Chapter 17 – Confessions

 

Author’s Notes: The final chapter is now here. I’m glad for everyone who enjoyed my story. I for one am glad that I wrote it. Now that it’s complete, I can focus on other stories. There will be more Thundercats in the future. In fact there will be a sequel to this. I don’t know when. Anyway enough reading on Author garble.

 

-

 

Being busy in the command room of Cat’s Lair and the only one available, Lion-O kept watch all around. He knew Tygra had taken the Thundertank with Alana. He knew though he wasn’t alone. Done in the brig, Alana’s sister and Willa were guarding Tony. Trisha, one of Tony’s people and her mother were also around somewhere in Cats’ Lair. And there was Mandora. She had just requested a transfer for Tony, which Lion-O granted. So Mandora was also in Cats’ Lair. Soon Tony would be far away from Third Earth and Alana would be completely free of him.

 

As he was monitoring the area Lion-O notice a ship coming into orbit. He recognized the ship as Safari Joe. But what was he doing back? Lion-O quickly jumped to his feet and ran out of the lair. Once he reached the doors, the ship was making a land just before the drawbridge, which was still drawn from when Tygra left. Lion-O felt in leaving it out.

 

Just as he reached the steps, the Thundertank pulled across the bridge. Tygra and Alana jumped out, as Lion-O reached them. Once the ship was landed Joe exit moments later. Safari Joe looked up just in time to see the Feliner make touch down as well. Lion-O smirked. They must have seen Joe’s ship enter orbit.

 

He walked over to the bridge. “I hear Tony has been apprehended and that you are the cause.”

 

“News travels fast through the cosmos,” Alana answered sarcastically.

 

“Alana,” Joe pleaded. “I had no idea. I honestly didn’t think he was like that.”

 

“Like what? Taking perverse pleasure seeing people cowered in fear or having sex with women who have a nice figure. Or worse yet threatening to have sex with someone in front of someone who finds it disgusting.”

 

“All of it,” Joe answered. “If I had known, I wouldn’t have introduced you to him.”

 

“You didn’t introduce me to him. You forced me to him.”

 

“Daughter, please. Let us start over again. Let us have the father daughter relationship you always wanted.”

 

Alana clenched her fists as anger blazed in her eyes. She moved away from Tygra and stood ten feet away her father. “I already told you once, I am not leaving and I’m not your daughter. Your daughter died with your sons. And I wouldn’t go with you for what did to us.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“What do I mean?” she yelled. “I’ll tell you.” It was high time to say exactly what was on her mind. But before she could, Mandora came out of Cats’ Lair, with Tony in shackles.

 

“Am I interrupting?” she asked as she noticed an intense situation developing.

 

“Mandora,” Alana said without turning. She kept her eyes on her father. “I want you to arrest my father.”

 

“On what grounds?”

 

“For murder. I’ve never really admitted this to many people but it is high time to let the skeletons out of my closet and allow rest to come to those who have died. See, I have a fear of men. And do you know why?”

 

Safari Joe looked stunned as she spoke. He was about to protest about her accusation and that he didn’t know what she was talking, but she continued.

 

“You, are the one that began my fear of men and here’s why. It had only been one week after mother died and my sister was home from school, sick. And do you know what happened to her…I will tell, You!” she yelled the last line.

 

She quickly brought her hand up and slapped him. He fell to the ground as she took a deep breath before continuing; shouting the words and everyone around her was able to here. “A couple of your friends broke into our home and attacked my sister. My TWIN sister! Yes that’s right my twin sister and she died because of it! But of course you knew that.

 

“When I entered the house, they saw me and grabbed me before I could do anything. I watched in horror as my sister was beaten, stabbed and SEXUALLY ASSAULTED! There were burn marks where they decided to have some fun and burn her! I almost ended up the same way but MY brothers came to the rescue.

 

“It was too late for Nancy, she died two hours later in the hospital. She was only 13! THIRTEEN! And do you know what that does to a young girl?”

 

The Thundercats gasped. They had no idea. That was the reason she didn’t want to open up. She was still grieving over the death of a sister no one knew she had. The knew of her other sisters but not of a twin sister. How could a young child deal with something like that?

 

Alana quickly turned on her heal and left but stopped in front of Tygra. She realized she said that in front of the Thundercats. She saw that he was in shock but he wasn’t the only one, they all were. Luckily the Thunderkittens weren’t around.

 

Mandora didn’t know what to say. She had no idea Alana had a twin sister. She looked at Tony and saw the shock look on his face as well. To Tony, he finally understood why she never wanted him to touch her. He almost felt sorry for her, almost, but seeing her looking at the tiger, changed his mind.

 

She took a shaky breath. It was now or never to get everything out in the open. She needed to get it out before she lost her courage.

 

With a quiet voice, that held sadness, she said, “I was so traumatized, and I thought for awhile that it wasn’t my sister. I was too afraid to tell you and it almost wrecked my spirit, but my brothers helped me through it. When I met Tony I realized that it was Nancy who died and not some teenager I went to the same school with. I never thought I would be able to trust men again, but I met you and you wouldn’t leave me alone when I wanted to grieve.

 

“I kept asking for your comfort but only to throw back in your face and it was because you reminded my of Nancy. She was backbone, but without her, I had nothing. I lost half of myself. With your constant nagging of wanting to just be my friend, helped me to realize that you are not Nancy and you will not hurt me like I have been.”

 

Her hand rose up and rested against the side of Tygra’s face. He blinked when he felt her hand. His hand came up and wiped a tear. She quickly leaned in, touching his lips. She didn’t care; she wanted Tygra to know that she was grateful for all his help and his friendship.

 

She barely heard Tony growl as Tygra wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. “You bitch!” He tried to struggle free to stop them but Mandora kicked him in the back of the legs, forcing him to drop to his knees. He looked up seeing her smile.

 

As the two kissed, Willa and Vanessa came up from behind Mandora. They were walking into the main hall when they wondered what the commotion was about. They stopped just before reaching Mandora’s side when Vanessa noticed her sister kissing the tiger. She grinned at the couple, taking note the other Thundercats were looking at the kissing couple with surprise. Safari Joe sat on the ground looking surprised as well. Mandora had a smug look while Tony looked like he wanted yank his hair out.

 

Deciding to get everyone’s attention of her arrival, she braced her hand up against her mouth and whistled. The sound pulled the couple apart. Alana looked down towards her father, slightly dazed before turning, looking behind Tygra to see her sister. She quickly realized several people witnessed the kiss. She blushed as she looked back at her father. Safari Joe was too stunned from seeing the two kiss, he didn’t realize someone whistled in front of him.

 

Alana took a deep breath, allowing her heart to slow down and calm down from her blush. “Oh before I forget,” she said with a shaky voice, when she was calm enough. She looked up to Vanessa and motioned for her to come forward. Alana moved away from Tygra and stood just in front of her father. “Here’s someone you haven’t seen a few years.”

 

“Hello,” Vanessa said. “Father.”

 

Safari Joe slowly stood as Vanessa faced him. He tried to speak. “Va…how…when…why…” He noticed that she was wearing an animal skin outfit.

 

“Yes father it’s me, Vanessa. How I got here, well my husband was killed and we crashed here. I have been living amongst the Warrior Maidens. When…a year ago and why…it was an accident. Unlike Alana crashing here. But what was just displayed…” she looked at her sister and chuckled before looking at her father. “I’m glad she’s here.”

 

Deciding it was time to end the family reunion, Mandora forced Tony to his feet and walked to where the two women were.

 

“Why do you want me to arrest your father? Your twin sister is not enough to convicted him.”

 

Vanessa turned again to her sister. “Nancy? You bared what happened to her?”

 

Alana looked at her sister. “It’s high time I start being honest. I don’t want to be alone again.”

 

“You’ll never be alone,” Lion-O said, finally getting over the shock. “You have Vanessa and your new family to help protect you.”

 

Alana sadly smiled at the young lord before turning back. She lifted her head, showing her full height before turning to Mandora.

 

“My mother was not killed by accident. I watched my father kill mother. You see, the same animals that took Nancy’s life, took my mother’s. They were close friends of father and I remember one night father talking to them making a plan about attacking. The very next night, father thought we were all out, well I was home, I was sick, which got passed to Nancy. I watched as father stood in the shadows.”

 

“What?” Joe snapped. “You lie.”

 

“Do I?” Alana snapped. “Then why afterwards, I watched when they left, you walked out of the shadows and then set it up to look like mother died accidentally. I was in too much shock to react.”

 

“That’s quite the accusation. Any way to back that up? It’s that I don’t believe you, but I need solid proof.”

 

“Will proof of a ghost do?”

 

Mandora looked up and saw Josh. She gasped as she the eldest brother of Safari Joe. Alana looked and noticed that only Mandora, herself, her sister and her father were the only ones able to see Josh. This time the Thundercats could not see him. She looked at Tony and saw that he could see him.

 

The image of Josh looked at Safari Joe. “Hello, father.”

 

“How is this possible?” Joe asked.

 

“I honestly do not know,” Josh answered. “I just can. Being on the Astral Plain has its advantages.” He turned and looked at Mandora. “Officer, what my sister says is the truth. And even if it can’t be proven he did it then you get him on the murders of my mother and my first stepmother. They were both poisoned and what was used has always been in my father’s possession. The substance was…”

 

“Gun powder. I remember the reports. But there was no proof to who did it.”

 

“Father is the only human left alive with weapons that can shoot gun powder. Shot guns have been band since lasers became the weapon of choice.”

 

Mandora thought for a moment before grabbing Safari Joe by his ear. “Enlighten of this, I will re open the investigation of the deaths of Safari Joe’s first and second wives. In the meantime, I will take Safari Joe into custody.” She bent down, placing handcuffs on Joe’s hands.

 

She turned back to the Thundercats. “Everyone has decided in what they want to do. I will now leave and take them to their respectful planets where they may make provisions to their new lives. There have been a handful of Tony’s people who have decided to stay here until they decide what they want to do. I have given them an area where they may stay until otherwise.”

 

“Wait,” Lion-O called. He ran down the steps, with the other Thundercats following. “I have one more thing that needs to be done.” He pulled out his communicator and called for the Thunderkittens and their two houseguests. “I have something to say to everyone. And instead of asking you to come back when I know you’re busy, it’s best to do it now.”

 

It took almost fifteen minutes for the four to arrive. When Lion-O had everyone’s attention. “I ask for Jaga and Alana’s brothers to be present for this.”

 

Josh looked at the lord as he allowed himself to be seen by everyone. Soon all the brothers and Jaga were present. It was not normal for the spirits to be seen by so many people but they knew it had to be important. Unknown to the Thundercats and Alana, there were other spirits as well. All of Alana’s friends were there as well, but they were not seen.

 

“What do you wish of us, Lord Lion-O?” Josh asked, asking the question, everyone wondered.

 

Lion-O pulled out his sword. “Everyone who knows us, knew Alana was about to take the Anointment trials before Tony’s ship arrived in orbit. From his arrival, the Anointment Trails had to been postponed until the problem had been solved. Now that it has been solved, I have come to bare news.

 

“While Tygra was being held prisoner, Alana took it upon herself to rescue him. She made the plan to rescue him by tricking Tony. She only had limit amount of time to plan this and in that time Panthro instructed her on how to use Tygra’s Bolo Whip. We all had to work fast and she had to be quick to be able to make the plan work. She used trickery to prevent Tony to make use of his threat. While at the same time she faced Tony as his best.

 

“What I’m trying to say is Alana went through the Anointment Trials while trying to rescue Tygra. Trial of Speed, Trial of Strength, Trail of Cunning, Trail of Leadership and finally Trail of Evil. She did them all and if they were all true trials, she passed with flying colors. So it is by my decision in allowing Alana to become a Thundercat!”

 

“What?!” Alana blurted as his words hit her.

 

Vanessa turned to her sister, smiling and hugged her. “That’s great! You don’t have to go against your friends.”

 

Alana was too stunned to say anything or do anything. She stood like deer in the spot light. When she saw Tygra coming towards her, Lion-O’s words sunk in.

 

Tygra pulled her in a tight hug. “You deserve it,” he whispered. “And another thing, I love you.”

 

She pushed away to look into his eyes and saw the truth to his words. At that moment, she knew that he would always be there for her. “I love you,” she whispered back. “I never thought…”

 

She was never given the chance to finish as Tygra dipped down and quickly kissed her, silencing what she was about to say. He moved away to allow everyone else to congratulate her. When everyone gave their hugs and congrats, Lion-O went up to her. Mindful of his sword, he pulled her close to him before pulling away.

 

“You mean more to us than I ever thought possible. You are part of this family and though you blamed yourself, you kept a level head and did what most people could not do. You stood up to your worst fear. You have learned much and gained much. You will be a valued a Thundercat. You even taught me a few lessons.”

 

He moved away from everyone and raised his sword with both hands. “On this day, Alana shall become a Thunder. I, Lion-O, Lord of the Thundercats, command the Sword of Omens to declare Alana a Thundercat. Thunder! Thunder! Thunder! THUNDERCATS! HOOOOOOOO!”

 

The Eye of Thundera roared to life and rose up high in the sky before swinging down, circling around Alana. The eye as it came around Alana, reduced in size and hit below her left shoulder before disappearing. She quickly felt some sort of energy going through her body but it dissipated quickly. She looked to where the eye hit her and she the same type of symbol that was on the other Thundercats. She was now a Thundercat.

 

Alana looked at the spirits, as they had known smiles. Jaga pushed himself away from them and walked towards her. “Your mother would be proud.”

 

Tears of joy fell as she spoke. “Thank you for all your kind words and wisdom.”

 

Jaga chuckled. “Do not worry. I’ll always be here for you. You have taken a big step today. Now live your new life.” He quickly vanished and Alana watched as her brothers slowly disappeared as well until only Carl was left. He walked over to her.

 

“You have a new family, a love and you’re part of an organization. You go girl.” He quickly blew a kiss at her before vanishing.

 

Mandora came up to Alana again and hugged her once again. “You deserve it. And as much as I would love to stay for the celebration, I need to leave.”

 

Alana nodded and moved away from the officer so she could grab her captives. The three quickly teleported up to one of the ships.

 

Alana watched several minutes in the sky as two stars began to move towards the horizon. The stars weren’t really stars. They were two space ships in orbit and they were making their way away from the planet.

 

Trisha walked over. She tapped Alana on the shoulder, bringing her out of her gaze of the sky. “Now we have something to celebrate.”

 

Alana nodded. “Vanessa. Willa. Why don’t you two head back and see if anyone wants to join our celebration?”

 

Willa shock her head. “Nessie could stay if she wants to but I need to get back. In my opinion, Alana, this is a private celebration as it involves many for different reasons. You are a Thundercat and you’re free of your father and the man who you feared. You’re two friends are need of celebration as well as they are free too. The Warrior Maidens have had their fair share of celebrations.” Willa turned away from the everyone and began to head towards the nearby forest.

 

-

 

It was well after dark when things began to wind down. Alana and Trisha were quite happy that they were finally free from all their demons. They were celebrating their happiness with the Thundercats and Alana’s sister. But their happiness wasn’t the only thing to celebrate. Alana had become a Thundercat and that called for a special occasion. It wasn’t everyday that a non-Thunderian would become a Thundercat.

 

Alana was quite relieved that no one had gone up to her and asked her about the confessions she made. She was quite content at leaving their questions until later. She knew the Thundercats were going to ask her questions and she made the decision she was going to truthful with them, especially Tygra.

 

When he had enough fun for one day, Panthro decided to call it a night. He walked over to Alana and gave her a hug, being mindful of his spikes.

 

“It’s great to know you have succeeded,” he said.

 

“Me too,” she answered. “Are you taking first watch?”

 

Panthro nodded. He turned away and headed for the command room.

 

“I think it’s about time for you two to head on to bed,” Snarf said to the Thunderkittens.

 

“Oh, come on, Snarf,” Wilykit whined. “The night is still young.”

 

Alana smiled and walked over to the young kitten. “And so are you. Don’t be stubborn like me and defy requests. Before you know it, you’ll be an adult, wishing to have the younger years back.”

 

“I suppose you’re right,” Wilykat mumbled. “You and Lion-O both lost your young years.”

 

“Exactly,” she agreed. “You don’t want to grow up too quickly.”

 

Snarf jumped down from the sofa and started to push at the kids. Finally after three times of pushing against their legs, they started to move.

 

“Ok, ok. You don’t need to be so pushy,” Wilykit protested.

 

When they were gone, Vanessa walked over to a wall where she revealed a computer console?

 

“Where did you get that?” Lion-O asked.

 

Without turning away from the console, she answered, “I decided to go and visit my brothers grave. While there, I took a venture into the ship.”

 

“When in the hell did you find time to visit our brothers grave?” Alana asked.

 

“Before Tony arrived. With Willa’s help and the Robear Berbils I had the console brought here. They were able to repair it and I was able to get all the computer memory. I found a lot of information some I like, some I don’t. Anyway I came across a file full of music. So if anyone doesn’t mind, I’m going to put some on for background sound.”

 

“That’s a good idea,” Lion-O agreed. “We’ve never heard human music before.”

 

She turned towards the remaining Thundercats as a quiet rhythmic music began to play. Alana casually flopped down on the sofa, beside Tygra and leaned her head back, closing her eyes. She could feel Tygra watching her intently. It was the first time in a long time that she heard music. The music was soothing that she didn’t hear her sister come up to her.

 

Vanessa leaned down. “You seem comfortable.”

 

Alana jumped in fright with a slight scream. Trisha snapped her head towards the noise. She saw Alana had wide eyes and she was on the floor. Vanessa had tears come down as she laughed.

 

Tygra grabbed Alana’s hand and helped up with quick ease. He knew Vanessa didn’t mean to scare the woman but it didn’t ease his heart seeing her frightened look.

 

“Are you all right?” he asked with concern.

 

“I will be when my heart calms down,” she pulled her hand to her chest, trying to calm herself.

 

“I’m sorry,” Vanessa apologized as she laughed, trying her best to calm down. When she finally calmed down, she continued. “I didn’t realize you were that comfortable.”

 

“Well next time don’t come up to a person when they are relaxing.”

 

“I suppose,” she sobered. “I know I just showed you the console but I should get going. I’ve stayed too long and I need to get back to my duties.”

 

Alana stood, embracing her sister. “Don’t be a stranger.”

 

“Never,” Vanessa smiled. “But the same goes for you. I know you have new duties but every once in a while stop and take a look at the stars. Be grateful for what has been given to you.” Vanessa turned and looked at Trisha. “Same goes for you. You and your mother are very lucky women. And you have wonderful friends on your back.”

 

Trisha nodded and walked over to the warrior. “When things settle down, I was wondering if I could speak with you.”

 

Vanessa nodded. “Certainly.” She walked towards the stairs before turning back to the Thundercats. “Farwell, Thundercats.”

 

When Vanessa was gone, Trisha grabbed Alana’s arm and pulled her aside.

 

“What?” Alana asked quietly.

 

“I’ve noticed that Lion-O seems distracted this evening.”

 

Alana looked passed Trisha to see the Lord of the Thundercats having a pool game with Cheetara. Tygra still was staring at her.

 

In a quiet voice, Alana said, “That’s because he likes Cheetara and Cheetara feels the same way. But the two are afraid to push the relationship.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Lion-O is originally younger than Cheetara. In fact he should be younger than me. But when they crashed here, Lion-O’s stasis pod, malfunctioned and he aged ten years.”

 

“So that’s what was meant that you and Lion-O lost your younger years. He never saw his teenage years. Perhaps, we should play matchmaker.”

 

“I’d advise against that, at least for now. Give them time, perhaps they will reveal their feelings on their own.”

 

“Ok, what about you and Tygra?”

 

“What about us?” she asked, slightly blushing. Alana looked at her friend as her friend winked. She remembered that she had kissed Tygra in front of everyone when she declared her secret about her twin sister who died.

 

“Oh, come on now. I seen the way you look at him and he looks at you. And the way you kissed him, wow. That was a sight. Everyone stared with mouths gaping open. Even Tony was shocked. He wanted to rip you apart but thanks to Mandora…”

 

“Not you too,” Alana moaned, blushing more. “I get enough of that from my brothers and sisters.”

 

“Hey someone has to keep you on your toes,” Trisha said. “Besides…” she leaned close to Alana’s ear and whispered. “Tygra is quite the catch. I’m sure he’ll make a good father, someday.”

 

Just when one thought a blush couldn’t get any more worse, Alana verted her eyes to the ground as she her whole face got warm. Her hands began to fidget as she didn’t know what to say or do to get away from Trisha. She knew Trisha was only being a friend but sometimes the woman would forget how innocent she really was.

 

Cheetara looked up and saw Alana blushing furiously. She excused herself from the pool game and walked twoards the women. Tygra stood from the sofa. He saw Alana’s face turn red and he became worried. He was about to walk over to her when Cheetara gently touched his arm.

 

“Let me handle it,” Cheetara said. She was passing by Tygra when he stood up. She didn’t wait for him to respond before strolling over to the women. “Alana, are you ok?” she asked quietly.

 

“Oh, she’s just fine,” Trisha giggled. She turned away and left the recreational room.

 

“Alana?” she questioned. “Talk to me.”

 

“It’s nothing.”

 

“It’s about Tygra, isn’t?”

 

Alana turned away from Cheetara, no one was able to see her blush. Cheetara gently touched the woman’s shoulders. “He loves you.”

 

“I know he does. I love him too,” she whispered. “I’m just…”

 

“Not ready to hear other people talk about it. I totally understand,” Cheetara said. “I suppose Trisha just embarrassed you.”

 

“I feel like I can tell you anything. You’re like a sister. But I already have sisters.”

 

“But none of them are living under the same roof.”

 

Alana turned back to the cheetah. “Trisha was just implying of a sexual relation with Tygra.”

 

Cheetara took a quick second to look at her tiger friend before turning to young woman. “I’m sure Tygra wouldn’t mind pursuing a sexual relation but he knows there is still a lot of healing needing to be done. He’d be willing to take your relationship slow and when you’re ready…he’ll let you make the first move.”

 

“How can you be so sure?”

 

“I’ve been friends with him for years. I know how he thinks, sometimes better than he does.”

 

“Have you had any men in your life before leaving Thundera?”

 

“I’ve had a few. I was actually even married but he died before we left.”

 

“Really, you were married. Does Lion-O know that?”

 

“Of course he does. We talk about our lives back on Thundera all the time.” Cheetara noticed Alana’s flushed cheeks were returning to normal color. “Why don’t you go and talk to Tygra, privately? Tell him how you feel about your relationship. Let him know what you expect.”

 

“Wouldn’t that be moving too fast?”

 

“No. If you want him to treat you like a lady, you must be honest with him about your feelings.”

 

Alana nodded. She pushed herself away from Cheetara and walked over to the tiger. When she was close to him she answered the question she knew he was about to ask.

 

“Trisha embarrassed me. I’m ok now.”

 

Tygra nodded. “Why don’t I walk you back to your room. You probably could use some more rest.”

 

“Sure.”

 

He smiled as he grabbed her hand and gently pulled her towards the stairs, leaving the Thundercat Lord and the cheetah. Cheetara walked back over to the pool table. She grabbed her cue stick and looked at her leader. “So where were we?”

 

“I was about to take my next shot,” Lion-O answered. He moved to the side of the table and aimed his cue for his shot. “What caused Alana to blush like that?”

 

“Trisha just said something that seemed sensitive to Alana.” Cheetara moved to the opposite end of the table to make her shot. She was going after the eight ball.

 

Lion-O inwardly smirked. He knew he wouldn’t get any more out of Cheetara. He watched as she struck the cue ball and it sailed towards the eight ball, which easily went into the pocket it was hovering over.

 

“That’s game,” she said.

 

“I need to practice more,” he said sheepishly.

 

“I for one am glad Alana came up with the idea of this level. It surely serves it purposes. And with Vanessa making her own additions, has really liven up the room.”

 

“I agree,” he said as he laid his cue stick on the table. Cheetara followed suit.

 

The two moved away from the table and made their way towards the stairs. They also needed to make their way to their rooms to get some needed rest. Before getting there, Cheetara realized the music was still playing. She quickly moved to the console and pressed a button, silencing the music, before she rushed back over to Lion-O. Cheetara was about to make a step onto the stairs when Lion-O quickly grabbed her arm, swinging her around to face him.

 

“Lion-O?” she questioned.

 

“Ever since Alana came into our lives, I have been doing a lot of thinking. And after today, I feel I should be honest.”

 

Cheetara watched closely as her friend took a deep breath. She wondered what he had to say and what he had been keeping secret. She felt Lion-O’s hand, slightly release her arm but slowly made it’s way to her hand.

 

“I have been having these strange feelings but I would always push them aside thinking it wasn’t right. But seeing Alana and Tygra, these feelings are becoming too strong for me to ignore.”

 

Her heart began to race at the gentleness in his voice. She felt butterflies in her stomach. But she had to be an adult about this. She wasn’t a young teenager having her first crush. She was a grown woman who had strong feelings for her leader. Feelings she began to wonder if he felt the same way. She wanted to say something but she couldn’t find her voice. With his hand holding hers, his other slowly made it’s way to the side of her face.

 

“When I first start to notice these feelings, it was shortly after we arrived here. I was able to suppress them as I was learning to be an adult and all the responsibilities that go with it. But as time went on and we gained friends and enemies, those feelings began to surface again. Soon I had to learn to force the feelings back as I knew they would cause problems.

 

“But then Alana needed our help and I was suppress them once again, but only for a short time. Now the feelings are too strong to ignore and I’m choosing not to ignore them anymore. I want my feelings to come out. I don’t want anyone to become in danger because I couldn’t keep them under control.” His hand began to caress her face.

 

Cheetara felt the hand holding hers, began to tremble. She also noticed an emotion in his eyes and it was the same emotion that she saw in both Tygra’s and Alana’s eyes. Her heart had suddenly leapt into her throat as she realized her leader was confessing his feelings for her.

 

She needed to let Lion-O know she felt the same, but she couldn’t come up with any words to interrupt him. Her mouth had suddenly became dry as she tried to move her mouth to speak, but they wouldn’t move. Deciding actions spoke louder than words, she forced her trembling down as she moved her hand and placed a finger on his lips.

 

Lion-O went silent as he saw something in her eyes. At first he couldn’t place it but he soon found the same emotion that he saw with Tygra and Alana. Cheetara was feeling…

 

His thoughts were quickly scrambled as she removed her finger and replaced it with her lips. Being that he was taller than her, she had to slightly reach up. The hand that held hers, quickly moved to her waist, while the other moved into her hair, pushing her closer. Unconsciously, he bent his head so she wasn’t reaching up. Her arms wrapped around his waist.

 

When the two moved away from each other, neither said a word. No words were necessary. Lion-O removed his arms from around her, forcing her to move hers. He quickly grasped one of her hands and the two, hand and hand, walked up the stairs. Lion-O escorted her to her quarters and before leaving he quickly pulled her close again. When he moved away, he slowly turned and walked towards his room, where the first time his dreams weren’t going to be plagued with nightmares of Thundera or their enemies winning. His dreams were of Cheetara.

 

-

 

When Tygra and Alana got to her room, she silently invited him in. She knew Cheetara was right. She needed to tell Tygra how she felt about where their relationship was going. She walked by the window, keeping her room dark for the moment. The light from the moon and stars, filtered in the room. Tygra stood by her bed, giving her a moment to compose herself.

 

“Tygra,” she finally said.

 

With his name called, he walked over to her and gently held her shoulders.

 

“I know,” he said. “You’re still getting over Tony. I understand that. Take as long as you need but please don’t feel afraid of telling me anything. I want to know when you feel uncomfortable.”

 

Alana turned to him. He knew what she was going to say. “Cheetara said you would understand. I would like to things slowly.”

 

“I wouldn’t want to rush you anyway. After today, I can tell that not many men have been able to get this close to you.”

 

“You’re the first,” she confessed. She cast her eyes down, not wanting to look him in the eye.

 

With a gently hand, his fingers slipped under her chin and raised her chin so she would look in his eyes. “We’ll take as long as you need. I’ll wait for you as long as you need.”

 

With his fingers still on her chin, he leaned down and gently placed his lips on hers in a brief kiss. When he moved away a moment later, he smiled.

 

“I like your kisses,” she breathed, with eyes closed. Her eyes quickly widened at her confession. She was glad she left the lights off. She had too many blushes, he didn’t need to see another.

 

He chuckled. He turned away, getting ready to leave the room so she could get settled in for the night, when he suddenly felt they weren’t the only two in the room. The presence he felt didn’t feel threatening but he did tense up.

 

Alana noticed his tense posture. She grabbed his hand. “What’s wrong?”

 

She never got the chance to get her answer before a blue glow emitted from by her bed. The glow turned into a man.

 

“Jaga,” she gasped.

 

“I have one last surprise for you,” he answered. “I told you that things would work out. There is someone who would like to show you.” He swung his cape up and then snapped it back down, revealing a transparent image of a woman.

 

Alana gasped in shock at the woman. It reminded her of the picture that she had near her bed of her mother when she was only little.

 

“Don’t be alarmed,” Jaga said. “This is only an image. But what I’ve come to tell you will please you but at the same time will scare you.”

 

“Mother,” she whispered.

 

“Yes. She is alive.”

 

“What?” Tygra jumped.

 

“I do not know where she is but I do know that she is alive. I’ve search all over the Astral Plain and I have not come across a woman fitting the description of your mother. Thanks to your brothers, they have been able to help me immensely. They were the ones who actually found this information.”

 

Alana began to tremble as the image of her mother disappeared. “Then why show me the image?” she asked shaken.

 

“I wanted to be sure that is the woman who is your mother. But I do know that she is alive somewhere. Perhaps sometime, when you have time, you could begin a search for her.”

 

Tears began to uncontrollably fall, as Alana took a step forward towards the spirit.

 

“But here is what will frighten you.” He swung his cape again, this time revealing a young girl.

 

“Nancy!” Alana gasped barely audible.

 

Tygra barely heard the name but he didn’t have to hear the name to know who the spirit was. The girl looked like a younger version of Alana. The girl must have been the twin sister Alana spoke of when she admitted her fear.

 

“Hello,” the girl said sadly. “I’m sorry you have had to live with my death for so long without telling anyone. I may have only died at 13 but I have watched over you everyday. I learned as you learned. You could say that I was the one who brought you two together. When Tygra pulled you out of the burned ship, I saw an attraction. I knew he would be perfect for you and that he would somehow help you to release the burden that you have carried for so long. I do have to agree with Jaga on one thing. Mother is still alive. I was with her the day she was suppose to have died. I helped to keep her alive but then I started to watch over you instead. But do not worry, my spirit is always with you and I will do a search to see if I can learn of where Mother is. I think, though that she is in a coma.”

 

Nancy looked at the tiger. “You have one order and you’ve already heard it a few times. Be good to her. I already can tell that you fuss over her. But don’t do it too much. And make sure she gets out and has fun.”

 

Tygra nodded to the ghost.

 

“I must go.”

 

“What!” Alana jumped, finding her voice. “So soon?”

 

“I’m never far. I’m in your heart. I’m a part of you as you are of me. We are twins that can’t be broken no matter what plain of existence we live on.”

 

Alana watched with blurry eyes as the spirit of her twin sister slowly vanished. When she was gone, the room was cast back into darkness. Alana quickly turned away and cried in Tygra’s arms.

 

He swiftly picked her up as she cried and laid her on the bed. But he couldn’t move away from her. She had a white-knuckle grip on his clothing. Sighing in defeat, he laid down beside her, soothingly rubbing her back as she cried herself to sleep.

 

When she was asleep, he wanted to leave the room but as he went to move, she moaned.

 

“Don’t leave me.”

 

Those three words meant so much. She had lost so much. A sister the Thundercats never knew, a mother who apparently was still alive, her brothers. She was so tired of being alone, that he knew. Getting himself more comfortable, he gently wrapped his arms around her. He kissed her forehead before closing his eyes.

 

So much had happened to Alana and she was quite young. But now she was a Thundercat. Tygra opened his eyes for a moment to look at the Eye of the Thundera symbol on her shoulder. He smiled before closing his eyes once again. As he tried to drift into a slumber, he thought back to when the woman came into his life. He thought back to when he began to have feelings for her.

 

He had an attraction to her from the first moment he saw her when he unburied her from the debris of the crashed ship. He knew she had a strong spirit when he found her. She had a lot of courage to fight to stay alive when her friends and family were gone. She had put up a strong front on the day they traveled through the ghost ship but he knew it was going to falter when she would see her brothers. She had already warned everyone that her brothers were on the flight deck.

 

Throughout the whole ordeal, he felt a presence but he thought it was more her brothers giving Alana support but now he realized it wasn’t her brothers that he felt it was her twin sister. The sister was always at his side, offering whatever assistance she could. She must have been the one who gave him the idea on that day when he followed Alana to the ship and found her crying hysterically over a photo.

 

His thoughts turned to the day she had her birthday. It was the first time he ever saw an evening gown look like the gown Alana wore. It was the first day he couldn’t keep his eyes off her and it was that day when he realized he had fallen in love with the woman. At first he thought Lion-O was attracted to her but he soon learned that Lion-O was only seeking a sibling relationship with her.

 

Tygra thoughts drifted into sleep as his dreams replayed the moment he kissed her for the first time. He knew he was abrupt with the kiss but it was the first thing he thought of to stop her from ranting and degrading herself after she rescued him from Tony. He also did it because he realized she had feelings for him. He had hoped that their relationship would last but there was still that lingering thought of Mumm-Ra or the Mutants. They always like to wreck the good moments. But until they were to attack again, he had his Alana where he wanted her. In his arms, loving him. It was an emotion he thought he would never feel again.

 

-

 

Ending Notes: I know this chapter seemed a little farfetched but you have to realize most of the shows seemed quite farfetched. Like Lion-O being able to travel to Thundera, hours before exploding, through the Optical Crystal. Or when Lion-O traveled to the Astral Plain. With those put into account, one could almost do anything, with a good explanation that is. And I feel I did a good explanation.

 

Again I will be doing a sequel, which will reveal the location of Alana’s mother and what happens to Trisha and her mother. I can tell you that they would not become Thundercats nor would they stay at Cats’ Lair. Again thanks to all my readers who have enjoyed this story. I enjoyed in writing it.

 

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