crownoftimeâ:
clinicaldissectionâ:
âI can, at least, repay you then for your kindness. Even if itâs just a room at an inn and a warm meal.â They had the Lien for that much. His assets had gone into a trust when heâd passed, under Qrowâs control, and the dusty old bird had been careful to ensure that Oscar had money for emergencies. This would qualify.
As if on cue, his stomach grumbled.
There was an odd melancholy to the man at the question, one that seemed to deepen as he answered. Oscar pulsed in sympathy, the idea of home being gone. Ozpin sighed hard through his nose. Alone, unwanted. It was a story heâd heard hundreds of times as headmasterâstudents coming to Beacon because they had nowhere else to go. orphaned. Unwanted because of their species or Semblance or because they meant another hungry mouth to feed in a village barely surviving. Remnant was not a forgiving land, and it was most cruel to the youngest of its inhabitants.
But even the older ones felt that neglect.
âYou are not the first Iâve heard such a tale from,â he said quietly. âI am sorry you have been placed in such a position. And if you are so unfamiliar with this area, then until we must part I will be more than willing to help you learn.â
A long howl echoed in the distance.
â⊠preferably somewhere where there arenât Grimm running about.â
There was the smallest hint of surprise at such an offer, eyebrows raising just a tad before it would fade as quickly as it came, that mask of stoicism replacing it once more
âPayment for such isâŠnot required. I do what I do simply because I wish to help, even if my methods can be unorthodox paired with aâŠrather dark sense of humor as well,â he admitted, tilting his head as he heard the otherâs stomach growl.
ââŠThough in this situation, food and shelter would be most ideal. Even if the boyâs injuries are not severe, it would be best to get them taken care of, all the same.â
Grimm� Such an interesting name for these creatures he had seen.
âSo thatâs what they are called,â he murmured. âButâŠI would appreciate the passing of such knowledge. I know very little about this place as well asâŠthe surrounding areas with it. I am, quite frankly lost in more ways than one.â
â... then you have our gratitude, Doctor, should that mean anything at all.â
And I should apologize, Oscar murmured in the back of his mind. I didnât mean to be a jerk.
Ozpin chuckled softly, despite the discomfort it caused his ribs. âAnd an apology. We just came from a combat situation where someone was....â A pause. Oh, this ached to think of, Leoâs betrayal, Hazelâs insane grief. âIt is my fault they tried to take Oscarâs life.â
But that didnât matter. He had to get Oscar to safety, and educate this man before his lack of understanding got him killed. He wouldnât fail in this, not as he had in everything else. âThen we should try to travel as soon as possible. The creatures of Grimm are attracted by negative emotions such as fear and pain. Iâm surprised we havenât been beset by them already.â














