Chapter Twenty: Shutdown
Babel Tower was...
Well tall, bright with neon signs outside it advertising wine, women, and gambling. Cornelia had heard the place was a watering hole for a lot of people interested in less savory pleasures. As well as some things that weren't necessarily legal.
This was why Cornelia was skeptical of Lelouch's decision to bring her here last. He'd had a number of interesting observations on how people were living. And he had her talk with a number of people who knew things. Cornelia had often assumed that certain behavior on behalf of nobles was covered up.
As it turned out, there was a whole range of theories about what nobles were doing. Some of them were closer to the mark than others. Many of the commoners knew exactly what was going on through shrewd guesswork or were at least close. They just couldn't prove it.
"What are we doing in this... establishment?" asked Cornelia as they stepped into the elevator.
"This is Babel Tower, a place that nobles and people of all walks of life go to enjoy entertainment," said Lelouch.
"A brothel?" asked Cornelia, wondering what he wanted her to see here. She had an alert to call for help if this was a trap, which...
Was possible.
Why did she trust him so much? Perhaps because there was an infectious sort of power to his movements. He was bold and highly intelligent, rather like her brother had been, all those years ago. As if he was an adult version of him.
But no, Lelouch would never have betrayed Britannia; he would have met Clovis.
"A gambling den, if you must know," said Lelouch. "I finance my lifestyle through chess tournaments."
"You play chess?" asked Cornelia, the similarity eerie. His recognition of her had been strange...
"Oh, yes, definitely. It's how I afford my housing arrangements," said Lelouch. "One has to live somehow."
Cornelia paused as they kept climbing higher, feeling curious. "Are you good?"
"I finance my lifestyle through it," said Lelouch. Which answered the question well enough, didn't it? "Now, quiet, I have to get you in."
The doors opened, and they moved into a red velvet decorated establishment. Ahead of them, they saw a door where two large men were standing by. They seemed to recognize Lelouch. Their gaze turned to Cornelia and didn't even disguise how they were looking over here. One of them brushed back his hair.
"...Lelouch, what's with the company?" asked a man.
"Someone interested in seeing the inside of the Babel Tower," said Lelouch. "She's a soldier who came in with Princess Cornelia, and I figured I'd show her around."
"I figured she was-" began one.
"She thinks she is going incognito; just bear with her," said Lelouch.
That got a chuckle.
Cornelia felt offended. Her disguise hadn't been that bad. "Whatever you say.
"You're free to take her in with you. Just remember that you've got a game with Black King."
The door opened, and Cornelia walked with Lelouch into a still more opulent room. Girls clad in bunny outfits were dancing on poles. Below, looking down, Cornelia could see a boxing match where two elevens were fighting. Men were leering at both, most of them well-dressed nobles. Others were throwing money at the girls or drinking copious amounts of alcohol.
It was all... distasteful.
"...Are you planning to record things here?" asked Cornelia. She felt like she wouldn't mind this place being shut down. Nobles should be focused on minding their affairs on behalf of Britannia. Not engaging in such debauchery.
"Of course not," said Lelouch.
"What do you mean?" asked Cornelia. "You were quick enough to incriminate my brother."
Lelouch shrugged. "Clovis was trying to kill me at Shinjuku. I had a vested interest in hurting him.
"I have a vested interest not to go after Babel Tower."
Shinjuku?
Was he admitting to being the one who took the footage at Shinjuku? Or something else. "What do you mean?"
"The fact of the matter is that I have to go to school and support my household," said Lelouch as they walked. "I can't afford to pay the bills with a day job. So I win chess matches to pay those bills.
"If I exposed what happened in here, I'd be barred from every gambling den in the country.
"So, I've given these places a pass so far."
"And who is this Black King you've been planning to play a game with?" asked Cornelia.
"Oh, he's-" began Lelouch, before stopping short. "Shirley?!"
Cornelia followed his gaze and saw a beautiful teenaged girl in a bunny outfit. The outfit clung to her ample curves in a flattering manner, to say the least. Her hair was long and orange, and she was waiting for tables. With her was a blonde that seemed to be enjoying wearing the same outfit a bit too much. The blonde, in particular, was... voluptuous, even comparable to Cornelia.
After she said the word, the two approached them as if called. "Hello, Master, how may I-" The orange haired girl stopped. "Lulu? Lulu, what are you doing gambling here again? And who is this woman with you?"
"Shirley... what are you doing here?" asked Lelouch. "Why are you dressed like that?"
"It was sort of my idea, Lelouch," said the blonde coming up. "Shirley and I have been trying to do some work here. Who's she?"
"An out of touch noble who thinks she's being incognito, Milly," said Lelouch.
"Incognito?" asked Milly, raising an eyebrow and looking over Cornelia. Something about the way she eyed Cornelia made her feel even more insecure. Milly looked almost predatory, despite the outfit. Cornelia had long since come to terms with her attraction to men and women. But this girl seemed to revel in it, judging from the same look she gave Lelouch. "I think everyone on the floor has already noticed her."
"Hey, how much for the broad that walks like a goddess?" called someone.
Cornelia looked around and realized they were talking about her. A man in a business suit moved forward toward them. "I um..."
"She is not for sale; she is a visitor," said Lelouch quickly. "Nellie, why don't you and I move on." And then he moved over to the man. "Excuse me, I'd like to purchase the services of these two."
"What?" said Shirley. "I mean... Lulu, this is so sudden."
"You don't usually use our girls, Lelouch," said the man. "Decided to try a different kind of gamble?"
"One might say that," said Lelouch. "You could also say I'm cutting one short.
"How much?"
The man seemed to look to them, then frowned.
"Lelouch, we're not for sale," said Milly.
"Oh, well, there are a few contractual details to take care of, but for you, four hundred each," said the man.
"Hang on, we had a contract that-" began Shirley.
Lelouch handed over the money. "I'm disappointed in you, Milly, Shirley, rules have only have meaning if they are enforced. Anyone could have purchased your services at any time; you're lucky I did it first.
"Wait for me up at room six, I believe. That's where I have my match. I'd like for them to handle the champagne."
Milly grabbed Shirley, who flinched. "Come on, let's uh... finish up for the day, Shirly."
And they moved off.
"Idiots," muttered Lelouch. "Even if they had gotten out unscathed, they would have wrecked everything."
"Playing white night, huh?" called a man. "Figured he wouldn't man up."
"How can you tolerate these people?" asked Cornelia as they walked.
"I already told you why," said Lelouch. "I come here to gamble for money. Most people come here to fritter it away. Look down there." Then he motioned to one of the areas where the girls were dancing.
"Eleven girls," said Cornelia, who thought the idea of breeding with an eleven... distasteful. One might as well breed with a different species.
"Officially, they're employed of their own free will," said Lelouch. "Look closer, though, and you'll find out that their movements are controlled. Most of their pay probably gets spent at this establishment if they get it at all.
"And over there, you can see a no-holds-barred fight as two elevens beat one another near to death. Nobles bet on it."
Cornelia had seen it. "And you give them your patronage?"
"I play chess," said Lelouch as they got into another elevator. "And I used to play cards."
"Cards?" asked Cornelia.
"Yes," said Lelouch. "Counting cards bores me, however. And I suspect my opponents cheat. I prefer games where I have complete control."
"That doesn't surprise me," said Cornelia, amused despite herself. "You don't seem to take a lack of control well, Lelouch."
"What about you?" asked Lelouch. "Do you like being in control?"
Cornelia shrugged, though she had to wonder if there was another meaning in his words. There was something... majestic about his coldness. "Whether I'm in control or not is irrelevant.
"I do what I do for the sake of my country."
"It's better than death, I suppose," said Lelouch, pressing the button.
"Serving one's country is usually dangerous," noted Cornelia.
"That's not what I meant," said Lelouch.
The elevator door opened, and they went through a hall and into a room, room six. There were a wide variety of people here, all playing chess. One particular set of easy chairs was in the corner waiting for them, with Milly and Shirley there. Both were wearing certificates with the words 'reserved' around them.
Cornelia had to admit the outfits suited them. But treating Britannians like furniture was... less than distasteful. Britannian lives were sacred, even commoners. Though at least Milly seemed to be enjoying things.
"Lelouch, what's going on," said Milly, standing and coming forward. "You screwed up my entire expose."
"I could ask you the same question, Milly," said Lelouch. "I didn't give any orders to begin operations in Babel Tower."
"Do you know what they do to people here?" asked Shirley. "We've gotten stuff that will-"
"Incriminate nobles, many of whom are part of the moderates," said Lelouch.
"But Lulu, our job is to reveal the truth," said Shirley. "If we start hiding the truth, what's the difference between Clovis and us."
"The objection is logical, Shirley," admitted Lelouch. "But I need the money I make here, and I can't afford to have you cut off this source of income.
"Did you really think whatever scrap of paper you signed would protect you?
"What were you thinking?"
"My family has been trying to prostitute me into an arranged marriage for years," said Milly. "This is only speeding things up. Besides, you told us some of us would get killed.
"So we may as well take some risks to win big."
Lelouch paused. "...Fine, do whatever you want. But you are going to spend the rest of your hours here in this room, watching me play chess. You will then leave and quit your jobs and never go back.
"Do you understand? This place is more dangerous than walking naked through a ghetto."
Milly sighed. "Fine, fine, nice to know you care." Then she leaned forward toward them, showing off her cleavage. As she did, her expression became flirtatious. Cornelia had to admit, she was good at this. "So, Lelouch, I guess you purchased our services. How do we look?"
"Milly, we can't... stop acting like that!" said Shirley.
"Oh come on, Shirley, we've got a job to do, don't we," said Milly, smiling. "May as well get to it."
"This is neither the time nor place, Milly," said Lelouch.
"Fine, but I reserve the right to pose seductively," said Milly. "Shirley, you serve the champagne."
"Milly, we're underaged, and Lulu needs to play chess," said Shirley. "Is that a good-"
"Who says he'll be doing the drinking?" asked Milly.
"I'm not paying for champagne," said Lelouch flatty. "It's a waste of money and could get us all killed."
Milly sighed. "You are just determined to ruin this for us, aren't you, Lelouch."
"I think I prefer Lelouch when he's being responsible," said Shirley.
Cornelia stepped a bit back, just out of range to watch as Milly laughed. "Oh, 'I'm so overjoyed by darling Lulu is becoming a serious young man.' How adorable is that?"
"Can we please focus?" asked Lelouch. "I'm trying to think about my strategy."
Cornelia reflected that Lelouch's appearance had changed rapidly. He'd gone from all-controlling mastermind to henpecked husband remarkably quickly. This boded well.
And then someone grabbed her by the hair from behind and forced her down to the ground. Thrashing, Cornelia had her hands caught as a dark-skinned man kneeled down. He was wearing a blonde wig. "Huh, let me get a look at you.
"Heh, this one has really nice goods. I think I'll take her."
"Get your filthy hands off me, you ape," snarled Cornelia, going for a knife in her boot. However, her hand got caught by two suited bodyguards.
"Defiant streak, huh? I think I'll like breaking this one," said the man.
"Hold on, she's not an employee. You can't purchase her," said Lelouch, coming forward.
"Oh, I disagree, schoolboy. Everything is for sale," said the boy.
"And here I thought you wanted a challenge with stakes," said Lelouch. "You are a contender for the greatest chessplayer in Area 11, aren't you? Black King? That's why you came to challenge me. What would say we play a game with stakes?"
Black King halted. "And what do you have in mind."
"If I win, you have to leave my companion in peace and don't have to pay the sum. If you win, I hand over the agreed on winnings," said Lelouch.
"You're not much for negotiation, are you, schoolboy?" asked Black King.
"Who says I'm interested in money," said Lelouch. "My interest is in the championship."
What was Lelouch doing? If he could just distract them...
No, wait for the opportune moment.
"Alright, let's play," said Black King. "You two, keep an eye on the girl, so she doesn't wander off."
Lelouch and Black King then sat down across from one another. Milly and Shirley sat to one side, and Cornelia was shoved toward the wall, under their watch. She pretended to slump to the ground and assuming a submissive look. As she did, Cornelia a phone from her pocket and put it to her ear. Fortunately, the thugs seemed to be mostly focused on the game, where both were playing.
Cornelia made the call.
For a moment, she waited and waited. It would be irritating if there was no reception in this place. Then the phone picked up, and Guilford was on the other line. "Princess Cornelia? Where are you?"
"I'm sorry, Guilford," said Cornelia. "It seems I was a bit reckless."
"What about Princess Euphemia?" asked Guildford. "Why take her?"
Cornelia paused. "I thought she was with you?"
"She dodged her guards and ran off," said Guilford. "We've been looking all over for her.
"Where are you?"
"...We don't have time," said Cornelia, eyeing all the people around them. All of them had seen what happened; they'd heard it too. And they'd done nothing to help them, the cowards. "For now, I need to gather a large force of knightmares and seal off Babel Tower. Arrest everyone inside, not wearing a school uniform or a bunny suit, and hold them. I'll render my judgment later."
"But why?" asked Guilford.
"Just obey my instructions; I'm busy," said Cornelia before hanging up.
Standing up, shove moved over to stand next to Milly and Shirley, who were watching. Black King seemed to be quite good; he and Lelouch were moving against one another. But Cornelia suspected he was used to people being intimidated by him. Lelouch remained several steps ahead of him the whole time.
"...He's very good, isn't he?" asked Cornelia.
"Oh yeah, Lulu is the best. I've never met anyone who could beat him," said Shirley.
Black King was, evidently, starting to realize that he was not up against an amateur. Cornelia suspected that most people he played against were too terrified to win and took a dive. That seemed within his character.
"Black King looks like he's sweating," said Milly.
And then Lelouch moved his King closer to harm's way.
Black King laughed. "You're moving the King? Ha!"
"Why does Lulu always do that? It's a bad move, and this is serious," said Shirley.
"It's a bluff," said Cornelia.
"What?" said Milly. "What do you mean?"
Black King got sloppy, very sloppy. He oozed confidence, either because he thought Lelouch had decided to take a dive. Or because he thought Lelouch was an idiot.
"Black King has started playing sloppy," said Cornelia. "After Lelouch made that move, he started making his moves more recklessly.
"In four turns, Lelouch will have him in checkmate."
"You sure?" asked Milly.
"I've got a brother who is very good at chess," said Cornelia. "He only ever had one person who..." And then Cornelia halted, as one more bit of evidence raised itself. His appearance, his name, his mannerisms, and now his favorite pastime.
It was too much to be a coincidence.
"It's him," said Cornelia.
Her brother was alive and in Area 11. This was... she'd dreamed of a moment like this. And he was playing this game to protect her and...
Yet he was Zero.
Lelouch was actively working to fight Britannia. Or was he trying to become Emperor? No, why would he try to destroy an Empire he would one day rule?
"What?" said Black King.
"Checkmate," said Lelouch.
Black King shuddered and stared at the board. "What I..." Finally, he recovered. "Well, that's very unfortunate. How will my reputation ever recover?"
"I would never spread rumors," said Lelouch.
"No, I mean, how will my reputation survive from you cheating me?" said Black King. "Grab him." His thugs moved forward toward Lelouch, cracking their knuckles. The people all around saw it and turned away. "Sorry, schoolboy, you shouldn't have interfered with-"
Click.
Lelouch drew out a pistol and put it straight to Black King's head. And he looked at Black King with silent murder in his eyes. "Are you sure about this?"
Black King shuddered. "...You won't get away with this, schoolboy. I've got contacts all throughout the underground.
"I'm Black King. If you think that you can threaten me without a price being paid, you're dreaming."
"You were planning to kill me moments ago," said Lelouch. "It doesn't seem like I have anything to lose by blowing your brains out."
"Wow, this is really intense," said Milly. "This is gonna be a great home video."
Cornelia glanced and realized Milly had a recording device hidden in her cleavage. It was a... creative method of bringing this place down. Ill-advised, however.
"You two, take them hostage," said Black King.
The thugs moved forward toward Milly and Shirley. At that point, Cornelia decided she'd had enough. Moving forward, she brought around a roundhouse kick that smashed one of the men away. Before the other could move, she vaulted over him and used her momentum to bring him down and smash him on the ground.
"What the..." said Black King. "Who do you think you are, you little bitch? If you know what's good for you, you'll back down now. I've got a lot of friends in high places."
"Interesting," said Cornelia. "So do I."
And, by divine providence, the skylights far above shattered. Meanwhile, the fully armed SWAT teams descended on ropes. A voice cried out from the helicopter above. "Attention Babel Tower. I am Sir Guilford of the Britannian Military. By order of the new Viceroy of Area 11, this building is sealed, and everyone in it is under arrest."
As they landed, champagne was spilled across the floor as people fled. They didn't get far, quickly being arrested. Two officers approached. "We're here, Princess. Are you hurt?"
"I'm quite well, thanks to these three," said Cornelia. "Now, Black King, is it? I believe you wanted to know who I am. My name is Princess Cornelia Li Britannia. Everyone in this building is guilty of assault on royalty."
"Guilty... but milady, if we'd known it was you-" began a noble.
"You'd never have shown your true colors," said Cornelia. "Did you all know that it is a law that one is obligated to help a member of the Royal Family when they are in distress? As far as I can tell, the only people who followed that law are them. As of this moment, all of you are under arrest.
"We'll sort through the details later. Milly, Shirley, give me your recording devices immediately."
Both hesitated.
"Do it," said Lelouch. "For the moment, she is on our side."
They drew them out and turned out to have several. Cornelia took them and handed them over to the police. Quickly she gave them orders that took them off this floor, and the four of them were left alone on the floor. Then the situation dawned on her.
He was alive.
Cornelia's brother was alive. She looked to where he was, calculating even now. He'd foreseen this eventuality as he'd always done it. Had this been part of his plan? Or was he making it up as he went? Was Nunnally alive? Even if she wasn't, him being here was...
It was better than anything she could have imagined.
Moving forward, Cornelia felt the tension between them even more than before. It was unbearable. Something had to give in this relationship. "As for you, Prince of Ashford..."
On impulse, she leaned in and kissed him.
The feeling of his lips on hers was addicting, and the way his body tensed in surprise as she took him in her arms. The faint resistance, made more out of principle than lack of enjoyment, only made it better. It was everything she could have hoped for.
After a moment, Cornelia broke the kiss and smiled. "We'll talk later."
The shocked expression on his face could be considered her vengeance for earlier. Now she just had to find a way to reign in the Knights of Ashford, and she already had one or two ideas...
