A Half-Baked Life 3 (Tamberlane Webcomic, Human!SI)

"So, your species' name is... human?"

"It's the common term, yes. There's a scientific term too, but I believe 'human' is just enough."

Mrs. Nora was a surprisingly pleasant doctor. I wouldn't say that it was fine for me to not stare at the breast-feeding cat-girl, but since it wasn't exactly something I was up to see early in the morning while her assistant was helping Belfry with her leg injury, I could just roll with it.

The lady smiled. "I see, so you are an omnivore species. I will add this to my notes once we are done with the visit. Since we are not only treating you but also little Tamberlane, I believe it's fair to say that you have to help us with as much as you can in regard to particular care to put on the matter."

I nodded in agreement, and I have to admit that this was by far the best mindset to claim over this situation. Tamberlane and I were the only humans, and while there shouldn't be any major difference between us and the rest of the locals here at Tree Hollow, I could see how diet-related instances may lead to some attention.

"Still, how was your night with the child? Since you both adopted her, I suppose there was some trouble, yes?" Nora asked, shifting the topic to the little rascal as she and Nora's daughter, Penny, were playing 'book tower' right by the other room.

"Not- Not the hardest," Belfry replied, stuttering as she was trying her hardest to not pay attention to Terra, Nora's assistant, as she was working on the bat's injured leg. "She was... quite calm."

"Most abandoned kits tend to behave quite aggressively- they are keen to be self-isolating after being left behind or neglected," Nora pointed out, yet I couldn't ignore the peculiar 'tension' she was raising with that info. "Surely something like that may have come up."

"No," I answered calmly, gaining a surprised look from the experienced doctor. "But I think this may be tied to the previous living conditions of Tamberlane."

I paused, glancing at the toddler and seeing her still busy playing.

"What do you mean, John?" It was Belfry asking this, and I could sense some concern.

"I don't think she was overtly hurt but... I think she was not nurtured in a regular family with a mother and a father. I do believe that a degree of neglect may have unfolded and... her gestures. I think that's sign language."

"You mean Trissol?" Terra asked in surprise, finishing bandaging Belfry's leg. "That's a rare skill for a young one to have."

"And a reason to believe that whoever was the original guardian of Tamberlane was not outright abusive. What I am more concerned about is for any potential trauma that she may have, repressed memories that may have to be eventually addressed," I reasoned truthfully. "Nora, is there something that can be done for precaution?"

"Not that I can think of," The cat confessed, showing some sympathy at this worry. "Yet, I think that her openness towards you and Belfry may be helpful in the long run."

That wasn't the kind of answer I was hoping for, but I could live with this since it was the best we could do for now. As we were still discussing this, a commotion on the other room caught our attention. It was one of the guys that helped us yesterday, a dog with blonde fur that went by the name of Henry.

As Belfry helped him up as he had tripped on the book tower the children had conjured from the few books they could find, I noticed the closeness he had with Nora and realized that they had to be together or close enough to warrant the intimacy.

It was, however, the bag that he had carried that actually got my full attention. The content of it, which part of had spilled, looked to be all sorts of tools used to deal with young children. A milk bottle, harnesses, diapers, and much more that could be used to deal with that sort of responsibility.

"Since you two have been entrusted to this role so suddenly, I thought you could be in need of all of this," Henry explained, smiling in a friendly manner. "And don't think of owing me anything. The most important thing in this place is to guarantee the kits a chance to be happy and have a childhood."

"W-We will be the best parents," Belfry assured, turning to look at me with one of the brightest smiles she could conjure. "Right?"

I smiled back, disarmed by that light she was exuding. "We will."

But as we were basking in that nice matter, someone took notice that something was off about the current 'peace' we were dealing with.

"I... I don't wish to be the bearer of bad news, but..." Terra hummed, standing by the open door and then looking at us all. "But where are the children?"

...

WHAT?!

The next few minutes went like a blur, everyone left the place as the kids were not in the library anymore. Henry was the sheriff, so he could get people to cooperate, but as we were looking with those nearby, it became clear none had paid attention to Penny and Tamberlane.

I couldn't blame them- Tree Hollow was devoid of criminal activities, so no one really paid much attention to what the kids could be up to when they are wandering the streets. But while the effort was in full swing, so was Belfry's current case of self-loathing which I had seen in some extent the night prior.

"W-What if she is hurt? We need to find her and- and I thought I was ready but-"

"Belfry-"

"I-Is it going to be alright?" She asked, growing more errantic by the second. "Like- What if things are not? What if she is dea-!"

I stopped before she could have said that stupid crap with a tight hug. She went stiff, eyes wide open and yet now focused as she looked at me in confusion.

"J-John?"

"Belfry, we had this talk already. Step by step, the kids are still in town and there's no reason to panic like this. You're just hurting yourself for no reason."

"John is right, Belfry," Nora remarked softly as she approached us with a caring look. "While you are right to feel concerned, that doesn't mean you have to give up at it. Concern is an alarm that makes you aware that you truly care for someone, but it should not become reason to also give up so easily."

"...I suppose that's f-fair but-"

"No butts, missy," I interrupted, offering a smile. "I bet the kids are just playing somewhere and there's nothing to truly worry about."

Right as I said this, Henry rushed back to us.

"We have a lead! They are at the docks."

Belfry bolted after hearing this, and I rushed right closely behind her as we were going for the docks. Took us a few minutes, but we arrived just in time to spot Tamberlane playing with other children by a small boat by the river. As the toddler heard her name and started to run towards us, I saw a most absurd scene play in front of me.

Belfry tripped on her bandages, causing her to bump against a barrel and push it off the edge, while Tamberlane tripped on the slippery board connecting the boat to the docks and causing her to fall off-board and onto the barrel. The bat recovered fast, stretching to the limit and using just her feet to anchor herself as she reached the barrel to keep it from either sinking or trailing away.

"Fuffy!" Tamberlane exclaimed, delighted but also sounding a bit worried as Belfry's hold was not stable.

Luckily for them both, I was quickly within range and helped the bat pull the barrel closer so we could fish out the toddler out of it.

"Are you two alright?" I asked, scooping them in a big hug.

"W-We are," Belfry remarked with a hint of unease, surprised by the tighter hug, while Tamberlane appeared relieved.

"Hi dada."

"Hello Tambry," I replied mirthfully. "And I suppose we are fine too and... nice dress?"

Who gave the kid that cute yellow dress?

AN

Next time... meets the Grandparents.