[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.

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]

[ 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.

[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?

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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?

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.