Bellerophon!

Saber turns around and raises her black blade, approaching you again. You look up at her. Her hand and arm shake. "Run." A gutteral voice emits from Saber's mouth. You take the opportunity to roll out of the way and stand back up, just in time for Saber to miss you with her mighty swing.

What you missed was the fact that Rider's plunged her nail directly into her neck. You look at her just in time to see her extract the nail, blood gushing from the wound. Instead of spraying everywhere, you see the blood form a magic circle as Rider takes to the skies above. "Do not look at me, Shirou." Rider transmits as you circle around to place Rider at your back.

You hear the distinct whinny of a horse, followed by the clopping of horseshoes at great speed. Saber and Shinji turn to face the sound. As Shinji looks, you see him just freeze. Nay, not freeze - solidify, as he begins to calcify in place. Saber senses the danger to her Master and begins charging up her black blade.

"Huuuuhhhh!" Saber grunts as she focuses the world's hatred and evil into the blade. "Please.. don't, Saber. I have to stop you." You say with conviction. A beam of light flashes through the air as you hear Rider exclaim the word, "BELLEROPHON!" A loud bang as Rider and her steed break the sound barrier.

A beam of light screams towards Saber as she releases her Noble Phantasm in kind, "EXCALIBUR!" The black beam meets Rider's piercing white comet in midair. It appears as if Rider's attack is piercing Saber's, but her light diminishes with every inch.

You have to help her. Nay, you need to help her. The desire to protect a woman you love overrides your judgement. You summon the last bit of your strength to speak, '"I am the bone of my sword." Familiar pain shoots through your aching body.

The image of Archer's seven-petal shield materializes in your mind. The blade works have already stored the artifact. All you need to do is call... "Rho Aias!" You exclaim as you extend your hand. A five-petal version of that very same shield materializes before your hand, defending and deflecting against Saber's Excalibur.

The power of Saber's blast presses against your shield. You don't back down. Rider pushes harder with her mount until.... She breaks through the darkness. You catch a glimpse of the white, winged horse Rider's on as it blazes by, striking Saber and following through towards Shinji....

A loud explosion. Dust everywhere. You cough, feebly waving your hand in front of the face. As the dust clears, you see Saber on the ground, defeated. The book Shinji held, burned to a crisp in his frozen hands. "He doesn't need to die, Rider." You say. "A worm like him doesn't deserve to live." Rider says coldly. "But if you kill gim, you'll be no better than he is. And I'll never forgive you."

Rider places Breaker Gorgon on her eyes, turns around and says "As you wish." She looks at Saber, "She was holding back." You nod, "Yeah, I know. Maybe we can save her?" You ask. "It would be safer to end this, now. Master." Rider says coldly. "No. Let's at least try first. She's not getting any more Mana, so she shouldn't be a problem."

Rider reluctantly agrees, hauling Saber back to the residence with you.