Between Us

A/N: I know this was a long update. If you have forgotten part of the story I do suggest reading again. I apologize for the lateness and this chapter is not even long enough. But hey, this is the end! So be glad. Anyways enjoy!

Part 8: The Final Hour

Suzaku felt the shift of reality as he stepped into another plane completely different. He noticed the world was warped with floating platforms and what seem to be something forming right where three familiar people were standing. He still had no idea what was going on. He moved to take a step forward but C.C.'s outstretched hand stopped him.

"We should not interfere," was all she said.

-X-

Nunnally sighed as she glanced out the window of the Avalon. She was confined to Schneizel's private room. She hoped Rolo was okay. She needed to know she was okay. She heard the door briefly open and close. Turning a little she spotted Euphie walking towards her, neither hate nor pity showed in her expression, but one of relief, relief for her? She did not know. She just turned back to looking out the window, while she sensed Euphie getting a chair and sitting right in front of her. They stayed in silence. It was neither comforting nor tense, just the way Nunnally liked it. All of a sudden, she felt Euphie's arms embrace her.

"Nunnally… I'm glad you are safe…" Euphie said.

"When we get to the mainland I'm going to be executed," Nunnally stated softly. Euphie just hugged her tighter.

"No you won't. I'll just convince Schneizel-"

"No Euphie… I have to do this. It has to happen for the good of the empire. When Lelouch makes her decision we will see…"

"What do you mean 'when Lelouch makes a decision'… Lelouch is dead!"

Nunnally did not answer. A part of her was hoping her sister would accept their parents dream for the world but at the same time… she liked being an individual and she liked the individuals she has met.

-X-

"What is going on C.C.?" Suzaku asked his green-haired companion for the past few years. C.C. sighed. He was already here, might as well tell him.

"I met Marianne years ago. I made a contract with her. The world was a bitter place back then. Wars were rampant and then we met Charles and V.V. They told us about the plan, the plan to bring peace to this world where everyone would not lie, where there are no masks…"

Suzaku's memory came back to him as he remembered the familiar words. Lelouch had asked that question to him once and he answered. It was an absurd dream of achieving peace. A world without lies or masks is like a world without personality where everyone is the same, and would think the same thing as if reading each other's minds. No one would be known as an individual or have the unique quirks that make them attractive or stand out. They should not be doing this. He activated his geass and looked through many opportunities. He decided to go with one.

He took the first step forward.

-X-

Nunnally patiently sat in her glass prison, shackled to the chair like she was getting the injection. She paid no mind to it. She just hoped that Anya and Rolo were safe even if they were in a cell. She looked up as someone came through the automatic doors. She glared as Schneizel approached her.

"When am I scheduled?" Nunnally asked looking to the side.

"Right now." Schneizel answered. Nunnally fought the urge to gasp in surprise, instead just bit her lip.

"Okay." She just resigned.

"Unless you tell me why you did this." Nunnally studied him subtly but gave in. Either Lelouch would come for her or Schneizel would be leader of a world that has no need for leaders.

"I still haven't forgiven you for attempting to kill Lelouch." She said with the meanest glare she could give him. Nunnally was ecstatic as Schneizel looked at her with shock and a bit of hurt and guilt in his eyes, but it quickly passed. Either way, she was glad at his reaction. He deserved it and more. "This all started when Father and Uncle VV were children…"

-X-

"Suzaku! What are you doing here?" Lelouch asked in surprise. Suzaku did not answer her, but kept looking at the two deceased parents before facing her with a smile.

"It's funny really. I was following C.C. after you both left me unconscious for a few moments. Then I remembered where Mordred was headed. There was a big open door and I couldn't help but come in." Suzaku responded. Lelouch looked at him disbelieving. "So do you mind explaining to me what is going on when all of you are supposed to be dead?" Suzaku asked casually, but with a serious undertone. Marianne chuckled a little.

"Charming isn't he?" Marianne said. It was then Charles and she explained their plans, which C.C. already told him. Suzaku fought to put any facial expressions and succeeded. Instead he focused at the corner of his eye, Lelouch's reaction. He knew which path he should act.

"I'm sorry, but I have to disagree," Suzaku said, "What you are doing is wrong. Yes there will always be battles, but taking away the barrier that separates them from everyone else makes them useless." Suzaku pulled out his sword, holding up his hand, he placed the blade against the back of his hand. "You said you need two codes right?" he made a cut.

"I dare you to take it from me," Suzaku challenged as the wound healed quickly.

-X-

Schneizel could not believe his ears. This was his little sister, speaking about conspiracies, world domination, and death. It had puzzled him. He thought back throughout their talk and realized that he had missed something.

"Nunnally, what do you mean when you said attempted?" he asked. Nunnally gasped, covering her mouth. She let it slip briefly that Lelouch was still alive. She shook her head prompting Schneizel to enter and grasp her arms. "Tell me! Tell me that…" Schneizel stopped himself from saying anything else, but Nunnally's refusal to look at him confirmed everything. Inside he was relieved but the guilt still did not go away like it should have.

Schneizel embraced Nunnally as they felt a huge earth quake. They were up in the air though. He barely heard Nunnally's whisper.

"It has begun…"

-X-

Lelouch could feel her strength leaving her as she fought and defended herself from Suzaku. She knew if this would drag on any longer, then she would lose. She had to end this quickly or hold out. The truth was, they did not need the second code but it would be easier. Right now she was just buying time. She gasped as her wrist was squeezed just enough to not let her move. Suzaku got a hold of her from behind. Lelouch attempted to elbow him in the face, but he quickly stopped the attack and pinned her arms to her chest. Lelouch struggled until she knew that she could not break out of his grip. She mentally cursed; he was ruining the plan. Lelouch froze as she felt his breath on her ear.

"You aren't trying to change the world, are you?" Suzaku whispered to her. Lelouch was mentally panicking. She wondered what was going on. "See, the way I saw it, you did not come here to continue with this ridiculous plan. You came here to stop them. It was either you or Nunnally, am I right?" Suzaku was satisfied as she tensed up. Gripping both her wrists with one hand, he took his free hand grasping her chin to make her face him. He stared into her striking violet eyes finding everything that he needed to know. He gave her a genuine smile. "Don't worry, everything will be fine." Suzaku planted a kiss to her forehead where the geass insignia was imprinted before releasing her.

Lelouch sank to her knees as the stress caught up to her. It did not take long for Marianne to storm over, not attempting to touch Lelouch.

"What have you done to her?" Marianne demanded of Suzaku who stood his ground against her, stepping in front of Lelouch.

"Nothing that she herself did not want done," he responded. Charles too came over demanding to know what is going on. "It's simple," Suzaku began. "In the course of the next few minutes, this will be dissolved, all of your hard work will be for naught."

"Why you insolent brat! What makes you think that you can say such things?!" Charles yelled out. "There will be a new world! This world will no longer exist! A brat like you would not be able to stop it!"

"Mother, Father…" all three of them turned to look at Lelouch as she stood up to look at them. "I'm sorry… I can't do this anymore…" she said.

"Lelouch, sweetie, what are you talking about?" Marianne asked, fear gripping her.

"I can't accept this any longer…"

"NO!"

"I reject your world."

-X-

Schneizel held onto Nunnally for dear life as the quaking continued. He was assuring himself that she was safe. He wondered when someone was going to get him to look over everything. He gripped Nunnally's wrist gently and took him with her. They ran through the halls and ended up back at the bridge. He demanded to know what was going on. They told him that levels have been rising originating from seven points. The quakes got harsher and he was surprised as Nunnally clung on to him. He hugged her back, hoping to keep her safe.

As if his prayers were answered, the quaking suddenly stopped. Schneizel waited before kneeling down to Nunnally's level. "Are you okay?" he asked concerned laced in his voice. Nunnally just nodded to confirm but she was shocked. Surely Lelouch would have proceeded with the plan… Nunnally was steered towards a chair where Schneizel motioned for Euphy to come over. She solemnly did and held Nunnally's hand. Euphy too was concerned after Cornelia and she heard the whole explanation Schneizel got out of her. Euphy felt sad at the revelation but still loved her two sisters, no matter what they had done.

-X-

"How could you betray us?! You'll see! Our world would be better! The only thing waiting for you out there is Schneizel's world!"

Lelouch turned away while listening to her parent's words. All her life, even if it was in secret, her father truly loved both her and Nunnally and their mother was a strong and loving mother to them. Lelouch knew what some things have just gone too far. As she grew up, she knew what her parents were trying to do was not feasible. It was irrational and wrong to turn everything to absolute zero where everyone was just one being. The things that make up certain people would be nothing; everything would just be the same. Lelouch understood that this plan had to be stopped. Lelouch had found the hidden research and it concerned both her and Nunnally. She decided to face it herself and finish this ridiculous plan.

She was dragged out of her thoughts when she realized that the screeching stopped. Lelouch sat down, bringing her legs up to her chest. She rested her head on her knees and just sat there, trying to think of what she had just done, especially what was going to happen to Nunnally now. Oh God, Nunnally! Lelouch quickly thought and sprung up to get out of there, but was stopped when she ran into the body in front of her. She glared right into the green eyes.

"Move Kururugi," she demanded of him with anger laced in her voice.

"What are you going to do? Just barge in there and take her? Schneizel would have you immediately," Suzaku stated firmly. It got her silent and thinking. He foresaw this. He placed his hands on her shoulders. "We need to think this through. Knowing Schneizel he will probably just place Nunnally under house arrest or with him at all times." Before Lelouch could say anything, she spotted another figure walking towards them. Suzaku saw her look and looked where she was glancing at.

"Oh, don't mind me, you both can continue trying to kiss, I was just going to say to kind of push it right now so we can get back before we are permanently stuck here," C.C. said, smirking in their direction. Suzaku and Lelouch glared at her.

"Shut up immortal witch," Suzaku commented.

"I'm no longer an immortal witch now am I?" she smugly said in his direction.

-X-

A week later…

Crash!

Bang!

Schneizel winced at the sound of another vase cracking. This was probably the hundredth one he had to replace. Nunnally's temper had gotten worse throughout the week. Earlier that week Nunnally was 'executed', but he did not go through with it. She was hidden from the public view, only a few trusted knew of this. At the moment he did not know what to do. Nunnally was becoming unbearable. It was then a thought came to mind. He rummaged through some of his old clothes from his younger years and proceeded to the cells.

Rolo glanced up as the doors to his cell opened. He was surprised to see Schneizel there who threw some clothes at him. He gave a questioning look. Schneizel motioned for him to follow. Rolo reluctantly did. As he followed after he changed, he got nervous at the random crashing noises. Schneizel opened the door to where the noise was coming from. He was 'gently' shoved in.

"She's all yours," was all Schneizel said before the door shut behind him. Momentarily the noises stopped and he was relieved. He ventured further in the room and took a risk. He was relieved as he saw Nunnally, who was now just sitting on the floor.

"Nunnally…" Rolo called out to her. She looked up and her mood instantly changed. She ran up to him and embraced him tightly.

"Rolo… I missed you. They wouldn't let me see you and I –"

Rolo kissed her lips to stop her rant. She smiled.

-X-

Schneizel sighed as he sat in his office. After dealing with Nunnally for a week, she had been unbearable. She was moody and, from what he heard from the servants, was throwing up her food. If had a say in it he would have thought she was expecting. Of course, he immediately brushed it off as a passing thought. He glanced back at his paperwork, hoping to get it done before anything else happens. He felt something off, ever since he came in the room. He was sure there was something that he should be seeing right now. He lifted his head as he noticed someone sitting in the chair in front of him… How? He thought in surprise at his guest who had a gun pointed at him.

"I should kill you for what you attempted to do to me," she said, "But I knew you were going to pull it off anyway." She retracted the gun and set it on the side of his desk, near her. Leaning back, she asked one question, "What are you going to do now Brother?"

"What would you like me to do, Lelouch?" he said back. He looked right into her violet eyes. To him, she was really like their father.

"Actually, it should be what you think you should do, your highness," Suzaku said, just appearing from his hiding place to stand behind Lelouch. Schneizel stayed silent, watching their interaction with each other. Schneizel observed how Suzaku's hand made its way on her shoulder and how Lelouch's hand grasped it.

"Are you saying I should step down?" Schneizel asked.

Lelouch scoffed. "It's not like I can just appear and say 'Hey I'm back from the dead'. No, you can have the position. Hated the paperwork anyway and complainers." Schneizel could not help but chuckle. "What I want you to do is to destroy the Damocles and the creation of the FLEIJA and relinquish Nunnally and Rolo to me."

"That's –"

"You should realize Brother that all nations have done nothing because they are afraid of the FLEIJA. Suzaku here just caught seven thieves trying to get their hands on the creation. You will personally announce that you will send FLEIJA, all files and the copies to the sun." Lelouch stood, ready to leave. "I expect your answer within a few months otherwise I will start a rebellion against you and destroy the FLEIJA completely." With that, both she and Suzaku walked side by side to the door.

All of a sudden, Lelouch gasped as she felt an intense pain right where her heart was. Suzaku noticed it too and saw the blood coming out of the new wound. He quickly caught her as she fell forward and slumped in his arms. He looked towards the culprit and glared right at Schneizel.

"I'm sorry but I cannot let you do that," Schneizel said and then aimed right at Suzaku, before he could shoot he was shocked when he saw Lelouch in the process of standing up and facing him. "What –"

"That was the stupidest thing you did, Schneizel. Luckily for you I'm going to pass it off as you not thinking due to your stress." Lelouch said. "You have one week. Oh and just to let you know, Nunnally tends to be moody if she is not with Rolo, especially right now. Female hormones you know… you might want to ask your private physician. Oh I wouldn't try shooting me again. Suzaku has a tendency to 'do first, ask questions later'." With that they both left. Schneizel just stared as he was still trying to process the information that was given to him. He slumped in his chair. Then he thought of what Lelouch just said to him. He quickly made a call and power walked to Nunnally's room.

-X-

Three months after…

Schneizel relented to Lelouch's request. It was on TV for the public to see. Soon enough all nations began to rise, but they were quickly quelled as Schneizel dealt with them through peaceful negotiations. Some were not too easy to adjust, but they were easily convinced when faced with Britannia's army. There were still some prejudices but it was beginning to die down as the days go on.

Suzaku, of course, returned to his position as Prime Minister of Japan taking with him some extra baggage. What he means by extra baggage he meant C.C. and V.V. They would not leave them alone. Suzaku was getting to the point of just throwing them out or earn their keep. C.C. kept to her old habits of lazing around, giving cryptic sentences, eating from Pizza Hut, and bugging him… mostly bugging him. V.V was much tolerable than she was. He heard a brief knock at his door and told the person to come in as he concentrated on his paperwork. He was surprised a few seconds later when a hand was placed over his. He looked up to see violet eyes and he smiled.

"It's been an hour," Lelouch stated before sitting on the edge of his desk.

"This paperwork is not going to sign itself," Suzaku responded. Lelouch scoffed.

"Let the witch do it. That woman is insufferable, attempting to touch my stomach every time. It's getting on my nerves." Suzaku chuckled before placing his hand over her stomach.

"Well it's hard not to."

"I hope you know this is your fault."

"Oh? As I recall, someone was also very willing to do the deed."

Lelouch growled in annoyance. Suzaku noticed he had stepped over his limits and gave her a chaste kiss. It made her less angry and she just glared at him.

"Go on, I'll clean up and meet you outside," he said to her before she left. Suzaku sighed before turning off the lights and exiting the room.

It was going to be a long night.

Suzaku grinned at that thought and walked quicker to catch up with his new accomplice.

OWARI!

BLK Angel of Destruction: I'm finally finished! Well I hope you enjoyed the story! Thanks for your reviews and visits! They are a great support I really appreciate them. I'm going to be weaning off the fanfiction because school and work are wearing me down. Homework is extensive but work is hard labor, I consider dealing with customers while working in food service as hard labor. Anyways I'm glad you guys stayed with this even with the length of time it took to write it.

Review! No Flames! C+C accepted.