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

Between Dream and Reality

~ Homurahara academy ~

It had been sometime since Kuro and Saber made their school debuts.

For the most part, everyone couldn't get enough of them.

Kuro for her devious and spontaneous personality.

Saber for her chivalrous and proud aura.

The dark homunculus though extremely mischievous made every moment interesting and fun. Though troubling to some students and teachers, they usually ended with a laugh.

For the knightly servant, she was an instant sensation in no matter what she did or said. Even chastising fellow students usually went like this.

"Don't be causing trouble" ordered Saber as she looked down another student. "You are to clean this classroom as ordered by sensei".

"Yes Saber-sama!"

"Please order me around some more Saber-sama".

"Eyyaa! Saber is so cool!"

However every time these two met, friction would occur in one way of another which was a sight to see. It was practically a spectacle for their surrounding audience with how they collided. If this was some kind of adventure game, Saber would have been the gallant knight opposing that of the devilish Kuro.

But for Illya's group, they were trying to be as careful as possible. Though the young homunculus asked her servant to play nicely with her doppelganger, it was nearly impossible as their base personalities were always in constant conflict with one another.

As far as they were concerned, Kuro was not acting in aggression as she was doing exactly what she stated. She was only at school to have fun. Teasing Saber seemed to have been part of it. So long as this remained the fact, the shaky truce was honored between all mage parties.

With the day now coming to a close, all students were packing up for the day and heading home.

Cleaning up, Kuro was the last to leave gathering her belongings into her briefcase. Hanging it over her shoulder, she whistled walking out.

But upon entering the hallway, "I do not know what you are playing at. But do not approach Illya again" said Miyu as she stared down Kuro with cold and judging eyes. "I don't care if you are her sister. If she doesn't want you around then I'll make sure you stay away".

"Huh, quite the look you have" Kuro chuckled. Giving a sly smile, she approached Miyu with a sense of whimsy as she now stood before her. "Such a solid and dangerous look. If I didn't know any better I'd say you shared the same air as I do".

"What?"

"I won't pretend to say I know everything that's going on. But I will say you have most certainly caught my interest Miyu Edelfelt" Kuro smirked. "From what I sampled" as she licked her lips, "there's no way someone like you could be considered anything less then normal".

Hearing this, it caused Miyu's expression to harden as she knew what she was getting at.

Seeing it written all over her face, Kuro couldn't help but chuckle once more. "I find it amazing really that my dear sister never noticed it or perhaps you've done a very good job at hiding it for all this time. However what intrigues me most is one single question" as she then shot forward getting face to face with Miyu as their eyes locked onto each other. "What are you exactly?"

At such an inquiry, Miyu grimaced a bit as she stepped back on defensive instinct. "What do you mean? What are you talking about?"

"Didn't I say it already? You share the same kind of air as me or rather . . . . I'd even go as far as saying you're something similar to me and Illya." Chuckling again, Kuro closed her eyes in thought before reopening them. "It's quite interesting I must say. Illya who was miracle, me who was a necessity, and then there is you an impossibility". Then sidestepping Miyu, "what were chances the three of us could have gathered in the same moment in time, hmm? The universe is a really curious thing". As she began to walk away, "Oh! If you try to interrupt my fun perhaps I should share what I think of you with our dear Illya. I wonder what she'll think about your little secret. Maybe we can both take a closer look at what you're hiding. Well see you tomorrow!" as she then left with a wave. "Let's have lots of fun OK".

Giving a strained look, Miyu gritted her teeth as her hands tightened into fists. In frustration, she punched the wall as she looked down in exasperation. She would never do anything that would hurt her dear friend. But it was a matter she wanted to keep to herself for as long as she could. For all these years, she had been waiting in anticipation that at any moment she would be taken back to her 'home'. Thus she wanted to make sure that casualties would be limited to only herself. But being here for all this time, she didn't expect to make any bonds that would last. However with things as they are, she wanted to keep them safe for as long as she could.

"Hmm, I wonder what I should do tomorrow?" Kuro thought out loud as she began to make her way home. She did everything that normal kids her age would do for fun. Of course with additions to what she personally would find incredibly amusing. But her favorite pass time was in fact annoying her prey by antagonizing Illya and Rin as she flirted with the shaky truce between them. Not that she cared too much as she would sick Berserker at them if she needed too. However why ruin her amusement if she could make it last a little longer? Thinking it over, there was one more thing she wanted to do as it would be hitting multiple birds with one stone. It would greatly annoy them, it's something girls her age did, and it was something she personally would derive great amusement from. "Hmm, I can't wait" as she then ran the rest of the way home.

~ Homurahara academy ~ (the next day)

As pertaining to any school day, students began arriving in the droves as they performed their routine morning tasks.

As Shirou passed through the gate, he was stopped as Kuro had suddenly appeared glomping him as she clamped onto his arm.

"Oniichan!"

"Uhh, Kuro" as the mage smith was startled at her sudden appearance. "Is . . . . Is there something I can do for you?"

Giving a devious smile, "you're always been such a goodie two shoes. So why don't you play hookie with me just for today. I want to go somewhere".

"OK" Shirou said carefully not wanting to antagonize her. "But why do you want me to go with you?"

"Geez, I can't believe you're going to make a girl say it" as Kuro cutely pouted. Then returning back to her devious smile, "you're going to take me on a date. So do try to show me a good time, OK oniichan?"

"But . . . . But I . . . ."

"Come on! Let's go before we're stopped!" as Kuro started to drag him away.

However this did not go unnoticed.

"I'm sorry Issei-kun" Rin apologized. "But I'm going to have to attend some other business that has caught my attention".

"Huh, wait! What are you talking about?"

"I'm sorry, I don't have time to explain!" as the brunette magus then ran off.

"Can you guys take notes for me?" Illya asked as something unsavory caught her attention. "I'm going to be away for a bit".

"Ehh?! You're skipping class?!" Illya's friend exclaimed. "This is a first".

"What's going on Illya-chan? This is unlike you".

"There is no time to explain" said Illya. But just before she could leave, Miyu had grabbed her hand in concern. "Miyu?"

The stoic girl too had noticed what was going on as she spotted Kuro leaving with Shirou. Although she too wanted to give chase, Kuro's threat made her wary of what she should do. Quickly calculating in her mind adding up the variables while putting together the most likely scenarios, she made her decision with a heavy heart. "Illya . . . . Please be careful OK" as she regrettably let her go.

"Yeah" as Illya too had run off.

"I shall join as well" said Saber following right behind her master.

~ Fuyuki city ~

Illya, Saber, Rin and by proxy Archer unexpectedly ended up joining up and started following Kuro to wherever she dragged Shirou. In no time at all, they caught up to them as they kept a comfortable distance as not to be seen yet keeping them in sight.

As most tailing missions went, they tried to be as incognito as possible. However they couldn't exactly change out of their school uniforms. So they went with the next best thing as they projected sunglasses while hiding around light posts and corners in order to spy on them. Whatever suspicious activity Kuro was up too, they would get to the bottom of it. Though in hindsight, they were probably being the more suspicious ones as far as other pedestrians were concerned with how sketchy they were acting.

"Rin, why are you doing this?" Archer asked nonchalantly in spirit form. "You do realize how asinine this is".

"Quiet down" said Rin peaking around the corner. "We are still allies with the Emiyas. So it is my business to make certain no harm comes to it's members" which only earned a sigh from the red servant.

"Why do we not strike now?" Saber asked as she was spying behind a light post with her master. "She is currently away from the school. It would be ideal to deal with her now with less collateral damage".

"Can't take that chance" Illya answered. "Berserker is in spirit form somewhere. So we have no idea where he might be. But more so, I want to try to isolate this as much as possible" to which her servant obeyed.

But up to where Kuro and Shirou was, "where are you taking me?" the mage smith asked once more.

"Well there are a few places I have in mind" Kuro smiled. But with a twinkle in her eye, she gave a devious grin as everything was going according to plan. Aside from forcing Shirou to go on a date with her, she knew she had company and who it entailed. "Ku ku ku, I wonder how I should have fun with them". With the first thing on her mind, "hey oniichan, let's go to that cafe and get something to eat".

Doing as she asked, they sat at a table where they were served their meal. As such, Illya's group parked nearby to continue their observation of them.

As things had ended up this way, "let's try to make the most of this" Shirou thought. He might as well try to learn something about Kuro since he was practically being held at gun point. So, "do we really have to fight? You have to understand how absurd this all really is don't you".

Chuckling at his question, "you're actually quite right" as Kuro sipped her tea. "We've been fighting all these years over a stupid cup after all. Of course it's absurd. However that's what happens when ideals conflict. When it comes to an item that can grant wishes, things do generally get complicated like that".

"So you have no desire for the grail?"

"Well of course I have a desire for it. I have wishes too ya know. But considering what I am . . . ." as Kuro looked down solemnly, "it's something . . . . That's not possible . . . . "

Shirou then looked sadly too her as it was kind of a dumb question. He was aware of the Einzbern's role in the war as each time they would provide the grail unit. On it's final days when all the servants had fallen, that grail unit would be sacrificed in order for a wish to be granted. In this case if Kuro was supposed to be Illya's replacement, "I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking . . . ."

"It's alright. There is no reason to be sad for me. I made my peace with this truth a long time ago. But if anything, if it's the absolute last thing I must do before I die" as her expression became sinister, "I will kill Illya". Hearing this, Shirou tensed. "Ahh, don't be like that" then said Kuro returning back to her cheerful self.

"But I don't understand. Why so intent on this?"

". . . . It's complicated. But we're still on our date. So that's enough of that. Besides" as Kuro's tone became more sultry. "You have some crumbs on your cheek".

"Huh?" Leaning in, the dark homunculus licked Shirou's cheek as the boy was startled back. "There was no need to do that" as the mage smith became a bit flustered. "You could have just used a napkin".

Kuro giggled at his reaction. "True, but where's the fun in that? And besides, I have my reasons".

"Hmm?"

". . . . How dare she do that to my oniichan!" Illya silently exclaimed as she was barely containing her outrage.

". . . . It's none of my business . . . . What Emiya-kun does with other woman" as Rin's expression quirked in irritation.

". . . . Hmm?" as Saber couldn't understand why they were so angry.

Archer didn't even bother to speak up. Aside from no relevant information, he didn't care to get involved with . . . . Whatever this was. ". . . . Ugh . . . . Woman . . . ."

Moving along, Kuro dragged Shirou to where she wanted to go next.

Although he was told to drop it, Shirou could not let it go. "Kuro . . . . I still don't understand why you wish to kill Illya or for that matter why you would tell me. You do know she is my sister, right?"

"Ara, what a predicament you find yourself in oniichan with your two sisters fighting each other. But . . . . Didn't I already tell you to leave it be for now?"

"But I want to understand" as Shirou's expression hardened. "Are you going after her out of anger? Spite? Or perhaps . . . ." as he got this faint impression, "jealousy?" to which Kuro's killing intent flared for just a moment telling her companion to drop it. But it also told him he was close to something.

Then sighing to relieve her temperament, Kuro spotted what her next point of amusement would be as she dragged Shirou to it.

Looking straight, "what business does she have with them?" Shirou thought. Standing at a corner were three teens of roughly his age. Judging from their appearance, they were essentially the stereotypical look of a delinquent from their choice of cloths, hair style, and general feel of their attitude with how they carried themselves. "But why are we going to them for?"

As the delinquents talked amongst each other, a cute girl with silver hair, tanned skin, and crimson eyes sporting a high school uniform arrived with a rather plain looking fella. Being the crass individuals that they were, "Hey beautiful, why don't you ditch the loser here and come with us? I promise we'll show you a really good time".

"Yeah baby".

"Ditch the punk, he can't possibly compare to us".

"Actually" Kuro smirked, "that's why I came up to you" as everyone gave her a curious look. "You see, my boyfriend here is a real tough guy. Just to impress me he said he could totally take the three of you on by himself. He thinks you guys are complete wimps who couldn't beat him with a blindfold and both hands tied behind his back".

"Huh?!" they all exclaimed.

"Is that right you little prick?!"

"You think you're some tough shit huh?! Let's see you act high and mighty with your teeth on the pavement!"

"I hope you're ready to get your ass kicked in!"

Retreating back, Shirou's eyebrow twitched as he raised his hands passively trying to calm things down. "Ugh guys, can we talk about this?"

"Oh don't be so modest" as Kuro egged them on. "Show em just how tough you are".

Cringing, the mage smith had no choice. There were only two scenarios that was going to happen. Either he beat these guys and move things along or let himself get beaten and Kuro ends of killing them anyways. As far as the mage association was concerned, any mage was free to do relatively anything they wished so long as it didn't draw attention to the existence of magic. So in truth, Kuro could kill as many people as she liked and the mage association wouldn't even bat an eye. Choosing between options he sighed. "Guess I have no choice" as he rolled up his sleeves. Frankly this wasn't going to be a fair fight as compared to Servants, mages, or even Leysritt for that matter, "I'll try to go easy on you guys" which angered the delinquents into action.

Watching this brawl Illya, Rin, Saber, and Archer would not interfere. Like the mage smith had deduced, normal folks really didn't have a chance.

Stepping forward, the delinquents circled around Shirou getting into flanking position. But how pointless it was in fact. "I don't really want to hurt these guys. So I'm going to have to pull my punches". Reinforcing his muscles, it was over in a blink of an eye. Shortening up his attacks, he reserved one hit per a person before cycling back as he hit each delinquent repeatedly focusing on speed rather then power. Following the momentum of his body, he delivered a flurry of jabs, crosses, elbows, palm strikes, hooks, and elbows. His aim wasn't to hurt theses misguided youths, but disable them. After a nth amount of hits, he stopped as the three delinquents were hurting and bruised as they dropped on the ground simultaneously. ". . . . Sorry" as Shirou gave a choked laugh.

"Wow, you were so cool oniichan!" Kuro smiled happily as she jumped up in front of him. Even Rin and Illya had to nod in awe at just how much self-control Shirou had in dealing with this matter.

But more so, "has he been practicing?" Rin asked. "How did he get so good so fast?"

"I barely caught what he did" Illya followed up.

Though Saber and Archer were indifferent, they were somewhat impressed. But for red servant, he knew the mage smith wasn't this good when they initially fought. However he had a theory to why he was. Though it was a matter for another time.

But it was a bit too early to celebrate as Shirou underestimated the resilience of his foe. Getting up, one of the delinquents pulled out a switch blade. Attacking the first person he saw, he lunged at Kuro.

"Pest" as Kuro's eyes narrowed.

As she was about to defend herself, Shirou had already pulled her protectively behind him surprising the dark homunculus as he parried the attack as the knife cut into his forearm. But immediately countering, he threw one solid punch making sure he was down for good. Then turning back to Kuro, "are you alright?" he asked with sincere concern.

Blinking for a moment, Kuro chuckled as her expression softened. "You truly are a good guy. Even to an enemy who tried to kill you recently". She then took his arm as she applied her healing magic mending the skin and muscles as soon the pain dulled away. "I'm sorry for dragging you in like that".

"Umm . . . . It's alright" as Shirou gave an unsettled look as he wasn't sure how to respond.

"Let's continue on shall we oniichan?"

~ Fuyuki city ~

For the rest of the day Kuro and Shirou had traveled all over the city doing one thing or another as they visited many attractions and partly indulged in a few of them.

Closely following behind, Illya's group kept an eye on things as they listened in on whatever they talked about. However there were a few close calls in which they were either almost discovered or were forced to jump in due to Kuro's outlandish behavior. But for the most part they were able to maintain their cover as soon evening had come upon them.

But in one split moment, they had lost sight of them.

"I didn't see where they went" as Illya looked back and forth. "Where could they have gone?"

"They couldn't have gotten too far" said Rin. "We can cover more ground if we split up. If there's trouble, call. Otherwise we should maintain our cover as we don't want to place Emiya-kun in a tight spot".

Breaking off, they went in opposite directions. As Illya and her servant arrived at the piers, "Saber, go that way and look around. I'll check the other area. If there's trouble, I'll contact you".

"Understood" as they broke off.

Looking left and right desperately for her brother, Illya was growing ever more anxious as there was no telling what Kuro could be doing to him. Sprinting down a road, she came to a sputtering stop backing up as something had caught her eye. Peeking back, she spotted Shirou and Kuro as they were standing at the end of the boardwalk. Clinging close to a wall she was about to call her allies but stopped as her ears perked up as the two started to talk.

"Thank you oniichan for showing me such a good time" Kuro happily smiled as she did a dance in reflection to her joy. "I never thought I would have such a great day".

"Heh heh, well it's getting late perhaps we should get going now" said Shirou as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Yeah . . . . The day is pretty much over" Kuro replied ambivalently as she stepped to the edge leaning against the railing. As the ocean waves could he heard crashing all around, she took a deep breath inhaling the salty air as she stared to the beautiful night sky. "Oniichan . . . . Have you ever had a dream that was so beautiful . . . . So . . . . Realistic that you never wanted to wake up?"

"Why do you ask?" as Shirou didn't understand where she was going with this.

"I have that dream. It's a dream I've had ever since I could first draw breath. Do you want to know what it was?" to which he remained silent for her to continue. "It's kind of silly really. But it's a funny thing how most people would take it for granted or not know how beautiful it is without realizing it. For this dream . . . . Is about a small family with her father, her brother, and two maids. Each day was as wonderful as the last . . . ."

Listening to her story, Shirou eyes became wide. He instantly realized Kuro was talking about Illya's life. But what was troubling was how detailed they were as the dark homunculus recalled events that someone like her shouldn't have known about. "But what does this mean?"

"I was so happy in those dreams. Surrounded by so much warmth by people I cared for and in return who cared for me. Each time . . . . I wished I could live there forever. However . . . . It was not meant to be". Sighing, she turned around as her back was against the rail. "I woke up to a nightmare in that cold and unforgiving Einzbern castle". Chuckling ominously, "did you know the old man devoted a fortune and years of man power looking for his precious grail? He became more hysterical as time went when he couldn't find her. Illya after all was a one of a kind creation. So in desperation, I was commissioned to replace what he had lost. In every sense, you could say I am Illya".

Hearing this much, Shirou was stunned just trying to understand what this all meant. "Is it some sort of soul resonance? Is that how Kuro knows so much about our lives? But why hasn't Illya ever remembered then?" But then an obvious question came to mind. "Why are you so different? Your design is unlike any standard Einzbern homunculus let alone Illya".

"Ahh, that is a good question oniichan. For you see, the old man wanted to make sure I couldn't run away like my dear sister did. He wanted to make sure I was kept on a short leash. Even if I could manage an escape, I wouldn't get far".

". . . . ?"

"Contrary to Einzbern standards, I was purposely created with flaws". Undoing her bow tie and removing her school vest, Kuro undid a few of her shirt buttons revealing her stomach and a part of her cleavage. Charging just a bit of mana, several lines appeared as her magic circuits glowed brightly on her bronze colored skin. But after a moment, the light had begun to grow dimmer. "That old bastard designed me so I couldn't regenerate mana as I'm constantly burning up my energy just by simply existing. Being in a castle in the middle of nowhere, I couldn't escape even if I managed it".

Feeling his heart strings being tugged, Shirou could only feel sympathy for her. "But why are you telling me all this?"

". . . . Because . . . . I wanted to thank you . . . . For showing me the feeling of love" as Kuro's expression softened. "You. . . . Kiritsugu. . . . Sella. . . . Leysritt, and everyone else who had touched 'her' life. It was the only thing that had kept me sane while I was being raised at that castle. Raised to be the perfect psychopath whose objective was to win the holy grail no matter the cost". Chuckling, she gave an ambivalent smile. "It's really a funny thing in how the universe works out. Me nor the old man would've never imagined that Illya was here in Fuyuki city. Although in time I figured out my dreams were actually memories, it was something I wanted to keep to myself".

"Then please tell me Kuro, why do you want to kill Illya? There doesn't seem to be a reason for it now".

At that question, the dark homunculus could only give an indifferent shrug. "Truthfully, I'm not really sure anymore. But I can't help but feel that somewhere deep down in my own heart . . . . There is something I need to settle with her. Something . . . . I have to prove to her. Hmm, but enough of that" as Kuro then shifted gears again as she walked up to Shirou with a flirtatious sway to her body movements. "It's usually customary that we do one last thing before the date is over". Resting her hands on his chest, she looked into the mage smith's eyes as she was a glow in expectation with her cheeks becoming a bit flushed.

Giving a nervous chuckle, "this has gotten too weird!" Shirou panicked. "Uhh Kuro! This doesn't seem right! We really shouldn't do this!"

"Ahh, you don't want to kiss your little sister goodnight?" Kuro teased cutely. "You are adopted you know".

"That's kind of it as it's too weird. I mean . . . . You look just like Illya and we're siblings . . . ."

Giggling at his answer, Kuro gave a charming smile. "Say oniichan, do you want me to tell you what Illya really thinks of you? For you see, the truth is . . . ."

"Don't!" Illya shouted at the top of her lungs as she ran out from her hiding spot. "Don't say anymore! Don't you dare!" as her face was red in embarrassment as she seemed close to tears.

"Illya?" as Shirou turned to her. "What's going on? What is she talking about?"

"Nevermind that! Don't believe anything she told you!"

"Huh?"

"Well I guess the mood has been spoiled" Kuro shrugged as she picked up her school vest.

Calming herself down, Illya stood before Kuro. After listening to her story, there was something she too had to say. As she fidgeted with her eyes wavering, she finally looked her 'sister' in the eye. ". . . . We don't have to do this. There is no reason for us to kill each other. Please Kuro . . . . There has to be another way".

"Afraid not" said Kuro closing her eyes for a moment to gather her thoughts. "I want to settle things with you no matter what and . . . . You will fight me" stressing the last part.

Saddened at her answer, ". . . . I understand" as they parted ways.

Now alone on the piers, curiosity once again got the better of Shirou as he had to know. "I don't understand what Kuro was about to say. Is there some secret you're keeping from me?"

Biting her lip as her cheeks turned a tint of pink Illya looked away as she anxiously twiddled with her fingers. "It's nothing . . . . Just leave it be".

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: thus concludes another chapter to which now on to commentary.

Miyu is in fact from a parallel universe as she is literally Illya's mirror in that world as the holy grail vessel. In that world, the Ainsworth family is essentially the equivalent to the Einzern. But beyond that, nothing more has been stated about Miyu's life or what her true self is like as we only have gotten glimpses of it. Also as noted, Caren in her prisma counterpart had stated that Illya, Kuro, and Miyu was a miracle, a necessity, and an impossibility. Though not in that particular order. But it still gets me in how she knew Miyu was a grail vessel. Though I also debated what was more important to her with maintaining her secret or helping Illya. But in case anyone was wondering, she had already run the odds that Kuro wouldn't really have hurt Shirou. Though earlier in the chapters it looked like it, she was at best playing with them.

As noted, I'm leaning towards the Unlimited Blade Works Shirou with a much toned down suicidal tendencies. Due to a paradoxical event, every time Shirou and Archer clash a kind of synchronization occurs which causes Archer's memories and battle experience to flow into Shirou. However full synchronization should never occur between them as Shirou would not be able to handle the full extent of what Archer is. Not to mention if Shirou could come to terms with what awaits him at the end of his journey if he follows Archer's path. But different lives this time around.

Hopefully this explanation of Kuro's origin was satisfactory as it's a big leap away from her prisma counterpart. Also as noted, Illya hasn't told anyone she had Rider's spirit. Though it's a bridge that'll be crossed later.

Yes, Illya like in most of her counterparts has a thing for Shirou as well. I still don't understand how Shirou manages to get so many girls to like him. I know the high jump scene, I just don't get the joke everyone seems to make about it. Is there some hidden innuendo I don't know about? Ehh whatever.

If there are any questions or concerns, feel free to ask to which I'll try to answer the best I can.

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