here it is the final chapter!dont worry there will be an epilogue(wow i cant spell!).so techincally one chapter to go!thanks for the reviews, specially the awesome ones i have recently received. its because of those i got this chappy done!i was really having a hard time with it, so if its not up to snuff you know know, and thanks for reading!

Chapter 33

Erik held Nicole's trembling hand as they walked out to the garden. The sun was fading fast below the horizon.

We have precious little time to do this.

The garden was a beautiful sight in the evening's dim light. Hundreds of flowers filled the ground, vases, and pots, all blooming to their full potential. The path which they walked was cobbled stone, and was worn with the passing of meaning feet. It led them to a clearing, with a large water fountain in the center. Jets of water sprang out from the middle of the fountain creating a soothing atmosphere. All of this was lost on the three people entering the clearing. They did not see the beautiful flowers, the comforting path, or the peaceful fountain.

Jacques turned around to face them and said, "Prepare yourself. Dusk is upon us, and soon there shall be no light. I want this finished."

Erik just nodded his agreement.

Nicole's hand clenched to his with a strength he did not know she had. As gently as he could he pried her fingers off of his, and kissed her forehead softly.

He guided her over to the edge of the clearing, and said with a forced smile, "Stay put."

She merely nodded in answer.

He removed his cloak and jacket, throwing them on the ground. Next, he ripped out the cravat he was wearing, it to joining the other closes. He unbuttoned his vest, and drew his sword.
Jacques was waiting for him. The men stared at each other. There were no words exchanged between them as the meant in the middle, swords crossed. Words had done them no good this far, there was no point in adding anymore.

Erik noticed large drops of sweat coming off of Jacques forehead, and he smirked.

I am intimidating him already. That's right, boy, fear me.

Jacques began the duel by feigning an attack at Erik, who had been expecting it. The dodge was effortless.

Thus the battle began. Erik was keeping his anger in check only with the help of saying Nicole's name in his mind, over and over again. It kept him calm and collected, and made dodging Jacques attacks easier.

Jacques on the other hand, was becoming more reckless with each passing moment. He futilely wiped his eyes with his free hand to try and remove sweat. He was tiring fast from his feints, and was starting to fumble.
Erik saw right through his disguise.

No practiced swordsman would tire this quickly. Well played.

Jacques was going to be coming at him strong any moment now, and he had to pretend that he wouldn't know. Jacques was hoping for the element of surprise, but Erik still had the upper hand.

Just as he finished this thought, Jacques came at him like never before. In the fading daylight, he began feigning left and right, but each time Erik anticipated his moves.

As twilight diminished, the moon gave them light. Both men never stopped for anything.

Nicole stood wringing her hands together and biting her lip as each blow was blocked. She tried to watch, but each time a sword was drawn high, she closed her eyes expecting the worst.

The only thing keeping her from breaking down was saying Erik's name in her mind.

I must trust in him, I must believe he can do this!

The fight raged on before her, and she felt completely helpless. Both men were bleeding from various attacks, nothing was fatal, yet.

Then Erik changed his attack. He was no longer on the defensive, he started his offensive. He barraged Jacques with blows from every direction, and Jacques blocked most, but no all. Soon Jacques was backed up against a tree, fighting for his life, and Nicole knew this was it. Erik struck Jacques's shoulder of his sword arm, and his sword feel to the ground.
Erik them placed the tip of his own sword below Jacques neck, and retrieved the fallen sword from the ground.

"Finish me off! Do it!" screamed Jacques, "I am already dead! She will never love me, what is the point in living?"

Erik's sword lowered slightly when he said, "You see the truth."

"Yes, I know that she will never love me. Even if I had won this duel and killed you. Oh, how justifying that would have been! To plunge my sword through your heart! I might have done it several times to make sure, since you are just a phantom!"

Jacques started laughing, but soon he broke down into hysterical tears.

"I just wanted her as my own, but no! You had to come along and ruin everything."

Nicole could hardly stand the scene unfolding before her. Pity filled her heart as she looked into Jacques watery eyes.

He needs help.

She looked at Erik and was just about to plead for his release when Jacques grabbed Erik's blade with his bare hands and wrenched from his grasp.

Blood started to stream from his hand, and splattered the ground. He threw himself at Erik, forgetting that there was a another sword between him and Erik.

Jacques had just placed his hands on Erik's neck, laughing manically, when he stopped.

His face fell into a confused look, as blood starting to pour out of his mouth.

Nicole had no idea what was going on, for her view was blocked by Erik.

Slowly, Erik walked away from Jacques, and it revealed to her what had happened. She gasped and shut her eyes, trying to block what she saw from her mind.

But even with her eyes closed tight all she saw was Jacques, with a sword blade thrust through his stomach. She saw his eyes filled with bewilderment as he touched his wound. She saw the blood gushing from him, and how it stained his clothes. She felt something start to rise in her stomach as the image kept replying in her head. She fell to the ground and retched.

Thunder rumbled in the distance, and rain started to fall.

Erik, where are you I need you?

She risked opening her eyes and looking over at Jacques to see where Erik was. She saw him laying Jacques body on the ground, the sword that was in him, laying harmlessly on the cobbled stone ground. Erik had wrapped Jacques body with his cloak, and used his jacket as a pillow. Nicole weakly got to her feet, and went over to Erik.

Jacques looked to be saying something, and Erik was nodding.

How is he still alive?

She knelt to the ground next to Erik, and looked at Jacques. He smiled up at her and with his last bit of strength raised his hand to reach for her. She took in mid air not caring about the blood, and tears sprang to her eyes.

"Nicole, don't cry." Coughed Jacques, "You are free."

"Jacques, I never wanted it to end like this."

Jacques head swayed slightly in what she assumed was a nod.

"I told him to take care of you."

She looked at Erik, and then back at Jacques.

"He will Jacques."

Again, his head swayed, and he closed his eyes. He took one last shuddering breath, and slipped into death.

Anne sat in the den, listening to the storm rage outside. She had not done much since Jacques had delivered Nicole's letter to her. She merely sat and waited. Marie had never once left her room. Anne knew she had better go to the police as soon as she knew Nicole was all right. She couldn't let Marie get away with her crimes any longer.

She heard the front door blow open and shut by the wind and stood up to lock, not wanting the rain to get in. When she entered the hall, she saw Nicole' dripping went with blood stains on her clothes.

Nicole ran to Anne's and covered her sister's mouth, not wanting her to scream.

"Anne, don't say a word, let me explain first!"

Nicole took her hand away from Anne's mouth and say her nod in understanding.

"I am fine, and so is Erik." She whispered furiously, "I can't tell you anything else, as of right now. You must trust me, all right?"

Again, Anne nodded.

"Good. Tell Belle good bye for me. You two are my only friends."

Anne uttered her first word, "What?"

"I am leaving, and I can't tell you were we are going. It's for your own safety."

"Nicole, what happened to Jacques? Who's blood is that?"

Nicole hesitated for a moment before answering, "It's Jacques. But please don't ask anything else. I will write to you. When everything has been taken care of I will write to you."

"When will that be?"

"I am not sure. Do not worry about me, Anne. Erik will take care of me."

Anne's eyes filled with tears as she sobbed, "Will I ever see you again?"

Nicole's answer was to wrap her arms around her sister and hug her with all her might. Tears came from both women, as they hugged each other.

Nicole pulled away and said, "Yes, we will. I promise."

Nicole released her sister, and went for the door.

Before she left she turned to her sister and said, "I love you."

Erik waited patiently for Nicole outside her former home. He knew that she needed a moment alone with Anne. They both didn't know when they would ever see Anne again.

He heard the door open and shut and Nicole emerged with red puffy eyes. The storm had started to subside, and now it was only drizzling lightly.

"How did she take it?" he asked as Nicole walked up to him.

"Not well."

"She knew you would be leaving with me, though, when we agreed to run away with each other."

"Yes, but I think she thought that we would still be able to see each other, or write more often."

Erik drew her into his arms and hugged her.

"I am sorry. If you want to stay…"

But he was broken off by her lips crashing on his.

When she broke away from him she said, "I love you. I want to be with you. I don't care how or why."

He smiled down at his fiancée and kissed her passionately. They stayed that way for several minutes, with hands searching each other's body's, and lips locked together. They pulled apart only for much needed air.

"Erik, as much as I want to continue this, you know we have important business."

He nodded both their faces set in grim determination.

"Are you sure," she asked, "That you want to do this?"

"Yes, it's only right that his body be returned to his family."

"All right, then I am with you, all the way."

He leaned down and kissed her lips softly.

"We are going to be together forever, Nicole."

"I can't wait."