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
Caster & Assassin I
Saber felt her heart breaking.
These were her knights. Her brothers in arm who had fought loyally at her side.
They were fellow warriors who believed and fought for an ideal world of peace and justice.
But now here they stood as they all pointed their blades at her. Even her most trusted, the knights of the round now stood as her enemy. Though she resolved herself to do whatever it took to attain the holy grail, nothing could prepare her for this.
Assassin and Caster were reveling at the despair that was etched on her face. They were going to enjoy tearing her down some more as the cruel servant raised her arm in command of the knights of Camelot. "Kill them all. But leave father alive. I want the honor of killing Arturia myself".
Saber felt her resolve shaken as her sword felt heavy in her hand. She was forced to once again raise her blade against her fellow countrymen. As her knights were about to attack, "you will compose yourself!"
" . . . . !" as the knightly servant felt her mental state solidify as she was calm again. Looking back, her master's hand shined as she had just invoked a command seal.
Although her expression was strained, she soon gave her a soothing look. "Don't lose yourself Saber" Illya smiled. "I understand the pain you must be feeling. That painful feeling weighing on your soul, but we are all in this together" as she placed her hand on Saber's shoulder. "So don't falter. Stand tall and proud no matter what happens".
As such words the knightly servant could only sigh as strength returned to her eyes. "I'm sorry Illya for acting so disgracefully in front of you. But as you said, I have to see this through to the end" as she raised her sword.
"Tsk" as Assassin was none too amused about her father's resolution.
"It's nice and all for you two to be having a moment" as Kuro pulled out her origin scarf. "But we really need to do something about this right now!"
However escape was no longer possible. Aside from an army standing between them and the exit, she couldn't teleport either. The rules of the world were not the same as those inside a reality marble as the caster of the spell defined the rules there. Knowing the white mage as well as she did, her space alter magic would be useless here.
With their only choice being to fight their way out, the young homunculus did not like what she was about to do. "Listen everyone! We need to rescue Sakura immediately as she must be here as well. Rin, take everyone and go find her. Saber and I will create the opening needed".
"That's crazy!" Shirou immediately protested.
"Well I didn't say it was a good plan either" Illya retorted. "But it's the only one we got right now. We will keep as many of them here as possible and try to thin down their numbers".
"But . . . . !"
"There is no time for debate!" Illya shouted as she pulled out her Thompson Contender. "Include! Berserker!" as twisting green flames transformed the firearm into Mjolnir and the right gauntlet. With electricity sparking off the hammer, she swung wide as an energy arc shot out mowing down several knights creating a small opening. However some were able to endure it as a row of them with shields withstood the hit. "Go now!"
Kuro wrapped the origin scarf around Miyu to serve as armor as soon their group made a break for it.
Archer took the lead taking out anyone in their way.
As hesitant as Shirou, Rin, and Miyu were, they had to trust in Illya that she knew what she was doing. Pushing through the crowd they ran into the castle.
"Some of you break off and pursue them!" Assassin commanded. "The rest of you attack them now!"
"Mjolnir!" Illya cried out as she fired off a lightning barrage thinning the numbers of the pursuit and attacking group. However there were still quite a few left on both ends that they would need to contend with. "This is all I can do for them for now" as she prayed for her friends and family safety. Standing back to back with her servant as Camelot's army converged on them, she had to ask once more. "Are you going to be OK with this?"
"I had sworn my loyalty to you Illya. Although my heart grieves that I must raise my sword against my countrymen . . . . I have resolved myself for what I must do . . . ."
". . . . OK"
~ Camelot (reality marble) ~
Running through hallways being chased by knights, Rin's group was barely staying ahead of them.
"Archer! Slow them down!"
Firing a few of his arrows, a section of the ceiling caved in blocking their pursuers. Though they may be servants by title, they were only roughly as strong as Rider was when commanded by Shinji as they had no real fame during their time in life. However it didn't mean that they should be taken lightly either as they were still many.
As they continued to run they needed to find their baring. But in this instance they had a little good fortune on their side.
"This way!" as Miyu followed behind the silver owl. "Archimedes should know where Sakura is. We must quickly rescue her before it's too late!"
"Are you sure about this?" Kuro questioned.
"Archimedes knows this place inside and out. We can trust him".
"What is happening with Sakura?" then asked Shirou.
"Caster is attempting the ritual right now to open the greater grail with Sakura acting as the key. She had started the summoning some time ago before you arrived. If we don't act now then she . . . ." as Miyu couldn't bare to say it.
Rin gritted her teeth at how furious she was. If anything happened to her sister then there was no force in the entire world that would stop her from killing Luvia. To avenge her sister she would fight her way through an army of servants just to wrap her hands around her neck and choke the life out of her. But just thinking about it, something had immediately struck her as odd.
How was Luvia controlling two servants? Just supporting one was a strenuous task in itself. If they were going to use flashy spells, that was going to require large amounts of mana. Frankly, no one person could possibly handle that much mana without breaking unless you were something like Illya. Now going along this thought process she recalled that during her studies that the Edelfelt family had participated in the third holy grail war. At that time twin sisters participated as their ore scales sorcery trait allowed them to summon two Saber's who the same were yet opposite of each other.
Applying that history, Morgan and Merlin were the same yet opposites. If what Miyu said was right that Morgan Le Fey was the original one that she summoned then that would also mean . . . .
"Tohsaka?" Shirou questioned as the brunette magus had come to a stop.
"We have to keep going!" said Miyu. "We don't have time to wait".
". . . . No" as Rin shook her head. "The rest of you go on ahead of me. There is something I need to investigate".
"What are you going on about?" then asked Kuro.
"Just a hunch I need to confirm as it might be the key to unravel this entire mystery. I have a feeling where I might need to go. The rest of you go save Sakura. This is something I have to handle".
As she was about to leave Shirou had firmly grasped her hand. "You won't go alone!"
"Shirou . . . ." But looking at all the staring eyes, they didn't have time to be debating this as every second mattered. When anything in this reality marble could jump out and kill you time was of the essence. So deciding as such, "alright, Shirou will come with me to investigate. Miyu and Kuro will go to Sakura. Archer will protect them on their way there. If anything happens Archer can contact me as we will quickly run back. Is everything understood?" Everyone nodded as they broke up once more as Archimedes created a shadow duplicate to act as a guide for Rin's group.
~ Camelot (reality marble) ~
Since the enemy party had split off, the witch queen had sent her familiars to keep an eye on their movements. However she was becoming displeased at how the knights had not stopped them yet. But more troubling then that was that they had split off too. Of course that would make them easier to pick off.
But in this case one group was moving towards the ritual room where Sakura was being held. The other was moving towards where her little secret was residing.
Of course she had taken measures to protect them both. But she was not one to take chances.
"Merlin, take several knights and stop them from interrupting my ritual. I shall go and deal with the other pests".
The magus of flowers begrudgingly obeyed as several knights had accompanied him towards their destination.
The witch queen then pursued the other group leaving the courtyard to Assassin and the others to deal with.
At that moment Saber and Illya were doing all they could to hold back the flood.
Only wanting to focus on the close range fighters, Illya had summoned a secondary thunder storm wiping out the top areas of the walls where the archers were. With what power she had left in that strike the lightning whipped around the enemy lines. However their numbers were still plenty as she needed to recharge before she could fire off another one.
Fighting at least five knights at a time, the pair had to finish them with one swing.
The divine hammer and the holy sword were able to accomplish this without too much trouble.
Though Saber was fine, Illya was having difficulty maintaining herself. Her body trembled dealing with this kind of strain. But that wasn't the most troubling part as it was something she had not tested nor anticipated as a problem.
Fighting with Berserker's power, a strange 'heat' had begun building inside her. At first a tingle, it grew the longer she used it. An aching feeling that started at the very core of her being as it stretched out through her hands and feet. Though the situation demanded focus and discipline as her father had taught her, her mind had started to go blank. Unconsciously gripping the hammer tighter, a carnivorous grin stretched on her lips.
Illya couldn't hold this feeling down as it was slowly eroding her sanity. "Is this mad enchantment?" she wondered. However she wasn't sure and frankly she was beginning not to care at how addictive this feeling was. This burning sensation that spread throughout her body flowing through her senses as she never felt so alive and ecstatic.
If it could be described, then what she was feeling was lust or rather battle lust as her cheeks became flushed while her eyes became unfocused. Her thoughts began to unravel as the only thing on her mind was fighting and bathing in the blood of her enemies. Though her body had limits, they were being suppressed by this overwhelming power.
Watching the battle unfold, Assassin was growing impatient as she wanted to end her father immediately. Her grudge against Arturia would finally be satiated. Drawing her sword, it was time for the main act to commence as she followed by the knights of the round entered the battle.
Finishing off another round of knights, Saber turned to see who her new opponent would be. Cringing at who she would face, she could only pray her friends would forgive her for what she must do.
As the enemy began to converge from all sides, Illya using Mjolnir weight flung herself into the air. Once high enough several bolts of lightning struck the hammer as she came back down like a meteor hitting the earth. With such explosive power, the shock wave alone rocked the area like an earthquake sending the fodder knights flying away as they were thrown right through the stone walls around them.
For those still standing, Saber was momentarily stunned as she looked to her master in worry as she had never seen her like this. Gripping the hammer with both hands, Illya was on one knee hunched over as her hair was in disarray covering her face. But just the dense atmosphere around her radiated such strong killing intent.
Assassin was none too amused at being blocked off.
Before anyone could speak an unsettling sound was heard. A girly childlike chuckle as Illya's body shook as she licked her lips before flashing a smile like a predator that had found its prey. "Too weak . . . ."
"Illya?!" as Saber could only watch at what was about to happen.
"Too weak! Too weak! Too weak!" as Illya could no longer hold back the 'heat'. With panting breaths, her cheeks were dyed red as she was now longing for someone to satisfy her. Someone strong who thought they could make her submit. Seeing these stronger enemies, she wanted to feel their warm blood splash across her face while grinding their bones to dust.
"How detestable" Assassin growled. "Knights! Remove this peasant from my sight!"
For what fodder knights were left, they all rushed towards the young homunculus.
"Illya!" as Saber moved in to protect her.
However that would be rather unnecessary. "Instal! Berserker!" Erupting into a ball of green flames, what emerged next was a thing of legends. Illya wore brown leather over her body with animal pelts around her arms and legs. Along with Berserker's equipment, she also adorned a winged circlet, a silver decorated chest plate, leg plating, and hip armor with a feather like skirt that hung on one side.
With just the image of her she projected the presence a warrior maiden of Valhalla, a Valkyrie.
However she was far more dangerous than that as she wielded the power of Thor within her hand. Staring at the opponent in front of her, she couldn't help but sneer.
~ Camelot (reality marble) ~
Rin and Shirou didn't know what had happened moments ago. Feeling a thundering quake rocking the very floor from beneath them, they wanted to find the nearest window to see what was going on outside. However they did not have the luxury to be slowing down.
As the mage smith was startled, Rin continued to press forward.
"Where exactly are we going?" Shirou asked.
"Throne room" Rin answered. "I think it's there we might get some answers".
With Archimedes as a guide, they rounded a corner arriving within a large hallway only to find it full of knights.
". . . . Crap". There had to have been at least fifty of them. It was at times like this that Rin cursed her immensely horrible luck.
Though the brunette magus was stunned at the amount of servants who barred their path, Shirou quickly took the lead summoning out Kansho and Bakuya. "This is going to be tough. But we can handle this. Are you ready Tohsaka?"
Giving the boy a wide look, a smirk then appeared on her lips as she rolled up her sleeves activating her magic crest. " . . . . Always the same fool". Though they may be servants they were still low tier and nothing compared to those they faced before. As crappy as the situation was, Shirou's perseverance was inspiring. He had always been like that ever since she knew him. Before she had realized it, she had become just as stubborn as him. "Let's do this Emiya-kun!"
~ Camelot (reality marble) ~
Facing much opposition on their way up, Archer made quick work of them under a hail of arrows and quick strikes. Pushing their way through several areas, Kuro kept Miyu safe with a combination of familiars and the use of Leysritt's halberd.
Fighting in tight areas, Archer easily had the advantage using broken phantasms to clear out hordes of enemy combatants.
Under Archimedes guidance, they had arrived to their location.
". . . . This isn't good" as Kuro looked around. The large room was covered in spell insignia radiating an ominous purple and black glow. Multiple layers of complex seals were set for the purpose of performing a powerful ritual summoning. At the center of it all was Sakura as she appeared to be in pain as jolts of lighting pulsed around her.
"I'm sorry senpai . . . ." Sakura weakly spoke out. "I . . . . Can't hold it back any longer . . . ."
Staring in horror, Miyu gasped as the meek girl was starting to bleed out.
However it wasn't blood that was coming out of her.
". . . . What is that?" Kuro asked. Leaking out of her could only be described as putrid black mud. As grotesque as the sight of it was, the feeling she got from it was more terrifying. Looking to Miyu's wide stretched eyes, she was feeling the same too. Whatever this was, it was evil is its purest form. This thing was a force of unrelenting malice with an unending sense of despair. If they were staring into the void, something was certainly staring back at them as they were too afraid to blink at it.
As her thoughts started to race, she remembered Caster's plan. With Sakura acting as a link to the greater grail, the contents were supposed to be pure water, not this. Did Caster botch the summoning? Was Sakura not a proper grail unit? Or more troubling, was the grail not what they thought it was.
But pushing these thoughts aside and pulling herself back, Kuro grabbed Miyu's hand as they approached the center. Nicking her finger, the dark homunculus started to perform a counter spell as she chanted under her breath.
Following her instructions, Miyu copied the technical work on Sakura's opposite side as Kuro assisted soon after. "What is this for?"
"I'm going to try to sever the connection to the greater grail and slam the door shut on it. We cannot allow it to come here and it's the only way we can save Sakura's life before it consumes her. But a lone grail unit will not be able to do this on their own. That's why we have to do this together".
"But I can't use magic!"
Softening her eyes giving a calming smile Kuro took Miyu's hands into her own as she needed a quick pep talk. "Magic isn't just about words or the amount of mana you have. Nor does it have to be about talent or traits. In its simplest form magic is about thoughts and feelings". Clasping their hands together, "that in itself means a lot for people like us. So wish Miyu. Use the power of your thoughts and feeling and wish to save Sakura!"
Letting those words sink in, the two girls took their place as they held their hands out. Activating their trait's as grail units, golden light surrounded them as they tried to push to darkness away.
"Ahh!" Sakura screamed in agony as she felt like she was being torn apart.
"Hold on Sakura!" Miyu shouted.
"Pesky thing won't give up without a fight!" as Kuro gave it her all.
Standing there casually with his swords at his side, Archer clicked his tongue as he scowled. ". . . . This just got more troublesome". Standing before him now were more of Camelot's knights along with Merlin the magus of flowers. This was an extremely disadvantageous battle. But like his other, he was not going to go down so easily. With an arrogant smirk, "come! Show me what you got!"
To be continued . . . .
Author's notes: Here's another chapter, now onto some notes.
Rin truly has terrible luck. No matter how much planning she puts into things her primary objective always goes awry. She makes note of this when she talks to Shirou about how her secondary and tertiary goals seems to go off without a hitch. Yet her main goal always seems to slip away from her.
I don't know what Thor looks like in the prisma series as we've only ever seen his installed version. So I decided to take liberties with Illya's design with a mix of female Thor from Marvel comics (current 616 universe), Beatrice Berserker form (prisma series), and Lightning from Final Fantasy 13-2.
No one knows the effects of installing Berserker. Beatrice and Sakura aren't exactly great examples to start with as they were both highly unstable to begin with. However mad enchantment has always been the trait of Berserker. However the only difference that has ever been shown is the degree in which it exists in which is pure insanity like a rabid dog (Lancelot) or to some level where some sanity is left (Heracles). But for the case of Illya I decided to have mad enchantment work like this as personally I found it quite amusing as suggested by a few others.
It took everything Illya had in Heaven Feel to shut the door on 'the root of all evil'. But in that case it took the use of the dress of heaven to assist her on that. So is this case it will take more than one grail unit to stop Angra from passing through. Though I would argue Miyu might have been powerful enough to close the door on her own when she alone stopped the darkness in the Prisma series. However that was when she was very young and at her strongest. As her clan members grow older they lose the connection to that power. Though concerning Miyu, is she now Shirou's true biological sister? She originally had red eyes. But after making her wish her eye color changed to Shirou's.
Thus the battle is set as such where Rin and Shirou will go up against Caster (Morgan). Archer will have to face Caster (Merlin) and other knights. Finally Illya and Saber will be going head to head with Assassin and the knights of the round.
But concerning abilities the assessment should be fair. Though they may have been knights of Camelot they had gained no real prestige in life. Although they were preserved as servants within Merlin's reality marble, I would estimate their strength level to be around Rider's when she was under the control of Shinji where regular mages could handle them with some difficulty. Example of this fight was in the Fate and Unlimited Blade Works path when Shirou encountered Rider in the forest and managed to hold her off with just a reinforced pipe. So it's fair to say with a stronger Shirou and Rin fighting together they should be able to handle a bunch of no name knights.
As for the knights of the round, I'm not sure how to classify their abilities. I looked through the wiki to have a better understanding on what they can do and what their phantasms and abilities would be. But more than likely some if not all of them might have 'knights of honor' similar to Lancelot. However this will take more reading. If anyone wishes to chime in feel free.
So if there are any questions or concerns feel free to ask as I'll try to answer them.
Thank you for reading and I further extend my gratitude if you can review as well.