Emiya Shirou has quite a lot on his plate. Studying at Homurahara Academy, Archery practice with Sakura and Ayako, Magecraft lessons from Sella, not to mention dreams about a Crimson Shadow, Heroic Spirits running around and Illya being a Magical Girl? Well he may not know much about the Power of Love but he always did like those shows with the masked heroes...
A Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya tale.
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Contents
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Prologue: Arrival At Zero
In a land freshly rid of all [Life] was a boy who had succumb to nothingness and yet by some error of Fate was not denied.
And as the [World] burned around his Empty form something shifted and so from the forge of the [Sun] did One returned in a form newly wrought and gleaming White.
And He Woke.
Barren eyes of gold opened to the fresh raw sound of screams.
Dimly, part of his mind wondered who the source was this time. Another family being devoured by the red flames? No this voice was singular in it's anguish and pain, what's more it felt…familiar, was it someone his age?
That would be surprising as not many of those were able to survive for more than few minutes before succumbing to the hungry heat and stifling air. He pushed his body off the soft and slippery ground with shaky but unyielding limbs and looked around the burnout landscapes somehow feeling that the fire that he had run so far to escape was…lesser somehow.
Maybe he was finally getting used to the choking smoke and licking heat the boy considered while taking a few weak steps, still hearing the weak yet persisting cries though he could no longer see anyone else….
Ah. Of course. The answer was obvious. If there was no one else left to suffer...
Then it must be him.
Oblivious at the cause, he looked down to see his fragile body caked with a thick black mud. Seeing hands constantly dripping with the never lessening substance, one would think it almost benign compared the lung scaring smog and starving conflagration.
It was just mud.
So why were already charred nerves screaming at its touch on his skin?
Why did his mind which had already disregarded everything else for survival, wish to embrace even death if it would allow some semblance of escape?
He couldn't answer these questions so he disregarded them easily, stifling the pointless scream. After all compared to the endless voices that both he and the World ignored who would answer a the cries of a single child?
And so the boy continued on through the crimson blaze away from the ebon muck that he had risen from, not even noticing the whispers it emanated of hate and pain far beyond what had already been witnessed.
Dragging his body forward he began to smell something strange and noticed that as if something was repelling it, the mud finally flaked off, revealing something rather new to the child.
The boy didn't wonder how his small weakened frame was still functioning even after enduring this ordeal, after all curiosity wasn't particularly important compared to taking the next step forward.
He didn't wonder what might have happened if he chose another direction in his desperate mindless journey, that would be meaningless.
Though it might have let him escape the flames quicker.
He didn't wonder if he could have helped any of the others he passed, that would be pointless.
Though they could have helped him survive the flames.
He didn't even wonder what might have happened if he stayed with that tall lady with the kind hazel eyes or the man with copper hair and determined features instead of abandoning them to escape the crimson haze.
Though he would at least not be punished, bereft of an familial origin.
But if he could still wonder, he might have notice the luminous lines running through his skin a bit sooner.
Still, reasonably sure that glowing was not something normal people did, he felt he could safely say that it was probably the reason why his body could continue on, though how was unknown.
Circuits- Newly Opened- Source of Prana...Mana-Danger-Greater Source Tainted- Usage Dangerous.
He blinked in confusion at the sudden mental ache before shaking it away to looking at the everpresent flames. The thought that they were weaker returned and it 's validity was growing. Compared to how malicious they were before, as if they're only purpose to consume the people around them, now it seems drained…dying.
A moment passed as that thought ran through his mind before he moved at a faster pace. Was he right? Were the flames…ending? He was still alive. Yes the lines were burning his skin, invoking a novel type of pain as they cooked his body from the inside, but he doubted that he would die from it, at least not here. Which meant…that he could do it. Survive.
Despite everything he would live.
...And then what.
The lines of light that had sustained him vanished.
His deadened eyes widened for just a moment before he tripped over a piece of rubble and crashed on the earth before slumping on his back, all the pain and weakness no longer held back. His enemy now was not the environment but his own self, how ridiculous.
Still….
Wasn't this enough?
He had abandoned everything to survive the fire; family, love, faith, even hope had been lost when he collapsed into the black but he had done it. The flames wouldn't kill him, he couldn't even feel their heat anymore as golden eyes stared upwards to the smoke covered sky.
Did he have any reason to continue on? Or could he just lie here until as the last bit of energy left his body? It would be a much easier passing than what was had by all those who had suffered this night. He wouldn't feel any pain just…end.
Unable to find an answer, he raised a hand to the murky sky imploringly, searching for an answer…a reason. An image of a Sun came to his mind, one that would surely answer his question with it's light but the path was too muddy and unclear. Unanswered and left with something too small and impersonal to be called despair his hand lost it's strength and fell as the boy began to close his eyes for what would likely be the final time.
Yet in defiance of this fate, a hand grasped his in mid-fall and the boy looked into a face with messy hair and dark eyes that stared into his with a quiet happiness.
What was this? Why did that face…that look pull at him so? Why?
He wanted to ask this man in black so badly with desperation which he thought himself incapable of but his body was already failing and will alone was no longer enough to sustain it.
As if realizing this a light washed over the boy, shielding him with it's strength with it's Truth.
Blue and Gold...
An Unreachable Dream...
It reminded him of the Sun and it's warmth held his body together if just for the moment.
'Please' the boy silently implored despite having abandoned all faith, 'let me find the answer'. Despite his efforts when his eyes closed for what seemed like just a moment, the scenery had changed with him now held in strong arms and a different person standing before him. A woman with beautiful white hair and red eyes that once more held that strange happiness like the man who he realized was the one holding him. Who were these people? How could they find such happiness in him?
Then a glow emanated from the Lady and as the smell of winter filled his nostrils, chasing away the arid smoke something happened. Pain which seemed ingrained into his body fell away like ashes. The weight of suffering gone, he tried to raise a hand only to find it still too weak and drained.
...Unacceptable.
The lines returned and not noticing the arms supporting him stiffening or the woman's eyes widening, his body strengthened and the hand rose to touch her face gingerly. As if in realization she took the hand into hers and smiled at him gently for a moment before eyes closed for the last time that night and he fell into a deep slumber.
His only wish was that the man and woman would still be there when he woke up.
They were and when an offer was made, the boy accepted without hesitation and found a new path to walk on with new and strange yet utterly priceless people.
The Old Man Kiritsugu, The Noble Lady Irisviel, The Twin Guardians Leysritt and Sella.
Finally there was her, the one he would help like he had been helped. The Little Sister Illyasviel who he would care for as The Older Brother the newly adopted Emiya Shirou.
For as he found those who would answer his cries so would he answer their's.
No Matter What.
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Chapter One: The First Step
He stood before the [Blue Sun] gazing at it's incomprehensible existence, unable to move forward as the last step was missing.
That step was one that only he could fill but which this empty self was fundamentally incapable of doing so, leaving only an impassable gap before him. Similarly he was unable to go back,as the road that through the rarest of miracles lead him here was cracked and fragile and Broken. Even if it wasn't, a reason to do so did not exist in the being that stood here just before the highest of places. He would be forever content to stay here and stare at the beautiful Sun basking in it's glow.
But even if he couldn't make a choice the [World] below would not stand still and so something responded.
'Honestly….to end up here of all places…how ridiculous.'
The voice was resigned yet…analytic.
'To sympathize with a nature of [Zero]….'
A moment of contemplative silence filled the soundless void.
'That is what brought you here...but is it that which also prevents you from taking that final step? Or do what instincts you have left say what will happen if you do?'
The boy did not respond.
'No answer? Well in your pitiful condition I might as well give some pieces of advice. Still for this meeting to have any meaning the first thing to remember is this, regardless of how much you deviate let one thing remains true across these parallels.'
The boy remained motionless though something paused in anticipation as the One before him, twisted and ancient as it was, spoke in a voice that held the air of a forge and with words that held great meaning and purpose that he could almost grasp
'Our Bodies are Made of Blades.'
A breeze of [Steel] rendered him without mercy, and he found he could not scream as it began engraving…no tracing its meaning onto his empty self, that of blades and those that pushed them to something greater….
Burdened King
Leashed Hound
Chaotic Storm
Fallen Perfection
Fearful Deceiver
False Spirit
…...Red Knight
And so many more like the light delicate stokes of a brush, easily imprinting on his nature for was it not the purest canvas?
So an empty White was given [Shape] and [Form] and [Meaning] that could carry it from this place of beginnings. Though what and why and even purpose were yet to be defined, no that would be the world's to give….
This was his test.
The failure to step up here would result the one known as Shirou Emiya being consigned to once more endure creations of alien design as had occurred for the past years since he had been pulled from the small but vicious fire that claimed over a hundred lives.
Those around him were already accustomed to the situation as it was their heritage, even when he was here, his father Kiritsugu did nothing to stand against it. Mainly because even the foreign concoctions were far superior to his…workings.
But Shirou could not accept such a result and so he went to the one responsible and made his case.
"I refuse. Do you really think a child with no knowledge or training can take my role? Know your place."
Once more he implored trying to gain a chance to prove himself perhaps if he could just…
"No, this responsibility is not yours to take….but if you wish to waste resources on this foolish attempt, I will not stop you but first you must go and acquire those resources. Then if you succeed then we shall will see."
With a swish of her white ponytail, this was the declaration of Sella who was the current master of the household now that the Lady and her consort were away.
Shirou being Shirou of course refused to back down at the task resulting in the current situation.
Scratched his copper hair worriedly, he looked at the list of things that he needed to pick up at the local mart. He had quite a bit of shopping to do, not just for his cooking but to refill the houses stock as well.
Still it would be nice to start having eastern style meals instead of Sella's western ones, not that they weren't good as she was an excellent cook just one who completely avoided doing any Japanese dishes.
So it was his time step up for the sake of the family and supply them with the native dishes of Nippon!
If he could just figure out how to make those type of dishes…well how hard could it be? He thought.
'Uhhh…. So many choices.'
The inexperienced chef stood shocked at the sight of all the different brands and choices, even with his shopping list how was he supposed to know what to choose?
"Alright so, I'm going to need some soy sauce right...And potatoes obviously but which kind? We have snow peas and either beef or pork should do right?"
He looked around the grocery store, since Sella wasn't here he could swallow his pride and ask someone for a little bit of help. That would be fine right?
Looking around intently he noticed a shopper that looked like a quintessential salary man nearby in the produce aisle but before Shirou could move, the man was already walking at a strangely….smooth and efficient pace to the checkout counter.
Gritting his teeth and prepared to just buy whatever looked right, he stepped forward only to pause at the light touch of a small hand on his shoulder.
He turned to see a girl who looked around his age. Her hair was a glossy purple and her eyes has a similar violet sheen, she looked at him hesitantly for a moment before coming to a decision.
"Ano…do you need some help?"
Shirou blinked before sheepishly smiling, how helpless did he look? Still in this kind of situation…
"Um…thanks, I want to make some meat and potatoes stew for my family but I've never really gone shopping before, i guess i could use some help….Oh! Sorry I'm Emiya Shirou nice to meet you."
"Pleased to meet you Emiya-san, my name is Matou Sakura. Umm if you want to make stew I think I can help, it really depends on what the type of taste you want for example…."
Shirou spent a few minutes listening as she explained how the best choice would be either russet or Yukon potatoes and how the meat (she suggested beef) should be sliced to increase the tenderness.
"Wow you know a lot about cooking Sakura-chan!" Shirou exclaimed brightly at his impromptu sensei, jotting down the info on his shopping list as it was the only spare piece of paper he had, with this he could make an awesome meal for that even Sella couldn't deny.
"It's nothing Emiya-san…I'm used to cooking for my family so it's not a problem…" She spoke hesitantly, shifting her posture.
"After helping me this much why don't you can call me Shirou?!" Shirou folded his arms and scrunched up his face at her response. After some 'gentle persuasion' where Shirou started to call her Sakura-senpai, she relented resulting in Emiya-san being altered to Shirou-san as she gave a small smile.
Taking a hold of the bags filled with food stuffs that Sakura-chan had helped him pick and thanking her profusely, Shirou ran home leaving a slightly befuddled yet curious young girl.
"Emiya….Shirou." After a moment She turned and walked in the opposite direction, deciding to remember that name and the boy with those bright golden eyes and warm auburn hair.
The adopted Emiya reached home and placed the bags of groceries on the countertop before determinedly taking out the things he would need for his project.
"Onii-chan?" Shirou looked to the side to see his sister with her white hair in short pig-tails looking as him curiously.
"Hey Illya, I going to make something special today just wait!" the enthusiasm in his voice was palpable and after a moment she promptly decided to watch her older brother and the new activity which got him so worked up. It's not like she really anything else to do, the life of a pre-schooler was pretty low pressure.
"Geez you really went all out huh." Sella arrived and watched as the new 'chef' washed his hands in preparation for the task ahead.
"I guess I'll keep an eye to make sure you don't get yourself in trouble." She settled down next to Illya as Shirou gathered the kitchenware anxiously, she noted that he picked one of the more worn knifes than the set she had recently bought.
After sharpening it with a honing steel, he used the knife to slice the ingredients into thin shapes like Sakura advised him. It should result in the stew being nice and soft for serving.
As they watched as he prepared the food constantly referring to a small sheet of paper with notes scribbled on it. To Sella it was actually fairly amusing to see the preteen seriously measuring out spices and constantly double checking everything as if he was conducting a greater ritual and not making an everyday meat dish.
A few minutes later Shirou tentatively placed a plate in front of the two albinos, trepidation evident on his face. Each took a serving and tried it speculatively, Illya thought it looked and tasted kind of normal for all the excitement but it was fun eating something that big brother cooked for her while Sella noted how it was slightly overcooked and lacking certain spices but better than she expected, maybe the boy should learn some cooking after all.
Shirou let out a light sigh as he saw his sister and guardian eat the food with slight smiles and felt a pleasing amount of satisfaction at the sight.
"So...It's good right?"
"Hmm…" Shirou's eyes quickly focused on the source and his true judge, the Iron Chef of Einzbern.
"Shirou...why do you want to cook so badly? The Lady left Leysritt and I here to take care of you two while she is gone. You should rely on us…"
Shirou shifted his footing before looking to the side and revealing his motive. "Well…it just that…Sella can only make western-style dishes, so…."
"Gaa-wha?" Sella reeled back as memories of the numerous failed attempts to learn Japanese cooking struck her. It was easy to ignore when no one called her out on it but her cooking skills were Sella's most valued ability next to magecraft and infinitely more practical in the suburban household.
"What's wrong with western food?! And as the eldest son there's no need to bother with it."
Shirou back up a little at this before looking away, he just wanted to do something for everyone….
Sella noticed what she had done and tried to come up with some way to fix her outburst when another decided to interject.
"I wanna eat it."
Both turned at Illya who was still eating from the dish with a smile on her face.
"Yeah! Food made by Onni-chan is always good to eat." At this declaration Shirou felt sheepish and a light blush came up, still hearing that from his little sister was nice and reassuring. Was this the pride of an older sibling?
Sella realized then what the best way to make up for her unguardian-like behavior was and took immediate action.
"Shirou I may not be…suited to eastern food but I'll help you get better if you want to cook meals for us every now and then…after all it obvious that you tried you very best to make this."
"Thanks…Sella."
Shirou let out a satisfied sigh at helping out even if it was something as small as this. Even if he would need help like what Sakura-chan, it was worth every bit of effort.
"Now Shirou for your first lesson never forget to clean up your mess afterwards.
Ah that's right his trial wasn't done just yet and he gathered the dirty dishes and cutlery with a small content smile.
In fact it was just beginning.
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