A/N: Based on the events in the film, not the comic. I thought that this side of V was something that wasn't explored in depth. Hope you enjoy it. x

Memoirs of a Masked Man

Initial Reactions

I. There he went, giving that speech; the continuous list of 'v' words. But this time it was different. The shaking form of the girl that was backed up against the cold, stone wall had stirred up so many emotions inside of him that he was finding it difficult to control himself. With his usual flair, he offered her his hand. Electricity bolted through him as their fingers made contact.

It was time to show her what he was truly capable of.

There they were, standing on the roof, alone together, murky view of London stretched out in front of them. Then he spoke those immortal words: "Remember, remember, the fifth of November, the gunpowder treason and plot. I know of no reason why the gunpowder treason should ever be forgot." For a moment the girl looked puzzled, lost in her thoughts.

He had promised the girl her own private concert, "it will be like nothing you have ever seen" and by God was she going to get one. "It is to Madame Justice I dedicate this concerto." Then with his usual Thespian mannerisms he waved the baton he had produced out of his cloak pocket and the music of Tchiakovsky's 1812 Overture blared out of every speaker in London. The music grew with intensity. "And now, for the crescendo!". The noise of the explosion thundered throughout London. The girl's eyes widened and she gasped as she staggered backwards, watching in horror as The Bailey exploded, and scattered into thousands of pieces.

II. Having successfully infiltrated the BTN Broadcasting Centre, and transmitted his message across London,the shadowy figure now stood over the body of the unconscious girl. She had tried to save him. But why was she there? Hadn't they evacuated the building? Apart from his hostages, hadn't everyone else escaped?

He felt a pang of guilt. He hadn't intended for her to get hurt. Yet she had tried to save him. He sighed heavily. What was he going to do now? Leave her?

He hesitated for a moment. What if they found her? What would they do with her? Torture her for information?

His hand tightened into a fist as the vivid pictures of what her future might hold appeared in his mind. Could he continue living knowing that he left her in their already blood-stained hands?

He exhaled slowly. If he took her back with him she would have to live underground for a whole year…could he put her through that? He looked away. But she would be with him; the one ray of light in his eternal darkness. Wouldn't that be a better life than living up there surrounded by their lies?

He glanced at her once more. Carefully lifting her body, he covered her in his cloak, and returned home.