[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/vfXYyKI.png[/img]
_________________________________[i][b]Saber Class[/b][/i]_________________________________
On a Roof in Miyama Town --> Tohsaka Manor
[@ReallyDumb][@Scallop][@floodtalon][@Froppy][@Sageage][/center]

Roland was sure that as he leaned to the side that the Oni's blade would miss him completely. Except, it seemed she had managed to adjust just enough mid-swing that she did hit something. Because as he swung his fist, he found there wasn't a fist to swing. In fact, he couldn't feel a thing. Except for a lancing pain that pushed through his body. His senses exploded and it felt for a moment like everything was on fire. He could feel certain skills slipping away from him, despite feeling a growing strength. This pain, why did it...?

He had no arm, and sword. Instead, as a kick was aimed at his chest, his one good arm was raised up, letting the strike smack into it as he struck back. His power had risen from the flames and the pain, causing them to both cancel out. But even then, he slid back several feet, landing forward on his one arm to take the weight, as he tried to ignore the pain that rushed through him like galloping horses. Was he dying? Would the angels come to him again? No, he wouldn't allow that! He was about to rise, to fight on, but then...

[u][b]“Return to me, Saber!”[/b][/u]

Roland let out a sigh, realizing then that he was retreating. From a fight like this it seemed only important, since his own bravery would just get him killed. His body vanished into blue smoke, returning to his spirit form as it was the only possible thing for him now. It was better that than the continued pain. 

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He appeared before his master, returning in a blue glow of light. A hand drifted to the stump of a shoulder, before pulling away. He didn't speak, for at that moment what could he say. But simply admit that he had been robbed, disarmed, and humiliated in such a way. He could manage for now, since as long as he could move, he could fight. He could continue the battle later. 

Taking his master's arm, he slung him into his grip, a smile on his lips. [color=00a99d]"I haven't returned to you yet. My other arm is still lagging behind. Until then, I shall make sure you are safe."[/color] Roland said, already running ahead. He didn't need to, but he could. A part of him desired to survive. After all, he had survived worse. He remembered his own death, and how he had been responsible for that.

They arrived in the forest, and ahead he could see her. Olivier ahead of him. Placing his master down, he adjusted his cloak, to hide the wound. Stepping closer, a sigh left his lips. [color=00a99d]"Olivier... I need your wisdom now, more than I ever have before."[/color]

[@Seirei No Hai]

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[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/LRTXGTr.png[/img]
_________________________________[i][b]Master[/b][/i]_________________________________
Church Hilltop
[@Scallop][@Kyoka][@EnterTheHero]-[@Yukitamas][/center]

Xerxes took a mask from the shelf, stretching out the rubber, and placing it over his mouth. He hadn't told Ludwig, but he had run tests on all the belongings in the church for poisons ahead of time, and was positive the only poison they had to worry about was the one in his, and only his, possession. Well that and the Oni Tesla had spoken of earlier. But unless he sought her out, he doubted he would have to worry about her. 

[color=fff79a]"Ludwig, I am sure you know not to speak of what I have told you to anybody else."[/color] Xerxes said, letting his gaze drift to the boy. [color=fff79a]"Despite it all, I do desire to be able to live in privacy, without others seeking to discover the means of my magic."[/color] He added, patting the younger mage on the back. He wouldn't say it, not until he had his talons in deep enough that it didn't matter anymore. But he saw use in Ludwig. If his sources were correct, the boy could help him change the magical world.

They left the church, but they'd be blind fools not to immediatly notice the missing bridge. Or the golem made from it that could be seen trampling about in the horizon. Xerxes knew immediately which mage could pull it off, or at least of the ones he knew about. [color=fff79a]"Ludwig, we may have to destroy the bridges. The fire is spreading, and even from this distance I can tell it is cursed."[/color] Xerxes remained close to his berserker, his heart skipping a beat. If he could get closer, he could pull the grudges and curses from that flame. He could use it, become master of it. But, could he risk getting close, since there were no doubt opportunists or servants traveling about. 

[color=fff79a]"Berserker, I need you to find the bridges, and put them in the gate. Do you understand?"[/color] Xerxes said, watching the big man stomp off. Hopefully with the duo following close behind. Should the fires get close enough for him, he had a collection of jewels just perfect for these fires. [color=fff79a]"Ludwig, are you sure you want to risk the trip over? The fire may soon spread to Shinto if we cannot stop it here."[/color]