Time Through Time We Remain Untamed.

CHAPTER 21.7

           "I told you to keep calm didn't I, Wei Wuxian?" Wuxian heard as soon as he stepped off the platform. More like dragged himself out.

    "Ahhh Lan Zhan, let's not do this now!! Can't you see that I am on the verge of dying here?! Do you not care about my welfare?!!" Wuxian whined as he held on to Lan Zhan for support. Lan Zhan simply rolled his eyes and grabbed the exaggerating boy and led them back to their tent. Even so, Lan Zhan knew that Wuxian was in much pain considering the risky chance he took so he decided to hold back the reprimanding talk and set to help him.

      He grabbed a pair of scissors and moved to cut open the now sticking fabric that covered Wuxian's shoulder. The whole left side was soaked in deep red and by the looks of it, Wuxian would need stitches after the competition. Lan Zhan cleaned the wound up as much as possible and applied a salve to enhance the clotting process before bandaging it up nice and tight. All the while, Wuxian squirmed, grunted and even cried out to Lan Zhan when his skin pinched together in distress.

       "Stop moving Wuxian. You are only going to make it worse. I'll give you some ground root tea, it will help replace the blood lost and keep your sugar levels up. Afterwards, you can take a few painkillers but not excessive. You still need to be conscious and alert for the next round."

   " Yeah, yeah. Why don't you congratulate me instead Lan Zhan? I won and now we are going to the finals!! I told you, didn't I? I told you I'd win. " Wuxian happily stated managing to smile in this adverse situation. Lan Zhan kept his silence instead of replying because he couldn't believe how Wuxian could be upbeat at the moment. He focused on brewing the medicinal tea and decided to leave Wuxian to his own devices. For now, they had about 40 minute break before the 3rd round commenced so the two used the time to make themselves in better shape to fight and heal as quickly as their young bodies would allow.

       "Wei Wuxian," Lan Zhan started again as he passed a hot cup of tea towards his counterpart. "Yes Lan Zhan?" Wuxian replied endearingly.  "I say this with all seriousness Wei Wuxian. Given our states, I have no doubt that in the next competition, our challengers will take any chance to disadvantage us even further. It is of utmost importance not to allow ourselves to be in such states. I know it may be difficult but please this time, keep your anger under control. I do not wish to see you more injured than this." Lan Zhan said finishing his ment. He held Wuxian's gaze, hopefully passing his message straight.

      " Lan Zhan...... ok, I promise to be extra careful and to keep myself in check most of the times... but the same goes for you. I too don't want to see you hurt." Wuxian replied patting Lan Zhan with his good arm. Lan Zhan nodded in affirmation receiving a warm smile in return. " Let's relax then for a while then get ready to kick some ass and win this competition."  At that Lan Zhan smirked as he settled down and Wuxian finished his tea.

       "5 MINUTES TO GO PARTICIPANTS!!!" came the commentator's voice through the speakers and roused the two boys. The two looked at each other before they stood up and went through the last of their plans. Lan Zhan rebandaged his thigh wound and passed a gently touch over his chest. He was good to go, for now. He did the same thing with Wuxian's wound, reassuring both that it wouldn't tear up in the middle of the fight and keep together until they got medical aid. At the same time, Wuxian gupled down about 7 pieces of painkillers and for faster effectiveness, crushed and ate them directly instead of gulping down with water. As much as he was feeling fine-ish now, Wuxian knew he would be in hell later so he needed all the nerve kill as much as possible.

       Avoiding the disapproving glare of Lan Zhan at his actions, Wuxian put on his spare uniform while slightly choking at the bitter taste of the medicine. They had to focus now and in less than a minute, the two were ready to execute the last round. The crowd cheered at the emergence of the last duo teams and were more than excited to see how the last event would turn out.