Chapter 123 ~ The Order

The Order

Under the clear blue sky, the final preparations made to the stadium which would be the site for the opening ceremony of the Special Administrative Zone of Japan were underway. 

The Special Administrative Zone, or SAZ, would be located at the feet of Mount Fuji and its surrounding area. And in this space, "Elevens" would have their name reverted back into "Citizens of Japan" and be restored a number of rights and privileges back. 

It was… a way to stop more blood from spilling and war from ravaging the country of the rising sun. An idea proposed by the third princess of Britannia, Euphemia, out of her genuine desire to bring peace onto the land.

But of course, the nation who sought to conquer the world had other plans to use their own princess's genuine good will for their own benefits. 

Which was why the SAZ needed a deterrent against the Britannians to prevent them from doing as they wished towards the people of Japan. 

Invisible, cloaked by Yuuji's invisibility spell, Yuuji, Lelouch, Tatsuya, and Satoru looked down upon the stadium from the skies, lifted by Yuuji's flight spell. 

Karen and C.C were also with them, holding onto Yuuji tightly as they slowly got over their shock of such a fantastical situation and getting used to being so high in the sky.

They all watched as around, or perhaps more than, 200.000 Japanese were registering for the program. 

And with Yuuji's keen vision, he could also confirm that members of the Black Knights were also included in this number. 

Amongst the crowd of Japanese people, they could also see news stations broadcasting the preparation for the massive event that was about to take place the next day. 

"Hm? Ah, Nishikienrai-san. Yes… Yes yes… I see. I understand…"

Satoru suddenly spoke under his breath, turning the others' attention towards him. He nodded and spoke to no one in particular, as if talking to someone on the phone, just without actually receiving a call from a phone. 

After a few moments, Satoru finally turned towards Yuuji and the others.

"I just got a <<Message >> from Nishikienrai-san. He seemed to see Bartley and Darlton conversing, discussing their plan to lure us, the Black Knights, out using the Japanese people. Then, while he was sneaking around, he also confirmed the presence of the Purist faction. He saw some of them bullying several honorary Britannian soldiers in a hallway far from the business of the preparation."

While they scouted from the skies, Satoru had Nishikienrai and several other Phantoms of his who were skilled with stealth to infiltrate the venue and gather information. 

Although these phantoms were not as powerful as their real counterparts, they were extremely close to them in terms of power due to how strongly Satoru remembered his past guild mates. And given this world's level of magic, even with a simple 2nd tier invisibility spell, no one would be able to see their appearance.

"I see… Can you have him scout for Britannia's military presence here? I would like to know their numbers, which divisions are present, and their estimated strength."

"There's definitely Cornelia's soldiers, which are led by Darlton, and those from the purist faction. As for the others, I'll have him scout more and report to you later on."

"Thank you."

Satoru nodded and began messaging Nishikienrai and his other phantoms to gather information about Britannia's military presence in the zone. 

"How despicable… How could they use the Japanese people who choose to trust them as bait to lure us out…?!"

Karen clenched her hand into a fist as she scowled at the Sutherlands and Britannian soldiers "maintaining order" around the crowd of Japanese registering for the program. 

"It takes time… Change needs time, Karen. And we cannot force change unto them. It would simply be another seed for conflict."

Yuuji held her hand softly, and Karen looked towards him, slowly relaxing her fist.

"While that change takes place, we will protect Japan. And our first step would be coming to support this special zone, and show them that we will be protecting it from Britannian influence."

Yuuji and Lelouch will come to the special zone as Mordred and Zero,. They would be going to where the Britannians have gathered their soldiers and military, to show them that the Black Knights do not fear them, that they would be in support of the special zone, and that they will be protecting it from their attempts to control it, even if it meant using force. 

Knowing the plan, a look of worry appeared on her face. But before she could say anything, Yuuji kissed the top of her head and assured her.

"I will be fine. There's no need for you to worry. I, myself, feel safe. After all, you'll be out there waiting for me and protecting me, won't you?"

A blush appeared on her face, but Karen still nodded resolutely. 

She, Tohdoh, and the rest of the Black Knights would be standing by around the perimeter of the stadium, ready in case anything goes wrong during the ceremony, may it be towards Lelouch and Yuuji, or towards the Japanese people. 

Some of Satoru's phantoms would also be standing by around and within the stadium. 

Peroroncino's phantom would be on the lookout along with Karen and the rest of the Black knights. While Momonga, Nishikienrai, and the ones with stealthing abilities would be inside, doubling as a scout for information and protecting Lelouch, Yuuji, and the perimeter within the stadium. 

In addition to their own abilities, no danger could befall upon the two, even if all military personnel present suddenly attacked them. But Karen couldn't help but worry…

This was the first time in her life she had ever fallen in love with someone else. And Yuuji managed to made her fall in love with him so utterly and completely… She wouldn't know what she'd do if anything befell him. 

"..."

C.C similarly held his hand tighter and expressed her worry wordlessly. Although he wasn't her first love, he was her last. 

He was the man who reminded her how to love. And how to be happy once more. 

Losing him would be equivalent to losing her final remaining reason to keep living her immortal life. And if such a thing happened… She would be living in a hell even worse than the one she had been living in before meeting him. 

Yuuji noticed her worry and held onto her hand tighter. He kissed the top of her head, and brought the two into his embrace.

"I will be fine… Just wait for me. I will definitely return to your side. And I want you to promise me to do the same. Be careful."

"Uhn…"

"I will."

Lelouch glanced at the three and watched them with a small smile curled up on his lips. Then, he turned towards Tatsuya and Satoru.

"Tatsuya, how is our preparation for tomorrow?"

"Everything is ready for tomorrow. The new features on Excalibur, Guren, and the burais have been tested and are ready for operation. And… the Amaterasu would be ready as well if we ever need it."

Lelouch nodded before addressing Satoru.

"Satoru-san, has there been any progress with the situation in Kyoto regarding this special zone?"

When they last checked, there was still internal debate within the Kyoto House regarding their stand towards the SAZ. Some agreed with Kirihara's decision, while some were opposed to it. Those who were opposed to it even suspected that Kirihara agreed because he would be gaining control of the Sakuradite Mines, which was promised to him by the Britannians. They've also accused him of insulting the resistances' effort to fight for Japan's freedom from Britannian control. 

Kirihara of course denied all allegations, but of course, those who were opposed didn't seem to believe him. 

Satoru shook her head and let out a soft sigh.

"No… They still haven't reached an agreement. But, Kirihara Taizo had expressed his willingness to attend the opening ceremony, despite some members of the Kyoto House still opposed to his decision. And… Sumeragi Kaguya had also expressed her interest in knowing the Black Knights intention and plan. She might contact us as soon as after tomorrow's event."

At the mention of her name, Lelouch recalled the young head mistress of the Kyoto House. She was a beautiful young girl with long, straight, jet-black hair and the elegance and intelligence that belied her age. 

In the anime, she had great admiration for Zero and had openly expressed her desire for his hand in marriage on multiple occasions, even going so far as to consider C.C, Karen, and herself as his harem. 

Unfortunately, he held no such feelings towards her, and he already has someone he'd plan on marrying in the future. 

But perhaps…

Lelouch sneaked a glance towards Yuuji, who was embracing the two girls in his arms, and saw how happy they seemed to be with him. 

If there's someone who'd be able to make every girl happy… it'd be him. 

"Hm? What's wrong?"

"...Nothing. I just had a thought."

"...?"

Yuuuji tilted his head confusedly. But before he could ask further, Lelouch had returned his gaze back into the stadium for a moment, looking at the crowd of Japanese people registering for the program, and turned back towards his friends.

"Let's return now. We'll go over the plan for tomorrow once more with the others as well. Then, we'll rest and get ready."

""Yes.""

--------------------------------X--------------------------------

After all final preparations Yuuji and Karen needed to do for the Opening Ceremony of the Special Administrative Zone of Japan had been completed, they returned to Yuuji's home along with C.C. 

The girls went and took a bath together, while Yuuji quickly took a shower and began preparing dinner. 

"...They're taking quite a while."

Yuuji mumbled as he began setting the plates on the dining table. Normally, they would've already come to the dining room by now. 

Though perhaps they were taking their time in the bath to relax and soothe their nerves for the events that might take place tomorrow.

He waited patiently in the dining room, using his magic to maintain the vibration of the food molecules to keep it at its perfect temperature. 

Then after a few minutes, he heard two sets of footsteps approaching

"Oh, you're finally here… !!!"

His eyes widened in shock when she saw the two of them dressed in loosely tied bathrobes. Their hair was still slightly damped, and their cheeks were flushed. 

They approached him slowly. C.C kept her stoic expression on her blushing face, while Karen fidgetted nervously, averting her face and eyes away, as she covered her chest and crotch with the bathrobe.

And before he could say anything, C.C arrived before him, placed both of her hands on his cheeks, and pressed her lips against his.

"Mmnnchuu. Schhrluupp… Chu… Mnnchu…"

She didn't hesitate to use her tongue and prod his mouth, teasing his tongue, sucking his lips, and slurping his liquid, using everything Yuuji taught her. 

And before he could understand why she would suddenly kiss him, Yuuji kissed her back in response, putting in as much of his own love and affection for her into the kiss. It was an automatic response that happened unconsciously for him, stemming from his desire to prove and shower his love for them. 

A few moments later, their lips finally separated, creating a thin, shimmering string of their mixed saliva that still connected their lips. 

He looked at C.C's face, and saw a look of absolute love, satisfaction, and happiness in her eyes. 

And before he could say anything once again, she walked away and sat on the opposite side of the table.

Then after C.C, Karen also approached him with her face beet red, and her hands clenched into a tight fist as her whole body trembled nervously.

"Karen…"

"Shut up… I-I've made my decision too…"

"Eh- Mmph!"

Karen grabbed his face with both of her hands, slightly more forceful than C.C, and pressed her lips against him. 

"Mmnnchuuu! Aaauummchu! Schluurrpp… *Gulp* Aaah… Mchuu!"

She frantically tried to use her tongue and her lips, trying her best to make it pleasurable for him and show how much she loves him. 

Her head was spinning. At this point, she didn't know what she was doing either. All she knew was how much she wanted to show her love for him, how dear he was to her, and how much she wanted him.

But then, a pair of hands suddenly held her face, snapping her out of her daze. Her eyes opened wide as she froze, looking at Yuuji in shock.

"Karen… Calm down."

"A-Ahh… I-I'm sorry… I-I… Mmh?!"

He kissed her softly, a chaste kiss that made her heart skip a beat, and smiled. 

"I've received your feelings, Karen. Thank you. And I love you just as much."

Her mouth fell agape as he tried to form words that were stuck in her throat. 

Happiness, joy, love, all those feelings just exploded within her and her embarrassment rose to maximum. 

Without a word, she quickly ran and sat down beside C.C, covering her redly blushing face with one hand, before she began eating quickly to hide her embarrassment. 

Yuuji looked at the two in both surprise and confusion as they both began to eat their dinner. 

He turned towards C.C, who was comparable acting calmer than Karen, though her face was similarly blushing red. 

"C.C… Just what happened…?"

"Hm? Ah… We're just deciding the order."

"The order…?"

C.C nodded and looked at him right in the eyes. 

"Yes. The order of who you're going to make love with first tonight."