[Video]

[fated_dance]

[ A man wrapped in white is helped to sit in one of the hospital beds, for any who are watching. Visibly strained and weak, but there's a determined set to his features as he pushes helping hands away to study the magitech device he's been handed. A slow blink, then he seems to register he might be 'transmitting' as he's been told this thing does. His gaze flicks to the side, then down, before refocusing on the screen. ]

I am looking for...a few people. I understand this is the best way to find them.

Zhang Chengling, Cao Weining, and Gu Xiang. If these names mean something to you, please speak up.

[ There is another name he could ask after, but he chooses not to. If Kexing is here too...he'll show up. It's one of the few constants still in his life. ]

If not... [ He takes a breath, a little shaky, and shakes his head a little as his gaze drops down again. ] It's fine.

[ Charming public speaker much? ]

Comments

[diabolique]

(( The image is of a man in a similar style of clothing, though dark in color. The least he can do is try to help someone who seems to come from a place like his own home. ))

I can't say I know those names. Sorry.

[fated_dance]

[ There's a sense of exhaustion - bone deep, soul deep. Really, he shouldn't be conscious, but he's too stubborn to just give in. But the style of this man's clothing is familiar enough to be something of a comfort. The answer doesn't exactly surprise him - he wouldn't be that lucky, would he? ]

It's alright. [ He doesn't quite smile, but there's a gentling of his expression. ] They'll come eventually, or not.

[diabolique]

For what it's worth, I was here alone at first. But people from my world started to show up.

[fated_dance]

Ah? [ Both curious, and confirming his thoughts. ]

Presuming those who came after are friends, I am glad you are no longer alone.

[diabolique]

My shishu and his good friend. They're not quite as I remember, but I'm glad they're here.

[fated_dance]

[ A breath, then he nods in understanding, allowing a quiet little smile to form. Only for it to fade with the last bit. ]

Different in what way?

[diabolique]

(( A thoughtful look comes to his face and he takes a moment to collect his thoughts. ))

It's a timeline difference. I never met shishu before his death. But they both met me and my shidi before they died. That's all.

(( As if it's no big deal. ))

Text ; un: supercoolguy

[protectorofsmiles]

Sorry there pal those names don't ring a bell! Say are u in a clinic bed? If u need any help with anything I'm happy to help!!

[fated_dance]

[ Reading just now is...dizzying, but he tries to focus, lips pursing a little. Zishu eventually nods. ]

I heal fast, don't worry. What help are you offering?

[protectorofsmiles]

clinics are about healing and nutrition so I imagine they're giving u that kind of food which is good for you but not exactly enjoyable. I can bring some nice treats for u or something a little more indulging! Or if you need me to bring anything else I can. Prolly can't bring spirits as the chirurgeons might get angry at that.

Genbu continues to delight XD

[fated_dance]

[ What is he even reading?! Some of the spelling doesn't quite make sense until he forces himself to take a moment and think what they look like over and over until some sense emerges. ]

That would be nice. [ He finally answers, slowly. The pointed mention of no alcohol though earns a rather heart-felt sigh though. ]

No. They wouldn't allow wine in here. Pity.

Akskdhjakskska

[protectorofsmiles]

Yup yup, but hey u focus on being and I'll show you a place that has great sake when ur checked out

What's got u in the clinic in the first place?

XD

[fated_dance]

[ Whatever sake is, he figures it's something like wine - at least alcohol. But he's drunk vinegar by mistake, so does it really matter? Not really. ]

Good. I will let you know when I'm back on my feet.

[ He swats at hands trying to push him back down, accepting the momentary distraction. ]

I was injured before coming here. It won't kill me.

[Video; UN: gentlebreeze]

[gentledawn]

Are you well? [Yeah, you're not going to fool him, Zishu.] I can meet you if you feel ill. My name is Xiao Xingchen and I have some experience in healing.

[fated_dance]

[ Indistinct grumblings can be heard, presumably from the medical staff as his gaze flicks away. Then pointedly back to Xingchen with a slow, pointed blink as he does his best to straighten despite the added complaints. ]

I would prefer more familiar healing, yes. I am Zhou [ a very slight pause, as if debating which name to give, but decides the truth won't hurt here ] Zishu. Where do you want to meet?

[gentledawn]

I can come to you, Zhou Zishu. [Xingchen smiles gently, picking up a bag of various herbs he has managed to gather and put to good use.] Stay put. I know all of this is frightening, but you are not alone.

As for those you seek, they could be here - or they could arrive after you. We will find them either way.

[fated_dance]

[ The grumblings fade at Xingchen's answer and Zishu's slight nod of acceptance. Hands reach into the screen's view - clearly to try and get him to lay down again but he shoves them off with a sharp stare, lips tightening. The hands retreat again, though he continues to look off screen with a silent warning even as he answers Xingchen again. ]

I almost wish to be alone. [ Almost. Mostly where these handsy medical staff are concerned. Don't make him draw his sword. The information on his friends possibly showing up later, or being here but silent, has him nod again, gaze flicking to Xingchen for a moment. ]

Thank you.

[gentledawn]

[He doesn't approve of how they are treating Zishu and so he hurries his steps. A patient shouldn't be so miserable. How will that help them heal? With his long strides, it doesn't take him long to enter the clinic, his white robes announcing his purpose. He too gives the staff a harder stare before moving to Zishu's bedside - where his expression softens immediately.]

I will see you well enough to have your space. [The man looks pale - exhausted, perhaps - but there seems to be more to it than that. Is it grief? Or something more sinister?]

The apartments are very comfortable, though the technology is strange.

[fated_dance]

[ It's a relief to see the other man - even if they've only just met over the strange device. There's something calming about Xingchen - not to his Lao Wen's degree, but enough. The staff finally back off and he tucks the comm device away, up a sleeve as he moves slowly to sit cross-legged on the bed. ]

That is all I need.

[ This close though, Xingchen might smell blood on him, and see evidence of bandages under the white cloth wrapped around him. ]

Mm. The instant communication can be useful. I will adjust.

video | un: guzhu

[soakedinvinegar]

I am deeply wounded that you don't ask after me, A-Xu.

(( Yes, the face on the screen has affected a dramatic pout. ))

[fated_dance]

[ His reply ends up being a bit late - and his surroundings have changed. Now he's in a much nicer room, and visibly seems at least a little better, if still exhausted. But there's a bright smile on his face despite the pout he's looking at. ]

Why should I call for you? You always find me.

[soakedinvinegar]

Perhaps if you wouldn't be lost so often I wouldn't have to find you.

[fated_dance]

Maybe I like getting lost for that reason.

[soakedinvinegar]

(( Kexing huffs a sigh. ))

Always making more work for me.

[fated_dance]

[ That sigh makes his shoulders shake a little in silent laughter. ]

I've seen you bored, Lao Wen.