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

Just Another Day

~ Emiya residence ~

Resting soundly in her bed, Illya snuggled into her pillow without a care in the world. Smiling contently she wanted to stay in her soft bed and warm blankets for as long as you could. Alas she had school today. With a slight groan it was time to get up. Being half awake, the young homunculus began to daydream one of her many fantasies concerning a certain mage smith.

Walking into her room, Shirou moved to her bedside placing his hand to his adoptive sister's shoulder lightly shaking her awake. "Illya" he spoke softly. "Illya, it's time to wake or we'll be late to school".

". . . . Oniichan" Illya whispered as she stirred on her bed.

"Come on, it's time to get ready". As Shirou tried to leave, a pair of arms wrapped around his neck dragging him back down.

"Oniichan" Illya then cooed as a warm smile stretched across her lips.

"Oi oi Illya".

"I worked extra hard yesterday so I won't wake up without a morning kiss".

"Illya" Shirou then said breathlessly as he drew closer to her.

With a heated breath, the young homunculus closed the distance shutting her eyes as their lips met. Upon contact, Illya felt her body go weak enjoying the sensation of kissing the boy she liked most. " . . . . Wait a minute . . . ." as the fog in Illya's head began to clear. This kiss was not only real but very hungry, aggressive, and sensual. Things that weren't like Shirou. More so she quickly realized that their was someone was on top of her in her bed. Feeling with her hands, the person was female. Finally awake, she was met with a pair of crimson eyes staring back at her. "Kuro!" Illya tried to shout only for her tongue to be subdued by her 'sister'.

Pinning her down, the dark homunculus was absorbing all the mana she could handle. Though it wasn't necessary, she couldn't help it as it was her nature to be playful and devious. Grinding her knee against Illya's special place caused her prey to blush madly. As she did so Illya couldn't help but fluster back as her legs rubbed back against her. For extra measure to get her in the mood, a part of Illya's button up pajama shirt was undone revealing her shoulders and some of her cleavage. Finally taking all she needed, Kuro sat up on top of Illya with a content smile while taking a refreshing breath. "Thanks for the morning treat" as she looked down to see Illya is such a disheveled state breathing heavily with her cheeks tomato red. Then giving a chuckle she climbed off.

Regaining her senses with her mana reserves fully recharged, Illya jumped out of bed completely flustered. "I told you never to do that Kuro! I don't like waking up more tired then I should be!"

"You take forever to wake up. Plus I do need to recharge at least once a day" Kuro shrugged. "Besides I couldn't help but tease you when you were moaning out for 'oniichan'" she smirked causing Illya to stiffen. "Though" as she looked away with an uncharacteristic blush, "there are other ways for me to siphon mana in which I don't have to do this everyday. However . . . ."

Knowing exactly the method, "no way you're doing that to me!" as Illya's face turned crimson as she crossed her arms protectively in front of her.

"Whatever, it's time to go to school. So get ready" as she left to the bathroom to freshen up.

Doing the same, Illya thought back to how this all came to be.

It had been roughly a week since Kuro now resided in the Emiya residence in which there were a wide array of reactions. She and Shirou were fine with it. Sella, Saber, and Rin were absolutely opposed. Sakura was uncomfortable with the idea. Leysritt and Archer were completely indifferent. Though she doubted Kuro would bring any harm on her or her family and friends, she had to write up a self-geas scroll to put everyone's minds to rest. The contract more or less stipulated that Kuro could live with them so long as she didn't harm any of them to which she signed without hesitation.

With the new occupant a few arrangements needed to be done such as where she would sleep. Almost right off the bat Kuro wanted to sleep in Shirou's room in which she flat out denied. So wanting to keep an eye on her Illya used her magic crest to increase the volume of her room quadrupling it's internal size relative to it's outside appearance. It was awkward at first to have a roommate like this. But she was getting used to it.

As both girls came out to the kitchen, Kuro had a skip to her step as she hugged Leysritt from behind while groping her chest. "My, aren't you as healthy as ever" Kuro smirked. Though the Einzbern maid simply shrugged as she took her seat at the table with Saber followed by them.

Looking over to the kitchen Shirou, Sakura, and Sella were still getting breakfast ready. But as far as it was concerned, it didn't really take the three of them as usually they would take turns to cook for the household. But ever since Shirou started developing his tracing abilities, things have been a bit different.

Experimenting as such, the mage smith at times watched cooking channels to get new ideas for recipes. But after visiting a few restaurants and seeing the knives used by their chefs, he finally got a handle over it. With all the ingredients in front of him, "trace on" as a very fancy kitchen knife materialized in his hand. Upon being fully projected, Shirou started cooking rapidly producing dishes on the tier of master chefs.

Watching him work, Sella felt kind of envious. Ever since Illya and Shirou were young she was the one who usually cooked. After a while, Shirou wanted to learn to which she taught him. Eventually he gained a strong passion for the art as his skills had now rivaled her own. But with his projection magic, he had completely surpassed her. Though to be fair, she was also somewhat proud of him as she did love to eat his cooking. Though eating in itself was still a bit of a weird concept to her.

Sakura on the other hand just enjoyed cooking with Shirou as it was one of the few things she liked doing with just being around him. Like Sella, her skills were now lacking by comparison not that it mattered. But as a passing thought to her amusement, she had believed he should change his name from Shirou the mage smith to Shirou the mage cook. After all he seemed to love cooking almost as much as he wanted to be a hero. Just some food for thought on her part.

Hearing knocks on the front door, Saber got up to answer it as Rin was in front with a wide smile and wave. "Did breakfast get served? Then don't mind if I do" as she let herself in. Taking a seat, she gave her greetings to everyone.

Since she lived in the area, Rin usually visited once a day. It was usually for discussing their mage activities or checking up on Sakura. But as of late she seemed to have taken a strong liking to Shirou's cooking much like everyone else.

Finishing up Sella and Leysritt cleaned up as everyone else went to school.

"I still don't understand" said Saber with a faint frown. "There is no need for me to attend school like this" anymore is there?"

"Of course there is" Illya brightly smiled. "You still need to be around to keep me safe right?"

"I understand that, but . . . ." as the knightly servant fidgeted uncomfortably. "Do I have to still keep wearing these?" tugging the hem of her skirt. "I'm still not use to these feminine cloths . . . . It just doesn't feel right on me".

"Are you still on about that?" Shirou asked. "I think you actually look quite beautiful in girl's cloths" which caused Saber to fidget uncomfortably under his gaze. Ever since there talk in the school hallway, she was starting to be a bit self-conscious around the mage smith which was a little troubling as it was such a new experience.

Jumping on the band wagon, "besides you're the pride and envy of all girls" then said Kuro brightly. "With your looks and body type, I can't imagine anyone who would think otherwise. Though you would make for a very sexy looking man" which earned a strained chuckle from Illya and Shirou. However Rin and Sakura kept their neutral stand point. Glancing at the sisters, she understood where they were coming from.

Though she had signed the self-geas scroll agreeing to it's terms, Rin still did not quite trust her. The only reason she wasn't making a bigger fuss was because she was a means to an end. So long as she had some purpose or use, then Rin wouldn't touch her. It was a very cold and calculating way of thinking. Yet she had to respect her for how careful she was with her planning.

Sakura on the other hand was a bit of an awkward case. Though he didn't deserve her pity or kindness, she still cared for that moronic Shinji. Now she wasn't certain if she was really that nice or was really that psychologically scarred but either way it was going to take a while for things to be fine between them.

Not that she cared what either of them thought about her. Looking to the blue skies above, Kuro took a deep breath in as she was just happy to be alive starting her life anew with the Emiyas. Watching Illya laughing as she talked with everyone, it all seemed so surreal looking back on her life. That bright smile her sister always wore was truly magical as it made people around her feel at ease. Though she didn't say it out loud, she was truly grateful to Illya for giving her this chance to live. In repayment, she would make sure no one would ever steal her smile away from her. But then spotting Shirou's open arm, the dark homunculus latched on as she rubbed her cheek on the mage smith's shoulder. "Oniichan!" she purred.

"Kuro!" Illya fumed.

"Well almost anyone" Kuro then thought mischievously as Saber, Illya, Rin, and Sakura ended up bickering with her all the way to school.

But upon arriving as pertaining to a usual school day Rin went her own way for student council business. Shirou followed closely behind to see if there was anything that needed to be done. Usually now Sakura went with them for the sake of company which just left Illya and Kuro.

As such upon their arrival, "Illya! Kuro!" as their friends greeted them. Of course they were still quite defensive of their maiden status around Kuro. But promising she wouldn't kiss them anymore they were more at ease around her. After a while, they really enjoyed her company as she really added a bit of zest and excitement to their group.

In the short time, Illya was quick to notice someone missing amongst her friends. "Hmm? Where's Miyu?"

"That's a good question . . . . ."

"She's usually here early sweeping the classroom".

"Dunno, haven't seen her all morning".

"Is she sick or something?" Kuro then asked.

"That doesn't seem right" Illya said giving a thoughtful look. "Ever since I've known her she's never had a sick day. I even asked her once if it ever happened". But then giving a strained chuckle, "though she responded that only dumb people would get sick".

"Then you would be home all the time" Kuro said mockingly which earned a chuckle from the group.

"Hey!" Illya shot out embarrassed as her friends teased her for the rest of the day.

~ Homurahara academy (student council room) ~ (late afternoon)

"God! That idiotic blond drills just doing whatever she feels like" Rin fumed as she sorted through several reports. "Now I'm stuck with all this work while she's off lolly gagging about. I swear when I see her I'll definitely put my foot . . . . !"

"Is there something wrong Tohsaka?" Shirou asked as he just walked into the room.

Seeing the mage smith, Rin continued to rant. It was rather refreshing that she didn't have to hide her true self in front of him anymore as it was quite liberating. Continuing to tantrum for a couple more minutes it was then Shirou interjected.

"Actually Luvia-san isn't at school today. It's the reason why I'm here. Issei requested that I help you out if you needed any".

"Are you sure about this Emiya-kun? It's an awful lot of reports".

"It's no problem at all" Shirou smiled happily. "I would love to help".

Giving him a blank look, a smirk then etched on her lips. "Then perhaps you can cook for me after we get off".

"I would like that" Shirou then gently smiled. "Well let's get to work before it becomes too dark out".

Getting to it Rin got to work though a bit absentmindedly as she thought about Shirou. He had always been like that putting others ahead of himself. For that reason she admired how self-less he was yet worried for the same reason. Any human being had to have a limit to how altruistic they were. But for Shirou, he practically threw himself in harms way surrendering his life if needed for his goals. All the more apparent when she fought him. Thus she couldn't help but get worried about where he decisions will lead him one day. ". . . . Geez" as Rin mentally shook her head. "I'm getting all worked up for that foolish guy . . . ."

"Here" as Shirou handed over some papers. "I think you need to look over these" as his hands grazed against Rin's.

Startled out of her thoughts, the brunette magus blushed as she stumbled back. "What do you think you're doing all of a sudden?!"

"Huh? But I . . . ."

"There something to see too in the storage shed right?! Why don't you do that then!"

Blinking at her sudden change in demeanor, Shirou just nodded as he left to do just that.

With him gone, a slight tinge of red graced Rin's cheeks as she held the spot Shirou touched her. ". . . . That foolish guy".

Once outside, Shirou had started to jog as it was getting dark and wanted to get done before it was nighttime. Making his way to the supply shed, it was relatively abandoned with not a soul in sight.

"Still a fool I see . . . ."

"Huh?" as Shirou looked about. Recognizing the voice, "Archer?" Becoming corporeal the red servant was casually leaning against one of the sheds. "Why are you here? Did you need something from me?"

"Nothing much" Archer shrugged kicking off as he approached him. "I'm just here to finish what we started on the roof".

"What?" Reacting within a split second Shirou barely managed to summon Kansho and Bakuya barely blocking Archer's duo blades as he grinded back. "What is the meaning of this? Archer!"

". . . . Because you annoy me. A dumb kid who just doesn't seem to understand his own limits. Nothing but a nuisance that keeps getting in the way or sticking his nose where it doesn't belong. So I'm going to show you how powerless you really are and all your shortcomings" as Archer was instantly in front of him. With one good swing, he completely broke Shirou's swords in half.

"Damn!" as Shirou quickly projected another set only for Archer to break them again. Straining himself, he was pushing his mind and body to it's upper most limits as he was trying to keep up with the red servant. However the entire thing was strange. If he wanted him dead, he could have easily done so without much effort due to his superior attributes.

However in a much older time it was said warriors were capable of understanding each other by crossing blades as they pushed their strengths against one another. Fighting Archer, he wasn't sure what he was sensing from him. Lancer was like a cat playing with a cornered mouse of wanting to enjoy the moment. Berserker just fought for the sake of fighting as it was a way of life to him. But for Archer, it almost seemed like a chore. A necessity for a time that he is required too. As their blades met he felt some form of anger and annoyance behind them. Yet he didn't sense any killing intent. So if Archer wasn't after his life, then what was he trying to accomplish with this pointless bout?

As they continued to fight he started to notice something odd as he wasn't certain how he would describe it. He wasn't necessarily getting stronger, but rather better. Each time Kansho and Bakuya were broken and reformed they were stronger then before. He wasn't sure why or how but every time his swords clashed against Archer's he had a better idea in how to use his reinforcement and projection magic more efficiently. Gradually as they collided his swords were withstanding the hits now albeit barely as they cracked against a superior foe. After losing his seventeenth pair Shirou and Archer clashed once more as the mage smith's blades were now able to endure his opponent's strike without breaking.

Sweating intensely while taking heavy breaths, "I'm not going down so easily Archer!" Shirou exclaimed.

"Hmph, know your place boy" as Archer delivered a swift kick pushing his opponent back. Dispelling the duo blades, he created a brand new sword.

Eyes shimmering at the sight of it his brain was already at work analyzing and breaking down the information of the new weapon. Within mere seconds it just popped into his head. "Nine lives". With Archer back on the attack, he knew Kansho and Bakuya would not be able to deal with the raw physical power of Heracles club ax. So switching armaments, he copied Archer narrowly canceling out the attack as it put a significant strain on his body.

Cringing as he did, Shirou still did not understand Archer's purpose. His words and actions didn't match.

After trading strikes, the mysterious red servant would switch out to another weapon which in turn he would learn and mimic.

Hrunting . . . .

Durandal . . . .

Crocea Mors . . . .

These were just a few as Archer kept up the attack with a new weapon every moment while Shirou was trying not to get killed. After memorizing so many noble phantasms, their little scuffle was interrupted.

"What is going on here?!" Rin shouted jumping out from one of the windows. "Stop this immediately!" Moving right up to them, "explain yourself now Archer! I did not give you any order to attack!"

Looking indifferently between his master and Shirou, Archer just shrugged as he turned about. "Nothing, I was just here to make a point".

"A point?! A point about what exactly?!"

"Hmph, none of your business" as Archer returned back to spirit form disappearing from sight.

After such an intense bout, Shirou exhaustion finally caught up to him as he was both fatigued in body and mind.

Seeing him about to tip over, "hey! Don't fall asleep on me right here of all places!" as Rin steadied him with her shoulder. Taking a calming breath, "I'm sorry about that. I don't know what suddenly got in to him. So I'll definitely give him a stern lecture about this later".

"It's alright. I'm fine. So there is no need to worry too much".

". . . . And can you do me a bit of a favor?"

"Hmm?"

"Please don't tell Illya about this" Rin cringed. She was very protective of her brother. Though the young homunculus was generally a very understanding and positive person, she felt first hand just how ruthless she could be when she wanted. The last thing she needed was to be kicked through a wall again as her ribs ached at just remembering it.

"Don't worry" Shirou said cheerfully. "None of this ever happened".

Sighing in relief, Shirou finally recovered enough to walk on his own as Rin applied a bit of healing magic for extra measure. With nothing else Shirou went home as Rin accompanied him as they had a pleasant walk there.

Watching them as they left, Archer felt uncertainty about his original objective. Though his memory had several holes, there were key moments he was still able to remember. So far this world he had returned too . . . . He understood now it was not his. Too many things were different meaning more then likely that whatever he did now to alter his fate actually had no meaning. A cruel truth in a way in knowing he couldn't escape the chains that bounded him. However if it was too late for him then it was not too late for them. There was still time to sow the seeds for a better future to be born.

To be continued . . . .

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

Normally non-platonic relationships between family members bother the crap out of me. But since Shirou is adopted, if something did happen between Illya and Shirou I would be OK with it.

I'm still not absolutely clear on the concept of a self-geas scroll. In Fate/Zero, Kiritusugu signed one promising not to kill Kayneth if he had Lancer kill himself. Now according to Kayneth, self-geas scrolls were magical items said to be unbreakable contracts in which there is no way to undo them once they are signed. But I wonder just how true that actually is.

Shirou in every version I've seen him loves to cook. I'm assuming in the Fate series he was self-taught while in the Prisma series, Sella was the one who taught him. But either or his passion for cooking is so great he will accept nothing less but his best effort when making a dish. Nor will he cheap out on ingredients as this has been noted quite well in the pound cake duel between Kuro and Illya. But understanding Shirou's tracing abilities, cooking knifes are still considered a kind of weapon. So copying any master chefs knife, he would be able to mimic their skills and history as a cook. Just as a funny thought, if Shirou ever went to Tootsuki gourmet school in Shokugeki no Soma it just makes me wonder how far he would get there lol.

But soon will begin the next arc. I hope I can write it well.

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