Hello to everyone, I am extremely thankful for the feedback the prologue got. I'll be taking time in here to answer some of the questions and explain myself for certain choices.
Why Genderbend Goblin Slayer and Priestess?
The reason for this is because I entered a writing contest, the main requirements were having Shirou as the main character, and that the main hero and heroine in the crossover had to be genderbent. I wanted to keep the gender bending to a minimum, but I still needed to be eligible to enter the contest.
Why did Avalon not heal Wizard instantly?
While Avalon is an EX Rank Noble Phantasm in terms of healing, heck it even made Saber functionally immortal so long as she had it in her possession. It is however dependent on its link with Saber, without the link its healing properties are diminished, and if separated from her long enough it enters a dormant state where it heals its user at a slightly faster pace than a normal person would naturally. The Avalon used previously was the former, where it was healing Wizard but not removing the poison. Think the same situation as Deadpool, where he wasn't dying from cancer because he was healing faster than the cancer could kill him. Wizard was dying slower thanks to Avalon, but you all know how that ended. I take fault for not clearly writing it in.
Goblin Slayer just straight up murdering Wizard.
This is another case of me just not writing it in clearly, but my reasoning was this: Goblin Slayer has dealt with situations like these before, stating that it is a common occurrence. Antidotes and Healing spells exist, but unless taken immediately after being poisoned it won't save you; and healing spells do jack against goblin poison as evidenced by priestess using Heal on Wizard only to have her still be affected by poison later.
A special thanks to those who basically sent me a cheat sheet regarding things Fate. My exposure to Fate mostly consists of: The Anime versions of: Stay Night, UBW, Zero, Oath Under Snow, and Apocrypha. Fate/Grand Order, and a Playthrough of the Unlimited Blade Works Route from the original Visual Novel that I played at a friend's house when I was 14.
I promise I'll get better as the story progresses, and no more not writing stuff in because I'll assume other people will know why.
Shirou accompanied by Goblin Slayer, and the young Priest marched on forward deeper into the cave. Their only source of light coming from the torch Goblin Slayer held in her hand, she walked as if she had done so hundreds of times. Shirou found that number to be quite low, as no one could carry themselves like this with only a few hundred expeditions, if he had to guess her experience in terms of number of quests ranged in the thousands.
He glanced over to Priest who they kept in between their small party, the shoulder of his white garment stained red from his blood. Shirou thought back to how he had almost let him die, not even thinking that the arrows the goblins used could be laced with the same poison that killed Wizard.
As much as it displeased him, he had Goblin Slayer's experience to thank for the survival of the cleric walking in between them.
"Can you tell me about the Goblins you encountered?" Goblin Slayer asked, not bothering to look back as she did. "How many were there? Was there a big one?"
"I wasn't able to count, but there was one that was larger compared to the others." Priest's grip on his staff grew tighter, he didn't want to think what that larger one could be doing right now. "That was a Hobgoblin, they must've taken a wanderer as a guard."
Shirou was lost, he didn't know what they were talking about, but there appeared to be goblin subspecies. He made a note to try and research the various creatures in this world when he got back to the guild, he'd need Guild Girl to translate for him, but it was better than just assuming that certain monsters operated like those in his world only to find out that they did not.
The party came to a stop as Goblin Slayer shone the torch in her hand on the grizzly remains of a corpse. Priest went pale as he began to retch, and vomited against the one of the walls of the cave.
Shirou took in the sight, this is what would have happened to the young Priest if he hadn't stepped in. Goblin Slayer picked a sword from the ground and inspected it, as did Shirou as he added it to the Reality Marble. "This is far too long to swing in a cave." She commented. Shirou couldn't help but agree, the blade was a long sword; not suited for close range combat within a cave. He could guess how this particular adventurer died, and this sword must've played a part.
"How did this happen?" Shirou asked. Priest seemed to still be busy emptying out his insides while Goblin Slayer wordlessly walked to a darkened corner of the cave. She moved her hand, the light from her torch illuminating a second passageway.
"Can you guess what happened?" She asked. Shirou assumed that the party Priest came here with went down the other cavern, completely missing the other one. "How were they not at all the least bit curious, on why there seemed to be a spot in the cave that was darker than the rest?" he asked.
His answer came from Priest this time, who had manage to get up to his feet whilst wiping off the trace of vomit from his mouth. "It was because we were all looking at that." He said pointing to what seemed to be a pole, it was decorated with animal bones and a quilt that seemed to be too ornate to be made by goblin hands. Shirou assumed it was something the Goblins used in their worship, though it was hard to believe those monsters had something they believed in.
"It's a common mistake for rookies." Goblin Slayer's helmet rotated towards them. "Remember Goblins may not be the brightest, but they aren't fools." It was starting to dawn on Shirou that while he may have had the firepower, and the techniques to fight off any manner of creature in his world,but this world was not his. He didn't know the rules to these monsters, and if this was common knowledge he could only blame his own inability to understand the written language of this world.
"This horde is being led by a Shaman." Now the goblins could use spells?!
"A Shaman?" Priest echoed.
"It's a type of practitioner of magic." Shirou interjected. "Think of them as priests to the gods that they serve." Goblin Slayer returned to scanning the darkness, how well she could see in the dark was something Shirou did not know, but as a precaution he reinforced his eyesight to be able to somewhat see in the dark.
"How many where in your party?"
"Four." Priest replied.
"Was the last one a woman?" Priest's eyes widened, he seemed to remember something. He didn't even need to answer as Goblin Slayer analysed the situation. "They dragged her deeper into the cave it seems."
"Why would they do that?" Shirou asked.
"Goblins know nothing but to steal, and they don't live very long considering that adventurers like to use them for training. Another reason is that there are no females in their species. So like everything they do, their offspring comes from a stolen female." Goblin slayer didn't need to say anything more to make Shirou understand, he honestly wished he didn't ask. He now wanted nothing more than to kill these abominations.
There was no more time to spare, Shirou rushed towards the darkness while Goblin Slayer and Priest were still discussing strategy. He had no need for a torch when he could reinforce his eyes, the blueprints for Kanshou and Bakuya ready in his mind ready to be Traced at a moment's notice, and not a moment too soon as a few feet into Shirou's sprint he ran into one of the little abominations.
It wasn't armed, but he'd rather kill it as fast as he could regadless. He picked up speed, ramming his knee into the Goblin's now deformed nose. The Goblin fell back, blood gushing from its nose. Shirou did not stop, he quickly dropped to a knee skidding onto the green man's chest. Pinned under Shirou's weight, he quickly traced the married blades and drove the ivory blade where its nose used to be.
Shirou let out a breath, and pushed back the desire to retch. The smell of goblin blood was unlike anything he'd ever smelled before, and he had been in his fair share of situations where the stench of death coated the air.
"You didn't get very far did you?" Shirou turned his head, there Goblin Slayer and Priest stood. The former now equipped with a spear, and walked past Shirou. "How can you move about as if there aren't lives at stake?" he asked.
"Am I?" She asked. "I see then, I just do not wish to rush in and put myself at risk." Shirou felt an involuntary twitch in his eye, he inhaled a breath not caring about the stench from the goblin corpse. "Let me ask you this." Goblin Slayer began. "If we were to die, who will save those in this cave?" It was taking all of his self-control
Shirou bit his lip, she made a valid point. No she didn't…he had enough weapons stored up to annihilate several caves of goblins and still have enough for several more after. NO! He scolded himself, he was contradicting himself; Shirou told himself earlier that he wouldn't assume these things would be easy, he needed to learn…he wasn't in his world.
"I understand." Shirou answered, he said nothing more as the married blades vanished back into the marble. The young priest must've sensed his agitation, and placed a calming hand on his back. "Miss Goblin Slayer, could you please repeat the plan you discussed for..er.."
"Shirou."
"R-Right, please?" Goblin Slayer said nothing as she walked forward. Then..."Follow me, and I'll tell you." Shirou and the young cleric obliged, once again trailing behind Goblin Slayer in the same arrangement as earlier.
"What is it you do?" Started Goblin Slayer. "What spells can you use?"
"I make swords." Shirou replied. "I can make other things too, but I'd bore you with the specifics. So for now, let's limit it to swords." Goblin Slayer did not miss a beat with the next question. "How many times can you cast this?"
Shirou tilted his head in confusion. "How many times? I can do it as much as I want so long as I have the Magical Energy." Priest stopped in his tracks, quickly turning to Shirou with a look of shock. "H-How is that possible?!"
Shirou didn't understand what she meant, was the ability to cast spells here limited by a certain amount per day? If so was he subject to that rule as well? He needed to be careful with his projections regardless, after all he wasn't using all of his Magic Circuits so he technically didn't have his usual firepower at his disposal.
Thankfully the conversation was abandoned when Goblin Slayer held out a hand signalling the party to stop. "Cast Holy Light." She said. Priest nodded, Goblin Slayer turned to Shirou. "I suggest you equip yourself with a spear or another weapon that has a lot of reach."
A spear?
Shirou smiled at the suggestion, his mind already set on the crimson spear that he had been acquainted with on multiple occasions. The atmosphere in the cave seemed to change the moment the spear began to materialize, Priest even stopped in the preparation of his spell.
"W-What is that?" He managed to ask. "T-That spear is evil…" Shirou could see the fear in his eyes, but decided to ignore them. "I know you're afraid, but I need it to save whoever is trapped in here."
The young cleric couldn't speak up anymore; Shirou turned back to the entrance of a deeper cavern that was probably where the Goblins were. He stood ready, his stance emulating that of the Irish Demigod he had borrowed the spear from.
"Once you use Holy Light, return to the entrance like we discussed." Goblin Slayer reminded.
O merciful Earth Mother, please bless us…
She turned to Shirou. "Once they're blinded we rush in, and eliminate the immediate threats."
The wanderers in the darkness…
"I'll deal with the Hob." Shirou suggested. "I can kill it in one hit." Goblin Slayer wasn't even looking at him anymore, her gaze focused into the darkness. Probably estimating the number of Goblins and how to react once the number was determined.
"I see." She replied, still monotonous in tone. "I'll leave it to you then."
With Holy Light!
Shirou kept his gaze locked forward, in his peripherals the landscape was suddenly awash with a blinding radiance that he could only liken to a certain holy sword. He and Goblin Slayer did not waste a moment as they rushed into the now illuminated cavern. Shirou whilst moving at a fast pace, he saw all that these monsters had wrought.
Scattered across the ground were the remains of what he assumed were adventurers, some were dying and others seemed to wish for death. Shirou's rage was ignited as he took in the scene, his gaze locked onto the larger Hobgoblin as the tip of the cursed spear burned bright.
"Your heart is mine!" He declared, as the larger goblin stiffened. The deed was already done, all that was needed to do was to call out its True Name.
Gae Bolg!
The Hobgoblin collapsed into a heap, while Shirou was just barely able to catch a glimpse of Goblin Slayer using the spear she wielded to impale the Goblin Shaman, before she turned tail and rushed out of the cavern.
Shirou counted five Goblins scattered across the room, still dazed. He decided against killing them, not without possibly getting overwhelmed in the process by sheer number from an ambush from an obscure angle. He also wasn't aware of the cave's layout making the former scenario plausible.
He quickly ran after Goblin Slayer, just as the spell from the young cleric was beginning to wear off. He had just reached the mouth of the cavern where Goblin Slayer and Priest were waiting for him.
Then…
H…
It was faint, Shirou found himself coming to a screeching halt. He stood at the cusp of relative safety, he could faintly see the outlines of the pair he had come here with. It may have been nothing, he argued; just the sound of a goblin gasping for breath.
H..elp me…
"Oh root help me." He thought, as he quickly turned around. One of the women were still conscious, a girl with a ponytail. Her eyes were desperate, her hand was outstretched in an attempt to reach out to Shirou.
There was no hesitation in Shirou's movements, he rushed back into the cavern just as the goblins had recovered from their induced blindness. Shirou's arms were around the girl not a moment later. He hoisted her up, then ran for the entrance.
Though with the added weight, Shirou was now slower. The goblins were able to close the distance between them if they continued this pace, the trigger in his mind fired off. Any of them would do, any nameless blade would do, and there was no time to choose.
Trace Bullet….SUCCESSIVE FIRE
None of the five goblins remained intact after that, their last sights must've been nothing more than a flash of quicksilver. Shirou's laboured breaths filled the silence in the cavern, the only sounds that rivalled his breaths were the gurgling sounds of the goblins he had eviscerated, some of them were probably hit in a non-lethal area, but it was enough to cripple them.
Hurried steps quickly came from the top of the cavern, where Goblin Slayer and the young Priest came from. "Are you okay?! You never came back so we-" Shirou silenced him with a wave of his hand, gesturing to the girl he had in his arms.
Priest's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates as he quickly took the girl from Shirou, the former straightened himself out and stood beside Goblin Slayer. "Some of them are still alive."
"Then we'll check, and kill them." Goblin Slayer had a club equipped, while Shirou picked up one of the blades he had fired off as a projectile earlier from a goblin he had managed to shoot right in the face.
"Agreed." The pair began their search for any survivors among the goblins, and then making sure they didn't survive. The Shaman was one of these goblins, who seemed to have not learned anything from his encounter with this specific party of adventurers as it jumped to try and claw Goblin Slayer's face off, only to be bludgeoned by the club in Goblin Slayer's hand.
Priest walked forward, still carrying the unconscious girl Shirou had saved. The later traced a simple blanket and draped it over the girl. "How is she?" He asked.
Priest shook his head. "She's really out of it, they abused her so much in such a little time. It's a miracle she can even sleep somewhat soundly." Priest's grip on her tightened. "I can't imagine what she's been through."
"What do we do from here?" Shirou asked.
Goblin Slayer seemed to answer this question by kicking over the makeshift throne the Shaman had. Behind it was a crudely made secret room, it was nothing but a panel of wood that covered a small compartment that was hidden behind the throne.
When the wooden panel was removed Shirou was surprised, there were little Goblin children. All of them cowering in fear, most likely at the sight of Goblin Slayer.
"Baby Goblins?" Priest asked.
"They multiply quickly, if we wasted anytime there might have been a horde of 50 down here waiting for us." Shirou took note of that tidbit of information, then looked back to the girl in Priest's arms. No wonder she seemed so broken, being defiled then giving birth to an abomination like this was a fate worse than death.
Priest seemed like he wanted to say something, but Shirou stopped him before he could. "Let's get her to safety." He suggested. "Goblin Slayer, we'll be heading on ahead." For the next part Shirou made sure the cleric was out of earshot. "Do what you need to do."
He hurried Priest out of the cave, the last thing he heard before reaching the outside world once again were the terrified squeals and mewlings of the goblin offspring. Shirou had formed a conclusion as he walked, taking into account everything he had seen today: this world was horrible…
They say it's a common occurrence…
Goblins attacking a village and kidnapping young women, a party of rookie adventurers going to slay goblins, only to be slain themselves.
Rescued girls joining temples due to their despair after being treated as the goblin's playthings…
Shirou glanced up at Guild Girl who recounted these so called common occurrences, her expression somber yet adjusted. She took a sip from her cup of whatever liquid she could find in the backroom, then seemed to stare at her reflection on the liquid's surface.
"Was this at all at what you expected being an Adventurer to be?" She asked. The young magus shook his head, his mind drifting as he wondered what the more dangerous monsters were like. "I thought goblins were supposed to be the easy monsters."
Many think that as well…
Goblin Slayer said as she came into view, her grimy leather armor and cheap looking steel helmet were unmistakable. "Though many adventurers lose their entire party, all because they underestimate the little abominations."
"Why do you think that goblins hold one of the highest mortality rates of all the monsters?" She asked, Shirou looked to Guild Girl who confirmed. "Being burned alive by the flame of a dragon, or being ripped apart by wolves; is a mercy compared to facing a goblin and losing. With them at least you'll die quick, but with goblins…you feel powerless, you become powerless, and helpless as you watch those around you die or be used for their amusement."
What was that about? Was she really? Or did she watch? Questions such as these, and many others raced through Shirou's mind, however only one managed to escape through his lips. "Where's the Priest?"
"He's tending to the one we found. As for me, I've finished my report." Goblin Slayer answered, handing Guild Girl a stack of papers with neat handwriting; at least that was what Shirou thought, he couldn't understand the language still.
"Thank you." Guild Girl beamed. "What will you be doing now?"
"I'll be heading home, then I'll check the farm for goblins." She replied. Shirou however had just realized something, he had no place to call home. Maybe there was an inn nearby, he could work for his room and then hopefully begin paying them once he had more money from his time as an adventurer.
"Is something on your mind?" Guild Girl asked.
"Oh…well you see." Shirou began, rubbing the back of his head. It honestly pained him to do this, but he had no choice. "You wouldn't happen to know where I could stay for tonight, would you?" Guild Girl brought her hand to her chin, she seemed to be deep in thought.
"There are rooms at the guild that adventurers rent out sometimes, but they aren't very cheap. You're better off staying at an inn." She replied. "I could help you find a place to stay once I finish my shift."
Shirou waved her off. "No, please don't. I can do that myself." He said as he got up. "Thank you, I'll be taking my leave now." One curt bow to both Goblin Slayer and Guild Girl later, Shirou had vanished from the room. Goblin Slayer stood by Guild Girl without moving an inch, while the latter seemed to worry about the redhead.
Shirou had been walking around town aimlessly for the past hour or so, he finally had time to himself after this…"exciting" day. There was just so much information to process, so many questions but he wouldn't let that overwhelm him. He had to take it slow, get his thoughts in order.
What had he learned today?
First, the magic in this world was different from his own. His Magecraft would be considered as Magic here, but there were both pros and cons to this. His Magecraft was completely dependent on the Magical Energy he had in his system, however his Projections weren't at full strength and if Goblins; which almost everyone considered as the least threatening were actually this dangerous he shuddered at the thought of facing something stronger like a Dragon or a Dead Apostle.
He wouldn't dare try facing them, not unless he had access to his stronger Noble Phantasms. He just hoped he acclimated to the Mana Density in the atmosphere quickly.
As for the magic in this world, from the limited information he got from Goblin Slayer and Priest, it seemed that everyone was able to use a set amount of spells per day. However their spells were limited, but powerful if the right one was assigned. He didn't seem to be affected however, so this was a good sign.
Shirou wondered how Rin would react to this magic system if she was here, but she wasn't…it was just him.
Shirou glanced down the cobblestone street, and saw an older man probably in his early 30's who seemed to be struggling with the wheel on his cart.
"Excuse me, is everything okay?" Shirou asked, the man looked up at him and wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. "It's fine, my cart just isn't what it used to be." He replied.
Shirou stepped forward, and inspected the cart. The main problem was that the wheel had somehow managed to fall off, and break into two pieces. The cart was tipped over, but thankfully whatever cargo was on the cart seemed to be nothing more than empty jars.
Shirou could've easily fixed this, but he wasn't really the best when it came to Projecting objects made of wood. Pipes and mugs; sure they were easy, but wood? No, out of the question.
There was only one thing to do. "I'll handle it." Shirou declared, as he picked up the cart balancing the weight of the cart on the remaining wheel it had. "Where to?"
"Are you sure kid?" He asked. "My farm is a little ways off, I can handle it myself." Shirou shook his head, displaying a smile. "It's no bother at all, now shall we?"
The man let out a defeated sigh, as he began to walk parallel to Shirou. He may have been alone, but at least this feeling was familiar to him. Regardless of the world, he'd help as many people as he could; it was what he wanted after all…
And all he knew.
A little while into their walk Shirou took in the scenery of the countryside. He found it amazing that a beautiful countryside was only a 10 minute walk out of the town, the man seemed to have noticed Shirou's amazement and let out a cough.
"Not from around these parts I take it?" He asked.
If only you knew.
"Yeah." He answered. "I never got to see scenery like this from where I was from. It was always people and houses, not that I mind. I loved my home."
"So what made you decide to come out to these parts?" He asked. If this kept going, Shirou would run out of half-truths eventually he needed to keep the conversation on his companion. "I always wanted to help people, so I came out here to be an adventurer." He turned to the man. "What about you?"
"I just run a farm." He started. "It was originally my sister's, but when she married she left the farm with me. Now it's just me and my nice, just trying to make an honest living."
"That's admirable." Shirou commented.
The man let out a chuckle. "Kid, the only admirable thing is that you'd stop and help a stranger. I just hope the inn you're staying at keeps its doors unlocked."
"It's no trouble." Shirou replied, the man rolled his eyes. How many times had he said those words while on their little walk. "Still, you wouldn't happen to know where to get a cheap inn would you?"
The man turned to Shirou. "Don't have a place to stay?" The redhead shook his head.
"Well…why don't you stay the night at my farm? It's the least I can do." Shirou quickly began shaking his head. "No, you don't have to do that. I'd hate to impose."
"Nonsense!" The man insisted. "Meeting an adventurer who helps others without expecting much in return is a nice change of pace." Shiou couldn't help but lift an eyebrow at that comment.
"Now don't you go and give me that look." The man's gaze was once again locked forwards. "I just mean that there aren't many like you. Everyone wants to be famous, or rich; to not work another day in their life." The man seemed to realize he was beginning to rant about adventurers to an adventurer. "Though what about you? What is it that you want?"
Shirou didn't need to put any thought into his answer. "I want to be a Hero of Justice. To save anyone and everyone." Then Shirou fell silent, waiting to hear the scoff that usually came from the people he shared his ideal with. Strangely the man just stared forward, blinking once before letting out a breath.
"That's a big dream." He said.
They shared no more words for the remainder of the trip, and in the silence Shirou was left with his own thoughts. He was aware of the flaws of his ideal, Archer pointed them out to him and made his point clear. However he clung to this ideal, not willing to compromise despite living his life of falsehoods so long as he clung to it.
Never knowing how to save. Never knowing what to save. Your ideals are bankrupt. Thinking that others are more important than yourself, wishing for everyone to be happy, is just a fairy tale.
Archer…was his ideal, he was proof that if he kept going-believing in his ideal. One day he'd achieve it, but when he eventually does it destroys him. He saw the hell Archer had made for himself, and one that he'd one day share.
His time with Rin in London had definitely changed him, he thought about how he went about in difficult situations, but when it came down to it he was still determined to put his life on the line for others. There was nothing that could change his mind, because his ideals were flawed…but beautiful.
"We're here." The man said.
Shirou glanced at the farm house, it was what a stereotypical farm would look like. A humble brick farm house, rows of leafy vegetables, and even some animals such as cows.
"Make yourself at home." Instructed the man as he opened the door to his home, Shirou gently put aside the broken cart then made sure to dust off his boots before he stepped inside. The moment he did however his nose was captured by a scent, a scent that smelled of broth and spices; someone was cooking.
"I'm home!" The man announced. "Get another plate ready we have a guest."
An audible "Okay." Could've been heard from what Shirou assumed to be the kitchen. Shirou Emiya being Shirou Emiya, decided that if he was to eat in another person's home he would at least prepare his own plate.
Using the scent as his compass, Shirou made his way through the house and came upon a kitchen. When he did Shirou's mouth went dry, a girl a few years younger than himself stared back at him. Her voluptuous build was made Shirou almost call out to an old friend, though he stopped himself before he could.
This isn't Sakura.
He reminded himself. That's right, whoever this girl was he didn't know her. He was alone in this world, no friends, no family…completely alone.
"Good evening." A mechanical voice called out to him, on his right was an individual wearing a cheap steel helmet and leather armor. It was Goblin Slayer. He honestly wasn't surprised to see her here. Oh well…
It could've been worse.
There we have it, the first Chapter. Please don't be too harsh with me, I'll get better I hope everyone will stick around for the next part.