Just Another Beastmen Story

Part 16

As Hannah closed the distance between them, Iliana's heart raced with anxiety. She's going to yell at me, blame me for Roger's death... I should not have been here, Iliana agonized internally, bracing for the confrontation.

To Iliana's surprise, as soon as Hannah was close enough, she wrapped her arms around her daughter in a careful, yet enveloping embrace. "Mom?" Iliana uttered, confused by her mother's gentle approach.

Hannah slowly pulled back, her eyes brimming with tears. "I'm sorry, honey. I know I left you guys for a while, but I just needed some space after that day," she explained, her voice breaking as she wiped away her tears.

Iliana, taken aback by the flood of emotions, stammered, "What? No! I'm sorry! It was my fault Roger and Lupin died. No one needed to save me, to die for someone like me. I don't know why Jeremy and Scott wanted me, but maybe..."

"Stop it," Hannah cut in sharply. "It's not your fault. You didn't force anyone to save you. You were Roger's pride and joy, and Lupin loved you. Do not downplay their love," she stated firmly, her words stern.

Hannah listened intently, her face softening as Iliana spoke. "But...," Iliana tried to continue, her voice faltering.

Hannah sighed deeply, cutting her off. "No buts. Be mad at me. I literally abandoned you guys for two weeks while you were in pain, and you're worried about saying sorry to me!?" She shuffled off the hay bed where Iliana lay, her frustration evident.

"This had nothing to do with you guys anyway. I wasn't mad; I was devastated because Roger was gone. The pain I felt when he died... it wasn't just mental; it's physical too. Then, Lupin's mom came over trying to yell at me. I was ready to rip her head off myself!" Hannah said, miming a strangling motion towards an invisible adversary. "I asked Jim to come back to the cave to help you guys, but he refused to leave me. And then your baby sister came..." She trailed off, her tone a mix of frustration and sadness.

Iliana felt a wave of relief wash over her, reassured by her mother's normalcy. She couldn't help but fear that Hannah might revert to being like Amber's parents, blaming her for everything, even though deep down, Iliana still felt responsible for the deaths. Yet, discussing it seemed futile with Hannah's stubborn streak.

"Mom, there is something I do want to talk to you about," Iliana stated, gathering her courage. Hannah's expression softened, and she sat back down on the bed, giving Iliana her full attention.

"When I was knocked unconscious, the Almighty Beastmen spoke to me and gave me some memories of a life that I guess is mine. But... I know I'm not really your daughter..." Iliana said softly, her voice filled with a mix of confusion and apprehension, waiting for her mother's response.

Oso and Basil rushed over, confusion and surprise written all over their faces. "What do you mean not our sister!?" they exclaimed, coming to the side of the bed.

Iliana realized then that the cave, their home, allowed little privacy, making it difficult to keep any conversation truly secret. It dawned on her why her mother might have felt the need to escape.

Hannah laughed heartily, breaking the tension. "Oh, so she finally told you. No, you're wrong, Iliana. The Almighty Beastmen told me you were Roger's daughter when I found you on the mountain," Hannah said with a matter-of-fact tone.

"She told you? The Almighty sounds like a he... but you knew this whole time and never told me?" Iliana asked, her confusion deepening.

Oso and Basil's heads swiveled back and forth between Hannah and Iliana, their expressions mirroring the drama of a daytime soap opera, eagerly anticipating the next revelation.

Hannah continued, dismissing the gender specifics of the Almighty with a wave of her hand. "I'm pretty sure it was a she, but their gender doesn't matter. Of course, I knew, you dumb nut. You never came out of me, but that didn't matter. The Almighty gave you to me when I prayed for a child," she paused to affectionately touch Oso's hair. "We found out when you were younger that Roger was infertile. This is why we have had no lambs from him despite our trying. This world is cruel, but the Almighty Beastmen gave Roger and me you. They said you will bring renewal." Hannah's smile was warm and sincere, her eyes twinkling with a mixture of mischief and affection.

"But... you never told me?! I walked around this village calling myself a ram when I have scales? Why didn't you tell me?" Iliana said, her voice filled with frustration as she rubbed her temples.

Hannah chuckled lightly, "It was adorable. Besides, what would knowing have done for you besides confuse and hurt you?" Her explanation was abruptly cut off by the sound of the crying cub.

Kim approached, cradling the tiny baby cub in his arms. "She is so small..." Iliana observed, a note of concern in her voice.

"Yes, she is having some trouble eating," Hannah sighed, taking the cub from Kim.

"Was she supposed to be born this soon? Is this the normal time? I can't remember when you were due," Iliana asked, trying to recall the timeline.

"No, she was born early," Hannah replied, her voice subdued as she walked away to try and breastfeed her cub.

Oh, no, Iliana thought, realizing the gravity of the situation. The stress of everything must have triggered Hannah into early labor. While not a veterinarian, Iliana's experience as a zoologist had given her exposure to many animal births. She had always handed off any that needed medical attention to the professionals. "Hey, Mom, I think you should call the doctor over. He might be able to help with her not eating," Iliana suggested.

Kim interjected with a hint of denial, "We have never needed a doctor for our kids before. She's just a little weak. The more she eats, the stronger she will be."

Hannah, however, brushed off Kim's comment. "Hush, I'll call the doctor over," she said firmly, her attention focused on the struggling cub who kept spitting up milk. The urgency in her actions underscored the seriousness of the situation, pushing aside any further discussion about Iliana's heritage for the moment.

"Oso, go call the doctor over please," Hannah instructed, her tone urgent as she wiped the cub's face clean of spilled milk.

Oso nodded and quickly made his way to the mouth of the cave. As he approached the entrance, a deep voice resonated through the cave, halting his steps.

"Excuse me," the voice echoed, commanding and unexpected.

At the sound, Kim and Jim immediately rose from their seated positions, tension evident in their swift movements. They rushed to the cave entrance, poised to confront whoever had arrived unannounced.