-Kadoka Zemlupus POV-
'This is bad.' I thought as I held my stomach. Not only was I attacked by the psycho Douman. But finding out about this farce about needing to bloom out fantasy trees was bullshit.
I can't believe that Anastasia died for nothing. Even if I won, that Alien God was descended and probably killed us both.
I staggered down the halls on Olympus , my arm on the wall, supporting myself. God, this was pathetic. All I wanted was to prove I could stand alongside Team A.
Yet all I could show for it was nothing. I lost Anastasia; I lost the fight against Chaldea. Ophelia and Hinako were gone.
I've never achieved anything I've truly aimed for. My family wanted a son, but they got a daughter instead. I wanted to prove my worth to everyone. That's why I seized the opportunity to join Chaldea when it was offered to me back at the Clock Tower.
Saving humanity would have shown everyone my worth. But when the moment arrived, Chaldea was sabotaged.
I was frozen, and the one chance I had to prove myself was gone. I resented Ritsuka Fujimaru. It was petty to hate the girl. But I couldn't help it.
We were alike, just two ordinary mages. Though I had the benefit of my family's history, I was selected for Team A. Despite my self-doubt about being with such talented people, I finally felt like I belonged.
I really admired Kirschtaria. He was the most impressive mage I knew, aside from the Wizard Marshall. It would have been simpler to dislike him if he'd been like other magi. But he wasn't. Kirschtaria was both humble and kind. I couldn't help but wonder what he'd gone through to be that way.
Hinako was a quiet person, rarely speaking to others, but when she did, her words held a deep wisdom. I always loved hearing her stories about ancient China; she made you feel like you were right there with her. She was the one who helped me overcome my insecurities. Learning that she had perished in her Lostbelt shattered something within me.
My heart had broken before Hinako's death, though hers was the fourth time. The third time was when Ophelia died. She was my closest friend, my anchor, and the first person to truly welcome me to Chaldea. I remember our first encounter vividly, in Lord El-Melloi II's class at the Clock Tower. I was struggling to find my place, and Ophelia was the one who helped me.
Though our time together was short, I'll always treasure your help. Seeing you again in Chaldea felt like a gift. Losing you, sacrificing yourself to save Chaldea... I've asked myself endlessly, why? Why was Chaldea worth it? What did Ritsuka Fujimaru do to earn your trust? Did you truly want to help so much that you'd give your life? To the point of using your Sirius Light...
That day, my resentment of Chaldea intensified, particularly towards Ritsuka Fujimaru. It was because of her that I lost another friend. However, I knew my grief was speaking. Ophelia wouldn't have sacrificed herself unless she had believed Chaldea was worth it.
The day I learned Ophelia was gone, I was furious. I wanted to unleash my Sirius Light and obliterate Chaldea, but I stopped myself. It wasn't until I understood Ophelia's sacrifice that I knew what to do. That's when I worked alongside Adele and Macarios. I gave Chaldea a chance to see if they could show me why Ophelia gave her life. I needed to understand, even if it cost me everything.
Weakened by blood loss, I crumbled. With what little strength I had left, I managed to push myself against the wall, my blood splattering across Olympus's marble floors. A bitter laugh escaped me. In the end, I never understood Ophelia's motives. And when I finally had a chance to do the right thing, I failed again.
I closed my eyes, ready to accept my death, when the quiet halls suddenly echoed with sounds. I couldn't help but hear footsteps coming closer to me with each step.
I didn't recognize who it was at first. But with each step, I heard a familiar rhythm. Each footstep sent a shiver down my spine. The sound was unmistakable: a sharp, clean click on the polished floor, the kind only dress shoes make. I knew that sound. There were only two people I knew who wore them. Kirschtaria was tied up with Chaldea, so it had to be him. A shadow fell over me, and there he was—Chaldea's resident pain in the ass.
Beryl Gut is the most significant piece of scum I've ever met. Nothing good ever came from him. Especially when you somehow gain his attention. I could still remember how he broke Mash's fingers. I don't think anyone in Chaldea could forget what Doctor Romani did to Beryl.
"What do you want, Beryl? Can I not die in peace?" I asked, already irritated by his presence.
"Come on, Kadoka, is that any way to speak to a friend?" Beryl asked, a hint of concern in his voice. "I was curious about what Douman was up to, and then I find you here, bleeding. Honestly, I have to ask: what did you do to make Douman so angry? Turns out, you're a traitor." I did my best to hide the disgust on my face.
God, what a freak. I'll never understand why they hired him. Before I could react, I gasped in pain as Beryl shoved his hand into my wound.
"Look, Kadoka," Beryl said, "If you help me with my soulmate, I know someone who can heal you. Just say the word, and you'll be as good as new."
He is still hung up on Mash, even after all this time. Anyone could see how smitten Mash was with the Chaldea's Last master. I only met the two for a brief time in my Lostbelt but it was clear to see. But it wouldn't be Beryl if he wasn't insane, would it?
"Get lost, Beryl. You think Mash would ever want anything to do with a freak like you?" I spat at him for good measure. I'd savor the look on Beryl's face when I finally kicked the bucket. God, it'll be worth it.
"UGHH," I screamed as Beryl dug his hand deeper.
"Well, that wasn't very pleasant," Beryl said. "Well, it was nice seeing you again, Kadoka, but your time is up." I watched as his other arm morphed into a bestial claw.
I knew I was going to die, and I didn't want to. Was I wrong to want to prove myself to my family and Team A? To show everyone who doubted me I wasn't worthless? I watched in horror as Beryl's arm loomed closer, ready to smash my head. Damn, now that it's the end, I realize I just wanted to be a hero.
Then I felt it. My hand flared with the familiar burn as my command seals shattered again, bathed in crimson light. The light was blinding, forcing me to close my eyes. With my vision gone, I could only hear Beryl's pained scream.
"AGHH WHAT THE FUCK?!" Beryl's scream echoed in the hall. I relished the sound of his pain before I felt myself being picked up.
The pain in my stomach disappeared as I felt a foreign magic channel through my body. I could feel my stomach knit itself back together.
I opened my eyes and saw red. Fiery red hair, like a burning flame. And blue eyes, the color of the clear sky. Had I summoned another Servant? But how? I swore I wouldn't summon anyone else after Anastasia.
"Sorry about this, master, but I am hearing your sincere wish about wanting to be a Hero. How could I not summon myself?" My apparent new servant said as he gently put me down.
I examined my servant closely. I had to blink a few times; he looked like he was made of fire. It was like gazing at a living flame. One look told me he was a HERO.
My new servant grinned, pointing at Beryl. "What should I do with him, Master?" he asked. "I wouldn't mind getting rid of him personally. He reminds me of someone I despise. People like him always cause trouble." I thought about it. He wasn't wrong, and maybe it was time to get rid of Beryl. Besides, no one would miss him—not after what had happened, and certainly not with Beryl hating my guts. His missing hand saw to that.
"Yeah, get rid of him," I said, figuring it was better to be safe. My new servant vanished in a red blur, and I grinned at Beryl's terrified expression.
"Koyanskaya, get me out of here?!" Beryl shrieked a split second before my servant sword ended her. Claw met blade with a resounding clang.
"Wow, that was a close call," Koyanskaya said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "If I hadn't sensed the power in your attack, that could have gone poorly for me. Well, Beryl, your one free trip outside the Lostbelt is used up. Bye-bye, Kadoka. Remember, NFF services are always available with just a phone call." I watched, disappointed, as she and Beryl vanished.
"Huh, didn't know there was a Beast of Humanity here. I would have swung my sword harder if I had known. Well, there's always next time." My new servant said before he faced me.
"Well, aren't you going to introduce yourself?" I asked him, figuring I should take charge if I was getting a new servant.
My servant smiled, then knelt on one knee, taking my hand. "Alkaios Astrea, Saber-class Servant, at your service," he announced.
My mind was racing with thoughts, but I blurted out the first one that surfaced. "Never heard of you," I replied.
I watched as Alkaios visibly deflated at my words. Like he just stabbed with his own weapon.
"Come on, Alkaios, I'm a traitor. We need to leave," I urged, taking control. I couldn't stay. It was best to head for the God-Slaying Alliance headquarters.
I wondered whether any of the servants would work together. I couldn't save humanity, but I could help them organize. Perhaps taking down Olympus could be a starting point.
Never liked the Gods here, anyway.
Prologue: JRPGing in a Lostbelt End
Kadoka Zemlupus- Character Image
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Author's Note: Here is a quick little Omake for everyone. Not sure if this will be Canon but we'll see. I was reading a story with a female Kadoc, which inspired this little side story. This is a mini-series, set before Lostbelt 4. Chaldea has just wrapped up Lostbelt 3, and not all of the God Slaying Alliance Servants are gone. This Kadoka is more emotional than her male counterpart. She started snooping around earlier, but ended up in the same predicament. Before Rasputin could intervene, Alkaios was summoned.
Beryl is not dead because Alkaios was surprised by Koyanskaya. Alkaios is based on the time I wasn't caught up with Fate Grand Order. So he didn't know she was a Beast and was surprised.
Here's a Happy New Year's Gift