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

Berserker II

"You really jumped in head first this time" said Rin. "What in the world were you thinking?"

"Sorry" as Illya gave a strained chuckle, "but I wanted to take this as far away as possible as I didn't want anyone to get hurt".

"I already sent Archer to support Saber. I also sent a message to Emiya-kun giving him our location. He should be here shortly to help out".

"So it's going to be three against one huh?" Kuro interrupted giving a condescending smirk. "It makes no difference to me" as the origin scarf curled around arms as the rest flowed to her back. "Even if you all gang up on me, zero power is still zero power. With this new toy, your odds aren't looking so good".

Biting her lip as she narrowed her eyes, Rin rushed here as fast as she could for combat support. Thus she didn't have the time to adequately prepare as she got right out of school. So she needed to do what she could with what she had on hand which were a couple of jewels. But looking to her side and seeing how determined Illya was, her own resolve was firm.

Not only did they practice in improving their magic but also their fighting ability as that was generally the norm for mages these days. Planning ahead for such a case, Rin and Illya practiced daily together sparring against Leysritt with the end goal of becoming a cohesive team. The eventual idea was to understand each others tactics in order to supplement their overall effectiveness on the field.

Dropping her red coat to the ground as they slid off her shoulders and arms, the brunette magus then rolled up her sleeves as Rin's magic circuits lit up on her forearms and legs. Likewise, Illya did the same as she cracked her knuckles.

"Sure you're ready?" Rin asked.

"Just don't slow me down" said Illya.

Staring off, the fight began once more as they broke the ground beneath them blitzing at each other.

~ Fuyuki city (forest) ~

Since their skirmish started, Saber was barely holding her ground against Berserker.

The mad servant's overwhelming strength coupled by his incredible skills made him extremely formidable.

The only edge Saber had was being far more agile and nimble then her opponent. Otherwise she was stalling at best. Striking the mad servant with her sword she was hardly doing any damage if any at all. Counter attacking, Berserker's armor proved quite resilient. For any fatal or debilitating strikes Saber aimed for, she wasn't able to gain a clean hit as her opponent would skillfully deflect it.

However the real danger behind Berserker was truly his own madness.

Swinging down with Mjlonir, Saber blocked with her sword before angling it while sidestepping to parry it away. Then quickly she stepped up onto the hammer attempting to swing down at her opponent's head.

But countering back, Berserker got Saber off tossing her up. Throwing the knightly servant off her center as she defenselessly hung in the air he quickly caught up as he spiked her down.

Saber spotting the attack barely managed to reorient herself just catching the strike with her sword. Though she avoided the worse of it, she was sent flying back down. But with her mana burst she was able to correct her position and lessen the impact. However there was still plenty of inertia she had to deal with.

Hitting the ground with tremendous force, Saber created an impact crater. But she was still grinding backwards just trying to stop. With her momentum finally halted, Saber attempted to stand but was barely able to do just that. Although it was faint a metal rattling could be heard within the air as the sound was the shaking of her armor. "Not good . . . ." thought Saber as she was having trouble just gripping her sword. For her body was overtaxed after taking that hit. Even with servant abilities, there was only so much she could endure before breaking. As of now, her arms and legs felt numb. As much as she desired some time to recuperate, her opponent would not allow such a thing.

Coming right at her from the air. Berserker's roar caused the very forest to tremble at his might.

"Breath calmly, keep steady" Saber thought as she willed her body to move. Going to guard position, "you will not defeat me this day Berserker. This is the day you die!" Timing her attack, she unsheathed Excalibur as this could possibly be her final move. Fully revealing the radiance of her sword, she jousted forward as the light of her blade fired a piercing beam.

For any ordinary foe, they would have tried to dodge or at the very least shield themselves. But for Berserker he kept charging right in. Whether it was courage or insanity, no one could say. For the moment Saber attacked, the mad servant had reached out allowing his hand to be pierced as he redirected his opponent's sword as the beam just grazed his shoulder. With his palm fully at the hand guard, the mad demigod clamped down capturing Saber's hands as he raised her off the ground.

Reacting quickly, Saber tried to kick herself off. Berserker did not budge in the slightest as he raised his hammer to attack. Seeing the inevitable, the knightly servant braced herself for what was to come next.

"How unsightly" said Archer as he fired two powerful arrows. One to halt Mjolnir and the other for his hand.

Being dropped Saber quickly stepped back getting distance between them as she resettled her stance.

"How troublesome you are" said Archer as he appeared acting nonchalantly walking out of the forest. "It makes me wonder sometimes how you've managed to survive this long without getting killed along the way".

Giving a bit of a glare, "I had it handled" was all Saber could say as she kept her watch over her opponent.

"Whatever you say" Archer chuckled with a shrug. "Your skills are good. But you lack focus as all you seem to do is just charge head on like a wild animal. Illya must have a lot of trouble just handling you".

"Did you come all this way just to insult me Archer?"

"Maybe" as the red servant shrugged once more. "Though I find it ridiculous that I have to put my neck on the line like this" as he summoned his signature dual blades, "I was told by Rin that I had to help you out".

"Then try to stay out of my way".

"Funny, I was just about to say the same thing to you".

~ Fuyuki city (forest) ~

As much as Kuro hated to admit it, she was having a difficult time. Even with her new acquisition it was still difficult trying to fend off two powerful mages as she needed to adjust her tactics to counter their techniques.

The real problem she faced was Illya's time magic with how much maneuverability it gave her. Furthermore, she was able to extend it's abilities to Rin speeding her up temporarily to either dodge or slip within her defenses.

But by observation, it was taking it's toll on Illya as she needed to regenerate her mana each time she used it thus her inability to use it repeatedly or in longer durations. However this was an advantage she could turn to her favor. She would only have a single moment to react.

Projecting several familiars, she razed the field in an attempt to scour her foes from her sight.

"Crap!" exclaimed Rin as there was no way she could shield herself from this.

"Hold on!" Illya then shouted as she grabbed her hand. "Time alter! Double accel!" Expanding the field to encompass the both of them, they were able to get clear. But needing to expand her magic to Rin, it ate up her reserves faster. Hence they needed to make every second count and move to safety. Reaching her limit, the pair had just barely managed to clear the blast zone before getting caught up in it. Taking heavy breaths trying to recover her mana, Rin loaned her shoulder for her to rest a bit. But in that small moment, both their arms became entangled within the origin scarf with the center part tied to Kuro.

"See you try to get away from me now" said Kuro. This was a tactical decision with both pros and cons. Though Illya could now use the scarf again she successfully limited their movements.

"You made a big mistake in giving this back to me!" Illya shouted. Managing to wrap her fist within the apparel she wanted to end this once and for all. Regaining sufficient mana, "time alter! Double accel!"

"Sorry Illya" said Kuro smugly. "But that trick won't work anymore".

Activating the magic crest, the young homunculus felt a piercing pain shoot through her whole body. Jolting in agony, Illya held her hand over her heart as she dropped to her knees just trying to catch her breath. As her eyes became wide, she tried to calm herself as there was no time to stop. Looking to the scarf tied to her arm, she understood what had happened. Kuro had used it to link the three of them together as if they were acting as one body. At the moment she tried to use her time magic, her mana was instantly depleted shocking her as her body reacted to protect itself.

But that wasn't the only reason Kuro linked them. She also had to worry about Illya using her stagnation spell on her. Though now, it was moot.

As the dark homunculus projected a sword to finish her other off, "hey! Did you forget I'm here too?!" Rin exclaimed. Blitzing in, she charged a small burst of mana in her hand delivering a palm strike into Kuro's chest.

Receiving the hit, Kuro was thrown back coughing out blood suffering from internal damage. But in that split reaction time fired her sword at her.

Dodging the attack narrowly, the projected blade nicked her leg causing Rin to wince.

Now all on the ground, the three girls were gasping. With the scarf tied to their arms they had no choice but to stare at each other. But taking this time, they started to apply some healing magic to themselves trying to recover before their opponent could fully get back to their feet.

"I need to think of something quickly before things get out of hand" thought Illya. "I just hope my plan is working the way it should". Thinking to the other battle that was going on, "Saber, please be safe".

~ Fuyuki city (forest) ~

Swinging Mjolnir, a wave of lightning shot out as the force of nature decimated everything it touched as it kept spreading out.

Saber bravely stood her ground raising her sword above her head as she struck down the wave dispelling it.

Jumping above her, Archer had summoned his bow firing several arrows as they exploded on Berserker. Within that smokescreen, the knightly servant had dashed in with her ally right behind her duo blades at the ready.

Fighting alongside Archer, Saber had a few things on her mind as she analyzed the situation.

Berserker was ordered to kill her. Considering their last battle, she knew he wasn't fighting at his absolute best as he seemed to be holding back. Thus she wanted to understand why. The likely scenario was either he was being cautious or perhaps as pertaining to his legend wanting to fully enjoy the battle for the sake of fighting.

As much as she should have been giving all her focus on the fight, her mind was also distracted by that of her ally.

"Archer, just who are you exactly?" was the thought that repeatedly echoed through Saber's mind. Just like the last war, this Archer was just as much of a mystery. One of the ways to identify a servant was either through their appearance or noble phantasm. But for the red servant in question, neither corresponded to anything she knew of. More so, he had more then one as each seemed to have been from a different era.

Just as perplexing was his fighting technique. He was skilled as there was no question about that.

What captured her inquiry was how Archer complemented her every move adapting accordingly to each of her actions without hindrance. Even for the most astute or perceptive of warriors, no one was this versatile. Including their first battle with the mad servant, he perfectly supported both her and Rider with their plans. For her, the only ones who could come close to this level of cohesion were that of her own knights of the round who had personally fought alongside her.

Even her master was curious to his identity as he bared an air of familiarity about him yet couldn't quite put her finger on exactly who or why.

Then there was also the case of Leysritt when she fought him seeming to anticipate each of her moves and tactics.

So she had to wonder if this was in some way or form an ability of Archer.

But as a stray thought that hung on the edge of her mind, "perhaps . . . ." as Saber reasoned, "did he know us in his lifetime?" The grail had the power to summon heroes from any point in time including that of the future. Honestly who could say when Archer could have met them. Illya and her maids could have lived on indefinitely beyond the boundaries of natural life. While she herself could potentially participate in future Holy Grail Wars. But like her master, there was a faint feeling that they knew who he was in the here and now.

"Enough of that" as Saber's eyes became sharper pushing away unnecessary thoughts. "This battle has gone on long enough".

As they prepared themselves, Berserker looked away. In the next moment, he was gone.

"What?! Where did he go?"

"He must have been summoned away" said Archer. "But that could only mean . . . ."

". . . . Oh no" as Saber looked to the direction of their masters.

~ Fuyuki city (forest) ~

Earlier, the fight was still in full swing as fists and energy shots were traded back and forth.

Bruised, bleeding, and battered the three girls didn't know how much longer they could keep this up.

Illya was still capable of continuing as her mana would be able to sustain her for a bit longer.

Kuro and Rin on the other hand were about to reach their limits. But for the dark homunculus, she refused to go down. If it was her time, then she was not going to go down alone. Creating five wired frame swords, they hovered around her as she then blitzed at Illya as the blades joined together in front of her.

As Illya was about to react, "enough!" Arriving at that moment Shirou sprinted in. As orbs of light formed in his hands, he projected Kanshou and Bakuya as he made quick work of Kuro's projections cutting them down as he then stood in front of Illya protectively.

On gut reaction, Kuro projected another blade as she attacked again.

But Shirou then did something rather unexpected or perhaps quite expected of him. Lowering his arms to his sides, he dropped his swords to the ground as he just stood there wide open to the reach of death.

"Emiya-kun!" Rin shouted.

"Oniichan!" as Illya attempted to intercept only for her brother keeping her at bay.

Stopping within a split second Kuro stomped her foot into the ground just as her blade touched against the mage smith's chest breaking the skin as a drop of blood spilled out. Looking into the boy's eyes, the dark homunculus felt irritated as he defiantly stood in her path not even trying to defend himself. "Get out of my way Shirou! I will go through you if I have too!"

Just standing there with a neutral face, Shirou's expression softened as he placed his hand over Kuro's. "Then you would have already".

". . . . What?" as Kuro's face stretched with her projection soon dissipating.

Holding her hand within his own, "regardless of what you show everyone else, I know . . . . You're not evil". Taking a calming breath he knew he was taking a considerable gamble. He figured Illya had already tried to talk to her. But he wanted to try as well as he didn't want this to end with misfortune after learning about her circumstance. Placing his hands on her shoulders, "you can stop now Kuro. There is no need to fight any longer".

Trembling at those words, Kuro wasn't sure how to react. She had always been taught that things like mercy, sympathy, or understanding were weaknesses not to be tolerated. If anyone was to stand in the way, they would simply be removed with absolute prejudice. If that was all she ever knew in life, it would've been just fine.

But also growing up through Illya, she had the pleasure of tasting the sweet fruits of life as she experienced the wonderful things the world had to offer. Friends 'she' cared for, family 'she' loved, countless moments of joy bundled together by the strings of time, and the near endless experiences and possibilities still waiting for 'her' down the road.

Perhaps that was the cruelty in itself.

If their existed a word that held both comfort and anguish, it was hope. Knowing that there is something better out there had the power to strengthen anyone's soul. Steel it that no matter the hardships or strife it was possible to persevere and overcome it. However in that beautiful light of hope was also the shadow of despair. In learning she was going to die no matter what she did, there was no word that could properly describe the desolation she felt. The absolute emptiness where her beating heart should have been.

Simply put, it was an inevitable conclusion.

Feeling her heart torn to pieces, this was a very sore spot for her. Kuro's face contorted as she desperately tried to keep her feelings from completely breaking out. Face contorting clenching her teeth, tears couldn't help but fill her eyes as this was all some sick joke. Some terrible nightmare she wanted to wake up from. First with Illya then Shirou trying to reason with her. Trying to make her believe it was all going to be alright. But it was too much now. Her soul could no longer endure as the mental barriers were breaking.

"Kuro?" Shirou said in concern seeing her waver.

"You don't understand . . . . You just don't . . . ." Kuro choked out barely comprehensible. Tears now rolling down her cheeks, the floodgates were now broken as she pushed the mage smith away from her. Untying the origin scarf from her arm she walked back getting distance from everyone. "No one understands! None of you!" her tone dripped venomously. "There is only one way this is going to end! Either you kill me or I will kill all of you!". Raising her arm into the air with her command seal shining brightly, "Berserker!" Kuro screamed out. "To me now and kill them all!"

With a giant thud, a roar rang out as the mad servant had suddenly appeared before them.

"We need Archer and Saber here now!" Rin exclaimed as she was about to use a command seal.

Berserker was first to move as a lightning storm had appeared striking his hammer as a deafening clap momentarily stunned everyone. Smashing the ground, a massive boom of light was ignited as it arced to his targets.

Spotting the danger, Shirou was first to recover. "Get behind me!" he yelled managing to get both Illya and Rin to his back. Raising his right arm while using his left to brace himself, this was another phantasm he attained from Archer. "Rho Aias!" as a pink blossom like shield materialized as it held back the storm. For a time it seemed to be working as the lightning diverged and splintered off his shield as the three mages took cover behind it.

". . . . Too weak!" as he was foolish to think he could properly create such a complex noble phantasm. It was riddled with flaws and irregularities as it was no where near as pristine as the one Archer displayed. With that as a fact, his right jacket sleeve began to burn right off as his skin seared. As the shield began to crack, it was like a million needles were stabbing his body at once as his bones and muscles were screaming in pain just trying to withstand it. For the most part it took on the full brunt of it, but the aftershock was the final straw as the shield broke a part.

From the shock wave Illya, Shirou, and Rin were thrown off their feet to separate locations.

". . . . Ugh" Illya groaned as she slowly regained consciousness. Gripping the ground, the dirt was soft as it smelled like ash. Pushing onto her knees as she looked up, Illya could only gape at the destruction Berserker had wrought. The trees, the wildlife, and even the ground were scorched as everything within fifty meters was gone and turned to dust. Dragging herself to her feet, she cringed as her body ached. Tightening her right hand into a fist, ". . . . Focus . . . . I need . . . . To call Saber . . . ." But she then heard Berserker's roar as she looked at the direction it came from which caused her eyes to become wide. "Oniichan!"

The mad servant was approaching Shirou as the mage smith was still out of it leaning against a half destroyed mostly charred tree. With each step closer Berserker took was one step closer Shirou was to meeting his maker.

"Oniichan!" Illya screamed out as she tried to move to him only to fall to the ground again. Getting onto her elbows, her vision was beginning to blur as she tried to desperately get to Shirou.

Frankly she was all out of options.

She didn't know where Rin was nor did she know if she was even alive.

She could instantly summon Saber with a command seal. But Saber would not be able to react fast enough to protect her brother without him getting caught up in the crossfire.

Her time magic was useless as she couldn't even get her body to move.

Killing Kuro now wouldn't solve anything as Berserker would still be around.

But even so Illya wouldn't give up as she willed every fiber of her being to keep going as she needed to save Shirou. Dragging herself on the ground, "I need . . . . More power. Strength . . . . To protect . . . . Shriou . . . . Strength to protect everyone . . . ." as she felt how hopeless the situation was becoming.

On some sub-conscious level, something was beginning to happen as she looked deep into herself for the answer that she needed. An answer in the form of a miracle that surpassed logic or even common sense. As her mind continued to race with a thought and question proceeding one after the other, a single notion formed in her mind as a conclusion of what she needed to accomplish her task.

With all these line of thoughts, it came to one single chrysalis of her desire. Something she needed to achieve at this very pivotal instant in time. ". . . . I need power to rival a servant".

From there her eyes glowed a reddish orange hue as her body began to radiate a bright aura. This was her heritage as an Einzbern. An origin whose ability was to perform miracles granting desires no matter how impossible it may seem as this was the power of a wish maker.

Standing now on her feet, Illya had found the answer she needed. Feeling her resolve harden as her eyes focused, she spoke out the spell.

" . . . . Install . . . . Rider".

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: Hope this chapter was good and now on to commentary.

Hopefully I got the psychological profiles accurate for Kuro in relation to her reaction as it was based on observations, lots of reading, forums, and other miscellaneous chatter.

A good replica or the real Rho Aias can pretty much hold against most noble phantasms unless they have a specific effect or power output that could overwhelm the shield. But otherwise Shirou's attempt was far too young and immature. With this new version of him, I figured he would have made a good attempt at it as it could hold against powerful attacks but will break as it's just not strong enough yet.

Anyone who has seen/read the prisma series, you know what's going to happen next. But don't worry as she won't be overpowered as I've more or less worked out the mechanics. Though it will be an advantage it won't mean a definitive win with what I have planned for later.

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