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 II

~ Emiya residence ~

"Things are going to get rough from now on" thought Illya as she looked herself in the mirror. "So I need to be ready for whatever may happen".

With the start of the holy grail war, anything could occur. Though her father taught her and Shirou how to survive, there was a clear difference between practice and experience. So she needed to keep her mind leveled and focused at all times as any mistake could cost them their lives.

But such being the case, there was something she had which would give her courage in battle.

Opening her closet, Illya gave a small smile as she removed a specific apparel from it's hanger. Slipping it on, she stood before a mirror as her hands rubbed against the sides. It was Kiritsugu's black over coat. Though there wasn't anything particularly special about it, it made her feel safe. But trying to move a little, Illya stumbled as the coat was a bit too big for her as the sleeves didn't fit on her arms either.

"Not a problem" as Illya casted a minor spell as the coat conformed itself to fit her. Giving a slight twirl, she gave a warm smile as she could feel her father's strength within it.

But if there was anything her dad stressed most when it came to fighting it was versatility. So with a lot of diligent work and research, she tried to rebuild the lost knowledge of the Emiya crest. Aside from time manipulation, the crest also held research in bending space. If she ever got it to work, the applications behind it would be invaluable. But due to the state of the crest, it was too badly fragmented as she would need to rebuild everything from the ground up.

As far as her research went, she wasn't able to bend space. However she was able to create more of it. Applying this knowledge, she was able to multiply a spaces volume several times beyond it's visual capacity. "It certainly helped in expanding my closet space. It's definitely bigger on the inside" Illya internally chuckled. As such, she applied this craft creating pseudo spaces for her to store items that she can access anywhere she went. However she felt disheartened at how slow her research was coming. But Sella would usually cheer her up by reminding her that she was trying to rebuild centuries worth of knowledge within a span of a few years.

"Master" said Saber, "everyone is already gathered at the table. Please come and eat your breakfast".

"Stop calling me master" Illya frowned as she soon flipped into a smile. "Illya is fine. There is no need to be formal with me".

Blinking at how causal she was, she let it be. "Forgive me Illya, but it is time for breakfast".

"Alright coming" Illya cheered as she followed closely behind Saber. As they made there way to the dining area, she had to say her servant was certainly strange. She wasn't able to return her to spirit form. Honestly at first it confounded her she might have messed up her summoning. But it was after learning Saber's story that she understood the knightly servant couldn't dematerialize. In fact, Saber wasn't even dead yet as she made a contract with the world to attain the holy grail in exchange for her servitude.

Even knowing her true identity, Illya admired how great of a heroine Saber was during her time. But saddened equally the same upon learning what her wish was. But she didn't know what was more upsetting. Saber's wish on the grail or the eventuality of making her destroy it. She wasn't sure she should tell her, and the more time passed the more difficult it became. However when the time comes that bridge is to be crossed, she will hold her head up and face Saber wholeheartedly.

Now at the table, everyone sat around to eat.

As with all their current breakfasts, they gave their morning pleasantries and discussed whatever came up. But for the most part, Leysritt and Saber would happily eat away while everyone else talked. But of all the subjects that could have come up, they soon found themselves centered around the recent news as of late.

"I've decided to do some investigation of my own" said Sella. "It most certainly seems that someone is siphoning a lot of prana from the Fuyuki city leylines. The unusual distortions in themselves in causing all forms of abnormalities with the weather and Earth. This in turn is causing incidents involving a lot of people".

"Such death and suffering" Shirou cringed. "Who would callous?"

"Can't be certain as of yet, but if I had to guess it must be Caster's doing" said Illya. "But whatever Caster is planning must be big if the servant hasn't done anything worth noting. But whoever their master is is either overconfident or reckless with how many people are being dragged into this. But what's more bothersome is not knowing their identity". But then Illya gave a long strained look as she was deep in thought.

"Wait, you don't suspect Luvia do you?" said Shirou. "She can't possibly be the one doing this".

"Perhaps, but it's best not to overlook any possibility. Aside from a high level of magical knowledge they must have a rather extensive monetary backing with their ability to cover up the mess and make it look like a normal accident".

"Thus the church can't go after them" Shirou sighed.

"That is why I feel it would be pertinent of me to accompany you wherever you go" said Saber between bites. "I must keep you safe at all times".

"Agreed" said Leysritt. "Should I accompany you from now on?"

"No, I do not believe that will be necessary as I should be able to escape without too much trouble and Shirou will be able to take care of himself". Then looking up to the clock, "it's time we got going. Good-bye everyone".

Watching them leave the three house occupants went about there day. Sella tended to the house and any other needs that Shirou and Illya required. Leysritt would lounge around eating snacks and watching T.V. Saber not having anything particularity better to do joined Leysritt on the couch.

As much as the knightly servant wanted to just sit there and do as her master told her, she couldn't help but feel uneasy at not being at her side. Being conflicted, she needed to get it off her chest. "Is it really alright for us to just sit here and do nothing? Shouldn't we be doing something more productive?"

"Supposedly" as Leysritt didn't bother to peel her eyes away from the television. "However we are not to do anything as our mistress does not desire it".

Though it wasn't apparent, Saber's expression shifted slightly as she looked to the Einzbern maid in contempt. "But is it not our duty to protect Illya? We should be with her at all times to guard her. We shouldn't just be sitting around like this doing nothing as it's not going to lead us anywhere!"

". . . . Do not mistake my actions for apathy" said Leysritt. Though her expression still remained stoic, her presence revealed how she felt. So setting her snacks aside and turning off the T.V., she faced Saber staring her right in the eye. "Protecting Illya . . . . that is my only sole purpose in life. It was the reason I was born. It is the reason I was created to serve. Although I cannot show it . . . . I treasure her dearly as there is nothing in this world that could compare to her worth. If anything ever happened to her . . . . I would just die".

Upon hearing that, Saber felt kind of ashamed for her accusations. If this was so, the bond Illya shared with Sella and Leysritt was something that transcended duty. It was a bond of family at how much they cared for each other. But then, "why do you not act on how you feel?"

"Sella nor I can ever replace Irisviel or Kiritsugu. Although we are just maids, we also serve as her guardians. Aside from protection, it's also about allowing her to grow up and understand life in her own way. So it's up to us to uphold her parents wishes in giving her a good life the best way we can". Then taking a soft breath, "but I understand the anxiety in wanting to be there for her".

Saber looked down giving a soft sigh. "I guess I just have to live with it".

"Perhaps, or . . . ." said Sella as she was passing through.

"Or?"

"You were told not be around as her protectors. However Illya didn't say you couldn't just casually take a walk around the neighborhood. If it just so happens that you . . . . Happen to pass right by her school to check up on her . . . ."

Getting what she was hinting at, "say do you want to take a walk?" Leysritt asked.

"Very well, I do not mind accompanying you" Saber answered.

~ Homurahara academy ~

"Emiya-kun" said Rin.

"Tohsaka?" as Shirou turned about. "Was there something you needed? Something going on with the student council?"

"Actually it's concerning the case we've been working on".

Taking a moment to think about it, ". . . . Oh, so what about it?"

"I need to talk you about it?"

"OK, I'll tell Illya and . . . ."

"No" Rin sharply interjected. "I just need to talk to you and you alone. Do not bring her along".

"Is there something wrong? You're acting kind of weirdly" said Shirou as he looked to her strangely.

"It's nothing" as the brunette started to trail off. "Just make sure to meet me on the roof after school".

". . . . OK" as Shirou scratched his head. Though it crossed his mind to tell his sister, he decided to let it go. "I'm just being paranoid. It's not like Rin is out to kill me or anything".

~ Homurahara academy ~

"Ugh" thought Illya sourly. "It's him again". Approaching her and her friends, Shinji casually walked up to them trying to lay on the charm the best he could much to the awkwardness and slight gag he was. Even his 'dazzling' smile was incredibly superficial. Honestly no one in the group was impressed. But out of politeness, she would hear him out.

"Miss Illya" as Shinji gave a gentlemanly bow, "I would like to formerly apologize for the way I behaved in front of you the day before. May I please ask for your forgiveness?"

Illya looked to him questionably at what he was trying to achieve. She knew deep down he was no where near this humble as he was the text book definition of narcissistic. At that thought, "what is he trying to achieve from this?" However she would play along for now. "Sure".

"As such, I would like to formally invite you so that I may express my sincerity".

At hearing that, all of Illya's friends had a wide array of thoughts which ranged from.

"Eww, did he just try to invite Illya-chan on a date?"

". . . . Is he high or something?"

"He's more convoluted then I thought".

Though they were all respectful enough to keep that to themselves.

Holding a stoic face, Illya had to contemplate just what the elder Matou had up his sleeve. Obviously there was some ulterior motive as he couldn't have been anymore transparent. More then likely it was a trap. However knowing he was the master of Rider, if she refused Shinji might do something drastic such as activating the Andromeda spell which would put everyone in danger. But if anything, she could deal with him quickly. "Sure. Where would you like to meet?"

"How about today after school? I'll meet you in your class".

"That's fine" Illya responded rather offhandedly.

"Alright, see you then" as Shinji walked off.

Watching events unfold, Illya's friends were quick to bombard her with questions asking why she agreed or when she started to suddenly like him like that. Being shot with one question after another, the young homunculus could only give a nervous laugh as she couldn't tell them the real reason why. Frankly the less they knew, the safer it was for them.

Now after school, Illya waited behind as everyone left the classroom one after another till the only ones who were left was Miyu and herself.

"Illya" said Miyu softly. "What's really going on? Why are you meeting him like this?"

"It's nothing" as Illya waved her arms innocently while giving an awkward smile. "It's just a harmless meet up".

Looking to her quizzically, ". . . . Then perhaps I should wait behind with you".

"No it's quite alright. Just please go Miyu. I'll be alright" Illya smiled trying to put her friend at ease.

Staring blankly for a while, the stoic girl conceded as she strapped on her backpack. "OK, I'll see you later then" as the two friends waved each other good-bye.

Now sitting alone, Illya took a deep calming breath as she mentally prepared herself as she wasn't entirely sure what to expect. It was painfully apparent Shinji was going to try something against her. Obviously she like any other magus was no match in taking on a heroic spirit in a head to head battle. But if she knew him well enough, Shinji would want to take her on in a mage duel as it was a matter of pride for him. If the elder Matou did summon Rider, she would just have to make a tactical retreat and think of something else.

Upon hearing the door slide open, Shinji walked right in wearing the same arrogant smile he always did. "Ahh Illya, it's good to see that you've accepted my invitation. I half expected for you not to be here".

Deciding to play this coolly as a talk between two family heads, "it would be rather rude if I didn't after saying I would" Illya responded with a polite lady like bow. "So what further business do you have with me?"

"Since your brother refused an alliance with me, I must say I was rather disappointed. However it would be rather brash of me if I acted on personal feelings alone as it would be more proper to be asking you directly. So I . . . ."

"Then allow me to stop you there" Illya interrupted as she looked to Shinji in calm authority. "The Emiya family has no interest in allying themselves with that of the Matou family. Although I'm not aware of what your exact expectations are, it's more then likely are goals are mutually in conflict with one another. So in such I do kindly thank you and apologize. However I will have to decline your offer for an alliance".

"You're making a big mistake" said Shinji as his polite facade was beginning to break.

"I do not believe so" as Illya prepared herself to leave, "if nothing further I'll be going now".

"Then before you leave perhaps I should tell you something rather interesting. I'll have you know that I hold your brother's life in my hand".

"Is this some form of a threat?"

"We're well beyond threats as I gave you both a chance to side with me. But no more . . . ." as Shinji's expression grew more sinister by the minute. "I refuse to tolerate your disrespect of me any further as the only decision you two have left is how you're going to die!"

"What have you done?" Illya then asked cautiously.

"Ku ku ku, I made Rin an offer she couldn't refuse as we are now allies. At this moment she had called your dear brother up to the roof to be killed".

"Move aside Shinji" glaring at the boy. "I do not have time for you".

"Oh you're going to make time as I teach you why you shouldn't look down on me" Shinji ominously chuckled. Pulling out a book from his jacket, a shadowy like energy began to shroud around him. On the lash of his impulse, several blasts of dark energy flew at there intended target colliding all at once as they exploded on contact. "What did you think of that?!" as Shinji began to maniacally laugh.

"I see now" which caused Shinji to snap back into focus as the smoke began to clear. "So that's how you're controlling Rider. That book is functioning as your command seal as well as allowing you to use magic. Though it still begs the question of how you got your hands on it. But no matter". Opening up one of her pocket windows, Illya pulled out her black coat slipping it on as she was now ready for battle. "Respect to my brother, but that was your last chance".

"Tsk" Shinji cringed, "don't for a moment think that was my best" as he began to nervously sweat. "You haven't seen anything yet".

~ Homurahara academy ~

Meanwhile earlier, Shirou had made his way to the roof to see Rin standing near the edge with her back faced to him. Walking up to her, "Oi Tohsaka, what did you want to talk about?"

". . . . Emiya-kun . . . . Our alliance . . . . Has officially been terminated . . . ."

"What? What are you talking about?" as Shirou tried to get closer only for Rin to fire a bolt at him stopping the mage smith where he stood. "Tohsaka . . . ." understanding just how serious she was. As she turned to face him, he saw her resolve as her presence reflected that of one who was ready to kill. Though her expression said one thing, her eyes said another as they held a sense of sorrow that he did not understand. "What is the meaning of this? Answer me! Tohsaka!"

"I'm sorry Emiya-kun, but I don't have a choice" Waving her arm, "Archer!" Rin summoned.

Seeing the red servant, Shirou knew things just got real. Escape was the first thing on his mind, but if he was going to have a chance he would need do so in the school to avoid Archer sniping him from afar as he needed to create an opportunity. As formidable of a weapon as Gae Bolg was, it wasn't his style of fighting at all. Closing his eyes recalling the fight between Archer and Lancer, he remembered the weapon the red servant had used as his mind had already memorized and broken it down to it's basic schematics. With orbs of light shining in his hands, "trace on!" as then Kanshou and Bakuya materialized before him.

Staring in awe, Rin was quite impressed at Shirou being able to construct her servant's noble phantasm. A feat she knew no other magus could possibly achieve as projecting on such a level was unheard of.

Likewise, Archer was also in his own way impressed. However it did not change what he had to do. He knew Rin didn't want to hurt the boy. But her circumstance did not allow her to choose otherwise as he was ordered to take him out. Summoning his own dual blades, he too had a bit of mixed feelings. Concerning Shirou, they shared a particular destiny with each other. But watching his life thus far, he would reserve his judgment till later . . . . If he survived. "Are you ready boy?"

"Bring it!" as Shirou charged forward with Archer doing the same. Racing in with blades at their sides, the two clashed exchanging swing for swing as the sound of metal hitting chimed in the air as sparks ignited between them.

Watching from a distance, Rin did not have a clear shot as Shirou and Archer were fighting at blinding speeds leaving sparks behind as their blades collided. At close proximity, she would cause her servant more harm then good. But it did not stop her from engaging as well. Reinforcing her body, she saw an opening blitzing in just as Shirou and Archer finished their last pass.

Acting on instinct, the mage smith turned about to swing to whoever was coming right at him. Just as his blades were going to come down, Shirou hesitated halting in that half fraction of decision making.

Taking a full step in, Rin threw a piercing punch striking him in the gut as she could feel his bones grinding against her fist. Taking on the full impact of her enhanced strength and speed, Shirou stumbled back giving dry coughs at taking such a punishing hit.

However he did not have time to fully recover as he was once again on the defensive against Archer.

Honestly Rin couldn't help but feel disgusted with her current tactics. If Shirou was just battling Archer, he would literally be fighting like his life depended on it as injuring a servant wouldn't have been a big deal. But participating herself caused the mage smith to hesitate lowering his reaction time as he didn't want to harm her. Simply she was taking advantage of Shirou's good nature and in a sense punishing him for it. For that she found it quite detestable. However, "I'm doing it for her . . . ." was the only solace she could find. Holding Shirou's life in one hand and Sakura's in the other, she was going to lose regardless of which one she decided to save. "I'm so sorry Emiya-kun . . . . But it has to be this way . . . ." as she continued the assault with her servant.

~ Homurahara academy ~

"Move aside" Illya threatened, "or I will go right through you".

Shinji could only snicker at this. "If you really had the power you would have done so already instead of asking nicely. So I think you're bluffing!" as he fired another volley of shadows blades to which Illya easily shielded herself from. "How long do you think your weak shield will be able to last!"

In truth, Illya was trying to show restraint. With her vast knowledge in magecraft as well as her near infinite prana reserves, there were so many spells and curses she could have used to kill Shinji in a heartbeat. For threatening her brother's life, there were so many sadistic things she could have done from peeling the skin right off his body to having him puke out his bones. Though she inherited her father's killer instinct, she also had her mother's heart. Thus she was trying her very hardest to settle this as nicely as possible.

But what was disconcerting was why Rin would work with such a lunatic? What did Shinji possibly have over her to coerce her into doing such a thing? Though it should bother her they were betrayed, she would learn Rin's story first before judging her. But until then she needed to get to Shirou as fast as she could before the brunette magus did something she will never forgive her for.

Looking to Shinji, if he had been a proper mage he would have known the clear contrast between them as she was easily his superior by an insurmountable margin. Since he didn't have the brain power to understand that from their current exchange, she would have to make it more apparent visually.

"So you've finally ran out of power to protect yourself" the elder Matou sneered. "Well it's too late to beg for mercy now!" Without a tinge of worry, the young homunculus charged a dense amount of prana into her arm as she easily swatted the shadow blades away. Thus in retaliation, Shinji fired more of them.

"Time alter" Illya chanted, "double accel" as the world around her slowed to half the fraction of what she perceived. Easily evading the attacks walking and hopping around them, she went right up to her opponent throwing three solid punches to his gut before taking an exhale releasing the time magic and allowing relativity to take over.

Before he could even blink, Illya had disappeared and reappeared right in front of him. Just as he was about to talk, Shinji could feel his stomach hurting as he dropped to his knees holding himself as he was almost close to being sprawled on the floor.

"Stop this immediately Shinji" the young homunculus warned. "You should understand the clear difference between us now. Do not tempt fate any further with this transgression".

"You dare!" Shinji coughed out, "you dare to look down on me! Do you not know who I am?! What I'm meant for?! The great destiny I'm suppose to inherit?!" In response to his raging emotions, dark magic began to blaze around him.

"Stop it you idiot! Your body can't handle the stress you're putting on it!"

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Rider! Kill her now!" Materializing to her master's side, the purple servant raised her dagger ready to do just that.

"Tsk, damn fool" Illya gritted. She would deal with Shinji later as she needed to get to Shirou immediately as he must have been giving his all to survive against Archer and Rin. "Time alter, double accel" as she then retreated from the area.

But regardless of her accelerated speed, Rider followed her movements perfectly as she would not allow her to escape.

Even with his body battered to such a state from overusing magic, Shinji was on his feet again as the only thought on his mind was killing Illya. He had never felt so insulted in his life as he was going to make her pay for it.

~ Homurahara academy ~

Shirou was breathing heavily as his school jacket was ripped and torn from taking on both Archer and Rin. Standing his ground, his blood dripped to the floor as they slid along the sides of his arms and face. Regardless of how tough this fight was, he refused to go down as his posture reflected a man who didn't even contemplate the possibility of dying. Gripping Kanshou and Bakuya tightly, he went into guard position.

"He's a lot stronger then I thought" Rin's eyes narrowed. "To take both me and Archer simultaneously . . . ." Though she was fighting seriously, her heart wasn't behind it as she could feel how half-hearten her hits were. Trying as hard as she did, it didn't change the fact at how wrong it felt as it pained her hurting Shirou. Adding more salt to the wound, Shirou was holding back on account of not wanting to harm her. Even in this life or death situation, he was still so concerned for her well being which made her hate herself just a little more.

Like his master, Archer was not entirely giving his all either for his own reasons.

Scanning the area,"the stairway is not an option anymore. I guess there is only another way down". Thinking carefully of what to do, Shirou had everything he needed in his hands. He just needed the right moment. But for that he needed to be facing the ledge as he needed to do this all in one move as his back was currently to it.

Engaging the red servant once more, Shirou slashed left and right as Archer dodged and countered as they were both playing it close by a paper thin margin of attack and countering. But as occupied as Shirou was, he was fully in tuned with his environment as he knew Rin was about to interrupt again. Seeing her from the corner of his eye, Shirou disengaged from Archer to avoid a sidekick by the brunette magus as she soon followed up with a wheel kick. Ducking underneath and spinning around to her back, he pushed her off her balance only for Archer to come back at him.

Going for a cross-slash, Archer pressed hard with his attack. But in his tired state, the mage smith didn't dare try to block it as he used the servants momentum to push himself away from it. Pushing himself off, Rin was right on top of him with a solid right cross as it connected with his cheek. Following her attack, Archer kneed him in the gut sending him up as Shirou was gritting his teeth to endure the attack.

Coughing out blood his body was screaming in pain as all his muscles were burning in agony from fatigue. But he could not afford to drop to his knees. Standing hunched over, he focused his eyes as a small smirk had formed. He was in position now as it was time to retreat. Racing forward as his opponents did the same, he threw Kanshou and Bakuya to which Archer did the same to counter them. However Shirou was well aware of the properties that made this noble phantasm so special. Aside from balance allowing it to be thrown like a boomerang, it had an attraction quality which always allowed the blades to come back to each other. His aim was neither of his opponents as his target was the protective fence which surrounded the ledge. With the dual blades passing over each other, there attractive qualities slowed Archer's swords just long enough for him to grab them for himself. Timing it perfectly, he evaded both Rin and her servant just as the fence was cut as he tackled his way through the opening. Turning about as he fell through the air, he stabbed the swords into the wall slowing his descent till he was one floor down. Kicking a window breaking the glass, he jumped in making his dramatic escape.

~ Homurahara academy ~

"Damn, I didn't want to believe it" thought Illya as she could sense her brother and Rin fighting on the roof. But sensing there energy, it was a good sign that nothing too serious had occurred as she could feel Shirou's presence gaining distance from Rin's. "We need to regroup as soon as we can".

However hot on her trail, Rider was not letting up on hunting her down with Shinji in tow.

Each time they got close, Illya would activate time alter to escape them as she had more important priorities. However she was only able to hold the ability for a couple minutes before she had to drop out to recuperate her magical stamina. But Rider proved herself to be incredibly tenacious in tracking her down. Giving herself one strong push, she activated her time magic as she went directly to where Shirou was.

Finding him, the mage smith left a long trail of blood as he was sliding along the wall. Completely exhausted, he needed to sit down and rest for a moment.

"Shirou! Are you alright?!"

"I'll be fine" he chuckled. "Just need to rest for a bit".

"Sorry oniichan, but we don't have time for that. We have to get to a more safer area" as she slung Shirou's arm over her shoulder to assist him. But not getting far in the hallway, they were blocked off on both directions with Shinji and Rider to their front with Rin and Archer to their back. "Not good . . . ." thought Illya as they were now cornered. "What do I do?" as she ran through her options. Even if Shirou was capable of fighting with her, the odds were still terribly against them of it being four against two with two of them being servants. With this being the case, there was only one way to win which was to kill both Shinji and Rin. "But I don't want too . . . ." Illya was conflicted as she was faced with a do and die situation, and it was a choice she didn't want to make. Once you stained your hands, there was no going back.

However fate would smiled upon her as it would not come to that.

Spotting the danger from a distance, Leysritt and Saber got into combat gear. The Einzbern maid summoned her halberd while the knightly servant materialized her blue dress, armor, and weapon. Not wanting to waste a second more, the duo took the express way up jumping from the ground floor making their way to Illya and Shirou position. Busting in more windows shattering glass upon their entrance, Leysritt stood off against Archer with Saber going against Rider.

"Saber! Leysritt!" Illya exclaimed ecstatically.

"Where did you two come from?" Shirou asked.

"Just taking a walk around the neighborhood".

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: Hope this chapter was good. Now for some notes.

The Emiya crest once contained the accumulation of knowledge their family once had concerning time and space. But to what extent that I do not know or even how much Kiritsugu was really given pertaining to the knowledge. But Kiritsugu did what he could with it using it the best way he could in which he created time alter. However he was never interested in research and thus never really added more to it. But I would assume there were fragments of knowledge still in the crest concerning space bending research. Illya is a gifted kid as she was able to rebuild some of it. But not much due to the extensive damage and plot reasons as giving her anymore this soon in the story would make her ridiculously too strong. In case there are misunderstandings, she now has the ability of 'hammer space' in storing whatever she needs in her pockets.

Leysritt originally was supposed to serve a grail unit. But was proven to be an inferior model. However she was then re-purposed to serve as Illya's bodyguard as her strength and combat efficiency rivaled that of a heroic spirit. But due to her remodeling, her sense of self was dramatically thinned down hence why she is always so stoic. After being with Illya, she began to be more expressive in a rather blunt kind of way. For those wondering about her duels with Taiga, yes she's been taking it easy on her because in a serious bout she would destroy her.

As usual Saber is a straight forward characters as she wishes to face her opponents head on and perform her duties diligently. Thus it makes her a very head strong character. During canon, it seems she never likes to strategize which makes me wonder how she even wins any wars. Originally canonically Saber didn't like eating as food during her time was pretty gross. Now in modern times, eating is one of the few pleasures she enjoys.

Rin actually does know martial arts as Kirei taught her some.

In the UBW route, Shirou does fight Archer and beat him (technically as it was based on ideals). Given proper training this time around, I figured he would be able to hold his own. Not to mention Archer and Rin were somewhat holding back a bit.

Of course Illya could have destroyed Shinji rather effortlessly. But living a normal life and understanding right from wrong, she was really trying to be merciful. It would seem accurate to her new character growing up around people who loved her rather then folks who were raising her to be a weapon.

If there are any concerns of people still left at the school who might be witnesses, that will be covered next chapter.

Well that will be that as I thank you for reading and hope you can review as well.