[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

[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.

[fated_dance]

[ It's a relief to hear. Zishu nods with an understanding little sound. And he really does feel Xingchen understands. ]

That would be appreciated. [ As a precaution. ]

Is good tea difficult to find here?

[gentledawn]

Not at all. [He smiles and fusses over Zishu's blankets, tucking the man in.] They are as fond of their tea as those from our land. It was a bit difficult to procure the tea meant for pain - they call it opium or...opiates? - and it is regulated. I understand why, but I proved that I am a healer, so they allowed me to make my own brews.

[fated_dance]

[ The fussing is cute and makes him smile. ]

Ah. Yes. [ Opiates. He'll have to keep close eye on his reactions to it then. But used sparingly...it might help. ]

Do you work as a healer here? More than just when you see those in need.

[gentledawn]

[It's one of the many ways Xingchen likes to show affection. Yes, everyone in Yi City was tucked in nightly whether they liked it or not.]

It originates from the poppy flower. I have made sure the dosages are precise. I would be a poor healer if I let you have too much or gave you too little to make any difference.

[He sits at Zishu's bedside and pinks.]

I am a Cultivator. Healing is only part of what I do, but I suppose I could? I wouldn't mind.

[fated_dance]

[ It's a good way! Zishu likes tucking those he cares for in, too. ]

I will be careful when I drink the tea.

A Cultivator? A martial artist and healer? [ He nods. ] The people here would only benefit from someone so skilled.

[gentledawn]

[It gives a sense of family. His master used to do it for him too when he was little.]

I trust you will.

[He wouldn't be leaving so many doses if he felt otherwise.]

Yes. I was trained on a mountain. I left my Master behind to better the world below.

[The compliment humbles him.]

I do not like seeing others in pain. If I can ease it, I will be fulfilling part of my goal.

[fated_dance]

[ A family that only grows, no matter what they do to avoid new attachments - or so has been Zishu's experience. He'd tried, knowing he only had a few years left to live.

Then he'd met Kexing, and everything changed.

Zishu listens, head turned just a little even if his gaze isn't strictly on Xingchen. ]

...I was also trained on a mountain. [ But he shakes his head, as if to chase those thoughts away, and hums. ]

I understand. I believe you should do what makes you happy. If it is by helping others, that only makes it better.

[gentledawn]

[Xingchen loves the idea of his family growing! There is so much love to give and once those bonds have been forged, in his opinion, even a few years can be spent well.

The comment has him raising his head just a little, not wanting to disturb Zishu's thoughts.]

You strike me as someone who likes aiding others too. Once you are well, I would be honored to work with you.

[fated_dance]

[ His family used to be rather big, with juniors and seniors. But they all died, taking his heart with them. Kexing and the rest of those he named have dragged him back to the living.

And now Xingchen threatens to join his family - it would be so easy to allow it.

He blinks back to focus at the other's comments, then shakes his head a little. ]

I really know only how to fight. I'm tired of that, though I will always protect those I care about as best I can. My knowledge of the healing arts is limited and fragmented. Half is invented or cobbled together.

[gentledawn]

[If he knew, he would understand. If he knew, it is unlikely he would let Zishu go a day without an embrace. Loss is not something he has experienced much - not at that magnitude - but his Zichen has and he saw how it ripped that dear man to shreds.]

I could...teach you? [He inquires, unsure if he has anything useful for someone as advanced as Zishu. Surely the man can pick up on the various methods by himself? But Xingchen is humble about his accomplishments; he doesn't give them the credit they deserve.]

[fated_dance]

[ He's learning to enjoy embraces again - and Kexing is rather physical.

The offer to teach him better healing has him immediately nod. ]

Thank you. I would like to know more. It...would be nice to know more than just poisons and their cures.

[gentledawn]

Knowing poisons and their cures is an excellent start! [Xingchen rises to make Zishu some soothing tea, humming as he moves around the kitchen.]

Healing won't tax those shoulders, either, so we can have quiet lessons.

[fated_dance]

[ He has doubts about this, but the fact is more because he was the one to invent most of the poisons he's used. Zishu automatically follows Xingchen's progress, watching - but less on edge than he normally might be with someone unfamiliar.

Now, maybe he can learn more useful things. Maybe. No. He must do the best he can with the time he has left. And try to extend that time, as long as possible. ]

Don't worry. I won't ruin your efforts.

[ He might need a bit more help in doing certain things until he heals more, but for now he's comfortable enough.

And who knows? Maybe his Kexing has appeared and will come fuss over him. ]

[gentledawn]

[To ease any fear, Xingchen brings the freshly heated water - in a cute teapot - over on a tray. Beside said teapot are the herbs he is going to brew. Zishu is welcome to examine them before he does so.]

I am not worried. [He sets the tray before the other man and begins to combine the herbs in the pot carefully, showing him how it is done.]