[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

[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.

[gentledawn]

[Blood. Xingchen instantly, though gently, peels back that robe, investigating the bandaged wounds underneath. He has the ability to understand the depth of a wound just by touch and these...

How? His expression crumbles, but he gets to work, pressing healing energy into Zishu through his hands.]

You can also rely on myself and my partner, Song Zichen. We reside together and if you are in pain or need company, all you need do is give us a call or knock on our door.

[fated_dance]

[ Wounds that go straight through, screaming that this man has been impaled. Not to kill, but to restrain in a way that is far more thorough than mere chains.

It takes effort not to pull away from Xingchen, but the healing energy has him draw in a sharp breath, then relaxes as pain fades. A cough threatens, then eases as the energy works on a deeper level than expected. ]

Your partner? [ It draws a quiet little smile and he looks at Xingchen again. ] I will remember. Just show me where to go.

[gentledawn]

[Who could be so cruel? Xingchen can't help feeling defensive; he would never restrain even the worst criminal in such a manner!

As Zishu relaxes, some of his fear eases. The wounds on his shoulders are the focus of his healing, but he can sense that more has been done to this poor man's body. Though it might be awkward, he inquires:]

I think you will need healing on a continuous basis to feel your best. I will not ask what has happened to you and neither will Zichen. He and I have endured enough to understand how deep wounds affect a person.

[Once he is content with the state of Zishu, he stands and offers the man his arms.]

I can carry you too if that would be easier.

[fated_dance]

[ Well. To be fair. Zishu had kind of brought that on himself. They couldn't kill him, because they needed him to reverse his revenge.

Feeling far better than he has in a while, he draws in a deeper breath than he's managed in a while before nodding and offering something of an answer. ]

I can handle the worst of it myself, but yes. Without healing, my body will deteriorate beyond use.

[ He regrets that now, but it's too late. Probably. But...maybe not here?

Zishu finds himself smiling again at the offered carry, but shakes his head and pushes himself to his feet - moving with a little more energy. ]

I would prefer to walk.

[gentledawn]

[Even in that situation, Xingchen would find them guilty of barbaric torture. He is a healer - and sometimes a keeper of the peace - but he is never cruel about it. If Zishu needed to be restrained, use chains and ropes! There are plenty of knots that are difficult to undo.]

I am happy to assist you. [He smiles warmly, nodding encouragingly as Zishu gets to his feet.]

Then I will walk with you. [And catch him if he stumbles. Before they leave the clinic, he finds a bottle of water for Zishu at least, wanting to keep the man hydrated.]

[fated_dance]

You are very kind to a stranger.

[ Zishu can't help but respond to it.

He smiles again, managing to be fairly steady on his feet - even though he walks slower than his usual pace. The bottle of water has him chuckle a little, but he accepts it without complaint and makes sure to sip. The way to the apartments is...a little dizzying.

Very dizzying, if he's being honest. But he doesn't stop, even if two thirds of the way there he ends up leaning against Xingchen's strength. ]

[gentledawn]

[He blushes at the compliment, bowing his head shyly.]

Many were kind to me. When I saw your image, I thought you might prefer someone more...familiar...to you. [Since they seem to be from the same place/time period. Xingchen makes no comment or complaint when he feels Zishu's weight. He wraps an arm around him, steadying him and walking at the pace the other man sets.]

You are doing well. I will make sure you have something nourishing to eat for dinner. You need your strength to heal properly.

[fated_dance]

Ah. [ A quiet sound of agreement. Xingchen was right about that. Zishu lets himself lean, accepting the support given so freely. ]

Rest and food will help the most.

[ However...his inability to sleep past midnight without Kexing's help...No. He shouldn't bother this generous man more. ]

I'm used to injuries.

[gentledawn]

There might be further aid possible for you. [He doesn't want to pry, yet he can't help wanting to bring comfort where possible.] My eyes were returned to me.

[And there is hope for his precious Zichen too.]

Let me ask around. I will tell you what I discover.

[Xingchen chooses to take Zishu, first, to his apartment. The one next door is free, so he sees no issue in simply helping the man settle in there.]

This is where I live with Zichen. He is the kindest man; you can trust him.

[fated_dance]

[ He almost stumbles at the casual mention of eyes being return, glancing quickly at Xingchen to make sure there is no lie - but there isn't. Hope blooms in his chest, sharp and hot. Almost painfully so.

But Xingchen doesn't have all the facts, so how would he know what to ask about? Choices stand before him as he's led to Xingchen's apartment, and he makes a quiet sound of understanding as he takes note of the specific door. ]

If he is even half as kind as you have shown yourself to be, he is just as you say.

[ Being led then to the next door over has him actually smile. ]

[gentledawn]

[There is no lie. Xingchen could show Zishu the bandage he once wore daily - and even nightly until his Zichen gave him another option. He can't begin to tell anyone how good it feels to be without it and to be able to see the beauty in the world again.

Others should be healed too and he will do all he can for anyone who is ailing.]

He is kinder than me. [He might be biased on that point.] And smarter too. I'm blessed to have him as my partner.

[At the apartment he thinks might be best for Zishu, he motions for the man to open the door and take a look.]

I can show you how things work. It will save you time later.

[fated_dance]

[ Zishu understands being grateful to savor nature's beauty again. It's why he'd fought so hard to break free of the Window of Heaven. So he could enjoy it, free. No matter the cost.

Then, only then, had he found his soulmate.

He breathes past that constant ache. The compliments Xingchen lays at Zichen's feet has him smiling as they step into the empty (but furnished) apartment. ]

I am sure he would say the same of you.

[ He manages to walk far enough so he can sink down onto a chair, a much more relieved sigh escaping as he does so. He'll do a more thorough exploration later. ]

...A few minutes. [ So he can rally his strength enough to pay attention. ] Then yes, that would probably be best.

[gentledawn]

[Xingchen is not far behind Zishu and once the man collapses into the chair, he lays a hand across Zishu's forehead. Detecting no fever, he crouches down and checks his pulse, pressing his fingers lightly against the inner portion of Zishu's wrist. There is definitely something worrisome about this man and he hopes, in time, he will be trusted enough to hear the whole story.

Until then, he will do all he can to keep him alive and feeling decent.]

I think you should sleep first - if you are able. The beds are much softer; I have enjoyed mine.

cw: mentions of torture and expected death

[fated_dance]

[ He manages not to shy from concerned hands as his temperature is checked, even when his pulse is. He can see worry remain. But he's not quite ready to show just what's wrong with him. How to explain to a stranger that he'd given up on life, to the point of seeking death in a torturous, lingering way? ]

My condition is chronic. I'll be dead in a couple years.

[ Zishu barely misses a beat before latching onto the mention of a very soft bed, turning his head to look to the bedroom he can just see. ]

Ah? After sleeping in storage sheds, a nice bed will be good.

[gentledawn]

[He doesn't have to explain anything. Xingchen has no place to judge - and he won't. All he cares about is healing Zishu - if he is able. The flat statement has him wince, but it doesn't shock him.

Yes, that is what he feels each time he examines the poor man.]

How can I help? Are you in pain? [The interest in the bed earns a soft smile and Xingchen does something rash: he lifts Zishu from the chair and carries him to said soft bed.]

Forgive me. I think you will be more comfortable here.

[fated_dance]

[ The lack of surprise just confirms his own thoughts of how skilled a healer this man is. As if he'd really doubted, with how Xingchen had worked on the hook wounds.

He's about to answer when he's scooped up, making him draw in a startled breath - but he doesn't struggle. Only half because he doesn't have the energy to, but the rest...Xingchen has the air of someone to be trusted. And being set down on the bed a moment later only proves it, though Zishu gives him a bit of an exasperated look, there's still a slight curve upward to his lips. ]

It is more comfortable, yes. I'm not in too much pain right now, thanks to your efforts.

[gentledawn]

[His Master taught him the healing arts and he left her side to mend the pain of the world. Finding this man - someone who fell into such despair - breaks his heart, but he isn't running. If need be, he will ease Zishu's passage too, sitting by his side so he doesn't face that journey alone.

But that's if - only if - they cannot find a cure. It's ironic that this man's name starts with a Z too. Perhaps Xingchen has a soft spot for that letter? The idea has him smiling faintly as he carries Zishu to the bed. Though still emaciated, Xingchen is strong and he doesn't flinch under the added weight.]

I will bring you ingredients for tea. You can drink a cup every three hours. The herbs are strong, so I would suggest doing so here in bed. They will ease your pain so you can sleep.

[fated_dance]

[ Zishu knows enough healing techniques to suit most of what he needs. But he can't always reach every wound he gets. And the nails simply aren't meant to be cured - that was part of the point to them being the way to leave the Window of Heaven. He'd accepted it when he'd taken the longer, more agonizing way of taking them into his body.

But he shouldn't leave Kexing behind, if he can change his fate now. He doesn't want to. He fears what his soulmate might do without him. Worries of what will become of his Kexing without his support.

More and more people come into his life since he'd left, and he wishes it weren't probably too late.

Zishu lets out a breath and folds his legs under him, hands resting relaxed over his knees. Tea, pain-relieving tea. To help him sleep. Maybe even through the nails' debilitating pain? He'll have to find out. ]

Mm. Is there lingering cognitive effects after three hours? Numbness?

[ Basically, will this tea leave him helpless and unable to act if he needs to? ]

[gentledawn]

No. The effect is strong at first to ease you into a restful slumber. But it tapers off over those three hours.

[Xingchen smiles at the questions, guessing at the reason behind them. Zishu doesn't want to be helpless. He can understand that fear! When he first gave his eyes to Zichen, he remembers panicking...for days. He hardly slept. Of course part of that was the pain - both of losing his eyes and losing his soulmate - but some of it was just...adjusting to his weakness. He had relied on his sight more than he imagined.]

If you feel groggy upon waking, I will leave another brew to help wake you. Green tea is good for giving energy.