Warlord

Chapter Twenty-Three

Kakashi rushed into the medical tent for the second time that day, “Help me,” he called out, “he’s burning up and in so much pain.” The medic rushed to Iruka’s side, quickly checking him over.

“It appears he’s under the influence of some unknown substance,” The medic stated slowly, “although not the same one that was used on the general.” He drew some blood and hurried off to try and determine what had been done to the scribe, cursing under his breath at having two patients under the warlord’s watchful eye and no answers as to what was affecting either of them.

Kakashi sat by Iruka’s bed, holding a trembling hand in his large ones, eyes riveted on the thrashing form. “Please ‘ruka,” he whispered, “please wake up. I need you and only you. Hajime’s gone, everything will be just like it was if you’ll only wake up and look at me.” He hung his head and sent a blind prayer to gods he wasn’t sure he believed in. Please, he thought, let him be alright, I can’t survive without him.

Genma stumbled into the mess, looking worse for wear after the turmoil of the previous evening. He was immediately assaulted by a chorus of voices, “Hey Genma, did you hear, Hatake found General Namiashi poisoned in his tent last night. I heard he may not survive.”

The courier had to grab hold of the table to steady himself before rushing off to the medic’s to get more information. He stopped dead at the sight that met his eyes. Kakashi was holding onto a thrashing Iruka, using his greater size to pin him onto the bed so he wouldn’t hurt himself. In the next bed lay Raidou, pale as death and unmoving.

Genma’s heart almost stopped when he saw how still the general was compared to the scribe. “Oh you silly man,” he said as he carefully smoothed a hand across his cheek, “what have you gotten yourself into now?” He pulled up a chair and sat down beside the bed, carefully clasping the still figure’s hand in his.

The medic rushed in with syringe in his hand. “I think I’ve got an antidote for the general.” he said as he moved to administer it.

“Wait just a minute,” Genma said, “what do you mean think? Could it be dangerous?”

“Well,” the medic replied, “I didn’t have much of a sample to work with, so it may not be effective. As far as danger goes,” he continued with a frown, “normally it wouldn’t be an issue, but with his vital signs so weak, anything could be fatal. However, if we do nothing he will most certainly die.”

“Hurry up then.” the courier urged in a tight voice, “I have some questions for his dumb ass.”

Kakashi looked up from his vigil when he heard Genma questioning the medic, sending a prayer up for his friend’s recovery, gods, let this turn out all right, let them both recover. He turned his gaze back to the scribe, heart breaking at the pain clearly etched on his face.

“Medic,” he said when the man stopped by his shoulder, “what about ‘ruka . . . any idea what’s wrong with him.”

“Unfortunately, I do know,” he replied slowly, “and I’m afraid it isn’t good. He was given a drug usually used for interrogations. It causes a person to graphically relive the worst moments of their life. If left under its influence for too long madness is generally the result.” He regarded the warlord warily before continuing, “I’ve sent for an antidote, it should be here shortly. Do you know how long he’s been under its influence?”

“I’m not sure,” Kakashi frowned as he thought, “probably since sometime last night, although I’m not sure when. It was after . . . Hey Genma,” he turned to the courier, “what time did you come to my tent yesterday?”

“I’m not sure, five maybe?” he replied distractedly, eyes never leaving Raidou’s pale face.

“So, after five certainly . . . probably a bit later than that.” He narrowed his eyes and glared, “How long does he have?” he demanded.

“A few more hours, sir.” the medic replied, “it will be close though. Do you happen to know what he might be seeing?”

“I’m afraid I do.” the warlord replied sadly, “I just wish I could do something to help him.”

“I’m afraid there isn’t much you can do now . . . after he comes out of it,” the medic paused and shot a wary look at Kakashi, “he’ll need a lot of help.”

“Not a problem.” the warlord replied decisively, “Just get him the antidote and I’ll take care of him after. He’ll have whatever he needs.”

A noise from the next bed caught their attention, Raidou groaned several times before rolling to his side and vomiting. Genma wiped his face with a damp cloth before bending to whisper, “You scared the shit out of me Rai, don’t do that again.” and planting a kiss on his pale cheek.

“‘m sorry,” the general mumbled, “was an ass to you . . . f’rgive me?”

“Forgiven and forgotten.” Genma said with a huge smile, “What happened to you anyway?”

“Was lookin’ for K’kashi,” Raidou slurred, “untied the slave to find out where you were. Kissed me and then . . . nothin’ till now.” His eyes shut and he seemed to drift back into sleep, before suddenly continuing, “Find the damn slave Hatake . . . and get Iruka, he’s at Umino’s.” This time the general began to snore, making it clear he was done with conversation for the moment.

The medic moved in to check his vital signs. “He’s looking much better, his heartbeat and respiration are much closer to normal. I think he’ll be recover with rest.”

“Genma,” the warlord said tightly, “get Sarutobi for me, we need to find Hajime now, before anyone else ends up in here.”

The courier nodded his head in response and stood to leave, giving Raidou’s hand one last squeeze before heading out to collect Asuma.

“General Sarutobi,” he called outside the tent, “The commander has need of you.”

“Come in Genma,” the general called from inside, “I’ll be right with you.”

Kurenai was pacing the rug, trying not to fret about Iruka. Asuma had told her that Kakashi had rushed him to the medics, but he didn’t know anything more. And he forbid her from going to check on him, stating that the medical tent with all its germs was no place for a pregnant woman.

“Is there any news on Iruka’s condition?” she anxiously inquired as soon as the courier entered.

“They were waiting for an antidote to be delivered. Apparently he was dosed with a powerful hallucinogenic drug used for torture. Hatake’s with him, that’s why he needs the general, someone has to find the pleasure slave, Hajime. He’s the one that poisoned Namiashi.”

“Hurry your lazy butt up Asuma.” Kurenai bellowed, “Kakashi needs your help.”

“Yes dear.” he said as he planted a quick peck on her cheek before following the courier back to the medic’s to meet with Kakashi.