...
Roman paced in front of the door waiting to hear on what was wrong with Oscar. He had come to understand the mistrust and fear in the kid. Even only knowing him for a short time Oscar had wormed his way into Roman's cold heart. This kid was something special and he wanted to know more.
It had been an hour since he arrived with Oscar and so far there had been no word. The entire time was spent wearing a whole in the floor. Thankfully no one was around to see his lack of composure. They could try to use Oscar against him. Or hurt Oscar.
Someone hurting the kid made him clench his hands into fists at his side. Oscar had been hurt enough. He was going to get back at General Ironwood. For someone to take a child in and then try to kill them was not something he could forgive. Even if Ironwood hadn't done it yet.
Behind him the door was suddenly pushed open with such force they banged against the bricks. He turned as he grabbed Melodic Cudgel ready to defend himself. It was probably a good thing he had as he recognized the new person.
Qrow Branwen entered in his usual flare wearing street clothes. His red eyes immediately fell upon Roman and the ready stance he was in. Confusion flickered across them before they returned to cool indifference.
Roman asked his voice cool, "What are you doing here, Branwen? You don't look like you could use a doctor. Even if you did you could go to one of Ozpin's."
Qrow sneered, "I'm looking into something for Ozpin. It has brought me here."
Oh that would be Oscar's blood test. Fuck. The kid was in the back and he was vulnerable right now. They didn't know what was wrong with him yet. He needed to get Qrow out of here right now.
Roman said subtly putting himself between Qrow and the door to the back, "What are you looking for? Normally if you were looking for something down here you would call Junior. Junior would then call me. So what are you looking for?"
Qrow's eyes narrowed at the movement. He glanced towards the back as if trying to see what was in the back. Doors were closed and Oscar could not be seen from here. What was once anxiety inducing he was now grateful for.
"What are you hiding, Torchwick?" Questioned Qrow.
"Many things," he quipped back, "But this is my part of the city not yours. You have no grounds here."
Qrow's eyes darkened as he growled, "It's important work, Torchwick."
Roman folded his arms across his chest, "What could be so important that you come down here?"
"A child," grit out Qrow forcibly, "Aren't you one to protect them in this city? Street rats are all under your protection. Or have you changed your rules?"
Damn it. The air around them grew oppressive with their presences. It was obvious that this could go wrong and fast.
"What's the child look like, Branwen?"
Suspicion entered the red eyes and Roman unfolded his arms. Were they really going to do this here? He would never know the answer to the question because the door behind him flung open.
The doctor Kiro came in. He looked just as he had before if a more tired. For a moment he looked as if he was going to start in on a tirade. Until he saw Qrow in the waiting room with Roman and stopped. A deep frown of confusion crossed his face as he looked between the huntsman and thief.
Taking a breath Roman allowed his stance to relax. Qrow wouldn't dare start anything here. The hospital was a neutral ground and attacking would get him banned from the other neutral grounds.
Kiro asked interest in his eyes, "What is going on here? Branwen you don't look injured. Why are you here?"
Qrow threw Roman a knowing look before he replied, "I'm looking for someone. A kid."
"What is it with you people and kids?" Griped the doctor snidely, "I am not a babysitter!"
Qrow asked his voice low and dark, "What do you mean?"
Before the doctor could reply Roman asked fearful for the kid, "How is he?"
The Huntsman moved so that he could easily watch them.
Kiro shook his head, "He's getting worse. He needs someone of the same aura to replenish his. Soon."
Roman felt the blood drain from his face. Oscar needed an aura transplant. It was a rare requirement and usually only done whenever someone was close to death. He could count on one hand the times he heard of this happening.
The rarity of the issue would mean that few would be able to recognize it or help. Knowing what little he did about the problem Roman also knew that they would need to contact Ozpin. Only blood related family could provide aura for transference. Even then there was guarantee it would work.
Roman glanced at Qrow from the corner of his eye. This man was the easiest way to get in contact with Ozpin. Though he would have to admit to having the kid and knowing he was Ozpin's son. Fuck this was not going to be a fun conversation.
"Branwen," Roman began causing Qrow's head to snap over to look at him, "Get in touch with Ozpin."
Red eyes narrowed as he growled, "What do you mean?"
"You're looking for Oscar Pine, right?" He questioned keeping his cool, "He's in the back and we need Ozpin or he will die."
Qrow's jaw dropped open in shock. He looked like a gaping fish. Then he hissed darkly, "We aren't through with this conversation, Torchwick. If you are lying I will make you pay."
Roman gave a short sharp nod in response. Oscar was the important one right now. Save the kid first. Deal with the fall out later.
...
Cold. Being ice cold was the first thing he noticed when he returned to consciousness. He was laying down on the ground. Hazel eyes weakly flicked open and noticed that he was in an all white area. It reminded him of Ozma's memories when he met with the God of Light.
"What?" He questioned weakly his voice breaking slightly.
"Oscar," came the soft warm voice of Ozma, "It's nice to finally meet you in person."
Tilting his head back he found Ozma in his robes kneeling behind him. Warm brown eyes met his hazel one's.
"Ozma," Oscar wheezed, "What... What's happening? Am I dead?"
Was everything that happened just a dream? Had he actually died?
Ozma smiled slightly as he said, "I'll explain to you as much as I can. But sit up for me."
Oscar immediately sat up and felt a head rush as he did so. Pressing his hand into his temple he tried to reorient himself. What in the world?
Ozma looked as if he wanted to reach out for Oscar but didn't. Confusion filled the boy. Ozma wasn't one to hesitate like this. What was going on?
As if reading his thoughts Ozma apologized, "Oscar I'm sorry."
Confused Oscar asked, "What are you sorry about?"
Unable to meet his eyes any longer Ozma looked down at his hands as he explained, "You're dying, Oscar. And its my fault."
Dying?!
