Many years passed since that fateful night of November the fifth, many people still keeping the spirit of the vendetta alive. Evey had finally gotten her life back together. Though it had its ups and downs, in the end she had started a family. With two daughters, Anna (7yr) and Kimberly (13yr - stepdaughter), and a stepson, Matthew (15yr), she was quite content with her husband, Jason Perting. But fate, it seems, has many ways to screw it all up.

"Oh, Jason, I'm so glad we can finally get a night out for just the two of us." said Evey as she brushed through her hair. It had grown out back to its original length, maybe even a little bit longer.

"You'll have to thank Ms. Larson for the opportunity." replied Jason, coming up behind his wife.

Evey smiled, looking at her husband through the mirror. "She's a kind, old woman. I've known her for only a few months and yet, she's made me feel more at home than I ever have." Evey set her brushed down and glanced at her watch. "We better get going. Or, we'll be late for our reservation."

"You and your punctuality, Evey." Jason chuckled, pulling the woman close to him. She giggled as she stared up into his deep blue eyes. Their lips met, but not for long as a loud gagging noise issued from the doorway.

Matthew stood in the threshold, his tongue hanging out in a disgusted matter. Both Evey and Jason laughed at the sight.

"Is there something you need, Matt?" asked Evey, her arms still wrapped around Jason.

Matthew regained his composure and answered. "Ms. Larson just called. She said she'd be a little late." He added quickly, seeing the slight look of despair on his mother's face. "I can look after Anna and Kim until she gets here. I'm old enough."

His parents looked to each other, having the silent conversation all parents do. Finally, a smile came over his father's face and his gaze moved back to his son.

"Alright—"

Matthew punched the air victoriously. "Yes!"

"—but, you have to stay inside—"

"—and don't make a mess. I don't want to have it be like the surprise party you tried to throw for me last year." Evey sighed. She went over and hugged the teen. "When Ms. Larson gets here, just tell her that we left already. My phone number is on the fridge, as always."

"I know." Matthew broke away to give his dad a hug.

"Behave yourself, and make sure your sisters do, too." Jason said, taking hold of Evey's hand. They left the room and headed for the door.

"I will, dad." Matthew smiled, his mind doing a victory dance. He shut the door behind his parents, waiting a minute for them to get down the sidewalk before breaking into dance. A giggle made him freeze in his tracks. He whipped around, just catching a glimpse of Kimberly's red hair whipping out of view. "How long have you been there!" He shouted, racing after his sister.

Evey smiled, hearing the laughter from inside the house. She had wonderful children, a wonderful husband and a calming lifestyle.

She should've known something wrong was going to happen.

"What's the smile for?" Jason asked.

"I'll tell you later." Evey replied, stroking the man's arm lovingly.

"There won't be a later if you don't cooperate." A man stood in their path, his eyes glowing menacingly; in his hand a knife flashed in the lamplight. "Give me your valuables and no one will get hurt." Evey tightened her grip on her purse. The man growled. "It'll have to be the hard way, eh?" They didn't move. "So be it."

000

Evey's cries echoed throughout the streets. The man had taken everything, except her life. Jason lay near her—almost lifeless. His breathes were few and ragged in his chest. He coughed, blood coating his lips. Evey crawled to him, holding him in her lap. She laid her forehead against his, her tears falling onto his face.

"I...l-love...y—" Jason's body gave a violent jerk before lying still, never to move again.

"No...no..." Evey sobbed, her body rocking with his in her arms. She looked around for any sign of life—anyone that could help her. "Someone! Please! Help! Help, ple-e-ease!" She shouted, her tears choking her words. Her voice softened to a whisper, her eyes turning back to her loved one. "Jason, no...please, don't leave me...no-o..."

Evey stood silent at the funeral, watching as the coffin was carried to the hearse. She closed her eyes as the door slammed, tears slipping from beneath her eyelids. A warm hand touched hers and she met the eyes of her daughter. Taking Anna into her arms, she wept.

One year later...

"Nine years ago, the parliament was destroyed by the masked man known as 'V'..." The television flickered through various pictures of the night. Kimberly sat on the couch, her eyes fixed upon the screen. Evey entered the room, holding a plate with a fried egg on it. She set the plate on the coffee table, her eyes glancing up to the screen.

"What's on the news today, sweetheart?" She asked as her stepdaughter took the egg.

"They're rebuilding Parliament. Been working on it for almost a year." She replied between bites. "Be finished next month, they're guessing."

"Hmm." Evey sighed, exiting to the kitchen. Another TV was on and Matthew and Anna were watching the same news as Kim.

"In other news, a strange masked—" The TV screen went black as Evey pushed the power button on the remote.

"Mom!" Matthew tried to argue, but his mother wouldn't hear it.

"Kim's watching the news in the living room. If you want to watch it, go out there."

Matthew let out a grumble before leading his younger sister out to the couch where Kim was glued to the TV screen. Evey sunk into a chair, resting her head on the table. She couldn't do this. It was hard enough raising three kids while having a husband to help, but now, she was trying to do it on her own. It was very stressful. She just needed a day off.

000

"872 songs...and I've only danced to one of them." V stood at the jukebox, his hands resting on the keypad, his head bowed. He sighed, slowly moving away from the machine. He went over to the couch and dropped down onto the cushions, switching on the television. The image of Robert Donat as Edmond Dantes appeared on the screen, holding his beloved Mercedes who was portrayed by Elissa Landi.

"Can we come up?"

"You find your own tree."

V chuckled. This had always been his favorite movie. The love story, the tragedy, the vengeance that Edmond went through. He could relate to it more than ever. He sighed, a hand moving to the mask that still hid his face.

A whisper escaped his lips. "I'm so sorry, Evey..."