Utterly Mad

Inside the tent Seb peered around, checking behind supply crates, sniffing and twisting his ears about to ensure that he and Skyler were alone inside.  Satisfied with his appraisal, the wolf leaned back on a crate, rested his right paw on the side of his head and looked upon Skyler, keeping an eye on the tent flap behind him.  Skyler peered up at the wolf from beneath his hat, a condescending expressing in his eyes. 

"I told ya, didn't I?"  Skyler's voice was a harsh whisper, not wanting anyone outside to overhear. 
"You did." A resigned sigh escaped the wolf's nostrils. 
"Knew that whitebread scum was bad news from the minute I saw him."
"Because he tried to shut down your hothouse?"
Skyler looked surprised, then offended.  "No!  Well, partially.  But just his manner at the induction ceremony that they insisted the town come out and see."
Seb raised an eyebrow.  "Menacing?"
"Yeah.  You'd have smelled it a mile away."
Seb nods.  "Already do.  Chalked it up to him projecting himself as the alpha."
"More to it than that as you can see."
"Yeah.  They wanted intel from your sister.  Got it for 'em, but still don't know what they want it for."
"You got Marge's stuff for 'em?  Should've said no.  You know how she feels about that business."
Seb shrugs.  "Didn't really think anything of it at the time.  Wondered what the higher ups would want with those crystals.  Still wondering.  Sarge isn't giving any clues."
Skyler frowns.  "Sure.  Now, what'd you reallly want to talk about?"
Seb's expression turned grim, and he stared down at the ground.  "I killed a man."
Skyler smirks.  "Really?"
The wolf stared directly into the human's eyes, who's smirk rapidly faded, concern coming over his features.
"Oh, like that.  What...what happened?"
Seb wrung his paws together as he explained.  "Clocked a man in the head, trying to knock him out.  Drew some blood.  I...I couldn't stop myself.  Tore his face open.  Could feel his cheekbones crack beneath my claws, teeth scattered everywhere.  I still smell the blood...had to force down enough bloodweed tea to kill an elephant."
Skyler stroked his beard in thought.  "Mmm...maybe...stress related?  There's been a lot goin' on recently.  With your promotion and all."
Seb eyes widened in fear, a shiver running up and down his spine.  "What if...what if the drug stops working?  And I lose it completely?  I...don't think I can deal with that again."
Skyler reached up, grabbed Seb by his broad shoulders and shook him, looking the wolf right in the eyes.  "Now, hold on.  You look at me here.  Don't. Panic.  They're still workin' for now.  I'll see if I can come up with somethin' stronger that has a similar effect.  In the meantime, I got those planters you wanted ready.  Just swing by and pick 'em up whenever.  I'll see what I'll have once this raid is over and done with."
Seb relaxed slightly.  "T-thanks.  Really."
Skyler shrugged.  "Just returnin' the favor.  Wouldn't even be able to do what I'm doin' if not for you.  Come on.  We shouldn't be keepin' those raiders waitin'."  He smiled and turned to leave, leaving Seb alone in the tent.  The wolf ran his paws down his muzzle, sighed deeply to steady his nerves and followed his human friend outside, putting on a calm demeanor for the sake of his fellows...and to keep those in the Sergeant's pocket off him.  He knew that Skyler would do what he could.  He'd just have to trust him.  Maybe...he'd have to pay a visit to another friend.  The one who afflicted him in the first place.