Pitched Normal

Thinking

Wei Ying truly believed himself responsible? That was what his brother had said but it still confused Lan Zhan greatly. After all, it was his decision to make his promise to the boy, and it was his choice to move him from the Library Pavilion. And even his choice to move the boy to his bedroom, so that the other sect would not find him. Under no circumstances was it the other boy's fault, where was there room for him to believe that it was his responsibility to lay claim to Lan Zhan's own choices? Lan Zhan had made the decisions and it would not make any sense for Wei Ying to believe himself responsible. Lan Zhan knew what he had been agreeing to and while perhaps he was a bit impulsive that did not change the fact that his decisions were his alone ... they did not belong to Wei Ying.

Was it some sort of ... practice among the Jiang clan? He had seen how Wei Ying had been reprimanded at almost every turn by his sibling ... Jiang Cheng. Even the silent disapproval of Madam Yanli. It was not Lan Zhan's own responsibility to judge the Jiang Sect, but at the same time, the way that they treated Wei Ying at times ... though he knew that the boy would deny it ... was rather concerning to him. He had barely seen their interactions and he could already tell there was something wrong. He liked to think that it was just because he was rather observant, but he doubted it.

He did admit, Wei Ying was a very gentle person. He had been worried about Wen Ning, had tried to befriend Nie Huaisang-who was in great lack of friends due to his love of gossip and general mischievous nature-and even brought his concerns to Lan Zhan. Something that he would admit he was quite proud of. Though he knew that he slightly intimidated the other, as well as enchanted him a little, just as Wei Ying did to him, it was nice to know that the boy felt comfortable enough to share his concerns about the wellbeing of fellow students with him. Not only that, but also believing him to be capable of finding a solution.

The picture which Lan Zhan was seeing painted before him was beginning to grow ever more increasingly dark, and he was not entirely certain if he wanted to see the masterpiece in its entirety. What would be there? What sort of things had Wei Ying suffered through? Did he still suffer? Past wounds were not so easily moved on from, even if you could so simply cover them up. There was always a point where someone would break and Lan Zhan was beginning to fear that the point for Wei Ying was fast approaching. It scared him, just a little bit, to think of it. He would not allow the boy to fall alone, was the only thing that he realized that he could promise and actively achieve. For how can he aid Wei Ying? He could not stop his mind from running, not unless he killed him. He could, however, promise to be with him should he need him.

Though, he was slightly concerned. Wei Ying feeling responsible for actions which he had no bearing on did not sit well with him. After all, he could have done little to stop Lan Zhan, even if he had been awake, which he was not. Lan Zhan had done what he felt was necessary, and for Wei Ying to apologize for his actions, believing that anyone other than Lan Zhan was responsible for them concerned him. How often did these sorts of things happen between him and the other Jiang children? Lan Zhan found that he did not particularly wish to know the answer.

Wei Ying's past was getting bleaker the more he learned about him. The other was so kind, gentle, and caring; yet it would seem as though so many were taking advantage of his gentle nature. It ... angered him, for a lack of a better word. It made him want to destroy anything that would dare try and hurt him. Of course, he could never truly act on such things, but within the safety of his own mind he would think it, and punish himself accordingly.

The energy which had drawn Lan Zhan to Wei Ying whilst he was at his weak point, however, consumed his mind once again. It had not been malevolent, at least, not when it realized that he had no intention of harming Wei Ying. Which led him to believe that perhaps there was something more to resentful energy then they entirely knew. What sort of resentful energy would protect the one they wound about? It made no sense, and he had never heard of such a thing happening before.

Furthermore, Wei Ying did not seem affected negatively by the resentful energy. It had only come about when he had been vulnerable, and it worked to protect him, not harm him. This confused him further, and he contemplated asking Wei Ying about it, but ... on second thought perhaps that was not the best idea at the moment. He was not sure exactly what Wei Ying had been asking when he begged him not to inform his siblings. The resentful energy? The nightmare? The lashing out? Falling asleep during his punishment?

Which brought yet another concerning factor to Lan Zhan's mind. After all, why would he fall asleep in the midst of his punishment unless he was severely lacking in sleep. Yet he did not seem to be, perhaps it was merely a one-night occurrence? Lan Zhan would need more information before he moved further.

Which meant that he would have to talk to Nie Huaisang. It would be ... rather difficult as that teenager made it his mission to hide from him and never come within his direct attention. To put it lightly he was absolutely terrified of him. Still, he had the feeling that the young Nie would be his best source of information ... which meant that he would find him. Hopefully the other would agree to help him.