Author's note: This is another long chapter, so most likely it will be split in two as was the preceding one. Thanks for your support.
Chapter 19-----Part 1
' Principle '
Jazlyn tapped softly on the door to her old bedroom. " May I come in?"
" Go away!" Came the answer.
" Please---we need to talk, Evey." Jazlyn persisted.
" Why? Did V send you?"
" I came on my own." Jazlyn smiled in spite of herself. " Please, can I come in?"
" I guess."
Jazlyn open the door slowly and entered the semi-dark room. Evey was sitting on the bed, a box of facial tissues on her lap.
" You know, it's really not so bad here. The gallery can be very interesting." Jazlyn sat down beside her.
Evey looked up, her eyes red from crying. " How would you know? You've been gone for a long time."
" Yes, I have, but before I left, I lived here, in the Shadow Gallery for almost a year." Jazlyn replied, taking a deep breath.
" You lived here----with that psychotic murderer?" Evey questioned.
" Yes."
"Against your will----you remained here, with him?" Evey asked, unbelievably, studying the young woman sitting beside her on the bed.
" At the time I met him, thing were not as bad as they are now." Jazlyn smiled softly, " You could say-----I kinda popped into his life."
" I---I don't understand—----"
" Let me tell you how I met V." Jazlyn began.......
Dominic Stone looked over at Finch. " I don't get it, Inspector..... he wears a Guy Fawkes mask, and blows up Big Ben and a Norsefire government building? Didn't Fawkes try to blow up Parliament?" Dominic paused, picking up a pen.
" Maybe he's not finished yet." Finch replied, " He still has three months until the fifth."
Stone let out a deep breath, " Inspector, do you think he's insane like Creedy says?"
" It's the sane ones you have to watch, Dominic. They are the ones that are dangerous. " Finch paused, lighting his pipe. " Do I think V is insane---------no, not the least, there is a plan behind his madness, a plan that is, brilliant. A plan somehow connected to Larkhill and Evey Hammond."
" Are there any new leads on the Hammond girl yet?" Stone asked.
" Not since we saw her at Jordan Tower. She is with him, and possibly the Raven too." Finch answered.
" You think they are working together after all?"
" I'm sure Hammond and V are----as to the Raven, I don't know. As you said before, Dominic, her M.O. has changed-----she's leaving us live suspects now."
" I heard that Creedy has put a name to her----is that right?"
" Seems so. Creedy says that the girl in the alleyway with V and the Raven are the same----a Jazlyn Sommers." Finch answered.
" How the bloody hell did he find out?" Stone's voice grew angry. " I went through every identification program Fate has. There was nothing on her, Chief----nothing!"
" Seems one of Creedy's men knows her. According to Laslo, she has been on the run for some time. He matched the voices up from the surveillance tapes." Finch lit up his pipe, " They're one and the same."
Stone shook his head. " All these bloody coincidences are starting to make me sick...."
Finch looked at him and smiled.
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Evey's mouth dropped open as she stared at Jazlyn. " You're a witch?!"
" Ex-witch." Jazlyn answered, " When I returned to this time line, I gave up everything-----my powers, my companion and protector, my family...."
" You came back because of V?"
" Yes." Jazlyn's eyes shone with love at the mention of his name." I would do anything for him."
Evey smiled at Jazlyn. " I once asked V if he was a crazy person. He denied it of course, but sometimes, I wonder. I know that he blames Norsefire for everything that is happening...."
" V is a very complex and private person. Sometime, yes, he seems to slip over the edge of sanity, but he always returns. Norsefire is to blame for the condition we find ourselves in, but we are to blame also----V is driven by compassion, tolerance and justice, something that had long ago disappeared."
" I think I understand. When I was little, my father use to say that people were so afraid that the world was going to end, that they were willing it to happen. I don't remember much of the century's turn. I don't remember the market crash or the plaque or any of the Trafalgar riots. I've read about them since then, but I don't remember them impacting my life except for the fear. When my parents were younger, they had been activists. That all changed after my brother died from the St Mary's virus---they became more involved with the revolutionary movement that I was scared that when I was watching the news on the telly, I would see them being murdered. One night, the soldiers came----I never saw my parents after that." Evey said as a tear slid down her cheek. " Do you know why he wears the mask? I've never seen him without it or his gloves."
Jazlyn sighed as she remembered the first time she had ever seen his face---- something she had not told Evey about, and never would. " Neither have I." She lied, " I respect his privacy."
" And yet, you still love him."
" Jazlyn blushed. " Yes. Very much."
" Jazlyn...Evey...." V's voice came from the other side of the door as he rapped softly.
" Come in." Evey called.
" Dinner is ready." V opened the door, peering in.
" Thank you." Jazlyn smiled up at him as he dipped his head.
" We'll be there in a moment."
" As you wish." He replied, and turned away.
" He seems so far away at times.. So troubled-----as if the weight of the world rests on his shoulders." Evey said getting to her feet.
" He has a lot on his mind."
" Yes, I suppose he does." Evey accompanied Jazlyn down the hallway toward the kitchen. " There was another murder yesterday----a bishop, I think."
Jazlyn stopped. " A priest?"
" Anthony Lilliman ….."
' oh my god....' Jazlyn thought to herself.
" Are you alright, Jazlyn?" Evey asked, glancing over at her.
" Huh? Oh, yes. I just remembered something, that's all." Jazlyn smiled, then continued down the hallway.
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V had just finished placing the last of the fish and chips on the table, and sat the vinegar beside the fries when Evey and Jazlyn entered the kitchen.
" V...." Evey began, her hands resting on the back of a chair. " I want to apologize for the way I acted today. I was out of line, and I'm sorry......." she stopped abruptly. " Your hands...."
V looked down at the scared flesh
" Oh...." he moved to the table quickly and slipped the black leather gloves on. " There, that's better." He answered, turning his hands n the air. " I do hope I didn't put you off your appetite."
" No, not at all. Are you ok?"
" Yes."
" May I ask what happened?"
" A fire, some years ago, many seem to have forgotten it. Doesn't make for good table conversation I'm afraid." V replied, picking up the tea pot. " Would you like a cup to go with your meal?"
" Yes, very much. But, if you will excuse me, I need to freshen up. " Evey looked at Jazlyn. " I'll be right back."
Jazlyn watched as he disappeared down the hallway. " So, " she began, " where did you rescue her from?" Smiling at the mask.
" An alleyway with three fingermen." V answered as he poured their tea.
" I heard there was another murder yesterday. A Bishop Lilliman."
" Yes."
"Your handiwork?" she asked as he hung the apron back on its peg.
V didn't answer.
" Thought so."
They both looked up upon hearing Evey's footsteps coming toward them. " There, that's better."
She smiled, taking a seat at the table. " Something smells wonderful!"
" Everything V cooks is wonderful....." Jazlyn watched as V's head lowered, she imagined in embarrassment, and knew that under the mask, a warm blush was most likely, covering his face.
" If you ladies will excuse me, I have a prior engagement that must be seen to." He bowed slightly and walked away.
" Does he ever eat?" Evey asked as Jazlyn cut a piece of baked ham for each of them.
" In private." Jazlyn answered, sitting down.
" Think it's because of the burns on his hands?"
" As I said before, I respect his privacy---I've never asked." Jazlyn replied.
Evey looked at her, and smiled slightly before starting to eat.
Jazlyn was returning from the faux gallery heading toward the armory with sais in hand, her mind a tumbling mass of thoughts. It was getting close to the end------she knew, and she was not dealing with it well. Since the loss of her powers, the plan she had made to save V's life, was now just a bitter memory. She would have to follow him that night, and hope she could do something to protect him, but if fate had other plans, they would die together. She would no live in this world without him beside her.
She paused outside the closed door, listening to metal beating against metal. V was in there, most likely beating the hell out of the already damaged suit of armor. Pushing the door open, she entered onto the landing and peered over the wrought iron railing of the staircase leading below. Slowly, she descended the stairs catching a glimpse of V off to her right.
Dressed in a light gray poets shirt, black breeches, boots and vest, V moved around his stationary opponent, rapier in hand, slicing the air every few seconds. She couldn't tell if he was having his usual conversation with his old nemesis, Mondego, or not, so she instead focused on the physical aspect of the practice. V's physiology had not changed while she had been away. The speed at which he maneuvered the rapier through the air was still as incredible as the first time she had caught him in the armory. She had no ideas of V's age, but he moved like a man in his twenties, a result of Larkhill's doctors.
Leaning up against the rack of swords and knives, watching, until V turned in mid-lunge and caught sight of her.
" Jazlyn...." Her name came from his lips in a breathless whisper." I didn't hear you come in."
He reached up and straightened his vest.
" I noticed." She answered, " Preoccupied?"
Slowly, he lowered the rapier to his side." I...."
" It's ok, I understand." Jazlyn looked at him as his free arm came up, his gloved hand resting against the wall, palm down.
" I'm afraid that I ....." He stopped, as her hand touched the side of his mask less face.
" I know." Her lips caught his. " I know...."
V pulled away, reaching into his vest pocket. " I believe, this is yours." He held out the circled V to her.
" My necklace...." Jazlyn took it from his hand and placed it around her neck. " You kept it."
" You did ask me to keep it for you, did you not?" He asked softly, touching it.
A single tear slid down her cheek. " Yes." She whispered as he drew her into his arms, holding her gently. " I love you."
Passion burned in silver-gold eyes as he picked her up, walking to nearby mats that lay on the floor. Her body slowly slid down his, as her feet touched the mats. " I have never stopped loving you..." He breathed, " Only the thought of you has kept me sane over the last six years. That night, I saw you in the gallery, I thought I had finally succumbed to the insanity that ruled my life."
" V...." Jazlyn pulled him to the mats, her hands quickly loosening the vest so she could began work on the shirt.
" Patience, my love...." He gently took her hands in his, " Let us savor this moment like a fine wine...." His bare hand traveled down her gently, slowly, remembering every line and curve of her body. V exhaled deeply, intoxicated by her nearness, he touched her face as he shifted his weight gently, partially covering her body, his mouth taking hers hungrily.
Jazlyn's hands caressed the scarred skin of his neck, sending tremors through him.
" Ah...." he mummered against her neck, then raised himself on one elbow, his hand disappearing under the sweater she wore. A soft moan escaped her lips as he cupped her breast gently.
" I have dreamed of you often, Jazlyn.....the softness of your skin, the way your body responds to my touch,the way you have chased the demons from my soul." He whispered as he felt his erection grow against her leg. " I need you Jazlyn----I need you here with me."
" I will never leave you again, V. I promise. I will be with you until the end." She answered, looking into his eyes.
V rose from the floor taking her hand in his, drawing her with him. Slowly, he took the
sweater and removed it in one swift motion. Jazlyn's hands slid the vest from V's shoulders, discarding it with the sweater on the floor. Slowly, she unfastened the linen shirt----it landed in a heap along side the other clothing, and when she touched his bare chest, a low primeval moan escaped his lips as as fire erupted deep within his groin. Opening his eyes, he watched as Jazlyn slowly slid the jeans from her hips, kicking them across the mats, then unfastened the fly on his breeches, allowing his straining member to break free. Gently, she took him into her hands, caressing, rubbing and finally loving him.
A jolt of electricity shot through his body as Jazlyn's warm, moist mouth closed around him and for a moment, V that he would collapse from the sensations shooting through every nerve he had. Taking a ragged breath, he closed his eyes, feeling her mouth move over him, slowly in and out, picking a rhythm she knew would cause him immense pleasure, while her other hand cupped and squeezed his testicles gently.
" Not....like....this...." he breathed sharply, " My....love...."
Jazlyn stopped, releasing him. " Am I hurting you?"
" No, not at all...." he answered catching his breath.
Jazlyn watched as V slipped his boots, socks and breeches off. Taking her by her hand, he once again pulled her down, to lay beside him. Jazlyn touched one of the few areas not severely damaged by the fire, and she felt his body tremble as she traced patterns over his bare chest.
V's hand moved the length of her leg, touching every inch he could reach, until he finally began to stroke the inside of her thigh, as she had taught him long ago. Suddenly, sadness engulfed him------a feeling he had seldom experienced in his life, and a tear trickled down his cheek.
Jazlyn reached up, wiping the tear away with a subtle movement. " V? What is it?"
He caught her hand, and looked into her eyes. " I can never give you a child." The answer was so soft, that Jazlyn wasn't sure of what he had said.
" If you are saddened by the loss of not having a child, " Jazlyn kissed his hand, " All people do not have children, V. Some cannot have them----some do not want them."
" You are not disappointed?"
" Yes, I guess I am, but it's not the end of the world. There are children all across this city who want to have a loving father such as you." She replied, her hand closing around him once again, stroking his gently. " We can always adopt." Jazlyn grinned.
" I truly do not deserve you."
" V?"
" Yes, my love....." His breathing was once again becoming irregular.
" Shut up and make love to me." She released his throbbing member, pulling him to her.
" I hear my lady, and obey." His lips covered hers in a demanding kiss.
Jazlyn's legs opened to V's exploring hand, as his fingers parted her gently, stroking her slowly. Closing her eyes, she let waves of passion roll over her body as his finger slid into her wetness finding the motion she had taught him to please her with. After a few moments, he withdrew his finger and positioned himself at her entrance, pausing every few seconds to allow her to accommodate his size. Finally, when he was fully in, he began to move slowly, sensually, making every thrust awaken her senses. Jazlyn arched her back toward him, her legs wrapping around his waist, drawing him closer as his thrusts became stronger, his breathing faster, while she felt the fire beginning to burn deep within her loins. V smiled down at her as emotions crossed her face, her eyes closed, low soft whimpers escaping her throat. Lowering his lips to her skin, he felt the pressure of her fingernails on his back , and he knew she was desperately clinging to him, her body matching his, move by move as he whispered in her ear, his lips trailing kisses on her neck. Jazlyn came in an eruption of emotions as she clung to him, crying out his name, her body trembling beneath his, fingers clawing into his back as he reached his peak, crashing over the edge, moans ripping free from his tortured soul. Afterwards, they lay in each others arms, exhausted, their breathing slowing. Jazlyn's face rested against V's neck as he held her close.
" Are you going out tonight?"
" Yes, " he whispered, " I have an old friend I must meet."
Jazlyn closed her eyes tightly against the thought of him murdering someone yet again." How much time do we have left?"
" Weeks, " he sighed, " months......" He released her and rose from the mats, dressing in silence. He slid the wig back in place, and turned to face Jazlyn. " Will you stay with Evey tonight?"
" Yes, of course."
" Thank you." Retying the mask, he helped Jazlyn to her feet." I shan't be gone long."
Jazlyn shook her head in acknowledgement and pull her clothes on.
" What of the Raven----will she continue to protect the city, once I am gone?" V asked.
Jazlyn looked at him. " Yes, always."
V tilted his head toward her. " As it should always be." He turned, taking the steps two at a time, then disappeared out the door.
Slowly, sobs began to surface, and tears began flowing. Why was everything she loved taken away? Maybe she and Evey weren't so different after all.
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Delia Surridge rested in a light, uneasy sleep, the covers pulled protectively up around
her. Suddenly, an eye popped open as she awoke, catching a familiar scent. She sat up in bed and inhaled deeply. " Roses." she murmured, closing her eyes. " It's you, isn't it? You've come to kill me."
" Yes." A voice answered from the shadows.
" Oh, thank god. Thank god." Delia answered as tears streaked down her face.
" Are you afraid?" V asked as he floated on the edge of the room's shadows, a dark angel.
" No, no. I thought I would be, but I'm not. I'm...." She looked at the hovering, smiling mask. " Relieved." She began to cry again. " Oh god, all these years. Prothero, Lilliman-------all this waiting....I always knew you would come." Delia paused, " When I saw you that night-----the night you escaped, you were standing against the flames and you looked straight through me."
The mask almost nodded.
" I knew then that one day you'd come looking for me, that you'd find me.." Delia spoke in an almost confessional whisper. " What-----what happened at Larkhill......what I did.....what we did----- that terrible knowledge, it's been with me so long." Delia rubbed the tears from her eyes " For years, I blamed it on the government, on the authority I could never stand up to."
V sat on the edge of Delia's bed.
" It's funny, I was gives one of your roses a few day ago. I wasn't sure you were the terrorist until Chief Inspector Finch handed it to me. Said he found it next to Bishop Lilliman's body, and another one by Prothero's-----wanted to know if I knew any information on it-----if it was being grown again, and where it may have come from." She smiled at him. " What a coincidence that it was given to me all those days ago."
" There are no coincidences Delia, only the illusion of coincidence." V reached into his cloak. " I have another rose. This one is for you." He handed it to her.
" Then you are going to kill me now?" She asked him.
" I killed you ten minutes ago." He said, producing an empty syringe." While you slept."
" Is there any pain?" Delia asked.
V shook his head gently." No. No pain."
" Thank you." She said, staring at the mask. " Can I----can I see your face again?"
V slowly pulled off his hat and lifted the mask.
" It's beautiful......" Delia answered staring into his face as the rose dropped from her hand.
V quietly shut the door as if not to wake her and turned just as Derek Almond, the head
of the Finger reached the top of the stairs.
" Don't move an inch, you bloody bastard." Almond ordered as he trained his gun on V. " Seems Creedy's hunch paid off. We've had Surridge's place under surveillance for weeks."
The smiling mask stared.
" It's all finished chummy. All of it. The old man told Finch and Creedy it was our heads or yours, and what do you know, it's yours."
There was a brief silence, then V moved, cloak opening, filling the hallway like a black tidal wave that enveloped Almond, choking back a scream as V embraced him, slipping a knife above his floating rib.
Almond sputtered as he clawed at V's mask. " Who----who are you?"
" Yes, look. Look and tell me what you see." Almond ripped off the mask as V thrust the knife in deeper.
Almond's eyes widened in horror as his life poured out the knife wound. " Horrible! My god, it's horrible!"
V jerked his knife free, and let Almond slip to the ground, then disappeared into the shadows.
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Evey had left the gallery as soon as Jazlyn had gone to take a bath. She had decided to escape the madman and his sentence that had been imposed on her. So now, here she was, a small huddled figure moving down the dark wet street. Crossing in the shadows and avoiding pools of streetlight, a frightened look on her face, Evey headed for a nearby bar called the Kitty Kat Keller. Keeping her head low, she took a seat at a table. Unknown to her, at the same time, Peter Creedy was making his way through the crowd toward the back of the bar where a number of loud Fingermen were drinking.