jikan_network | [Video]

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[ 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? ]

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[ 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.

[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.

[ 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.

[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.

[ 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.

[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.]

[ 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.

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.

[ 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. ]

[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.]

[ He draws in a careful, slow breath, eyes briefly fluttering closed as he waits - not long. Xingchen returns the next moment, and Zishu drags his attention back to the tray before him.

Before they begin, he takes a moment to study the components - picking up each little pot to sniff, as if he can still smell. The sight and texture of each is enough. He watches how Xingchen carefully prepares everything before letting the concoction steep. ]

It should be just as potent as you promise.

It will give you comfort, I hope. [He fears Zishu has been in pain for too long. That sort of agony taxes the heart and the body. Usually Xingchen avoids using something as strong as this, but after seeing those wounds...

No. Zishu needs to sleep deeply and well. The curiosity has him smiling and when the tea is finally measured correctly and steeping, he sets the tray on the side table and moves closer to Zishu again.]

I will leave your communicator beside you, so if you need help, say my name or Zichen's if you prefer.

[ He nods, having come to the same conclusion. Zishu has a feeling once he finishes a cup, he'll swiftly fall asleep - but that will only be a blessing. ]

If I need help, I will call.

Thank you...Xingchen.

[Xingchen blushes and smiles, pouring the tea once it has steeped long enough. He holds out the steaming cup to Zishu.]

All you need do is rest and heal. I will be next door so I can promise you won't be disturbed.

[ Xingchen really does blush rather nicely, but Zishu only lowers his gaze in the ready excuse to accept the cup of tea. He doesn't immediately drink it though, not yet. ]

I'll lock the door after you. If you don't hear it open but not break, please presume someone known to me has found me.

[ As Kexing tends to do, even without being told just where to find him. ]

I will only complain if they make a loud fuss. [His gaze hardens the slightest bit. No, you don't want Xiao Xingchen to discipline you.]

But if they are aiding in your healing, I welcome them. [Be good, Kexing. Play your xiao and let Zishu snooze.]

[ He's used to Kexing being protective of him. Even A-Xiang and Chengling.

A stranger? No. That's pretty new. Xingchen is proving to be rather special.

Zishu shakes his head a little. ]

If a fuss is made, they deserve your complaint. With a healer such as you so near, I can only recover.

[He doesn't need long - or so he presumes - to tell a good man from a bad. Zhou Zishu is good, so that means he will protect him.]

Any squabbles can be rectified later. [He brushes back Zishu's hair to make it more comfortable when the poor man sleeps.]

[ His cheeks actually pink a little at the gentle fuss, and his gaze drops to the cup he holds. ]

As you say.

Drink as much as you can. [He coaxes, smiling softly.] You're strong; I believe you can overcome this.

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