For Whom Do We Shine

Quintett Feuer!!!

Gwaaaaaahhhh!!!

(Pant, pant) ... I-I did it...!

Annihilation of enemy and nuisance targets confirmed.

Good work, Illya and Senpai. Now we are finally done.

I would never have predicted the obsessive thoughts of the Magical Gentlemen, whom we thought we defeated, would come back and attack as Fused Gentlemen...

？！

Yes. Even attempting to talk about it would be a painfully drawn-out conversation... And I don't want to talk about it, so let's forget it.

... (Tremble, tremble)

...? Is something the matter, Illya?

...My...

My entire body aches!

A-are you okay!? Did you injure yourself in the last battle!?

Ah, no...do not fret. She did not commit a blunder like getting touched by a gentleman.

This is something like recoil from her grand attack...or rather a price she has to pay.

This happens whenever I use Quintett Feuer... Ruby, is there anything I can do so I don't feel so much pain?

That's a tough one... The attack itself is a bit of a cheat, really, forcing magical energy through bodily systems it's not really meant to be routed through in order to gain an instantaneous firepower boost.

Normally, the blowback you'd feel from something like that would be even more severe, as you well know.

Your body possesses a Spirit Origin stronger than a physical body. That's why you get off with just a hearty round of griping like an old lady!

Old lady...

I never knew it was such a magnificent attack.

Hmmm, but I feel like its gotten weaker compared to when I shot it THAT time.

？！

Uh...um...well, it's a long story...

It was the time when she went up against little big Gilgamesh's Enuma Elish head-on and won.

Eh...?

I swear upon this Ruby's bewitching form that story is one hundred percent true!

Exactly! This blatant advertisement is so bold, even Ruby wants to tip her hat to it!

？！

But you know...that was only possible because the other party wasn't going all-out...or rather, he was just toying with us, which was our saving grace.

W-well...even so, that is truly incredible!

I was just so...engrossed in the moment...

A-anyway! I want to get stronger!

Ruby. If I'm stronger than my physical body, don't you think I can increase my magical energy output?

Ah, a girl who pursues pure firepower! Yes!

HOOOWEEEVERRR...to cut to the chase, the problem is actually on your end.

Eh? What do you mean?

My only job is to maintain the four systems as pseudo-magical circuits.

The amount of magical energy that goes through them is actually dependent on Illya's willpower.

Willpower...? I think I'm trying my best...

Perhaps...

？！

Ah! Way to go! Great, Master!

You catch on fast, like you're a seasoned vet of school girls who are innocent and pure of heart!

Putting it that way makes it sound kind of weird...

Now that Miss Illya is just starting to understand euphemisms, teasing her is really fun! Anyway...

The physical repercussions she suffers are serious, and I can only imagine how SERIOUSLY painful they are.

Perhaps she has unconsciously held back her output out of fear of the pain she remembers from the past.

That...

？！

You're worried about me. Thanks, big brother Fujimaru.

But even so...I want to get stronger.

I completely understand.

But you're still in elementary school. Why are you so eager to get stronger?

Because...because...if I don't get stronger...

If you don't...?

People will say I'm weaker than Chloe!

...Come again?

People will say "Chloe's a much easier character to use," or "Chloe's NP is stronger"!!!

I know...I know I'm weak. I don't have that much magical energy, and I'm bad at making snap decisions in battle...

But you know what? No matter how underdeveloped I may be, there's one thing I can't let slide.

I don't care if other people best me... But as the older sister...!

I can't let Chloe best me!!!

...

U-um...it's been a while since I heard such a...um, intense pledge like that. It was almost moving...

But I don't think you are weaker than Chloe, Illya.

So please calm down...

It's true! Ruby told me everyone is saying that!

Ruby!?

Ahahahahaha!

？！

Heh heh heh...I see you are in a bind.

Eh? Wh-who's there!?

Hah!!!

I heard it all!

Oh, that dark silhouette...!?

？！

...

Oh. Um... Y'know... To be continued and all that...

I'm going to say it again: I heard it all!!!

You're repeating yourself!?

？！

Bingo! I'm the big sister who's better than Illya in every way! The one and only Chloe von Einzbern!

Chloe!?

H-how long have you been listening!?

Hmm...since someone said, "Congratulations. She's a healthy baby girl."

S-since the moment I was born!? That's such a big sister thing to say... Wh-why, you!

The "who's the older sister" battle...I still don't understand the rules.

Um...sorry to interrupt your sisterly banter, but...didn't you show up because you had business with us, Chloe?

Oh right, right. It's about Illya.

She's been mumbling "more firepower, more firepower" to herself every day, so I was worried about her.

W-was I muttering borderline scary stuff to myself?

Yeah, I seriously considered calling the cops.

Ah well, can't be helped. No matter the era, the weak always struggle to gain more power.

To support her fervent but futile efforts, we've all showed up. That's all.

Oh that's just infuriating!

...Hm? "We"?

Heh heh heh! Indeed!

Be grateful, Illya. I went ALL over to gather everyone here together, in one place!

Now come on out! "Illya's Magnificent Strengtheners!"

You talk too much, Chloe. Just how long were you going to keep us in the green room?

Well, the only thing to do about this is to slap my dummy younger sister Medusa's butt once for every second you kept us waiting! (Slap)

Ow! I-I'm sorry...! Sorry to trouble you, but please speed things up...!

The three Gorgon sisters are here...!? What is going on...?

Eh? Wh-what!? What's this "Illya's Magnificent Strengtheners" about!?

I usually don't work for free. If you can't pay my price, I'll have to seize some of Chaldea's assets.

Nonsense! A lucha match is its own reward, more valuable than jewelry! I will jump even higher than usual, yes!

Yoo-hoo☆ I'm here to beat the pulp out of someone!

Again... What the heck!?

？！

These are the seven great goddesses who have answered my call! Together they're called the "Bully Illya Seven!"

It's a different name now!

Wait, wait. You can't just collect so many of these UNIQUE people all of a sudden... I don't have any idea how to react to all of this...!

Illya's really not much for processing complicated things.

You want to get stronger, right?

(Gasp)

As the big sister, I knew. I knew that my younger sister Illya was agonizing over her ho-hum firepower.

A younger sister can't be mulling over things like that alone. You gotta take action, however impossible.

Illya may always get swept away by those around her, but being the big sister that I am, I believe in her. I know my younger sister has a strong will, however undeveloped she may be.

What you're saying sounds kind of good, but I'm also sensing a mocking undertone, and I can't concentrate!

Ah, it's so lovely seeing siblings getting along like this. In consideration of your sisterly love, we shall play along just this once. (Slap, slap)

So you want us to show that younger sister who's boss with a few love taps, right? I'm a little worried. Do you think I am fit to play such a role? (Slap, slap)

Ow! Um...my dear older sisters...! Please refrain from talking while slapping my butt...!

Huh? Um, I sense an imminent battle...but I haven't agreed to anything yet...!

I'm not sure why, but when I look at her, I feel both affection and a certain sense of caution...

Perhaps this vessel of mine has some sort of connection to her. Do you think beating her up will help me figure it out?

Of course you will, yes! The clash of bodies is a kind of communication that transcends language barriers!

Well, a future cutie has asked us to do this. As a grown-bear, we should fulfill our duties.

After we beat that girl up, I'll be sure to beat you three times harder, my darling!

What'd I say!?

Behold. See how these goddesses all talk and act with such...um, individuality! See how they lack anything resembling solidarity!

Y'know, if I'm honest, I don't really know how I got them all here together...

Anyway! This is what Illya needs! You need to free your heart! Be more open! Buck naked!

Perhaps she's saying Illya needs to follow the mentality of these goddesses as examples...

I think that's asking a lot.

Ruby does not approve of Illya acting like this lot...but will wholeheartedly approve of her being buck naked!

Um, even so, there's no need to fight, right!? That doesn't make much sense, right?

？！

Oh! Big brother Fujimaru, help! If you don't do something, they'll all beat me up in the name of some weird version of sisterly love!

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Big brother Fujimaru, you traitor!!!

Brace yourself, Illya! Be grateful that I've arranged for you to receive the "love" of the goddesses!

Phew...I suppose that's it. That was a nice way to kill some time.

Oh come on! Our dummy of a sister Medusa can't even be a proper meat shield! What is even the point of you being so gigantic, then!?

I'm sorry! I'm sorry...!

...Um. Good luck, Illyasviel. As a younger sister myself, I'll be rooting for you.

What the heck! She's already strong! But I have to admit, your Noble Phantasm shined brilliantly. It was like a jewel in the Milky Way!

Mmmm... ¡Adiós, hermanita! That was a lovely fight! Let's meet in the ring next time!

Awwww, she beat me up! Console me fervently and lovingly, Darling!

Yeah, yeah. Later.

...Sorry about that, missy. Bothering people is practically an occupation for these goddesses. Forgive them, will ya?

Well, let me just warn you that you shouldn't get too worked up.

There's only so much a single person can bear or do.

W-we won!? I'm beat...both physically and mentally.

The only sane advice we got was from that Orion bear, which makes it even sadder.

A-anyway, I have confirmed that the seven goddesses have retreated. Good work, Illya.

Ugh...my entire body still hurts... I want to go home and take a nice bath...

Illya is not one to skimp on self care!

Well, I'm impressed, Illya. I didn't think you would really beat all seven goddesses.

You beat the seven... Hm? Seven?

？！

Fwahahahahahaha! Fumeow hahahahahahaha!!!

At the behest of a girl who cares for her younger sister...this feral heart roars with maternal love! If you ask for the aid of a jaguar, then I shall be happy to lend my paw!

The beautiful goddess of love and the rainy season...the time is meow...for Jaguar Warrior!

Oh... (I forgot I asked this one, too.)

Um...

I heard there was gonna be a fight, and I couldn't resist! Meowhahahahaha! Know that the Seven Goddess Alliance is no cat...I mean, cakewalk!

Um, Jaguar Warrior...

Meowhahaha. Good things never wait for you! If there's a deal, pounce on it! Once it's weakened, kill it! That's the law of the jungle!

Now come at me! I'm pawsitively pumped!

Come on, Ishtarin! Kuku! Let's go in with our ★5-eliminating Delta-Nabla Attack!

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...Huh? Where's Ishtarin and Kuku? And where's the rest of the goddesses?

We beat 'em all.

Seriously? Little girl's too strong.

？！

Wait, what was the point of that battle? I'm really confused now...

Tsk. I thought I was getting into a seven-on-one battle, but now it's a one-on-five deathmatch...

What's up with me being the lone wolf? ...I'm a feline!!!

But this jaguar will not lose! Just you watch! I'll show you that the jaguar's wild nature is going to save human history!!!

Are...you...kitten...me!?

I can't believe I lost to someone who's not even wearing short-shorts! What humiliation!

Why you... Perish, magical girls! One day I'll be lurking in the darkness and pounce on you to claim my revenge! Brace yourself for cat-astrophe!

All seven goddesses have been defeated... This time for real.

When she fled into the jungle I thought she was planning to use guerilla tactics, but instead she just started shouting for us to come at her one by one... Why?

？！

Hmmm. Even I don't want to comment on that goddess. Besides, that tiger wasn't even a goddess.

I feel like whoever tries to give it to her straight is in for a losing battle. Before she saves mankind, she needs to match the setting a little more.

Look who's talking!

So...Illya. What do you think? Did you get stronger?

Of course not! I just got really, really, really tired!

That's weird... Knowing you, I thought for sure that getting cornered would give you a powerup!

Quit playing games with my heart!

That's enough. Illya, you've fought so hard, and you're already strong.

Thank you, Mash. Ummmm...but, but...

See? Look how doubtful you are... It's no wonder you can't get strong.

Come on, stand up straight! If you put your mind to it, you're the type who can win against THAT Enuma Elish!

That's right! Beat the crap out of that Enuma Elish!!!

U-um...perhaps you should tone it down... If HE ends up hearing you...

You mean that shiny gold guy? What are you afraid of? We're fine, we're fine.

After all, Illya beat him once! To hell with that King of Heroes! Come at us!!!

S-stop...you're going overboard...!

What about Enuma Elish!? Our Illya would totally kick its butt!!!

Oh? Well, this sure is interesting.

...

...

...

...

He, he's here!?

I-I didn't think he would actually show up! B-besides, Ruby was egging me on!

System. Error. Language functions...shutting down...

Don't you dare act like a machine to get out of this!

U-um...you see, Mister Kid Gil... The term kicking one's butt is just an expression...a turn of phrase...

...Why am I making all the excuses!?

？！

Ahaha! Oh please. I don't understand why everyone is so scared.

I wouldn't get mad over a little joke like that. I'm not the big me, after all.

That's right. Everyone's being rude. Kid Gil is rational, and he listens.

Oh, um! I-I-I'm not saying that the big shiny gold you is an irrational tyrant, you see...!

Aha! Listen to you, big sister Mash! Don't get me wrong, I'm praising you! For both statements!

Hmmm? Something's...

There's something different about him. Different than the usual Kid Gil we know...

Hello, mirrored big sisters. This is the first time we've actually spoken to each other.

...Yep. It appears we are connected in quite the strange twist of fate.

You are... Are you THE Kid Gil we know...?

Nope. And I don't know.

...???

The way he gets all profound kind of reminds me of him...

There's no hidden meaning behind my words. And a bit of small talk is nice. It's fun.

Oh, but dear me. Big sisters, you're not my type, so this is no fun. Not one bit.

Huh?

Yep. Let's just go ahead and battle.

Huh!?

Wh-what do you mean, Kid Gil? Why do we need to fight...?

Hm? Isn't this pretty much where a story about Illya wanting to get stronger leads?

You said if she gave it her all, she could overwhelm even my Ea. I sure would like to see that.

Now, please. Try to "blow me away."

U-um...if I dare ask...

Are you mad?

I am not mad.

？！

Oh, please don't flee.

Oh crap...chains!?

Chloe!?

Hey...! Lemme go! Bound in chains is NOT a good look for a kid!

That sorta thing really isn't in mynever mind.

Illya, battle me.

...!

If you flee, I will kill Chloe. Oh, and if I win, I will kill Chloe.

Wha...!? That's nonsense, Kid Gil!

Hmmm. You're really slow to make a decision, even when you've only got one choice.

Illy... Ungh! The chains are tightening...!

Chloe! Are you serious, Kid Gil!?

I've taken a slight interest in that heart of hers.

Since you're a Servant, please hang on and survive even if your ribcage gets caved in, Miss Chloe.

Hey...you...! Quit joking around...!

No more! Stop!

Illya?

You really are a different person. Different than the Kid Gil that we know...

You may mince your words a lot, and we still don't know what you're really thinking...but...!

The Kid Gil we know never did anything cruel!

I...will never lose to somebody like that!

Finally. Sheesh. The lady took her sweet time with her costume change.

I really don't want to do this, but I guess I can make a bit of a costume change myself.

Eh...? Th-that can't be...!

Honestly...I reeeally hate to do this. But for a few minutes, I'll act immature...

...and get serious about playing. I'm going to school you on how to properly use your energy and your life!

？！

He grew up!!!

Ungh... Ack...!

Quintett Feuer!!!

Ohhhhhhhhh!!!

A-amazing! What a massive magical energy discharge!

H-huh!? Her output's still increasing!?

Haha... I see... I see!

So this is the purpose for which you use your energy and your life!

(Pant, pant) ...Hah...hah...

I-I won!? Ooohhh...

Illya!?

I-I'm fine. I'm just out of energy.

I didn't think we would really beat Gilgamesh...

Heh...hehe... Thank you, big brother Fujimaru.

See? I told you so. Illya's amazing when she gives her all.

？！

That was an amazing shot, Illya! It was every bit as powerful as you could be in your heyday!

It surpassed my expectations. Even I was a bit surprised.

Yes...indeed...

I suppose a girl's dream can truly take her to the stars. Ah, my apologies. That may have sounded a bit pretentious.

...

...Kid Gil?

Yes, I'm Kid Gil.

？！

Huh!? What happened to that shiny gold guy!?

Ah, I'm beat. I shouldn't be tampering with my own Spirit Origin when I'm not used to it.

I will not pretend to be an adult anymore. I was given the opportunity to manifest in this form, after all.

You pretended!?

He totally played us. That kind of intensity can't possibly be argued away as just a session of pretend.

And he's unscathed! I gave it my all, but it didn't even scratch him?

Now that you mention it, the chains binding me disappeared without me noticing.

Ugh! I don't believe it! I was played for a fool!

Now, now. Please give me some credit. See? Illya got stronger.

That... You're right. Her output was definitely exponentially higher for her final shot.

But...why?

Eh? For me?

Um...what do you mean?

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Master seems to understand.

The reason Illya's output was so-so was because she never had a real reason to unleash her power.

She's not a hero, so she doesn't have a mission, honor, or pride... Without a defined cause, nobody can get stronger.

Why does she want to have power? For what purpose does she wield her power?

I just pushed her so she could remember, with that awful bit of theater.

So Illya wielded her power just now...

To...save Chloe...

Now that you mention it, she was strong that one time because she wanted to save the person most dear to her, Miyu. (Touched)

I get it... I didn't want to get stronger...

I wanted to be able to protect the people I care about.

If protecting someone special is what gives Illya strength...

...That is a wonderful power.

Simply measuring your power against Chloe's doesn't suit you.

Your conviction and your heart must be pure and sincere... They must be beautiful, like a single flower blooming in an empty field.

Please never forget that.

Yep... Thank you, Kid Gil!

You're a different Kid Gil than the one I know...but you are still you!

(Sigh) Kid Gil ended up stealing the show.

But I did a lot for Illya.

Though I did question whether the Magnificent Strengtheners were really necessary...

Though in the end, Illya's Noble Phantasm was strengthened, so all's well that ends well.

But it still isn't strong enough to beat Ea!

Is that really what's important right now!?

If this was your true power, then way back, when I lost to you, I must have really been playing around!

Wow, he complimented AND dissed me in the same breath!

He may be small, but he's still the King of Heroes! I guess that difficult personality of his sticks around even after he grows up.

Argh. Honestly...

Say...what...you want...

Illya!? Are you all right?

Every...single...limb hurts like it's about to fall off...and I'm sooooooooo tiiiiiired...!

Oh.

I guess that doesn't change, does it.

Ungh... Chloe...take me to my room...

Zzzzzz...

And she fell asleep!

Honestly. My little sister's such a handful.

Heave-ho.

Chloe...

Hm?

I'll protect you...always...

...

...Yeah, yeah...big sister...