Not Quite Human

Talking

Thinking

Alternate Personality/Mask Speech

I really need to lay off the Mr. Pibb. Enjoy.

Chapter 3: Free Falling

I woke up and found out that it was Tuesday. Randi had broken into my room and slipped me out of my metal framing while I was out. I hated sleeping for more then a day at a time but I woke up to waffles so I was alright. I slipped into some baggy pajama pants and a t-shirt before walking out to eat my favorite meal. I decimated seven waffles before Randi cut me off. I was well into my third pot of coffee by the time lunch came around. I was now officially wired. Max and Bernard were brainstorming new songs in the living room and it was off limits.

"Hey D wanna go shopping?" My sister walked out of her room carrying her purse. My eyes narrowed and I edged towards my room. Every time she went shopping I ended up carrying everything, and she would buy a lot.

"Nope I'm busy." I shut and locked my door before slipping into my costume as fast as I could. The framing slid on easily and it felt like Bernard had adjusted the metal again while I was sleeping. I had just slipped into the material and strapped my horns on by the time she broke into my room. I needed more locks, she could pick a lock faster then anyone I knew. I had my mask in my hand and backed towards the window.

"Its daytime D. People are going to see you, now put some clothes on and we're going to the mall." She pointed at my closet and I slipped my mask on before wrenching my window open and throwing myself out of it. "Damn it D get your ass back here!" She hung out of the window as I propelled myself to the neighboring buildings. She was outta luck, I wasn't going to be a pack mule today.

"Why does the sun have to be so bright?" I whined under my mask as I tuned into a local radio program for my run. I wasn't used to running in the daytime but I was going to make the most of today. I was getting awesome reception since the video function was removed. I didn't miss it at all. I free ran three blocks before stopping and stretching in the light at the top of a building. The fabric heated up quickly in the sun but the wind from my running helped cool me down. I was getting hungry and I wondered if there was a nice place to stop for a bite to eat. I jumped for joy when I saw a subway in the distance. I had a twenty shoved into a pouch in my suit for emergencies and this counted. I made my way over before jumping down onto the street. A few women shrieked as if I appeared from the depths of hell as I landed in front of the restaurant. I calmly walked inside as if it were nothing and waited my turn at the counter.

"Hello and welcome to subway what can I get for you today?" A frightened teenager stared at me from behind the glass.

"I would like a foot long tuna on Italian herbs and cheese bread. Provolone cheese toasted please." My voice seemed demonic, I had chosen a creepy voice to help discourage dialogs, and the girl paled even more.

"Alright foot long tuna." She quickly made the sandwich and put it in the toaster. I moved down the line and inspected the different flavors of chips lining the counter. Sunchips looked good today but they didn't have any regular just that disgusting cheese flavor."What kind of veggies would you like?" My sub was molten as I licked my lips under my mask.

"Lettuce, tomatos, pickles, lots of pickles." I looked over the selection for a moment. "Some salt and pepper then some mayo." I waited as she made my sandwich and slathered it in pickles. She then wrapped it up and passed it to the cashier who looked just as frightened as she was.

"Would you like chips, drinks or cookies today?" He was pale and shaking and I was smirking to myself.

"I would like a medium drink and a chocolate chip cookie." I paid the poor man and slipped my change back into my hidden pocket before grabbing my things and filling my cup to the brim with Mr. Pibb from the machine. I found a seat near the back and prepared myself for a delicious meal. I didn't usually eat inside or lift my mask in public but this sub looked and smelled divine. I lifted my mask and set it atop my head and dug into the hot bread. People gave me odd stares and a few patrons gasped when they saw a flash of fang. I love pickles and they love me. Mr. Pibb is awesome too. I finished my meal in under a half hour then wiped my face clean, downed another cup of Pibb and my cookie. Sliding my mask down I dumped my tray into the trash bin before setting it onto the other empty trays on top. I adjusted my mask and turned my tunes back on as I strutted out of the subway and back into the harsh sunlight.

People gave me a wide berth as I walked down the street looking for a nice building to climb. I wasn't about to climb up a bank so I saw a small cluster of mom and pop stores and climbed up to the top of one. People were whispering and a few were on their phones, probably with the police. I took a running leap and was a block away in just a few moments. The wind felt great on my body and the tunes were kicking. Pretty soon I was up on one of the taller apartment buildings, at least thirty stories, and staring out at the city. This was my home now until we were driven off again. I could hear sirens in the distance and I turned my head in that direction. I couldn't see any police. A flash in the side of my glasses alerted me to a call. I tapped the side of my mask to pick it up.

"D's house of Bondage how may we punish you today?" I smirked and licked some mayo I found in the corner of my mouth.

"Yes I'd like a deluxe spanking session with some kinky latex sex." My sister's voice rang out playfully over my ear buds.

"Oh let me see if I can fit you in. Does Wednesday at three sound good?"

"Oh I'll be there." She laughed with me for a moment. "Common be serious D. I just heard on the news that you were terrorizing near downtown."

"All I did was catch lunch. I didn't stab anybody or throw any cars." I scanned the area around me as I paced. For some reason I paced whenever I talked over the phone, weird habit.

"Well tone it down a bit. I don't want to bail you out of jail. Do you want anything while I'm shopping?"

"Can you get me some more shampoo and soap I'm almost out." I stretched a bit with my arms over my head, puffing my chest out. The metal of my frame dug into my shoulders so I relaxed again.

"Anything else?" She sounded like she was in the middle of a crowd.

"Nope I'm good. Thanks sis."

"No problem see you at home." The call ended and I started gauging distances with the help of my handy dandy computer vision. Just as I was about to jump I heard gunfire from down the block. Fearing the worst I headed towards the noise, I had a little medical training and I could help if anyone was hurt. I nearly flew across the buildings as I propelled myself as fast as I could. My thighs were screaming at me by the time I made it to a nearby building where I first heard the gunfire. I saw a stretch car idling on the street and people lying on the sidewalk. No one appeared to be hurt so I jumped to the sidewalk and looked into the store. It was a small jewelry store and I could see people huddling in fear on the floor. Two men were dumping jewelry into bags and one was holding a gun to the people. As long as the others were unarmed I would be fine. I was stronger then I looked. Taking a deep breath I walked into the building and stared down the barrel of a gun.

"Who the hell are you?" The goon looked at me oddly taking me in while trying to keep an eye on the hostages.

"I'm Dremora. Let these people go." I tried to put myself between the gun and the helpless people. The two guys looting the jewelry had stopped and were looking at one another before also pulling guns at me. I froze. I wasn't bulletproof but I would be a shield to protect innocent people. I took my chances and lunged at the man in front of me and felt a bullet hit me in the chest. I kicked him in the face and took another bullet to the side. I threw the gun at one of the goons and he took it upside the head and passed out. The other goon went down as I pulled his gun from his hands and kneed him in the gut. People were screaming and I quickly turned around to check on everyone.

"Is anybody hurt?" I could feel blood running down my suit. I looked from person to person and no one was hurt. One of the clerks came out of the back with some rope and tied up the goons while one of the customers grabbed their guns and set them on the counter. I needed to get out of there. If I was lucky I'd make it home before I passed out from blood loss. I didn't count my injuries but quickly ran out the door and propelled myself to the rooftops before jumping towards home. I took several side tracks in case I was being followed. The last jump nearly ripped my shoulder out as I landed wrong and slid six feet down the building. I left a big streak of blood and I was shaking. Guns suck, bullets suck and pain sucks too. I clenched my teeth and tried climbing up the building as fast as I could. I made it to the top before collapsing to my knees.

I tapped my mask filtering through the programmed numbers hoping someone would pick up. Max and Bernard's phones went right to voice mail and my sister's phone did too. Before I could fall flat on my face I heard something land next to me with a thud. Looking up I saw the outline of a man standing next to me. I tried to crawl away but he just picked me up and the next thing I knew we were free falling off the side of the building. He shot something from his hand and we were swinging around the building. My vision swam but I wondered who this guy was and how he found me. Just before I passed out I saw him look down at me puzzled before shooting his arm thingy again, and after that I saw no more.

I woke up in a strange bed. My metal framing was still on my body and I was glad that no one messed with it. My suit was gone as was my mask. I couldn't see anything around me and I moved to rub my eyes but stopped when I felt a painful pull on the back of my hand. Looking closer I saw I had an IV in my right hand. I followed the tubing and saw that I was hooked up to two blood bags and what looked like some fluids. The room was thankfully dark, the shades drawn against the bright sun. I pulled the blankets back to inspect my injuries further. My bra and thong were ruined and I had bloody bandages over my chest and left hip. I had another on my right side near the bottom of my rib cage. They were tender to the touch and it would be awhile before I could jump again. My healing wasn't as great as my grandpas so it took me awhile for bigger wounds.

"Ah you're awake." An elderly voice drew my attention to the left side of the room. I only saw a dark blob against an open door. Blinking I tried to focus my eyes as best as I could but I couldn't see him any better.

"Hello." My voice was unsure but the blob came closer until I could make out a dark suit and a patch of graying hair on his head. His features swam in and out of focus and my head started to ache from straining to see.

"Are you alright my dear? Would you like some tea?" He placed a cool hand on my forehead.

"If you have coffee that would be amazing. I'm kind of blind and at the moment very confused, which hospital am I in?" I pulled the covers back over my body feeling exposed and looked around the room at the unfocused space around me.

"I'm sure we have some coffee brewing, I'll bring you a cup. I wasn't aware of your visual impairment but I'll forward that information to Master Bruce." He avoided the question of my location and quickly left the room. I wanted to pull the IV from my arm but the promise of coffee made my mouth water and I would stay put for now. Several minutes later I could smell coffee and my stomach growled. I licked my canines in anticipation of the godly drink headed my way. A different blob person entered the room, taller and more muscular. I could make out a dark suit and light blue tie but that was about it. He held a mug of coffee in his hand and I eyed it like a hungry dog.

"I'm glad to see you're awake. Alfred said you'd like some coffee so I brought it up to you." He handed me the mug and I took a swig of the hot beverage.

"Thanks." The coffee was too creamy and sweet but I wasn't about to complain. I eyed the new person warily and held the warm mug closer to my body in case he tried to take it away.

"I'm Bruce Wayne. I've been taking care of you since Batman dropped you off." He held out his hand to shake and I cautiously gripped it with my own and shook it. I must have squeezed it harder then intended because he rubbed his hand in pain once the handshake was over. "You certainly have quite the grip there."

"Sorry sometimes I forget my own strength. You can call me D." I sipped the now half empty mug. Who the hell is Bruce Wayne? How does he know Batman? Am I in trouble?

"That's alright D. Now would you like to tell me how you ended up on the rooftop of the National Bank of Gotham with three bullets in you?" His voice was firm and it felt like I was suddenly in an interrogation.

"I got shot and was trying to get home, I took some side paths in case I was being followed. I'm not dragging my family into a mess I made." I finished the coffee and stared into the now empty mug.

"I see." He seemed to be studying me and I felt like a bug under a microscope.

"I'm thankful for you helping me out but when can I leave?" I looked up at him giving him the full brunt of my yellow green eyes. I couldn't tell if he flinched away or not but he stiffened and his posture made me think he was preparing for a fight.

"Once your wounds have healed I'll return your things. Then we'll talk about letting you go."

"Can I at least get my mask. I really can't see without it, I'm practically blind." I frowned hoping that no one would take my mask from me. I loved the thing.

"I'll see if Batman left it behind."

"I hope he did, really don't wanna have to fight him for it." I sighed and leaned back against the headboard. I rolled the mug around in my hands and wondered how badly the crew was missing me right now. Randi was going to kick my ass when I got back, if she hadn't dumped me from the band already.

"I can't make any promises but I'll look into it. More coffee?" He reached out for the mug and I handed it to him.

"Please." I watched him leave the room and I was alone with my thoughts again. If saving people is this much trouble next time I'll just keep walking. What am I saying I'll just stupidly hop back in and get my ass shot or stabbed. Bleeding hearts of the world unite.

"Your in luck, Batman just dropped off your mask. Said it wasn't anything that he needed." Bruce was back and he dropped the mask in my lap and handed me another mug of coffee. I inspected the mask and noticed that it had been rewired.

"What did he do to it. The wiring's off." I poked at it and looked over at Bruce suspiciously. Hopefully I was doing suspicious eyes and not squinty angry eyes again.

"I didn't ask. Alfred will be in to check your wounds later, try to get some rest." He stiffly walked out and I finished my coffee. I set the mug on the bed between my knees and booted up my mask. Something defiantly was different about it but I couldn't put my finger on it. I slipped it on and my vision focused finally. I was in a bedroom, not a hospital room. I tapped the button on the side of my mask to bring up my phone and noticed a few strange numbers added in. There was a number now for the Gotham P.D, some guy named Robin and Batman himself. I dialed my sister's number and prepared myself for the screaming.

"D where the hell are you? Your fat ass has been gone for almost two days!" She was screaming alright. I winced at how loud she was and ground my teeth into my lip.

"Randi calm down. I don't know where I am exactly. I got shot."

"I know that, I saw the news. You saved a bunch of people from some robbers. They guys were beat to hell and I think you broke one of their jaws. I was worried sick why didn't you try to call us?"

"I did, all of your phones went to voice mail. What did you guys do all go out for drinks while I was gone?" I was met by thirty seconds of silence. "You did didn't you?"

"Shut up. Are you ok?" She sounded concerned and I could hear Bernard in the background talking to Max.

"I'm fine, when I get home I want Bernard to check out my mask. Apparently Batman got a hold of it and something's off with the wiring."

"I'll let him know. D you listen to me. You get home as soon as you can you hear me?"

"Loud and clear little sis. Loud and clear."

"Good now I'm hanging up, we're trying to settle a deal for our next gig. Three days from now, so you better not miss it!"

"I'll be there." I smiled to myself as she hung up on me. I turned off the phone and looked around the room again. What were the odds that my outfit was in the dresser across the room?

"You've got to be kidding me." I'd pulled out my IV and checked out the wardrobe in question. My outfit was there and patched up to boot. I slipped it on, wincing as my wounds squeezed against the material. Once I was fully dressed I walked over to the window and opened the shades. I was out in the country but I could see Gotham just on the skyline. We must have been just outside of town. I tried the window and found it unlocked. Not thinking twice I lunged out of it and rushed to the outer wall of the estate. Looking back I stared in awe of the building I had been in. It was a friggin mansion. Shaking my head I leaped over the wall and took off running as best I could down the road. I was going home and I was trying to make it there by dinner.