Chapter 11: The Other Man

I'm stuck inside a small and dark place. I think it might be a closet because I feel around the walls until I've felt a doorknob. I tried to open it but it's lock. My claustrophobia is getting the better of me as I felt like I was suffocating. I freaked out when I heard a voice inside this small dark void. It was a male's voice as he said, "What are you waiting for, Vital? Open the door."

"Who- who are you?" I said as I tremble in fear.

"You've got to open the door, Vital." He ignored my question.

"But it's lock. I can't-,"

"OPEN THE DAMN DOOR!"

I woke up immediately as I gasp out of fright. I was laying down in someone else's bed inside an apartment that all too familiar. When I sat up and look over at the two men sitting on the couch talking to each other I've realized it was Edward and Oswald. "Edward? Oswald?" I said as I interrupted their quiet conversation.

"Vital," said Edward as he stands up and walk over to my side. "How do you feel?"

"My head hurts a little."

When I touch my forehead I've realized I have a gauze pad that's covering my wound. I have another on the right side of my head where Dandyman stomped on. "Don't mess with them," said Edward taking my hand away from the gauze pad gently, "You've taken a harsh beating from Mr. Dandyman."

"How did I get here?" I said.

"Oswald used your cell phone to call me for help. He told me the story, and he said something that's interesting. How long you've had split personality disorder?"

"I don't know I've never even knew I had another persona. For the first time while I was sleeping he talked to me."

"What did he say?"

"He kept on asking me to open the door."

"What door?"

"I don't know, it felt like we were both trapped in a dark closet."

"Has he told you his name?"

"No, he hasn't. Look, Edward, listen. I've never even knew I had this other persona until Oswald witness it. I started noticing some parts missing in my memories. Last time I've been attacked my mind skipped on me and next thing I knew, the two guys who tried to mug me was laying on the ground with one of their arms broken. I don't even know where all this strength comes from!"

"Wait, two guys tried to mug you? When did this happen?"

"Well..." I rub the back of head feeling embarrassed, "After our lunch together on the day we went to Silvia Jones's book signing."

"That recent? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Come on, how could I even explain what happened when I didn't have any memory of it? I'm not like this, Edward. I don't go out of control and break people's bones!"

"Shh shh shh, calm down, Vital. It's alright, this persona is probably a defense mechanism when you're in trouble. This might be a good thing. Do you need some water? I can get you some Tylenol if you want?"

"Please, Edward."

"Sure."

He went to the kitchen real quick to get me that water and Tylenol. Oswald stands up from the couch and walks up to me as he sits down on the edge of the bed. He said to me, "I'm so sorry you've gotten hurt because of me, but why, Vital? Why did you bother to protect me? I deserved what was coming to me."

"I couldn't just let a friend get beaten right in front of me. That's why I insisted on going with you."

"You really consider me as a friend?"

"Of course, I do, unless you don't want to be."

"No no, I actually do want to be friends, Vital. Thank you nonetheless, but still I'm really sorry that you've gotten hurt because of me."

"It's alright, besides I was the one who asked for it."

"Although you shouldn't mix yourself into Oswald's problems," said Edward as he brought me a glass of water and two pills of Tylenol. I drank the water after I put the pills into my mouth. I said my thanks to him as Edward said, "I must ask, though. You knew Oswald was a criminal. What made you gave him your hospitality?"

"When he apologized to Detective Gordon. He was really sincere and remorseful."

"How could you tell he wasn't acting?"

"His body language. Also, you've should have seen him at the precinct. He was covered in tar and feathers."

He looked at Oswald as he said to him, "Seriously? Why were you covered in feathers?"

Oswald said, "Butch and Tabitha decided instead of killing me they tarred and feathered me. Still it was quite nice of them to do that instead of murdering me."

"... Only if you're used to humiliation."

I've finally noticed about my clothing. I'm not wearing my blue bow tie and blue cardigan sweater. I'm just wearing my long sleeve white collar shirt with the two top buttons open and my dark blue jeans. My shoes are off too, but I can't seem to find the rest of my attire in this apartment. "Looking for your other accessories?" asked Edward.

"Yeah, where did you put them?"

"They're in my closet for now. But you shouldn't be going anywhere since you took some powerful hits to the head. That one cut there on your forehead was caused by a ring, and your own blood blinded your left eye momentarily. You can stay here for the night. You and Oswald can take my bed."

"Where will you sleep?"

"On the couch of course. You getting your rest is important, Vital. So relax while I go take a shower real quick."

"Oh, okay."

Once he went into the bathroom with the door closed Oswald said to me, "I think he's upset about my change in personality."

"What do you mean?"

"He was very angry with me for getting you involved with my problems. He thought I was getting you into trouble until I had to explain that I was only at Mr. Dandyman's house because I wanted to apologize and that you insisted on coming with me. He even told me that he was freaking out how nice and non-violent I was. That's when he asked me what happened to me in Arkham."

"What did happen to you, Oswald?" I asked him.

"I've gone through a lot of therapy there. Sure it was painful at first, but it made me changed my ways. Hugo got rid of all my violent tendencies."

"...But how did he do it?"

"... They uh... Well, he... Um..."

I can tell this is making him upset, but the snoopy side of me is pressing him. Finally, Oswald was able to say while he was gripping the sheets tightly, "They would put me in a chair and have these straps and buckles around my limbs and torso. Then they put on this... device that goes over my eyes. It forces me to dream."

"What would you dream?"

"..." Suddenly he started crying as he said, "I dreamed of me beating my own mother."

"... I'm sorry, Oswald. I didn't mean to.."

I just had to push him. Once again I've hurt a friend because I've pried into their business. When will I ever learn? The one thing I thought about on how to comfort Oswald. Was that I wrap my arms around him to form a hug.

He calms down some as he suddenly wraps his arms around me. My heart began to beat fast for I've never really comfort someone like this before. Suddenly Oswald looked up and place his lips over mine. I panicked as I pulled away from him. I didn't know what to say for I was completely speechless by Oswald's action.

He smiled as he said, "What's the matter? Oh, are you not-?"

"Actually, I am, but-," I began to say but was cut off by him.

"I understand, you're not interested in me that way. Sorry, Vital, I should have considered about your feelings."

"... It's alright, there was no harm in it. But I'm curious, have you ever been like this to Edward?"

"Once when the both of us were feeling lonely. Except we did more than just kissed."

"Wait so are you and Edward are-?"

"No, we're not. We're just friends. Why you asked?"

I blushed red as I realized that I've just given away how I feel about Edward. Oswald smiles enjoying my little embarrassment as he said, "Oh I see. You're interested in him aren't you?"

"... Yeah," I looked down at the sheets avoiding Oswald's eyes.

He giggles as he said, "Don't worry I'll won't tell Edward that you find him that way. Even though he wasn't really into men before, but ever since Kristen things changed for him. Edward may look at you as a friend now, but he's grown to care about you. So you might have a chance."

"You think so?"

"Yes I do, but if you really want to reach into Edward's heart you have to take it slow. I've only gotten lucky that one night because we were both in a bad place and hurting on the inside. Well for me it was also on the outside, but that's a different story. The point is you have to be kind, open and have total trust in him. Not to mention you have to be gentle when he feels down. The thought of Kristen really brings him into a depressing state."

"I can tell. Why do you think he's upset that you changed for the better?"

"Like I said earlier before, I was the one who set him on that dangerous path into crime. I think he's upset that I'm not the Penguin anymore."

"Is he violent?"

"He can be when he's angry. He never likes it when you call him names that's for sure. I can tell he's been pushed around too much for being called an idiot."

"That sort of still happens to him around GCPD, but I've noticed he's been braver than usual. He actually brings a little fear to the other officers."

"But here's the thing about him, Vital. You don't know when he's going to click. He's quite unpredictable when it comes to his violent tendencies."

"I see."

Which means I have to be careful around Edward.

"So you've never knew until now that you have another persona?" said Oswald.

"Yes, but it seems he only comes out when I'm in trouble. I just hope that's true and that it's the only time he comes out."

"Like what Edward said. It's probably a good thing."

I really hope so. When I talk to the other man in my dreams. He did not seem all that nice.

...

When I dreamed again, I was standing in a huge library of tall and huge shelves filled to the brim with books. I wasn't alone, though, a shadowy figure was walking around the second floor. The figure's face turn to down upon me with two round illuminated eyes. When it smiled it formed into a white moon crescent. Is this just a dream or is this the other man?

I asked him, "Who are you?"

"Shouldn't it be obvious?" Said the figure in my voice but darker, "I'm you, of course, the other you."

"How on earth did you came to be? I've never experienced any traumatizing events."

"At least not what you've remembered. Didn't you always wondered where you've got that burn scar on your back and arm?"

I place my hand my right arm. That's right, I don't remember how I've gotten this scar. "But this scar was with me when I was only-,"

"8 years old. That was the age you've woke up in a hospital. Once you were treated you were sent straight to the orphanage. No one didn't even given you a name until you had to name yourself. Vital Eryx, I was with you since age 8, and this is the first time we've ever talked."

"So do I call you Vital as well, or do you have a name of your own?"

"I don't have a name. But if you want to call me something I'll take your last name."

"Eryx?" I smiled, "Okay that's fine with me. Although is it true what Edward says? Do you only come out when I'm in trouble?"

"Well, part of that is true. I can't tell you how many times I've come out to save you. Gotham isn't the safest place you know?"

"Of course, everybody knows that. Wait so do you know how I got this scar then?"

"Sorry, Vital. That memory disappeared when you couldn't remember. Since we both share the same mind, there are a lot of things we both don't remember."

"Oh, that's disappointing."

"Besides, who wants to remember horrible memories? I'd say let the past stay in the past."

"... Right."

"Hey Vital, remember what Oswald said about the Bookworm's other Alias?"

"Yes, what about it?"

"Well if he committed more murders before this string of zodiac victims. Wouldn't there be more cases revolving around him?"

"Hmm, you've got something there. Maybe I should look into that name, considering if it's even recorded in GCPD's files."

"Of course, but if you ask me you should watch your back with Edward. You have no idea if he's a part of this."

"If he is why on earth would he want to solve this case with me?"

"Maybe he's bored. Probably even yanking your chain around to see if he can wrap his finger around you. Use you as his personal puppet."

"You're wrong! He wouldn't do that!"

He laughs as he said, "You are so in love with this guy! It's almost quite pathetic you would do anything for this man, even for his close friends. Well if he still wants Oswald as a friend. If you ask me I'd say he didn't want Oswald to lose his violent tendencies. Maybe he did love him more than a friend."

"Now you're just saying those things to get me angry."

"My bad, Vital. Just telling you how I see it. I'm only asking you to be careful. I can't protect you all the time and that has been proven when you were chloroformed at that hospital. If he's trying to kill you with kindness. I'm saying you should do the same."

"What do you mean?"

"Get closer to him. Tug at his heart strings until they're wrapped around your fingers. Instead of you being the puppet, it's Edward."

I don't like his suggestion, but he might be right. Edward murdered three people and if he finds out I know he'll won't have a problem killing me. I need to work my way into his heart to prevent him from doing so. I said to Eryx, "You might be right. I can't be reckless. But I'm not going to use him because I want to survive. I will have him fall in love with me."

"We'll see how that turns out."

Eryx suddenly jumps over the railing to get down to my level. A black and white chessboard appeared between us as all the pieces took their place. "Edward is no fool, you are in a battle of wits against him. Like playing a game of chess, you have to create the perfect strategy to win. You know what's the most common first move that everybody makes? They move their pawns of course."

"... So I need to move my pawn."

"You've already had without knowing it."

My side of the chessboard moved my pawn that's on the right. "Oswald is Edward's closest friend, you've made Edward liked you, even more when you took his friend into your hospitality. It makes him think about who you are exactly. Keep making strange decisions like this and the possibilities are endless."

Exactly, I know I can get into Edward's head. It's not going to be easy, but I have to try. If I don't there's no telling what Edward is capable of. For all I know, Edward might be the Bookworm killer.

"Eryx, earlier when we've met you asked me to open the door," I said, "Why?"

Eryx paused for a moment as he said, "I thought it was the time that you were going to remember the memories you have lost. I've thought wrong of course because you couldn't open it. Maybe one day once you get it unlocked, that's when we both know you are ready to face the past."

"Right, maybe one day."

Strange though that the door wouldn't open right there and then. Maybe once I'm ready I'll finally get to know my own secrets. For now, I have to focus on the current problems before me. The past can wait a little longer.