A/N: Not much to say really, I do hope you guys enjoy this and thank you all again for the kind words.

CH.38: Final Commandment

"Forward!" Fafnir, clad in his Sentinel armor, charged forward, angels sprinting behind him. He spun the spear in his hand and threw it, reeling back and twisting to gain momentum. The spear tore the air, ripping past all forms of resistance as it rocketed for the Brute in its path. In seconds, the towering mass of muscle was sent towards the perimeters of the Ten Commandments, pinned through its thick skull. His eyes shifted to his right, feeling Michael bolt past him with his fastest men behind him. Seeing them tear the demons apart in passing, Fafnir continued to push for the Ten Commandments, "We've got them on the run, keep pushing!" He dropped to his knees, a familiar javelin passing over his head and striking a homunculus in the chest.

"Careful General, wouldn't want you dying in your own charge." Sakura winked at him and sprinted forward, leaving Fafnir behind. She heard his indignant snort and the pounding of his feet, a black streak passing her. She looked up to the first Commandment, seeing Omnus standing atop it, his form distant with the sheer eight of the generator. Her gaze fell back to the armies pushing through the cancer of demons, picking out the forms of Kat and Michael. She traced another javelin and aimed very carefully, reeling back like Fafnir did. Her waste was twisted, arm held back and ready. She allowed her waste to snap back to its natural position, spinning her entire body along with it. Letting the spear fly, it ripped through the dry air and whizzed past the heads of Michael and Kat.

"GRAAAAH!" A Brute recoiled from the javelin's impact. The angels gawked at the towering demon, finding that it stood taller than its brethren. Its body was covered in white war-paint, the lines drawn in an ancient pattern. It yanked the javelin out and roared, not caring that a small trail of black blood spewed from its lips. Its blood-drunk eyes focused to the General closest him: Fafnir. It drew a long, broad sword and swung it, spinning around to swing twice. Fafnir ducked under the first swing, but the second forced him to block. The force of the impact sent him flying back, but he easily recovered.

Fafnir plucked off the broken piece of his helmet and yanked off the rest, eyes blazing, "Oh, you're gonna burn for that one." He snarled, rushing forward. Without any weapons, he rolled under another swing of the lead Brute's sword, hopping onto its shoulders. Tracing a single axe, Fafnir began hacking away, severing the tendons in its shoulder. As one of its massive arms went limp, the Brute roared, grabbing Fafnir and slamming him into the ground. The ebony angel glared up as the Brute roared over him, a slight smirk on his face, "Good luck walking ugly." He took the axe and made himself slide under its legs, hacking at its ankles mercilessly.

With an echoing boom, the angels pushed forward once more, the Brute slain by its own weight. The yells of battle and crashes of meeting steel reached the ears of those further in, our heroes from the world of the living looking towards the closing frontline. Archer and Lancer positioned themselves in front of Rin and Bazett, the incomplete Einzheimer against Archer's back, "How far can you throw that thing?" Lancer glanced at him with a challenge burning in his eyes. He spun Gae Bolg to emphasize his intent, a cocky smirk plastered on his calm features.

Rin rolled her eyes and stood up from her sitting position, brushing herself off as she did so, "Of all the times to mess around, you two choose now?" She shot Archer a commanding look, but he ignored her, hoisting up Einzheimer.

Bazett watched, her curiosity dwarfing her disappointment, 'You learn to get used to it,' She gave Lancer's back a blank look, 'but I am wandering about Archer's skills with that massive thing.' She observed Archer as he picked a distant target, his eyes sharpening to appear eagle like. With a strained grunt, Archer threw Einzheimer, embers trailing behind the blood-colored weapon.

From the other side, Omnus observed a red spot rocketing towards them, 'Is that…' He turned to his men, "INCOMING!" The angels split, the wall of Brutes and Hounds not knowing that their doom approached from behind. Einzheimer landed in the first Brute, its massive blade sticking out its entire torso. Suddenly, it began to glow, the blade opening to further cleave the demon in two. However, its comrades soon felt the searing heat of the blessed weapon, an invisible force exploding out and killing them.

Archer calmly approached the idol Einzheimer, an air of pride surrounding him, "I still got it." He flinched when a hand smacked him over the head. He looked down to see the scolding eyes of Kat, her face covered in the ashes of demons.

"Yeah," Fafnir spat out a vulgar mix of demon remains and saliva, "you got it alright." He shook his head, dust flying off his corn-rows, "Think you could warn someone before you throw that thing?"

"Who would've thought I'd see this thing again." Everyone looked towards Michael, the Archangel calmly leaning on Einzheimer, eyes examining the symbols inscribed into its blade, "So how's everything going?"

Archer shrugged, "As good as we could expect. Shirou, Arturia, and Gallium are still inside. I heard Berserker and Ilya though, but I'm sure they're alright." He watched the angels fan out, archers taking the high ground. They were securing the area, a smart idea considering the location. A deep, chest vibrating hum suddenly started, mana powering out of the Ten Commandments, "How long has that been going on?"

Michael shot his fellow Generals a knowing look, "That makes ten."

"What's so important about that?" Rin walked up, her arm around Bazett's shoulders for support.

Omnus took off his blindfold and looked to the center of the structure, "Ten Commandments to power this grand machine, ten exhaustions of mana to signal its completion," He looked to Rin, "ten minutes until it ends."

Fafnir nodded towards the center of the Commandments, "That things been spewing out mana while you guys were inside, that one was the tenth and final required cooling process."

"Enough talk," Michael silenced any further questioning, "we need to move to the central room and shut this thing down." He took a step forward, but a massive explosion engulfed the direction leading to the core. Smoke and dust hung over the depleting ball of heat, two light rocketing out of it, twisting around one another, the sound of battle screaming through the air.

"Who the heck is that?" Lancer looked closely, eyes widening in slight disbelief.

"Gallium," Kat looked up at the two spiraling dots in the air, "he's fighting Lucifer."

Fafnir grunted, "Good, let's get to the core, I'm sure that explosion didn't do too much damage." He nodded to Sakura and sprinted into the tunnel, quickly cutting down any demons that dared get in his way.

xxx

Lucifer cackled, black wings beating hard at the air as he whipped from one direction to another. He glanced back, seeing Gallium keep pace perfectly. He glared forward, weaving between the Commandments as he circled the massive structure in an attempt to throw off his opponent. However, Gallium suddenly appeared in front of him, delivering a solid kick to the jaw, ending the chase. Lucifer slammed into the Third Commandment, the force of Gallium's kick, along with his initial speed, forcing him to the summit of the generator. He grunted when he hit the surface of the Commandment, spitting a ball of his own blood from his mouth, "You're not trying Gallium; you normally would've continued to attack."

Lucifer looked up, examining Gallium as he slowly landed on the top of the Third Commandment. He had long since Ascended, his skin burned away by the raw power pulsating through his very veins. Sapphire lines pulsed around his body, contrasting the black surface that replaced his human covering. The whites of his eyes were also an abyss of black, but the icy color still remained at their center, "Stop playing games Lucifer and I might get serious myself."

The Prince of Demons chuckled, closing his eyes as the aura around him became brighter, intensified by his thirst to fight, "Very well then," He opened his eyes once more, "warm up is OVER!" He flung his cursed arm at him, the humanoid hand mutating into a claw. The glowing fingers of the demonic claw roared past Gallium's face, the angel leaning back to dodge the attack. However, Lucifer was all over him, sword in his other hand. Gallium weaved and quickly traced a sword of his own, blocking Lucifer's sword with his own. Suddenly, much to the Prince's surprise, Gallium drew Kat's spear, hitting him with the pole end. Lucifer recoiled, thrown off balance by his bleeding nose. He was soon doubled over when Gallium drove his knee into his gut, but Lucifer was no rookie to pain. Fighting through the force of impact, Lucifer brought his head up, striking Gallium in the chin. It didn't stop there, he grabbed the edge of his hood and head butted him straight on, forcing his rival to stumble back.

"Demon dog!" Gallium spat, nose and mouth bleeding. He drove Kat's spear into the surface under their feet and jogged forward, short sword in hand. Lucifer immediately recognized the tactic, shifting his footing in counter. Gallium feigned left and then right, leaping behind Lucifer and attempting to drive the blade into the base of his neck. However, Lucifer strengthened the E.S. pack on his back, blocking the strike easily. Gallium walked around, eyes focused on Lucifer.

Both took to the sky, white and black wings beating the air violently. Lucifer folded in his wings and dove, gaining speed. Gallium did the same, passing Lucifer by diving deeper and weaving between the pipes that connected the generators. Lucifer traced two black katana and followed, eyes focused with blood-lust. Before long, they were approaching a hole in the ground, the scene below progressing without knowledge of their approaching presence.

"You swine!" Slade hissed, blood dripping from gashes in his body. He was floating just above Ilya and Berserker, the hole in the ceiling allowing light to spill in.

Berserker glared up at him, "Come down here and I'll rip you in half." He growled dangerously.

Slade laughed, "Fool, I'll end you both right here!" He raised his arms, but the sound of splitting air caught his attention. Seemingly out of nowhere, Gallium pushed off him, using Slade as a shield. Slade looked at the shadow approaching with disbelief, eyes blood-drunk, "Lucifer, STOP!"

"OUT OF MY WAY MAGGOT!" Lucifer swiped with both katana, missing Gallium. However, as Lucifer's form shrank as he flew into the distance, Slade's head fell from his body and into the unsuspecting hands of Ilya.

Said white-haired woman looked up at Heracles, "What just happened?"

xxx

Both angels landed on the Third Commandment once more, both glaring at one another with the same amount of hate, "This is going to be a long one." The psychotic angel cracked his claw and swiveled around, claw aimed for Gallium's eyes. The General leaned back and then to the side, Lucifer coming at him with his fists. He faltered when Lucifer suddenly charged in with one step, beating away at his torso with both fists. Gallium embraced him, kneeing Lucifer in the face for every punch he landed on his abdomen and side. Smirking, Lucifer spun around, stomach facing the sky. Using Gallium for balance, he flipped up, fully on Gallium's back. He raised his claw, ready to rip out his jugular vein, but Gallium simply leaned back as far as he could, slamming Lucifer into the ground.

Both angels recovered and rolled away, putting distance between them. Simultaneously wiping away the blood from their injuries, they stared each other down. Immediately going into action, Gallium charged, leaping into the air with his knee. The hard bone hit Lucifer's chest, giving Gallium what he needed. He brought both arms together and drove his elbows into Lucifer's head, delivering a savage blow to his enemy. Lucifer broke away and drove both his fists into Gallium's chest, sending him flying towards the massive vent of the Commandment. Roaring in anger, Lucifer charged, a shield and claymore appearing in his hands. Gallium traced two katana and blocked, Lucifer driving into the vent, feet sliding across the smooth metal of the Commandment's surface. He cursed, feeling them fall into the vent and into a space barely big enough for the both of them.

Lucifer took advantage of this and threw his shield away, taking Gallium's head in his claw. Mercilessly, he drove Gallium's head against the side of the shaft as they fell. He cackled as he watched Gallium's face contort in pain, the interior of the shaft being torn to shreds by his face being pressed against it. If it weren't for the inhumanly tough skin of an Ascended being, Gallium's face would've been gone seconds ago, "Feel the pain Gallium!"

Said angel instantly took one of his katana and held it against the shaft's wall, sending sparks right into Lucifer's eyes. The Dark Angel released him, hissing in agony as his eyes burned. Suddenly, their surroundings changed, finding themselves at the shaft's end, and the chamber of the core.

xxx

Fafnir hoisted Shirou over his broad shoulder, Arturia held under his other arm, "Alright, we better move." His eyes lingered on the core, a curse hissing through his thoughts. He glanced at Sakura, seeing her watch the sphere with the same expression.

"So that's it, we're too late for a manual shutdown." She chewed on the nail of her thumb, trying to think of some way to shut it down. A sudden quake made her stumble, a cloud of smoke bursting from one of the vent outlets in the ceiling. Sakura and Fafnir steadied themselves, preparing for any threat that presented itself. However, when the dust settled, they saw Lucifer and Gallium getting to their feet, each nursing their own injuries, "Fafnir," Sakura kept her eyes on Lucifer, "let's go, Gallium can handle Lucifer."

Fafnir nodded slowly, stepping towards the door, "Yeah, we'll focus on the Commandments." He gave Gallium a silent wish of luck and started out, Sakura watching his back.

Across the chamber, Gallium ran his hand over the cuts on the side of his face, blood dripping from the injury. He sealed the cuts enough to slow the bleeding, one eye closed to prevent blood from dripping into it. He looked at Lucifer, seeing him glare with burned eyes. Without a word, the fight resumed, Gallium paying his enemy back for his prior assault. He viciously snatched him up by his neck and held him to the purple sphere, the metal rectangles spinning around the sphere with a loud whizzing sound. Lucifer fought Gallium's hold, his hand glowing an intense crimson. He forced the mana to his elbow and drove it into Gallium's abdomen, throwing him off and into the wall.

Gallium grimaced, peeling himself from the wall, only to be driven right back into it. Lucifer had begun punching him viciously, sending him deeper into the crater in the wall. After numerous strikes, Lucifer stepped back, letting Gallium slip down a little, back to the cracked material. His hands began glowing again, kneeling down so he could unleash the same attack he used on Arturia. He delivered an uppercut to Gallium's torso, a wave of energy rocketing Gallium into and through the ceiling. Lucifer spat to his left and cracked his neck, glancing to the sphere.

The core was now emitting a column of golden light, the column shooting up into a hole above it. Lucifer extended his wings and took to the air, the facility shaking violently as the Ten Commandments began forcing the walls between worlds apart. He flew through the dark dust cloud, immediately barrel-rolling to dodge a flurry of arrows. A phrase caused his eyes to widen, the cold voice seeming to be strengthened by a microphone.

"I am the bone, the steel, the spirit of my sword," Gallium appeared with two orange tipped spears, throwing each towards Lucifer. Both missed, but they exploded, sending Lucifer spiraling out of control, "Steel is my body, fire drives my soul and courses through my veins!"

Lucifer back-flipped, dodging a drop-kick. However, a symbol appeared under him, electrocuting his body. Paralyzed by the sudden shock, Lucifer was helpless as Gallium appeared under him, foot drawn back. The boot hit Lucifer's chin, sending him back into the air.

"I have created an unnumbered amount of blades!" Gallium's wings appeared, only to be encased by light. The feathers broke away from his back, turning into swords of various kinds. He sent the blades towards a freshly recovering Lucifer, keeping him on the defensive, "I have withstood the very fires of Hell, to create many weapons." He summoned a bow, an arrow of light appearing on the string. Hundreds of other arrows appeared around him, all of the beams of light shooting towards Lucifer when he released the first. The barrage rocketed towards Lucifer, the Dark Angel cursing profusely, "Thus," Gallium appeared behind Lucifer when he dodged the arrows, "as I make this prayer, Unlimited Blade Works."

Lucifer saw the world around him go black, the large pillar of golden light disappearing from view. Lucifer calmly glanced around when rain suddenly began pouring from the sky, tall skyscrapers rising around him. His feet suddenly met pavement, a streak of lightning illuminating a dark city around him. Right in front of him was a tall tower, a large clock ticking away at its top. He glanced to his left, seeing Gallium standing down the street, water dripping from his fully armored form. He suddenly kicked the side of a building, the chunks of cement changing into swords. With the speed of the lightning that lit up the sky, Gallium charged Lucifer.

xxx

"Definitely not good." Lancer looked at the dark dome and then to the pillar of light. He turned to Michael, "What do we do now, this thing's just about done doing its job."

Michael looked towards a groggy Shirou and an edgy Archer, "We have no other choice." He was yanked around and held by his collar, a pair of teal eyes glaring up at him.

Rin didn't care who she was gripping at the moment. She didn't care that Michael was potentially the strongest angel to ever take a breath. All she cared about, was what he was about to suggest, "No, there's has got to be another way."

"Rin,"

"No Archer," She looked to him in desperation, "you can't leave again, I won't let you this time!"

Arturia looked at Rin and then Michael, her tired eyes and mind not able to piece this scene together, "What's wrong?"

Michael looked to Shirou, "There is another way, but either way," He looked to Rin, "one of them will die." He sighed when his collar was grabbed again, this time emerald eyes looking up at him, 'Honestly, this is why I don't take lovers on the same assignment.' He took Arturia's hands and forcibly removed them, "Look," He glared at both Arturia and Rin, "if we do nothing, then all we know ends." He pasued, looking at both, "Is that clear you two? Everything, every last little thing… ENDS!"

Archer and Shirou looked at each other, exchanging a silent opinion of the situation, "I'll do it." Archer stepped forward, only to stopped by Shirou.

"No way, even if I do die, I'll just be an angel right?" He looked to Fafnir, seeing the angel sigh.

"Afraid not kiddo," Everyone gasped, "Einzheimer will erase your existence completely." He looked down solemnly, "The power of Einzheimer's complete form is a power only God should have."

"One use," Sakura started, "that's all you get."

The ground shook, the golden pillar of light splitting to reveal another plane of existence. Much to their horror, it was not the human world, instead, a familiar howl boomed out, a giant being peeking through the tall door, "As if it wasn't bad enough," Bazett shivered, "what is that place?"

Fafnir scowled, "So they'll fuse the worlds with Hell itself, birth place of Angel Slayers."

Archer started for the dark sphere, knowing Gallium's Reality Marble rested within. He looked back slightly, seeing everyone look after him, "If we're going to do something, we'll need Gallium's help." He started again, feeling Rin's gaze on his back, "I'll do it; I'm more familiar with Einzheimer anyway."

Everyone looked to Rin, her eyes hidden from their view. She didn't know what to do. Her heart said to knock the idiot out and drag him home, but her brain told her better. If something wasn't done, they'll be flooded with those horrible giants, the Angel Slayers. The world wouldn't last five minutes. But darn it all, she didn't want to lose him again. It was cold in her manor after his first passing, cold and lonely. She used to stay up all night, unable to sleep because of his haunting smirk, his final words to her as they left him to die. She was guilty for it, always putting him in a scenario where he has to sacrifice himself. Rin sank to the ground, curling up, not caring if everyone else could see her. She was frozen, unable to choose which to listen to, her heart, or her logic.

Shirou watched Rin closely and then looked to Archer. He too was torn. It wasn't the fact of him dying, that wasn't it at all. Instead, it was Rin and Arturia that had him torn. His selfless side screamed for him to save Archer, preventing Rin from losing her happiness once again. He was there when she lost Archer, seeing the pain that silently rested beneath her aloof nature. Then there was Arturia, the woman he loved dearly. He knew she'd be hurt beyond belief if he died. He didn't want to hurt her like Archer did Rin, it almost made him hate himself already, "Arturia,"

The blonde knight looked to him with a hint of fear, "Shirou, don't," She started. She was being selfish; she knew that much very clearly. She wanted Shirou to live, she wanted her dream to continue no matter what. However, she could see the path he chose in his eyes, his golden eyes pleading with her, "Don't Shirou," Her eyes shook when Shirou embraced her, his chin placed on her head.

"Promise you won't hate me." He suddenly let go and sprinted after Archer, ignoring the cries that followed him. He approached the dark dome just as Archer entered it, leaping through when he had the chance. Inside the dome, Shirou gawked at the sheer size and intensity of Gallium's Reality Marble. The small glimpse into his mind proudly displayed centuries of tracing, craftsmanship, and battle. A clap of thunder brought him back, a black form shooting to the street with a loud bang. Pavement cracked and blood mixed with the collecting rain water, the Marble's master standing victorious.

Gallium stood over Lucifer's heavily injured form, watching as he struggled to his knees. Lucifer cackled, spitting out blood, further mixing the water with his own fluids. He looked up to Gallium, a dark puddle forming under him, "See you in Hell Gallium," He cackled, sinking into the puddle. Gallium continued to watch until his opponent was gone, the reality of his injuries appearing with a vicious demand for recognition.

Archer and Shirou watched as Gallium collapsed, his body spewing out blood from the gashes that suddenly appeared. The angel coughed, blood mixing with the rain just as Lucifer's did. Slowly, Gallium addressed both sets of eyes upon him, "Archer, Shirou, why are you two here?"

Archer said nothing, slamming Einzheimer into the pavement as he glared at Shirou, "I don't know why he's here."

Shirou glared at him, placing his hand on Einzheimer, "I'm here to seal that rip." Sparks flew between the two, both glaring daggers. Fire surrounded them, the rain strangely adding to the flames. The glares continued to flare, a silent argument going on between the two. The tension calmed when Gallium approached both tracers, eyes showing an understanding of the conflict.

"Archer will do it." Gallium stated.

Shirou snapped to look at Gallium, "WHAT!? WHY?" His eyes widened as the world started going black, a fist driven hard into his abdomen. He stumbled back, the next phrase echoing in his head as he lost consciousness.

"Because," Gallium rubbed his knuckles, "you're easier to get rid of." He took Shirou by his shirt and spun around, throwing him out of the dome.

Archer watched closely, his sharp vision seeing Arturia swiftly catch Shirou before he hit the ground. He nodded, satisfied by the execution, "Smooth as always." He looked to Gallium, "Shall we get started?"

Gallium one last look at his Reality Marble, "Yeah, it'll hurt, but it's worth it I suppose." He sighed and placed his hand on Einzheimer, Archer doing the same. Suddenly, the buildings around them began breaking down into dust, the rain suddenly stopping all together. The clock tower was also broken down, tons of dust swirling around both Gallium and Archer. Flames mixed with the sand, the particles of dirt suddenly began to glow, forming a maelstrom of light and flame. Suddenly, the lights and flames dispersed, revealing Einzheimer once more. It was no longer red, but a silver that was snow white, gleaming with godly magnificence.

"Well," Gallium looked around them, seeing his shattered Reality Marble, "easy come easy go." He scratched his head, looking very tired all of a sudden.

Archer chuckled half-heartedly, "Sorry, but it goes to a good cause." He turned to Gallium and offered his hand, "It's been fun Gallium."

The angel turned to him as the ground they stood on lifted into the air. He stared at Archer's hand and then up at his face, "Yeah," He took his hand and shook it slightly, "it sure has been."

Archer sniffed and looked into the still opening gate to Hell, "Tell Rin, that I love her would you?"

Gallium nodded, "Archer," He looked to the sky, "angelic tracing is… almost unmatched," His grip on Archer's hand tightened, "but angelic magic," he looked into his eyes with a strange expression, "is much greater."

Pain, pain shot through Archer's arm, his orange magic circuits appearing all over his body. His body felt weak, his eyes burned, his joints felt like jello. He watched in agony as his circuits were drained from his body, traveling to his arm and to his hand, finally arriving at Gallium's body. Archer felt Gallium let go, his orange circuits glowing on the angel's own body.

"Einzheimer responds to your circuits Archer," Gallium placed his boot on Archer's chest, "goodbye my friend." He shoved Archer off the levitating chunk of pavement, watching as he fell. He turned his back and hoisted Einzheimer onto his back, "It's been an honor to be your Guardian Angel." He took up Kat's spear that rested beside him and reeled back, letting it fly high into the air. As soon as he released the spear, he turned, facing the howling Angel Slayers with determination. He charged the opening, ignoring the beasts clawing for flesh and fresh souls. He dove into Hell, driving Einzheimer into the crimson ground. The cross-shaped sword began to glow, lines arranged in a foreign language reciting Holy Scriptures gleaming amongst the looming Angel Slayers.

When the light faded, the orange circuits were gone, Gallium's body slowly turning to stone. However, he would not die alone, the angel leaping into the air with Einzheimer ready. He drove the weapon into the neck of one of the Angel Slayers, dragging it upwards to cleave its entire head in two. As the beast screamed in death, Gallium turned, Einzheimer open. A beam of energy shot out and blew a hole right where another Angel Slayer's heart was, ending its life instantly. He suddenly dropped to the ground once more, the weight of Einzheimer too much for him to bear. He looked at the seemingly endless army of Angel Slayers, seeing their mouths open and light collect in their jaws, "Heh," Gallium coughed, "who would've thought I'd die in Hell." He sat against Einzheimer, his face calm and ready. He slowly closed his eyes, feeling all tension leaving him. Light illuminated the dark abyss of Hell, howls of victorious Angel Slayers filling the void of pain and suffering.

xxx

Rin watched with teary eyes as the opening exploded, the particles of mana suddenly sucked back in. A stiff, ear-drum popping sound signaled its destruction, the left over mana floating down to earth like snow. She stood up, looking forward hopelessly, 'Archer,'

"Rin," Arturia yanked her backwards, a spear landing where she once stood. Everyone observed the weapon in confusion until a gasp interrupted their thoughts. They looked back to see Kat staring at the spear in realization.

"That spear," She stepped up to it, "it's… mine." She gently ran her fingers along the spear's pole, eyes widening in realization.

xx

Kat stopped Gallium as he stepped towards the front ranks, "Gallium," He turned to look at her, seeing her offer her own spear to him, "take this with you."

Gallium took the decorative weapon and spun it, "Are you sure?"

Kat nodded, but soon put her hands on her hips, giving him stern look, "Be sure to return it, that's my favorite one." She smiled at him when he nodded.

"I promise," Gallium placed it on his back, "I'll return it no matter what."

xx

Smoke covered their vision as they sprinted towards where the Reality Marble used to be. Arturia helped a no conscious Shirou limp along, both feeling compelled to investigate what was left behind. A sound caught their attention, a pile of debris moving slightly. Michael and Fafnir quickly started digging out whoever it was, everyone stepping back when they saw who it was.

Rin pushed past Fafnir and got to her knees, placing Archer's head on her lap. Relief washed over her, but it was also partnered by confusion, "Archer, how are you still here!?" Her slight smile disappeared when Archer covered his eyes, a choked sob escaping his throat. Unlike their original belief, he wasn't in pain physically, but emotionally.

Kat looked around, hoping that her assumption was wrong, "Archer," She carefully started, "where's Gallium?"

Archer rolled off of Rin and slammed his fist into the ground, growling with a mixture of anger and hurt. He dropped his head onto the ground, taking a gulf of air to try and force down his emotions, "He," He faltered, "he's… dead."

End Phase II

A/N: That's right; I sacrificed Gallium to save both Archer and Shirou. It hurt to do it, but someone had to go. Next chapter will be a reflection, perhaps a more detailed rendition of their search for Archer as they reflect on this day. However, one threat remains, forcing our heroes to swallow their sorrow. Please read and review!