Chapter 10: Oswald Cobblepot

I was trying to figure out the riddle we've got yesterday. Since I'm working, Edward has a day off today. He's trying to figure out what the riddle meant too. What he tells me it might have something to do with water, so he's going to be at the library trying to figure out which book has to do with the next murder. To think this is the only thing that really keeps you alive since it's a part of your system. But if you have too much of it, you become its victim. Yeah, it sounds like the Scorpio will drown in water. The question is who's the Scorpio though?

When I delivered a file to Detective Gordon. He was being visited by the familiar man who calls himself Penguin. His clothes were messy, though. They were the same ones when they arrested him, now he's covered in feathers. Poor guy, who did that to him?

Penguin said to Jim Gordon, "I just wanted to give my sincerest apologies to you old friend. Arkham has set me right and made me see my wrong doings. I hope you forgive me and that we make amends."

"It's nothing, Penguin." said Jim even though he sounded annoyed by his presence alone.

"Please, it's just Oswald now. Well, have a good day, Jim."

"You too, Oswald, goodbye."

When Oswald was walking away I handed Jim his file. I asked him, "Did Arkham just released him?"

"Looks like it." He said, "I doubt he's sane, though. It looks like it's just an act."

"I don't think so." I said, "His eyes, they look lost and confused. Maybe even feeling regret."

"You can tell just from his eyes?"

"People to me are like books, Detective Gordon. Emotions and body language aren't hard for me to read. Excuse me."

I've followed the limping man outside and once I caught up with him I said, "Excuse me, Mr. Cobblepot?"

When I caught his attention he turns around to look at me with a curious smile. "Yes?" He said.

"Are you friends with Edward Nygma?"

"Yes, I am. Why are you friends with him as well?"

"Yes, um... What happen to you? What's up with the feathers?"

"Oh, yeah." He looks at his coat, "Butch and Tabitha wanted to kill me at first but they decided to tar me in feathers instead. In all honesty, this is kind of nice of them."

"Nice?"

What has Arkham done to him? Last time I saw him he had this attitude and wasn't taking crap from anyone. Now he's this vulnerable, fragile, docile, and kind man. I don't think this is a good thing if he thinks being tarred and feathered is okay. I wonder...

"Do you have a place to stay?" I asked him.

"Well no not really. My home is now in Butch's care so I can't go back."

"I can let you stay at my place for a while. I can even get you some new clothes."

"Oh, well I'll be really grateful if this offer is real."

"It is, for one I don't think this new you is ready for the streets of Gotham yet. Wait out here for a minute and I'll be right out. I just need to get my stuff."

"Sure,"

I quickly went in and out to get my stuff and rejoin Oswald as we both walk together back to my apartment. During the walk, Oswald asked me, "If you don't mind me asking, what is your name?"

"Vital Eryx. You can just call me Vital, though."

"Vital," Oswald said my name while thinking about it, "What a lovely name."

He is so not the King of Gotham we all know. What has Arkham done to him? I'm just not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing. More of all how will Edward react once he sees him? I kind of hope he doesn't take it hard and accept the new change.

...

I let Oswald take a shower while I dispose of the ruined clothes of his. I provided him my black long sleeved shirt, blue plaid pajama pants, and black socks. I'll get him some new clothes soon once I know he's feeling alright. Poor guy must be hungry and exhausted. I took the liberty to make him a soup and sandwich, so once he gets out of the shower the food will be waiting for him.

When he got out of the shower he looked much more relaxed and way happier than before. He looked at me with this child-like innocent smile as he said, "Thank you so much for your hospitality, Vital. I will repay you this kindness soon."

"It's okay, Oswald. It's my pleasure. Besides it didn't look like people were treating you so kind when you left Arkham."

"Not true, I mean well I don't blame them. I have done some pretty horrible things before Arkham. But I'm going to make my amends and set things right for the people I have wronged."

He's that determined, huh? Well if he's going to do that I don't want him to do it alone. Some people just can't forgive people like him, especially in Gotham. This makes me question myself of why I'm helping him. Well, it's probably because there's something that Edward sees in him that makes him a friend.

I asked Oswald, "How many people do you have left to talk to?"

"Two more and that's it. After that, I want to go to my mother's grave."

"Oh,"

I remember hearing about his mother from Gordon. That Galavan was the one who killed his mother. This was recent too. He looks a little pained by the memory of it still. He's still trying hard to smile, even though it's broken. Since he wants to go to his mother's grave that means I'm going to have to get him nice clothes.

"Who are these two people?" I asked him, "Mr. Dandyman and Edward."

"Edward Nygma? Why do you feel like you need to make amends with him?"

"Well, I sort of encourage him into the criminal path. I want to see if I can get him out of it."

"... He told you about Kristen and Dougherty then?"

"Yes and that other gentleman he had to kill because he saw him burying Ms. Kringle's dead body."

"... He killed three people?"

He nodded, "Wait so Edward told you what he's done?" He asked me.

"Um, no. But can you keep it a secret between us, Oswald?"

"Sure, Vital."

"I sort of, well not sort of. I pretty much snooped around trying to figure out what happened to the last Records Keeper which was Kristen Kringle. I've found out that it was Edward the one who killed her and Tom, but like you I think he could... Well you know, change."

"Don't worry, friend. I'm sure he will. It has been a while since he killed right?"

"At least, what I know so far. But I think he stopped killing because he and I have been working on a case that involves a serial killer from 5 years ago. Well, he's back at it again, and we're trying to stop him."

"Oh, is there any way I could help?"

"Well, we're kind of stuck on a riddle the killer gave us."

Oswald chuckled as he said, "Ed, stuck on a riddle? That's a first. What does the riddle say?"

"To think this is the only thing that really keeps you alive since it's a part of your system. But if you have too much of it, you become its victim."

"... How are you stuck on this riddle? It's obvious he's going to drown someone in the water."

"He figured that part out, but it's the book the killer is going to use to base on the next victim."

"... You're not talking about the Bookworm killer are you?"

"Yes I am, wait you know about him?"

"Know about him? He's been around for more than five years. It was way before he even called himself Bookworm. He used to go by A.S. Scarlet."

"A.S. Scarlet? Is that his name?"

"No it's an alias, no one knows his real name. He's a man who doesn't exists in the system. No family, no friends, no home, and no identity."

Well when you're a killer, you have to make sure you're completely untraceable I suppose. "What was the riddle again, Vital?" He asked me.

"To think this is the only thing that really keeps you alive since it's a part of your system. But if you have too much of it, you become its victim." I repeated the riddle to him.

Oswald was really putting into thought about it until it looked like he finally got an answer, "Oh of course! I've forgotten all about that book."

"What book?"

"Hollow Vessel by Frank Eldon. It's about this teenage boy who trying to get through the death of his best friend. His best friend was killed by being drowned in water. Since the teenage boy and his friend loved swimming at the beach so much. It was a tragic that his friend was killed at their favorite place to have fun."

I slap my forehead as I said, "Of course! I've read that book, at least, eight times! How could I forget?! Go ahead and eat your soup and sandwich Oswald. I'm going out to get you some clothes and make a call to Edward."

"Oh, okay."

"Oswald thank you so much. You've really helped us big time."

"You're welcome, I've very happy to help in any way I can."

I quickly took my keys and coat as I walked out of the apartment while calling Edward on my cell. When he picked up he said, "Yes?"

"Edward I know what book he's talking about," I said excitedly.

"Really? Oh, thank goodness you don't know how many books I've gone through. Which is it?"

"Hollow Vessel by Frank Eldon. In the story, the best friend of the protagonist is killed by drowning. Edward, Bookworm is going to kill a teenage boy."

"Okay now we know which book he's going to base on for the next victim, but we don't know when he's going to do it."

Oh, that's right... Wait, I just remember something. I asked Edward, "Edward when was the date that the Libra died?"

"October 22nd."

"You know what I've completely forgot about that part. Bookworm kills his victims on the end date of the zodiacs."

"Which means he's going to kill the Scorpio on November 21st"

"Yes! It gives us enough time to figure out which teenage boy he's going to kill."

"Vital are you outside?"

"Yes, why?"

"You might want to refrain from talking about our case while other people are around."

I look around me and I've realized there are a few who are giving me weird stares. I gave an embarrassing smile to everyone and said to Edward, "Whoops sorry. Gotten a little too happy solving, at least, one piece to this puzzle."

"It's alright. I'll go look for the book now, after that, I'm taking a break. I'll talk to you later, Vital."

"Yeah, talk to you later, Edward."

I hang up the phone feeling quite confident that we're going to save the next victim. I walked into a clothing store to buy a few outfits for Oswald. I sure he doesn't want to be walking around in my pajamas for long.

...

I insisted on going with Oswald in case if anything happens to him when he apologizes to Mr. Dandyman. Oswald didn't want me to go because he's afraid that I'm going to get hurt. I stand up from the couch to face him and said, "I'm going whether you like it or not, Oswald."

"Why?" He said, "You don't have to go with me."

"Because what am I going to say to Edward if he finds out I let you go see Mr. Dandyman and you get hurt? You're his friend right?"

"Well, yes but-."

"But nothing, If Edward can kill Kristen by accident I'm sure my death won't be if I let you go on your own."

He finally gave in as he said, "Fine." He was already dressed in the new clothes I've bought for him. He's wearing a white collar shirt, black pants, black dress shoes, and a black hooded coat. Not as nice as his usual attire, but they're decent. He seems to be pleased by my choice for him. "Let's get going then," said Oswald.

I grab my coat and keys as we took off. We had to take a bus on the way over to Mr. Dandyman's house. Oswald tried to hide his nervousness but I kept telling him, "Everything it going to be fine, Oswald."

"I hope so," He says, "I don't think I could ever forgive myself if you get hurt because of me."

"Don't worry about it. Just focus on picking your words carefully when you apologize to him."

"... Right."

He still looks unsure of himself. To break the nervous tension he's building up within I grab his left hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. He was surprised by the action but he smiled nonetheless. He looks a little less nervous now... Wait, I'm holding his hand, and my heart is fluttering. Why am I nervous all of a sudden?

Am I? No this isn't a crush. I'm just trying to comfort a friend who needs the courage right now... Friend huh? I've only met this man for a day and I'm doing whatever I can to help him. This must be me being desperate to have more friends. What's funny is that I'm friends with a murderer and a criminal.

Once we've arrived at the house of Mr. Dandyman Oswald knocked on the door. A man dressed in a suit open it for us and he looked shocked to see Oswald. Oswald calmly said, "I'm here to speak with Mr. Dandyman."

The man didn't say anything except let us in the house. We followed him leading the way into the office of Mr. Dandyman. Mr. Dandyman actually looks like a scary guy. He's a darkly tanned man with black hair and brown eyes. Well actually I should say, eye. his left eye is covered over by a black eye patch with a scar running down his right cheek. He wears a dark red suit and he has a silver ring on his right hand around the fore-finger.

Mr. Dandyman gave Oswald a harsh glare. He said with great anger, "What the hell are you doing here, Penguin?! Shouldn't you still be in Arkham?!"

"As you can see, Mr. Dandyman, I'm declared sane."

He pulled his certificate to show him even though Mr. Dandyman panicked and pulled out his gun on him. "See," said Oswald as he made the certificate more visible.

"Just get to the point, Penguin." said Mr. Dandyman, "What do you want?"

"I just want to make amends." He said as he put away the certificate back into his inside pocket, "I came here to apologize for all the horrible things I've done to you."

"You think apologizing will bring my eye back?"

So that's what Oswald has done to him? I can see why he's so pissed.

"I know it won't." said Oswald, "But you have no idea how bad I feel. Arkham has set me straight and I want to right all the things that I have wronged."

Mr. Dandyman stood up from his chair and set the gun on his desk. He walks towards Oswald as he said, "You wanna make things right with me? Then you don't mind if I beat the crap out you right?"

When I saw him balled up his right fist I acted fast and stood in between them to take the hit. His ring is what hurt the most when it made contact on the left side of my forehead. It bust open the skin making it bleed over my left eye and down my cheek. I stood my ground though even though it made me waver a bit.

"Vital!" said Oswald who became very worried. I outstretch my arms to keep the two apart as I look at Mr. Dandyman with my right eye.

"Are you stupid?" said Mr. Dandyman to me, "You do know you're protecting the Penguin right?"

"You're wrong, he's not the Penguin anymore!" I shouted, "It's true what he says! He's a changed man because of Arkham, and I'm not going to let you hurt him! If you're going to beat someone then take it out on me! He's already lost everything, but I haven't! So go ahead, take your anger out on me!"

Everyone was silent until Mr. Dandyman burst out laughing. He said to Oswald, "Where the hell did you find this guy, Penguin? Did he came with you from Arkham too?"

Quickly I was kneed into the stomach and thrown against the floor. When I tried to get up he stomps onto the right side of my head twice making another busted cut. The moment I heard Oswald shouting at Dandyman to stop, my mind skipped on me. I was standing instead and Dandyman was on the ground. I had his left arm twisted in my grip while I had my right foot on his head.

What the hell is going on? How did I-?

"Where did the other man go?" said Oswald all of a sudden with his back against the wall looking frightened.

"...The other man?" I said.

"Let go, dammit!" said Dandyman who's in a lot of pain. I said, "I'm sorry, but I'll let go of your arm if you just let us leave. Oswald and I won't come back here."

"Fine! Just let go! You're breaking my arm!"

"Again, I'm sorry. Let's go, Oswald."

I let go of Dandyman's arm then me and Oswald quickly left the house. When we were outside Oswald asked me, "Seriously where did the other man go?"

"What other man, Oswald?" I said while freaking out a bit, "What even happened in there? What did I do?"

"You just suddenly change moods and hurt Mr. Dandyman, Vital. You didn't even sound like yourself when you were talking to him."

"I was talking? What did I say?"

"You said, 'you think you could just kick me around like a pathetic dog? Let's see how well you fight without your arms.' You were about to break his arms, Vital. I begged you to stop and then all of a sudden you came back."

Suddenly I began feeling woozy and light headed. When I stumbled Oswald held my arms as he said, "Whoa, hey are you okay, Vital?"

"I don't feel so well, Oswald," I said as the pain in my head increased and I passed out cold into Oswald's arms.