Lelouch grabbed Ishi's hand and led her to a nearby couch. "I know you can't make them last more than 72 hours before you have to make another one. I also know that you know how to cure the diseased blood that runs through my veins. The ironic part is that you need my blood to make the clones last forever and I need your clone serum to keep my blood from destroying itself. So how about we make an agreement? You sharpen my fangs and I will sharpen yours?" Farid just looked at the two of them with a blank look on his face.

"How can I be sure that you will follow through with your end of the bargain?"

Lelouch looked at him then he looked back at Ishi. "In the event that that happens...." Lelouch took one last look at Ishi "if that happens, you can kill me."

Almost immediately the Kobaneoh stood and stared at Lelouch, about ready to smack some sense into him before actually pondering the situation. This was about the only chance they had to cure whatever it was that was in his blood that was shortening his lifespan, the only chance. She couldn't ruin this for Lelouch, not since his life depended on it. But she didn't want to lose the only thing that made her feel alive if something went wrong.

'I hope you know what you're doing, Lelo...' She thought, sitting back down and not staring at Lelouch nor Farid.

When Lelouch said that, Farid got a big smile on his face. "My, you are quite desperate for that cure aren't you? And I suppose you want me to do something to prove that I will hold up my end of the bargain right?" Lelouch nodded in response. "That would put my mind at ease considering you haven't been the most trustworthy person I have known." Farid chuckled. "No I guess I haven't been. Hmmm. Let's see. How about if I don't hold up my end of the bargain...." Farid thought for a few seconds and finally came to a conclusion. "I will give your friend there a Crimson Crest."

Lelouch was so shocked that he did a double take.

"Crimson Crest? What's that?" Ishi asked Lelouch.

Lelouch was still somewhat in shock from Farid's offer. "A Crimson Crest is what is given to those chosen to worthy of joining the vampire Watchmen. The last Crimson Crest was given more than five hundred years ago to the vampire Krono." What was Farid thinking? "There is only one problem though. Not only do you need a Crimson Crest, you also need to be accepted by the current Watchmen in order to be a true member."

"Oh, wow," Ishi said in awe, pointing at Farid with her thumb. "And he thinks I'm worthy of such a thing?"

"He thinks that you have some potential. You were able to fight on par with a member of the clan so he thinks that shows potential to be either a great adversary or a great ally. Naturally, he wants you on our side where he can keep an eye on you." Lelouch looked back at Farid. "Now that I have your word, when shall we start?" Farid gave a devious smile.

"I thought you would never ask." Farid escorted the two of them down a hallway

"I just hope you know what you're doing," Ishi whispered to Lelouch, finding his hand with her own and grasping it tightly.

Farid reached a door towards the end of the hall. When he opened the door, there was an operating table in the center of the room with restraints attached. Lelouch looked back at Ishi. "Me too."

*To be continued in Castel Sangre: Fate's Decision*