The Story of Illya Emiya

Disclaimer: I do not own any part of the Fate Stay franchise or the characters associated with them.

"talking"

Thoughts

Destined Day

~ Fuyuki city (Emiya residence) ~ (one year later)

It was early morning as Kiritsugu was hard as work at his desk writing out several documentations. There was much that had to be done as every moment he could draw breath was precious time he needed to prepare to ensure Illya would live a happy and peaceful life.

"Papa!" Illya called out, "I'm going to school now!"

Standing up and turning about, he smiled towards his daughter as he patted her on the head. "Are you wearing the necklace I gave you?"

"Of course!" Illya chimed happily.

Chuckling somewhat, Kiritsugu stared at the jewelery that hung around his daughter's neck. It was a magical item he conceived that created a powerful bounded field around his daughter creating a perception filter. The first thing he needed to do was conceal her identity from the world. Undoubtedly, old man Acht was looking for her now as he needed to retrieve his precious grail to win the fifth holy grail war. So giving a necklace to Illya and her maids Sella and Leysritt, no one would be able to tell it was them even if one of the Einzbern agents were staring right at them face to face. With their unique homunculus physiology, they were easily able to provide prana keeping the effect continuous without ever tiring.

"Illya!" Shirou then called out, "we have to go now or we're going to be late!"

"Coming oniichan!" as she ran back to the front door.

"Come along then" Taiga smiled, "I'll walk you to school".

But before the three could leave, Leysritt had cut them off as she stood before the elder blond. "I believe you are mistaken" as she held her stoic face, "I will be the one to escort them to school".

"It's my job so step aside" Taiga then growled.

"Someone as useless as you should step aside".

"What did you say?!"

". . . . You are useless" said Leysritt as she stressed every syllable. "Your cleaning is lackluster, your cooking is horrid, and if something were to happen on the way to school I feel you are highly incompetent in protecting either Shirou-kun or Illyasviel-sama".

"Oh yeah! You want to have a go at it right now!" as Taiga pulled out her shinai.

"Very well" as the maid homunculus summoned her halberd as the two stared intently at each other as aggressive killing intent clashed between them.

"I think we should get going on our own" Shirou sweat dropped

"Agreed" Illya nodded as they were out the door.

"If you're going to fight" Kiritsugu sighed, "please take it outside" to which Taiga and Leysritt commenced their hundredth or so duel. Frankly the former mage killer had lost track of how many times his house keeper and the Einzbern maid had fought over such silly or trivial matters. But still to this day they have only fought to a draw as Leysritt was stronger to which Taiga had to be more skillful. Although they'd never admit it, they both shared a begrudging respect for one another.

But contrary to Leysritt's accusations, she doesn't cook or clean herself as she practically lives like a neet. Hence Sella was usually the one who took care of the chores around the house in which she displayed remarkable skill and proficiency.

Speaking of the other Einzbern maid, "I do not understand why she would need to attend a normal human school" said Sella. "What can they possibly have to teach her that I cannot?"

"Not just magic" Kiritsugu explained, "it's a life outside the pressures and expectations of the magical community. More so, just limiting your knowledge also limits your potential. However above all else I think it would be good for her to be around kids her own age to grow up around. But in the end, it's Illya's decision to what kind of life she wants to live. I just wanted to show her something more out there".

Sella just shook her head, but chose not to argue it any further. " . . . . And how goes your current work?"

"I have almost everything assembled. But I need to be careful as I don't want to arouse any suspicion".

". . . . Understood".

Setting everything up for Illya's future, he now had to ensure her life. With a homunculus body, his daughter was not meant to live very long. So with careful planning, he was going to make sure that was not the case as he knew it was possible. For this endeavor, it required a small fortune and a strong understanding of alchemy to make it happen. Due to his long career as a mage killer, money was no issue. But for the formulation of alchemy, he needed to depend on Sella for it.

Although the Einzbern maid was apprehensive in helping Kiritsugu in any possible way, this was the one exception she would make. Frankly this required a remarkable level of cooperation between the two regardless of their problems with one another. If there was one thing in the entire world they could agree on, it was Illya's well being. She loved that girl as if she were her own daughter. Being created and re-purposed with high magical knowledge and the intellect to use it, she was capable of extending Illya's life as she would be able to live a perceivable 'normal' life span. As suggested by Kiritsugu, a way for Illya to 'grow up'. Adjusting her physical form to a more older and mature body, it would relieve some of the stresses of all the magic circuits that were crammed inside of her.

"But there is nothing that can be done about 'that' is there . . . ." as Kiritsugu tapped his pencil against the desk.

"That is not possible" said Sella, "there is nothing more that can be done about it".

In the event the fifth holy grail war does occur, they wanted to disable the functions that made Illya the vessel for the accursed cup. However it was not possible considering her constitution. All her magic circuits were directly hardwired to this design as any tampering would either hurt or potentially kill her. But with very careful remodeling, they managed to divert several conduit lines weakening the connection. However the function would always still be there, and should the war occur and servants would fall they would immediately be pulled to her like magnets. But what happened from there was anybodies guess as there was no telling with how many reroutes were made to her circuitry.

But being the man that he was, he had already put plans into place to ensure there would be no fifth holy grail war. Although he commanded Saber to destroy the grail, the essence of it still existed. So placing high explosives along the leylines of Fuyuki city, he hoped it would cause enough of a disturbance to the magical properties officially ending the game. Though being the man that he was, it was always a necessity to have a contingency plan in the event something unexpected occurred.

A matter he would discuss when Illya and Shirou got home tonight.

~ Fuyuki city (school) ~ (afternoon)

"Oniichan!" Illya chimed happily, "it's lunchtime. Come and eat with me".

Shirou just chuckled at this as his step sister dragged him along regardless of whatever he might say. "Oi oi, don't you have a lot of friends that you like eating with?"

"But I like everyone eating together" she smiled brightly. "It's what makes a meal taste better!"

The boy then sighed at this. "Illya" Shirou then started, "it's been a year already. Why do you keep telling everybody that I'm your older brother even though you're older then me?"

"Because it adds to my cute factor" as Illya gave a sunny smile.

Arriving to a nice spot at a bench under a tree, all of Illya's friends were present. Though much to Shirou's embarrassment still couldn't remember all of their names. But to his amazement, the young homunculus was definitely something else. Recalling, only a week in everyone wanted to be Illya's friend as she had that kind of warm innocence which just attracted people to her like gravity as they wanted to huddle around it to feels it's radiance. Being within it's reach, he became part of something so wonderful with all the friends that surrounded him.

As they started to eat, the group began to talk about whatever came to mind with the latest books, entertainment, school, or miscellaneous thing that might have come up.

But stretching over to academics, "so Illya-chan how did you do in that math test? What did you get on the last question?"

Upon being asked, the silver haired girl choked on her food coughing it out as she gave a slight look of defeat. ". . . . Ugh . . . . Yeah, about that . . . ."

"You guessed didn't you?" as Shirou looked to her blankly.

"But it was a really hard question and I didn't understand what some of it meant. Plus there wasn't much time . . . ."

"I told you to study" as Shirou then poked his finger into her head. "You should have been more focused then staying up all last night watching T.V."

"But oniichan" as Illya's eyes stretched to teary saucers while her lips quivered. "there was a show on I didn't want to miss. It was about magical girls fighting witches in a ploy to save the world". At hearing this her friends had begun to laugh at how simple Illya was at times.

Likewise Shirou had begun to laugh as well. When it came to magic, Illya was for lack of better words brilliant beyond gifted as there was no type of magic she couldn't understand and apply. But when it came to certain academic subjects such as science or math, she was barely even average. In a way it kind of balanced them out as Illya would give him pointers on magic while he gave her tips on school related things.

But then, "why do you like hanging around these people? Wouldn't you rather just eat with me?" said a girl who had short black hair as she now stood before the group.

"Ehh?! Illya-chan doesn't belong to you".

"Why don't you just come eat with us?"

"Can't we all just be friends?"

However in response, the short haired brunette gave them all a glare which somewhat intimidated or scared some of them.

Giving a strained chuckle, "Miyu, can't we all just play nice with each other?" Illya then asked.

As this went on, Shirou watched amused on the sidelines. Miyu Edelfelt, a girl who had transferred to their school roughly a few months ago. Though personality wise, she was practically like a cold fish only slightly better then Leysritt when it came to manners. However she was a genius when it came to academics and certain talents. Starting her life at their school, the stoic girl was cold towards everyone, barely sociable, and generally regarded everyone with contempt either for their stupidity or incompetence. But after a few days around Illya, they were practically inseparable as she was the only one she would treat nicely. When it concerned himself, that was quite the mystery. The stoic girl always acted weird around him much to his confusion, but decided not to delve into it if it was not necessary.

But beyond that, no one knew anything else about Miyu except she worked as a live in maid for some rich girl.

"I understand" as Miyu took her seat and began eating along side everyone.

"Yay! Miyu-tan has joined the party!"

"The ultimate tsundere has arrived!"

"Come on let's eat".

~ Fuyuki city ~ (mid-afternoon)

Concluding the events of the day at school with lectures and homework, Illya and Shirou bid their friends good-bye as they left.

On their walk home the siblings would have a pleasant talk with whatever came to mind. But most of the time due to Illya's playful nature, she would always challenge her brother to some game whether it be looking out for certain objects or racing all the way home.

For her amusement this time, "oniichan! Let's see who'll get home first!"

"Sure, but before that there is something I want to try".

"OK".

Looking around to make sure the coast was clear of any human presence, Shirou closed his eyes as he began to hold an imagine in his head. Practicing the entire year with the guidance of Illya and Sella, his ability to project had significantly improved to which he had now transcended his original limitation. Although not perfect, he was confident his skills had evolved to a higher level as his imaginary items were more stable and capable of staying in the world for longer. Imagining all the little details from every single bolt and screw to solid frames, he picked a name that could describe his evolved projection ability. "Trace on!"

Standing aside, Illya's eyes widened in amazement as several lines of energy appeared twisting, turning, and connecting as soon enough the projection began to solidify into a solid mass. Seeing it completed, the young homunculus jumped excitedly into the air at what her brother had made for her. "A bike! You made me a bike! Exactly the one I saw on the T.V.! Thank you oniichan!"

Shirou chuckled, "well just don't get too attached to it. It'll only last for an hour at most".

"You're definitely getting better. Even I can't make a projection this good".

"Well if you studied technology more you'd probably do it better then me".

"Give yourself more credit" Illya happily smiled, "you'll definitely become a great magus someday".

"Unlikely" Shirou sadly sighed. "I can only use reinforce and projection as any other kind of magic I'm just terrible at".

"Well I have a feeling you'll definitely become someone great. So that's why I think you should think of a cool nickname like Shirou the hero!" as Illya gave a bubbly look.

"Uhh, I don't think so . . . ."

"Come on oniichan, you need to think of a cool nickname for yourself or else I'm going to name you!"

Giving a strained laugh, there weren't exactly a lot of cool names out there to begin with. Most names that were given in the magical community were by his sense absolutely cheesy as he'd rather just be called Shirou then anything else. But seeing his sister insistent of him getting a name, he thought of one that was both simple and modest. "How about just Shirou the mage smith?"

Illya gave a deep thoughtful look before returning back to her happy demeanor. "That's a dumb name. I still think Shirou the hero is better".

Chuckling once more, the mage smith projected a skateboard onto the ground as he stepped on it. "I'll tell you what, whoever get's home first will be the name I'll stick with" as he then kicked off the ground as he boarded down the street.

"Hey! That's no fair! You got a head start!" as Illya jumped on her bike to give chase.

~ Fuyuki city (Emiya residence) ~ (late evening)

Preparing for the evening, Sella made dinner as she along with Leysitt, Illya, Shirou, and Kiritsugu sat to eat. Even Taiga joined in as a surprise visit as she sat to eat with the unusual family.

But regardless of how crude this family gathering was, it had a very pleasant atmosphere as they were all able to come together in peace and share a good moment with one another. Though Leysritt didn't mind the company so long as her mistress was OK, Sella still felt a bit uncomfortable about the entire thing even after all this time. But slowly she was coming to accept it. Even grow a bit fond of being around people who smiled and laughed as she found herself joining in along with it. After a year in being in a regular human society, she dared to say she understood a bit better what it meant to be human.

As the evening began to come to a close, what dinner would be complete without a show?

With the meal finished, desert was served as cake was presented. Each enjoying their slice, there was only one last piece left on the plate. Reaching out her fork, Taiga aimed to retrieve it. As her silverware was inches away it was intercepted as her neighbor was also reaching for it as the two forks collided.

"I was going to take the last slice" said Taiga as she eyed the Einzbern maid who sat on her left.

"You are only but a guest" said Leysritt. "It is rather improper of you to be laying claim on the last slice".

"Well as a guest shouldn't I be offered the last slice? It is after all better etiquette of a host".

"An uninvited guest" the maid corrected. "I would like to have the last piece".

"Why do you need it?" as Taiga eyed Leysritt's chest. "Haven't you grown enough as it is?"

"I highly doubt you're going to get any better" Leysritt responded as she eyed Taiga's chest noting the significant difference between them.

"All right that's it! You asked for it!"

Both kicking there chairs back, the two dueled it out with forks with a rapid jousting assault. Impressively with each attack, the tips of their forks struck each other rebounding back as they struck each other again. As Taiga was giving her all behind each hit, Leysritt at this point was humoring her matching her speed and strength as she found this all rather amusing.

However Taiga knew she couldn't win this match physically. "If that's the case . . . ." being as precise as possible with the smallest deviation, she deflected her opponents fork as she swung back to the last piece of cake. "Mine!"

"No you don't" as Leysritt threw her fork hitting the tip of the plate as it flung the pastry into the air.

Not deterred in the slightest, Taiga adjusted her movements grabbing her dish in order to catch it.

But reacting with lightning fast reflexes, Leysitt had grabbed her nearest utensil being a knife as she recoiled back to swing up with it. With the incredible speed and strength she wielded, she had not only cleanly cleaved Taiga's ceramic dish in half but also the cake in midair. Falling in two separate pieces, one fell on Illya's plate while the other onto Shirou's face.

"Thanks Leysritt" Illya chimed.

"Yeah thanks . . . ." Shirou said sourly.

"Geez, please try not to damage the china" said Sella as with a wave of her hand she repaired what was broken.

Thus the night ended with a laugh.

But before the day could truly end, Kiritsugu had one last thing he had to do. Calling Shirou and Illya to his study, he was going to give them a choice. What they decided would determine what he would do next.

"What did you want to talk about papa?" Illya asked.

"Yeah, what is it dad?" then said Shirou.

Gathering himself for what he was about to say, it wasn't going to be easy. He swore after the great fire that burned the city to live a pacifist life. But with Illya back with him, so much had changed. The Einzbern household would hunt his daughter relentlessly to re-ascertain her. With their resources, they would eventually succeed. On top of that, if his initial plan failed to stop the fifth holy grail war Illya would undoubtedly be chosen as one of the masters to participate putting her in further danger. So he needed to make sure they were prepared. ". . . . Danger is lurking on the horizon. A threat too great for either of you to face. When that time comes you both will face enemies who will not hesitate to kill you".

At hearing this, both children gave a staggered look.

". . . . So for whatever time I have left, I want you both to train hard as I'll teach you everything I know from techniques to tactics you can use to exploit other magus. However I present this only to you as a choice. If you do not wish to get involved then I'll try to think of something else. So what do you want to do?"

Looking to each other, Illya and Shirou wasn't really sure how to answer as they found themselves in a situation that was bigger then anything they've ever encountered. But between the two, Shirou had already made up his mind. Danger would meet them one day or another and he needed to be stronger to protect the people he cared for and those that couldn't protect themselves. However Illya didn't want to fight anyone if she didn't have too. If anything, Sella and Leysritt would always be there for her when she needed help. However . . . . She knew she couldn't depend on them forever as someday somewhere down the line something may happen in which she'll need to defend herself.

"OK" Shirou agreed.

"If papa thinks it's best" said Illya hesitantly, "then OK".

Kiritsugu nodded, but there was one last thing he wanted to cover before everyone went to sleep. "Illya . . . . I know it's not much of an inheritance, but it's yours if you want it".

"What is it?"

Stripping his shirt, the former mage killer showed his back to them as there was a circular tattoo with an extremely intricate pattern to it.

"A magic crest" as Illya instantly recognized it.

"Yes, the Emiya magic crest" said Kiritsugu putting his shirt back on as he turned back. Although it was only but a fraction, it still contained the long history and research of space time magic the Emiya family had gathered for many years. For a time he considered in giving it to Shirou. But due to his low affinity for magic and also that he wasn't his son by blood, the transfer would have most likely failed and end up killing him. However Illya had the potential to inherit it as she had all the right qualities. Frankly it would have been more use to her then him anymore. Though the curse was killing him and deteriorated his magic circuits, magic crests functioned independently to that of it's user as an external source. So it was safe for him to transfer it to her. Although he wasn't ever interested in researching, he applied a few of his still working circuits into the crest of what he felt would be useful.

Giving a small smile, "will this make me officially Illya Emiya?"

"Illya Emiya or Illyasviel von Einzbern, whichever you feel more comfortable with".

". . . . I think" as the young homunculus warmly smiled, "Illya Emiya will be fine".

Thus a new fate has now been put into motion.

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: I hope this chapter was good as I wanted to add some context before jumping right into the story. With Illya and her two maids living with Kiritsugu and Shirou, I figured how could their lives have changed. So I surmised Shirou would be much better at magic and Kiritsugu would find a way to apply more normalcy to Illya's life.

Now to side notes, I'm aware homunculus don't need to eat food so long as they have prana to sustain them. However they still have a working digestive system and eating is something a pleasure Illya, Sella, and Leysritt enjoy.

Also for those who are unaware, Illya is the same age or a bit older then Shirou. But because of her physiology she could not 'grow up'. Though with things different now, she'll look her age as that's what I have planned.

Finally is the character Miyu who appears in the magical girl Illya story. Her back story is rather interesting in how she is connected to Illya. But for the context of this story, it won't be relevant till much later.

So thanks for taking the time in reading this fic and I hope you can review it as well.