and Shirou alone on the bridge.
The Phasmat burst through onto the bridge, nearly upon the two identically-armed fighters holding the line. As promised the two women rained down volley after volley on its head, the Grimm continued to shrug off the bullets though was clearly confused as it attempted to locate where they were coming from.
Shirou and Yatsuhashi stood their ground though had no room to maneuver as its bulk was so large it took up the entirety of the pathway their group had just taken.
The Phasmat let out a bellowing roar as it neared, mandibles salivating as a fresh wave of barbs erupted from them. The two fighters turned their swords sideways to act as makeshift shields. The Grimm steamrolled into the two, impacting their swords, working together they were barely able to hold it back.
"Shirou!" Velvet called out above, frustrated that their fire was doing so little to help. As her latest hologram of Coco's weapon disappeared she stepped up to the edge of the tower and held her hands out to stabilize herself.
"Velvet!" Coco called out as the rabbit girl leapt from the tower.
The two below heard Coco's cry, looking up they were forced to shield their eyes from the sun her partner had leapt directly into, plummeting towards them faster and faster. As she neared the ground the box on her back sprang to life, a shimmering replica of Yatsuhashi's sword appearing in her hand. Flipping it upside down she put her entire body weight behind it.
She slammed into the Phasmat's back, the weapon exploding out of existence at the moment of impact. The Grimm-bug flattened into the stonework, cracking it from the force. Velvet tumbled forward, caught by the timely intervention of Yatsuhashi. Based on his size the small girl must have been like a feather.
Amazingly, despite the ferocity of the strike the monster stirred again, barbs firing forward. Yatsuhashi knelt forward, the attack deflecting off his shoulder armor though a single spine impacted his arm, deflecting to the side of a strange barrier surrounding his skin.
It was a good plan…just not enough force, Shirou thought, taking note of the man's apparent shield before an idea struck him.
"Can you throw me with one arm?" He asked Yatsuhashi who nodded. "Toss me as high as you can!"
He climbed onto his shoulder, with a mighty grunt Yatsuhashi hurled him into the air, going almost as high as Velvet had fallen from. He focused on creating the desired weapon.
What? Shirou was confused. When he had delved deep to draw on the power he had brushed something else…od? That couldn't be, he was tapped dry during the fight with Gilgamesh and there was no way he should have any now. It feels like I have it all back…but that should be impossible. A mystery for another time. In the end he resolved to continue utilizing the newfound energy he had discovered.
"Trace…on!"
In the young man's hands formed a jagged ugly weapon he did not think he would ever find a use for. Due to its immense weight and awkward design he'd never be able to lift it normally…but in this case gravity would do all of the work. An axe-sword as tall as he was and far heavier materialized in his hands…the blade wielded by the Berserker Heracles. He saw flashes out of the corner of his eye as Velvet could not resist another addition to her repertoire.
The effect was almost instant; the weight of the weapon dragged him down, Shriou's own mass miniscule in comparison. It did not even take three seconds before he slammed into the Phasmat with a sickening crunch. Like a bloated tick the Grimm popped, exploding outward in all directions forcing Velvet and her protector to dive for cover. Shirou had leapt for safety the moment he had impacted yet the force of the attack had sent him flying far…over the edge.
The young man in a foreign world reached for yet missed the platform as he sailed past. No matter where he looked there was nothing to grab hold of.
A heartbeat before he would have fallen to his doom a small hand grabbed him. Velvet had thrown herself from Yatsuhashi's protective grasp to reach him in time. Despite her tiny frame she was surprisingly strong, easily pulling Shirou up enough for him to grab hold and scramble to the safety of the rock.
"Th-thank you," Shirou gasped, barely comprehending that he had actually survived…he was so tired.
"Hey…we're partners aren't we?" Velvet asked with a smile. Suddenly realizing Shirou was still shirtless, noting how in-shape he seemed to be. The shy rabbit-girl looked away blushing, punching him in the arm. Despite her playful intentions it still hurt with how on fire his limbs already felt.
Shirou just nodded returning a warm smile, starting to laugh at the fact they finally had a chance to just rest. With a groan he allowed himself to fall backwards, finally closing his eyes for the first time since arriving in the new world…
On the Cliffside above…not long after…
The four exhausted students pulled themselves up the last leg of the journey, already they could spot two individuals waiting for them in the distance. Based on Velvet's excited exclamations Shirou surmised they must be the Professor Ozpin and Ms. Goodwitch who were overseeing their initiation to the school.
What am I going to do now? Shirou worried in his mind. Playing off that the others just missed him as another student may have worked but on the teachers there was no way it would hold up. If the school was anything like those back home he would need paperwork, applications…documentation, if he truly was in another world entirely he didn't even have a single bit of proof to his identity. Then there was finding individuals with enough pull to help him track down the King of Heroes…he did not want to drag in any more people than absolutely necessary.
"Excellent work all of you," the older gentleman with white hair and a dark suit congratulated. "You recovered a relic and made it out of the Emerald Forest…in record time I might add," he smiled, taking note of the sun's position in the sky. "You will each make fine additions to my Academy."
"Thank you Professor!" Velvet hopped a little in place, her ears bobbing happily over the compliment. Coco high fived Yatsuhashi behind her.
Might as well get this over with.
"Sir," Shirou started, approaching the Headmaster. "I'm not…"
"Ah, Mr. Emiya," Ozpin turned towards him, having heard his name from the forest recordings. "I know your application was a little…delayed but I assure you it has gone through." He approached Shirou; wrapping an arm around his shoulder he subtly led him away from the others for some privacy.
"My…application?"
"Indeed, your skills are quite unique and are more than welcome at Beacon. I know you were worried we wouldn't accept a late enrollee…but I assure you that is not the case."
Ozpin continued to act like he had spoken with Shirou before as they strolled along the cliffs, behind them Ms. Goodwitch did similarly with the other three, making sure to keep them back from the Professor. Once they were far enough away his gaze turned more serious.
"You are not from Remnant…correct?"
Shirou froze; his hands fell to his side, ready to fight if necessary, uncertain what this 'Remnant' was referring to, a country…the world possibly?
Ozpin seemed to realize his trepidation. "Come now, there is no need to worry. We recorded your…drop into the forest. A fascinating phenomenon to be sure, would you care to elaborate where you come from?"
Shirou hesitated; he didn't know this man and he had learned to be wary of help that seemed too good to be true.
Ozpin simply nodded at his silence. "I understand your hesitation, but you have naught to fear from me. I did not lie when I said your skills were unique…Ms. Scarlatina requires her camera to achieve what you do naturally. And you need some place to live I presume?"
Shirou nodded slightly.
"As you may have noticed during your time in the Forest…the creatures of Grimm are quite hostile and can be formidable. Our world has lived in fear of them for all of recorded history, which is what these Institutions were built for…to train huntsman and huntresses to protect others from them."
Not Earth then…
"But I'm not a huntsman," Shirou finally spoke up. "I am not from here…I need to find a way to get home! My friends…Rin…they are all waiting for me!"
"That may be…difficult, I am not aware of such an anomaly ever occurring much less how to repeat it with any accuracy. But I assure you; during your time here I will do ALL in my power to help you get home…if such an option is possible."
Shirou contemplated his offer, it was true he was fully aware he would need allies, he had no idea how the Grail had even led him here much less how to undo it. The itch in the back of his mind forgotten while fighting for his life returned in his moment of contemplation.
"Did…anyone else 'drop in' to your forest about the same time I did?"
Ozpin looked at him quizzically. "Not that we found on any of our monitors, why do you ask?"
"Someone else came through with me," Shirou's hesitation at divulging information fell away at the chance he may know something. "He would have been bloody, missing right arm, black jacket with short blonde hair and red eyes."
"I am sorry but no one by that description entered the Emerald Forest. I assure you if he had we would have spotted him."
"That can't be right!" Shirou blurted out, loud enough for the others across the way to glance over concerned. Ozpin motioned in front of the young man to calm down though that seemed an impossibility.
"I will help you find your friend as well," he assured him. "But you need to let me help you."
"He's NOT my friend," Shirou blurted out before falling silent again.
Shirou didn't know what to do; he was still acclimating to the new world. A power source so easily accessed that didn't use mana…rabbit-girls…huntsman…monsters? He looked Ozpin over again, how did he know this old man could even help?"
He looked relatively normal; the Professor was clearly older by his white hair yet had aged quite well. He had a black pair of spectacles resting on his face; his black suit and green undershirt were immaculate despite having been outside in nature for who knows how long. He held a coffee mug in his other hand, the warm aroma wafting from the contents informed Shirou that the beverage existed here as well…that was a small comfort at least. He also had the most unique cane in his other hand.
Shirou's eyes shot wide as his gaze lingered on the walking instrument. He had only intended to ensure it wasn't a hidden weapon…but instead he got absolutely nothing from it. The moment he had glanced at it his senses for the structure…design…even name just shut down…he could read absolutely nothing. A shiver ran through his spine as the young magus realized it was the same feeling he had gotten the first time Gilgamesh had drawn his ultimate treasure Ea…
Who is this guy?
"You've…got yourself a deal," Shirou finally decided. With a firm grip he shook Ozpin's hand, no matter whether he was telling the truth or deceiving him he was clearly extraordinary even by this world's standards. The next few weeks would be interesting at the very least.
Beacon Amphitheatre…not long after…
The four new friends stood at the side of the stage awaiting their turn. Ms. Goodwitch had given Shirou a brief explanation of what was to come. Apparently students are set up as four-man teams based on the relics recovered during their time studying at Beacon and would be introduced to the rest of the school at the ceremony.
Shirou tugged at his new clothes, to replace his tattered pants Professor Ozpin had supplied a full array of Beacon Academy uniforms early. It reminded Shirou too much of his days back at Homurahara…though admittedly Beacon's color scheme was infinitely preferable to the dull beige brown he was used to.
The Beacon suit was mostly black with gold lining that added a much needed touch of color. Beneath he wore a standard white dress shirt with a blue vest over it beneath the outer coat. He had been given a long pair of black pants though based on the audience women had a plaid skirt and stockings though their length appeared to be personal preference. The final touch of flare was a bright red tie that Shirou could not seem to get right.
"Here, let me," Velvet stepped up as they waited their turn. With a quick snap and pull she had accomplished that which had eluded him the last hour. He gave her an appreciative nod.
"We're up," Coco called out as the previous team started to vacate the stage.
Coco and Yatsuhashi were the first up followed by Velvet and Shirou. As the previous team neared the exit, the member in the back, shoulder checked Velvet when they crossed paths.
The young girl staggered, but Shirou caught her, the move was unnoticed by the audience as they continued as if nothing had happened. Shirou made sure to take note of the man's features, however.
He had light brown hair buzzed quite short on all sides; almost eerily bright blue eyes glared daggers at Velvet and only seemed to target Shirou when he caught her from falling. He wore a dark-gray sleeveless flak jacket with a tight black shirt beneath and matching pants.
"Faunus faker…" he muttered angrily under his breath.
Were it not for Shirou steadying Velvet he would have turned and decked the man…but in front of the entire school that could turn ugly fast. In the end he resolved to act as if nothing had happened and ensure Velvet was okay…for now.
"Yatsuhashi Daichi," Professor Ozpin started as Shirou took his place at the end, each of them lining up beside one another. "Coco Adel, Velvet Scarlatina and Shirou Emiya…the four of you recovered the gold sword chalices. From today onward you shall work as on as…Team CVEY (Coffee) led by…Coco Adel!"
Coco adjusted her glasses proudly, beaming at having been named the leader of the team. The attending students from all four years proceeded to applaud, their claps spreading throughout the room. Velvet was blushing madly at the attention, already having pushed the previous altercation from her mind. Yatsuhashi had his hands raised as if promoting the crowd to continue.
I guess I'll be here for a time, Shirou inhaled deeply, taking in the cheers around him, pushing aside the student who nearly ruined the moment. He felt more at ease now that he had a moment to calm down. Knowing Saber and especially Rin he was certain they were able to handle things back home…though the worry still itched in the back of his mind along with Gilgamesh…where could he have gone? At least until I track him down…or find a way home. He won't be able to hide here…not from me. With any luck…this Professor Ozpin will be able to help track down the King of Heroes…
Shirou begins his time at Beacon, a time to rest, learn of his new world, but most importantly…to find information to aid in his locating of the King of Heroes before he can bring harm down upon the new world he has temporarily called home. As always Read and Review…but most of all Enjoy! :)