Shirou was walking to Fuji-nee's home. The older woman wanted a cooking lesson from him. This came as a shock to the redhead, Fuji-nee wasn't into cooking. She always mooched off whatever he cooked, and ate out. As he approached her residence, he saw Illya getting into a car. Before he could do anything, the car drove off. Fuji-nee would know what's going on. Surely Illya would have let her know where she was going. He didn't mind Illya going somewhere alone. She could take care of herself and was technically an adult. He was more curious about where Illya was going. Usually, she would only go out with him or Fuji-nee. She wasn't one to go somewhere alone, so this was uncharacteristic. As he was teaching Fuji-nee, he inquired about Illya.

"Fuji-nee, do you know where Illya went? I saw her entering a car as I was getting here."

"Oh, that! It turns out Illya has two relatives living here. She said they came to check up on her!" Shirou instantly thought of the two maids Illya told him about.

"So, the woman who picked up, Illya. She was Illya's relative?"

"Yep! She looked like an older Illya. Crimson red eyes and smooth white hair. I wouldn't let her go alone unless I knew they were related."

"What was her name, the older woman?"

"Lessyrisst?" No that isn't quite right, But she also went by Liz." With that, Shirou knew immediately where Illya went. He also knew she probably wouldn't be coming back. Where she was going was hours away from Fuyuki.

"Did she say when she was coming back?"

"She said she would be back by Monday. They were taking a trip near the outskirts of Fuyuki." With her gone, it gives us the whole weekend to prepare your future plans!"

"My what?"

"Shirou, you are about to be a third year. It's the summer now, I'm giving you the entire break to decide your future. High School will be over quicker than you think."

"I thought I told you, I'm studying abroad. You know, studying in London? Does that ring a bell?" Shirou had decided to accept Tohsaka's offer and officially become her apprentice.

"Oh, that's right! Silly me, how could I forget!"

"Looks like someone is getting old," the boy teased. The tiger looked at him with a deadly look.

"Reminder, Shirou, this "old" lady can beat you in kendo. Don't call me old again!" Her expression quickly softened into the cheerful woman Shirou usually knew her as.

"Anyway, I know what we are doing! You will be learning English with me this entire summer. I won't let you go until I know you're at least decent." She smiled menacingly, causing the boy to feel uneasy. "I'm going to go hard on you, Shirou, be prepared!" Shirou sighed, this summer will be packed. Tohsaka would teach him more about magecraft, and Illya might as well. Now he had to contend with Fuji-nee's lessons. He was grateful, that all these people wanted to help him. But, he knew it was going to be hectic and chaotic.

"Well, right now, I'm the teacher. Let's see if you can make this simple dish. I expect nothing but perfection, Fuji-nee. Fail any step, and there will be dire consequences!" the older woman squirmed at his assertive tone, this would be fun for Shirou.

Monday had come, and it was another normal breakfast in the Emiya household. Illya and Fuji-nee were chatting about something insignificant, bantering as usual. Shirou would join in occasionally, breaking up their disputes when they became overbearing. Tohsaka and Fuji-nee allowed him one week of relaxation. After this week, it would be rigorous studying for the redhead. Fuji-nee said goodbye, leaving the Emiya siblings alone to spend their usual quality time.

"So, Illya, how was your trip?" He would ease into the topic, and gauge if Illya wanted to give him all the details.

"It was boring. I didn't have too much fun." The answer revealed something. She didn't have too much fun at the castle. There could be various reasons why, each being related to him in some way. Maybe he should flat-out say his thoughts.

"You didn't like going back to Einzbern Castle, did you? Illya was hiding her shock, but maintaining a neutral expression. Maybe he shouldn't have said it bluntly.

"Shirou, you shouldn't have found out. How did you, it was Taiga wasn't it?

"Fuji-nee only told me you went with a relative. She said her name was Liz. You told me about your two maids, and one of them was also named Liz. The second thing she said was you wouldn't be coming back until Monday. From what Tohsaka told me, the castle is hours away. You would want to stay there, before coming back."

"Ok, so maybe I did go there. Why does it matter?"

"Because I know why you didn't tell or want me tagging along. You hid it because you didn't want to remind me of what happened there. Which would remind you of your past self." Shirou wasn't fond of the castle for a multitude of reasons. First off, being kidnapped could have led to him becoming a doll. The second was the tense running and hiding in the forest. And the third was the ensuing fight in the forest. There was also the fact that Illya didn't want him there because it would remind her of all her sins. Her sadistic side was on full display, something she wanted to forget. Seeing Illya's eyes saddened, confirmed everything. He placed his hand on Illya's shoulder, he didn't want to see her sad. He knew it was because of his words she was like this.

"Sorry, Illya if I came off as cruel with my words. As you know I have a habit of being blunt with my feelings. But you know, I forgave you remember? You don't have to hide things from me."

"I know you forgave me Shirou, but I'm not ready to forgive myself. You shouldn't be reminded of that version of me. If you came, you would remember what I put you through."

"That version of you is someone I'm slowly forgetting. One day, I'll make sure you forgive yourself and forget her too. As for the castle, it wasn't a positive experience being there." He chuckled a bit, knowing how childish this could sound. "But, I did find the structure beautiful. I remember seeing the hallway as I escaped and marveled at the beauty. I wouldn't mind going there with you. If you don't want me to come, that's fine. But, if you want me there, I'll come." Illya stared at him, regaining her neutral expression. She wasn't shocked, but a little smile crept on her face. Her brother openly stated his thoughts in a straightforward matter. As he said that was what he did. It only affected her moments ago because of her past mistakes replaying in her mind. Usually, this was nothing new to her. She was used to it after all their time together.

"Alright, Shirou. We will go together next time. I should properly introduce you to Sella and Liz. Besides, showing you around the castle properly will be fun." That reminded Shirou of the events there. Archer stalled Berserker, to let him, Saber, and Tohsaka flee. Their fight had to have caused critical damage to the place. Surely, Illya would repair the castle, she wouldn't leave it in a desolate state. She most likely went there to check the progress.

"By the way, how's the repairs going?

"Repairs?"

Yeah, repairs. The fight between Archer and Berserker would have destroyed parts of the castle. Surely you sanctioned repairs for the place."

"That whole thing? it's already fixed." Shirou was shocked at this statement. How could the damage be fixed in one month? There had to have been a lot of damage after the fight. Two powerful servants going all out, no way the damage was minuscule.

"Did you enlist a construction company to help? How did you get them to work so fast?" Hearing this, Illya started laughing. It was as if she was mocking the boy.

"Your laughter doesn't answer my question." Hearing this, she laughed again, causing the redhead more annoyance.

"You can be so annoying, Illya." Hearing this Illya stopped, looking deadly serious.

"No, Shirou, I'm not annoying, I'm endearing. An annoyance is Rin. There's a difference." She reached Shirou's face, pointing her finger at his forehead."

"Do you understand, baby brother?" Shirou could feel the blush coming over him. He hated it when Illya pulled out the baby brother card. It always made him blush, no matter how hard he tried to suppress it.

"Yeah, yeah, I get it." Illya closed her eyes and smiled at his annoyed yet cute response.

"Good! Tomorrow, I'll take you with me! We can stay there until Saturday, and leave Sunday morning. You will see what I did." With that, they continued with their day. They both anticipated tomorrow and the whole trip.

The next day rolled around, and the two siblings were ready. Shirou had brought a travel bag full of clothes. Fuji-nee was there to see the two off.

"Now, remember, Shirou. You be safe, and take care of Illya! Illya make sure he doesn't do anything reckless!"

"You're acting like I wouldn't take care of Illya. Also, what does that last part mean?" But Shirou didn't get an answer, as Taiga and Illya laughed at his confusion. He hated it when this happened. Soon, their vehicle arrived.

As the car came, Illya grabbed Shirou's arm and opened the door. The car drove away, and the long drive began. There was only silence inside the vehicle. Shirou didn't know what to say. He barely knew the woman driving, and Illya wasn't saying anything. It seemed everyone was content with staying silent for the entire drive.

"Illya, transfer him into doll? Is he finally Illya's servant?" The tall woman broke the silence with her bizarre questions. Shirou looked at Illya horrified, while Illya was equally horrified by Liz's statement.

"Liz, we aren't doing that! He's accompanying me to see the castle!"

"Shame, everything set up in room." Shirou looked at Illya, who whispered in his ear.

"Liz can be like this. Don't take her too seriously."

"Shirou, made Illya cry?" Shirou listened to Liz's words, knowing she was being serious. Despite her robotic tone, it sounded threatening.

"No? Why would I make Illya cry?" She looked at him through the rear mirror, before smiling.

"Good, no transferring done on you. Don't like to see Illya cry." Shirou let out a relief, at least one maid liked him. There was still the other one he would meet once they got there.