It was Sid who eventually found him. Crona was exhausted after being beaten up by Ragnarok and lay in a heap in the middle of the room where he had made his first friend. Despite his aches and pains he was strangely overjoyed. That feeling. The feeling that someone actually cared. It was so foreign and overwhelming to Crona that he couldn't help but cry. And to be touched! To be touched in a kind way. He had always associated physical contact with things that hurt. But Maka. She wasn't like the witches. Her soul was so warm and inviting. She had broken down his barrier and now all he wanted was her. He wanted to feel her gentle touch again. He wanted a friend.
That was why he didn't run when Sid found him. The zombie struck fear into his heart but he knew that if he ran he would never see Maka again. Sid gently threw him over his shoulder and carried him to the DWMA. Even though Crona wasn't being roughly treated he began to rethink his decision. He knew nothing about these people. Even if Maka was a kindhearted person that didn't mean that the group as a whole was kindhearted. Not that he thought he deserved kind treatment. He just didn't want to be tortured. Even if he deserved it for being a pathetic and disgusting monster. Monster. He had been called that all too many times. Although those events were hidden in a haze of madness.
He shook violently as Sid carried him. It took all his self control not to struggle. If he fought back they might make his fate even worse. Sid felt a stab of pity. He was just a child after all.
"I doubt Lord Death will decide to kill you. If that's what you're worried about." Sid said. Crona gasped and squirmed whilst still shaking violently. He began to brink on hyperventilation.
"Sid. You're only making things worse. Set him down." Nygus ordered. Sid put Crona on the ground and Nygus rubbed his back. "Breath child. Lord Death wouldn't do that."
"Who?" Crona asked mid gasp.
"Well he..." Nygus stopped. How isolated was this child? "This really isn't the best place to explain." She sighed.
"Nygus, we should hurry back. They will be needing us."
"Right. Well he's having a panic attack. I guess there not much we can do here." Nygus said as Sid scooped Crona up bridal style. When they finally reached the DWMA dungeon Sid set Crona in an empty cell. Crona collapsed onto the floor and pushed himself to the far left corner instantly. Nygus came back with a paper bag and a glass of water. Crona flinched when she placed a hand on his shoulder and told him to breathe into the paper bag. He did as he was told. It was strangely calming, and his breaths finally began to slow down.
"Here drink this." Nygus offered him the glass of water and he ravenously downed it in two gulps.
"Sorry." He whispered.
"You're fine." She felt his side. The ribs protruded awkwardly. As if there was meant to be more fat. "Sid's telling Lord Death that you are here now. I'm sure it would be ok if I gave you dinner. What would you like?"
"I...I..." Crona stopped. He didn't know how to deal with all this. And now she was offering him food? He hadn't eaten since the day before, and even that had been a meager meal. He opened his mouth to speak but all that came out was a pathetic little squeak.
"I'll cook you up whatever is in the cafeteria then." Nygus sighed and locked the door on her way out. She hoped that Lord Death would make a compassionate decision. The reason that she wanted to go into medicine was that she liked helping others. And who needed more than this obviously abused kid?
After about ten minutes, Nygus returned with a piping hot bowl of chicken noodle soup and two slices of sourdough bread with butter. Crona was fast asleep in the corner. Nygus sighed as she set the meal in front of him and shook him awake. He squeaked and shot up against the wall, hitting his head.
"Ow." He whined, rubbing his bruised noggin.
"Well...is this food ok?" Nygus asked.
"That...That's all for me?" His eyes widened like saucers.
"Yes." She said, handing him the spoon.
"Thank you." He tentatively took the utensil and shoveled in mouth-fulls of food like his meal was going to run away.
"You'll make yourself sick if you eat that fast." Nygus informed.
"Sorry." Crona gulped. He lowered his gaze and put down the spoon, staring at the meal hungrily.
"I didn't mean for you to stop eating." She sighed. "Just slow down before you vomit." Nygus stood up and departed from the cell. Sid was outside waiting for her.
"Lord Death wants to see Crona first thing tomorrow. Why don't you tell him? He's afraid of me." Sid told her.
"Ugh, then he will be worried about it all night long!" Nygus groaned. "We aren't telling him. It would be better to spring it on him tomorrow. Trust me. Did Lord Death say what time to take him?"
"No. He just said first thing."
"Ugh. Then how should I know when to give him breakfast?"
"Nygus. You know that I take care of the prisoners when we have them? You've done your duty."
"I know. I just...ugh! Something about that kid makes me feel...compassion."
"You should go see Lord Death. You know, this place is going to need a new nurse. Now that Medusa turned out to be sadistic witch."