Chapter 106 - Demise (1/2)

Sean and Tyne instinctively assumed their roles as doctors. Eiji followed their orders and watched the men tend to the fallen like machines.

He learned of the little girl's name. She called herself Himari.

”Papa. You gave me that name silly.” She had said with a huff.

Eiji had responded with a weak smile and gentle pat on her head to soothe her pout.  He asked around the shrine for her true identity, but no one knew who she was. The priest had suspected that she was a visitor to the city.

”She's probably an orphan now.” He had concluded of the girl's demise with a weary sigh. ”They'll be lots more orphans now.”

So Eiji decided he'd continue to be her father for the time being. Fortunately, the girl found some normality through Tama's company.  He was glad to see that Himari was good at making friends with other kids. She and Tama found themselves being entertainment for the visiting children.

Tyne and Sean constantly worked day and night. Patching up wounds the best they could with what they had.

They were given a private room at the shrine to share.  Their compensation for their tireless work.

Where one of the shrine's problem was being addressed with wounded getting medical aid. Another wasn't. Food was almost non existent. A lot of people's conditions were taking a longer time for recover due to lack of sustenance and proper medical facilities.

Fortunately, Sean and Tyne were experienced in treating patients with a lot less. They were able to triage conditions for the highest recovery rate possible and readjust their practices to suit the environment.

Eiji's mind lingered on another problem. Sean's arm. The man was still fighting a mild fever. He had stepped into the doctor role under Sean's instructions, but he was no match for the man's skill and experience.

One night, Sean declared he couldn't cope with the burning pain anymore.  No matter what he did to treat his arm, it kept burning like it did on the first day.

”I have to cut it off.”

”Are you sure?” Eiji asked as he stared at the open wounds on Sean's forearm.

His own eyes gave him the answer. The arm's skin was red-raw, blackened and oozing with pus. The imprint of his shirt was still showing on the surface of what was left of his skin.

”It's going gangrene. We'll most definitely need to amputate.” Tyne sighed.

”Do it.” Sean looked to Tyne with weepy eyes. His face was pasty and skin clammy with fever. ”This piece of arm that couldn't save Kei. I want it gone.”

His voice was drifting. Tyne checked his eyes for dilation.

”We don't have much time.”

Eiji followed Tyne's instructions for their makeshift operation on Sean's arm. Working tirelessly throughout the night.

In the morning, Sean was able to recover some of his strength whilst functioning with one and half of an arm.

He ignored Tyne's order to rest another day before returning to work. Eiji compensated for Sean's lack as they continued to work to heal others. Sean was able to cope with some medicine that was purchased at black market prices. Tyne held on to the medicine to ensure Sean didn't overdose.

A week had passed with their new routine. Sean was able to cope with his wound without regular medication. His amputated arm was still weepy with pus. So he kept it wrapped, unable to replace the bandages due to the shortage they had. The most he could do was keep the dressing dry.

On one of their routine days, they were confronted by a familiar face in an Imperial officer's suit. He stood before Eiji who was attending to wounded on the tatami mats of the shrine's large community building.

”So this is where the good doctor's end up.”

Eiji faced the man that had killed Ren in cold blood. The American spy.

”What do you want?” Eiji almost spat his question to the man's polished boots.

The man observed him for sometime. He glanced around the makeshift medical clinic that was reminiscent of a battle field infirmary.

”Good doctors. You're wanted for duty.” The man called out across the room to get Tyne and Sean's attention.

The room fell quiet. All eyes were on the Imperial officer.  Tyne closed his eyes to still his will. He finished bandaging the boy he had be attending. Then rose to face the officer.

”Can we step outside?” He calmly asked and received a nod of approval.

Tyne gave a look to Sean who was already headed towards them. Eiji rose to do the same but was ordered to stay by the officer.

”Not you.”

Eiji watched as the American's made their exit.

”The Imperial Army wants the doctors?” The shrine's priest came up to him.

”So it seems. A lot of soldiers might be wounded,” he said.

The priest nodded. Eiji resumed his duties, tending to wounds in place of the doctors with his best ability.

An hour had past when the officer left.  Tyne called Eiji and Sean back to their room, so they could have a private talk. Eiji listened with mixed feelings at Tyne's decided course of action.

”The spy is going to set up a radio communication with the major.” Tyne shared his order to Eiji. ”He wasn't sure, but he has a strong reason to think another bomb might drop. Regardless of reasons, we need to be present.”

”You're going to follow orders like a good solider.” Sean vehemently swallowed his spit at the thought.