Lelouch wrapped his arm around Ishi's shoulder in order to try to comfort her. The last he wanted her to do was to worry again. Then again, the last she worried and came to the rescue she saved his life, but he wasn't going to let her tell him otherwise on this matter. "Ishi, please try to understand. This isn't just something I want; this is something I need. Besides, they can't do anything to me anymore even if I step into that house." Lelouch turned around so his back was toward Ishi.

Lelouch took off his jacket to reveal a rune that had been burned into his skin. "Once your in, your in for life I guess you could say. A little going away present I gave to myself on Acelin's behave.

Ishi said nothing as she gently, almost hesitantly, touched the rune, tracing it with her fingers softly. She then wrapped her arms around his waist from behind, resting her head on his back. "I just don't want to lose you again..."

"Not this time because this time will be different. Not only am I in the family, but I think I know of a way to persuade them a little bit more." Lelouch just smiled a devilish smile and tapped his index finger to his temple.

"That's my Lelouch. Always thinking of another way," Ishi said with a chuckle. Cupping his cheek tenderly she brushed it with her thumb. "Just...just come back to me, okay?"

Lelouch stood up and held her hand in his. "Who said I was going to leave you here? You're going with me."

"W-what?" Ishi said a bit taken aback. "Lelouch, are you sure I should go? This is a family matter after all..."

Lelouch was unwavering. "While I was in that hell hole, I learned the rules of the house. First rule: fights between family members are never questioned. Second rule: family members are allowed to kill each other without punishment. Third rule: under no circumstances can another kin take what has been claimed as mine. Sure they might look at you with malice in their eyes but they can do no harm to you as long as I am around."

"But I feel out of place going with you," Ishi retaliated, "What good am I going to do in that castle? Take out your other family members like I tried to do with Acelin?"

Lelouch chuckled softly. "No, I wasn't thinking that. I was thinking about a softer approach. How does walking in and talking to Father sound to you?"

"..." Ishi stared at him. "So you're just going to head home all cheery and show off your girl?" She asked sarcastically.

Truthfully, the thought of meeting Farid Kastina unnerved her slightly.

Lelouch sarcastically thought about it for a few seconds. "Yup. That's pretty much the idea of it. Besides, it's not like you are going to be alone in there; just relax. As long as you are with me, they can't touch you and even if they could, they won't even think about it after I tell them what I have in store for them."

After a bit of hesitation Ishi finally replied, "Okay...I'll go."

Lelouch patted Ishi on the shoulder in approval. "That's more like it. Now, let's get going. Don't have much time to waste; our window of opportunity is slowly closing." Lelouch wrapped his arm around Ishi and soon the familiar black dome enclosed them.

~

The two figures emerged from the dark shadows of the dome underneath a large tree that was in the center of a large courtyard full of statues. All of them stood tall and proud as they brandished there menacing weapons upon all who ventured at there feet. Lelouch looked over at Ishi. "Welcome to the Gate of the Seven Worlds. Ever noble vampire that has ever been born or turned into this family and died in our name lies here. Along with them, there lies the seven vampire Watchmen. One assigned to each world to watch over it and protect our family name. They are said to be still alive and watching over us and legend also says that their tombs hold gates that lead us through the Underworld to their respected world. Unfortunately, no one has ever found any truth in this, or at least none that they could find."

"Interesting," Ishi said as she curiously poked one of the statues, gazing in fascination.

Lelouch led Ishi to a nearby gate that led out of the graveyard. "This place goes on for miles and miles. People have been known to try to find the mansion but have gone mad just trying to get through the graveyard. Lucky for us, the mansion is just beyond this gate. As much fun as this place is, it gets boring and monotonous after the first day of walking."