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

Justified

~ Emiya residence ~ (a few days later)

Sitting on his futon, Shirou was shirtless as much of his body was wrapped in bandages while Rin had her hands to his back applying healing magic.

"It's quite alright" chuckled Shirou trying to seem chipper. "I'm feeling fine. So you don't need to watch over me anymore".

"Oh just shut it" as Rin frowned a bit. "It's the least I can do after all the trouble I caused. So just shut up and let me take care of you. But" looking to the corner of the room, "it would help if you didn't look like you were going to kill at any moment".

"I believe it to be imperative" said Saber dressed casually as she maintained her watch duty diligently. "After your betrayal, I believe it would be unwise to trust you again regardless of what Illya thinks".

"Now now don't fight" Shirou chuckled again trying to calm everyone down. "All things considered, it is understandable why things turned out like that. So please don't be angry at her Saber" which earned him a slight scoff from her. "But as things are now, it would be better if we can still get along".

This was something Rin also had to agree too. With the appearance of Berserker, the contract of an alliance between the two families was renewed. With what was displayed, the mad servant was able to take on three heroic spirits on his own which was proof to how powerful he was. Going over some research, they did know a few things about him. More importantly, his noble phantasm which was his hammer Mjlonir, his belt Megingjoro, and his gauntlets Jarngreipr. With these tools, it gave Berserker an absurd amount of strength and durability. However when it came to research such as this, myth and fact sometimes don't always agree. More along that point there was a possibility he might have additional phantasms from the Norse pantheon such as Odin's ring or Freyja necklace. But whatever the case was, Berserker was incredibly dangerous and it was going to require cooperation to take him down.

But thinking along that line, Rin was still baffled to learn Illya was actually from the Einzbern family. This made it all too clear why she was so powerful. However Einzbern's were always known for alchemy based magic which made Illya a very peculiar individual. Furthering that line of thought, it meant two Einzbern's were competing in the war. But as things turned out, she was glad to have such a powerful and reliable relationship with the Emiya family.

Continuing her treatment of Shirou, Rin felt that something was somewhat off. Even before her healing magic, Shirou was already regenerating at a rate well beyond natural for humans. Although she wanted to question it, it was best she left it be till she was back in their good graces again. But stopping her technique, Rin placed her hand to his back balling it into a fist before pressing her head against him.

"Tohsaka?"

"I know you might be getting sick and tired of me saying this. But I'm sorry Emiya-kun for causing you so much pain. So many times you could have cut me down yet you held back for my safety. You must really think less of me for taking advantage of your kindness like that . . . ."

Pulling away as Shirou faced her, he gave Rin a gentle smile while placing his hand on her shoulder. "It's OK. You don't have to explain yourself. You were forced to make an impossible choice under unreasonable circumstances. One of which would have resulted badly either way. But it's fine now. Just a few cuts and bruises. It's nothing I can't handle" as the mage smith flexed his bicep showing that he was OK.

Staring for a moment, Rin grinned before breaking out into full laughter.

"What?" Shirou asked somewhat embarrassed now. "Did I do something weird?"

"Trying to act cool just doesn't really fit your image" as Rin laughed harder. But after a while it subsided as the brunette magus looked solemnly to him. "Thank you for your understanding Emiya-kun".

Opening the sliding door to Shirou's room, Leysritt stood at the opening with food at hand. "Lunch is ready. It's time to eat".

"Thank you" smiled Shirou. "By the way, what's going on with everyone else?"

"Our guest is still with Sella".

"But why would Illya want Sakura to be analyzed?" Shirou asked. "Is there something wrong with her?"

"She didn't say" as Leysritt gave an indifferent shrug. "But looking her over, Sella has found a lot of peculiar anomalies swimming inside that girl. Who knows how long these 'parasites' have been there. But looking at their activity, it must have been torture for her to endure these things for whatever duration they have been present".

Rin could only look down guiltily. Upon succeeding the Tohsaka family, she felt ashamed for abandoning her sister. She may not have known all the details. But she did know that Sakura was going through hell during her time with the Matou family. As she tried to be ignorant of her state it was just a facade to cover up her guilt for not doing more for her.

"But where did Illya go?" Shirou then questioned.

"She said she had an errand to run and will be back later today".

~ Fuyuki city ~

"Illya-chan, you look so different".

"Did you cut your hair? Are you wearing make-up?"

"Did something happen to you lately?"

"No none of that" Illya chuckled. "I'm just the same old me just like any other day". It was a bit unexpected, but she ended up running into her friends on the way to her destination. Without her perception filter, people can actually see her now for who she was. It did cross her mind at one point to replace the bounded field, but if Kuro or rather the Einzbern family knew where she was then there was very little point to it. Thus it was a bit of an awkward transition. Something that would be apparent soon.

"Hey sweat heart" as some cocky guys approached her, "how about you come with us. We'll show you a good time".

At such a cheesy pick up line, Illya couldn't help but give an awkward look. She never really thought much about physical appearance as it didn't matter with her bounded field. But now that it was gone all these creepy guys were coming out of the woodwork in the past few days.

But in her defense, "pests like you are not wanted here" said Miyu stoically as she stood protectively in front of her friend. "So I think you should leave now". But as the boys were about to retort, Miyu gave her ever so infamous cold glare which made the message clear of 'piss off'.

"Thank you Miyu" Illya nervously chuckled. "I wasn't sure what I would have done as I've never been hit on before".

"You need to be more careful Illya. You are very beautiful girl. There are some who would want to take advantage of that". Almost not missing a beat, Miyu pulled out her phone pulling Illya towards her as she then took a selfie much to the young homunculus surprise.

"Hey no fair! We want pictures with Illya too!"

"Me too! Me too!"

"Come on, let's have a group shot".

After that event, Illya was on her way again jumping onto her bike as she rode off. This whole appearance thing was all rather new to her. In a way, she had to wonder what it was like for her mother when she first came to Japan.

But putting that aside for now, she was glad that her time was freed up. With the battle at the school, it would take a week for everything to be put back into functioning order. Hence it gave her time to get some business done.

After fighting Kuro, she was still trying to figure out how she knew so much about her. She was the most dangerous enemy considering her overwhelming advantage in terms of combat strength and information. So thus she took the time to reevaluate what she currently did know about them. Berserker still needed more research. But against Kuro, there was a new tool she developed. After her bout with Rin and her doppelganger, her new tool might prove to be extremely effective at mid range and close quarter combat.

Considering where she was going, it might prove to be a good test period.

Without needing a word, she would have helped Sakura knowing the kind of problems she faced. Even going as far as enduring whatever consequences may have resulted of her actions. But seeing as the Matou family was already on it's last legs, she didn't worry too much about any blow back that might affect her family or friends. For anyone that it may have still concerned, the only person she had to worry about was Zouken Matou the real mastermind pulling the strings behind Shinji and Sakura. It was more then likely that he wasn't going to let Sakura go without a fight. However she was going to do the only thing she could. She was going to steal her away from them.

Thinking this over during these past few days, an itch of a question hung on the edge of her mind which was how did she know all this? How did she know about the crest worms in Sakura? Her suffering in the Matou house? And for that matter everything else that was going on there? Pinpointing when this all occurred, she started having these 'memories' after her last battle.

Collecting all the facts, Illya came up with a possible theory. "Are these Rider's memories?" For there was no other explanation besides that. Neither Sella or her father knew what would happen when she started absorbing heroic spirits. Due to so many reroutes of her magic circuits altering her composition as a grail vessel, there was really no telling how absorbing servants would affect her. At first she kind of figured Kuro would have taken on Rider. However if her facts were true, then she still had a higher compatibility as a grail unit then her doppelganger.

But it wasn't just memories she felt. It was also Rider's wishes and desires of wanting to help Sakura which was compelling her to do something. That's what she intended to do as she had arrived at the front door of the Matou residence.

Getting off her bike, the projection faded off as she proceeded to the front door. Deciding to play this coolly, she would approach this matter first as the head of the Emiya family.

Invited in, Illya took her seat in the living room area. Soon to join her was Zouken Matou as the old decrepit looking man took his seat across from her. As formalities were concerned, tea and snacks were served.

"Hehe, family heads are getting younger every generation" said Zouken. "So what can I possibly do for the Emiya family? What business can they possibly have with me?"

"Normally . . . . I'd start with trying to be courteous and formal. However I don't care much for idle chatter with you as I'll cut straight to the point" said Illya with a serious face. "I'll be taking Sakura from you as she is now under the protection of the Emiya family".

"Oh? I wasn't aware Sakura was in any danger with us. So why would I do that?"

Narrowing her eyes, Illya gave a low glare. She couldn't help but grit her teeth a bit as Zouken held a somewhat snide condescending look. Losing a bit of her cool, "I know what you did to her you bastard. However I see very little point in talking to you".

"Excuse me?"

"To my understanding, the real Zouken Matou died years ago. The human anyways. All that's left in front of me is a pile of maggots trying so desperately to cling to life".

Giving off an intimidating stare, "then allow me to retort. Sakura is a very important member of this family and I have no intention of surrendering her to someone like you. She is to serve as this families next head in order to maintain the Matou family lineage. If there is nothing more to say this conversation is over. Leave my sight this instant".

Hardening her expression, Illya knew her choice of words were poor. However she couldn't help but feel angry at what his old son of a b**ch did. But she knew something was off by her own analysis and Rider's memories. Sakura was indeed being groomed. Though not to take over the Matou family. Whatever Zouken was planning, it was certainly nothing good. So standing, "I'm afraid I must insist".

"Hmm . . . . It would appear I'm going to have to teach you some manners".

Feeling his killing intent, Illya pulled out her black coat slipping it on. Reaching into her coat pocket, she unveiled her newest magical tool in the form of a long white scarf. Wrapped on both her arms, the rest elegantly flowed along her back like majestic wings.

With just the force of his presence, Zouken's magic threw the furniture aside.

However Illya did not falter in the slightest as the old man was just showing off.

Making the first move, Zouken summoned several of his worm familiars as he threw them at his opponent.

"Can't let those things touch me. If they do, its over". Illya knew clearly that though these worms were the lowest rank in terms of familiars, Zouken's were special. They were extremely parasitic. If even one of them got on her, they would instantly burrow into her body and kill her on the spot or worse she'd become Zouken's slave. It was imperative that not even one of them got close to her. With her scarf, it would do just that. It was specially tailored and tested by herself, Shirou, Sella, and Leysritt. The apparel was a finely weaved flexible alloy with a smooth texture and appearance of silk. Yet it was as durable as steel. Manipulating it with magic, she could easily control it's shape and function to whatever it needed to be with reinforcement to harden it's structure. With a twist of her wrist, the scarf wrapped into a pole as she quickly swatted the little bugs down.

"Interesting toy" Zouken chuckled. "But let's see if you can handle all these". Just like that, large squeaking and chirping sounds could be heard echoing all over the house. Looking about, worms started entering the room from every crevice that it could under doors, through switches, out light fixtures, or whatever cracks in the room there were. Swarming all over the walls, ceiling and floor, Illya was completely surrounded every where she looked leaving that small gap she stood upon. "You're going to be nice food for my worms. But perhaps I might keep you alive long enough for you to amuse me".

Hearing such a statement, Illya could only chuckle much to Zouken's confusion. "I can only guess how old you are and how much knowledge you've managed to amass through the centuries. However one thing will always remain constant in people like you. That's the absolute arrogance that you think that someone like myself can't possibly challenge you". There was one more quality which made her scarf very special. Mixed in it's composition was Kiritsugu's ashes giving it the origin of severing and binding. When charged with mana, it generated an aura effect which extended it's magical abilities without truly actuating it. Unlike it's counterpart the origin bullet, the scarf wasn't meant to attack magic circuits. But instead magical phenomena and constructs themselves.

Hence it made weak familiars like these worms easy prey.

"Time alter, double accel" Illya chanted.

If you even blinked you would've missed it as Zouken stammered a bit at seeing his crest worms get crushed as they started turning into dust all around him. Appearing right in front of him in that next moment, Illya had her right arm cocked back with her fist wrapped up within her scarf.

Throwing her punch as hard as she could, Illya's knuckles connected turning half of Zouken's face into dust upon impact.

Surprised at the amount of damage, the old man stumbled back. However Illya followed through using her scarf ripping off an arm and a leg from her opponent causing him to fall to the ground.

"It's over now" said Illya. "You're completely in a disadvantage. I'll be taking Sakura now. If you try to make a move against her just remember today of what I can do to you".

"Don't think it to be that easy child" chuckled Zouken as his body steadily began to regenerate. "Regardless of what you try to do to protect her, you cannot hide her from me. She is mine till I decide otherwise".

Grimacing, Illya knew this to be true. Even if she were to 'kill' him now it wouldn't have made a difference. So long as one of his crest worms were alive he would easily resurrect each time in a new body as his soul was bounded to his familiars. Hence Sakura would never be safe from him especially with those worms in her body. With what she knew, she wasn't sure she could cure her of them. For Zouken, it was rather pointless to threaten a man like him as she had no real leverage to do so. He could not be swayed by death or torture. As much as she wanted to solve this civilly, her feelings got the better of her while Zouken would not allow his ambition to die so easily. Just as she was about to reach her wits end, she felt a vibe course through her. Feeling this tingling at the very edge of her soul, her mouth started to move well before she knew what she was saying. ". . . . Pitiful. How pathetic you've become Zouken. To think you've fallen so far".

Zouken looked to Illya in slight annoyance of what was said. But looking into her eyes, he felt a familiar sensation thrum from somewhere deep inside long forgotten over the many decades. Brushing along this distant memory, "Justeaze . . . ." as the name whispered to him from afar.

"Surrender your claim on the girl" Illya continued. "She has no further business being involved in your affairs. This is not the path we sought for in what we wanted to achieve. Your quest of immortality has already led you astray. So purge yourself of these foolish ambitions. But if you have already fallen to that of a lowly animal unable to see reason then I will fight you for however long you wish".

Stunned to silence, Zouken was confused unable to find the right words. Looking to Illya, he felt a presence he had long forgotten to the mists of time. Somewhere deep down, he knew this 'Justeaze' to be important. Yet he wasn't sure why. Thus his mentality was skewed between his ambitions and his emotions. On one hand, preparing Sakura was the representation of his life's work which was so close to fruition. But on the other was something of a pin prick nagging him to listen to what this 'girl' was saying. Torn between these two ideas, he wasn't sure what his decision would be. Carefully thinking it over, he made his choice. "Heh heh heh, fine . . . . Take her for now. I'll allow her a moment of happiness before she serves her purpose. But keep this in mind girl" as Zouken's expression became rather sinister. "Sakura will never be out of my reach as I can take her back whenever I please. Think about that as you try futilely to save her".

". . . . We'll see about that" Illya glared. "Just watch me!" pointing at Zouken with conviction. "I will save her! I will not allow her to fall into despair!" Staring at each other for a second, Illya sent her scarf and coat away returning to her normal attire. Making sure no more violence would ensue, she left for home.

Now in the middle of the afternoon, Illya had arrived home to be greeted by her family. Looking for Sella, she told her everything she knew to which things were not looking favorable.

With time they would be able to isolate and remove the crest worms swimming around in Sakura. But with so many years having gone by, some have burrowed so deep into her body that they would either debilitate or outright kill her in trying to oust them. More troubling was how one of them had completely integrated with her heart. Seeing this was the case, it was completely inoperable by either scientific or magical means.

"Is there really nothing more we can do?" Illya asked. "I hate this feeling of helplessness. More so being beaten by that old fart".

"I'm sorry" Sella apologized. "This is all that can be done for now unless we can kind find an alternative method to safely remove them. Otherwise it's all but impossible".

"I see, how long will it take to remove the current ones?"

"I've already talked it out with her. One hour sessions for everyday for the next two week. I should be able to purge most of them by then".

"I suppose I can cast some sort of seal to suppress the crest worms that can't be removed". Illya then gave a sigh while ruffling her hair a bit. "I will definitely save her. I will stop whatever that mad man is planning". At saying that it earned her a chuckle by Sella. "What? Did I say something strange?"

"No no" Sella smiled shaking her head. "It just sounded like something Shirou would say".

"Ha ha, yeah he would" Illya smiled endearingly. "But speaking of which, how is he doing?"

"Actually" as Sella carefully wanted to choose her words, "I'm not sure".

"Is there something wrong?" Illya then asked anxiously.

"No . . . . And that's kind of the problem. Based on Shirou's injuries it should have taken days for him to recover even by magic. Yet almost immediately after the battle the only thing left was just the dried blood stains on his cloths. For the rest of the time till now, he's been recovering from fatigue due to overexertion".

"Strange . . . ." said Illya. "He never had regenerative abilities like that before. What could be causing it?" she wondered. Then looking to her maid, "who knows about this?"

"You, myself, Leysritt, and Rin".

"Then for now let's keep it that way. Until we understand the reason for it, I don't want to cause any unnecessary commotion".

"Understood" nodded Sella. "Will that be all?"

"Yes" smiled Illya. "I'm hungry. Let's all have dinner now"

~ Emiya residence ~ (early evening)

With the day coming to a close, there was a pleasant feeling within the Emiya house as everyone went about their usual activity.

Sella tended to the house.

Leysritt and Saber sat together eating.

Illya and Sakura hung out with Shirou talking about whatever came to mind.

As this was occurring, Rin was off on the side with an ambivalent aura to her. Closing her eyes in thought, she left the room to go outside to get some air. But it did not go unnoticed as Sakura saw her leave.

Standing, the meek girl followed right after her.

Out sitting on the porch, Rin had her legs swinging on the end while leaning back as she stared out into the horizon. With the sun setting, it soon disappeared as the moon and stars came out taking it's place in the sky. Sighing, the brunette magus felt somewhat at a loss.

"Do you mind if I join you?"

Rin looked up to see Sakura as she waved her hand. "Feel free too". Sitting next to each other, the atmosphere became somewhat awkward. But deciding to break the silence, "so . . . . I just heard from Illya. You'll be living here from now on".

"Yes . . . . It was rather kind of her to allow me to stay. It must have been rather troublesome for her to talk to grandfather in letting me go . . . ."

"Yeah . . . ." as Rin gave a choked laugh. Then silence filled the air once more. But after a while, Rin tried to gather her resolve as the feeling of tension built up in her chest. These were words that have waited long enough as her sister needed to hear them. "Sakura . . . . I . . . . I just wanted to say . . . ."

"I hate you . . . ."

". . . . ?!"

"You promised . . . . You promised me everything would be alright. But it wasn't . . . . Each day that they tortured me I prayed somebody . . . . Anybody would come to save me. Yet my prayers were never heard . . . ." Seeming solemn, Sakura looked towards the night's sky. "But regardless of how things may have seemed I never gave up hope" as she rubbed the ribbon in her hair.

"Sakura . . . ." as Rin remembered the last gift she gave her. Looking down, she quivered as her eyes reflected how guilt ridden she felt.

"But in time . . . . my hope started to change into hate. It was this resentment that helped me endure all those horrible things. My hate for you was the only thing that kept me going . . . ."

"Sakura . . . . I . . . . I . . . ." as Rin seemed on the verge of tears.

"But I forgive you" Sakura said softly as she held a small smile. "Regardless of everything I never stopped loving you as my sister. In the end . . . . Your actions told me how you felt when nii-san threatened you with my life. For that . . . . It showed me how much you cared".

Rin absorbed what was said as soon a smile graced her lips. "Thank you" she whispered out.

"Hmm?"

Rin then wrapped her arm around Sakura's shoulders pulling her into a half hug as she leaned on her. "You know . . . . I still kept your room the same. If you ever want . . . . You can move back in and live with me again".

Sakura gave a sincere smile in response. "Thank you. I would really like that. However . . . . I think I'll be fine living here for now".

"Huh?"

"No no, don't get me wrong" Sakura said half-embarrassed. "But . . . ." as she gave a cute blush, "this way I can be closer to Shirou-sempai".

"Really?" Rin chuckled. "You actually like that dork?"

"Of course I do. What's there not to like about him?"

"Well he's not great academically. His looks are barely average. He's prone to so many accidents. Frankly he barely has any talent to speak of".

"But he never gives up no matter how impossible things may seem. Isn't that why you like him too?"

"Ehh?!"

"Regardless of what you say, I know you also like him. But even if we're sisters, I won't lose him to you".

"Oh don't be silly!" Rin exclaimed slightly red in embarrassment. "I don't like Emiya-kun. Well not like that anyways . . . ."

Giggling at her response, Sakura softly smiled as she looked out again. "I'm glad things worked out in the end".

"Me too" smiled Rin as the sisters sat quietly next to each other. Although it may have been a joke to some degree, she couldn't help but ponder just how exactly did she feel for that stupid yet kind mage smith.

~ Matou residence ~ (late evening)

Contemplating in his study, Zouken tried to make sense of the decision he made today.

There was no reason for him to let Sakura go with Illya. Frankly he could have cared less for their personal feelings. Yet something compelled him to reconsider. Something deep down told him that something wasn't right. With that thought, "why?"

"A question that does not concern you anymore".

". . . . ?!" Quickly turning, the old Matou saw a well built man in priest garbs. Looking him over, though some years had passed he definitely knew who he was. "Kirei Kotomine".

"Heh heh, good to see you haven't gone completely senile. But I must say you have certainly made this game more interesting with the addition of a lesser grail of her nature. A dark grail per say to bring Angra Mainyu to this world. But now that she's here, your role has been completed. You have no further business in being".

In one swift move, Zouken was no more as Kirei exorcised him from the world. With him out of the way, the evil priest had another piece to his dark objective. Everything was falling into place with meticulous planning and careful manipulation.

Now out on the streets as he walked back to his church, Kirei couldn't help but crack a grin at how close his wish was about to come true.

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: Thus another chapter to which I hope it was enjoyable. Now on to commentary.

Yes Shirou still has Avalon inside him and Kiritsugu pretty much forgot to tell his kids that it was there. But to be fair, he wasn't counting on the grail war occurring like it did. But regardless, I surmised Illya was able to summon Saber since Shirou (w/ Avalon) was within her presence. But the one thing I never understood in the Fate and UBW route was why didn't Archer ever use Avalon himself? If he really is Shirou's future self and while also in Saber's presence he should have been able to use it. But then time travel is always such a messy thing.

Those who have read/watch prisma liner kalied, you should know where I'm going with the servants. Especially when Illya will use her sorcery trait to 'install'.

I was actually questioning if I should give Illya the scarf which would serve as a counter part to the origin bullet. Funny enough I originally wanted to make them brass knuckles, but it seemed way too removed to what Illya could use. Researching as much I could, I never completely understood Kiritsugu's origin of severing and binding in compilation to how it could be accurately applied to a physical weapon. So Illya's scarf was my best interpretation of it with it's ability to counter magical constructs and phenomena. However it too also has limitations. But in terms of servants which are considered the highest form of familiars, I'm rather certain Kiritsugu's origin wouldn't work on them or their abilities. Pretty much most forums agree to this.

As noted, Zouken Matou literally is a pile of worms which serves as an anchor for his soul to this world. His and Sakura story are only really apparent in the Heaven Feel route. But to the point after so many years Zouken forgot his original goal with Justeaze of finding utopia as he then became fixated on immortality. I wasn't sure of his previous personality, but from what I saw in Fate/Zero he is one sadistic cruel bastard. I wasn't quite sure how degraded his memory was in relation to Justeaze or his original goals. But from was I was able to understand of the Heaven Feel transcript, he straight up forgot everything. It was only in Zouken's presence that Illya consciously or sub-consciously accessed Justeaze memories.

Finally Sakura is a hard personality to nail down with how closed off it is. I just have this feeling that her ego is so fragile that if even one crack occurred, the emotions that she had held back would come tumbling out in a violent manner. Boy that wasn't pretty in the Heaven Feel route. But in relation to Rin, it seemed things worked out well between them regardless of the hardships that occurred between them in all the routes. They really cared for each other. I just hope I did it justice.

Now for Kirei Kotomine, his end game in Heaven Feel was to see Angra Mainyu born into the world. Simply his reason was he hoped he could achieve catharsis in his own existence if he could witness something like Angra Mainyu being born into the world.

As a spoiler for next chapter, there are going to be two new students who will be attending Homurahara academy. Want to take a guess?

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