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

Onward into the End

". . . . Am I dead?"

Shirou had no idea what was happening as his body felt heavy while his mind was hazy. Even as he opened his eyes all he could see was endless darkness.

Of the many regrets the mage smith had, it would be his lack of strength to protect the things that mattered. He couldn't protect his sister as she was snatched away from him. Here he was now, pathetic and powerless. He didn't want to accept the current situation. But there it was, his failure staring him in the face as all he could do now was lay there and accept it.

"Damn it . . . ." as Shirou felt his eyes wet in frustration.

But then out from that very darkness, "I can't believe I was ever this weak".

". . . . !" as Shirou was quickly looked around to where the voice came from. But then in front of him, his image started to appear. Archer or rather his potential future self as he looked back at him mockingly.

"Get up. It's not yet your time".

"Archer . . . . I . . . ."

"I don't care for your excuses. You can die later, but right now you have something you need to do. So get up and get back to work!"

~ Emiya residence ~

Taking a sharp breath, Shirou shot up grasping his chest. Placing his hand over his heart, he felt that familiar beat. "I'm . . . . still alive . . . ." as the mage smith was surprised at that fact.

"Shirou-sempai!"

"Shirou!"

"Emiya-kun!"

At that call, Rin, Luvia, and Sakura ended up tackling him to the ground again overjoyed that he was alive.

Shirou had so much he had to process through. "How . . . ." as he saw his servant standing to the side smiling at him.

Caster didn't care to go into a long and perhaps unnecessary story to explain everything. Simply put years ago, Kiritsugu had planted Avalon into a dying Shirou saving his life with what little magic it had left. With Saber present once more, her sheath had saved his life once again.

But the future was coming up fast as a critical moment was approaching. Thus once again, he would give them a bit of a nudge.

"That's not important right now master" said Caster. "Illya has been taken by the enemy. They plan to use her to open the path the greater grail. The ritual has already started. If they succeed, not only will she lose her life but the world will face a catastrophic event that must not be allowed to happen".

Absorbing that news, the mage smith needed to get back in the fight. But looking around, "where are the others?"

"Saber, Kuro, and Miyu had left to pursue Gilgamesh. I can trust them not to act recklessly for the time being. However time is of the essence. But I must warn you now master, this one moment will decide not only your future but everyone else around you. So do not go into this battle without the proper resolve. Remember everything you have learned and experienced up to this point and prepare accordingly. For there will not be another chance for regret".

". . . ." as Shirou had to think carefully about what to do next. Every fiber of his being at this very moment was screaming out to run out the door. Every second lost meant a moment closer for Illya's death. A guilt he would never be able to live down. However, thinking about everything till now. All the people he had met. All the things he had experienced, he couldn't just jump in hoping to win on luck and guts alone.

Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, what he needed to do right now was prepare as this was the final battle for the grail as it was do or die now. As he felt his heart beat violently needing to go rescue Illya, this was not the time to be half-assed.

Getting dressed, Shirou took the girls to his storage shed. Inside, the mage smith had spent the entire week hammering away creating prototype noble phantasms. The tables were littered with trinkets and pieces of armor while the walls were covered from end to end with various weapons. All of them for the purpose of trying figure out who exactly was Shirou Emiya and the person he was trying to be.

As for Rin, Luvia, and Sakura, it was truly a sight to behold and that was an understatement. Most noble phantasms were lost to history for one reason or another. In rare cases, such relics could be found in modern day which would be the property of some powerful magical family or one of the big associations. But then here was Shirou who not only was in possession of first magic but was also able to create these priceless relics that should've been long gone. Even if they were forgeries or original creations, it was the kind of talent that could not be ignored.

If Clock Tower ever found out, they would never leave Shirou alone. Hence it was a secret they would take with them to their graves.

"I'm sorry" said Shirou. "This was the most I can do due to my lack of experience. However they will serve you well. So choose what you can make the best use of" as the group decided what to bring with them.

~ Ryuudou Temple ~

Illya was out of options as all she could do was wait for something to happen.

She was surrounded by the servants Lancer, Assassin, and Gilgamesh. Though she didn't understand it completely yet, Kirei Kotomine seems to be the one pulling the strings. But how was this inquisitor able to do such a thing? However she pushed that thought to the back of her mind as that was hardly important at the moment.

Even if by some off chance she was able to fight her way out, her body was completely paralyzed as they had activated the ritual for summoning the grail. She could feel herself tearing itself apart trying to fulfill it's original purpose. However due to her father's tampering, it bought them time. How much? She didn't know. Thus it was taking every bit of her concentration to resist.

But the irregardless, the summoning of the grail was happening as a black ominous hole had formed. From it, filthy mud had started to pour out as the area was draped in it's malevolence. However, that was just the opening act. From the sludge, horrid monsters started to take shape. But they were more then that. Illya only needed to look upon them to truly understand what they were. Each had a noble phantasm. Thus, each of them were once legendary figures of a bygone era. Sadly, most of them had died in despair hoping for salvation only to now appear here in such twisted forms. It was tragic in every sense of the word.

Noticing that she was stalling, Kirei stared at the young homunculus as a small grin appeared. Kneeling to meet her at eye level, "It's a pleasure to meet you Illyasviel Von Einzbern or would you prefer Illya Emiya?"

Illya looked back at him defiantly not daring to show him weakness.

"Well which ever, did you know I've met your parents many years ago? I still remember it fondly. After all, your father was the one who killed me".

". . . . ?" as that statement alone had it's own set of questions.

"But let me tell you something more interesting. Do you want to know your mother's last moments?"

Instantly, Illya felt a spark of shock and anger as any words from him would be an insult to her. However she tried to calm herself down as they were just words as Kirei was trying to rattle her. Though she knew that, all she could do was sit there and listen.

"So pointless" as he gave a chuckle enjoying the look on Illya's face. "They were nothing but the ramblings of a silly woman who died the same way she lived. A fool for helping a delusional man chase an impossible dream. Even at her final moments, all she could do was spout that nonsense right before I killed her with these two hands of mine".

Illya's eyes snapped open in absolute rage as she grit her teeth. Seeing him smirking at her so condescendingly, he was enjoying saying those awful things to her. Frankly, she didn't know if his words were true or not. However, what reason did he have to lie at this moment? But him talking about her parents like that poked a spot she didn't want anyone touching. Especially someone like him.

"That's enough" as Lancer didn't care for this any longer. It was taking all his will power to act in defiance to Kirei right now who had him under several command seals. If push came to shove, his odds were pretty bad. But he didn't care to be standing by watching them bully Illya any further. Although he accepted war and all it's brutality, there was still room for civility in how you treat your opponent. Especially for a beautiful lass.

"Hmph" as Kirei was not even the slightest bit perturbed as the blue servant had gripped his spear more tightly. "Your services are no longer needed" as he raised his arm. "Kill yourself Lancer" invoking a command seal.

Surprise spread across his face as Lancer spun his spear around and gouged it right through his chest. Realization hitting him, the blue servant only managed to pull it out before falling backwards as a pool of blood formed beneath him. Yet that was not enough to keep him down. It would be pitiful otherwise if something like this was able to kill him.

Seeing Lancer struggling to keep fighting, Gilgamesh mockingly chuckled as he took amusement from futile struggling. "Oh? So the mad dog wants to keep going?" as his gate formed behind him.

"Damn . . . . It's getting too hard to move . . . ." as Lancer had barely got back on his feet. He wouldn't kid himself into thinking he could win this lopsided fight with an overwhelming opponent and a harsh handicap. But he would still hold true to who he was as a man who proudly marched forward without regret. Secretly drawing a rune, Illya's binding was broken.

Even she was surprised at the turn of events as Illya was trying to keep up with what had happened. "Lancer . . . ." as she looked to him.

"Get out of here kid" as Lancer was breathing heavily. "I'll buy you as much time as I can".

"But . . . ."

"A guy has to look cool in front of a girl right? So get going. Your friends are waiting for you".

Illya knew who Lancer was which made it difficult to turn tail on him. As much as her heart wanted to stay, the smartest move was to make a tactical retreat. "Thank you" she said tearfully as she activated her space alter and escaped the area.

Moving into guard stance, Lancer could only smile even as he was dying. What better way to go out as a hero?

~ Ryuudou Temple ~

Illya could not jump far as she was still recovering from her ordeal. Hitting the ground hard, the young homunculus only made it half way towards the entrance before her mana tapped out. Dragging herself back to her feet, her body was still sluggish as she was willing herself to move. But that's when she felt it.

Looking back to where she came from, "Lancer . . . ." as his spirit merged with her.

But there was no time for regret. She could not let them recapture her as she was the last piece they needed to fully summon the grail.

Just as those thoughts crossed her mind, "And here I thought you would have gotten a little further".

Illya's eyes widened as she turned about. So stupid. She should have immediately teleported. But alas, it was pointless now as Gilgamesh stabbed her. Didn't matter how he managed to catch up to her so fast. None of it mattered. Illya's mind was fading as her vision grew blurry. Coughing out blood, even at her dying moments she still tried to fight though it was futile. She was losing blood too fast to do anything else as the light escaped her eyes.

"Illya!" as Saber and the others had no choice but to rush in after sensing the evil that was beginning to permeate the area. Just as they raced up the stairs they were met with this sight.

But of the three, Miyu was the most furious breaking her usual stoic self as she immediately went in to attack. "Instal! Rider!"

Even seeing her impressive speed, the golden king hardly reacted only grinning as he kicked back. Opening several portals of his Gate of Babylon, Enkidu spread out like a spiders web.

Not missing a beat, Saber swung her blade severing the chains to give Miyu a straight shot at him.

Meanwhile Kuro was giving her all to try and stop the bleeding as Illya was barely hanging in there.

As the fighting continued, Gilgamesh had not even bothered in taking this seriously as Saber and Miyu were too busy dodging his treasury of weapons. He was simply like a child pulling limbs off a bug as they fruitlessly try to survive. But he had no interest in prolonging his scuffle any longer then he needed too. After all, his end goal was near. The world's evil would be released onto the Earth and those who survive would be worthy of his leadership. At the same time he would make Saber his bride as he would take great amusement in breaking her in.

But he still needed to retrieve Illya to fully summon the greater grail. However the rest were unnecessary. Exerting a little more effort, several more treasured weapons were fired out aiming at Miyu and Kuro.

"Trace on!" a scream let out as mirrored projections were fired in opposition canceling out the attacks much to a surprised and annoyed Gilgamesh.

". . . . Faker" as the golden king looked down upon more uninvited guests. So many rats trying to steal his property. But irregardless, it didn't matter. Taking a peak back, the initial plan was now taking root as more of the mud's creatures were taking shape. Frankly, dealing with these mongrels now was beneath him as their odds of succeeding were still the same, practically zero. Hence what difference did it make if they had a little time left? It would serve as entertainment to watch them fight a losing battle. ". . . . Hmm" as Gilgamesh took his temporary leave.

Shirou and the others had arrived just in time as Illya needed immediate care.

Coming prepared among his armory was a tool for just that purpose as they got to work in healing her. As Sakura applied first aid, Shirou checked up on the Saber, Kuro, and Miyu. But needless to say, you didn't need to have superior senses to feel that something terrible has just happened. Firming his resolve, this was the final battle as it was all or nothing now.

~ Ryuudou Temple ~

So long as the hole remained open, more of the mud poured out.

Rising from the putrid mush were pseudo corrupted servants each one yearning for the salvation of the grail. By that instinct, they were already moving towards their target.

Kirei could only grin as everything was coming together. After all, why fight harder when you can fight smarter? He didn't expect Illya's group to fall to them so easily as these creatures were mere shades of their former selves. But nonetheless formidable in their numbers and uses of their individual abilities. Once they were softened up it would not be a difficult task to extract what they needed to complete the ritual.

Watching them pour out without limit, Kirei felt a sense of completion. Soon the world will be swallowed by this darkness. Untold suffering on a magnitude unseen by this world. While he, it's orchestrate, would listen to the symphony of despair that would cry out. Such a wonderful melody it would be.

~ Ryuudou Temple ~

"Thank you" as Illya examined her wounds as all that was left was a hole in her cloths.

"You're welcome" as Sakura gave her a hand pulling her back to her feet.

"Are you really alright?" Shirou then asked worry still written on his face.

"Yeah I'm fine" as Illya dusted herself. But turning her attention back up, the situation was going to get a lot worse before it got any better. Right at the edge of her vision, those monsters were descending towards them. Turning towards her group, "any last words? Might not get another chance" as she couldn't help but scoff.

"Not like we can run away" Kuro shrugged. "If we're going to go down, might as well go down swinging".

"Where ever you go, I go" said Miyu as she patted her friend's shoulder. "And we're not going to lose this day" as she looked to Kuro.

"Bet your ass" then said Rin.

"Try not to slow us down" Luvia quipped.

"You're on" the brunette magus responded in kind.

"I'll support you all the best I can" as Sakura pumped herself up.

Saber readied her sword as Caster still kept his whimsical smile as he stood in the back.

Shirou clenched his fist readying himself for what he was about to face.

As Illya watched the hoard approaching them, she would have loved to give some inspirational optimistic speech against these terrible odds. But there was little point to such things as they all knew what was on the line. Equally so the uncertainty if they would all make it out of this alive. With the event that could potentially be the end of the world in front of them, all they could do was to stare it down with their heads held up high as they proudly marched against it. With her eyes focused and her expression steadfast, Illya reached into her pocket dimension as she donned her father's coat. "Let's do this".

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: Hope this chapter was alright as we are heading to the end of this story. Now here is some commentary.

If I understood Fate/Zero correctly, they don't even need the lesser grail to be alive as the intact body is enough to proceed with the ritual as was the case when Kirei killed Irisviel. Also sort of the case when Gilgamesh took Illya's heart and used Shinji as the catalyst. But from what I saw of the Fate route, even if Illya was pulled from the ritual, the hole would still remain until either someone properly closed it or it was completed. Thus it would be in a kind of half way state.

The current Gilgamesh psyche profile is somewhat hard to grasp in relation to his original self, the mud body body he inhabits, as well as his past and future self. But based on what is noted, for his disgust of modern humanity he respects those who are very hardworking. Especially those who reach for things that no matter how hard they may try it will probably always be out of their reach. Hence his fascination with Artoria and Kirei with their end goal ambitions. But then it made me wonder if under different circumstances he would have come to respect someone like Shirou for trying to chase after a dream that was simply unachievable. More so, I kind of figured with Shirou's projections he would see it as a form of flattery as imitation is it's best form. However, I'm not sure who is really in the drivers seat. The real Gilgamesh or the mud body he is using.

Frankly, Lancer can never catch a break. If he had a proper master he would be a beast giving everyone a run for their money. But it does make me wonder how he would fare against Gilgamesh in a proper fight. With his unique skill of 'protection from arrows', he should be able to dodge any attack from the Gate of Babylon since Gilgamesh doesn't care to move in fights unless forced too. So long as he doesn't pull Ea, Lancer has a shot. Not a great one, but a shot.

The mud servants are from the Prisma series as they are pouring out corrupted shades. As noted in this chapter, their toughness came from their numbers and numerous unique abilities which made this harder for Illya's group in canon to deal with them. But if you've been keeping up with the Prisma series then the battle was lost as Darius had gotten what he wanted. Other then that I don't know what will happen next as Tanaka and kid Gilgamesh are helping Illya trying to fix the damage. So I don't want to speculate any further as I can't really guess what will happen next.

This will all lead to hopefully the conclusion I want as the final battle is something I wanted to see. So hopefully it will go alright.

If there are any questions or concerns feel free to ask as I'll try to answer them.

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