Author's note: I have borrowed from the original movie script throughout the next two chapters to bring all the characters together----
Chapter 17
'A New Hope '
Priceless porcelain flew across the room, shattering against cold, stone walls. The mask had been the first casualty of V's tirade, then the rest of the Shadow Gallery soon followed. Screams of intense pain echoed throughout the hallways and rooms as he raised his head and clenched fists to the ceiling and wailed. Finally, from exhaustion, V slid onto the rug by the piano, his hands covering his face, crying softly. He still could not comprehend what had happened to Jazlyn or Shadow----they had simply vanished as he held the woman he loved in his arms-----his life destroyed in a blink of an eye.
Taking a deep breath, he raised himself from the floor, straightening his clothing, his composure, returning. He knew what must be done------he felt the hatred begin to flow through his veins once again, and a black cloud descended to cover his mind as it had done so many times before. Grabbing the cloak, he walked toward his makeup room.
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" Jazlyn....." Words began to echo softly in her mind. " Jazlyn, wake up my love." The voice, calling to her..... " Jazlyn....."
Eyelids fluttered and recognition came into focus. " Grandmother?" She whispered.
The older woman smiled gently, as she touched the girl's forehead with a damp cloth. "You've had a nasty jolt, my dear. You need to rest."
Jazlyn struggled to sit up, but a hand pushed her gently back into the bed. " Why.....I don't understand-----you're dead.-------I'm dead?" Confusion covered her young face.
" No, you're not dead, my dear...." Grandmother answered, tucking the covers back in around her, then walked to the doorway. Clarissa Youngblood turned to her granddaughter, her Native American features highlighted by the lamp's light. " but very much alive...." Grandmother winked, " and so am I, it seems...."
" What...."
" Mistress?" A voice spoke from the doorway. " I am glad you are safe." Cassandra walked toward her.
" I don't understand-----what happened? " She paused, " I remember V holding me, then nothing."
" The residual strength of the spell sent us both through a portal to this dimension." Cassandra tried to explain, " On this plane of existence, everyone is alive. All resume normal lives and look the same, but in this world, we control our destiny."
Jazlyn's eyes grew wide. " Oh my god------V----- he thinks I'm dead. I've got to go back to him!"
" To him Jazlyn, you are already dead." A familiar voice interrupted her. Morgan Sommers, Jazlyn's mother smiled at her daughter as she approached her bedside. " My god, how I have missed you----my heart light." She held Jazlyn tightly, crying.
Jazlyn hugged her, closing her eyes, then gently broke away from her mother's arms. " I must return to V, Mother. I don't know what he will do...."
Morgan looked into Jazlyn's green eyes, ones that mirrored her own. " It is not possible." She rose from the bed, pushing strands of black hair out of her eyes. " We cannot return to the mortal world once we arrive here."
" What about the 'Rhee Lin' ritual, mother?" Jazlyn questioned.
" The ritual has never been performed." Morgan answered stiffly, " It's only a myth, Jazlyn."
Jazlyn eyes her mother. " You brought me up believing in the ritual, Mother, " she paused, " You told me to believe in it------a witch, pure in heart and soul may return to the world of the living, if only one time---to be reunited with a love, greater than death itself."
" Yes, it could be possible, but there is a great cost to pay if successful." Morgan answered.
" What is the cost, mother?"
" All the abilities you now possess would be lost forever. You would walk the world again as a mortal." Morgan watched her daughter's expression as she realized what love could cost her.
" I'll do it." Jazlyn took her mother's hands in hers. " For V, I'd give up everything."
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V put the finishing touches on the last bomb to be placed in unison with the others that lined the inside of the tube car. The tracks had been finished several months ago, and now all that remained was the end. Standing up, he wiped his hands off and looked at his creation. It would all be over soon-----only minor problems remained. He only wished she------no, she was gone----some three months now this very night. He felt the raw emotion surface as glimpses of Jazlyn's smiling face entered his mind. He grabbed the cloak and slowly tied it beneath his chin. The fingermen would be out tonight searching for victims-----and he would be out also, walking the dark alleyways, dealing out his own brand of justice. Reaching up, the tunnel went black.
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The response to Jazlyn's request would be soon handed down by the High Council, and she waited nervously, pacing the outside chamber. It had taken several days to have her request for the Rhee Lin ritual to be heard. She knew that the possibility of losing her abilities would never keep her from going to V, and she would return to him any way she could. The chamber doors opened and Jazlyn was led inside. She stood before the council, her head high, the crimson robes she wore brushing across the floor.
" Jazlyn Sommers, you have requested the ritual ' Rhee Lin '-------to return to your past life because you have professed to the love you have for a mortal there by the name of V, is this correct?" The older man who sat at the middle of the semi-round table, raised an eyebrow slowly.
" Yes, my Lord Chamberlain." She answered smiling, a memory of V flashed through her mind.
" A man who has saved my life numerous times."
" You have been told the consequences if the ritual is successful?"
" Yes, my Lord." Jazlyn looked to where Morgan and Clarissa stood.
" Mistress Sommers, we have debated your request fully, and are ready to render our response...." He looked at the two women standing off to the side. " We will grant your request, but you will never journey to this plane again. Your mother and grandmother may visit you at their own digression." He turned back to Jazlyn. " Do you accept these terms?"
" Yes, Lord Chamberlain." Jazlyn answered, her eyes locked on his.
" Then, as High Chamberlain of this governing body, I decree this matter is closed. Your grandmother will conduct the ritual with your assistance this night." His hand slammed the dark crystal ball on the table with a loud thud. " This council is adjourned." He looked at Jazlyn, a gentle smile crossing his lips. " May the blessings of the god and goddess guide you on your journey, child."
Jazlyn bowed her head slightly in acknowledgement, then watched as he and the others left the room.
" Come, there are plans to be made, granddaughter." Clarissa took her hand in hers. " You must learn the spell. You will have only one chance at this-----you must be prepared."
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V sat in front of the makeup mirror carefully brushing the black wig, the Fawkesian mask reflecting its forever fixed smile. Rising, he slid the knife belt around his waist, fastening it securely. Then came the cloak and finally, the hat-----his fingers doing final adjustments before leavingthe Shadow Gallery----his wrath would be felt tonight.
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The click of high heels on the dark cobblestone street echoed through the night as the woman made her way through the deserted part of Westminster. Looking up, she saw a lone figure standing mostly in shadow. " Excuse me.....uh, sir...."
The figure turned.
" Would you....would you like to sleep with me?"
The man smiled. " That is the clumsiest bit of propositioning I've ever heard."
" Oh god....I'm sorry. " She felt her face grow hot.
" First time, darlin'?"
" Yes, no, I mean for money. But I know what you like, and I'll do it." The woman smiled, pressing her body to his, her mouth leaving warm kisses on bare skin.
" Yeah," the man's breath was quickening as a soft hand grasp his member through the cloth.
" No, you don't know what you're doing. " Reaching into his jacket pocket, he pulled out a wallet, showing her the badge.
" Oh god!" She exclaimed withdrawing her hand, " You're fingermen."
" Give the little lady a prize." Another voice broke the silence.
" I've got something to give her...." A tall, sickly man advanced toward her, his hand on his belt buckle.
" Prostitution is a class E offense." The mustached fingerman grinned at her." Do you know what that means? It means that we get to exercise our own judicial discretion----"
" And you get to swallow it." The second man snarled as the others laughed.
" Please, It's my first time. I really need the money......please."
" Everyone has a first time, sometime."
" What'a think?"
" Spare the rod, spoil the child." The second fingerman laughed as he dropped his pants.
The woman whimpered as the fingerman pushed her face against the brick wall, lifting her dress to expose her bottom-----then suddenly, they realized all to soon, they were no longer alone
" In the last days, a dark angel shall walk the world seeking revenge on all evil dwelling upon it. "
" What the bloody hell?"
There was a pause, " And his name shall be called death....."
" We're fingermen pal, so bugger off!" A flash of a badge under street lamps.
" With vengeance bore, the great sword falls....." The pommel of V's knife connected with the face of the first fingerman sending him flying into one of the other fingermen, both colliding with a nearby wall. Within seconds, all lay dead or dying on the alleyway pavement.
" Are you hurt?" He asked, extending a gloved hand to the young woman, helping her up.
" No, " she replied, " Thanks to you."
V nodded.
" Who---who are you?"
" Me?" V chuckled under the mask. " I suppose all sorts of names will be heaped upon my humble visage, but for now, let us simply say I am the villain." He threw open the cloak and bowed deeply to her. " And to whom do I have the honor of addressing?"
" I'm Evey, Evey Hammond."
" Evey....E-V, ah, of course you are..."
" Why did you do that? Why did you …..help me?" She asked the strangely attired man standing in front of her.
" Why indeed?" V replied, smiling under the mask, " Do you like music, Evey?"
" I suppose I do, why?"
" Because I am a performer of sorts, percussion is my specialty, but tonight, I will be conducting the entire orchestra," V paused, " Would you like to accompany me?"
Evey looked at her savior. " I really should be getting home-----its been a trying night."
" It will be something you shall not long forget, then afterwards, I promise you safely home."
Evey smiled as his gloved hand went to rest gently on the small of her back, escorting her from the alley.
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Everything was in place for the ritual that Jazlyn would perform with her grandmother. The spell itself would last only seconds, but it's outcome would last a life time. Shadow would accompany her back to the time period she had left, but would not stay. Beside loosing her abilities, she would also be loosing her companion and guardian. From now on, V would be her sole guardian and protector.
" Are you ready, Jazlyn?" Her grandmother asked.
" Yes, I guess so."
" You sound as if you have doubts, granddaughter." Clarissa spoke softly as she took Jazlyn's hand.
" No....." She answered, " I love V with all my heart, he is my soul mate. I won't leave him....we've been through to much together, Grandmother."
Clarissa smiled, her dark eyes sparkled. " Don't ever let it go, my darling. Guard it with all the possessiveness you have. Give it trust, and love will always continue to grow."
" I will see you and mother again, won't I?"
" Of course. Just because we're not on the same plane of existence as you, doesn't mean you're rid of us." Clarissa laughed as she hugged her tightly.
" How long have I been gone in his world?"
Clarissa sighed, " That is hard to say....time moves differently here. You could have been gone days, months, even years."
" Will he even remember me?" Jazlyn asked, her voice shook with emotion.
" There is no answer for that question, I'm afraid." Clarissa replied as she led Jazlyn down the corridor toward a chamber where the spell was to be performed.
" I'll really be the first to do this?"
" Yes, " her grandmother smiled, " But I assure you, many will follow." Stopping outside the rune carved doorway, she looked at Jazlyn." Are you ready?"
" I am." Jazlyn answered, taking a deep breath.
" Then, let's begin." The door opened with a wave of Clarissa's hand, and they disappeared inside.
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Roger Dascombe watched in silence as he moved the video camera around the smoke filled room following Finch and Stone's every move. The terrorist, simply known as V, had walked calmly into BNN's Jordan Tower, and had taken over the entire newsroom. The cd he had recorded with Prothero was now being broadcast throughout New London on the BNN emergency channel to every building and home.
" Now, if you will please slip into the attire I have supplied for each of you, this will soon be over." V watched as hats, capes and masks were donned with little protest. One by one, he tied each person's hands securely behind their backs, then opened the adjoining door to the newsroom. " It has been most pleasurable." He bowed and disappeared through the smoke.
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" Please don't shoot!" Finch heard a voice calling through the smoke as someone rushed toward him. Suddenly, shots rang out and the masked figure fell to the floor, moaning in pain. Finch was beside it in seconds, pulling the mask up.
" Hurry! Please hurry! There's a bomb wired to the control panel!" The man exclaimed as Dascomb flew from the room.
" Roberts, get everyone wearing a mask out of here. Johnson, help carry this man." Finch ordered as he followed Dascomb from the room.
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Evey Hammond hurried down the deserted corridor toward the freight elevator. She had been made by the police, and was now running for her life. It was as she rounded the next corner that she saw him step into the hallway ahead of her. She recognized V immediately and ducked into an adjacent hallway.
" Hold it right there, chummy." Dominic Stone's voice broke the silence, his gun on V's back.
V slowly turned to face him, his hand above his head. " I must admit, I never thought that New London's best would be so johnny-on-the-spot."
" We were in the building long before you tried to blow it up. It was only a matter of time before we got you."
V watched as Evey moved up behind the young detective, her mace in hand------she tapped him on the shoulder.....
" Oh, I don't know about that...." V answered as Stone got a face full of mace, and Evey got a pistol barrel to the forehead, falling unconscious to the floor.
' You bloody wanker!' V thought angrily to himself as his gloved fist connected with Stone's face, throwing him to the ground. Tilting his head, he looked up into the camera, then at Evey. There was no hesitation as he picked her up, and carried her toward the staircase that lead to the basement.
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Jazlyn reached for Cassandra to steady herself as her eyes adjusted. She was back in the Shadow Gallery-----but where was V, and how would he respond to seeing her back from the dead?
" Master V is not here, Mistress." Cassandra looked around the main room.
" He'll be back soon." Jazlyn whispered softly, " But what if he's forgotten me, Cassandra----what do I do then?"
Cassandra had just started to answer when the monitoring signal went off, announcing someone's presence in the gallery tunnel system.
" Hurry!" Jazlyn grabbed her arm and pulled her into an adjacent hallway just as the gallery door slowly swung open, and V appeared, carrying a young woman in his arms. He carried the limp body down the hallway toward what once was Jazlyn's bedroom. A sick feeling crept into her stomach-----'Had he found someone else?' she thought to herself as she watched him disappear into the bedroom, reappearing several moments later, walking toward his makeup room.
" I must leave now Jazlyn, " Cassandra smiled at her friend, and pulled her into her arms in a farewell hug. " If you ever need me, just concentrate on this, and I will come to you."
Jazlyn began to cry," You have always been my friend and protector. I shall miss you." She took the necklace from Cassandra."
" Your necklace?"
" Yes, the onyx stone is a communication device between the planes."
"Thank you Cassandra." Jazlyn smiled through tear-filled eyes as her friend slowly drifted away. Taking the necklace, she placed it around her neck and fastened the clasp. Stepping out into the corridor, she headed for the main room, and V.
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V replaced the heavier Guy Fawkes mask he had worn with a lighter facsimile and tied it into place. Most likely, Evey would be out for several hours----she had a nasty bump on her head, but no damage had been done to her skull. She would have a nasty headache when she woke, but nothing more. How would he tell her she would have to remain with him for the next three months----until November fifth? He would try to explain to her his reasoning behind the request. He rose from the dressing table and left the room.
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Jazlyn looked up and came to a sudden stop----- V was standing next to the Wurlitzer, and looking directly toward her! He stood rigid, his hands clasped at the waist. His clothing was immaculate----as always----and his head tilted slowly to the right.
" V?" Jazlyn's voice was a bare whisper as she moved slowly toward him. " V?....." She reached for his arm.
" All days are nights to see till I see thee; and nights, bright days when dreams show me thee." (1) V spoke softly, closing his eyes under the mask, against the agonizing illusion. " Oh sweet fate, be gentle, and take this damnation you have cursed me with away----let me live silently in my end days." His head lowered, his hand touching the Wurlitzer, bracing his body as he crumpled to the floor, rocking back and forth, his head in his hands.
Jazlyn hurried to his side, dropping beside him. " My love, I am no illusion, " She gently pulled his gloved hands away from the mask, taking it in her hands, looking into the black eye slits." I am flesh and blood, just as you." She couldn't see his eyes, but she could sense that he was listening. " I couldn't leave you------it cost me everything, but I came back-----I love you, V. That will never, ever change."
" Jazlyn....." Her name was no more than a breath from behind the mask, but to her, it was as loud as one of his explosions.
" Yes, my love....my life...." she placed one of the gloved hands on her face, leaning into it, her eyes closing.
" I.....I...."
" It doesn't matter----I'm here with you now."
" It has been years since I have looked on such beauty.....how...." His voice a hoarse whisper to her ears.
" I'll explain it all later." Jazlyn reached up and loosened the mask, taking it into her hand slowly. She smiled as her lips embraced his-----she had come home to him---- her love, her life.
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Evey Hammond awoke with a start. Slowly, she rose into a sitting position, her hand automatically going to her throbbing head. Pain exploded as she touched the tender spot. " Oh, god...." she breathed as she remembered what had happened. Leaving the bedroom, she followed the direction she heard music coming from entering a large room, an antique jukebox sat in the center surrounded by various statues and paintings. Walking over to it, she began looking through the song listings. Sensing that she was no longer alone, she looked up, frightened at seeing V standing not far from her. " You startled me."
" My apologies." He bowed slightly.
" What is this place?" she asked, looking around.
" My home, I call it the Shadow Gallery." He answered moving around.
" It's lovely."
" Tea, anyone?" Jazlyn smiled, entering the room, carrying a silver tea service, laden with biscuits and marmalade.
" Ah, yes...." V said taking the tray from Jazlyn's hands and walked toward the media room
" After you." Jazlyn smiled at the woman as they followed V.
V sat the tea service down on the coffee table, then turned to where Evey and Jazlyn stood, eying each other. " Jazlyn, may I present Evey Hammond. Evey, this is Jazlyn Sommers."
" Hello." Evey smiled at Jazlyn.
" Hello." Jazlyn replied, looking at V. " Since I have just returned from a long trip, I have a lot of things that I must do. If you will excuse me....." She turned to V.
" May we talk later?" He questioned.
" Of course." She smiled at him, touching his his gloved hand. V watching as Jazlyn walked away.
" I take it, that she is more than a friend?" Evey asked as he poured her a cup of tea and handed her a small plate of scones.
V sighed. " A life time ago." He sat down on the couch, looking at Evey. " Thank you for saving my life today."
Evey smiled, " Just repaying the favor." She studied the strange man sitting beside her. She had the sudden feeling that her life was going to be very different from now on.
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Jazlyn open the trunk at the foot of V's bed, and reached inside. It was still here, just as she had left it----- the leather felt welcoming as it slipped into her hands. She had no idea where she now stood with him-----there was a new woman in his life now, and even if he didn't need her anymore, she was sure New London still did. Undressing, she slid into the black leather quickly, pinned her hair up, pulled the feathered mask on, and headed for the roof lift.
It was funny not having Shadow with her, Jazlyn thought as she slid down the rooftop ladder onto the pavement below. There was a light rain tonight, and the fog had just began to roll in across the city. Moving silently down the alleyway, listening for anything out of the ordinary, Jazlyn watched for any sign of fingermen on the prowl. She couldn't help remembering how she felt seeing V carrying Evey in his arms into the Shadow Gallery-------my god, was she jealous? She had no right to be-------she had been out of his life for years, according to what he had told Evey----but yet, it was killing her. Maybe she had done the wrong thing---coming back. She moved into the shadows a large building was casting, leaning with her back against the wall. Tears had begun to form, but she willed them away. Now was not the time to turn into a blubbering mess of womanhood. She needed all her wits about her---the fingermen would show no sympathy, no conscious, nor empathy to anyone out past their curfew. Jazlyn sighed, leaving the shadows to continue her reconnaissance of the area.
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Lewis Prothero stared out at the sea of humanity from the comfort of his train car. " Remember, remember the fifth of November...." He recited to his bodyguards, but sounding more as if he were talking to himself. " Do you think that's why he did it?"
" Did what, sir?" The first bodyguard asked.
" Guy Fawkes. He tried to blow up Parliament, and now, " Prothero paused, " this terrorist named V, tried to blow up Parliament, but succeeded in taking down Big Ben only."
"Sir..." Prothero's second bodyguard looked across the seat at him.
" Yes, Jackson, what is it?"
" Do you think he'll try again, sir?"
" Try to blow up Parliament?" Prothero laughed, " There'll be bloody hell to pay if he does. Sutler will have his balls hanging from London Bridge for all to see!" He turned back to his window as the train rumbled along, heading for a tunnel.
" I love trains----I remember riding the underground with my father. Shame Sutler had them all shut down."
Prothero's bodyguard smiled slightly as he looked out the opposite window just as the train entered the tunnel. " What the bloody hell's that?!"
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V waited patiently on the bridge for the train to approach, then with the cloak swirling around him like great black wings, he jumped.
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Prothero and the other bodyguard stared at the man.
" I thought I saw someone jump onto the train." The first bodyguard said looking at Prothero.
" This train is doing seventy miles an hour-----it would break his bloody legs." The second bodyguard half laughed. " You probably imagined it with it being night an all."
The man smiled at them both. " Yeah, you are probably right......my eyes playing tricks on me."
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Deep inside the tunnel, V glided across the rooftops, stopping on the last car. Inside, the conductor laid the book he had been reading aside and peered up at the ceiling------toward the noise he had heard just as V swung down, smashing feet first into the cab.
The brakes suddenly locked throwing one of the bodyguards into Prothero.
" Get off me!" Prothero exclaimed, pushing the man as the lights cut off sending the entire train into darkness.
" What the fuck is going on!?"
" Lock the car door!" Prothero exclaimed nervously.
" I can find......the damn lock...." The first bodyguard began, but his voice was silenced within seconds.
" What's going on...." The remaining bodyguard's voice broke the silence in the car------it was followed by a sound like the leather slap of a boxer pounding a bag, then the sound of that heavy bag collapsing onto the floor.
" I have a lighter here somewhere." Prothero started fumbling in his jacket pockets. " Ah, here it is!" He exclaimed flicking the lighter on, only to find a smiling mask staring back at him in the dim flame of the lighter.
" Good evening, Commander." V spoke, sitting across from him, his arms folded. The bodyguards, dead on the floor. " Even when you tell the truth, Chancellor Sutler still protects you." He rose to his feet.
Prothero spotted the bodyguard's gun on the floor, and killed the lighter, diving for it. A short struggle insured in the darkness, but when the lighter once again flicked back on------ the gun was gone, but light glistened off the blade of the knife V held.
" I'm going to give you a choice, Commander. You said we could cooperate with the doctors or.... Hold out your hand, Commander."
Slowly, Prothero stuck out a trembling hand toward V just as the lighter flicked off once again for a moment. When it came back on, a large syringe filled with murky liquid was in Prothero's hand.
" No, no,no! I was just doing what I was told!" Prothero sobbed.
" Of course you were. Now, I'm telling you to make a choice. Either you stick the syringe into your neck...." V paused, placing the blade against Prothero's neck, " Or I can make this a very messy, drawn out death."
" Please don't make me do this...." Prothero blubbered.
" It's a difficult choice, is it not?" V paused, watching, " Certain death verses something that might be.....worse. But you never know, do you Commander. There is always the chance that you may survive. Look at me. Time is up. Choose."
" I'll see you in hell." Prothero said, anger had galvanized his fear as he steadily lifted the syringe to his neck, sinking the plunger.
" Yes, I'm sure you will." V answered as Prothero began foaming at the mouth, a thick mucus bubbled from his nose. Suddenly, his body fell to the floor, convulsing uncontrollably, blood pouring from his ears.
V looked at the body for a moment, then disappeared through the train roof.
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Chief Inspector Eric Finch puffed steadily on his pipe as he watched the stretcher bearing Lewis Prothero's body wheeled past him.
" Inspector, what do you make of this?" Dominic Stone asked stepping toward him holding a rose in his gloved hand.
" Hmmm.......a Scarlet Carson, I believe. Strange...."
" Strange?"
" I didn't think they still existed." Finch replied as he stared at the symbol spray painted on the car's wall. A 'V' with a circle around it.
" Inspector?"
" Yes, Dom?"
" What do you think he's planning?"
Finch took a deep breath. " Chaos."
" Chaos?" Stone repeated.
" He's just waiting-----waiting for the right time, the right moment----then all hell is going to break loose." Finch answered taking the rose from Stone. " I'm going to going to the corner's office. I'll meet you back at the station."
Stone nodded as he watched Finch walk away.
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Evey looked up from the book she had been reading when she heard the gallery door open. Laying the book on the couch, she rose and walked into the main gallery finding V removing his cloak and hat.
" Good evening, Evey." He greeted happily laying the knife belt on the cloak. He had stopped by a room to clean the blood off the knives, and his person before reaching the Gallery.
" Hello, V."
" I hope you you had a comfortable evening." He added standing before her, hands by his side.
" Watched a movie-----' Gone With The Wind' I think, grabbed something to eat, and started reading ' Moby Dick '. " She answered. " How was yours?" She asked sarcastically.
V tilted his head to the left.
" It's almost time for the late news." Evey looked at her watch. " Are you coming?" She headed for the media room.
V followed, silently. " Are you sure you wouldn't rather watch a movie?"
" Anything in mind?"
" I do have one in mind----one of my favorites--- ' The Count of Monte Cristo ' with Robert Donut as Edmond Dantes."
" I've never seen it."
" Would you like to?"
" Does it have a happy ending?"
" As only celluloid can deliver."
" Then I'd love too." Evey smiled at him.
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Dominic Stone hung the phone up, looking at Finch. " You're not going to believe this, Chief. That was Captain Thomas at the 2nd Precinct, They had a phone call that came in about an hour ago. Rogers, Lynch, Johnson and Arnaz responded. Guess what they found?"
" Another dead party member?" Finch asked, stone faced.
" The largest money-laundering business in New London that has ever been found. Rogers told Thomas that it looked like the Raven's work----even had the bird's head outlines in fire. He thinks Raven may be back." Stone added.
Finch exhaled a plume of smoke. " Great, just what we need, another terrorist."
" Chief, " Dominic began, " They don't believe she's involved with V---don't ask me why, but they said there is something different this time." He stood up, rummaging through the papers on the fax machine, handing one to Finch. " We have the men responsible in custody."
" What happened to Creedy's black baggers?" Finch asked, taking the paper.
" The suspects were found two blocks from the station----all tied up like a Christmas goose." Dominic grinned.
Finch studied the report. " Maybe, " he eyed Stone, " just maybe, there is still hope we'll get through this in one piece."
" Maybe, Chief." Stone sighed, " maybe."
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Jazlyn made her way through the twisting tunnels toward the smaller labyrinth she had discovered earlier that evening while searching for somewhere she could use as a temporary home until she figured out her relationship with V. What she had found was a smaller version of the Shadow Gallery and it was without a doubt one of V's storage areas that had not been used in some time. Tonight, Jazlyn had been lucky enough to have found several boxes of candles in the warehouse the laundering scheme had been set up in. The rooms seem to have been wired for electricity, but there were no visible control panels like in the original gallery----seemed V had had other things to attend to.
She lit the candles one by one moving them to various locations in the rooms until the underground glowed in a soft warmth. Without her powers, Jazlyn was just a normal human being, and without Shadow, one who now had to deal with her own mortality.
" Hello Jazlyn." The voice echoed through the room, and she turned abruptly.
V stood in the shadows, the mask catching the light from the candles.
" How did you find me?" she asked as he stepped forward---toward her.
" I followed you through the tunnels." He answered, taking a closer step.
Jazlyn removed the skull cap, her long black hair cascading over leather shoulders.
" Why did you leave?" V asked, his gloved hand reaching out to her slowly, but she moved out of his grasp.
" Shouldn't you be at the gallery with Evey?"
" No." He answered lowering his hand. " She is of little interest to me."
Jazlyn's eyes flashed at him. " Was that what I was, V-----of little interest to you?" She asked sarcastically.
V lowered his head, then looked at her. " No Jazlyn, you were never that-----I had something with you I never thought possible------I loved you----I love you now." The black eye slits locked with dark green eyes.
" Even now, after all this time?" She asked quietly, studying the man before her.
" Yes." he answered, barely breathing.
Jazlyn walked to him, her hands going to the leather straps that held the Fawkesian mask in place. " I need to see you.....to touch you.....to kiss you."
V felt the mask loosen and he closed his eyes as cool air hit his face, then exhaled shakily as her hands touched his face gently.
" I died a thousand times over that night------what happened------where did you go, my love?" He asked before his lips caught hers, her arms encircling his neck.
" Oh, V...." she whispered as he covered her neck in kisses. " I love you...."
" There has not been a day that I have not thought about you or Shadow." He took her hands in his. " I hope she is well." He added looking into her eyes-----eyes he had so desperately tried to forget.
" Shadow is well. We were pulled into another dimension...." Jazlyn explained, " My mother and grandmother were there."
V tilted his head toward her. " May I inquire as to how this was done?"
" Shadow said it had something to do with the power of my mind." Jazlyn shrugged her shoulders. " I guess I have a powerful one......" She paused, looking into V's eyes.
" But you are here now...."
" It's a boring story...." Jazlyn smiled up at him.
" I have no future plans for this night." V paused, " But first, something to warm us up. I don't remember this part of the underground being so damp."
" That would be wonderful, but I haven't found the kitchen yet. I suppose there is one?"
" Yes, and lights. I shan't be gone long." He disappeared into the darkness and within seconds, a gentle light flooded the rooms. " There, that's much better." He appeared next to her. " Now, how about some hot tea?"
" Sounds wonderful." Jazlyn giggled softly as V offered his arm, and Jazlyn accepted without a second of hesitation.
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From above Westminster Abbey, a hand swept aside the plush red curtain. Bishop Anthony Lilliman smiled contentedly. " Ah, there they go. My happy and contented flock. Spiritually refreshed and ready to face the world again. Did you enjoy the sermon today, Dennis?" Lilliman turned from the window to his valet.
" Very inspiring, your grace. Though the segue of the forces of Satan among us did strike me as a bit of a curious digression." Dennis replied as he whisked the lint brush over Lilliman's robes before putting them away.
" Yes, I agree. Still, Fate wanted it included and who are we to question the will of the almighty, miserable sinners that we are?" Lilliman replied, a gentle smile spread across his lips.
Dennis smiled as he placed the Bishop's robes in the closet, sweeping the doors shut, then began pulling the open glass doors that led to the balcony, closed
" Please leave them open, Dennis. There is a wonderful breeze today, and I wish to enjoy it." Lilliman said dismissing Dennis with a wave of his hand.
" Will there be anything else, your Grace?"
" No Dennis, thank you."
" Your Grace." Dennis bowed, then left the Bishop's private quarters.
Lilliman sat down behind the large oaken desk and began going through his correspondence from the past several days. It was mostly the same notices, letters from the Chancellor's office with instructions for the following week's sermon, among other things, and his itinerary for the upcoming Bishops visit to Rome. Taking his glasses off, he rose from the desk, walking toward the open balcony. He had almost made it to the double doors when he froze in his tracks, staring into the eyes of death as V swung down from into the room.
" Who....who are you?"
" Please let me introduce myself, your Grace....." He walked toward the retreating Lilliman." I'm a man of wealth and taste."
" Dennis!"
Instantly, the point of V's knife was against the Bishop's throat as he pressed a finger to his frozen smile. " Shh....it isn't polite to disturb the dead on their journey----a courtesy I'll most respectfully extend to his grace."
" What do you want?" Lilliman gasped as V backed him against the desk.
V chuckled. " I want your life in payment for all those you have taken throughout the whole of your career." V paused momentarily.
" Have mercy, please....."
" Oh not today, Bishop...." V replied as Lilliman began to shake, the mask closed in, " Not today."
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Two men sat in a cramped control room that looked like something between a radio and television switching room----the only difference----this one did not broadcast, it received. The two men were at the main substation listening to the sounds of lovemaking coming over the speakers. The moans were stifled and low, however, as if someone may have been listening.
" Bloody Hell, doesn't anyone screw with feeling anymore?"
The second operator paid no attention to his partner, instead scrolling through an intricate city map on his computer. " Hey, today's Sunday. Children's hour over at the Abbey."
" Let's see what that old filthy pervert is up to." The first operator entered some coordinates and the sound over the speakers changed to a garbled fart of noise. Over the sound of a cacophony of classical music, two voices could barely be heard. " What the hell—---- " After switching frequencies, allowing the background noise to be drowned out, the two voices rose clearly above the din.
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" I saw a black shape against the flames, it's skin, red and burning------oh god, it was you. What do you want from me?!" Lilliman's voice half-cried.
" What is mine, your grace----a pound of flesh!"
" I beg you! Please!"
Both men looked at each other, the first operator lunging for the red phone. " This is Nelson! Get me the Finger----it's an emergency!"
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The gallery door closed silently behind V as he laid his cape on the piano.
" You're back." Evey's voice broke his thoughts as she entered the room.
" Yes." V answered, removing the knife belt, laying it aside. " I had an appointment."
" Did you see her?"
" If you are referring to Jazlyn....yes, I did."
" Oh..." Ever replied touching the black cloak. " You said it had been some time since you had seen her. Can I ask why?" Her amber eyes locked with the mask.
" It was a long time ago----it doesn't matter anymore." Jazlyn spoke from behind her, and Evey turned, watching as she walked to them.
" I wasn't prying, honest...." Evey replied watching as she stopped at the Wurlitzer. Jazlyn had changed out of the crimson gown she had worn earlier and into jeans and a sweater.
" V," Evey began, turning her attention back to him, " I happen to catch the news today....Lewis Prothero is dead,"
V tilted his head toward her." Yes?"
"I couldn't find my security badge yesterday." She paused, " You didn't take it, did you?"
There was a moment of silence. " Would you prefer the truth or a lie?"
Jazlyn watched the scene unfolding before her, and held her breath.
"Yes, I killed him." V answered, looking at Evey.
" Oh my god...."
" Does that upset you?"
" Yes! You just said you killed Lewis Prothero.!" Evey exclaimed as she glanced over at Jazlyn. " You knew?"
Jazlyn lowered her eyes.
" I killed the fingermen that attacked you that night in the alleyway. I heard no objection then."
V said coldly, as Jazlyn watched Evey.
" Are you going to kill more?"
' Here it comes----' Jazlyn thought to herself, Evey would know the truth about the man she was living with.
" Yes." The answer was a soft whisper," There are no courts in this country for men like Prothero." V voice was cold, hard.
" So you became judge, jury and executioner?" Evey barely got the words out of her mouth before she looked at Jazlyn. " He's crazy, you know that don't you?"
V lowered his head. " Revenge is a dish best served cold."
" I have to stay here, with you, a cold blooded murder, until you feel like letting me go?!" Evey backed away from him, looking at Jazlyn. " You are as crazy as he is-----you deserve each other!"
V took a step toward Evey." I didn't know what else to do, Evey. You were unconscious------I had to make a decision. If I had left you there, most likely, you would be in one of Creedy's interrogation rooms, and in all likelihood, would be tortured by his men to find me." V paused, " I'm sorry. Evey. I didn't want this for either of us."
Evey stared at the mask. " Why didn't you just leave me alone?! Just left me alone!" She turned on her heels and hurried down the hallway.
Jazlyn put her hand on V's arm. " Let me talk to her. She's scared and lonely. Her world has been taken from her------ she's lost, V."
V raised his head, looking at Jazlyn." You are the light in my darkness, dear Jazlyn." His gloved hand covered hers. " If you wish to try and help her understand, I will not interfere."
Jazlyn touched the mask lovingly, smiling---- then turned and followed Evey's exit.
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Finch chewed on the end of his pipe as he looked at the white vomit and blood on the thick pile of a Persian rug, encircled by police chalk, showing the outline of where Bishop Lilliman's body was found. The forensic team from the Nose were just finishing up with their examination of the Bishop's quarters as Finch stood at the open doors of the balcony, holding a single Violet Carson rose tucked safely away in a plastic evidence bag.
" No prints yet, sir. Just like Prothero