A Crow in a Bed of Clovers

An Injured Crow

Three years ago...

A blizzard had hit the kingdom of Atlas pretty hard, which isn't really all that uncommon. Clover trudges through the knee deep snow and howling winds, heading towards the academy so he can hunker down in his quarters. On the ground near the side of the academy, there was a small black thing in the snow. Curious, Clover goes over to see what it is.

"*gasp* Oh no." Clover said when he realized it was a bird.

"Please don't be dead, please don't be dead, please don't be dead." he mumbled gently scooping up the bird.

The bird was ice-cold and limp in his hands. Tenderly, Clover places two fingers on the bird's chest to check for a heartbeat.

"Phew...it's alive." Clover sighed when he felt a faint pulse.

Clover went straight to his quarters so he could get the poor creature out of this unforgiving blizzard.

"Come on little fella, lets get you warmed up." Clover said entering his quarters.

He grabs the throw blanket off the back of the couch and wraps the bird in it. Then he sits cross-legged on the couch and cradles the bird in his arms. The Ace Op has always had a soft spot for animals, ever since he was a kid. A few minutes later, the bird begins to wake up.

"Hi there, little guy, how are you feeling?" Clover asked, scratching the bird's chin.

The bird's feathers puff up and it starts shaking...probably scared.

"Hey, hey, it's okay, don't be afraid. I'm not gonna hurt you. I just wanna help." Clover assured the bird, speaking softly.

The bird calmed down a little, bit still looked pretty nervous. Clover unwraps the bird, letting it spread its wings. Though, one of its wings couldn't spread and bird squeaked painfully when it tried to spread it. Frowning, Clover touches the wing, causing the bird to screech and bite his finger.

"Sorry, pretty bird. Don't worry, I'll take you to a friend of mine. I'm sure he'll be able to fix up your wing." Clover told the bird.

Suddenly the bird jumps off of Clover's lap and hops around the room trying to take flight. After the fifth time the bird had fallen back onto the floor, it just lays down, huffing in defeat.

"Clam down, pretty bird. You're hurt and it's snowing hard out there, you can't leave just yet." Clover said kneeling on the floor, reaching for the bird.

Before Clover could touch it, the bird sqwaks and screeches loudly. It frantically flaps its uninjured wing, and pecks and swipes its claws at Clover. The soldier quickly retracts his hands and holds them up in surrender.

"Woah woah, hey! Shh, shhhh, it's okay. You're safe here, I promise. You poor thing, you must be in so much pain. Please just let me help you." Clover begged.

Calming down, the bird stops making a fuss and stills.

"Alright...I'm gonna pick you up now." Clover said slowly reaching for the bird.

When Clover picked up the small creature, it trembled anxiously in his hands. He pets its head hoping it would relieve some of its anxiety.

"Come on, lets get that wing looked at." Clover said.

Clover carries the bird to Pietro's lab.

"Hey, Dr. Polendina, I know it's probably not within your qualifications, but do you think you could take a look at this injured bird I found outside?" Clover asked him.

"Sure, bring the little guy over." Pietro replied.

Pietro examines the bird, which he points out is a male crow.