Minutes flew by, as civilization was finally seen. Qrow dashed through the empty streets and arrived at the hospital. He pushed through the door and shouted.

Qrow:"I need this kid in the emergency room. Stat!"

The people at the front desk were bewildered, before looking at the boy. Noticing his wounds, they screamed out of horror. A doctor with some nurses rushed to the scene.

Doc:" It's in the middle of the night. what is going on he- OH MY G.o.d! What happened to the kid?!"

Qrow:"No time to explain doc. I need you to dress his wounds and fix him up."

The doctor nodded, before barking out orders. A stretcher was then brought, and Aurum was sent at the emergency room with his wounds currently in the process of being fixed. Ariene and Qrow stayed outside of his room as the doctor and nurses continued to fix the boy up. An awkward tension was in the air for a while, before Qrow tried to diffuse the situation.

Qrow:"So.... how'd you met him? Aurum I mean. "

Ariene:"I....ran away from my family. They didn't abuse me or anything, neglect maybe. It's just that...."

Qrow:"...Another kid with a depressing past, just my luck."

Ariene giggled at that.

Ariene:"I just traveled around the forest aimlessly. Well, I say aimlessly but it's more of like I was looking for someone. I don't know what got into me, but something inside my head was crying; looking for protection. I reached out and I guess it told me to find someone in the forest. And then I stumbled across Aurum. The moment I saw him, I knew he was the one I was looking for. And when I saw him just scared to move, facing a beowolf... my feet moved and I ran to him. I dragged him away from there trying to escape. It's like something within me just wants to protect him. To be his guardian. After that, well, you know the story."

Suspicion overwhelmed Qrow. A faunus that looks like she came from a decently wealthy family had a sudden 'inspiration' and went to frolic around the woods to search for someone. He reluctantly nodded at her 'excuse' with his fingers crossed behind his back. Ariene was also curious on how Qrow knew him, and so she asked.

Ariene:"How do you know about him?"

Qrow:"He...I was connected to his previous family. I found him in their front door and they adopted him in a whim. I heard he was shy to strangers and didn't even want to see one. I didn't suspect anything since his adoptive parents were people I trust. I just visit them from time to time, mostly for my nieces. That, and maybe for Summer. h.e.l.l, I had one-sided love towards her. I know, that's beside the point. Don't give me that look." He coughed before continuing, "But they did tell me about him. Just that.... *sigh* I... I could've stopped him from being hurt. Only if I tried to see him, even by force."

Qrow clenched his hands hard as he frowns. Ariene was about to comfort him when they were interrupted by a pair of twins. Both had red hair, one has gold eyes and the other black. They wore white s.h.i.+rts, black pants and brown shoes; one had a blue pullover and the other a grey sleeveless variant. They looked identical, with cute faces to boot.

???1:"h.e.l.lo there strangers! Do you happen to know of a chap that got admitted here? I think he had brown hair and green eyes."

???2:"Ahem, what we mean to ask is that do you happen know his room?"

Ariene and Qrow was surprised at what they said, Qrow's hand was already at Harbinger's hilt.

Qrow:"...Who are you and why do you know Aurum?"

???2:" Aurum huh...ah, apologies. My name is Cyrus, and this bloke right here is a sorry excuse of a brother named Samson."

The boy named Samson glared at his brother before greeting the bird-fox combo in front.

Samson:" 'Ello there! we're twins from the Blast family! We kinda ran away from home because we weren't happy, walking around town to search for a new home and then poof! A crying figure looking for companions.h.i.+p popped out of the gutter in our heads."

Ariene also was on guard, furrowing her brows as she restated Qrow's words with suspicion.

Ariene:"Like he said, who are you guys and what's your purpose."

Cyrus, the one with gold eyes and the sleeveless pullover clarified.

Cyrus:" We ain't sure of how, exactly. We just had a sudden, "calling" per se. Like Samson said, a crying figure just came to our minds and we got compelled to look for the guy."

The other twin raised his hand after Cyrus' statement, continuing with a cheerful characteristic British accent.

Samson:" We came here to cheer him up and maybe be friends!"

Cyrus:" Well, mine's a bit different. The compulsion I had was to be his adviser. The voice wanted guidance, like a parent I suppose."

Ariene and Qrow looked at the twins dumbfounded, before the former chuckled.

Ariene:"You guys too huh."

Cyrus/Samson:" Hmm?"

The twins just tilted their heads in unison, earning another chuckle from Ariene, as Qrow processed the information in his head. 3 kids wanted to find him, each with a different role provided through a mysterious figure in their heads. 'I gotta get them to Oz.' he thought. 'He should know what to do.'

Qrow lets go of the weapon's hilt, sighing in irritation.

Qrow:"Okay kids, I'll let you visit him. Just, don't freak him out."

Cyrus/Samson: "Will do sir/gramps!"

Qrow's eyes twitched while Ariene giggled from the side.

Ariene:"My name is Ariene Gwen. The silly mister over there is Qrow Branwen."

Qrow was about to say something when the door to the emergency room opened, the doctor stepping out with a frown. Seeing this, the 4 tensed up. The doctor let out a sigh before talking.

Doc: "Good news is, he's stable. We have an IV drip and a blood bag connected on him. That should help him in nouris.h.i.+ng back to health. The wounds were also dressed. Bad news is, the bruises are too ruptured, the blood vessels burst all over his body. He's gone purple in a very depressing way. Some bones have either cracked or fallen out of place, his stomach organs are wounded. We also found stab and slice wounds that looked like it was from a kitchen knife. His feet were swollen and cut up I imagine he must have been running through a forest, considering we found a pebble stuck in his flesh. Some scars can be removed through surgery, though a lot of it remain. It looked like most of these injuries were around for a while now, the kid's very tough. It's actually a miracle that he's alive without awakening his aura. We also kept him sedated when he woke up because he was panicking too much. He needs to stay in the ER for at least month before his condition stabilizes. This may not be my place, but what happened to that child anyways? The torture he experienced, it's way too cruel."

Qrow sighed before answering.

Qrow:"Got abused by his previous family. Something I didn't find out 'till earlier. Anyways, thanks doc."

The doctor gasped, before grimly nodding, walking out of the corridor and leaving them to themselves.

The 4 shared an equal amount of anger, as Ariene and the twins' expression crunched up even more than Qrow. Samson punched the wall behind Qrow, cracking. Ariene let out a murderous aura as Cyrus was muttering to himself, which Qrow heard.

Ariene:"Don't let me see that guy in a dark alley. Else I might do something even more horrifying."

Samson:" b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l! When I catch the w.a.n.ker who did this to him, I'd skin the b.a.s.t.a.r.d alive and feed their remains to the dogs!"

Cyrus:" Still haven't met this Aurum, but from what I just heard, I'm beginning to think of ways to torture the culprits. Cutting their bodies apart? too messy. Burn them alive? that's for old hags. Have a horse have fun with them? Too gross, but possible. Crucify them? that's for saints."

Qrow began to grow cold sweat at the abnormal display of the trio, but at the same time ironically he felt like he's lucky that he didn't do anything to the kid. 'I somehow feel sorry for Tai. Not that I'd mind them doing all but the last one on him. Guy's a devil not a messiah.' Qrow thought while nodding to himself. (At this point Qrow a.s.sumes that Tai was the only culprit.)

The 4 took a while to calm down before checking up on Aurum. When they entered, they saw a small and thin mummy with its legs raised up by rubber. 2 tubes were connected to its arms through a needle, which also connects to a bag of O blood and a normal saline IV. The ident.i.ty of the mummy is Aurum himself.

Qrow just stood near the boy with a guilty expression, as Ariene walks up to him and places a hand on his. Aurum cried, but you could see through the bandages that he was happy, since someone finally cared about him. But the moment he sees the twins, he grew scared. Ariene a.s.sured that they won't harm him, as they introduced themselves.

Ariene:" My name is Ariene Gwen. I would like to be friends with you." she said with a closed eye smile.

Samson:" 'Ello there lad! the name's Samson Blast! Can we be mates?!" screamed with a vigorous idiotic grin.

Aurum was surprised at his outburst, but he was more confused with what he said. Aurum just kept crying, while Cyrus introduced himself with a bow, a soothing smile on his lips.

Cyrus:"Cyrus Blast. The monkey here's named Samson, my twin unfortunately. We were hoping if we could be your friends."

Samson:" Hey!"

Aurum was happy to at their offer, albeit they just met for the first time, Aurum felt a sense of comfort from them. Like, like they were his family, a true one. They brought him comfort just by being there. Knowing that they mean what they say, a smile found itself at Aurum as he cried more intensely before responding with a parched voice.

Aurum:"T-thank....you....."

The trio looked at each other before giggling. But suddenly, they stopped laughing, before looking straight at Aurum; their eyes unfocused with blank expressions, much to his unease.

CAS:"Gloria ad Sumonitor."

Qrow and Aurum were both surprised at what they just did. The trio's eyes regained clarity, signifying the return of their consciousness.

Aurum:"W-what...does t-that...m-mean...?"

The trio also looked surprised at what they just did. They looked at each other before coming up with an agreement. Ariene as the representative of the group said,

Ariene:" 'Glory to the Summoner', apparently."

Qrow:" Again, what does that mean?"

CAS:" We don't know."

Qrow's eyebrows twitched.

Qrow:"Great...anyways, stay here kids and keep an eye on him. I'll get you guys some food. That sound good to ya?"

At the mentioning of food, the youth troupe's stomachs all roared with hunger. Causing all except Aurum to laugh sheepishly. He was apathetic to his hunger, focusing more on his new friends as he tries to sit up before failing to even move an arm. Ariene gently held his hand.

Ariene:" ah ah ah, nope. Not yet buddy."

Cyrus:" Stay still Aurum. You need the rest."

Samson:" Don't worry, we'll be here for you mate! We'll play some ball then once you're in tip top shape."

Aurum nodded, with an expression threatening into tears. The trio are panicking at his display of emotion, as they do all they can to make him smile. Qrow chuckled at the scene before leaving the room.

Qrow's POV

I close the door behind me, but not before taking a bit of a peek. Aurum was smiling while warm tears are falling from his eyes. The 3 other kids were telling him some jokes and funny stories, something he didn't get at all as he just tilted his head. d.a.m.n it, how badly did he do it?! Does Summer and the kids not comfort him? Did they do something to him too?

I clicked my tongue at the thought before I advanced through the corridor. I'll get Aurum something light like porridge. I don't want the kid to vomit the stuff, but I'll give him a big portion. Just need to monitor how he eats it. The others, some meat dish maybe. I arrive at the entrance, the nurses in front looked at me with pity and worry. I just waved them off before going out of the hospital.

*RING**RING**RING*

Oh? Someone's calling. I grabbed my scroll from my pocket and looked at the screen to see some missed calls and Ozpin's name. Better report this early. I accepted the call, as I continue to walk through the streets under the moonlight.

Ozpin:" Qrow, I've been trying to contact you for a while now. What's happening?"

I answered to his calm voice with a tired one.

Qrow:" *sigh* A lot has happened Oz. I'm walking around the town looking for a place to buy some food for the kids."

Ozpin:" Kids?"

I filled him in on what's happening while keeping my anger in check. From the incident from the forest, to Aurum's hospitalization, and about the 3 kids with their mysterious voice in their heads.

Ozpin:" ...I see. *sigh* I fear that Tai might be still depressed from Summer's death even now, and he's venting it through the child."

Qrow:" Depressed? I'm afraid those wounds look like they came much earlier than that. Kid doesn't even know how to laugh! He's broken Oz, and I need to be there. Even if I'm not related to him, it's still my fault for failing to notice any of this."

I could tell how surprised he was from my outburst considering there was a slight pause and a gasp was let out in the background, it seems Glynda is also there. The people in the streets were also startled by me, but they just continued to mind their own business.

Ozpin:"...Once the child's condition stabilizes, bring him here to Beacon. If my suspicions are correct, that would take about a few days at most if you feed him a highly nutritious meal."

Qrow:" What?! The kid's malnourished Oz, I can't just feed him something like that."

Ozpin:" That is why you should first feed him a huge portion of porridge, if he's not ill after eating all that then you can let him eat thin meat and vegetables."

Will he really be okay eating all that? I find it highly doubtful. But it's Ozpin, the great wizard of Beacon. I'll just take this with a grain of salt.

Qrow:" *sigh* Fine, but if he throws up I'll scoop the puke and send it to you. I also need an explanation once I bring him there."

Ozpin:" *chuckle* An explanation you will receive Qrow. Enough of that, I need you to report to if you found anything related to HER."

Qrow:" None. there is no signs of movement except for a high amount of grimm attacks that have been happening around lately around this side of Patch. Though I suspect it may have come from Aurum."

I sighed depressingly. I'm surprised that that amount of negativity still hasn't attracted a Leviathan.

Ozpin:" I see. I won't keep you any longer then. Do continue to keep up your guard. We never know when they would strike."

I affirmed his statement, as I ended the call. I look up at the broken moon as I thought about things. I shake my head before murmuring,

Qrow:" No one in Remnant should be allowed to experience something like that, at least not at a young age."

I sighed for the nth time, before focusing on the roads. I wonder if there's a restaurant still open this late in the night.

.....

*Small Timeskip provided by a still confused Aurum getting lectured about humor by the trio, with Samson being the main clown and test dummy to his dissatisfaction*

Third Person POV

The 3 kids were fl.u.s.tered as they continued to try and explain what humor and laughing is while Aurum patiently listened with his ears perked up. He was happy to gain knowledge, something he didn't possess all too much.

As they kept up with the lesson, Qrow walked in with plastic bags full of food. There was half a dozen in total, containing a lot of porridge and a hodgepodge of meat and vegetables. He put it all down in a nearby table before ordering the 3 to fall in line.

He distributed some dishes to the trio, before grabbing a bowl of porridge and neared Aurum, who is visibly still scared of Qrow. Ignoring this, Qrow grabbed a spoonful of it and blew on it.

After a few breathes, he presented it to Aurum's mouth much to his surprise. Qrow let out chuckle.

Qrow:" Eat it kid. It's a bit bland but I'll let you eat much more tastier treats in the future."

A bit skeptical, Aurum slowly opened his mouth as Qrow pushed the spoon into his mouth. Aurum tasted the white liquid with suspicion, before letting out a surprised look. He looked shocked as he sucked on the spoon, not caring about the heat.

Qrow:" Hey there kid, there's none left in the spoon. Spit it out so I can refill it."

Aurum unconsciously did so, with his mouth still hung wide after gulping it down. The 4 let out amused smiles as Qrow continued to feed the child. Surprisingly, the boy didn't even hurl after finis.h.i.+ng a whole bowl.

The boy continued to urge for food, much to the shock of the 4. Qrow continued to feed the child growing more and more shocked as the plastic bags full of food were visibly getting eaten by the glutton, with not much of a sign of being full.

After spoon feeding the last,well, spoon worth of food, Aurum still had s.h.i.+ning eyes, filled with the desire to eat more food. Qrow chuckled at this, before joking.

Qrow:" d.a.m.n kid, you'd strip me of my lien if you aren't satisfied with just that."

This backfired, as Aurum now had fear in his eyes.

Aurum:" I-I-I'm s-sorry..."

Qrow was shocked, as the trio of children glared at him. He let out a nervous laugh before hugging the child in his arms.

Qrow:" Don't be sorry. It was just a joke, and seeing how you were satisfied with bad food like that, I promise to let you eat even more delicious food. Don't worry, like I said I won't hurt you. I'll be the father that you deserve to have."

Aurum was shocked, not only because of the food but because of Qrow's words and being hugged by him gently as he caressed his head. Aurum cried with comfort, as Qrow rea.s.sured the kid again and again.

The trio looked at the scene with warm eyes, before looking at each other as they shared warm smiles. The scene was serene and joyful to look at before,

*BUUUUURRRRPPP*

A very long and loud burp came out of Aurum, with him shocked at what he just did. Qrow and the kids just laughed and laughed as Aurum was confused at what he did.

......