They Call me Vox

Singularity 2: Act 2

A.N. Words in [brackets] are words/phrases spoken in a language that is not english but are understood by whoever's perspective the narrative is being told from. Usually, the words in the brackets are spoken in the speaker's native language (for example: translating a term of endearment Vox used for Artoria to english) and translated for the reader's convenience (and my own 'cause a good translator is hard to find, and I don't want to hold back the story because I spent hours looking for a specific word/phrase).

Another thing of note is that I've done research into the meaning of the Elder Futhark runes I've been having Vox use and realized they might not all have the same meaning as I thought they had. Of course, I've still taken "creative liberties" on what the runes can do but the utilization will still change. Therefore, be ready for new spells, or old spells with different functions.

Alright, enough of my ramblings, on with the show! - Z

"So, where exactly are you from?" the woman in red asks as we near the settlement, which I'm becoming more and more convinced is Rome.

Somehow, my Servants and I had ended up walking at the front of the army alongside the woman. Mash and Artoria are at my flanks, while most of the others are scattered out behind me. Except for Jack, of course, who hitched a ride on Mash's shoulders and is having the time of her life playing with Fou; no one is sure how, but the little creature managed to hitch a ride with us again. The woman in red walks at the front of the group, confidence in her stride and head held high.

 I share a glance with Artoria, "I doubt you've heard of us. We're part of an organization called Chaldea."

"Chaldea?" the woman parrots.

"Senpai, look!" Mash interrupts, pointing to where a number of soldiers, in similar arms and armor to the ones we fought earlier, crest a hill to our left.

"Damn those United Empire fools, getting this close to my glorious city! Let's go! You! Very beautiful girl with the large shield!" the woman shouts, pointing at Mash, who looks rather startled at being called out like that, "I order you to serve as my shield!"

I have to fight to keep my face straight as Mash stares at the woman, stunned, with a growing blush tinting her cheeks. Honestly, it's kinda funny how flustered she can get. She glances at me, unsure of what to do, and I step between the commander and my Shielder.

"Look, miss, I don't know who you are but I don't take well to people attempting to order around my friends," I keep my tone mostly level, no need to create enemies with raised voices.

The woman in red opens her mouth, a retort likely on her lips, but then pauses. She thinks for a moment and then nods slowly, "I understand. My apologies, it has been a long day, and such conditions make even the most steadfast agitated," she apologizes with the grace of a diplomat, "Would you and your allies please aid us?"

I grin, showing pointed teeth, and give her a respectful nod before looking to my Servants, "Mash, Jack, keep our new friend safe. Gil, stay back for ranged support. Everyone else, engage the enemy. Let no one through!"

A chorus of variations of "Yes, Master!" and my Servants charge ahead of me. Cu is at the front, red spear eager to draw blood, and Artoria hot on his heels.

Solas Dawn appears in my right hand, spear tip formed and ablaze, as I trace runes ᚲ with my left, "Kenaz!"

Fireballs streak out from the glowing runes, arcing through the air to slam into the enemy. Many a man falls from the concussive force of the explosions, those near them scattered and set aflame. I pause a moment, grimacing at the screams as soldiers of the faction the woman in red had called the United Empire.