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

Rider I

~ Homurahara academy ~

It was only just yesterday that the Emiya siblings had decided to form a temporary alliance with that of Rin Tohsaka till the Rider incident was closed. Though they weren't exactly 'friendly' with each other, they did have an understanding.

Whoever controlled Rider was beyond detestable as a magi and even more so as a human being. Though this was 'war' and those who were involved should hold a stance of moral ambiguity, there were some actions that should never occur regardless of circumstance. Call it ethics, respect, or flat out human decency, there exists unspoken rules when it comes to the battlefield. One being the involvement and treatment of civilians. For the moment that line is crossed, all bets are off. Depending on when they find Rider's master, a number of things can happen from taking the righteous path or straight out killing them. But it depended on how things turn out.

But for now they needed to focus on protecting the academy from Rider while in the meantime try to discover her master's identity.

During that evening yesterday, they compared notes to who Rider's possible master was. However it wasn't exactly useful as they weren't able to lower the suspect pool as it could have been anyone.

Nonetheless they needed to keep an eye and ear open to everything.

But for the time being, they would resume their normal lives as if nothing has changed.

So as per any normal day, Shirou would go to school early to assist in any student council duties while Illya would come later. As any usual morning, the young homunculus would arrive to the school gates to be met by her friends. Upon arriving and giving morning pleasantries, she saw her brother out in courtyard area. Before she could call out to him, something rather unsightly met her eyes.

Just moments earlier, "good morning Shirou-sempai" as Sakura gave a warm smile and polite bow to him. "How are you today?"

"Good as usual" smiled the mage smith. "You are always so kind to be asking me every morning Sakura-san".

"Shirou . . . ." as Sakura gave a cute little blush as she averted her gaze a bit. But looking back, "thank you for your hard work in maintaining the archery clubs equipment. You're always a big help. Sorry for always troubling you".

"It's no trouble at all and I'm always glad to help".

"Umm, Shirou-sempai. . . ." as Sakura was a bit nervous about what she was going to say. Seeming a bit hesitant, ". . . . Umm, I was wondering if you'd ever come back to the archery club. I . . . . We'd really would want you back".

Shirou thought about it as he wasn't certain to what he should say. But before he could even say something, "where were you this morning?!" Surprised at the outburst, Shirou looked to see Shinji angrily approaching.

"Nii-san, I . . . . I was . . . ." Sakura stuttered as she visibly began to shake. "There were other things I needed to see too . . . ."

"There was practice this morning! You were supposed to show up!"

As this went on, Shirou was quite disturbed to what he was seeing. Shinji Matou was Sakura's older brother as he was in the same year as him. He wasn't anyone particularly extraordinary as at best he was vice-captain of the archery club. But other then that, a lot of people thought he was prick. Even Illya who was generally positive thought he was a prick. Being friends with him for some time, he tried really hard to see the best in him. However Shinji made it difficult to do just that due to his egotistical view of self-worth. Though at times he had his good points, they quickly become over-shadowed by his personality. Watching as the situation degraded, what Shinji did next shocked even him.

"But nii-san . . . ."

"I said don't talk back to me!" as Shinji angrily slapped Sakura across the face causing her to recoil back as she held her cheek from where she was hit.

"That was uncalled for" as Shirou now stood defensively in front of the meek girl.

Glaring at the mage smith, "don't tell me how I should treat my sister" as Shinji stepped forward aggressively.

Before Shirou could utter another word, "it's OK" said Sakura as she seemed on the verge of tears as she looked forward once more. "It's OK sempai. Just let it go".

"See?" as Shinji sneered smugly at him. But as he tried to move once more towards his sister, Shirou obstructed his path. "Do you want to pick a fight or something?"

Just as anything could start, "Hey!" as Illya came right up to them. "What do you think you're doing?"

"What this?" as Shinji chuckled at the sight. "Can't fight your own battles anymore? So your little sister has to do it for you?"

"My brother can handle you himself" as Illya glared at him. "But who do you think you are slapping a girl around like that or do you need to do that to know you have something hanging between your legs?"

"What?!" as Shinji seemed ready to strike at her.

"You want to take a swing at me?" as Illya looked to him daringly. "Come on then tough guy. That's all your strength is good for right? Hitting girls. Let's see how you'll do against someone who'll hit back".

Feeling himself drastically emasculated, Shinji recoiled his arm ready to attack her only to find his wrist being gripped. Looking back, Rin Tohsaka had appeared behind him restraining his arm.

"It's early in the morning and you're being noisy. But need I remind you, violence is not tolerated here" said Rin in a low threatening manner. "But of course if you wish to continue then I'll have to make this an official school matter".

Shinji sighed as he centered himself attempting to manage his temper. "There is no need for you to interfere. We were just discussing club activities".

"If that's the case, this is a matter of individual choice. It is not your place to tell Sakura what to do".

Shinji then gave a sharp exhale attempting to keep cool. "However I am Sakura's older brother. What's wrong with trying to correct my little sister's behavior?"

"Then you're barking up the wrong tree as she has done nothing wrong. If anything you're just trying to satiate your need for control to soothe your ego".

With anger beginning to blind his judgment, Shinji looked around to see a small mass forming.

Miyu along with Illya's other friends had the young homunculus back. If any danger came to her, they would instantly act in her defense.

Issei noticing the commotion stood behind Shirou as he continued to watch the scene with a pensive look on his face while Rin handled the situation. But if something happened, he would step in.

Other disciplinary students who were out on duty noticed the scuffle as they were ready to support Rin if something were to occur.

But as angry as Shinji was, he needed to calm himself. Although he hated anyone who looked down on him, he hated damaging his image even more. So brushing himself off, he chuckled while giving a disregarding shrug. "Violence? I wouldn't think of it" while trying to give a charming smile. "If you'll excuse me, I have others things to see too" as he turned about and exited the area.

With the matter closed, the crowd departed which left those involved.

"Thank you" said Sakura almost in a whisper. "But he wouldn't have done anything else . . . ."

"I wouldn't know about that" said Illya. "But that's no way for your brother to behave. If he acts out again then I'll be happy to straighten him out for you" to which Sakura gave a slight giggle.

Then looking to Rin, "umm . . . . Thank you for your help too . . . ."

". . . . It's no problem" as the brunette magus seemed a bit awkward. "I was just . . . . Doing my duty". Then looking to everyone, "you all should get going then. Classes are about to start soon".

Doing as they were told, they went to class. But before Illya could leave, Miyu stopped her as she tugged at her sleeve. "What is it Miyu?"

"I was wondering if I can talk to you alone at lunch if that's OK".

Seeing no reason to refuse, she nodded giving the stoic girl a sunny smile. "Sure. We'll meet on the roof if that's what you like".

Going through class listening to lecture, taking notes, and answering questions, lunch time finally came. Doing as she promised, Illya met up with Miyu as they proceeded to the roof. Sitting on the bench, the pair got out their lunches and began to eat. But after all this time, the young homunculus knew her friend quite well. Miyu rarely ever wanted to talk to her alone like this unless something was bothering her. Being respectful of her friend, she waited to when she wanted to bring up what was bugging her.

"You were rather extreme this morning. I didn't think you'd intervene like that" said Miyu.

"He had it coming" as Illya gave a sour look. "Jerks like that should be shown there place before they grow out of control".

"But isn't he your brother's friend?"

"I suppose in a sense as he's one of the few people who ever care to talk to him. But then again it's just how my brother is in attracting weird people to him".

Miyu gave a soft chuckle to this. But before long she looked down seeming depressed.

Noticing her change in attitude, "I guess she is ready to tell me now".

"I . . . . I've been a bit worried as of late. I think something might be wrong with Luvia . . ."

"Is that so?" Illya responded. For she wasn't sure of the intricacy of their relationship. For sometime, she was well aware of Luvia being a magi along with the specialty of her house. But if Miyu was aware of it, that she didn't know. As ordained by the magic administration, any normal human who is to learn of the existence of magic was to be eliminated. Frankly a lot of rules by the magic association generally resulted in death. If she were to accidentally reveal to Miyu the existence of magic, that would put the both of them in danger. So she needed to play this very carefully. "Has Luvia been acting weirdly or something?"

"I guess in a way, she's been acting more secretive as of late. Although this is more of a feeling, I think she's been getting colder".

"Colder? How so?"

"I'm not sure. It's something about her presence as she just doesn't quite seem herself".

"Has she been under any kind of stress as of late? I mean she is the student council vice president. That's a lot of responsibility to have".

"Not that I know of. I'm beginning to wonder if I'm just imagining all this . . . ."

"Maybe. Just give it some time" as Illya gave her a reassuring smile. "It's going to be alright. You'll see".

In a rare instance, Miyu smiled. "Thank you Illya. I just wanted to get it off my chest".

"Anything to help a friend" Illya smiled.

~ Homurahara academy ~ (lunch time)

"Shirou, if you have a moment there is something I wish to discuss with you" said Issei.

"Yeah sure, what is it?"

"Well" as Issei took a seat, "some problems have been cropping up as late concerning your friend Shinji".

Shirou gave a strained laugh at that. "Guess you can call him my friend in a sense".

"Now as of recently Shinji has been acting rather poorly which seems to be getting progressively worse".

"It can't be that bad could it?"

"If it's gotten as far as reaching my ears, then yes. I've been getting complaints from teachers and students alike about his extremely poor behavior from his snap aggression to his belligerent attitude. As evidenced by this morning, his threatening and violent demeanor. So what I want to ask is, do you know what's been going on with him?"

"Honestly . . . . I have no idea. Although a bit arrogant, he's usually well behaved. How long has this been going on really?"

"From the first reported incident, about a week. But if you don't know anything that's fine".

~ Homurahara academy ~

With the day coming to a close, everyone went about their business either going home or heading off to some extracurricular activity.

"Shirou" said Illya, "I'm going to invite Rin over to further discuss our strategy as well as try to unveil who Rider's master is".

Unable to contain his grin, "here I thought you didn't trust Rin".

"I still don't. However trust has to begin somewhere. Since you believe in her so much, it's only fair I give her a chance too".

"Thank you".

"Well see you later then and make sure to come back early for dinner. I've already told Sella of the extra company. So she'll definitely make extra".

"Alright" said Shirou. "I'll see you later". Parting ways, neither of them thought anything bad would happen in particular. If their information was accurate, Rider would not attack again till the barrier was ready which would take a few days. But how dreadfully wrong they were to assume the enemy was so simplistic. Before he could even notice someone was there, he was knocked out.

~ Unknown place ~ (unknown time)

Coming too rather groggily, Shirou sat up with a rather large headache as his head was still ringing from whatever cheap shot him. Without needing to really think about it, ". . . . I've been taken again. I really hope this doesn't become a thing".

But first thing was first as he needed to identify his environment and what he might have to do to escape. Looking around, the room appeared to be rather well furnished with a lot of fancy and expensive items starting from the art to the furniture. Apparently he wasn't chained and there didn't seem to be any measure either magically or technologically that was going to keep him from leaving. Although it was a bit dark, it then crossed his mind at how familiar this room was.

". . . . What am I doing at the Matou house?"

"Sorry for the rough invitation. It was not my intention for you to come here like this".

Turning to the doorway, there stood Shinji. Right next to him, "Rider!" Although every fiber of him told him to stand and fight, he needed to remain calm. It would be stupid to try and take on a servant like this with a less then adequate plan. But if anything, if he wasn't dead yet then his continued ability to breathe held some sense of value. If anything, he could learn what they wanted. So it would be wise of him to play along and gather as much information as he could. If Rider was here, there was very little reason for him to be coy as he should get straight to business. "What is the meaning of this Shinji? Why am I here?"

"Woah, is that any way to talk to a friend?"

"If you wanted to talk then you could have just asked".

"That's why I had Rider here invite you. But as you can see" as Shinji angrily punched her across the cheek, "she's a rather useless servant with little manners".

"My apologies as I have no excuse" said Rider.

Shirou felt a tinge of disgust. Though they shared a master-servant relationship, there was no need to behave so disrespectfully. However he kept that to himself. So getting the most obvious out of the way, "you're Rider's master aren't you?"

"Can't get anymore direct then that".

"Then explain yourself Shinji" as Shirou tried to keep his tone leveled and non-confrontational. "Why did you set up that barrier at school? Why did you try to kill everyone?"

"Me?" as Shinji chuckled. "It was not my intention at all. It was my servants acting on her own. I'd never do anything like that".

The mage smith narrowed his gaze. Recalling his battle with Rider, she mentioned how she was under her master's orders. Yet here was Shinji claiming Rider was acting on her own. Looking between the two, his eyes laid upon the purple servant as she stood there stoically and attentively for her master. There was no reason for Rider to lie. But he did not know that conclusively. "So is that all you wanted to tell me?"

"Not quite. For you see, I'm aware your sister is Saber's master. What I'd like is to form a truce with your family".

"What?"

"Undoubtedly, you would believe I was involved with that barrier debacle. However I just wanted to set the record straight as I don't want any conflict as I could care even less in winning the grail". Seeing Shirou sitting there silently, he continued. "Honestly I never wanted any part of this war. But as you can see I don't have a choice. Being such, my life is under constant threat. So I do apologize for my brash attitude as of late as the stress has been getting to me".

"Then what of the barrier? To my knowledge, it has not been terminated".

"Think of that . . . . As an insurance policy. Just in case an enemy master were to come for me. I want to know that I'll be able to defend myself".

"Is that all you wanted to say?"

"Well aside from a truce, I also wanted to proposition an alliance as it would be of great benefit for our families. Of course you don't have to give an answer right away as there is some time to think about it".

Just like that, Shirou had nothing more to say. As much as he wanted to believe Shinji, he knew him far too well to give him his trust so easily. However he had the information he needed and for now would leave it at that. "Alliance huh?" as he got up to leave. "I suppose it's something that can be discussed in detail later".

Watching the mage smith leave, Shinji's face darkened as that wasn't the answer he was looking for. Though it did cross his mind to threaten him, he needed to bide his time as after all they were all just pawns to him in the end. But if he did anything to Shirou, there would be nothing to stop Illya and Saber from killing him on the spot then and there. Recalling this morning, his face twisted in anger at recalling how she stood up to him. "Who did that bitch think she is? When the time comes . . . . I'll make certain that she suffers a slow painful death".

~ Emiya residence ~ (late evening)

After a pleasant meal, Illya and Rin sat at the table discussing everything they knew thus far.

But upon inviting the head of the Tohsaka family over, both Sella and Leyritt immediately opposed at the possible threat she represented to their mistress.

Though after a calm persuasion, the Einzbern maids left it be. However they would check up every once in a while to make sure everything was OK.

Sharing information and insight as a sign of good gesture, Rin revealed Luvia to be one of the seven masters while Illya gave her perspective after some investigation. Something weird was definitely going on in Fuyuki city which caught both of their attentions that the other masters were on the move. Minor earthquakes were shaking the city to it's very foundation which was also noted by the news. Though there were some casualties, not exactly enough to really turn any heads. But the alarming part was what this meant. Someone was siphoning power directly from the leylines. Though how much prana was taken or what it was being used for, that they could only speculate. But something big was coming and they needed to be ready for it.

As they continued to talk, Shirou had finally come home as he revealed what he had learned. Upon relaying everything he knew both Illya and Rin just looked completely dumbfounded. "What? Was there something wrong with what I said?"

"Well" Rin started, "it's true Shinji does come from a magus bloodline. A long time ago, they were once known as the Makiri's as they immigrated here. However due to their incompatibility with the environment, their bloodline started to fade. Just a generation ago with Shinji's father, their bloodline had completely dried up as they shouldn't be capable of magic anymore".

"Are you sure?"

"Quite" Illya continued. "Since the time I've met him I couldn't sense any prana. He doesn't seem to be using anything to mask his presence. If these are are the facts, that's what's perplexing. He shouldn't be able to use magic let alone be capable of summoning a servant".

"Well whatever the case" then said Shirou. "He is the master of Rider".

"But you can't possibly believe his story" as Rin appeared to be quite peeved. "Revealing the presence of magic so openly and more so endangering lives like that".

Shirou's expression then hardened. "I will admit . . . . There are a lot of inconsistencies. But as respect to an old friend . . . . I really want to give him the benefit of a doubt. However I feel his 'insurance policy' is far too dangerous to be allowed to keep around".

"That won't be much of a problem" Illya smirked. "After getting the feeling for it, I located more of Rider's spell circles and destroyed them. However I sense a few more still scattered around the school. If we work together, we should be able to get them".

"Agreed" Rin nodded, "it would also give us a good opportunity to see how Shinji reacts to help us decide what to do about him. But just in case, I'm going to go see to something".

"You're going to see the church mediator right?"

"Yeah. As mediator, he'll give a warning to Shinji. Discretion is everything in the magic community. Failure to abide will result in serious consequences".

"So who is the mediator?"

"Kirei Kotomine".

~ Homurahara academy ~

A dew days have passed since then.

Following that time, Shinji was steadily losing his sanity believing the entire world was out to get him.

In his regular life, all his classmates were whispering behind his back. The image he had worked so hard to maintain was falling to pieces as he was losing any respect and reputation he had gained.

In his mage life, he was threatened for his lack of tact. If he were to step of out line again his life would be targeted by every magi in the world for the sake of keeping their secret.

With all the stress he was accumulating, it made wanting to win the holy grail that more important. Once he had it, he would become the most powerful magus that ever walked on Earth. No one would ever dare look down on him as he would get the respect he rightfully deserved.

Although most of these issues were prevalent in his life, the last straw came which pushed him into complete paranoia.

Aside from being 'threatened' by Kotomine, he learned that the Emiyas were in league with Rin as they were working together in destroying Rider's barrier. If he ever felt the most betrayed, it would have been now. Shirou was supposed to be his friend. By his twisted logic, a supporter of his actions no matter how cruel or inhumane they were.

But if he could not get the Emiyas to ally with him then he would have to get Rin too. All things considered, he had just the right 'persuasion' to make it happen in which she could not refuse.

Now closing on the day at school, Rin was finishing up the last of her work as she reflected on events thus far. To say the least, she was having a lot of trouble with both Shirou and Illya. However there wasn't any problems in their working relationship. Furthermore they were easy to get along with both socially and professionally when it concerned matters of normal and magical life. But there laid the problem. She was beginning to like them both to the point of considering them friends.

At allowing that to cross her mind, "what am I thinking? Why am I being so stupid . . . ." In this war, there could only be one winner. But as Illya had asked, she had no desire for the grail or any wish for that matter. She was simply participating because of the honor and privilege that came with it. With so many contradicting thoughts, her heart was in disarray to what she should do now.

With how troubled her mind was, she did not need anything else weighing down on her. But that's when trouble walked right in to the classroom.

Looking up, Rin saw both Shinji enter with Sakura accompanying as she closed the door behind them. Slightly unsettled, she maintained her composure. "What do you want Shinji? I'm rather busy as I don't have time to humor your nonsense".

"Now there is no reason to be rude. I am only here to have a civil conversation".

"Then cut to the chase" as Rin was starting to get annoyed. "I don't really care for your smooth talk".

"Very well" Shinji smirked. "I would like to propose an alliance".

"An alliance?" asked Rin jokingly, "and why would I want to do that?"

"I'm well aware of your arrangement with the Emiyas. But how long do you think it's going to last? How sure are you they won't betray you once they have what they needed? Besides, Illya is in possession of such a powerful servant. So wouldn't it be wise for us to work together to get rid of such an opponent? As old family friends, we should get along".

With all that said, the brunette magus couldn't deny any of it. The Matou head made very good points as she had considered all these before. But regardless if it all being true to some extent, she was not so weak willed to be swayed that easily. Looking Shinji dead in his eyes, "then you forget yourself" to which the elder Matou gave a confused look. "I am the head of the Tohsaka family and the guardian of Fuyuki city. I know you were responsible for the attack on the school. It's only because of our family's old friendships that I haven't had Archer take your head already".

Shinji's expression narrowed at the accusation. "Didn't I already explain that I wasn't involved in that?"

". . . . Do not think me as good hearted as Shirou" Rin glared menacingly. "I'm not nearly as kind as him when it comes to indulging others. Although what you say about Illya is true, I'd rather take my chances. By comparison, you're nothing but a snake in the grass who'll bite me the first chance you get. Now if there is nothing further, you should excuse yourself now".

At hearing her response, Shinji's face completely darkened as he didn't like that answer one bit. Thus if he couldn't be gentlemanly about it then he would have to resort to more forceful tactics. "Rider!" as he summoned the purple servant to his side.

Reacting, "Archer!" as the red servant came to Rin's side. "I'm warning you Shinji, withdraw now or I won't show you any mercy".

The Matou head then gave a sinister laugh as he held his face. "I think you might be misunderstanding. I'm not going to fight you. Rather, you're going to do what I say and kill Illya and Shirou for me".

"What?"

With a sneer, Shinji took a book out as he looked to his servant invoking a command seal. "Wrap your chains around Sakura and break her neck in the count of five".

Rider shocked at what she was told to do visibly cringed as she did not want to do it. Resist as she did, she could not do anything about it as her body seemed to be moving on it's own. As ordered by a command seal, she could not refuse it as her chains wrapped around Sakura's neck.

Stunned at what her brother had commanded, "Ni . . . . Nii-san . . . ." as Sakura struggled to breath as soon tears escaped her eyes at the possible prospect of death.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Rin exclaimed.

"Isn't it obvious?" as Shinji's sneer widened. "I'm threatening the life of my cute little sister or should I say . . . . Your sister".

"You coward!" However Rin could not allow herself to falter and show weakness as that's what he wanted. "I do not know what you're up too, but she is not part of the Toksaka family".

"Oh how cruel of her to say. Don't you think Sakura?" Shinji chuckled. "But let's test if that's really true. Five . . . ."

"Stop this nonsense immediately Shinji".

"Four . . . ." as the elder Matou continued to hold his sinister smile.

"That's enough!" Rin exclaimed.

"Three . . . ." as the meek girl was starting to lose consciousness.

"You stop this now!" as Rin's magic crest lit up ready to attack.

"Two . . . ." to which Rider's chains tightened more bruising the skin along Sakura's neck.

Seeing Sakura struggling as she was on her last breath of life, she could not allow this to happen. Before Shinji could utter the final count down, "alright!" Rin shouted, "don't kill her you son of a b**ch . . . ." as her tone faded off.

"That's what I thought" Shinji sneered. "See? We're getting along already. But in case you don't understand, whether or not Sakura will live to see the end of this war depends solely on your cooperation. If you do anything that I remotely don't like or any attempt to rescue her, well . . . . I think you can use your imagination to what's going to happen".

Rin's hands tightened into a fist at how underhanded Shinji's tactic was. Gritting her teeth, she had no choice but to send Archer away as she glared daggers at him. "You bastard . . . ."

"Cheer up" as Shinji tried to sound chipper. "This should be a glorious day of celebrating new friendships. But don't forget" as he walked up to Rin placing his hand to her chin forcing her to look him in the eye. "You are my bitch from now on".

Completely at his mercy, Rin could only hope now. "It may not be now. It may not be later. But I'll make you pay for this . . . ."

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: Hope this chapter was alright.

So on to commentary.

The book of false attendant is what gives Shinji the ability to control Rider. But in terms of command seals, I wasn't entirely sure how iron clad the book can order Rider around. More so what would happen is Sakura really died and what that would mean for who controlled Rider. However everyone is going under the assumption that Shinji really is Rider's master hence why they are taking his threat seriously.

Of course Sakura could have overwritten the command with her own. But due to her psychological profile and how sudden it was, I would not think she'd act immediately.

As for Illya's skepticism of Miyu's knoweldge behind Luvia's background, I think it should be understandable. You can live with a person all your life and never completely understand them let alone know all their secrets. So it's a possibility that Miyu just dealt with Luvia's normal life without ever seeing her magical one. Obviously Miyu knows about magic. Illya will just have to find out about it later.

If there are any questions or concerns feel free to ask as I'll try my best to answer them. Regardless of how much I look over a plot, holes are bound to show up one way or another. However your reviews help me think of anything I might have missed.

So thank you all for reading and I further extend my gratitude if you can review as well.