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

The Dawn

~ Fuyuki city ~ (several years later)

It was early morning as two teens were in a cemetery of several shrines as the pair were there to pay their respects.

For the one who now resided there was that of Kiritsugu Emiya. The former mage killer had now passed on to the next world after holding on for so many years. But regardless of the strength of his will or the support of his loved ones, the curse finally caught up to him. Though the roguish man had a lot to answer for and many regrets in his life, when it came to his children, it was at least that one thing he knew he did right. He may not have been a great man, but he made sure as hell to be a good father to both Illya and Shirou.

Although he wasn't exactly a typical or perhaps traditional dad, he did his best to uphold to that ideal. For the time he had left, they were filled with bliss. But with the flame of his life so short, he did all he could to prepare for the future of what may happen. Even after death, there was at least one last thing he could do for his kids to which he entrusted to Sella to carry out. But for what it may concern, it was a matter for another time.

Kneeling before his grave was a young beautiful girl in her teen's having waist long silver hair, crimson eyes, and sporting a high school uniform. Illya Emiya had indeed grown into a fine young lady living a life her father wanted for her away from violence and the harsh expectations of the magical world. Although she could have stayed in a child's body, even she knew she had to grow up eventually. So with careful adjustments by Sella, her body 'aged' by one year for every year that passed simulating growth.

Standing behind her was that of her adopted brother Shirou Emiya. He had grown much over the years having slightly spiked reddish orange hair, being somewhat taller then Illya, and also sporting the same high school uniform. When the day finally came that their dad had passed on, he was heart broken beyond words. Although the pain of this loss was great, he would honor the ideals of his adopted father becoming the hero he strive to be. With Illya, Sella, and Leysritt around to keep him level headed, he would try not to be so reckless as they cared for him as he in turn cared for them and didn't want to make them worry.

Burning some incense as they prayed for their dad, "watch over us OK papa" said Illya, "I hope you and mama are happy together in heaven".

"It's about time we left" said Shirou, "or else we're going to be late for school" to which they then departed.

~ Homurahara academy ~

Arriving at school, things proceeded as they usually did for the Emiyas. But more so for Illya at what greeted her at the front gate.

"Good morning Illya-chan!"

"How are you this morning?"

"Hey did you see that show yesterday?"

Since her debut, all of Illya's closest friends would wait for her every morning at the same spot just for the simple reason of wanting to talk to her.

"Good morning Illya" said Miyu somewhat shyly. "Let's have another good day".

Looking to the stoic girl, Illya gave her a warm smile. If any of them changed the most it would have most definitely been her. Although Miyu may start off very harsh and cynical of others, she was genuinely a good person who honestly cared so much for others to why she took on so many burdens on her own. But after cracking her exterior, there was certainly a tender side to her. Taking her hands into her own, "yes, let's have another good day" she smiled.

"Just look how adorable Miyu-tan can be!" as another of their friend's placed her hand on theirs.

"Don't touch me" Miyu instantly responded giving her 'friend' the cold shoulder causing her to sob a bit.

"Definitely something that needs working on" as Illya gave a strained chuckle.

Meanwhile as Illya was hanging out with her friends, Shirou had his own business to attend too as he was called away by Issei. For some time now he had been aiding the student council with fix it jobs to free up some resources for other expenditures. Frankly he didn't mind helping as it provided constant opportunities in practicing his reinforcement magic. But it also helped when your friend happens to be student council president in which you can call in a favor once in a while.

"You've been a lot of help" smiled Issei, "I wouldn't know what to do without you".

"You flatter me" said Shirou, "but I was just doing what I can is all".

"Don't be modest. You deserve the credit with how much money you were able to help us save".

"Really? Though I don't really think it's necessary in the grand scheme of things".

"Hmm? What makes you say that?"

Answering just that, they had arrived at the student council room where they could hear two girls arguing inside. Pushing the door just slightly enough to peek inside, they saw what was going on.

Watching, both Issei and Shirou could only sigh at the typical sight.

For the two girls who were arguing were none other then Rin Tohsaka and Luvia Edelfelt. Since beginning high school, both of them were considered school idols as they were not only top notch academically but very beautiful as well. For everyone who knew them, they generally behaved in front of others in a very high class lady like fashion carrying themselves with both considerable grace and elegance. However behind the scenes, they were quite different being devious, competitive, and perhaps a tad bit manipulative. Though they kept these tendencies very well hidden, when they were around each other they couldn't help but want to out do the other no matter what the goal was. In an attempt to prove who was better, they both ended up competing with each other for council seats only for both of them to tie for vice president.

Now as for Shirou's belief, although Rin and Luvia never outwardly showed it they were both quite wealthy. But to what extent, even he didn't know nor did he really care to ask as it wasn't his business. But when it came to purchasing items needed for school, the two girls would constantly go at it in a display at who had more money then the other.

"You really want to get that?" Luvia mocked, "only commoners would go for something of such low quality".

"Oh really?" Rin countered, "have you taken a look at what you're getting? Pathetic".

They would have continued arguing until they noticed the door creak open as both the student council president and his friend walked in. Putting back on their masks, "president, Shirou, welcome back".

"What brings you around here Emiya-kun?"

For the most part, the two boys decided to play this out as they've known for a while what kind of people they were, but didn't want to make a scene of it. "Well I invited Shirou here to see what he will be able to do" said Issei. "Depending on what he can fix we'll be able to free up some funding".

"I still don't see why?" said Luvia, "it's not necessary as I can easily replace what's broken".

"There is no need to trouble Emiya-kun" then said Rin.

"It's alright" Shirou smiled, "I'm happy to help in any way I can. It's the least I can do for the hard work you've all invested into this school".

At such a remark, both girls gave a small smile. They did appreciate how hard working he was as he didn't complain in the slightest no matter what was asked of him. Regardless of the difficulty or struggle of the situation, Shirou showed how indomitable his perseverance was. For this, they held a sense of admiration for him.

"So what needs looking into?"

"It's actually a few projectors in a few classes" said Issei.

"I can show you to them" then said Rin.

"Alright" Shirou answered as they were then on their way. Going from class to class, he examined the machines finding an assortment of problems ranging from minor to major issues. But nothing too significant that he couldn't deal with.

Exiting from one of the classes, "hello sempai, I hope your day has been going well".

Looking to his kouhai, Shirou gave her a cheerful look. "It's been going well, and how about you Sakura?"

Giving the boy her warm smile, "good".

Nodding, Shirou smiled. The girl was Sakura Matou, she was a year young then him thus making her his kouhai. For the most part, she was a very warm and caring person who had plenty of great qualities. However . . . . He couldn't help but feel an underlining sadness to her regardless of the smiles she always showed everyone.

"Oh, hello sempai" as Sakura then gave a polite bow to Rin, "if there is anything I can do for you please tell me".

"No, it's quite alright" said Rin.

Watching the two girls exchange words, the mage smith couldn't help but feel a slight awkwardness between them. Frankly this always seemed to be the case when he saw Sakura and Rin talk with one another. But then again it probably was just his imagination as he was more then likely reading too much into the situation. Thus concluding his business with the council, the school day progressed like any other with classes, lectures, lunch period, and other work. With school over for the day, he figured he'd get a head start on his repair job.

"Are you going to be late coming home oniichan?" Illya questioned, "are you going to make it for dinner? Sella will be cooking something good tonight".

"Don't worry" Shirou chuckled, "I'll call it quits before it get's too late as I should make it home by night. Just make sure Leysritt doesn't eat my share OK".

The young homunculus gave a warm laugh to this. "Then you better hurry as I can't make promises. But are you sure you don't want me to stay to keep you company?"

"Yeah I'm sure. Just head home first. I'll see you there".

"OK, later oniichan. Come home as soon as you can" as Illya had then departed. Leaving the school as she began to walk home, her mind drifted daydreaming and articulating the events of the day with so many things to think about. But then tugging the straps to her backpack, she grimaced at recollecting something. "Ahh! I forgot my book in class! Without it I can't finish today's assignment! Should I go back and get it?" as she looked up to see it becoming dark. "Maybe . . . . But I am getting hungry" as she took a step forward only to stop again. "Ehh, but oniichan will definitely scold me if I miss my homework . . . ." Debating what she should do, she decided as she turned about and started walking back to school.

~ Homurahara academy ~ (late evening)

The night was warm as there was a slight breeze as Rin and Luvia stood on top of the roof facing each others backs to one another.

Shining above them were the lunar rays of the moon as it's light permeated the darkness as a gentle breeze blew by them. But regardless of the pleasant and still night, anyone around could feel the heavy tension that was occurring between the two girls.

"So you're a master huh?" said Luvia. "I wouldn't expect anything less from my rival".

Looking to the command seal on her hand, ". . . . Yeah, but I wouldn't expect anything less of you either" said Rin as a command seal had also shined on Luvia's hand. "I really wish we can keep this civil between us".

"You know better as I do. This is a war for the grail where everyone will do whatever is needed in order to win. So it will get undoubtedly messy".

"I know. But eventually the two of us will have to fight. However I'd rather not cause any unnecessary destruction if it can be helped".

"Like fighting at school? I can agree to those terms as I'd really hate to be a pest upon the lives of others. But if there is nothing more to say I'll be going then".

"Well just don't go dying before I get my chance at you" Rin smirked.

"Same goes to you" Luiva retorted, "I still need to prove once and for all that I'm the better one between us" to which she then left leaving Rin alone as she walked out towards the edge that overlooked the entire school.

After a moment, a ghostly shade began to materialize before solidifying taking on the physical shape of a grown man adorning crimson and brown attire. "Was it wise to let her leave like that? If you wanted, I could have sniped her".

"You could have, but it's not as simple as that Archer. She's definitely no fool to meet me up here without some kind of defense. But just as importantly, we don't know what servant she has. Having such a lack of knowledge can be a very dangerous thing on the battlefield".

"Hmm" as Archer then stared intently at her. "But that's not only it is it?"

"Hmph . . . . I may not like her, but in a way I do care for her as she is one of the closest things I have to a real friend. Sad and ironic in it's own way I suppose . . . . But I honestly don't wish no ill towards her". Then shaking her head as she centered herself, "well enough about that. We need to plan our best course of action. It would probably be best to take full advantage of your class in picking an area with the best sniping zone while keeping the enemy in a closed and limited area. However it would have been helpful if I knew who you were . . . . ". In such a relationship, it was important to know the strengths and weaknesses of your allies in order to best compensate and plan around them for the best cohesion. In the case of servants, their legends told volumes of what they were capable of and in some cases how to defeat them. Though for the case of her Archer, he didn't seem to know who he was and that made it difficult to make a proper plan for him.

Just before Archer could speak, "sounds good, but a very boring way to fight".

Becoming wide eye at the interruption, the pair looked back to see a man in blue standing on the fence looking to them with a predator like expression.

"I've been having one long boring night. Perhaps you two can entertain me for a while" as he then summoned a lance within his hand.

"Lancer!"

~ Homurahara academy ~ (late evening)

Finishing everything he planned to do, Shirou called it a day as he quickly gathered all his things together to leave. "I better hurry or else dinner will be over. I better move fast or Sella might lecture me again about proper time management".

Strapping on his backpack, he started walking fast before breaking out into a light jog as he soon found himself outside.

Arriving in the courtyard, he would have continued right home only to stop at hearing clanging metal in the distance. Now in such cases, any human would have reacted in one of two ways. They would either ignore it and continue along their way or be curious enough to stay and investigate. Now in the circumstance of that of Shirou Emiya, it would have probably been better he if remained ignorant and just left. But in deciding to look into it there is usually a saying that accompanies those who stick their nose where it doesn't belong. Simply, curiosity killed the cat.

Following the noise, it soon became apparent to him it was the sound of bladed weapons striking against each other as it was a very distinctive with the way it vibrated through the air.

Getting closer as the fighting grew louder, the mage smith peaked around the corner to see two unusually dressed men fighting. Watching the intensity of their fight with their next to inhuman strength and speed, he knew exactly what they were. "Servants? That can't be right. How can they be here? The holy grail war should not have started till much later. I better get back home quickly to let everyone know what's going on". Starting to back away, he then heard a crunch which caused his blood to run cold upon realizing he had just stepped on a stray wood branch.

If the servants senses were as good as he was told, "looks like we have an uninvited guest" said Lancer as he immediately appeared in front of him.

Catching a shortness in his breath, Shirou had to quickly run through his options which all concluded to one thing. That was to turn around and start running as fast as he could. His dad had given him many tips and tricks on how to fight against other magus. However against a servant, the best course of action was to escape. Regardless of how powerful or talented any magus was, they were simply out matched versus the raw power and abilities of a legendary hero. Quickly turning about, he started to run making his way into the courtyard towards the front gate hoping to make it into the residential district in hopes of losing his pursuer.

"Sorry kid" as Lancer cut him off, "nothing personal. But we can't have outsiders knowing our business".

Seeing no where else to go, Shirou ran towards the school making his way inside in hopes he could duck out in one of the classrooms. With adrenaline coursing through his system, it all felt like a blur as he sprinted down hallways, through stairways, and around whatever he had to in order to survive.

But once again, "as fun as this chase has been, it's about time I ended this" said Lancer appearing in front of him once more as he pulled back ready to pierce him with his spear.

Feeling the tinge of fear as his face tightened, if there was no way he could escape then he was sure as hell going to give Lancer a fight. "I don't plan on dying yet. There are still things I have to do! A dream I still have to fulfill! But if death is going to claim me this day then I'm not going to let you take me so easily!" So utilizing his reinforcement magic, he strengthened his body to it's maximum potential. With his enhanced muscles, his body was comparable to that of a super human capable of miraculous feats of strength and speed. It was only after sparring against Leysritt and having two of his ribs cracked by her did he fully comprehend how fragile the human body was. But it also gave him a good idea of what kind of opponent he might have to face. So taking further precautions, he reinforced his uniform to be as strong as steel acting as armor for further protection. Having his arms in front of him in the gesture of holding a weapon, "trace on!" as he imagined a broad sword as it soon appeared in his hands.

"A magus huh?" Lancer sneered, "this should prove to be an interesting fight". With that it began as he started to repeatedly joust advancing forward as Shirou had no choice but to fall back to defend himself.

Grimacing as he parried each spear strike, "damn it, this is all I can do". He was barely matching Lancer blow for blow as from this exchange he knew his opponent was just toying with him. Furthermore he was in a severe disadvantage as he was constantly draining his prana to keep his reinforcement working. Compared to a legendary hero, he was still too much of a novice to truly compete against such an opponent. However there was one thing he could exploit which was Lancer's weapon. Due to the enclosed space of the hallway, the servant couldn't use the full range of motion of his weapon. When the timing was right, he was going to hit him when an opening appeared.

Continuing to joust repeatedly, Lancer was enjoying this fight as a child with a magnifier glass would over a colony of ants. He could have crushed his opponent with relative ease at any moment he wished. But as was any true warrior, fighting was his one true enjoyment in life being the stronger the better. Though this magus kid certainly wasn't that great, "he definitely has guts. I'll give him that. Let's see how long he can last".

Blocking each attack, Shirou saw his moment as the spear aimed down attempting to strike his gut. Using all his strength and body momentum, he forced the spear down as low as he could as he then stepped onto the head kicking it into the ground forcing the weapon to be stuck in the ground. Kicking off once more, he lunged forward planning to stab Lancer.

"Don't get cocky you brat!" Lancer shouted as he forced his spear up ripping it out of the ground.

Reacting instantly, Shirou attempted to block it only to watch as his sword shattered into several metal bits as they hung in the air before him.

Jousting once more, the mage smith narrowly dodged it only for Lancer to twist his hips striking his weapon into Shirou's side as he flung like a rag doll through a classroom door colliding with several desks along the way as he came to a stop against the wall.

"Uhh . . . . That hurt" Shirou groaned. That hit most likely cracked a few bones as he got the wind knocked out of him.

"Well it's been fun brat" as Lancer walked in casually with his spear hanging over his shoulders. "But it's about time I ended this" to which he twirled it in his hand.

". . . . Not yet" as Shirou stood as he was wobbling on his feet. Summoning another broad sword, Lancer was quick to smash it followed by another sword and another. With the servant moving to his final attack, he stabbed forward as Shirou caught it with his two hands as the tip was touching his uniform threatening to crack his armor like shell. "I can still fight. But what weapon can possibly stand up to a servant?" For Lancer easily broke his steel weapons. If he tried to build a more complicated weapon such as a gun, it would be a wasted gamble at how much prana it took to build one not to mention his doubts it would even work on his opponent. Thus, what weapon could he possibly imagine that could compete against Lancer. Within just that moment of clarity, "a hero's weapon!" as he continued to hold back the spear. Why couldn't he analyze the spear? It was still a weapon based on the same rules of any other. "Well better then nothing, reinforce!" as Shirou began to break down the components of Lancer's spear analyzing it's composition and form until his mind created a full image of it generating a blue print. Having the basic schematics, he needed to now get some room between them as Shirou slipped away. Then holding his hand out, "trace on!"

And looking on with both surprise and intrigue, Lancer smirked upon seeing his magus opponent summon an exact replica of his Gae Bolg. "Well I'll tell you kid, you sure know how to keep things interesting" to which the fight continued on.

~ Homurahara academy ~

But meanwhile as the bout was going on, Illya had arrived sometime ago to witness her brother's struggle as he was barely hanging in there against his servant opponent. But as much as she wanted to run in and help him, she needed to remain calm and focused as she wouldn't be improving the situation in the slightest. In order to beat a servant, it needed to be done by another servant. Although there was a chance that the summoning might fail, she couldn't think about that as her brother's life laid in the balance.

Quickly formulating the summoning circle, she projected the necessary ingredients quickly combining them as she began the summoning chant. Praying with all her heart, she needed to summon a hero that was strong enough to protect her brother.

Finishing the final verses, the summoning circle began to light up. Seeing this, Illya stood back to witness what she had summoned.

~ Homurahara academy ~

Shirou was sweating intensely from fatigue as he pushed his body as far as it could go. Against a superior opponent with higher experience of the same weapon, all he was doing was delaying the inevitable. Soon enough he had dropped to his knees as Gae Bolg shattered in his hands.

"Not bad kid" as Lancer recoiled his spear. "But this is the end" as he was ready to deal the killing shot.

Just outside, a woman with neatly tied up blond hair wearing a blue dress and armor held Illya close as she jumped to the floor the battle was occurring on. Swinging her blade of wind in one hand, an explosion of force destroyed all the windows within the classroom as the glass shards flew inwards.

Shirou ducked and covered as the debris pelted against his back while Lancer stood there indifferently as they bounced off him.

Flying right into the room, the knightly servant stood in guard position moving just in front of her master to make certain she was not in harms way.

Seeing that her brother was alive and well, Illya focused her attention on that of his assailant as her gaze became very focused and determined. Though this would be her first live combat experience, her father taught her well in what to do. With the command seal shining as she squeezed her hand into a fist, "let's go Saber!"

"Yes!" she responded as they were ready to engage the enemy.

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: Well I hope this chapter was entertaining.

Based on proper training, Shirou should be much better at reinforce and project. Plus with guidance, he should be able to use prana more efficiently then before rather then hurt himself trying to charge power through his magic circuits. Thus he was able to copy Lancer's Gae Bolg. Can't wait for him to take a little peak inside the Gate of Babylon.

Though I never quite understood Lancer to why he try to kill Shirou. Now obviously at first he was under the interpretation he was just some human. With magic needing to be a secret, he had to go. But after discovering his magical properties, he still wanted to kill him nonetheless. But what I found curious was that Lancer originally was commanded to scout and test his enemies, but not to truly engage and kill the enemy. But hell, I just went with it.

For those who didn't know, Sakura Matou is the biological sister of Rin Tohsaka. However due to heir succession, magical families generally only had one kid to pass along their magic crest as not to cause unnecessary competition or jealousy amongst siblings. So Sakura was adopted by the Matou family. Due to her immense proficiency in magic she was made their heir which really angered her adopted brother Shinji to which he did very cruel things to her. So I got something planned for him and it's going to hurt.

Luvia and Rin generally behave well with each other. But in the Prisma series, they are quite different people and all the more amusing.

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