Chapter 133 ~ Mother-in-Law
<span style="font-weight:400">The rapid clicking sound of the keyboard resounded within an immacte, futuristic office of marble white.
<span style="font-weight:400">Atop the metallic desk at the far end corner of the room, aptop was ced at its center as a figure dressed in a full body, armored suit with the devil’s mask currently split in half to reveal the otherworldly countenance of a handsome young man.
<span style="font-weight:400">Although he was alone in his own personal office within Amaterasu, the ck Knight’s new, extremely advanced gship and greatest secret weapon, and no one but the core members of the ck Knights were present and knew about this ce, he still wore his suit. After all, there might be a chance someone other than Lelouch, Tatsuya, Satoru, Karen, and Cecilia woulde all of a sudden to his office.
<span style="font-weight:400">It had been a week since the ck knights, or at least, the very core members of the ck Knights moved their headquarters to the long kept secret base.
<span style="font-weight:400">In light of the current situation with Britannia, Lelouch had decided to reveal the existence of Amaterasu to the core members of the ck Knights in order to familiarize them with their secret weapon and trump card in the uing major operation.
<span style="font-weight:400">The members who Lelouch told about the Amaterasu were Ohgi and his closest friends, Tohdoh and the Four Heavenly Swords, Rakshata and his team, and a few members of the ck Knights which Lelouch had used geass on to make them obey his every orders.
<span style="font-weight:400">Of course, he had also made Tohdoh. Rakshata, and their team take a pledge of secrecy so that they would not reveal the existence of this ship even to their “superiors” or “sponsors”.
<span style="font-weight:400">The rest, such as Diethard and the other more minor members of the ck Knights, were left in the dark, and were given vague yet sufficient answers when asked about their absence in the “base”.
<span style="font-weight:400">Since the existence of Amatearsu was revealed to them, Rakshata and her team had been exploring every nook and cranny of the ship’s system as well as its weaponaries and hangars.
<span style="font-weight:400">And in addition to the jaw dropping system which they couldn’t believe was developed with a decade old technology by a Japanese couple, they found two more hidden gems that not even Yuuji, Lelouch, Satoru, or even Tatsuya, the “heir” and owner of the Amaterasu inherited by his “parents”, knew of.
<span style="font-weight:400">Within the hidden secret hangar,pletely hidden on purpose as a ce where new technologies that were currently being developed were stored, they found two iplete knightmare frames.
<span style="font-weight:400">One resembled the Guren based on the shape of its torso. But instead of only one, both of its hands resembled Guren’s wed,rge, right hand. And instead of crimson, it had a mix of ck and silver.
<span style="font-weight:400">On the other hand, the second was cerulean blue with ents of silver though its chest, arms, and legs. And instead ofrge, wed hands, arm guards and leg guards resembling that of a samurai protected its arms and legs. Two, sharp sh harkens rested beneath its arm guards and another two on either side of its hips.
<span style="font-weight:400">While its left hand… It held within it a long, massive, samurai sword that stood even taller than the knightmare itself; a weapon resembling that of a Japanese traditional samurai sword, the Nodachi.
<span style="font-weight:400">They were named Tsukuyomi and Susanoo, and Rakshata’s team and Tatsuya had a field day ying with it at any free time they had.
<span style="font-weight:400">And although Yuuji had also been helping with the programming and engineering stuff, he had mostly left it to the experts and spent most of his time doing what he did best; Robbing the rich Britannians through his precognition level market analysis and investing skills.
<span style="font-weight:400">Meanwhile, he also set aside much of his time working on Excalibur’s upgrade. And he did not forget to spend his free time with Karen and Cecilia, or Lelouch, Tatsuya, and Satoru as well when they’re free.
<span style="font-weight:400">In conclusion, his stay in Amaterasu had been quite peaceful and silent.
<span style="font-weight:400">Though of course, with only around twenty people within such a massive ship, it wasn’t strange that it would be very quiet.
<span style="font-weight:400">But just then, he sensed a presence approaching his office along with the small sound of footsteps that he was only able to hear due to his enhanced senses. But just as he was about to put his mask back on, he recognized the presence after seeing through the walls with his <<Elemental Sight>>.
<span style="font-weight:400">Soon, a knock came to his door as a familiar voice resounded from behind it.
<span style="font-weight:400">“H-Hey, Mordred… Can youe with me for a bit?”
<span style="font-weight:400">It was the familiar voice of Karen, which he had already expected. But something bothered him. Unlike her usual tone, her voice seemed… nervous, worried, and down.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Karen…? What’s wrong?”
<span style="font-weight:400">He opened the door using a button on the edge of his desk to let her in. And when the metallic door slid open, his eyes widened slightly when he saw her standing there with a nervous look.
<span style="font-weight:400">Worry immediately began to surface in his heart.
<span style="font-weight:400">Did something happen with her preparation? The Guren, even with all the new features Rakshata and Tatsuya added at thest minute, should be all ready for battle. He, himself, had made sure of it after he finished with his Excalibur. So, there shouldn’t be a problem with it.
<span style="font-weight:400">All that was left was for her to get used to the movement controls which were quite different from what she was used to. And for this, she had been training all day using a simtor.
<span style="font-weight:400">But this shouldn’t affect her this much. She had been doing amazing in her simtion and he had been “praising” her every night.
<i><span style="font-weight:400">Ah, or perhaps…</i>
<span style="font-weight:400">Was she nervous about the uing… major offensive operation?
<span style="font-weight:400">He stood up from his seat and approached her as she entered, letting the door slide back close behind her.
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji immediately took her hands into his and held them tightly.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Karen, what’s wrong?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Y-Yuuji… There’s something I need to ask you for… A favor.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“A favor…?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Karen nodded as she fidgeted nervously.
<span style="font-weight:400">Seeing this, Yuuji pulled to the other end of the massive office room, towards the small lounge area with couches.
<span style="font-weight:400">“It’s alright. You don’t need to hold back with me, you know? What is it?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji sat her down on the couch before he sat down beside her, keeping his hold on her hands. He could feel her hands bing damp with sweat, and he became increasingly concerned.
<span style="font-weight:400">Heforted her for a few moments, and after taking a few breaths, Karen finallyposed herself enough to tell him what she had been holding onto for a while.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yuuji… I-I know we’re extremely busy right now with the uing operation… But I need your help.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Of course. What is it, Karen?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“...I want to take my mom out of that hospital.”
<span style="font-weight:400">His eyes widened in surprise as Karen continued to speak.
<span style="font-weight:400">“With everything that happened… I-I don’t want her to stay in a hospital operated by the Britannians. I’m afraid that she won’t be given the care she needs while she’s still recovering from the aftereffect of Refrain… Her needs might even be neglected…!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Conflicts, riots, and skirmishes have urred in various ces all throughout Japan. Some were between the Britannian army and the Japan Liberation Front, as they tried to poke and prod on each other’s positions and gain intel on each other’s movement. While others… Many others were started by Japanese citizens who were rioting, attacking random properties owned by Britannians with a frequency that was increasing by the day.
<span style="font-weight:400">It was utter chaos… A fitting yet unfortunate prelude to the uing massive battle.
<span style="font-weight:400">The same thing had been happening in Britannia-runned hospitals as well… Many hospital workers, nurses, and doctors have been hurt, and some had left the hospital to avoid the many Japanese people who had started attacking and piging it as well, leaving behind many of their patients.
<span style="font-weight:400">In light of such chaos, the JLF and the ck Knights have tried to prevent as many of these conflicts and riots from happening. But with their preparation for the uing battle and the sheer number of these riots happening, they couldn’t stop all of them.
<span style="font-weight:400">That’s why Karen wanted to take her mother out of the hospital she’s currently in.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I see…”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji held Karen’s trembling hands tighter as she continued.
<span style="font-weight:400">“That’s why… Please help me bring her here…! We have a very nice health bay here with tons of great facilities and advanced medical equipment. We can have her stay here for the time being so she can befortable and safe!
<span style="font-weight:400">T-Though, it might be a bit dangerous when we start the operation and go to battle…”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji ced his hand on her back and began patting it as he smiled softly.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Alright. Let’s move your mother to the medical bay in Amaterasu. I’ll ask Lelouch to secure some medical professionals who could take care of her. And when we go to battle… We’ll have her stay in our home and bring all the necessary medical equipment there.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Securing medical professionals would be simple to do with Lelouch’s help. They simply needed to find some and have theme under Lelouch’s control so they would dedicate themselves into caring for Karen’s mother and not say a word to anyone about this.
<span style="font-weight:400">And when they go to battle, he could have her stay in his mansion, where he knew she would be safe.
<i><span style="font-weight:400">Or perhaps… Better yet…</i>
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji made a mental note to check the Chat Group’s shopter on for something that could help heal Karen’s mother from the after effects of the Refrain drug.
<span style="font-weight:400">Upon hearing his words and assurance, Karen’s expression immediately lit up. The clouds hanging over her head instantly vanished as she immediately jumped into his embrace and wrapped her arms around his neck.
<span style="font-weight:400">“!!! Thank you, Yuuji!!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji returned her embrace and began stroking her head.
<span style="font-weight:400">“There’s no need for thanks. I’m also worried for her safety. In fact, even after she recovers, she’s free to stay in our home.
<span style="font-weight:400">“R-Really?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Karen separated herself from Yuuji and looked at him in surprise.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Of course. I don’t think living together with your… step mother would befortable for her. And since you’re staying over a lot, it’d be better for her to just stay there, where it’s safe.”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yes! Yes, that’ll be amazing! I-If she agrees to stay there, I’ll also move in!”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">This was the best possible oue for her! She could feel at ease knowing her mother is safe within Yuuji’s mansion, and she’ll also be able to live together with her mother, free from her step-mother’s influence, and also be with Yuuji always!
<span style="font-weight:400">“Great. Then, it’s decided. So, when would you like for us to go to the hospital?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hm… It’s getting prettyte now. How about tomorrow morning…?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Sure. Let’s go together tomorrow morning.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yes! Thank you!”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“You’re wee.”
<span style="font-weight:400">The two hugged once more before they began sharing a kiss.
<span style="font-weight:400">And the rest of the night, they would stay in Yuuji’s private quarters within the Amaterasu, and cuddle after making love ‘till the dead of night.
<span style="font-weight:400">--------------------------------X--------------------------------
<span style="font-weight:400">Karen and Yuuji headed to the hospital the very next morning. And the moment they arrived, he could already see why Karen didn’t want her mother to stay within the hospital any longer.
<span style="font-weight:400">There were multiple security guards and Britannian police forces stationed around the hospital. Though, from what Yuuji could see, they were quite few in numbers, enough to barely guard the perimeter. Perhaps there were more inside, but from where he was, he could see many of them.
<span style="font-weight:400">They arrived before the entrance gate, and Yuuji could notice dents and scratch marks all over the metal gates itself. A clear sign of the struggle and riot it had to face and prevent from entering the premise.
<span style="font-weight:400">Two guards guarding the entrance, equipped fully with armed weapons and bullet-proof armor, immediately approached them with clear vignce.
<span style="font-weight:400">“IDs and reason for visit?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I am Kallen Stadfeld. Here to visit my maid, who had been hospitalized a few days ago.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I am Alexander Kyrielight. Here to apany her visit.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Karen and Yuuji immediately gave them her school ID, and after checking it, they were immediately let in.
<span style="font-weight:400">It seemed that as long as they were not Japanese, they would be let in easily, as Yuuji noticed their vignce immediately plummeting down when they mentioned their Britannian-esque name.
<span style="font-weight:400">They entered the hospital, and after giving their names to the receptionist, Karen immediately headed to her mother’s room, having remembered the way to it by heart.
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji held her hand all the way, knowing she was nervous for essentially introducing him to her mother for the first time. And for what’s toe…
<span style="font-weight:400">After telling her his n, Karen was overjoyed and hugged him tightly. But soon, her joy was clouded by nervousness…
<span style="font-weight:400">Too be with her mother once more… And truly be with her this time, after all the years she had done to her as she kept enduring and enduring the pain and suffering…
<span style="font-weight:400">She didn’t know how to face her…
<span style="font-weight:400">“It’ll be fine, Karen. I promise you…”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Y-Yuuji…”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji smiled softly and kissed her forehead.
<span style="font-weight:400">“She’s your mother, who stayed by your side even through all the pain she had to endure. She loves you very dearly. I assure you, everything will be fine.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“U-Uhn… Thank you…”
<span style="font-weight:400">Karen held his hand tighter as they walked, and they soon arrived before her mother’s room.
<span style="font-weight:400">Karen opened the door and entered with Yuuji following her closely behind.
<span style="font-weight:400">And the moment they entered, they could see a beautiful, yet somehow withered, maturedy with brown hair cascading down to her middle back, sitting on the hospital bed.
<span style="font-weight:400">Her eyes, dull and unfocused, gazed down to the hands on herp as she stared at it dazedly, unmoving.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Mom…”
<span style="font-weight:400">The moment she saw the state of her mother, tears immediately pooled on the corner of her eyes, threatening to stream down the side of her face.
<span style="font-weight:400">She came closer, pulled a chair towards the side of her bed, and sat down, holding her mother’s hand tightly.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Mom… I’m here… Everything will be fine, okay…?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Ms. Kozuki slightly turned her head towards Karen, noticing the voice. But her eyes was still unfocused, as if looking past her own daughter.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Mom…”
<span style="font-weight:400">She held her hand tighter before she loosened her hold when she felt a hand on her back.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Karen… It’ll be fine.”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">She looked up and saw her beloved, standing with a warm smile on his face and a beautiful, crystal vial with gold decorations that spiraled up the length of the vial to the lid, where a diamond sat at its top, held by golden prongs.
<span style="font-weight:400">The vial itself could easily sell for thousands of dors from the sheer beauty of it. But the true value lies in the shimmery, clear liquid within it. An otherworldly potion that could cleans all minor illnesses and harmful effects from the body; A Potion of Minor Cleansing.
<span style="font-weight:400">It was a rare-ranked item that Yuuji bought from the Group Chat’s shop for 1000 GCP. Its effect was extremely potent to a regr person, capable of cleansing all matter of ailments and healing any disease that a person might suffer from, in addition to cleansing all impurities on the body.
<span style="font-weight:400">It was only “minor” whenpared to other otherworldly items sold within the Group Chat shop.
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji handed the vial to Karen, and ced his hand on top of hers.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Karen… Are you ready?”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“...Uhn.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Karen nodded, holding his hand tighter.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Alright. Then, go on.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji let go of her hands and Karen opened the cap to the vial.
<span style="font-weight:400">She looked at her mother for a moment, took a deep breath, and ced the opening of the vial to her lips, and tilted her head back.
<span style="font-weight:400">The clear, shimmering liquid flowed from the vial into her chapped, pale lips. And Ms. Kozuki, despite dazed from the after effects of the Refrained drug, gulped down the liquid.
<span style="font-weight:400">A few seconds passed as time seemed to slow down for Karen. And before long… her mother’s eyes regained its shine as she blinked a few times confusedly.
<span style="font-weight:400">She turned towards Karen, and her eyes widened in shock to see her dear daughter by her side, with tears and expression she hadn’t seen for years.
<span style="font-weight:400">“....Karen?”