Time Through Time We Remain Untamed.

Chapter 11: COMMON GROUND

     In no time it was evident to see that Wuxian was a gifted young man when it came to Martial Arts. He easily climbed up the ranks between the new members and soon enough the teacher contemplated to put him in the same class with Lan Zhan. Lan Zhan was his top student especially when it came to sword fights, the teacher had never seen someone so fierce and elegant at the same time. In the  martial arts class, they had various classes that not only trained them for self defense but was also tailored for the yearly Martial Arts that were held early in spring and his students were among the best. There were various categories and at the highest was the sword fight and hand to hand combat.

      For today's class the teacher had decided to pair the students with each other to test their limits and note areas of improvement. And of course he put Lan Zhan and Wei Wuxian together. Wuxian had a hidden potential which he was sure Lan Zhan would unlock with his resilience and forth stand. Wuxian was more than happy to be with Lan Zhan. They hadn't talked to each other for about 2 weeks since Wuxian had other things to do with his own friends and also he had noticed Lan Zhan was really not himself lately. He was much more grimmer than usual. Even today, he had not looked up at anyone or even spoken at all. It made Wuxian feel uneasy a bit.

     “Ok, first off, Lan Zhan and Wei Wuxian. Please draw you swords and demonstrate a basic attack and defense strategy.” their instructor called out as he watched from the sidelines.

Lan Zhan stood up immediately and went over to the sword rack and got his partner. A beautiful silver and white sword that his teacher had gifted to him upon his choice. Each sword student was given one so that it could represent them and be an extension of the bearer. Wuxian's swords was also silver but had a beautifully designed brown outer casing and he stood on the left facing Lan Zhan. He tried to look at Lan Zhan's face to decipher anything but Lna Zhan was more closed off than anything that day.

   “BEGIN!” the teacher shouted pulling the two into concentration. He was used to Lan Zhan's strategy already. Lan Zhan was precise, controlling and strong with his blows. He never rushed in but rather took time then attacked with swift blows over and over not giving time for his opponent to attack. He followed his attacker's movements fluidly and always sort not to hurt them in serious areas unless called for. It was what made Lan Zhan such an incredible student. As for Wuxian, this was the chance for the teacher to see what he got.

    The two immediately went in and the sound of swords clashing filled the room. They weren't allowed to injure or draw blood from each other. This was just a practice test. Wuxian was excited. There was an exhilarating feeling of being this close to Lan Zhan and battling against him. If only Lan Zhan was a bit more like his usual self then it would be better. He was way too tense and not really concentrated although he managed to focus past it.

   Lan Zhan attacked first aiming from the right and Wuxian met with him equally. The teacher was quick to note that Wuxian had excellent execution as well. He refrained from waiting and tackled first making his opponent to back up and form a quick defense against him. He followed Lan Zhan's movements as though he knew them himself and that created such a fluid pattern between them. As if they were weaving a band together. Wuxian was also good at evading his opponent and confusing them with misguiding attacks which made Lan Zhan to chase after him at times and that bought time. It was interesting to watch.

     The two went hard, switching footwork back and forth. Wuxian loved every minute of it. Lan Zhan was strong and very well experienced. His movements held signs of constant practise and understanding. He didn't just attack with no reason. It made Wuxian view him with a new light. Lan Zhan was highly impressed with Wuxian's skills as well. He was very well versed in what to do and how to do it and knew how to fight decently and honourably. Within that moment, Lan Zhan had come to respect Wuxian to an extent. However, today was not his day.

    For the last two weeks, his father had been giving him a hard time and pressure about school and his obligations as a Lan and Lan Zhan didn't need it at this point. But that was well besides the point, Lan Zhan could handle his father's nagging and demands. Those never really bothered him. What was the issue was the other matter.

    His father had been open that he wanted to remarry which Lan Zhan had no issue with. That was his father's decision and he wouldn't concern himself with it. The only problem was that his father wanted to give his next wife Lan Zhan's mother's necklace. A heart shaped silver and emerald necklace. A gift his father had given his mother as custom to show that he had chosen her as his significant other before they married. The necklace was the only piece of his mother that Lan Zhan had left and he had absolutely refused to relinquish it to him. His father had more than enough money to buy something else and not taint his mother's memory with her own necklace.

      His decision had made the pair get into a huge fight and without his elder brother to come in and mediate between them, it had lead to Lan Zhan getting severely scolded and his father had hit him on his arm with his cane. It was in the heat of the moment and his father had justified it as discipline for his disrespectful son.

    Nevertheless, Lan Zhan didn't give in, his own emotions clashing against each other. There were certain things that Lan Zhan had made his mind on and couldn't be moved. And that was why he was in such a foul mood. The very thought of it made his blood boil and it didn't help that he couldn't regain focus on the task at hand.

    They were in the middle of an intense practise when Wuxian's hand accidentally hit Lan Zhan's injured arm and Lan Zhan instinctively dropped his sword as he felt pain erupt. He had self treated himself but it was still swollen since he had been using it. Wuxian came to an abrupt stop when he saw Lan Zhan drop his sword and excused himself from the rest. Everyone was shocked at what happened and Wuxian immediately followed Lan Zhan out. He was aware that he had hit him but he didn't think it was that hard for him to leave that hastily.

    “Lan Zhan, are you ok?” Wuxian asked as he found him in the bathroom, washing his forearm with a cloth and warm water.

“Lan Zhan, where did you get that injury? It looks really serious.” Wuxian exclaimed coming closer to take a better look.

   “It's just swollen up. Don't worry about it. You need to go back to class” Lan Zhan said as he tried to wash down the swelling though it was more like he was washing himself.

    “Lan Zhan, you can barely dress it well. Look, I know I'm annoying but let me help you at the very least and you can be stubborn later. I did hit you back there so I'm partially responsible. I promise not to ask questions about it and just help you in silence.” Wuxian said meaning every word. Lan Zhan looked back at him and studied Wuxian for a moment. He wasn't used to relying on help from others apart from his brother but he didn't oppose it. He would have done the same thing for Wuxian if their positions had been switched. He nodded back and Wuxian got to up close and personal massaging  his arm and rubbed in the pain ointment.

     He was astonished at Lan Zhan's pain tolerance as he didn't squirm or cry out or move when Wuxian pressed down to reduce the swelling. He just sat there quiet, his eyes flinching whenever he felt the pain and let Wuxian do his thing. They finished in a few minutes and Lan Zhan felt a bit better.

   “Thank you for your help Wei Wuxian.” he sincerely said as he fixed himself up properly. Lan Zhan may be cold and hard to get along with but he was polite and knew how to acknowledge people when they did something  good.

“It's fine Lan Zhan. And just call me Wuxian. Now, let's go back to class.”  Wuxian replied glad that he had gotten this chance to be with Lan Zhan and they weren't bickering as usual. Lan Zhan nodded at his suggestion and both headed back to class. It was their first peaceful interaction and it would be the basis for many more. It was a new ground for them.