Just Another Beastmen Story

Part 15

The night seemed interminably long for Iliana, who could hardly stay asleep. Her body felt as though it was burning up, almost like she was on fire. Occasionally, she found some solace when something cold touched her forehead. When she finally awoke in the morning, she was met with the tired faces of Oso and Basil sitting over her.

"Have you guys been up with me all night?" Iliana asked, her voice laced with concern.

"Yes, the doctor told us to keep you cool," Basil replied.

"Here, eat this root, Iliana. The doctor said it will help with the pain," Oso said, handing her a piece of root.

Iliana took the root and chewed it, immediately coughing from its strong flavor, which made her want to gag.

"Where's mom?" Iliana asked, swallowing the last bit of the turmeric root.

"She is still sleeping," Oso replied.

"Good... let's go to bed, you guys," Iliana said, closing her eyes and trying to raise her arms so her two younger brothers could snuggle beside her.

With the help of the medicinal root, Iliana was able to drift back to sleep a bit longer, but her body continued to burn up from the fever.

Iliana awoke as the sun was dipping below the horizon, casting a warm glow throughout the cave. She attempted to sit up but was immediately restrained by Basil, who pressed a firm hand on her shoulder, his expression serious. "You are not allowed to move," he insisted.

Exasperated, Iliana sighed. "I need to pee..." she murmured.

At this, Basil's face blanched, and he quickly called Oso for help. Together, the brothers, now tall and increasingly strong from their hunting lessons, carefully lifted Iliana from her bed. As they supported her, Iliana glanced around the noticeably empty cave. "I thought you said mom was here," she remarked as they began their slow journey to the outside sandpit.

"She left earlier today..." Oso responded quietly.

"Where?" Iliana pressed, her curiosity piqued.

"We don't know... She woke up crying and just left. Kim and Jim went with her," Basil added as they reached the sandpit, his voice tinged with worry.

After helping Iliana with her needs, the boys guided her back to the cave, gently laying her down on her straw bed, now permanently indented with her form. They both sat beside her, their faces etched with concern. "We don't know if mom is coming back... After Lupin's mom came and started screaming at mom about his death, she kind of lost it," Oso explained hesitantly.

The mention of Lupin's death caught Iliana off guard, sending a jolt through her. She had been out of touch, recovering, and this news was unexpected. "I'm sorry, whose death?" she asked sharply, her voice rising with a mixture of confusion and dread, as her heart began to race, trying to piece together the fragmented information.

"Lupin died, Iliana... He was killed by Scott and Jeremy. He died right in front of our house after he came to warn us that they were up to no good. And... as you know, Roger died trying to save you. I think Mom is not handling it well at all," Oso said somberly.

The news of Lupin's death struck Iliana like a bolt of lightning. Tears welled up in her eyes as the reality set in. How could he have died? Was the flash of images she saw—Roger, An, and Lupin on the ground—a foreshadowing of their fates? Overwhelmed by grief and confusion, Iliana began to sob uncontrollably. The pain in her back intensified with each shudder and tremble as she cried.

"How could Mom just leave us? Why would she leave me!" Iliana yelled out in anguish. Oso and Basil sat quietly beside her, offering silent support as she cried through the remainder of the night. She refused to eat or drink anything, consumed by her sorrow.

That night, as the boys lay beside a still wakeful Iliana, her mind raced, unable to settle. Why would her mother just abandon her children? No one needed to die for her. Why am I needed here? Why does this world need any help when it has only shown cruelty? Her thoughts spiraled, searching for answers in the dark swirl of her emotions.

The next morning, Iliana awoke to the sound of her brothers frantically bustling around the mouth of the cave. "Take the meat off the fire!" Basil yelled at Oso. Moments later, Iliana heard a splash of water followed by smoke billowing up to the cave roof. "Ummm, guys," Iliana called out meekly.

"Oh sorry! I burned the meat," Oso said, his face flushed with embarrassment.

Iliana couldn't help but laugh; they were just children, after all, taking care of their older sister and trying their hardest. It was indeed adorable. "I like the meat a little burned, Oso. Bring it here. Help me sit up," she said.

The boys hurried over to assist her into a sitting position. Each day, her body felt more tender, and although she was running hot, it didn't feel like a fever—just a persistent warmth. Iliana took some meat from Basil and began eating as the boys scampered back to clean up the remnants of their cooking mishap.

While Iliana was still upset that her mother had left, she couldn't help but feel grateful for her brothers' diligent care. They were proving themselves to be more than capable, undoubtedly growing into what would make them exceptional spouses in the future. She felt a deep sense of thankfulness for their presence.

As she continued to heal, Iliana used this time to ponder the flood of memories that were resurfacing. Amber—that was who she had been, or still was? How could this other life's memories serve her in this world? Recalling Amber's memories of bears—loyal, strong, and family-oriented—helped make sense of what she knew about Hannah, Kim, and Jim. This comparison gave her hope and reassurance. Her mother would come back. She had to believe that.

Two weeks had passed since their mother disappeared, and Iliana had been left to manage with her brothers. Early one morning, the sound of a baby crying echoed through the cave. A small, faded brown cub was nestled securely in Kim's arms, with Jim and Hannah following close behind. The boys' weary faces immediately brightened as they rushed over to Kim.

"Say hello to your new sister," Kim announced joyfully to the boys.

Iliana's gaze met her mother's as Hannah entered the cave. Hannah's eyes, full of an unreadable expression, seemed tired and possibly angry, which unsettled Iliana. She wondered, Was Hannah upset with her because of Roger's death?

"Mom?" Iliana called out meekly, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Hannah continued her slow approach, her eyes locked intensely on Iliana's. With each step, the air in the cave seemed to grow heavier, charged with an unspoken tension. As Hannah drew closer, the look in her eyes was deep and searching, as if she were trying to pierce through to Iliana's very soul. Iliana could feel the weight of her mother's gaze, bracing herself for the conversation that was about to unfold.