So this is just something that has been nesting in my head and as I have been experiencing writers block for other things that I'm working on I figured I might as well write it.
Obviously this is my first attempt at Fanfiction, but any constructive criticism is appreciated.
The Rankings of Skills and Abilities were made by using / to generate random rolls so I wouldn't be biased and overpower the character, even if he did get a bit stronger than I initially intended.
I guess slight favoritism and my usual luck at gambling are expected to make a strong character based on chance and awards.
Feel free to review or not, this is more for my gratification than anything else. So if you enjoy it, I'm glad and I'll be trying to write some more of this story, if you don't like it then I'm sorry but I'll still be continuing to write it. However you aren't obligated to read it so there is the upside for you.
Below is how I calculated Ranks incase anyone wondered or was interested. If people like, and there is any/enough interest in the story, I'm happy to use polls for deciding how the Protagonist evolves from here.
Abilities: (Base # of points = 2D100 and take the average unless, 1-21-E, 22-42-D, 43-63-C, 64-84-B, 85-100-A) Top two #s of a RANK gets (RANK UP & -), bottom two #s get a (Rank down & +)
Due to someone pointing out that the ROLLS might be a bit of a distraction from the story and cold hurt some people's eyes I will put them on a Character Sheet I am planning to put up at the end of one of the next few chapters.
If you still care about them at that point then you will be able to go back and see how I reached the values and Ranks that I gave him.
Thank you for your review and thoughts Noah Thomson, any and all suggestions to improve the story and reader experience are appreciated.
*I do not own Fate/Stay or any Type-Moon information or Characters. I do not receive payment for my efforts writing this story.*
So without rambling any further, here it is. The first installment of Fate/Why Me!?
Chapter 1
I opened my eyes to darkness. I was no longer in my bed, or my house, nor even from what I could see, my world. I was, well, it's hard to say what position I was in, as I no longer seemed to have a corporeal body. However, against my expectations I didn't immediately begin to freak out and scream my nonexistent lungs out, like I felt I should. I mean I am or I suppose I was just a normal twenty-two year old college graduate. I had just moved home after graduating from college while trying to find a job. If I had to describe myself I'd call myself above average, it describes my looks, intelligence, athletics, social skills, and so on. So really this should be shaking me up quite a lot more than it was and I was wondering why.
Perhaps it had something to do with the lack of a body and therefore the chemical reactions, which produce emotions? That sounds like it could be the case. However I won't count out mind control or something like the "Gamer's Mind" skill from the manga "The Gamer". Regardless of the mechanics of it, I was perfectly calm, if not at ease with my current situation.
Taking stock of myself, or what parts of myself I still had, those being my mind and eyes apparently. I turned my attention to the annoyingly peppy text box that kept shifting to position itself in front of me like an excited puppy.
KALEIDASCOPE INC. and WHY ME!? STUDIOS
Are proud to present
"The Life and Times of YOU, in the Nasuverse!"
"Oh God…I'm screwed." That's all I can really say, knowing that not only is the Nasuverse real. Which is terrifying shit, considering all the WORLD BREAKING CRAP that exists there, including things that literally CAN'T die, and a genocidal planet.
Not only are that place and its inhabitants real, but I'm also getting my squishy, very weak, magic free, human self dumped into that mess. And if we go by what the biggest TROLL in the multiverse would do, and the Kaleidoscope in the intro really does give it away, I will undoubtedly be prone to dangerous situations and be equipped with limited or no ways to overcome those dangerous situations.
Fucking Zelretch.
I feel that those words will become my motto in this upcoming 'life' of mine. The screen flashed drawing my attention again before the words changed.
Language, language! Watch what you say or you'll be penalized!
I can't help but grumble to myself. I mean I thought that, I didn't even say it out loud for Christ's sake! Wait. Can I even speak in this state!?
Now! Let's move on to explaining a little bit about your situation shall we? As previously insinuated, you will be placed into the body of a character of the Type-Moon, Fate/Stay Night setting and time period.
You will be given a certain number of points with which you may use to help select the identity, specific resources, advantages, assets, and abilities you will posses in this gam-um…wonderful opportunity to gain new experiences! Each of which cost varied amounts and have certain requirements based on utility and power, however points may be gained by committing certain actions further down the line in your new life.
Any left over points after identity creation will be retained and you will be able to spend them at a later time.
First, let's tally up the points you have to spend on your new life. For living a normal life for twenty-two boring years…you receive (15) points. Man you really didn't do much did you? For being dragged from your ordinary life for my amus-I mean this exciting opportunity…you receive (25) points!
And that is all you get, (40) points…wow you suck! I mean the last few times I did this, the people got at least (60) points, you really were a waste of space weren't you!?
Now let's have you select your new identity and get on with my new entertain-I mean your new life!
Identities:
Tohsaka Rin – (15) points Locked
Matou Sakura – (12) points UNIQUE PERK
Mitsuzuri Ayako – (3) points
Gilgamesh, King of Urk – (90) points Locked
Bazett Fraga McRemitz – (20) points Locked
Kotomine Kirei – (20) points Locked
Emiya Shirou – (5) points UNIQUE PERK
Emiya Kiritsugu – (10) points UNIQUE PERK
Soichiro Kuzuki – (7) points Locked
Ryuudo Issei – (3) points
Matou Zouken – (20) points Locked
Fujimura Taiga (Tiger) – (2) points UNIQUE PERK
Illyasviel von Einsburn – (20) points Locked
Arturia Pendragon – (75) points Locked
Medea of Colchis – (60) points Locked
The Gorgon Medusa – (65) points Locked
Cu Chulain – (65) points Locked
Heracles – (85) points Locked
Matou Shinji – (0) points UNIQUE PERK
Please choose your new identity!
Well, that really bites. It looked like there were a good number of options at first, but most were actually unavailable to me regardless of whether or not I had enough points to buy them. Seeing as I have no chance of escaping or getting home, especially without a body I decide that it won't hurt to play along.
I mean, if this was a dream or I've gone crazy then there was no harm in playing, if not then my life depends on this Zelretch Bullshit.
Language, Young Man!
Ignoring the screen, I decide to try and do this logically. So starting at the top and filtering out the locked options, Sakura is first. Well from what I know, and I have watched the anime adaptions of Fate/Stay Night, Unlimited Blade Works, and Fate/Zero. I've read some of the manga, and spent a decent amount of time on the fanon Type-Moon website. She's pretty damn powerful magically speaking, even if she doesn't really do anything with it.
However that power comes with being a girl, not a plus for a guy, getting raped, abused, and invaded by worms and Angra Mainyu (All the World's Evils) before possibly going on an indiscriminate murder spree and finally either killed or stopped by Shirou. Unless in the more likely case that she won, then the world would end. Yeah, I'm going to have to say, no thanks.
Next is Ayako. From what I recall she is a normal human and the captain or vice-captain of the archery club, but again a girl and she has no supernatural power or contacts/resources. So, most likely not going to choose her.
Ah, the eroge protagonist himself, Emiya Shirou, and for only (5) points. Shirou comes with a bunch of pluses, Tracing, Self-Reinforcement, Structural Grasp to an insane degree, and his BADASS Reality Marble. The problem is that he comes with just as many, if not more, downsides.
He is an idiot, his Distortion makes him incredibly naïve and makes understanding others very difficult, he is currently using nerve circuits, he and I both have no idea how to actually open his circuits correctly, though I suppose I could go to Rin or Kiritsugu about that, and he is destined to be in the center of the 5th Holy Grail War.
Not to mention that there are a lot more ways to get a Bad End in the visual novel then to get a decent or good end. Definitely something to think on, I might go with him if there are no better options.
Emiya Kiritsugu…nope not doing that. He's dying from an incurable curse, can't save his daughter, and corrupts poor Shirou with that stupid hero shit.
Ryuudo Issei is Shirou's friend and has a form of spiritual awareness, noticing that Rin is not as she seems. If I want to keep out of the way he might be a good option, I'll put him with Shirou in the maybe column.
Fujimura Taiga….just no. I don't want to be a female tiger.
The last one is perhaps the best and the worst of the lot. Matou Shinji. I have never hated a fictional character more than Shinji, he is just a disgusting and despicable character. However, he comes from a family of prestigious magi with all the resources therein and only became involved with the War because he wanted to prove himself to his creepy AF 'grandfather'. He was supposed to be attractive, intelligent, and skilled in archery, he just happened to have the worst personality ever and no skill as a magus. One of those would be fixed when I 'moved in', and the ability sheet should take care of the other.
Not to mention that I would be "friends" with Shirou depending on the time I am placed in, could try to make Sakura's life a bit better, and would have the potential to be a Master to two Servants at least provisionally. I'd just have to keep the fact that I'd suddenly become able to use Mage Craft from Zouken. Shit, I can't just leave Sakura to her fate if I can do something to stop it or help her. Especially if I can go back a few years before the main story and set things up to go more smoothly.
My choice made and mind set, I select Matou Shinji as my new identity and I feel it as a body takes shape where none existed previously.
Congratulations, you are now Matou Shinji! As a bonus for choosing the worst identity, I mean seriously, I put it there hoping someone would take it eventually but no one else was stupid or crazy enough to do it, with the sole intention of making a girl's life better any way you can you receive (35) points and the Unique Skills
Guardian Knight. (A- RANK)
The SHINJI of Shinji (A RANK) Good, it would be boosted to that level regardless of the roll…so that roll was wasted!
You now have (75) points to spend on your new identity's abilities.
To elaborate on the point system, you spend points to gain abilities, but it is up to chance how powerful or potent it is, half the original points may be spent to increase the potency (1D20 added to the average of the original 2 rolls).
All Abilities gained here are indicative of your starting point except for those that are unable to be naturally increased; those are fixed after leaving this screen.
ABILITIY LIST:
Magus: The abilities of a Magus (DUH ya idiot)
I think I'm going to have to get used to being insulted in this new life, but really I didn't even ask a question and I'm insulted anyway!
Magic Potential: The existence of Magic Circuits in the body, this body has absolutely no potential, 0 circuits. (5) points for the activation of circuits of random amount and quality.
Ummm…YES. If I'm going to live in Type-Moon then I NEED magic, mage craft, whatever. *(75-5=70)
Quantity – 91.5 – A RANK (Great/Outstanding Quantity) (77 Circuits)
Tohsaka Rin has 40 natural circuits and at least 30 in her family crest, grossing 70+ circuits and is supposedly blessed with a good number but nothing compared to older Magus Families.
Quality – 99 – A+ RANK (Outstanding+ Quality)
The Barthomeloi are known for the superlative quality of their circuits, producing and channeling a staggering amount of prana. You must be related because you can do the same!
Holy space balls Batman! That, well, will definitely help my chances of survival if I can actually figure out how to use Thaumaturgy.
UNIQUE PERK GAINED: Blue Blood
Huh, I guess it makes sense to pick up Perks if I get lucky and get high grade abilities.
Magical Heritage: The Ancestry of Your Bloodline and Sorcery Trait (5) points (A RANK) *(70-5=65)
Edelfelt Clan: Ore Scales - Effectively have 2 Heirs (E-D)
Einzburn Clan: Wish-Casting – Cast without knowledge, just power (D-C)
Fraga Clan: Gods Holder – Fragarach (C-B)
Barthomeloi: Blue Bloods –Prana Factory (B-A) OBTAINED
Aozaki Clan: Sea in a Water Droplet – Incredible Efficiency (B-A) SELECTED
As nice as having Fragarach would be, Shinji and thus I would have no idea how to use or produce it, and if I knew one thing it was while having a bunch of something was awesome, being able to use the absolute minimum of it to accomplish something was just as cool. Chakra Control for the win!
I guess I'll have to see if I can't find Aoko and get my 'cousin' to tutor me and having the Barthomeloi Blue Blood Circuits is a major plus to me. Now my Mage Craft will be easier to improve as I will have a lot of Prana and be efficient using it so experiments should be easier and failures less costly.
UNIQUE PERK GAINED: Keep the World…Blue XD
Origin Modification/Addition: (4) points *(65-8=57)
Current – Binding
Hmmm. Well that's not a bad one per say, but seeing what Shirou can do with something cool like "Sword" makes it a bit…lame. Alright well I need to get stronger and skilled enough to survive, so why not make that a part of who I am?
Chosen – Binding, Boundless Growth, & Skill
UNIQUE PERK GAINED: Ménage a Trois pour Moi
Okay I've ignored these, perks, till now but this is getting ridiculous. You hear me Zelretch? You're a crazy old Vampire, you're simple bat shit crazy! Hahaha, bat shit, vampire, maybe I shouldn't insult the ancient master of multiverse travel and Trolling. Something to think on later, I guess.
Element Modification/Addition: (3) points *(57-6=51)
Current – Water
Once again it's not bad, but just water would be a hastle and from what I've seen being an Incarnation means you kick ass. As long as the Clocktower doesn't find out about it.
Chosen – Water, Skill, Ether
UNIQUE PERK GAINED: INCARNATION
UNIQUE PERK GAINED: Grower Not a Show-er
UNIQUE PERK GAINED: Magic is Easy
Don't say anything, just ignore it…that better not be a penis crack you asshole. Although technically he's not wrong, or at least he wasn't before I was brought here.
Thaumaturgical Knowledge: (B RANK)
The knowledge, understanding, and ability to use Mage Craft at the beginning of your new life (6) (B Rank) *(51-6=47)
UNIQUE PERK GAINED: Am I a Genius!? NO! I am Shinji!
I'm not sure about this Perk, something tells me it may not actually be a good thing. And aren't I getting a few too many of these "UNIQUE PERKS"?
Mystic Feature: A quirk of the Magic Circuits that offers a passive effect that can be activated or enhanced depending on the ability.
Mystic Eyes: (6) (A RANK) *(47-6=41)
Binding: The most common Mystic Eyes, casts a suggestion spell that cripples the target upon eye contact. Illyasviel von Einzbern possesses these eyes.
Charm: It distorts the target's perception so they sees the caster as someone of great sex appeal. Diarmuid Ua Duibhne's Mystic Face skill worked under same concepts.
Compulsion:
Contract:
Enchantment: The eyes possessed by vampires, capable of high-level hypnosis. Classified as Gold under the Noble Colors system. Arcueid and Nrvnqsr possess these eyes in Tsukihime. Alice Kuonji and Touko Aozaki possess these eyes in Mahoutsukai no Yoru.
Flame:
Illusion:
Jinx:
Whisper: Allows for hypnotic suggestions. The eyes of Ciel.
Cybele - Mystic Eyes of Petrification: are possessed by Medusa.
Mystic Eyes of Death Perception: are extremely unique Eyes possessed by Shiki Tohno and Shiki Ryougi.
Distortion: Creates an axis of revolution in a certain area of space. Allows one to change the trajectory of flying objects, even those with great supernatural power. The eyes of Fujino Asagami.
Gained – Mystic Eyes of Death Perception (A RANK)
I mean seriously if I'm lucky enough to get an A RANK Mystic Eye why would I take something like Compulsion!? I can simply charm or hypnotize people for that, now I can literally see the best way to kill anything.
UNIQUE PERK GAINED: I SEE DEAD PEOPLE…OR I MAKE THEM
I suppose I should have seen that coming…Oh damn it I see what you did there…crap I'm shutting up now.
Mystic Mark: (6) (D RANK) *(41-6=35)
Hair
"Love" Spot
SELECTED – Hair was the First Gold (D RANK) – Hair has an infatuation effect on it that causes members of the opposite sex to view the owner as someone with great sex appeal
UNIQUE PERK GAINED: Luscious Locks of LOOOOOOVE
UNIQUE PERK GAINED: Lady Killer
Ignore it. Ignore it, ignore it, and ignore it. Although I suppose I asked for that by taking this ability, but damn it I want to be popular with girls! Even just a little, is that too much to ask!?
Never mind, talking to myself and or the multiverse won't change anything.
Personal Statistics:
Human Rank Servant Rank
Strength: (D+ RANK) N/A
Endurance: (C RANK) N/A
Agility: (C RANK) N/A
Mana: (A Rank + Perks=EX) C
Luck: (C RANK)
So once again like my past life I seem to shake out at above average. Except in Mana, which is what really matters for the world to come. Anything else I can work on or augment using Mage Craft. Except Luck, that negative modifier for being Shinji sucked though, but I really got lucky with it being so low. Ha, luck, haha.
Rank Up Statistics:
Human – (ROLL 2D20 and take the average, add to current score to see increase and if statistic RANKED UP) (2) points per ROLL
E – Weak for your respective age
D- Normal for your age
C – Strong for your age
B – Strong, the level of a peak level Human warrior
A – Pinnacle of Humanity, would best Olympians
I think I'm okay for now although I'm a bit disappointed with my stats, I can work my way up by dedicating time and effort so no need to waste points on things that will improve naturally when they're starting to get scarce.
Servant – MAX Human, Luck Ranks Up here (ROLL 2D20 and take the average, add to current score to see increase and if statistic RANKED UP) - (4) points per ROLL
E – 10 X Human A
D – 20 X Human A
C – 30 X Human A
B – 40 X Human A
A – 50 X Human A
(+) – 2 X Multiplier
Well, well, well. Hopefully this screen doesn't get Locked when I finish here and I can come back once I work on my stats the old fashioned way. Man, being able to physically compete with Servants would make everything so much easier, but for now what I really need is more Luck.
Luck: RANK UP X2 = A RANK (You find things happen to align events in your favor very often, and something that seems irrelevant will be most beneficial) *(35-8=27)
Hell. YESSSSSSSSS! OH MAN I KILLED THAT! How did I have C RANK Luck if all these things are going my way!? Take THAT Zelretch, even the multiverse is on my side!
UNIQUE SKILLS & PERKS:
Magic Resistance: (8) points
Oh yesssssss, I will be taking this and put points in again until I have at least C RANK. Magic Resistance is OP for a normal human.
(Roll – 81/75=75.5 – B RANK) *(27-8=19)
Cancel spells with a chant below three verses. Even if targeted by High-Thaumaturgy and Greater Rituals, it is difficult for them to be affected.
"BOOYAH!" I shout to the heavens, my fists pumping wildly in the air. "Who's the MAN!? SHINJI!"
Wait…what was my name before? I…can't remember.
Taking a moment to halt my panic I find that I can remember all my base knowledge, and even the happenings and facts in and about Nasuverse, but not any of my personal information. I no longer remember my parents or if I had any siblings, or even where I lived before.
This is a terrifying feeling, but after a few minutes of crisis I decide to finish up here as the only way out is forward.
Riding: (6) points
Item Construction (8)
Presence Concealment (6)
Territory Creation (8)
Mad Enhancement (Battle) (6)
Mana Burst (4)
Battle Continuation (4)
Bravery (4)
Charisma (3)
I'm going to be Shinji, the most hated character in F/SN so I'll need to be able to do more than kill things, sling magic, and look pretty. I'll need to be able to bullshit and lead others, that's C level shit or above in my mind, to level out my natural Shinji-ness.
(C+ RANK) *(19-3=16)
Suitable for a general or a popular public leader, great for starting cults, gains a bonus (+) when dealing with the opposite sex.
Man, was Shinji always so focused on women? Maybe I'm a closet pervert, even from myself? Or is this just Zelretch messing with me? Or I suppose it could be because Fate/Stay Night was originally an 18+ game.
Clairvoyance (2)
Now here is a skill to benefit me in so many ways. At high enough levels I'll be able to predict the future and track objects for kilometers, not to mention potentially having X-Ray or Thermo Sensing vision.
(A Rank) *(16-2=14)
Connotes superior visual perception and dynamic occipital capture, such as to supplement the long-range aiming of projectile weapons. At higher ranks, it is possible that the bearers of this skill have acquired such abilities as precognition and other forms of perception beyond standard eyesight. For those who have A RANK or higher in this skill, one type of future sight (predicting the future) and even mind reading is possible.
Sweet, I was hoping for at least C RANK, so I could see like Archer but there is no doubt that I'll take A RANK with future sight and X-Ray vision. Archery Captain here I come, Shirou and Ayako eat your hearts out!
Discernment of the Poor (2)
Disengage (2)
Divinity (4)
Really? I mean I won't complain that this is here, but you'll really let me make myself a Divine Spirit if I want to? Well having Gaia like me a bit more and my magic work a bit easier is not something I'll turn down.
(C RANK) *(14-4=10)
The measure of whether one has Divine Spirit aptitude or not. At high levels one is treated as a mixed race of a Divine Spirit, and the level declines when the Heroic Spirit's own rank as a Monster, Demonic Beast raises. It can break through Skills such as Protection of the Faith and Enlightenment of the Sacred Fig.
Well ok, I am effectively now a demigod, sure I could go higher but this is fine with me. Lets go team GOD SHINJI!
Dragon Slayer (4)
Eye of the Mind (False) (3)
Eye of the Mind (True) (2)
Here we go, EMIYA's bread and butter. This is the Skill that allowed lame, old' Shirou to become capable of becoming a Hero, this is a must have at C or up.
(B- RANK) *(10-2=8)
A heightened capacity for observation, refined through experience. At Present RANK, Shinji is capable of calm analysis of battle conditions even when in danger and deduce an appropriate course of action after considering all possibilities to escape from a predicament. So long there is even a 1% chance of a comeback, this ability greatly improves the chances of winning. This Skill was given not earned and has never been put to the test, earning it a (-) modifier until more experience is gained.
Alright I can deal with that, and it's actually a lot better than I hoped for as it will improve as I go.
Instinct (3)
To me this Skill is what made Saber so fearsome, as even with Shirou starving her of mana she was able to fight Berserker on more or less even ground despite the stat difference, I want B or even A RANK in this.
(B+ RANK) *(8-3=5)
The power to "feel" the most favorable developments for oneself during battle. A refined sixth sense that is now close to true precognition, but not quite. Has the bonus effect of reducing penalties caused by obstructed vision and hearing by half. Gains a boost in conjunction with Guardian Knight or when women are nearby/the opponent.
I am now ignoring all reference to my powers increasing against the fairer sex.
God Slayer (4)
Golden Rule (3)
Guardian Knight (4)
(A- RANK)
Temporarily raises defensive power when protecting others. Rank up to STR, END, and AGI when defending someone else.
No need for me to upgrade this, I'm not St. George after all and it won't really make a difference unless I reach Servant levels. I mean RANKING UP from Human C to Human B isn't a big improvement considering RANKING UP from Servant C to Servant B would be a multiple of 10 instead of MAYBE 1.5 times.
High-Speed Incantation (2)
This is a given, time is life, and if I'm to be a Magus I will be walking the fine line between life and death.
(A+ RANK) *(5-2=3)
The capacity to recite spells at high speeds, at this RANK instead of a minute a ten-line incantation (High Thaumaturgical Spell/Ritual) may be completed in 10 seconds.
Well that's really convenient. Now I just need a super badass High Thaumaturgy aria or reality marble.
High-Speed Divine Words (6)
Natural Body (2)
Natural Monster (6)
Numeral of the Saint (6)
Pioneer of the Stars (8)
Projectile (2)
Protection from Arrows (3)
Protection of the Fairies (4)
Dead Apostle (10)
Ultimate One (65)
UNIQUE PERK GAINED: Mad Skill(s)
True Magic: LOCKED
1st – Denial of Nothingness (100) points
2nd – Kaleidoscope/ Operation of Parallel Worlds (90) points
3rd – Heavens Feel (75) points
4th – Unknown, Take a Gamble! (70) points
5th – The BLUE (75) points
True Magic marks the end of the Character Selection Sheet, because I'm not going to lie to myself and say that's not exactly what it is.
Now I have (3) points left over, and I need to decide if I should go back and pick up another skill, try to get a higher RANK on something, or move ahead with my new life.
Maybe I should up High-Speed Incantation and see if I can't get it to (EX RANK) I mean it's already at A+, and it doesn't seem like my skills can go to (A++) at least not as a human/demigod as it were.
Who knows, maybe it would allow me to complete High Thaumaturgy in the time it takes others to use a one-line incantation. Or maybe I should get Instinct up to A RANK.
So? Like it, hate it, have any opinion at all or simply suggestions, feel free to comment.
Thank you for taking the time to read regardless, and I'll be trying to write more of this and perhaps start a few other stories of a different nature.
I haven't seen many Campione! stories on here so maybe I'll give one of those a try.
Divine Blessings of God Shinji be upon you.