Categories > Movies > V for Vendetta > My Immortal
Chapter 2
V was floating in darkness, and behind the Fawkesian mask, a face was smiling as well. V knew where this place was and he accepted it; death. He was happy---- he had fallen in love with a strong woman-----something he thought never possible after Larkhill; had seen his vendetta through to its end, and freed his people from their prison bars. His mind wondered through the memories of his life, the good and the bad; from his incarceration at Larkhill; to when he met Evey and the night she danced with him; to the finale of his vendetta----the death of Sutler, Creedy, and his men. Suddenly a soothing female voice was calling to him, beckoning him. Was it Evey calling ----or perhaps an angel? Without even knowing why, he floated toward the voice.
Victoria had taken the black clad man to her home where she had slept peacefully for so long. She had never taken her prey back to her sanctuary, for her sire had taught her the ways of the hunt, and this was not one of them, but something drew her to this one. She had exchanged blood with him, enough for the body to begin healing itself---- but she was still too weak to turn him. Now, it was up to the man to leave or die. She knew that he would------his body had already began the healing process. How or why, it was repairing itself so quickly, she did not know---- so she sat beside him, waiting. She was patient though, having slept for several hundred years, after all. Sitting silently, she could hear his steady breathing, his strong heart beat, and his blood flowing through his body. She watched as his hand twitched, his body move, and a moan escape from beneath the mask as he stirred. If she had had a heartbeat, it would have skipped as the excitement began flowing through her veins, but she stayed composed and calm as the masked man awoke.
Pain shot through his body---his chest bearing the brunt of it. He tried to push himself into a sitting position, but collapsed back onto the cold slab he lay upon----he was in too much pain. V grunted as he turned the mask slightly, looking at his surroundings. What he realized first, was that this was not the after life, and second, nor was it his beloved Shadow Gallery. He looked to his other side to see who was beside him, and his breath caught in his throat--- he didn't know who or what this being was, but she was too ethereal to be human. Her skin was as pale as snow and flawless as a child's, long jet black hair hung down her back in waves, and a body that denied age---- her eyes---- oh god, her eyes were beautiful and deadly at the same time, like one of his beloved knives, and black as the night sky. She was watching him with a gentle smile played on rich red lips.
“ Welcome back." The angel whispered as blackness once again over took his strained body. Victoria touched her hand to his gloved one, and felt the pulsating rhythm in his wrist. Once she rested, she would complete the turning and have a mate----something that been taken from her long ago---but her curiosity burned----Who was this man? Why am I drawn to him in such a way? Why does he wear a mask? She waited quietly, watching as his breathing deepened and became even. Convinced that he was in a deep slumber, Victoria slowly leaned forward, and very gently reached for his mask.....
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V woke abruptly, with a minimum of pain in his body. Slowly, he pushed himself up into a sitting position on the stone slab he had been lying on. Glancing around quickly, V's eyes widen as he took in his surroundings. He was in some type of underground chamber-----a mausoleum or crypt, perhaps? The thought of how he had gotten here swirled in his mind, making him dizzy. The last thing he could solidly remember was the station and laying in Evey's arms as he died-----but he wasn't dead, he was very much alive. Where was he? Sliding from the stone slab, he braced himself with his hand on the side-----his legs were still not very cooperative. The mask glanced to the right and saw a set of marble steps leading from above to where he was. There was no doubt in his mind that he was underground-----but where? Glancing to the left, he saw graceful columns arching throughout the space---it was definitely a crypt. V stumbled somewhat toward the first column, raising a leather glove, tracing the painting that covered it midway to the ceiling. The style, V noted, appeared to be 11th century Gothic, the high columns that graced the underground had various religious scenes depicted upon them, finally blending into a pristine white ceiling. Pieces of art and paintings decorated corners throughout the crypt. V felt his heart tightening as he thought of the Shadow Gallery. Turning, his eyes found a sarcophagi right across from where he stood, encased by at least eight more of the decorated columns. Having the strength return to his lower body, V silently made his way to the stone box. He reached for his knives to protect himself against what may occupy it, but was shaken to find, he touched nothing but air.
“ Damn!” He cursed silently remembering that they were embedded within the dead bodies at Victoria Station. He quickly looked to find anything he could use as a weapon should his life become threatened. He found nothing, and realized that the only chance he had was hand-to-hand combat. Stretching his hand toward the lid, he bent to pry it open------then quickly stepped back, watching as the stone slab began to move on its own. With his hands clenched into fists by his side, he waited, watching critically as the opening grew larger and larger.
Effortlessly, a feminine hand reached from the inside and pushed the lid open enough to reveal a figure peering over her. Rising slowly, she exited her resting place, and stood before him.
"Who are you?" The man asked, his voice, dark and ominous.
“ My name is Victoria.” The beauty standing in front of V answered in a gentle tone.
“ Victoria....” V repeated the name in a whisper.
“ And who are you?" she asked as she crossed her arms, looking at him. His recovery was remarkable. No more than 24 hours ago, he was bleeding to death----- and now, he stood questioning her.
With a gentle bow, the masked man replied, “ I have no name, but you may call me V.”
"What an interesting name, never heard of anything quite like it.” Victoria said with a gentle smile playing across her lips. She could sense the strong heartbeat again, and the scent he was giving off was like an aphrodisiac----she moved toward him.
“ No closer.” V raised his hand. “ I warn you.”
“ Is that any way to address your savior?” She laughed softly, locking her eyes with those of the mask.
“ My savior?” He repeated as she came closer. “ How did I get here?”
“ I pulled you from your rolling tomb.” She replied, “ The other female thought you were dead---but I knew better----I could sense your faint heartbeat.”
“ Evey......” V whispered the name sadly, lowering his head.
“ Why do you mourn for her? She was surely sending you to your true death.” Victoria became irritated that he felt more for the other woman than he did for her----she had saved his life.....”You are dead to her.”
“ I loved her.....” He raised the mask, and stared into black eyes.
“ Love?” Victoria laughed at him as she moved away, walking among her many possessions.“ Love is only for the few that can stomach it!” She spoke the words venomously. Then turned back to face him. “ You do not need mortal love to survive.”
V stared at her. How could one so beautiful not believe in love? Quietly, V's clenched hand moved to his chest. “ You say that love is nonsense.... I tell you it is no such thing. For weeks and months it is a steady physical pain, an ache about the heart, never leaving one by night or by day, a long strain on one's nerves like a toothache or rheumatism, not intolerable at any one instant, but exhausting by its steady drain on the strength.” (1) V sighed deeply, “ For I know it well now.......”
Victoria looked at him, and sensed a sadness behind the mask. “ Was she your wife?”
V shook his head gently. “ My mistress with a monster is in love.....” (2)
Victoria watched the man, then finally spoke. “ You believe she loves you?”
His head snapped up, and he wheeled to face her. “ I warn you woman, do not trifle with me.” His voice had a dark tone to it.
“ I would not play your sorrow against you. I am just offering a way for you to know.” Victoria's lips curled slightly.
“ How?”
“ By letting you return to her.......” Victoria replied as she reached her hand out to touch his chest; the hunger beginning to rush through her veins slowly.” By letting you seek out the answers to your questions.”
V's heart skipped a beat when she smiled, but somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew she was dangerous, lethal and deadly-----but for some odd reason he wasn't afraid, or felt the urge to protect himself. Shaking the thought from his mind, he removed her hand gently, looking around the large room again. “ I am a free man. If I wish to leave, I will.”
“ You have my blood in your veins-----we are bonded.” Victoria spoke softly to him.
V grabbed her wrists roughly. “ What have you done to me?”
Victoria looked at him, “ I saved your life.”
“ How?” He questioned angrily, staring into her eyes.
“ By the mixing of my blood with yours.” Victoria answered.
V released her , turning from her. “ Why didn't you let me die? It was my time, my vendetta was finished-----I had earned my rest.”
“ I will not apologize for not taking your life......” She touched his arm, pausing a moment. “ I couldn't let you die, so I brought you here to recover.”
" Where exactly am I?" He asked tilting his head toward her.
“ My home.” Victoria answered.
“ Your home?” V repeated quietly. “ How long have you been here, Victoria?”
“ Longer than I can remember.” She replied softly, her mind drifting back to the day she placed herself into the long rest. It was the third month of the Black Death. Several of her kind had already left the city in search of a new hunting ground, Victoria had made her choice to stay and undergo the Sleep of the Elders. In the future, if the time came and she was awaken, she would once again be able to survive in a new world. “ Do you know what year it is?”
“ It is the year 2020.” V answered as he watched her reaction-----she stood there frozen, like one of the great works found in his gallery----staring, not moving. He repeated his question. “ How long have you been asleep Victoria?"
Again, she ignored him, not because she did not want to answer, but because she had not heard him.----- her thoughts were crashing down on her all at one time. Finally, she turned to him, “ Too long------ but now, I am reborn.”
V backed away from her. ” No human could survive in this sort of place for a long time-------”
“ No, they could not....., “ she paused turning away, lowering her eyes from him.” For an eternity, I have slept, waiting to be released from this crypt.”
V went still, his body grew stiff, and his breath caught in his throat when she spoke to him. His head tilted as he observed her.
Victoria's eyes sparkled as she gazed into the mask. “ You, in all your infinite wisdom have not figured it out?” Slowly, she began to smile, showing her perfect teeth.
“ I want to hear it from your own lips.” He answered.
Her mouth opened slightly as her two canine teeth began to grow longer and appeared just below her upper lip. “ I am vampyre.” She said calmly.
“ Vampires do not exist---the last one was thought to have been destroyed in 1805, by fire.” He paused, gaging her reaction. “ If they ever existed at all.”
“ That's an old folk tale----just like garlic, crosses and a stake of wood through the heart.” She barked a laugh. “ Oh, believe me V, we do exist.” She movied toward him. “ We are real-----very, very real.”
V held his ground as she came to stand before him. “ What do you want of me?”
“ Your love.” She answered, touching the mask gently.
V pulled her hand away slowly. “ I cannot give you something that I no longer possess.”
Victoria stared, her dark eyes began to flame in anger. “ It's her, isn't it?!” She cried as she lunged toward him, but V's gloved hands caught her by the throat.
“ Do...not...test...me...or...I...will...kill...you....where...you...stand!” He measured his words through clenched teeth as he stared into her dark eyes. “ You offered me the chance to return to Evey....grant me this, and I will let you live.”
Victoria shook her head in agreement as V removed his hands. Backing away, she bared her teeth, and a low hiss escaped her mouth, her hand going to her throat. She was beginning to fear this man for some reason..
“ If , after an agreed time, I find that Evey has moved on with her life in this new world, I will return to you here, and gladly remain by your side.” V spoke .
“ How do I know you will come back?” Victoria asked as her fangs receded.
“ You have my word.” He replied, looking at the young woman. “ I need fresh clothing, and must attend to my wounds. There are bullets I need to remove.”
“I give you two months to appease your human curiosity.” Victoria sneered, “ At the end of that time, you must make your decision, mortal.”
V tilted his head toward her. “ Agreed.”
Victoria watched as he climbed the steps and disappeared from her sight. She looked around the crypt and smiled. She would know his every move, and if need be, she would help him make up his mind. He was hers, and she would claim her prize.
----------------------------------------------------
Evey Hammond moved toward the Shadow Gallery silently. It was the first time she had returned. Many times, she had found herself walking toward the deserted underground tunnel that led to V's home, but would stop as tears began running down her face. Finally, she would turn and walk away----the pain still too fresh in her soul. It had been two months since that November 5th night. She had returned this night to grab a few things she wanted for her new apartment-----the rest, would be donated to the Ministry of Cultural Restoration, to be given to various museums throughout England. Taking a deep breath, she entered the security code. After a moment, Evey noticed that the lights had not flashed, signaling the opened entrance. She moved closer suddenly discovering that the lock on the door had been damaged.
“ Oh no..........” Evey whispered as fear spread through her------something was wrong! She pushed the heavy door open, and stepped inside. Reaching for the Gallery's lighting panel, she flipped the switch------- the lights rose from the shadows, illuminating a horrific scene before her. Most of the valuable art work and statues along with other items had been stolen. The whole gallery had been ransacked. Her legs collapsed and she fell to the floor, sobbing. Finally, calming down, she pulled the cell phone from her purse and dialed the number for Finch's office.
“ Chief Inspector Finch's office, how may I help you?”
“ Patsy, it's Evey. Is Dominic there?” Evey spoke quietly.
“ I'll buzz him for you Evey, just a minute, ok?” The feminine voice on the other end replied.
There was a brief pause on the line. “ Evey? What's wrong? Patsy said you've been crying.”
“ Oh Dom, it's terrible........it's been trashed, just trashed........” Evey began to cry again.
“ What's trashed, Evey? Where are you?” Dominic asked worriedly.
“ I'm....I'm at the Shadow Gallery. “ She paused, “ I came by to get some stuff for my apartment before the rest of V's things went to the Ministry. Someone has broken in--------they're gone----everything is gone.........oh, Dominic......”
“ I'll be right there. Just stay where you are. I love you.”
“ I love you too, Dom. Just, please hurry.” Evey closed the phone and slid it back into her purse. Gathering her strength, she pushed herself from the floor, and stood up.' At least they left the most important thing I wanted.' She walked over to the Wurlitzer and caressed its glass top.
The mask watched from the shadows as she moved around what had been left in the gallery. A single tear ran down a scarred cheek as he realized that Evey had found someone to give her the strength to move on with her life. Dominic Stone was a good man in V's eyes. He had kept track of Evey's movements since he had left Victoria, and not a day passed that he did not see her with him. She seemed to be happy in this new world. V sighed as he moved down one of the corridors bathed in shadows. Reaching the hidden doorway, he opened it stepping through, walking out of Evey Hammond's life forever.
(1) Henry Adams
(2) Shakespeare
V was floating in darkness, and behind the Fawkesian mask, a face was smiling as well. V knew where this place was and he accepted it; death. He was happy---- he had fallen in love with a strong woman-----something he thought never possible after Larkhill; had seen his vendetta through to its end, and freed his people from their prison bars. His mind wondered through the memories of his life, the good and the bad; from his incarceration at Larkhill; to when he met Evey and the night she danced with him; to the finale of his vendetta----the death of Sutler, Creedy, and his men. Suddenly a soothing female voice was calling to him, beckoning him. Was it Evey calling ----or perhaps an angel? Without even knowing why, he floated toward the voice.
Victoria had taken the black clad man to her home where she had slept peacefully for so long. She had never taken her prey back to her sanctuary, for her sire had taught her the ways of the hunt, and this was not one of them, but something drew her to this one. She had exchanged blood with him, enough for the body to begin healing itself---- but she was still too weak to turn him. Now, it was up to the man to leave or die. She knew that he would------his body had already began the healing process. How or why, it was repairing itself so quickly, she did not know---- so she sat beside him, waiting. She was patient though, having slept for several hundred years, after all. Sitting silently, she could hear his steady breathing, his strong heart beat, and his blood flowing through his body. She watched as his hand twitched, his body move, and a moan escape from beneath the mask as he stirred. If she had had a heartbeat, it would have skipped as the excitement began flowing through her veins, but she stayed composed and calm as the masked man awoke.
Pain shot through his body---his chest bearing the brunt of it. He tried to push himself into a sitting position, but collapsed back onto the cold slab he lay upon----he was in too much pain. V grunted as he turned the mask slightly, looking at his surroundings. What he realized first, was that this was not the after life, and second, nor was it his beloved Shadow Gallery. He looked to his other side to see who was beside him, and his breath caught in his throat--- he didn't know who or what this being was, but she was too ethereal to be human. Her skin was as pale as snow and flawless as a child's, long jet black hair hung down her back in waves, and a body that denied age---- her eyes---- oh god, her eyes were beautiful and deadly at the same time, like one of his beloved knives, and black as the night sky. She was watching him with a gentle smile played on rich red lips.
“ Welcome back." The angel whispered as blackness once again over took his strained body. Victoria touched her hand to his gloved one, and felt the pulsating rhythm in his wrist. Once she rested, she would complete the turning and have a mate----something that been taken from her long ago---but her curiosity burned----Who was this man? Why am I drawn to him in such a way? Why does he wear a mask? She waited quietly, watching as his breathing deepened and became even. Convinced that he was in a deep slumber, Victoria slowly leaned forward, and very gently reached for his mask.....
--------------------------------------------------------------------
V woke abruptly, with a minimum of pain in his body. Slowly, he pushed himself up into a sitting position on the stone slab he had been lying on. Glancing around quickly, V's eyes widen as he took in his surroundings. He was in some type of underground chamber-----a mausoleum or crypt, perhaps? The thought of how he had gotten here swirled in his mind, making him dizzy. The last thing he could solidly remember was the station and laying in Evey's arms as he died-----but he wasn't dead, he was very much alive. Where was he? Sliding from the stone slab, he braced himself with his hand on the side-----his legs were still not very cooperative. The mask glanced to the right and saw a set of marble steps leading from above to where he was. There was no doubt in his mind that he was underground-----but where? Glancing to the left, he saw graceful columns arching throughout the space---it was definitely a crypt. V stumbled somewhat toward the first column, raising a leather glove, tracing the painting that covered it midway to the ceiling. The style, V noted, appeared to be 11th century Gothic, the high columns that graced the underground had various religious scenes depicted upon them, finally blending into a pristine white ceiling. Pieces of art and paintings decorated corners throughout the crypt. V felt his heart tightening as he thought of the Shadow Gallery. Turning, his eyes found a sarcophagi right across from where he stood, encased by at least eight more of the decorated columns. Having the strength return to his lower body, V silently made his way to the stone box. He reached for his knives to protect himself against what may occupy it, but was shaken to find, he touched nothing but air.
“ Damn!” He cursed silently remembering that they were embedded within the dead bodies at Victoria Station. He quickly looked to find anything he could use as a weapon should his life become threatened. He found nothing, and realized that the only chance he had was hand-to-hand combat. Stretching his hand toward the lid, he bent to pry it open------then quickly stepped back, watching as the stone slab began to move on its own. With his hands clenched into fists by his side, he waited, watching critically as the opening grew larger and larger.
Effortlessly, a feminine hand reached from the inside and pushed the lid open enough to reveal a figure peering over her. Rising slowly, she exited her resting place, and stood before him.
"Who are you?" The man asked, his voice, dark and ominous.
“ My name is Victoria.” The beauty standing in front of V answered in a gentle tone.
“ Victoria....” V repeated the name in a whisper.
“ And who are you?" she asked as she crossed her arms, looking at him. His recovery was remarkable. No more than 24 hours ago, he was bleeding to death----- and now, he stood questioning her.
With a gentle bow, the masked man replied, “ I have no name, but you may call me V.”
"What an interesting name, never heard of anything quite like it.” Victoria said with a gentle smile playing across her lips. She could sense the strong heartbeat again, and the scent he was giving off was like an aphrodisiac----she moved toward him.
“ No closer.” V raised his hand. “ I warn you.”
“ Is that any way to address your savior?” She laughed softly, locking her eyes with those of the mask.
“ My savior?” He repeated as she came closer. “ How did I get here?”
“ I pulled you from your rolling tomb.” She replied, “ The other female thought you were dead---but I knew better----I could sense your faint heartbeat.”
“ Evey......” V whispered the name sadly, lowering his head.
“ Why do you mourn for her? She was surely sending you to your true death.” Victoria became irritated that he felt more for the other woman than he did for her----she had saved his life.....”You are dead to her.”
“ I loved her.....” He raised the mask, and stared into black eyes.
“ Love?” Victoria laughed at him as she moved away, walking among her many possessions.“ Love is only for the few that can stomach it!” She spoke the words venomously. Then turned back to face him. “ You do not need mortal love to survive.”
V stared at her. How could one so beautiful not believe in love? Quietly, V's clenched hand moved to his chest. “ You say that love is nonsense.... I tell you it is no such thing. For weeks and months it is a steady physical pain, an ache about the heart, never leaving one by night or by day, a long strain on one's nerves like a toothache or rheumatism, not intolerable at any one instant, but exhausting by its steady drain on the strength.” (1) V sighed deeply, “ For I know it well now.......”
Victoria looked at him, and sensed a sadness behind the mask. “ Was she your wife?”
V shook his head gently. “ My mistress with a monster is in love.....” (2)
Victoria watched the man, then finally spoke. “ You believe she loves you?”
His head snapped up, and he wheeled to face her. “ I warn you woman, do not trifle with me.” His voice had a dark tone to it.
“ I would not play your sorrow against you. I am just offering a way for you to know.” Victoria's lips curled slightly.
“ How?”
“ By letting you return to her.......” Victoria replied as she reached her hand out to touch his chest; the hunger beginning to rush through her veins slowly.” By letting you seek out the answers to your questions.”
V's heart skipped a beat when she smiled, but somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew she was dangerous, lethal and deadly-----but for some odd reason he wasn't afraid, or felt the urge to protect himself. Shaking the thought from his mind, he removed her hand gently, looking around the large room again. “ I am a free man. If I wish to leave, I will.”
“ You have my blood in your veins-----we are bonded.” Victoria spoke softly to him.
V grabbed her wrists roughly. “ What have you done to me?”
Victoria looked at him, “ I saved your life.”
“ How?” He questioned angrily, staring into her eyes.
“ By the mixing of my blood with yours.” Victoria answered.
V released her , turning from her. “ Why didn't you let me die? It was my time, my vendetta was finished-----I had earned my rest.”
“ I will not apologize for not taking your life......” She touched his arm, pausing a moment. “ I couldn't let you die, so I brought you here to recover.”
" Where exactly am I?" He asked tilting his head toward her.
“ My home.” Victoria answered.
“ Your home?” V repeated quietly. “ How long have you been here, Victoria?”
“ Longer than I can remember.” She replied softly, her mind drifting back to the day she placed herself into the long rest. It was the third month of the Black Death. Several of her kind had already left the city in search of a new hunting ground, Victoria had made her choice to stay and undergo the Sleep of the Elders. In the future, if the time came and she was awaken, she would once again be able to survive in a new world. “ Do you know what year it is?”
“ It is the year 2020.” V answered as he watched her reaction-----she stood there frozen, like one of the great works found in his gallery----staring, not moving. He repeated his question. “ How long have you been asleep Victoria?"
Again, she ignored him, not because she did not want to answer, but because she had not heard him.----- her thoughts were crashing down on her all at one time. Finally, she turned to him, “ Too long------ but now, I am reborn.”
V backed away from her. ” No human could survive in this sort of place for a long time-------”
“ No, they could not....., “ she paused turning away, lowering her eyes from him.” For an eternity, I have slept, waiting to be released from this crypt.”
V went still, his body grew stiff, and his breath caught in his throat when she spoke to him. His head tilted as he observed her.
Victoria's eyes sparkled as she gazed into the mask. “ You, in all your infinite wisdom have not figured it out?” Slowly, she began to smile, showing her perfect teeth.
“ I want to hear it from your own lips.” He answered.
Her mouth opened slightly as her two canine teeth began to grow longer and appeared just below her upper lip. “ I am vampyre.” She said calmly.
“ Vampires do not exist---the last one was thought to have been destroyed in 1805, by fire.” He paused, gaging her reaction. “ If they ever existed at all.”
“ That's an old folk tale----just like garlic, crosses and a stake of wood through the heart.” She barked a laugh. “ Oh, believe me V, we do exist.” She movied toward him. “ We are real-----very, very real.”
V held his ground as she came to stand before him. “ What do you want of me?”
“ Your love.” She answered, touching the mask gently.
V pulled her hand away slowly. “ I cannot give you something that I no longer possess.”
Victoria stared, her dark eyes began to flame in anger. “ It's her, isn't it?!” She cried as she lunged toward him, but V's gloved hands caught her by the throat.
“ Do...not...test...me...or...I...will...kill...you....where...you...stand!” He measured his words through clenched teeth as he stared into her dark eyes. “ You offered me the chance to return to Evey....grant me this, and I will let you live.”
Victoria shook her head in agreement as V removed his hands. Backing away, she bared her teeth, and a low hiss escaped her mouth, her hand going to her throat. She was beginning to fear this man for some reason..
“ If , after an agreed time, I find that Evey has moved on with her life in this new world, I will return to you here, and gladly remain by your side.” V spoke .
“ How do I know you will come back?” Victoria asked as her fangs receded.
“ You have my word.” He replied, looking at the young woman. “ I need fresh clothing, and must attend to my wounds. There are bullets I need to remove.”
“I give you two months to appease your human curiosity.” Victoria sneered, “ At the end of that time, you must make your decision, mortal.”
V tilted his head toward her. “ Agreed.”
Victoria watched as he climbed the steps and disappeared from her sight. She looked around the crypt and smiled. She would know his every move, and if need be, she would help him make up his mind. He was hers, and she would claim her prize.
----------------------------------------------------
Evey Hammond moved toward the Shadow Gallery silently. It was the first time she had returned. Many times, she had found herself walking toward the deserted underground tunnel that led to V's home, but would stop as tears began running down her face. Finally, she would turn and walk away----the pain still too fresh in her soul. It had been two months since that November 5th night. She had returned this night to grab a few things she wanted for her new apartment-----the rest, would be donated to the Ministry of Cultural Restoration, to be given to various museums throughout England. Taking a deep breath, she entered the security code. After a moment, Evey noticed that the lights had not flashed, signaling the opened entrance. She moved closer suddenly discovering that the lock on the door had been damaged.
“ Oh no..........” Evey whispered as fear spread through her------something was wrong! She pushed the heavy door open, and stepped inside. Reaching for the Gallery's lighting panel, she flipped the switch------- the lights rose from the shadows, illuminating a horrific scene before her. Most of the valuable art work and statues along with other items had been stolen. The whole gallery had been ransacked. Her legs collapsed and she fell to the floor, sobbing. Finally, calming down, she pulled the cell phone from her purse and dialed the number for Finch's office.
“ Chief Inspector Finch's office, how may I help you?”
“ Patsy, it's Evey. Is Dominic there?” Evey spoke quietly.
“ I'll buzz him for you Evey, just a minute, ok?” The feminine voice on the other end replied.
There was a brief pause on the line. “ Evey? What's wrong? Patsy said you've been crying.”
“ Oh Dom, it's terrible........it's been trashed, just trashed........” Evey began to cry again.
“ What's trashed, Evey? Where are you?” Dominic asked worriedly.
“ I'm....I'm at the Shadow Gallery. “ She paused, “ I came by to get some stuff for my apartment before the rest of V's things went to the Ministry. Someone has broken in--------they're gone----everything is gone.........oh, Dominic......”
“ I'll be right there. Just stay where you are. I love you.”
“ I love you too, Dom. Just, please hurry.” Evey closed the phone and slid it back into her purse. Gathering her strength, she pushed herself from the floor, and stood up.' At least they left the most important thing I wanted.' She walked over to the Wurlitzer and caressed its glass top.
The mask watched from the shadows as she moved around what had been left in the gallery. A single tear ran down a scarred cheek as he realized that Evey had found someone to give her the strength to move on with her life. Dominic Stone was a good man in V's eyes. He had kept track of Evey's movements since he had left Victoria, and not a day passed that he did not see her with him. She seemed to be happy in this new world. V sighed as he moved down one of the corridors bathed in shadows. Reaching the hidden doorway, he opened it stepping through, walking out of Evey Hammond's life forever.
(1) Henry Adams
(2) Shakespeare
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