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 III

". . . . What the hell is this?" Shinji questioned. His plans were quickly deteriorating as this matter should have been dealt with by now. With numerical superiority in which two of them were servants, Illya and her brother should have been dead by now. But even being reluctant to admit it, the step siblings were considerably skilled to have lasted as long as they did. With the arrival of her servant Saber and some other unknown individual, he was not liking how his odds looked.

Making his situation more dire, their conflict had spilled into public notice as their actions had attracted a few teachers and students. As Kirie Kotomine had bluntly put it, if he violated the rules one more time it was as good as signing his own death warrant as every magi in the world would be after him in order to keep magic a secret. Even as prideful as he was, he was aware that Rider couldn't protect him from all of them.

"But it's alright. All I have to do is kill them all and leave no witnesses. That's right! I'll do that!" as Shinji's expression started to seem more deranged. "Rider! Activate the Andromeda spell now!"

"But master . . . ."

"Do it!"

Having to obey, Rider unleashed her spell as a blood red dome soon encapsulated the school as all those trapped inside began to faint one by one. For those of magical nature could only contemplate how insane and callous Shinji must have been to do this.

"That bastard . . . ." thought Rin. Although forced, she was still his ally. However she was not afforded the same protection as Shinji from the barrier to which if she stayed any longer she would be as good as dead.

"That psycho" Illya cringed. But looking over her family, "Leysritt?"

Taking heavy breaths, the Einzbern maid was clearly suffering from the effects of blood fort Andromeda. Although her physiology would continuously replenish her prana reserves, she lacked the proper ability to resist the barrier as she was feeling first hand what dying was like as her life force was forcibly being pulled out of her at an alarming rate. However she had her duty to serve and she would not allow this handicap slow her down.

"Leysritt!" then called Shirou, "are you OK?"

"I'll be fine" Leysritt answered maintaining her strong stoic expression as sweat continued to bead down her face.

"We need to get rid of the barrier as soon as we can" as Illya had to plan carefully what her next move would be. Under these conditions, it was hard to focus as so many lives were riding on her shoulders to make the right decision especially for that of Shirou and Leysritt. But under her own ideals, her resolve had been set. With all the power and skills she had accumulated, no innocent person will die under her watch. She will not allow one life to be lost so long as she could help it. "Saber! Deal with Rider. We're going to attack it on two folds as we take care of her master. Leysritt! Remove Archer and try to take the fight as far from the barrier's epicenter for your safety".

"Understood" they responded.

"Come then Saber" Rider taunted as she jumped out the window as Saber pursued via mana burst.

Going in at full throttle, Leysritt pushed her body to it's utmost limit swinging her halberd just as Archer blocked it only to be thrown out the window as she soon followed after him.

With the servants out of the way, it just left two magi that Illya had to deal with. Shinji would not be much of a threat, but Rin could be problematic. "Leave Shinji to me" said Shirou. "I can deal with him myself". Before Illya could say otherwise, "don't worry" as the mage smith gave a reassuring smile. "We'll save everyone".

"OK" Illya nodded. Facing the brunette magus, she sprinted forward as Rin began to fire off a volley of energy shots. Ducking and dodging, Illya continued to run forward charging her enemy blitzing against the floor not losing even a second of momentum. Now close enough to make her move, "time alter, double accel!" Moving at two times her speed in relation to reinforcement, she was instantly at Rin's side as she had a firm grip on her face. Using all the momentum she had built up threw Rin clear across the hall with the only thing stopping her being a wall as she slammed with a thud against it. At the moment Illya's foot touched the ground, "triple accel!" as she was once more in front of Rin right in the transition of a jump spinning back kick. Connecting with her torso, the brunette magus was plowed right through the wall being thrown into the classroom hitting several desks on her way in.

". . . . Ugh . . . ." was the only thing Rin could let out as she slowly stood up while applying healing magic to her injuries. Narrowing her eyes, she watched as Illya just casually walk through the hole she made. "Damn she's really strong . . . ." as she breathed out heavily. She never encountered such a powerful magus before as she still didn't know the real heights of Illya's abilities. But if she wasn't fighting at her absolute best then her chances of winning were close to nil. However she had her sister to think about and that had to be enough to push her to victory. "Come Illya! I won't lose to you!"

At that taunt, the young homunculus glared scrunching her eyes as her hands tightened into a fist.

~ Homurahara academy ~

Battling all around the sides of the school building, Rider and Saber were fighting in relation to the their usual tactics as the purple servant relied on her tricks while the knightly servant was more for a forward assault. But as reckless as their fight was, Saber took extra care not to involve the unconscious students and teachers as that is what her master would desire in correlation to her own chivalrous beliefs. As they battled, it was a matter of who would make the first mistake.

Elsewhere at the very edge of the barrier, Leysritt fought Archer as the distance from the epicenter put less of a strain on her body. Now it was just a matter of keeping the red servant in check.

"But something doesn't feel right" thought Leysritt. Granted Archer was supposed to be a heroic spirit and thus he must have been an incredibly experienced warrior. But she couldn't help but feel a nagging observation that hung on the edge of her mind. Pulling out her best moves, she made it a point to let her opponent know she was quite serious that given the chance she would gut him with her halberd. Taking full advantage of the density of her weapon, the Einzbern maid swung down as Archer blocked it with his dual blades as the ground broke beneath him due to the sheer force and weight he was under.

Quickly countering, the red servant glided the halberd away along one of his swords while attacking with the other.

But pulling back, Leysritt swung for his leg as Archer jumped over with a spinning round house only to be blocked as Leysritt lifted the halberd's end up. Then stabbing into the ground, she ripped out a large piece of concrete flicking it as her opponent.

Losing his line of sight, Archer only had either two options of going around or through it. However Leysritt decided for him as she annihilated the debris into the dust with a powerful forward joust. Soaring through it, Archer was forced to defend catching the sharp end within his own swords as he was being pushed back. But finding his grounding point, he stomped his back foot down stopping the push as now the two weapons shook at the two forces being pushed against each other. "Heh, no mercy as usual huh".

There is was again. Fighting against Archer, Leysritt couldn't help but feel an unusual sense of familiarity. It wasn't just the fact that her opponent was skilled. It almost seemed like he was familiar in her fighting style when she used her halberd. "But how it that possible?" she questioned. Even now with the way he addressed her was like he actually knew her. So narrowing her eyes, "who are you Archer?"

". . . . Wouldn't you like to know" he answered back rather snidely. Forcing the blade down, he jumped up kicking it into the ground as he stood upon it. Stepping in, he aimed his kick right for her head.

Ducking underneath, Leysritt full-stepped in angling her halberd to her shoulders to get the right leverage to throw Archer off.

But it was not enough to unbalance him as Archer flipped through the air as he landed gracefully on the ground resuming his sword stance. "You've got to try harder if you want to catch me".

~ Homurahara academy ~

The chaos of Rider and Saber battle could be felt everywhere as each time they clashed, the vibrations echoed through the air shaking the entire school right down to it's base.

However it did not deter the focus the other combatants had as they did not have the luxury of hesitation.

Within a completely trashed classroom, Illya and Rin were fully engaged in a hand to hand fight. Opening up, Rin kicked a chair as it went flying to her opponent as the young homunculus smashed it with a single swing of her fist. Closing the distance, the two fought at zero range punching and blocking in relation to their martial arts style while at the same time trying to unbalance their opponent's center with their stances.

But even amongst masters, techniques could get sloppy with prolonged battle as fatigue could dull the senses. Not blocking at the right moment Illya's fist connected against Rin's face causing her to flinch back only for her to retaliate with an uppercut to her gut.

Though as much as it hurt, Illya gritted her teeth enduring the shot as she pushed back with a right hook to the brunette's ribs which was quickly followed by a piercing elbow strike.

Taking the hit to her side, Rin was quick to defend blocking with her forearm. Then grabbing her elbow, she pulled Illya down throwing three hard knee strikes which caused her to cough out. Raising her elbow up, she flipped her opponent onto her back intent on breaking her arm.

Knowing what she was about to do, Illya kicked up knocking Rin away. Getting clearance, she jumped back onto her feet. "I've played nice along enough. Time alter! Double accel!"

"Here she comes!" as Rin prepared herself. Even with reinforcement, she couldn't possibly hope to catch Illya as she was far too fast with her time magic. During the time they were 'allies', she had been thinking about how to beat her. If she couldn't compete against her in speed, it just meant she had to have the better defense. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a magic jewel. Using it, her magic output exploded as she bent the wind in the room to her will.

Moving at intense speeds, Illya threw several punches and kicks only to feel herself being rebounded. ". . . . Damn". That was the nature of wind magic one of which controlled kinetic forces. So regardless of how many attacks she threw out, she would not be able to breach her wind shield as the forces from her attacks were easily absorbed and dispersed harmlessly keeping Rin safe.

"You're just wasting your time" Rin called out. Focusing her eyes, she managed to catch glimpses of Illya's black coat as it left afterimages in it's wake. Anticipating her movements she fired off wind blades as they were easily sharp enough to cut steel evident in how they demolished desks and chairs.

Now Illya found herself in a bit of a predicament. She needed to keep up her time magic just to evade Rin's attacks. However she was using up more prana then she was naturally regenerating thus feeling the stresses occurring in her body. But as good as Rin's defense was, there was just one problem with it. Based on their current output, she just needed to surpass what her shield could block. "I just need one moment! Time alter! Quad accel!" Moving at four times her maximum speed, it was just physics from there. The force of her punch multiplied by her increased velocity allowed her to hit even harder. Breaking her defense, Illya continued to follow through as her fist connected to Rin's stomach.

With an initial look of shock, the brunette magus was thrown off the floor crashing through another wall as she landed with a thud into the next room.

Seeing their bout was finished, Illya released her time alter. Allowing her body to relax, she could feel the bones in her right hand must have been cracked. Though the damage could have been much worse if she wasn't using reinforce. However she could only imagine how Rin was feeling as she was certain she cracked at least three of her ribs. Even worse, probably suffered from organ damage due to bone fragmentation. Walking through another hole she made with Rin's body, she stood before her looking upon the brunette with stoic eyes.

"If you're going to kill me . . . ." Rin breathed out, "then just do it . . . ."

"I'll happily grant your wish" Illya answered. "But before I do so answer me this. What did Shinji offer you that was so great to betray us?"

Laying their defeated, a tear escaped Rin's eye. ". . . . My sister's life . . . ."

~ Homurahara academy ~

Shinji continued to fire off his shadow blades as Shirou destroyed them with his Kanshou and Bakuya.

But above all else it was a pretty even match. The elder Matou who had no magic circuits was damaging his body by using powers that was not meant for him. For the mage smith, he was pretty banged up after his run in with Rin and Archer. So it was down to the question of who will fall first.

Although Shirou knew what was at stake, his chivalrous nature would not allow him to abandon his old friend. "Why are you doing this Shinii?! Don't you understand this is madness! You have to stop this!"

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! What do you understand?! I was supposed to be meant for great things yet I was born with this joke of a body that doesn't even have a single magic circuit!" This then caused him to glare angrily at Shirou, "and yet here you are. A nobody with no prestige is supposed to be better then me!"

"Think about what you're going to do. Is killing all these people really worth that much? Think about your friends! Your family! What would Sakura think?!"

" . . . . Heh . . . . Sakura" as Shinji's expression then became darker. "Do you think I honestly give a damn about her!"

Shirou then gave a confused look, "what are you talking about? She's your sister".

"She's my replacement!" Shinji rebutted venomously. "That stupid bitch was going to take everything that was meant to be mine. She was to inherit the Matou family since I was nothing more then a crippled by comparison. That stupid Tohsaka girl!"

"Tohsaka? What does Rin have to do with this?". However that was the end of the questions as Shinji was more interested in killing his former friend then anything else.

~ Homurahara academy ~

Leysritt and Archer battle was beginning to take it's toll on the surroundings.

Buildings that were partly demolished, side walks with huge craters, and some trees that seemed to have been ripped in half.

Although the Einzbern maid was tasked with keeping Archer busy, it almost seemed the opposite. Considering their states, he could have escaped albeit with some difficulty. However like her mistress, she couldn't help but feel that there was something oddly familiar about him.

So asking once more, "who are you? What is your real name?"

Chuckling at the question, "who knows. I don't quite remember that myself".

Upon that answer, Leysritt wasn't sure if he was joking or was serious. But nonetheless, "what a dumb answer".

Before anything else could transpire, a menacing shadow had been cast above them quickly moving by which caught the pair's attention. Looking up, it was hard to see anything beyond the barrier due to it's translucent red hue. However whatever it was, it was big and flying fast. Judging by it's destination, it was heading towards the school.

~ Homurahara academy ~

Unable to endure the damage, Shinji's body began to convulse as he held his hand over his mouth. That was the price he paid for using power that was not meant for him. Feeling it creeping up through his throat, the elder Matou vomited out blood as he was soon on his hands and knees laying in a pool of his own bile.

Breathing heavily, Shirou was badly bleeding as it trailed across his face forcing him to close his left eye. Holding one sword in his right hand, his left was left to hold his injuries. But looking to his old friend, it was clear he was defeated as there was no need to take his life. Dispelling his sword, he walked up to him. "It's over Shinji . . . . Call off Rider . . . . While there is still time . . . ."

"Heh heh . . . ." Shinji chuckled. "Same Shirou . . . . Never wanting to give up on anyone . . . . It's what makes you so virtuous . . . . And yet . . . . So damn gullible!" Before the mage smith could react, he was pierced by a shadow blade puncturing through his side. Receiving such a wound Shirou stumbled back in shock dropping to one knee. Now standing as if triumphant, Shinji had an arrogant smile plastered across his face as he was ready to deliver the finishing blow. "You should have killed me when you had the chance".

Just as this was about to happen, Illya had arrived with Rin slung over her shoulder. Seeing her brother in trouble, "I won't make it!" as her eyes went wide. It wasn't a question of prana as she was physically exhausted. Even if she tried to go triple or quad accel, prana output wouldn't last even a second for her to get half way down the hall. This being the case, there was only one option left to her. Reaching into her inner coat pocket, Illya pulled out her father's most fearsome weapon which had so infamously claimed the lives of many heretic mages. Armed with an origin bullet, she aimed Kiritsugu's Thompson Contender as she recalled what her father had taught her. "Keep steady, clear your mind, breathe calmly, and don't blink when staring the devil in the eye". With all the target's she could have chosen, there was only one she had in mind.

Pulling the trigger, the hammer retracted releasing the firing pin igniting the primer. Exploding from the barrel, the bullet began to fly cutting through the air in a linear rotation it flew to it's intended target.

Hearing the sound of gun fire, Shinji was startled for that moment only to be in pain. Looking up, he saw Rin along with Illya as her gun was still pointed at him with residue smoke still apparent from the end of it's barrel. Initially shocked, he wasn't sure where he was shot as he was only aware of the pain that coursed through him as he dropped to his knees once more. But finally calm enough to analyze, he wasn't bleeding anywhere nor were there any holes in him. "Did she miss? No, this pain is definitely real!" Looking to his right hand, the skin had blackened as his digits were withering paralyzed in pain. But more importantly, "the book!" as his tome was quickly turning into dust. "No! No! No! It can't be!" For all his plans were falling apart just like his tool. Without the tome of false attendant, it not only meant that he couldn't use magic . . . . He couldn't control Rider anymore. Turning his head towards the window, the barrier was being lifted. "What is Rider doing?! If she does that . . . . !"

"Too bad" said Illya as Rin followed behind her. Reaching into her pocket, she removed another origin bullet while flipping the gun barrel open flicking out the empty casing. Reloading, she flicked the gun up as she was closing the distance to Shinji. In Kiritsugu's will everything he owned was to be given to Illya and Shirou upon his death. But being the shrewd man that he was, he made sure he would still be helping his kids well after his death. So in the case of an enemy magi the rest of his origin bullets were left behind for them to use. Entrusting Sella to this task, his body was to be cremated increasing their stock and for one other purpose that would be apparent later.

"S . . . Stay back" Shinji stuttered. "D . . . . Don't . . . ."

". . . . We're well past mercy at this point" as the young houmunculus pressed the gun barrel against his head.

Eyes tearing up at the very prospect of his death, Shinji looked around for any possibility to save himself. Seeing Rin, she would certainly not help him after using her sister against her. For Shirou, he was too busy tending the hole he made in his side. Looking up to the eyes of his soon to be murderer, "please" he begged. "Don't kill me . . . ."

Illya's eyes narrowed as her finger gently squeezed against the trigger. ". . . . It's far too late for that now". This was a decision she had to make whether to punish or redeem. Strangely the people behind her represented her predicament. Rin would have instantly killed him. Although she was not certain of the history, Sakura was her biological sister. With her life being used as collateral, the brunette magus would not even had a tinge of guilt for spilling his blood. However Shirou right to the very end would do everything in his power to redeem him. Regardless of all the horrible things he had done, her brother always wanted to believe in the best of people. Even if it may seem absurd, it was a noble notion nonetheless.

"I cannot allow you to do that" said Rider as she came up right behind Illya at blinding speed.

However, "you will go no further" said Saber as her sword was pressed firmly against her throat.

Not breaking her stare from Shinji, "why do you protect him still?" Illya questioned. "I know you clearly don't care for him. I would even go as far as say to despise him. So why protect this scum?"

"Because I asked her . . . ."

Shocked at the voice, everyone turned to see Sakura walking down the hall much to everyone's surprise.

Rin being the first to recover quickly put the pieces together as she knew what this meant as it was the only possibility considering the situation, "you were Rider's real master . . . ." to which the meek girl nodded.

"I'm sorry for the trouble he had caused. But please leave him be. Allow me to deal with this" she respectfully bowed. "It's my fault this had happened which involved all these people. So please . . . ."

"Of all the back stabbing and manipulations he had done do you think . . . . !" as Illya was getting agitated.

Before she could get going, Shirou had stood up pulling her arm as he gave her a stern look. "Just let her be".

Resistant to the idea, she huffed before stepping aside allowing Sakura to do as she wished.

Standing before her adopted older brother, Sakura sat down calmly looking eye to eye with Shinji. "Nii-san, you need to stop this now. Your obsession will only bring you suffering".

"Don't talk to me like you understand!" as Shinji was getting angry again. "Someone like you born from the Tohsaka family with so much promise and talent. You just simply walk into mine and takes everything from me! You only exist to hold me down!"

At hearing that, Shirou understood what Shinji was angry about earlier but still kept silent.

"It's not like that" said Sakura shaking her head. "It was never like that as I never wanted it. Regardless of what you might think, I understood for a long time how you felt. You were hurting for something that was never your fault. So I wanted to help you in any way I could to vindicate you of this pain as I cared for you as if you were my real brother. But perhaps it was my fault as I probably should have taken a more honest approach to heal you of your wounds". Extending her hand, "so let it go nii-san and go back to the way you used to be".

With a wide expression, Shinji looked to Sakura as he had reached his epiphany. He understood now. He finally and completely understood as he thought deeply and clearly about everything in his life. Starting from his childhood, everything was so much simpler and happier before magic entered his life. Once he learned of it, nothing was ever the same as he found himself drowning in his own family pride. More so, he realized just how much of a creep he was to Sakura. All she ever did was try to support him yet in return he treated her worse then dirt. ". . . . I'm so sorry Sakura".

As he started to reach for her hand, "tsk, what a boring ending".

Feeling the killing intent coming right at them, "get back!" Illya shouted.

Shirou and Rin easily managed to jump away. However Sakura and Shinji were still within the direct path of the killing intent. With only being able to save one, Illya pulled Sakura back.

Just microseconds later, a giant bright metal object had completely smashed the hallway. Before Shinji even knew what was happening, he found himself underneath the shadow of death. But if it was any consolation, he didn't feel it as his body was annihilated in an instant.

"Nii-san!" Sakura cried out.

"Shinji!" Shirou exclaimed.

But getting a good look at the object, it was rectangular in shape as it seemed to have been sparking off electricity. With the way it's handle was attached, "a hammer?"

Pulling back then left a large gaping hole in the side of the school as everyone present very warily approached wanting to see what the hell could have done this. "Sorry for the mess" said a girl as she dropped in through the opening. "But I found it much more satisfying for insects like him to be dealt with as such. Smashed under something heavy".

Noting her appearance, she had silver hair, tanned skin, orange red eyes, was clearly in her teens, and wore German fashioned cloths.

But more shockingly to Shirou and more so Illya, she looked exactly like her right down to the smallest detail.

The mysterious girl then put on a charming smile as she looked to the group. Lifting the ends of her dress giving a lady like bow, "oh my please forgive my lack of introductions. I am Kuro Von Einzbern and I'm going to kill you all".

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: I thought long and hard along with a lot of back checking to make sure all my facts were right. However if there is something that seems off I'll try my best to explain it. Now on to commentary.

Back checking everything I know, Leysritt is a failed grail unit. I know she's a homunculus thus prana is not much of a problem for her. However what isn't really stated was how much she could physically store inside her. Nor am I certain of her real aptitude for magic. Strength wise, she can compete against Rider so she should be able to take on Archer. Though concerning Archer, time traveling events can get rather complicated. So in a certain sense Archer does remember training with Leysritt and still recalls how she fights.

Like Leysritt, I don't know the input/output ratio of Illya's prana capacity. I'd imagine it's quite large as she is a 'perfect' grail unit with tons of magic circuits. But even with infinite prana to use, there does have to exist limitations in input/output of prana. Otherwise Einzbern homunculus could probably fire off one giant spell after another without any problems which I think is kind of ridiculous. Additionally there has to be a contrast between physical stamina and magical stamina if that makes any sense. Although Illya's magical stamina will always be at full power within moments, her body is still flesh and blood which can only do so much.

According to the information, origin bullets don't cause damage like a regular bullet. When hitting a normal person, they destroy the blood capillaries annihilating all function in the affected area which also causes the appearance of necrosis on the area that was hit. So yeah, Illya shot both his hand and the book.

Sakura was indeed in the area. But since she is Rider's original master I'd imagine she's protected from the blood fort Andromeda effects. Knowing what really happened to her concerning Shinji in the original story, I'm going with the anime/manga route on this one.

Also Shirou and Illya knows Sakura is Rin's sister now . . . . Yay

If there are any questions or concerns feel free to ask and I'll try to answer them.

So thanks for reading and please drop a review if you can.