The rescue mission ended successfully for all three teams. Only two soldiers were injured under enemy fire, the rest didn't even suffer a scratch. It was all thanks to Gray's and the other two leader's exceptional leadership skills. The execution could be said to be flawless on Gray's part as Yroth and his two other sidekicks were killed before they could cause any harm. Yroth's head was a mangled mess from the drone's fire, although no one particularly cared about him.
When the drones had taken its shot, Gray, without hesitation, ran towards Sato. The Major General's face was ashen. His lips felt dry for the first time in his life. His eyes, watery as it fogged up his vision.
"Sato.. Sato.." Apprehensively, Gray called out to the young man who was naked on the ground.
There was no response. Quick-minded, Gray ordered the soldiers that were led by him to open up a pathway for him. As he had neutralised the entire enemy ground, he asked for his subordinate to call for air support. There was no time to waste. Gray noticed the bruise marks on Sato's body. Bloodstains could be seen around his arms, lips and lower regions. It was painful for Gray to even watch, much less experience it. Taking off his layer of camouflage uniform, Gray wrapped Sato up carefully.
As they waited for the helicopter to arrive, Gray never once left Sato's side. This time, nothing would ever separate him and his lover again. Even if there was an earthquake, he would hang on to Sato for dear life, never to leave his side. From time to time, Gray would call out to Sato. The emptiness in his eyes was forever present. Nothing came through.
Still, Gray never gave up on the boy. Even on the helicopter, he believed in Sato's willpower. He believed that one day he will wake up from this nightmare. And that one day, Gray would be by his side to welcome him back. He would stay by him until that day comes.
When Sato arrived at the nearest hospital and was sent into the operation theatre for surgery, Gray never left the waiting area. He waited. And waited. And waited. Of course, the man did drop a message to his parents for good measure. However, even after not getting proper sleep for three straight days, he wanted to confirm that Sato was safe.
Potter arrived to provide his master some food and drinks. The loyal butler waited together with his young master for news to come. After four slow hours, the head surgeon came out of the operating theatre.
With his deepest assurance, he said, "The surgery was successful. I had managed to stitch up the anal laceration, altogether with his anus. Unfortunately, this meant that a colostomy surgery had to be done, where we created a stoma on the abdominal wall of the large intestine. This is to allow for a pouch for collecting faeces to be attached. In terms of the physical aspect, all I can do now is prescribe antibiotics to combat potential sexually transmitted diseases. In regards to the mental trauma brought on the patient, I am sorry to say that I am unable to help with the situation. Our hospital's psychiatrists could advice you after the patient receives his much needed rest."
"Thank you, doctor." Gray bowed slightly. Soon, Sato was wheeled out of the operating theatre. The boy's face was pale. His lips had scabs and his cheeks were bruised blue-black. It was a tough position to be in, but in Gray's head, it will only get better. He believed in his lover wholeheartedly.
That night, after Sato was admitted into the hospital's presidential suite, Gray watched over the young man while he rested. It was only after his mother persuaded him in person to get some rest on the sofa, did Gray finally get some sleep. It had been a long week for the General too.
After 14 hours of post-operation recovery, Sato finally woke up. Even though he was awake, he wasn't truly awake. His eyes were open. However, everyone knew that Sato's mind wasn't there. He was diagnosed as being in a Vegetative State. Even if he could open his eyes, have basic reflexes like waking up, Sato's was unable to react or make a conscious decision. Seeing this, Gray's heart was wrenched once again.
The only thing he could do as suggest by the doctors was to give the patient some sensory stimulation. It may be visual stimulation where he could show Sato photos of his friends and family, or even his favourite film. Or hearing stimulation where Gray converses with him or plays a song that Sato likes. There was smelling and touch stimulation that Gray could try. Other than that, the rest of the methods as of today, required Sato to undergo surgery. It was not recommended usually as there was a chance that the patient's vegetative state would worsen.
And so, Gray began his week of experimentation of trying to help Sato recover. The General applied for leave of absence during this period. He first called up and informed the university of Sato's indefinite medical leave and would return once he recovers. He also informed Sato's family and even Ming, his best friend. Of course, Gray offered to fly Mahiro and Geraldine down to Country Y to visit his son for the week. Afterwards, they would be heading back to Country Z if the doctors permits his discharge.
For Ming's case, the young man was extremely worried for his best friend and was lost for several days. Gray had already informed him that he could visit the boy when he was back in Country Z. Luckily, Ming Yue Guang was by his side during his down moments. He accompanied him throughout the days and was extremely helpful in keeping him motivated to carry on with life. After all, the last thing Sato wants was to drag people down with him. Ming knew that and so, he tried his best to live his everyday for his best friend.