They Call me Vox

Singularity 2: Act 1

A.N.  Looking back, I realize how scripted I've written this story, following dialogue down to the letter usually and only making minor changes to make Vox a more relevant character. There are also other errors, like my ignoring of most of the other Servants and hyper-focusing on Vox, Artoria, and Jack's developing family. That will change, as I do plan to start putting the focus on other Servants, perhaps even doing chapters from perspectives that aren't Vox.

Anyway, here's to hoping this is the end of the sorta-hiatus I've had on this story, and on with the show! - Z

I open my eyes to blue clear skies dotted by clouds. I would call it beautiful if not for the giant circle of nothingness that ruins the picture. My view is blocked when a figure looms over me and reaches out a hand.

I smile and grasp Artoria's forearm, letting her pull me to my feet. I look around at my Servants scattered about, until something impacts my back.

"Mommy!" Jack exclaims, tackling me to the ground.

"...ow," I groan, rolling onto my back once Jack gets off me, "Hey, Jackie."

"Is Mommy okay?" Jack asks, looking to Artoria.

"Vox is fine," Artoria assures, "I think that tackle dazed her."

"Oh! Sorry," Jack apologizes, ducking her head.

Slowly, I sit up and reach out a hand to ruffle Jack's hair, "It's fine. Next time, just be mindful that I'm not as durable as you."

"Okay!" Jack says, smiling as bright as the sun.

I climb to my feet, again, and look around at our surroundings. It's actually quite similar to when we first arrived in France, though not as hilly. Something occurs to me, "Hey, Doc, weren't we supposed to arrive in Rome?"

"That's weird, you should've landed in the capital," Roman says, his hologram appearing over my watch.

"Perhaps there was an error?" Mash suggests as she walks over, "Is the era correct?"

"The era is correct. Definitely the first century where the singularity exists. During the reign of Nero Claudius, the fifth emperor of Rome," Roman says, "Still, this doesn't make any sense. Nero is yet to be in his dangerously declining years. What should've been awaiting you is a prosperous Rome where the emperor is loved."

Mash looks around, "Maybe there's something around here that-"

"Quiet!" I interrupt, straining both sets of ears to try and pick up the sound I just heard, "Do you hear that?"

Everyone falls silent, allowing us to hear the faint sounds of men screaming and metal clashing. The sounds of battle. I look towards a large hill, behind which seems to be the source of the sounds.

"B-but there were no conflicts near the capital in that era!" Roman exclaims.

"Which means this probably has something to do with the singularity. Let's move," I order, running towards the hill with my Servants close behind.

Ushiwakamaru dashes past me, reaching the crest of the hill first and crouching low. I arrive next to her and overlook the battle. Two forces, one far larger than the other. The soldiers are equipped with arms and armor of Roman design. Both sides wear colors of crimson and gold, though they differ in design. Leading the smaller force is a woman, but I'm too far away to really make anything out beyond blonde hair and red clothes. What I can tell is she seems to exude charisma, that trait only probably keeping her forces from breaking.

"Is that a Servant?" Mash asks as the rest of my Servants arrive, her gaze following mine to the woman in red.

"Don't think so," I answer.