The Story of Illya Emiya

Disclaimer: I do not own any part of the Fate Stay franchise or the characters associated with them.

"talking"

Thoughts

The Dreary Life of Illya Emiya

~ Emiya residence ~

A couple of days had passed since Sakura came to live with them. Although subtle at first, the siblings started to see a profound difference in the atmosphere that surrounded her.

Once a shade of a human being, the meek girl reflected a sense of hopefulness and joy in her eyes as new life had been breathed into them.

Although it wasn't necessary, Sakura insisted on being helpful as she aided in the household chores of cleaning and cooking. Much to Illya and Shirou partial chagrin, she refused to take no for an answer. However if that's what she really wanted it was fine as it was part of her healing process of allowing her to speak her mind.

But all things considered, it was fine for now. Plus Sella didn't mind the extra hands around the house as she appreciated her help.

With things back in order, the school was rebuilt as all students were given notice.

Beginning their morning as usual the house occupants sat around the table.

"Go ahead and join them" said Sella. "I can clean up here as you have to get going to school soon".

"Understood" smiled Sakura, "and thank you". Joining them, they talked happily about whatever subject may have come up.

"I know it hasn't been long" said Shirou. "But going back to school just seems so nostalgic after all that happened".

"Yes" Sakura continued. "It would be nice for things to be peaceful for a while".

". . . . Peaceful huh?" Illya then spoke. With the way things have been going so far, she was skeptical to how long this peace will last. There was too much danger out there and honestly she feared she may not be strong enough to protect the things that mattered. "But for now" giving a soft smile, "it would be nice to enjoy the peace while it lasts".

Finishing their meals Shirou, Illya, and Sakura left for school as Sella, Leysritt, and Saber waved them good-bye.

As the three began to walk back inside, Leyritt's sandal broke as she looked down still chewing on whatever she was eating.

"That's weird" said Saber. "Didn't you just buy that recently?"

"It's certainly not a good sign" then said Sella. "A broken sandal is usually a sign of bad luck. Hmm . . . . I hope nothing bad happens today".

~ Homurahara academy ~

"It's great to be back!" Illya brightly smiled. "I can't wait to see everyone again!"

"Yeah, we have been rather busy" said Shirou. "I wonder how everyone is doing".

Though the young homunculus expected to see her friends at the front gate to greet her as they usually did, it would not be so this day.

"Illya!" as the voices shrilled through the morning air.

"Ehh!" Illya squeaked at the sudden shout. "What? What's going on?"

"How dare you do that to us!" they all shouted once more. From there they then began to put out their own complaints.

"I don't care what interests you're into, but keep them to yourself! Or at least let me get a camera when you're doing that with someone else!"

"How can you do that Illya-chan? I can never get married now . . . ."

"How dare you steal my first kiss!"

"I don't know what you're talking about" as Illya cowered back nervously sweating as she waved her hands innocently. "I just got here".

"No excuses!" they then all exclaimed.

Recognizing immediate danger, the young homunculus ducked and dodged as she ran into the school with her friends following close behind her wanting revenge.

" . . . . What do you think that was about?" Sakura asked.

"I have no idea" Shirou answered.

Once in the school, Illya reinforced her muscles easily allowing her to outrun her friends. But during her escape she had to question what they were talking about. Frankly she had no idea what was going on. Perhaps in hindsight, she probably should have asked what 'she' did that got them so riled up. But finding refuge on the roof, she laid against the wall to take a breather. Gathering her thoughts, she had to wonder if today could get any worse.

But hearing the door open once more, the young homunculus clung to the wall hoping she wasn't discovered yet. However it wasn't really the case as her eyes were stretched wide at what she heard.

"Illya? What is it? Why have you led me to the roof?"

"Well it was getting rather noisy inside and I wanted us to have some private time. Just the two of us".

With her ears perking up, she recognized who the voices belonged too. "That was definitely Miyu's voice. But the other . . . . It can't be!" So peeking around the corner, her fears were confirmed. "Kuro! Why is she here of all places?! And even dressed in one of our uniforms!" She didn't know what she was doing. Although her first instinct was to get in there to save her friend, she was compelled to wait and see what her doppelganger was up too.

"Umm, Illya" Miyu started off slowly. "You look very different. Did you get a tan?"

"Oh you noticed?" Kuro then asked seductively. Then slapping her hands on the wall, she gave Miyu no way to escape. Starting to close the gap, the stoic girl visibly cringed hugging herself protectively as she had no idea what was going on. "Has anyone ever told you how cute you looked?"

Blushing as her 'friend' closed the distance on her, the stoic girl felt her usually hardened demeanor shaken as she wasn't sure what she was supposed to do at this moment. Thus looking down shyly, "wait Illya. If you're interested in those kinds of things just give me a moment. Let me prepare my heart first".

"How cute" Kuro grinned. Not waiting any longer, she closed the distance capturing her prey in a kiss. Just as she did to her other victims, she spared no expense in showing how skilled she was.

"Uhh . . . . Illya . . . ." Miyu barely moaned out. Blushing cheek to cheek, her legs felt like jelly. Her arms tingled feeling the blood rushing to her head. And her heart pounded rapidly in her chest as her mind felt blank.

Unable to watch any longer, "don't do that with my face you damn kiss demon!" Illya exclaimed red in embarrassment as she kicked Kuro away sending her skidding off to the side. With her double removed, her latest victim began to slide down against the wall. "Miyu! Speak to me! Are you OK?!"

" . . . . Ugh . . . . Illya" Miyu barely whispered out blushing red with a slight drool only to pass out moments later.

"She's fine" said Kuro standing up brushing her uniform off. "Passing out is expected to happen after losing that much mana at once. But rather violent of you to kick me like that".

"It was you!" Illya then shouted still feeling embarrassed. "You're the one going around pretending to be me. You've kissed all my friends!" as pointed angrily at her.

"What can I say?" the dark homuculus shrugged. "I enjoyed the meal" licking her lips at the many samples she had today. "However it's not my fault your friends mistook me for you".

Not waiting another second, Illya pulled out her black coat and drew out the Thompson Contender.

"Uww scary" Kuro then chuckled. "But what's it worth to you to kill me?"

". . . . What are you talking about?"

"True you could probably kill me here and now as there is no way I can defend against an origin bullet. But if I were to die by your hands, Berserker has been ordered to level this school to the ground with everyone in it. So tell me Illya, is my life worth everyone here?" But then giving an offhanded shrug, "though I guess that would make you truly Kiritsugu's daughter if you were to make such a sacrifice in order to win".

". . . . You . . . ." as Illya visibly cringed. She couldn't bare the responsibility of all those souls on her shoulders. Regardless of whatever she may have to face, she couldn't callously throw innocent lives away like that.

Seeing it in her eyes, Kuro grinned. "Now that's settled, why don't you put that dangerous toy away before you hurt someone".

Having no choice, Illya withdrew her weapon and coat. "What are you doing here Kuro? What are you after?"

"Who knows?" Kuro smiled playfully. "But if anything I'm just here to have fun. As much fun as I like".

At hearing that, Illya felt her anxiety on the rise. There were so many things that could have meant. If Kuro was as powerful as she thought she was, she could only fear whatever sadistic machinations were stirring around in her head. But before she could say anything further, a rumbling at the door was heard as it was soon busted open. Out from it came Illya's friends.

"We've come for retribution!"

"It's time to pay for your crimes Illya!"

"Get her!"

However they were soon stopped at now seeing . . . . Two of them?

Chuckling at how things turned out, Kuro turned about to leave as Illya's shocked friends still weren't sure how to react. "Well I'll be seeing you all in class then".

With school now in progress, classes started. But hovering in Illya's mind, she couldn't help but worry about what Kuro was up too.

However as the saying went, 'speak of the devil and it will come'.

With a knock on the door, that very same girl came walking in. "Class" the teacher introduced. "We have a new student who will be attending our school. She has come a long way so treat her nicely. If you wish" motioning the new student to continue.

As her mouth gaped open with her eyes wide like saucers, Illya couldn't believe it. "She's in my class now?!"

Standing there with a cheerful smile plastered on her face, Kuro gave a formal lady like bow. "Hello everyone, my name is Kuro Von Einzbern. I've come a long way from Germany to experience what school life here is like. I hope you will all treat me nicely".

From there, chatter spread amongst the class.

"Hey, she looks oddly a lot like Illya".

"She's very cute".

"Wow, she really carries herself like a proper lady".

But watching from her seat, Illya saw the glimmer in Kuro's eyes as she was now ready to drop the bomb shell. "Oneesan!" the dark homunculus shouted ecstatically waving her hands. "It's good to see you again!"

"What?! She is Illya's sister?!"

"Are they twins?"

"Why didn't we ever know of this?"

"Oh, did my sister never tell anyone?" as Kuro gave a quizzical look. "We're actually twins. But I didn't quite understand why she chose to live so humbly. After all we come from an old bloodline of German aristocrats. Frankly she could have gone anywhere and entered any prestigious school she wanted. So I just had to come here to see my dear sister. But after everything, I can see why with all the wonderful people here".

For the second time, another wave chatter was started as they were all in shock at what they heard.

"What?! We've had nobility here all this time?!"

"Wow a real life celebrity in our own classroom!"

"Illya! Why didn't you ever tell any of us?"

Whimpering back, Illya saw now as everyone was looking to her as the bombardment of questions began. For the rest of the day she had to play along as Kuro was right by her side egging them on. Being hounded with question after question, she didn't get a moment of peace. More troubling was how her popularity had taken another jump up. Even more people wanted to get to know her scooping up any scrap of information they could. For a magus, that was rather troubling as the last thing you wanted were people taking a closer look at your life. Just to top it off, with her status as a noble out there she now had a new following with piles of letters of love or admiration to accompany them.

But now finally at night, Illya came home completely exhausted. Though as tired as she was, she had new concerns to think about.

Gathered at the table, her family and friends sat around to discuss the situation. Although Sakura had no purpose in being there, she joined in as well to be at least a listening ear to the people who took her in. But also since this involved Kuro.

Also joining them at their table was Rin to discuss their battle plan.

"Ugh . . . . So tired . . . ." Illya groaned out with her head flat on the table. "I think that's what Kuro had in mind for fun. She wants to torment me . . . ."

"At least she hasn't harmed anyone" said Shirou trying to seem optimistic.

"But what is she after?" asked Sakura. "Is there a reason she's targeting specifically you?"

"Who can really say" Rin continued. "There is too much we don't know about her. We have no choice but to be on the defensive for the time being. But she really got us backed into the corner here. To think she would threaten the entire school like that".

"Not unless we force her" murmured Illya. Sitting up properly, her face sagged a bit. "She made it very clear to me that so long as we don't do anything to her she won't do anything to anyone else".

"But why go to the school at all?" Shirou then asked. "In the grand scheme of things it was completely unnecessary. If my understanding is correct, she could get to us at any time she pleases".

Sighing a bit, "probably something we'll figure out eventually".

"But with things as they are I feel it's important we step up your safety" said Sella. "From now on Saber, Leysritt, and I shall accompany you wherever you go".

"Agreed" Saber continued. "For the time being it would be in your best interest that you remain in our protection around the clock till Berserker's master is dealt with".

All looking to the three strangely, there was no way they could explain why they were on the campus. But since their classmates had learned she was nobility, it wouldn't be too farfetched if she did something as audacious as bringing her maids to school.

However, ". . . . No" Illya then flat out said.

"Why?" asked Leysritt. "It is our job to protect you".

"I know" she responded apologetically. "But . . . ." as she thought very carefully about what she wanted to say. "Living here for all this time . . . . I love my life just the way it is. My normal happy simple boring life. I don't really want to do anything that changes that. That includes how people see me as I just want to be myself as Illya Emiya, another average high school girl. Not the magus Illyasviel Von Einzbern".

"But I must insist" Sella argued further. "If not next to you, we should at least be close by in case something happens".

"Umm . . . . I don't think that would be a good idea either" said Shirou. For good reason too. Simply put Sella and Leysritt weren't exactly people savvy which may have caused them more problems then solutions overall.

However Illya did need to put some weight to this decision as she did need Saber with her. If Kuro with Berserker were to attack then she needed at least two servant to handle the Scandinavian demi-god while they dealt with his master. Taking into consideration all the variables in play in relation to her own preferences an interesting idea had struck her. Looking over the knightly servant, she scanned her up and down.

"Illya? Is there something wrong?" Saber asked.

"Saber, can you please stand up for me?" Obeying, she stood up. "Now please raise your arms and spin".

Doing just, "Illya, why are you asking me to do this?"

Smiling brightly, she stood up circling her servant. "Yes, this should definitely work".

Everyone at the table could only look on curiously to what Illya was up too.

~ Homurahara academy ~ (next day)

As any other day, morning commute was the same. Students would walk down the main road joining other students along it towards their destination. At this time they would be doing a number of things such as eating breakfast, talking with friends, or reviewing notes for the coming day.

However this morning would not be the same as something would be quite different.

Walking by was a beauty and elegance they couldn't comprehend as they could only look on dumbfounded to her radiance.

Standing in average height was a girl around their age dressed in their uniform. It didn't matter be it boy or girl as they were all entranced at her goddess like visage. Shiny golden hair tied up in a neat bun, piercing blue eyes which were as brilliant as sapphire, and smooth porcelain skin in which you couldn't help but stare. But above all else was the air she carried around her. You weren't sure how, but you could tell she carried herself with great dignity.

Watching her go by like an exotic creature, much talk was being passed around.

"Did you see her? She has to be a princess of some sort!"

"Another exchange student? Strange to have two in one week".

"Wow . . . . Someone as amazing as her can't be real".

"I wonder if she's single?"

Then seeing who she was accompanied with, more chatter started in how Illya, Shirou, and Sakura knew her as the assumptions really started to fly.

But as it went on, it didn't escape ear shot of Saber and those of her companions. "Illya, this is a bit much. I feel really awkward to be dressed like this".

"Don't be. It would be such a shame to hide your beauty after all" Illya easily retorted.

"But my mentality is more closer to male. Couldn't I have borrowed one of Shirou's uniforms for the time being?"

"Nope" she then said happily. But then getting back on track of their objective, this was the only way she could bring Saber with her. Since spirit form was not an option, she would have to be a student at school as she looked the right 'age'. It was easy enough for her to impersonate one as all the documents could be forged. This way that if Kuro tried anything Saber would be ready to assist her.

Though listening to some of the chatter along the main road, her peers weren't entirely far off. Saber or rather most heroic spirits really did carry this ethereal glow that no human in modern times could ever match. Fact was, she was royalty which further boosted the aura she naturally projected.

"But it seems the only opening is in my class" said Shirou. "Will that really be alright?"

"Nothing we can really do about it" said Illya. "Saber" looking to her, "you'll be in Shirou's care for the time being. I'll contact you if anything happens. Oh, and don't forget your cover story. But till then if you have any problems you can look to Shirou, Sakura, or Rin if you have any questions".

"I understand. I will do my best not to cause any trouble".

~ Homurahara academy ~

Just a day before the school was in a buzz over Kuro's entrance as well as her and Illya's prestigious heritage.

But once again a new buzz was started as everyone was talking about the new goddess like student that had descended upon them.

As pertaining to her cover story, it was a subtle mix of fact and fiction. Saber was a foreign student who wanted to spend the last of her high school years in Japan. How Saber knew the Emiyas was that they were family friends through Illya's father. Of course people would want to know more. But as far as that was concerned Saber was free to play coy about it or make up whatever she wished.

After an explosion of people who wanted to meet her, classes then started which then led to lunch time.

But to no surprise, Saber was flash mobbed once more of people who really wanted to get to know her.

"So what's your favorite food? What color do you like?"

"How do you know Illya? Are you nobility too?"

"Please tell me you're single?!"

". . . . Umm" was the only response Saber could make at the overwhelming mountain of questions.

But quick to bail her out, "come on guys don't hassle her" said Shirou. "It's her first day after all". Taking her hand, he pulled her out of the crowd in which many jealous looks were made.

Now out in the hallway, Saber walked next to Shirou as many whispers were made by the passerby students.

Seeing how uncomfortable Saber was, the mage smith gave her a simple reassuring smile. "You don't have to worry about them".

"I apologize. I didn't think I would stand out this much. I fear I will cause Illya trouble with this attention I'm getting".

"It can't be helped" Shirou chuckled. "You are a very beautiful girl after all".

At such a compliment, Saber seemed crestfallen with her gaze shifting downwards. "Don't say such blatant lies. Flattery is not becoming of you".

"Lies?"

"I'm not like any normal girl Shirou. I was born for the express purpose of an ideal as I threw aside what it meant to be a woman. But more so a human being. It is for this purpose I took up the sword. However I can't see why anyone would see me as desirable as I'm not very feminine. My hands have been bruised for the many years I have wielded a sword. My body has been forged and hardened from the fires of war. And my complexion is not something I would consider attractive. I am simply a warrior as that is all I've ever been".

Seeing her point of view, Shirou looked to her sadly. He wasn't sure entirely, but something deep down made him feel that he somehow understood the weight Saber was under. But regardless of everything, she was still a human being. So putting his hand on her shoulder, he wanted to show some support. "You should value yourself more Saber. Be it here in the present or centuries ago, all life is precious and meaningful. Even yours. Regardless of how you see yourself, you're still a human being in mind and body as we all live under the same blue sky. I guess what I'm trying to say is learn to love life I suppose" finishing with a warm look.

Blinking somewhat, Saber gave a simple smile. Her circumstance really wasn't as simple as that. But she knew Shirou meant well. "Thank you for your consideration Shirou. You are truly a kind man".

Now during this entire walk they had a destination in mind as they made their way towards Illya where they would meet up for lunch. However they were stopped as they saw her once again being confronted by her doppelganger.

"What's going on?" the mage smith then asked.

In the center, a commotion was started as Kuro seemed to have been trying to stir up trouble. But standing in to help her were Illya's friends as they were still peeved from the day before of what the dark homunculus did. However Illya was trying her best to get them away as there was no telling what Kuro might do to them.

"Oh? Did you all come back for another go?" Kuro asked suggestively.

"Why I ought a!"

"Give me back my first kiss!"

"Why don't we just jump her now?"

"Don't" Illya stammered. "Just please let me deal with her".

"Isn't my sister such a wonderful person" said Kuro. "Looking out for her friends the way she does. So why don't we all play nice".

As she was about to reach for Illya, "that's as far as you go" said Saber as she swatted Kuro's hand away.

With that confrontation, it had now gotten the attention of the surrounding students. Although disputes are always a treat to see, what really sold it were who these girls were. Thus a flash mob was created as they wanted to watch this spectacle.

"You will not lay hands on her so long as I am here" Saber threatened.

"Oh? Is that so?" Kuro grinned standing before Saber confidently with her hands on her waist. She was well aware of those around her as this was exactly what she wanted, a scene. "And who are you to tell me who I can or can't be around? Illya is my sister after all. What's wrong with me being around her?"

"So long as Illya does not desire it, you will not approach her".

"Quite the mouth on you" Kuro said snidely. "I'd expect better manners from someone who is pretty much royalty".

From that one line alone, everyone couldn't believe what they heard.

"Oh my god! She is royalty!"

"An actual princess has appeared!"

"Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god!"

But as excited as everyone was at hearing that, it greatly alarmed Illya as she stared in wide eye. "It can't be! Does she know Saber's true identity?!" For her family safety, she hadn't told anyone who Saber really was. After her last battle with Kuro, she was still trying to figure out how she knew so much about her life. But apparently it was much more then that in which she can only wonder just how much she really knew.

Though as this was all going on, Kuro had a particular agenda in mind as she was now close to what she wanted. "Of all the things that could have happened, it's a shame things became the way it did".

"What do you mean?" Saber questioned.

"That you ended up with Illya of course". Kuro then stared right into the knightly servant's eyes. She understood the baseline of her personality and thus what buttons to push to get a reaction out of her. So choosing her words carefully, she made sure only Saber could hear this part. "Why don't you ditch my sister already? I would serve as a far better master in comparison to her. But more so . . . . If you fight for me I can grant you the wish your heart yearns for".

Angered at her words, Saber took it to great offense towards anyone who would question her loyalty. Thus in great outrage, "Illya is my only master!"

". . . . Huh?" as silent shock took hold of everyone before they all erupted into astonished shouts.

"Master?! Did she call Illya her master?!"

"BDSM? Is that the kind of play they're into?!"

"Whoa! How kinky!"

At seeing the over top reactions, Illya felt her life shattering apart with all the funny and weird looks she was getting. Right across from her, she saw as Kuro grinned while chuckling to herself.

Thus the young homunculus could only internally cry to herself as her normal life now seemed like a fleeting dream. If this is what Kuro had in mind for fun with wrecking her world, she could only look down and sigh. ". . . . There goes my life".

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: Hope this chapter was OK, and now onto commentary.

As noted, Saber is far much older then she looks. Supposedly she's around her 30's to 40's. It was after she drew Caliburn from the stone which led to a sequence of events attaining Excalibur and Avalon that she stopped aging while becoming semi-immortal along the way. However before the final battle with Mordred, Morgan Le Fey stole Avalon which made her vulnerable to death. From there the rest is history to which we've arrived to this sequence of events in the nasuverse.

But as far as the nasuverse is concerned, heroic spirits don't ever correlate between them and actual mythos. Good examples of this are Saber and Rider. Plus Jack the Ripper from the other series and possibly more. Now as many have consistently pointed out earlier, I know Thor is a god and thus a divine spirit by definition. However the prisma series stated he was a demi-god and thus was most likely summoned similarly to how Heracles was. I'm just using that idea. So I'm kindly asking to not being flamed by this as this is the nasuverse interpretation, not mine.

Kuro's backstory will be revealed next chapter. It'll be different in comparison to her canon counterpart. But hopefully I do it justice.

But an interesting question came up to which no one seems to know the answer too. With the install magic of heroic spirits, can the user access their reality marbles such as Kuro with Archer? True the reality marble is a part of their magic. However it is also a crystallization of their ideals which is not the same as the user. Though I think they can't access it because it's the ideal that makes the reality marble work. However I could be wrong.

So if there are any questions or concerns, feel free to ask to which I'll try my best to answer them.

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