Pain for a Small Comfort
Who was he? Finch asked her
He was Edmund Dantés He looked down at her, surprised. And he was my father. And my mother.My brother.My friend.She sighed. He was you, and me. He was all of us…
Finch looked down at her. There seemed to be something in her voice that gave him the impression that V meant more than a lot to her.
Go down and enjoy the festivities inspector. I've got to think things through. Getting off the elevator, Evey led Finch down the corridor of the gallery. He was very interested in the artwork, but asked no questions.
Is there any way I can come back and have a look at this place again? Eric Finch asked when they had gotten to the street.
I don't think you should. Evey told him. But in extreme peril and emergency, consider this a place of temporary refuge.
As Eric walked down the street, Evey thought that she had heard yelling in the distance. She went to investigate and followed the sound to an alley way. There she found a young girl who looked to be around sixteen, being attacked by two Fingermen. Purely by instinct, Evey yelled out.
Hey! Stop it! Both the girl and the Fingermen looked at her. Even then realised it was the men who needed the help. The girl clutched a samurai sword in her hands.
Evey found herself walking towards the scene and saw that during the distraction, one of the Finger's had pulled out a gun and aimed it at the girl's head. In one quick move, Evey hit the joint of his arm and grabbed the gun. She then pointed it at him. Both men walked backwards and ran scared away.
Are you okay? Evey asked cautiously. The girl still had the sword gripped tightly and Evey was scared of herself and what she just did.
I didn't need your help. The girl stated.
I'm sure you didn't, but that doesn't tell me if you are okay or not. Evey thought she was starting to sound a bit like V.
I'm fine. Who are you?
Evey. And who do I have the pleasure of meeting? More and more like him.
I'm Violet. Can I ask you a question?
You have already asked two, but yes of course.
How did you move like that? I've never seen reactions that fast.
Just fast reactions then. Where do you live? The girl's face that was so eager to learn looked down suddenly.
Nowhere. I have no home or family.
Would you like to come with me, to get something to eat? You looked starved.
I don't need your help. She growled. A bit like V, Evey thought, when he was in a bad mood.
I know. But I was hoping that you could accompany me as I have no family, just a very lonely place to stay. Evey knew it was a long shot, but it was worth a try. She was not disappointed.
Well… Okay then.
Good. I must ask you one thing before we go. Where we are going, you must never tell anyone the location of it.
So, it's a secret lair sort of thing.
I-I suppose so.
I promise. Evey led Violet down the alleyway, to the discreet door. Evey smiled as she heard Violet gasp in amazement at what she saw inside. Evey remembered when he first saw the Shadow Gallery. It had been quite a sight, especially to wake up to.
This place is… amazing! Violet exclaimed.
I'm glad you like it.
How can you afford it? Evey felt a surge of guilt. Violet said she had no home and while Evey felt that she didn't have a true home, she always had a place to stay.
This place belonged to a friend, and he passed it on to me.
Was it the Saviours? Evey had no idea who Violet was talking about.
Who?
The Saviour; you know, Guy Fawkes.
Oh, V's?
Yeah. Evey sat down and signalled for Violet to copy.
You really are an intelligent girl.
No I'm not. I just figured. You told me not to tell anyone about this place, it is filled with stolen artwork that belonged to men in suits who only gave a damn about their own lives and you're Evey, the Evey. She looked down, her face pink. Anyway, my teachers tell me I'm stupid.
You go to school?
Of course. Do you think I want to be just some unemployed dumbass? Well I suppose if I go to school, I will be. She smiled. I want to learn the opinions of the Government, to test them against my own. So where's V?
Evey's face was full of concern, and looked sorry, mainly for Violet. He's dead.
Oh. I'm sorry.
What for? His death was not your fault. He would have liked you though. Violets face seemed to brighten a little.
Really?
Of course. Now, would you like to have a shower, and I'll get you something to eat.
You don't have to. I can go, and get it myself.
I know, I was just offering. But if you stay, afterwards I can show you one of V's rooms where he practices.
Practises what?
Oh, this and that. He taught me some self-defence there. Like that move I did to get the gun off the Finger.
Okay. So where's the bathroom? Evey led her down to the showers and got out a towel and some spare clothes; a black button up shirt and pants and a long black coat. Why V had all of these extra clothes, she did not know, but it was helpful to have them.
Thank-you, for everything.Violet gratefully said to Evey as she put a plate down in front of her.
You're very welcome. Now, next to V, I'm a terrible cook, but on my own I'm not too bad. I hope you enjoy it.
What is it? Violet asked incredibly. It's delicious.
It's Asian. Green Chicken Curry, I think V called it.
Asian? I thought that foreign food was illegal.
Yes, but so is blowing up Government property. V taught me how to make pretty much any food with the normal ingredients that gets sent to the Chancellor. Violet grinned and ate some more. Evey thought that she hadn't eaten in days.
Once finished, Violet was eager to learn.
V taught me some simple moves that if you learn and practice them enough, are just reactions. Evey told her, walking into the room. They are simple, easy and aren't fatal and hopefully won't hurt them that much. You want to surprises your enemies, not kill them. That's just my opinion though, and few people share it.
I could teach you how to use weapons. With the Fingermen you just got lucky. If someone wants to kill you, then wouldn't you want to defend yourself in all means possible?
I suppose… but first with the REACTIONS! Evey yelled as she went to hit Violet. Violet easily blocked it and retaliated, knocking Evey to the ground. You're good.
Thanks,
Now I only got lucky hitting that guy. Usually if people are nervous, then their arms are held much stronger and are straight.
Yeah, I've noticed that. That guy was a complete amateur.
Evey laughed. It was nice having someone to talk to who didn't continually speak in quotes. But Evey saw some qualities of V inside Violet as well. Her fierce independence and great strength and skill mixed well together along with the attitude of a normal teenage girl who had been through tough times.
When they had finished their lesson, Evey made up the bed where she used to sleep, for Violet and told her to get ready for bed.
I'm not trying to boss you around, Evey told Violet, but you do look tired so you should get some rest.
Thanks Evey, I've been up for two days straight; running and hiding from the Fingers. When you saw me I was just fighting because I was fed up with hiding.
So you haven't been to school?
It's a holiday to keep everyone in their homes today and they found me on Saturday,
Oh. Why were they chasing you in the first place?
I expressed my outrage and I stole some food. It wasn't much. And it's not like the Chancellor needed it in the end. I mean his dead for crying out loud.
Sutlers dead?Evey asked surprised. How? When?
Creedy shot him apparently. But someone broke Creedy's neck, and their guessing it was V because all of the other guys had fatal wounds caused by knives and some still had the knives in them. They were found at Victoria Station.
When did you learn this?
I was walking to the kitchen. The telly was on and the report caught my attention. Evey said something to herself, so soft that Violet couldn't hear.Pardon?
Nothing. Go get some rest.
What time is it?
Evey looked over to the big, old grandfather clock in the corner of the room. Quarter past three.
Thanks. Good morning Evey. Violet said, before walking off.
Morning Violet. After making sure the teen was asleep and comfortable, Evey went to search for a place for herself to rest.
Not knowing where V slept, or even if he did at all made it difficult for her. She only knew of the bed that she slept in. Evey was about to give up and retire to the couch, when she saw a hidden door. Contemplating whether to open it or not, she remembered that it was hers as V left it to her and he obviously wanted her to go in.
She turned the doorknob and walked in. She looked around and saw a dresser that she assumed to be oak that had a mask and wig on it, and a belt with knives hanging from the top. The mirror on the dresser was shattered. Evey opened a wardrobe next to the dresser to see boots, clothing and a hat on the top shelf. In the middle there was a bed that had dark red sheets.
Evey sat down on the bed and just looked and thought, until an envelope on the bedside table caught her eye that was marked Evey.
Evey had never seen V's writing before, but it was a strange combination of the care of a child learning to write and the sophisticated, old-fashioned style of her Grandfather's writing.
Dear Evey.
Obviously with you exploring so deeply, I am now dead. I am sorry if it scares you to be reading a dead man's will, but that is what this is. As I probably told you, everything own is now yours. Do with it what you will but I must ask you one thing. Do not be lonely. If you are, then by the end of your life you will regret every moment you did not have someone to talk to, to laugh with, to cry on, to learn from and to love.
Evey, every day I regret not looking for you. Instead I just waited for you to come to me. I regret not telling you from the day I saw you that I love you.
If you ever need anything, as in material items, my bank account -which is now yours- details are in the draw in the right bedside table.
Now my dear Evey, I must conclude by telling you how much I love you. The most anyone has loved a person as you are my only family, my only friend, my only college. So when everyone else has to spread their love out, I only have you to focus on.
I must go now, my love as I hear you waking up.
All my love,
V.
P.S. I have made a book of your favourite recipes that you enjoyed eating and making. There is enough space for in case you have inspiration to add your own. Imagine that; The Revolutionary's Cookbook.
Evey smiled, a tear rolling down her cheek. She loved V for his concern and honesty. He had told her never to be lonely and Evey planned to carry out his wish. She would not be lonely. She had found Violet, someone who needed family even more than Evey did. Violet, who was so much like V, but so little like him as well. With all of this set in her mind as well as having the knowledge that V really did love her, and that she loved him as well, Evey fell into a deep and happy sleep.
Evey woke with a fright to hear metal clanging; knife on knife, sword on sword. Running to see who the intruders were, she found Violet fighting the suit of armour. Smiling to herself, Evey cleared her throat, making her presence known.
Evey! I'm so sorry. I started practicing, making no sound, but I just got carried away I suppose…
Evey smiled. Violet, it's alright. I should be up anyway. It's- oh gods, is that the time?
What? Oh yeah, quarter to nine. I'll go to school in a few minutes to get there at quarter past. She said glumly.
Have you had any breakfast?
Yeah, hope you don't mind but I had some of the fruit in the fridge.
Violet, because I trusted you enough to tell you about this place, it is now yours as much as it is mine. That includes everything- even the food.
So you mean I can stay here?
If you want to.Violet hugged Evey,
Thank-you so much.Evey smiled and held onto Violet.
No problem Vi
Violet looked up. Vi
Sorry, it just slipped out.
No, I like it. I can't really remember a time when someone cared enough about me to make a special name. Evey felt uncomfortable, and she asked Violet if she wanted to be dropped off at school.
That'll be awesome, but now that I think about it, it is November the Fifth. Violet said, grinning. And as V said, that deserves a holiday.
You're right. Evey said, and smiled. How about I show you around? After that, we'll see what we can do to bring freedom to this country.
…V…
Hey people. Well, first chapter. Some of the chapters are going to be super short, and some of them longish so yeah. I'll probably update a few chapters at a time as well so yeah… review and tell me what you think… thanks.
-Blue Bee.