Post by Tigress on Jan 23, 2009 17:42:16 GMT -5
Chapter 16 – Alone Time
Darkness was the first thing noticed as her eyes opened. For a couple minutes, as she laid, she allowed her mind to process her surroundings. She realized that she was in her room, cuddled in her blankets. She turned towards the window and noticed a figure stood by the window as the full moon shone it’s light around him, making him look like ghost. She could barely make out how he was standing but knowing whom it was, she smiled. How could she not know who was standing in her room, watching over her.
“What time is it?” she asked quietly.
The figure at the window turned, indicating that his back was facing her. “It’s four in the morning.”
“You have to stop doing that. You got to let yourself some time to relax and rest. You don’t always need to have the last shift.” She lifted herself up, crossing her legs under the blankets.
The man walked over to the bed, sitting beside her. “I was worried about you. You have been asleep for close to ten hours.”
“That’s what happens when I’m too worried about you. I tried to sleep but after two hours of sleeping, my mind kept plaguing dreams with you being tortured. I had to occupy my time with something else.”
His hand came up and caressed the side of her face. “You don’t have to explain yourself. Lion-O couldn’t sleep either.”
Alana slightly snorted as she could see his cats’ eyes. “What’s the irony? When we first met, you were the first person I met and I said then, your eyes are so different than what I’ve been use to.”
Tygra smiled. “But at that time, you did not know me nor did we know why you were here.”
“It feels a weight was lifted off my shoulder. Tony is now in custody and my brothers watch over me. How are Trisha and her mother doing?”
“They are doing fine. They are resting. With Tony out of the way, you now can live in peace and free.”
“I know. I don’t know what to do with myself since now that I’m no longer living in Tony’s shadow.”
“Stay with us and take the Anointment trails to become a Thundercat.”
“I have been thinking about that. I actually have no place to go but to stay here. If I left for Second Earth, my father will be in my shadow. Here I don’t have to worry about him.”
Tygra nodded. “By the way, your sister arrived earlier, just after we got home. Her and Willa are guarding Tony. She is also worried about you.”
As his hand continued to caress her cheek, she remembered their kiss. She had a million questions to ask him but she wasn’t sure where to start or if she should ask. Swallowing her pride, she took a deep breath. “Earlier…in the cave…before Jaga…and Tony.”
Tygra gently grinned knowing what she was trying to get at. “I’m sure that it is obvious by now. Alana you mean a great deal to me. I’ve never felt strongly about anyone before. Yes, I’ve had girlfriends and I was even engaged when we left Thundera but that doesn’t matter anymore. You are what matters.”
Alana leaned back, forcing Tygra to remove his hand and sit up straight. “But why me? The Tree Top Kingdom is a village full of women.”
For a moment Tygra closed his eyes and shock his head. “None have the strength you have. Yes, they are warriors but they only know one life, survival in the jungle. You on the other hand know a different kind of survival. You have lived through abuse. But you never lost your spirit, though you could have. It makes me proud to know that you can live and tell the tale of your physical battles against life.
“How do you know that I didn’t loose my spirit?”
“Because if you had, you wouldn’t have the determination to become a Thundercat, knowing that it’s going to be tough going against your friends. Thunderians have never had to live struggling along the way. Yes, we have lived through physical battles but not through violation or abuse. It was battles for our lives and our world.”
A slight noise interrupted the conversation. Tygra stood up from the bed and chuckled.
Alana blushed, as she understood what the noise was. “I guess I have neglected my diet today. I barely ate since Tony took you hostage.”
“Come on,” he offered, holding out his hand to her. “Let’s get you something to eat.”
Alana pulled back the blankets and gracefully took Tygra’s hand. “Are you sure Snarf won’t mind. I know he’s not fond of people pocking their noses around his kitchen.”
“I think he’ll be more angry if you don’t eat than me going through his kitchen.”
Alana quietly laughed as they made their way out in the hallway. They quietly walked through the hallways, being sure not to wake anyone. She noticed Tygra would not let go of her hand as they walked through hallways and stairwells. When they made it to the kitchen, he finally let go. She sat at the small table while Tygra sifted through the cupboards.
“You know,” she began. She now felt a whole lot better. Tygra was now beside her, making her smile once again. She no longer felt empty inside. She felt alive. “I seem to recall this happening before too. Are you sure this isn’t deja-vu?”
Tygra chuckled. “I don’t believe so.”
She watched for several minutes as he found something that was chilled off. She saw him crumble something up before turning and closing the door to the chilled compartment. “It looks like someone was expecting you to wake in the middle of the night. Snarf must have saved this when he made dinner.”
When Tygra found the plate of food, a folded note was top of the covering. Without distracting Alana, he carefully unfolded the note before picking up the plate. ‘I know you love her. And I’m glad. Take care of her, she’s my baby sister. I was able to convince Snarf to save a plate. Nessie’
“That Snarf is always looking out for me. But of course he always looks out for Lion-O as well.”
“Well when we were on Thundera, Snarf was Lion-O’s caregiver. But you can also thank your sister. She was the one to get Snarf to save some food for you.”
“Oh. I didn’t know that. Though it doesn’t surprise me that Vanessa would do that. We’re only a couple years apart but sometimes she acts like she’s five years older.”
“Why don’t you go into the dinning room? I’ll reheat this plate and bring it to you.”
“Ok,” she nodded.
-
She watched as the night sky begin to fill with dark clouds and covered the full moon that was now high in the sky, she knew more bad weather was on its way. She recognized the change of temperature, indicating rain. But what she didn’t know was what kind of wet weather it was going to bring. Was it going to be nice rain shower or was it going to storm?
Her heart began to flutter faster when she heard a distant rumble. She listened for a few minutes and when she heard nothing more; she allowed her muscles to relax. She slightly jumped when Tygra walked in and set her plate down.
“I think it’s going to rain again. The last time it rain, Mumm-Ra attacked for the first time,” Alana said as she walked over to the table and sat.
“Being home, seeing changes in the weather has a soothing touch. I don’t know how people can live within ships.”
“I’m just glad Trisha is no longer being used in sexual situations. She is too young for that.”
“How old is she?” he asked.
“She’s two years older than myself. In a way, I’m surprised Tony didn’t want her to be his wife. I mean, she went to him willingly, though she was forced into it. Tony couldn’t hold anything over my head.”
“Could we not speak about him? He’s in custody and that’s what matters. I just want to forget about him and concentrate on my duties.”
“Deal,” Alana said as she began to eat.
The two were silent as she ate. Alana noticed how relaxed Tygra was. He stood by the window, letting her eat. When she felt she had enough, she stood and walked over to him. As she approached him, rain began to fall from the skies. It first started as a light rain but soon the rain came down hard. If someone were to go outside, they would be soaked after ten steps of being out there.
“Have you had any sleep?” she asked quietly.
“I slept earlier,” Tygra admitted, turning to her. His hand found it’s way on the side of her face once again. “Has anyone ever told you, that you are beautiful?”
Alana’s cheeks suddenly brightened at his admittance. “No. I was told I was no good, ugly and many others.”
Tygra smiled tenderly. “Well you are.”
A big white flash brightened up the sky, forcing Tygra’s hand to move from her cheek. Alana felt herself shake inside. Tygra noticed this but before he had the chance to ask, a loud clap of thunder rolled off the sky, causing Alana to jump in alarm. Her arms suddenly were wrapped around his arms. One hand was tightly gripping the cloth on his arm.
Another bright flash lit across the sky with another rumble of thunder not even two seconds later. Alana huddled herself close to Tygra.
His hands slowly came up and rubbed against her back. “How long have you been scared of thunderstorms?”
“Ever since I was a little girl. I was with father and when the storm started, he left me. I had turned my head, wondering where the sound came from and the next he was gone. He left me outside in the storm. Somehow during the night, I must have fallen asleep because the next morning I woke to Mom wrapping a warm blanket around me. I was wet and sick. I almost died from pneumonia. Mother was very upset with father. After that, father was never left alone with me.”
“It’s a good thing too. I suppose being as small as you were, you were scared and lost.”
“It was the most frightening thing in my young years.”
She barely got the sentence before another rumble snapped around, this time Alana felt it shake Cats’ Lair. Alana cringed and buried her head in his chest. “I don’t know what’s worse,” she cried. “Seeing you being taken or this.”
Tygra picked her up and walked out of the room. She didn’t know where he was taking her, but she didn’t care. When she would here the claps of thunder, she would cuddle into him even more. And each time, he would lightly kiss her forehead.
She realized the rumbles were getting quieter; she lifted her head and noticed that they were heading to the recreational room. She looked at Tygra but he didn’t look back. He just kept a tight hold and continued walking. When they reached the room, he set her down so she could stand.
“Now it’s quieter,” he answered gently to her silent question.
Alana moved slightly away. She wasn’t sure if she was uneasy that Tygra brought her below or of her feelings for him. She knew she had to tell him her feelings. This was something she could not keep to herself. She wished she had her brothers to help her, but she had to do this on her own.
She turned back to him and saw concern when she heard another rumble. But she barely could tell that it was the storm. It sounded like someone just dropped several books on the floor above her.
“I need to explain something before the others awake.” She turned and walked towards the pool table. Just before Tony arrived, Vanessa placed in a pool table. It was the surprise Vanessa mentioned the day when Alana saw the recreational room. The pool balls were set up, ready to be played with two cue sticks resting on the table.
She traced her fingers across the green velvet before leaning on the table. “Before you were taken, I saw you as a friend. But…that changed.”
She felt him come up behind her and lightly rested his hands on her shoulders. “You don’t have to explain.”
She turned, forcing him to move his hands away but rested back against her shoulders. “I feel I must. I haven’t been honest will all of you and it’s time I should. Seeing Tony holding you hostage and was threatening to kill, I didn’t know what to feel. And as soon as he transported to his ship, I felt alone, empty.
“I don’t want to feel like that again. I know you’re mortal and someday you will die but not…” she paused, taking a deep breath. She turned her head, averting her eyes. “Not when I found love,” she whispered.
Tygra’s right hand drifted from her shoulder. His fingers lightly touched her chin, lifting her face to face him.
“I didn’t think I could find someone else after losing my fiancée. Fate works in mysterious ways. You have opened my heart once again.”
Tygra started to slowly lean in. Alana saw this but wasn’t sure if she wanted to kiss him again. Her heart won out against her emotions. She closed her eyes, waiting for his lips to touch hers. She felt his breath against her lips when…a sound came from the stairs.
Tygra swiftly moved away, giving Alana room to compose herself. He turned just in time to see Trisha enter.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t know anyone was done here.”
“That is alright,” Tygra answered. “I suppose the thunderstorm is disturbing.”
“That’s putting it mildly. I haven’t heard weather like this before at least what I can remember. See I was born on Seris and I was too small when the weather control grid was built.”
“You do not need to explain,” he answered. He glanced at the table again. “I have an idea to help put both your minds at ease. Why don’t you two show me how to play this game?”
Quickly getting over the fact that she was almost caught being kissed by Tygra, Alana’s eyes lit with amusement. “Sure. When Tony wasn’t around, Trisha and I would play pool. My brothers would always make sure I had some sports entertainment.”
“Who will show him how to play?” Trisha quickly combed her frizzled hair with her hands. Over near a bookshelf she saw a hair elastic, she grabbed it and pulled her hair into a ponytail. “Why don’t you show him and I’ll play? I’m still half a sleep.”
Alana looked at Tygra before shrugging. She grabbed the cue stick that was near her and quickly instructed Tygra in how to hold it. She inwardly smiled. She knew she accidentally caught the two of them. Judging by Alana’s flushed cheeks, Trisha almost caught them in an intense moment. The intense moment she figured was one of them was about to kiss the other and she guessed it was Tygra about to kiss Alana.
Trisha walked to the head of the table, grabbing the other cue stick and broke. Tygra watched in amazement as the balls flew across the table. Once he realized that it was his turn, he backed away.
“Why don’t I sit this one out and see how you girls do it. Afterwards, then I’ll give it a try.”
Alana nodded in agreement. Tygra backed completely away from the table and watched as the two girls slapped the white ball. He had quickly deduced the white was the only ball that the cue stick hit first. As he watched he noticed Alana was striking at the balls with a stripe across the middle. Trisha had the solid colored balls. About a half hour, Trisha had two balls left and Alana was going after the black ball.
During the course of the game, he had noticed that the girls avoided the black ball at all cost and when they did it, they were disappointed. But when Alana had all her balls down, she then went after the black ball. He realized the black ball must have been the game ender. He watched with interest as she stroked the white ball and it hit the black one. The ball bounced against one wall and went towards another wall. The white ball on the other hand, after it hit the black one, went straight off towards a corner.
“No. No. No,” Alana blurted. “Stop. Don’t go in.”
Tygra was a little confused what she was talking about but he soon learned as the white ball went into the pocket just as the black one went in another pocket. Trisha cheered.
“I win.”
“I understand how the game is played,” Tygra said as he walked towards the girls as Alana started to grab the balls from the pockets.
Trisha looked up. “Why do I here a but?”
“I don’t understand the black ball.”
Alana looked up. “The black one is known as the Eight ball and through out the game, it has to stay out of the pockets. If it goes into the pocket before the end of the game, the other player automatically wins.”
“But how is that Trisha won and not you. You were going after it.”
Trisha walked over to the tiger. “You must have noticed by now that there are two kinds of balls, high and low. When a player gets rid of all their balls, they go after the Eight. If the cue ball goes into a pocket while going after the Eight then the other player wins. To fairly win the game, a player must sink the Eight ball at the every end and not sink the cue ball. The cue ball is the white one.”
“I see. I think I’ll give it a try now.”
When Alana had the table set up, she had totally forgotten all about the thunderstorm. She had no idea if the storm had stopped or not. She handed the cue stick to Tygra and waited as Trisha broke the table, again. This time instead of Alana shooting, Tygra was pretty quick at catching on to the game. Before long, they started to have an audience. They didn’t even notice when Trisha’s mother came down or the Thunderkittens.
The game took a lot longer than when Trisha played against Alana. Tygra and Trisha were playing leapfrog. Trisha would sink a ball, then Tygra would. They stayed even. When it came down to the Eight ball, both of them were going after it. About ten minutes rolled by with the two hitting the Eight, but it wouldn’t go down. Either it would come close and then hit the edge of the pocket and slowly move away or it wouldn’t get close enough.
Tygra was really enjoying the game. He never knew relaxing could be enjoyable. Finally getting tired of just playing cat and mouse with the ball, Tygra decided he was going to sink the ball. A few times he came close in sinking the cue ball but never happened. When his turn came up, he judged his call and struck the cue ball. It hit the Eight ball and the ball went sailing into the sidewall and snapped out, heading right to the corner pocket. It sailed right on through and went in. The cue ball stayed where it hit the Eight.
He looked up and saw the Thundercats watching. He looked to Alana. “Is that game?”
“Yup, and you win,” she smiled. “Remind me not play against you. I probably will loose.”
Trisha chuckled. “That was good for a first timer. Beginners luck.”
Alana placed her hands on her hips. “Beginners luck my butt. You don’t know these guys like I do. They are quite good at keeping an eye on things.”
“How long have you been in their company?” Trisha’s mother asked.
“For the past seven months.”
“Well I guess,” Trisha said. “That makes you a pro at knowing the Thundercats.”
“I’m not sure about that,” Lion-O said. “But she has gotten to know us well.”
Trisha leaned her cue stick against her head. “Anyone else want a game?”
“Can you show us?” Wilykit asked. “Wilykat and I would love to have a game.”
“Sure. First, I’ll show you how to rack them up.”
As Trisha showed the kids how to rack up the balls, Cheetara and Panthro watched with interest. Lion-O stayed a distance away as Alana walked up to him.
“What time is it?” she asked.
“It’s about seven,” he answered.
Alana looked at Tygra. “Wow, we’ve been down her for a couple hours. Did the rain stop?”
“The thunderstorm ended but it’s still raining. We actually just received a transmission. Mandora is in orbit and she has just taken Tony’s ship into custody. One of Tony’s guards was revealed as an officer working under Mandora.”
“I met him,” Tygra said. “When I was held in the brig, he kept telling me not to lose faith in Alana.”
“He did.” Alana thought for a moment. “Rick. You met Rick. He seemed to look out for me when Josh couldn’t. I never knew why. Lion-O any idea when the rain will stop?”
“From what I gathered, the sun has started to peek through the clouds over top of the Tree Top Kingdom. So I give it another hour.”
“Good. If any needs me, I’m going to go and lay down again. All this pool playing has tired me out.”
“What about breakfast?” Lion-O asked but Alana didn’t hear.
He looked at Tygra as he spoke. “She ate already.”
Lion-O nodded and headed over towards the pool table and watched the game. He was intrigued by the game as well. He watched many times as the colored balls went into the pocket. When the game ended with Trisha teaching the Thunderkittens, Snarf came down the stairs and announced breakfast was ready.
-
Tygra was sitting in the recreational room, relaxing. He was satisfied that Alana gave the idea to build a new level below Cats’ Lair. Now the Thundercats have a place to relax. He leaned his head back as he listened to Trisha playing a game of pool with her mother. The two women enjoyed playing pool when they were in the room.
Trisha hold told everyone that she had something to tell everyone but wanted to wait until after dinner and when Vanessa and Willa arrived. Why they were arriving, he didn’t know.
With his eyes closed he was able to hear the eight ball going down the pocket. He guessed that it was Trisha’s mother who sunk the ball as she had all her balls down and Trisha still had two more.
“That was a good game,” he heard Trisha say. “But I think perhaps we should go upstairs.”
The two women looked at Tygra who was sitting, relaxed on one of the soft sofas with his head leaned back and eyes closed. Trisha also noticed Alana coming down and she knew Alana liked the tiger. In fact she knew the two liked each other but hadn’t expressed it in public.
Either Alana wasn’t sure what people would think or she was just getting used to having a captured heart who treated her well. Trisha wasn’t sure which one but she knew it was one of them. In the two years she knew Alana, she had gotten to know when Alana was unsure about something.
The two women turned away from pool table and walked up the stairs, passing Alana along the way. When the past her, Trisha turned and realized, Tygra wasn’t visible. She smiled as she knew Alana would be surprised to see the tiger in such a relaxed mood.
“Is Tygra down here? Alana asked. “I have looked for him everywhere.”
Trisha nodded and continued her way up.
Alana was puzzled why Trisha would have a goofy grin but she soon got her answer. She stopped at the bottom of the stairs. One look at Tygra and she had to stifle a giggle before continuing towards him.
“What do you find so amusing?” he asked. He had heard Alana ask her question and knew she was about to enter. He knew when she saw him; he could here trying not to giggle.
“I’ve never seen you so relaxed before,” she answered as she sat beside him.
Tygra lifted his head. “Up until now, I’ve never really relaxed my muscles and it feels nice to do so. Especially being held in Tony’s prison. There wasn’t much room to move.”
“The brig is never meant for comfort. I was wondering if you wanted to take a walk with me. It’s a beautiful day and I wouldn’t mind having some company.”
“Any ideas where you wanted to go?” he asked, sitting up.
“I thought maybe…I could use some moral support while I go and visit my friends grave. I haven’t been to the grave sight since the day you followed me. And that was when there was still snow on the ground.”
“That is a long time. I’m surprised you didn’t ask Lion-O.”
“Everyone is busy. Lion-O is monitoring enemy activity. Cheetara and Panthro are over seeing with the settlement of the people who don’t want to return back to Seris. Mandora is with them.
“The Thunderkittens are visiting the Robear Berbils,” Tygra answered. He stood. “When did you want to go?”
“Anytime. We could take the Thundertank and then walk from the crash sight.”
“Then let’s go.” He quickly grasped her hands, which were resting in her lap, and lifted her up.
Alana smiled as the two left the room. Unknown to Tygra, Alana had something else in mind. The other day she had taken a walk and found a meadow with a lake. She was with the Thunderkittens. The trio found the lake to inviting and they went for a swim. Alana thought it was high time that she go and see the grave sight.
She was going to trick Tygra into going to the lake and hopefully convince him to tolerate the water, as he couldn’t swim unless he was using the whip. Alana felt he could get over his fear of water but facing it, head on. And she had an idea of how to convince him to go swimming with her.
The two of them climbed into the Thundertank and sped off. They didn’t even realize, Trisha stood at the top of the stairs, smiling. She knew Alana found someone to love and to love her back. She wondered how long it would take before the two of them would announce their feelings.
Being in the Thundertank, it didn’t take the two long to get to the crash sight. Being in the front, which wasn’t normal, Alana had to take a deep breath as the skeleton ship came into view. Tygra noticed her in take of breath but knew that she needed to do this.
When he stopped, he jumped out and silently waited for Alana to get the courage to get out. When she did, he walked over to her. He grasped her hands in his. “I’m here if you need me. Now I can either go with you, or I’ll stay here.”
She knew he was being sincere. “No. I’ll manage.”
He gave her hands a quick squeeze before letting go. She slowly turned and walked to where Lion-O made the inscription. She silently read the inscription before looking towards the sky.
“Guys, I know you’re here. I’m sorry I haven’t been here since you were buried but…”
“There is no need to apologize.”
Both Tygra and Alana looked at the same time as one of Alana’s brothers appeared. The last time Tygra saw him was the day her brothers revealed to Alana that they had the same power as Jaga. Tygra didn’t recognize the brother.
“I know you have been busy and trying to continue on without us has been tough. Your friends wanted me to tell you that you have survived one of the toughest fights to ever face. You faced Tony.”
“David,” she pleaded. “I miss you.”
“We know,” he continued. “But we are with you.” We walked closer to her and whispered. Tygra couldn’t pick up what he was saying. “You love him. Show him. He won’t hurt you.”
Alana blushed and averted her eyes towards Tygra before turning back. “I…don’t know…how?”
“Perhaps after today, you will.”
“What do you mean?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.
“I know you are planning to take Tygra to the lake…”
“If you weren’t a ghost, I’d hit you,” she hissed.
David smiled. “Hey,” he said loudly. “What are brothers for? We have to pester our sister somehow.”
“Will you keep it down,” she hissed.
David continued to smile as he began to disappear. When he was gone Alana turned away and stormed over to the Thundertank and grumbled. “That egoistical, moronic, pain in the ass. If he wasn’t dead, I’d kill himself.”
Tygra raised an eyebrow. “Who are you talking about?”
“What?” Alana stopped and realized Tygra heard what she said. She swiftly turned away and blushed. “Sorry.”
She felt Tygra’s hands touch her shoulders. “That seemed like an intense conversation.”
Tears suddenly appeared as she quickly turned and buried her head against Tygra. “Hold me,” she cried.
He wrapped his arms around her back and held her close. He didn’t know what to do. Just a few minutes ago, she was practically having an argument with her deceased brother and now she was crying. Was she crying because it was her brother or was it what she said?
When she calmed her tears, she looked up in his eyes. “I don’t know what came over me. Whenever David and I ever had an intense talk I always got mad. He’s always been the one to make me mad the fastest.”
Tygra slightly chuckled. “I remember what’s it like to have siblings. I had three of them and when the four us were in the same room together, it was look out.”
“I didn’t know you had siblings.”
“Two brothers and a sister. Why don’t we go for that walk, perhaps that will ease your mind.”
“Thanks.” She pulled away and began to walk away, Tygra following.
As the two walked, Alana realized that her brother must have guest what she had planned. She noticed they were nearing the lake. She took a deep breath. David was right, she did love the tiger and she knew he loved her to. The two didn’t say the words but the affections were there. Realizing that if she didn’t try and help Tygra with his fear of water, he would never get over it.
“Oh look,” she said. “There’s a lake, you mind if I take a swim.” She didn’t bother hearing his answer when she ran over to the edge of the lake and removed her outer clothing, revealing a black one-piece bathing suit that crisscrossed in the back. It reminded Alana of Cheetara’s orange suit.
“Alana,” Tygra started. “I’m not sure if this is a good idea.”
She turned back, “Why not? It’s warm. There are no clouds in the sky and if the Mutants are around, well, I’m sure we can handle them. You know you could come to. Besides…” she walked in to prove a point until she was at the deepest. “It doesn’t even go to my neck.”
Tygra crossed his arms. “You know I’m not fond of water unless I’m using my whip.”
“Just because you have a fear of water it doesn’t always mean you let it control you. Hell in a way, I’m slightly scared of water but that’s only because when I was really little, I almost drowned. But that didn’t stop me from enjoying water. I just don’t swim in water that’s over my head. Besides what would happen if sometime I was swimming and something happened to me and you were the only one who could get to me? You would have no choice but to save me.”
“What could happen to you in shallower water?”
“Anything. I could take a cramp or somehow end up swallowing water when trying to come up for air. There are so many scenarios of drowning.”
“I don’t like it.”
Alana walked out of the water and over to him. “If you don’t want to go in the water that’s fine. But wouldn’t it be nice to surprise the enemy by not showing your fear and being able to laugh in the their face.” She grabbed his hands and pulled him closer to the lake. He went willingly. How could he say no to a beautiful woman, especially with her wearing a bathing suit.
He felt his feet touch the water before he stopped, forcing her stop. She noticed his hesitation. She let go of his hands.
“It doesn’t hurt to try,” she said quietly. “Wouldn’t it be nice if you could swim without showing fear.”
“That it would be.” He took a step closer into the water.
She noticed that he was slowly taking a step in. She began to slowly take a step backwards. Something caught her foot and she lost her footing, falling into the water with a shriek. She heard Tygra yell her name. He continued to yell her name until she remerged from the water. Her brown hair was almost completely in her face.
Relief washed over his face. “Are you alright?”
Alana suddenly began to laugh as she pulled her hair out of her face. “That was refreshing. Luckily the water isn’t that deep.”
By now Tygra was knee deep in the water and he had a hand holding out to her. She pulled her head back into the water, getting her hair out of her face before taking his hand and standing.
“Stupid rock. I had no idea that was there.” She reached and grabbed the rock. It was bigger than she thought but not big enough for her to not grab. She gave it a toss over to the side, giving off a splash. “There, that won’t bother me now.”
She turned back to Tygra. As she went to speak a piece of hair fell into her face. She was about to pull it to the side but Tygra beat her to it. He gently grasped her hair and carefully placed it behind her ear.
She noticed the look in his eyes and a slight chill hit her body. She wasn’t sure if it was eyes or the slight breeze that blew by.
“So are you going to try and dish out the water? Because I’m going to swim.” She quickly turned and dove into the water and resurfaced in the deepest spot. “I love the water,” she squealed, slapping her hands against the water, making ripples.
Tygra smiled. What could be the harm? Alana was right. It would be nice to surprise his enemies and if she or anyone else was endanger in the water, he would be able to help. But of course what no one knew was he was an excellent swimmer. He didn’t like the water because every time he swam, an enemy always pined him down. At least being invisible the enemy couldn’t see what direction he was going.
“Not many people know this,” Tygra started as he moved further into the water. He realized that she was taunting him. “I can swim, I just don’t like being in water.”
“Then you need to act like the water doesn’t bother you. The question is how well can you swim?”
A challenge. She had just challenged him and he couldn’t back down from that. She knew too many of his weak points. He jumped into the water, diving under. Alana gasped as she saw him go under. She honestly didn’t think he would do it. She jumped when he surfaced, directly in front of her.
“You weren’t joking,” she breathed.
Tygra nodded. “I was taught when I was child. But I never found a use for swimming unless it’s necessary.”
“You’ve missed much.” She pulled away and began swimming around.
For about an hour the two swam around. They would give each other chases but then Alana would back off and just take it easy. She finally got him in the water and that was her goal. After awhile, Tygra began to tire of the swim.
“Alana,” he said when he was close to her. “I believe we should get out now. Soon Willa and your sister will be arriving at Cats’ Lair. But first.” He grasped her hands, pulling her closer.
Her heart skipped a beat.
“I want to thank you. I never knew swimming could be relaxing and with my fear of water, it doesn’t help. I’ve seen the Thunderkittens and Lion-O go out swimming but I never understood why.”
“Well you’re always welcome to come with us when we go swimming.”
“You knew about the lake didn’t you?”
Pulling her hands away from his, she swung her hands up. “Guilty. I had full plans in bringing you here. The other day, the kittens and I were swimming here. I figured it would be a perfect spot to help you get over your fear or at least be able to suppress it if the time calls.”
“It’s effective. I didn’t suspect for a minute.”
Alana’s eyes widened as she realized why Tygra had such an intense gaze on her. He was showing affection to her through his eyes. She was drawn to his eyes. She had marvelled how the Thundercats were. They were strange but at the same time, attracting. Looking into their eyes was much different from human eyes.
Tygra noticed that she was staring into his eyes as he was drawn into hers. No woman had ever drawn him in like that way before. He knew she cared for him. Well if she didn’t, then she wouldn’t have allowed him to kiss her and continue to draw his company.
He didn’t know who moved first but he noticed they were getting closer. When he was a breath away from her, he closed his eyes and whispered. “You are beautiful.”
Alana barely heard his words as she felt his lips on hers. The kiss first started like butterfly kisses but soon became heated. He wrapped his arms around her back, bringing her as close as he could. Hers wrapped around his neck, preventing him from moving his head. Pent up longing, quickly filled into the kiss.
A puff of wind, caused Alana to shiver and Tygra pulled away. “Are you cold?”
“No,” she answered confused. “I feel like something is wrong.” She looked up and found the source of her feeling. High in the sky, she saw a ship heading towards Cats’ Lair. A feeling of dread washed over her.
Tygra looked up and noticed what kind of ship was landing. “Safari Joe,” he stated. “What does he want now? Come on, we better get going.”
He grasped her hand and the two made their way out of the water. Alana quickly grabbed her clothes and they made their way back to her brother’s grave sight, where the Thundertank sat. When they reached the tank, She had her clothes back on. From the walk, helped to dry her bathing suit and when she was able to get her clothing back on, one couldn’t even tell she was wearing wet, well except for her hair. She quickly pulled her hair into a bun, when Tygra pulled the tank into gear and left for Cats’ Lair.
What was her father doing here this time? One thing was for sure, the ship was heading straight for Cats’ Lair. Lion-O was the only Thundercat, besides Snarf, who was holding down the fort. If Safari Joe was going to try something, it would be the perfect time to do it. Alana didn’t think, though, he came for a confrontation. She figured it was her, he came for.
Darkness was the first thing noticed as her eyes opened. For a couple minutes, as she laid, she allowed her mind to process her surroundings. She realized that she was in her room, cuddled in her blankets. She turned towards the window and noticed a figure stood by the window as the full moon shone it’s light around him, making him look like ghost. She could barely make out how he was standing but knowing whom it was, she smiled. How could she not know who was standing in her room, watching over her.
“What time is it?” she asked quietly.
The figure at the window turned, indicating that his back was facing her. “It’s four in the morning.”
“You have to stop doing that. You got to let yourself some time to relax and rest. You don’t always need to have the last shift.” She lifted herself up, crossing her legs under the blankets.
The man walked over to the bed, sitting beside her. “I was worried about you. You have been asleep for close to ten hours.”
“That’s what happens when I’m too worried about you. I tried to sleep but after two hours of sleeping, my mind kept plaguing dreams with you being tortured. I had to occupy my time with something else.”
His hand came up and caressed the side of her face. “You don’t have to explain yourself. Lion-O couldn’t sleep either.”
Alana slightly snorted as she could see his cats’ eyes. “What’s the irony? When we first met, you were the first person I met and I said then, your eyes are so different than what I’ve been use to.”
Tygra smiled. “But at that time, you did not know me nor did we know why you were here.”
“It feels a weight was lifted off my shoulder. Tony is now in custody and my brothers watch over me. How are Trisha and her mother doing?”
“They are doing fine. They are resting. With Tony out of the way, you now can live in peace and free.”
“I know. I don’t know what to do with myself since now that I’m no longer living in Tony’s shadow.”
“Stay with us and take the Anointment trails to become a Thundercat.”
“I have been thinking about that. I actually have no place to go but to stay here. If I left for Second Earth, my father will be in my shadow. Here I don’t have to worry about him.”
Tygra nodded. “By the way, your sister arrived earlier, just after we got home. Her and Willa are guarding Tony. She is also worried about you.”
As his hand continued to caress her cheek, she remembered their kiss. She had a million questions to ask him but she wasn’t sure where to start or if she should ask. Swallowing her pride, she took a deep breath. “Earlier…in the cave…before Jaga…and Tony.”
Tygra gently grinned knowing what she was trying to get at. “I’m sure that it is obvious by now. Alana you mean a great deal to me. I’ve never felt strongly about anyone before. Yes, I’ve had girlfriends and I was even engaged when we left Thundera but that doesn’t matter anymore. You are what matters.”
Alana leaned back, forcing Tygra to remove his hand and sit up straight. “But why me? The Tree Top Kingdom is a village full of women.”
For a moment Tygra closed his eyes and shock his head. “None have the strength you have. Yes, they are warriors but they only know one life, survival in the jungle. You on the other hand know a different kind of survival. You have lived through abuse. But you never lost your spirit, though you could have. It makes me proud to know that you can live and tell the tale of your physical battles against life.
“How do you know that I didn’t loose my spirit?”
“Because if you had, you wouldn’t have the determination to become a Thundercat, knowing that it’s going to be tough going against your friends. Thunderians have never had to live struggling along the way. Yes, we have lived through physical battles but not through violation or abuse. It was battles for our lives and our world.”
A slight noise interrupted the conversation. Tygra stood up from the bed and chuckled.
Alana blushed, as she understood what the noise was. “I guess I have neglected my diet today. I barely ate since Tony took you hostage.”
“Come on,” he offered, holding out his hand to her. “Let’s get you something to eat.”
Alana pulled back the blankets and gracefully took Tygra’s hand. “Are you sure Snarf won’t mind. I know he’s not fond of people pocking their noses around his kitchen.”
“I think he’ll be more angry if you don’t eat than me going through his kitchen.”
Alana quietly laughed as they made their way out in the hallway. They quietly walked through the hallways, being sure not to wake anyone. She noticed Tygra would not let go of her hand as they walked through hallways and stairwells. When they made it to the kitchen, he finally let go. She sat at the small table while Tygra sifted through the cupboards.
“You know,” she began. She now felt a whole lot better. Tygra was now beside her, making her smile once again. She no longer felt empty inside. She felt alive. “I seem to recall this happening before too. Are you sure this isn’t deja-vu?”
Tygra chuckled. “I don’t believe so.”
She watched for several minutes as he found something that was chilled off. She saw him crumble something up before turning and closing the door to the chilled compartment. “It looks like someone was expecting you to wake in the middle of the night. Snarf must have saved this when he made dinner.”
When Tygra found the plate of food, a folded note was top of the covering. Without distracting Alana, he carefully unfolded the note before picking up the plate. ‘I know you love her. And I’m glad. Take care of her, she’s my baby sister. I was able to convince Snarf to save a plate. Nessie’
“That Snarf is always looking out for me. But of course he always looks out for Lion-O as well.”
“Well when we were on Thundera, Snarf was Lion-O’s caregiver. But you can also thank your sister. She was the one to get Snarf to save some food for you.”
“Oh. I didn’t know that. Though it doesn’t surprise me that Vanessa would do that. We’re only a couple years apart but sometimes she acts like she’s five years older.”
“Why don’t you go into the dinning room? I’ll reheat this plate and bring it to you.”
“Ok,” she nodded.
-
She watched as the night sky begin to fill with dark clouds and covered the full moon that was now high in the sky, she knew more bad weather was on its way. She recognized the change of temperature, indicating rain. But what she didn’t know was what kind of wet weather it was going to bring. Was it going to be nice rain shower or was it going to storm?
Her heart began to flutter faster when she heard a distant rumble. She listened for a few minutes and when she heard nothing more; she allowed her muscles to relax. She slightly jumped when Tygra walked in and set her plate down.
“I think it’s going to rain again. The last time it rain, Mumm-Ra attacked for the first time,” Alana said as she walked over to the table and sat.
“Being home, seeing changes in the weather has a soothing touch. I don’t know how people can live within ships.”
“I’m just glad Trisha is no longer being used in sexual situations. She is too young for that.”
“How old is she?” he asked.
“She’s two years older than myself. In a way, I’m surprised Tony didn’t want her to be his wife. I mean, she went to him willingly, though she was forced into it. Tony couldn’t hold anything over my head.”
“Could we not speak about him? He’s in custody and that’s what matters. I just want to forget about him and concentrate on my duties.”
“Deal,” Alana said as she began to eat.
The two were silent as she ate. Alana noticed how relaxed Tygra was. He stood by the window, letting her eat. When she felt she had enough, she stood and walked over to him. As she approached him, rain began to fall from the skies. It first started as a light rain but soon the rain came down hard. If someone were to go outside, they would be soaked after ten steps of being out there.
“Have you had any sleep?” she asked quietly.
“I slept earlier,” Tygra admitted, turning to her. His hand found it’s way on the side of her face once again. “Has anyone ever told you, that you are beautiful?”
Alana’s cheeks suddenly brightened at his admittance. “No. I was told I was no good, ugly and many others.”
Tygra smiled tenderly. “Well you are.”
A big white flash brightened up the sky, forcing Tygra’s hand to move from her cheek. Alana felt herself shake inside. Tygra noticed this but before he had the chance to ask, a loud clap of thunder rolled off the sky, causing Alana to jump in alarm. Her arms suddenly were wrapped around his arms. One hand was tightly gripping the cloth on his arm.
Another bright flash lit across the sky with another rumble of thunder not even two seconds later. Alana huddled herself close to Tygra.
His hands slowly came up and rubbed against her back. “How long have you been scared of thunderstorms?”
“Ever since I was a little girl. I was with father and when the storm started, he left me. I had turned my head, wondering where the sound came from and the next he was gone. He left me outside in the storm. Somehow during the night, I must have fallen asleep because the next morning I woke to Mom wrapping a warm blanket around me. I was wet and sick. I almost died from pneumonia. Mother was very upset with father. After that, father was never left alone with me.”
“It’s a good thing too. I suppose being as small as you were, you were scared and lost.”
“It was the most frightening thing in my young years.”
She barely got the sentence before another rumble snapped around, this time Alana felt it shake Cats’ Lair. Alana cringed and buried her head in his chest. “I don’t know what’s worse,” she cried. “Seeing you being taken or this.”
Tygra picked her up and walked out of the room. She didn’t know where he was taking her, but she didn’t care. When she would here the claps of thunder, she would cuddle into him even more. And each time, he would lightly kiss her forehead.
She realized the rumbles were getting quieter; she lifted her head and noticed that they were heading to the recreational room. She looked at Tygra but he didn’t look back. He just kept a tight hold and continued walking. When they reached the room, he set her down so she could stand.
“Now it’s quieter,” he answered gently to her silent question.
Alana moved slightly away. She wasn’t sure if she was uneasy that Tygra brought her below or of her feelings for him. She knew she had to tell him her feelings. This was something she could not keep to herself. She wished she had her brothers to help her, but she had to do this on her own.
She turned back to him and saw concern when she heard another rumble. But she barely could tell that it was the storm. It sounded like someone just dropped several books on the floor above her.
“I need to explain something before the others awake.” She turned and walked towards the pool table. Just before Tony arrived, Vanessa placed in a pool table. It was the surprise Vanessa mentioned the day when Alana saw the recreational room. The pool balls were set up, ready to be played with two cue sticks resting on the table.
She traced her fingers across the green velvet before leaning on the table. “Before you were taken, I saw you as a friend. But…that changed.”
She felt him come up behind her and lightly rested his hands on her shoulders. “You don’t have to explain.”
She turned, forcing him to move his hands away but rested back against her shoulders. “I feel I must. I haven’t been honest will all of you and it’s time I should. Seeing Tony holding you hostage and was threatening to kill, I didn’t know what to feel. And as soon as he transported to his ship, I felt alone, empty.
“I don’t want to feel like that again. I know you’re mortal and someday you will die but not…” she paused, taking a deep breath. She turned her head, averting her eyes. “Not when I found love,” she whispered.
Tygra’s right hand drifted from her shoulder. His fingers lightly touched her chin, lifting her face to face him.
“I didn’t think I could find someone else after losing my fiancée. Fate works in mysterious ways. You have opened my heart once again.”
Tygra started to slowly lean in. Alana saw this but wasn’t sure if she wanted to kiss him again. Her heart won out against her emotions. She closed her eyes, waiting for his lips to touch hers. She felt his breath against her lips when…a sound came from the stairs.
Tygra swiftly moved away, giving Alana room to compose herself. He turned just in time to see Trisha enter.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t know anyone was done here.”
“That is alright,” Tygra answered. “I suppose the thunderstorm is disturbing.”
“That’s putting it mildly. I haven’t heard weather like this before at least what I can remember. See I was born on Seris and I was too small when the weather control grid was built.”
“You do not need to explain,” he answered. He glanced at the table again. “I have an idea to help put both your minds at ease. Why don’t you two show me how to play this game?”
Quickly getting over the fact that she was almost caught being kissed by Tygra, Alana’s eyes lit with amusement. “Sure. When Tony wasn’t around, Trisha and I would play pool. My brothers would always make sure I had some sports entertainment.”
“Who will show him how to play?” Trisha quickly combed her frizzled hair with her hands. Over near a bookshelf she saw a hair elastic, she grabbed it and pulled her hair into a ponytail. “Why don’t you show him and I’ll play? I’m still half a sleep.”
Alana looked at Tygra before shrugging. She grabbed the cue stick that was near her and quickly instructed Tygra in how to hold it. She inwardly smiled. She knew she accidentally caught the two of them. Judging by Alana’s flushed cheeks, Trisha almost caught them in an intense moment. The intense moment she figured was one of them was about to kiss the other and she guessed it was Tygra about to kiss Alana.
Trisha walked to the head of the table, grabbing the other cue stick and broke. Tygra watched in amazement as the balls flew across the table. Once he realized that it was his turn, he backed away.
“Why don’t I sit this one out and see how you girls do it. Afterwards, then I’ll give it a try.”
Alana nodded in agreement. Tygra backed completely away from the table and watched as the two girls slapped the white ball. He had quickly deduced the white was the only ball that the cue stick hit first. As he watched he noticed Alana was striking at the balls with a stripe across the middle. Trisha had the solid colored balls. About a half hour, Trisha had two balls left and Alana was going after the black ball.
During the course of the game, he had noticed that the girls avoided the black ball at all cost and when they did it, they were disappointed. But when Alana had all her balls down, she then went after the black ball. He realized the black ball must have been the game ender. He watched with interest as she stroked the white ball and it hit the black one. The ball bounced against one wall and went towards another wall. The white ball on the other hand, after it hit the black one, went straight off towards a corner.
“No. No. No,” Alana blurted. “Stop. Don’t go in.”
Tygra was a little confused what she was talking about but he soon learned as the white ball went into the pocket just as the black one went in another pocket. Trisha cheered.
“I win.”
“I understand how the game is played,” Tygra said as he walked towards the girls as Alana started to grab the balls from the pockets.
Trisha looked up. “Why do I here a but?”
“I don’t understand the black ball.”
Alana looked up. “The black one is known as the Eight ball and through out the game, it has to stay out of the pockets. If it goes into the pocket before the end of the game, the other player automatically wins.”
“But how is that Trisha won and not you. You were going after it.”
Trisha walked over to the tiger. “You must have noticed by now that there are two kinds of balls, high and low. When a player gets rid of all their balls, they go after the Eight. If the cue ball goes into a pocket while going after the Eight then the other player wins. To fairly win the game, a player must sink the Eight ball at the every end and not sink the cue ball. The cue ball is the white one.”
“I see. I think I’ll give it a try now.”
When Alana had the table set up, she had totally forgotten all about the thunderstorm. She had no idea if the storm had stopped or not. She handed the cue stick to Tygra and waited as Trisha broke the table, again. This time instead of Alana shooting, Tygra was pretty quick at catching on to the game. Before long, they started to have an audience. They didn’t even notice when Trisha’s mother came down or the Thunderkittens.
The game took a lot longer than when Trisha played against Alana. Tygra and Trisha were playing leapfrog. Trisha would sink a ball, then Tygra would. They stayed even. When it came down to the Eight ball, both of them were going after it. About ten minutes rolled by with the two hitting the Eight, but it wouldn’t go down. Either it would come close and then hit the edge of the pocket and slowly move away or it wouldn’t get close enough.
Tygra was really enjoying the game. He never knew relaxing could be enjoyable. Finally getting tired of just playing cat and mouse with the ball, Tygra decided he was going to sink the ball. A few times he came close in sinking the cue ball but never happened. When his turn came up, he judged his call and struck the cue ball. It hit the Eight ball and the ball went sailing into the sidewall and snapped out, heading right to the corner pocket. It sailed right on through and went in. The cue ball stayed where it hit the Eight.
He looked up and saw the Thundercats watching. He looked to Alana. “Is that game?”
“Yup, and you win,” she smiled. “Remind me not play against you. I probably will loose.”
Trisha chuckled. “That was good for a first timer. Beginners luck.”
Alana placed her hands on her hips. “Beginners luck my butt. You don’t know these guys like I do. They are quite good at keeping an eye on things.”
“How long have you been in their company?” Trisha’s mother asked.
“For the past seven months.”
“Well I guess,” Trisha said. “That makes you a pro at knowing the Thundercats.”
“I’m not sure about that,” Lion-O said. “But she has gotten to know us well.”
Trisha leaned her cue stick against her head. “Anyone else want a game?”
“Can you show us?” Wilykit asked. “Wilykat and I would love to have a game.”
“Sure. First, I’ll show you how to rack them up.”
As Trisha showed the kids how to rack up the balls, Cheetara and Panthro watched with interest. Lion-O stayed a distance away as Alana walked up to him.
“What time is it?” she asked.
“It’s about seven,” he answered.
Alana looked at Tygra. “Wow, we’ve been down her for a couple hours. Did the rain stop?”
“The thunderstorm ended but it’s still raining. We actually just received a transmission. Mandora is in orbit and she has just taken Tony’s ship into custody. One of Tony’s guards was revealed as an officer working under Mandora.”
“I met him,” Tygra said. “When I was held in the brig, he kept telling me not to lose faith in Alana.”
“He did.” Alana thought for a moment. “Rick. You met Rick. He seemed to look out for me when Josh couldn’t. I never knew why. Lion-O any idea when the rain will stop?”
“From what I gathered, the sun has started to peek through the clouds over top of the Tree Top Kingdom. So I give it another hour.”
“Good. If any needs me, I’m going to go and lay down again. All this pool playing has tired me out.”
“What about breakfast?” Lion-O asked but Alana didn’t hear.
He looked at Tygra as he spoke. “She ate already.”
Lion-O nodded and headed over towards the pool table and watched the game. He was intrigued by the game as well. He watched many times as the colored balls went into the pocket. When the game ended with Trisha teaching the Thunderkittens, Snarf came down the stairs and announced breakfast was ready.
-
Tygra was sitting in the recreational room, relaxing. He was satisfied that Alana gave the idea to build a new level below Cats’ Lair. Now the Thundercats have a place to relax. He leaned his head back as he listened to Trisha playing a game of pool with her mother. The two women enjoyed playing pool when they were in the room.
Trisha hold told everyone that she had something to tell everyone but wanted to wait until after dinner and when Vanessa and Willa arrived. Why they were arriving, he didn’t know.
With his eyes closed he was able to hear the eight ball going down the pocket. He guessed that it was Trisha’s mother who sunk the ball as she had all her balls down and Trisha still had two more.
“That was a good game,” he heard Trisha say. “But I think perhaps we should go upstairs.”
The two women looked at Tygra who was sitting, relaxed on one of the soft sofas with his head leaned back and eyes closed. Trisha also noticed Alana coming down and she knew Alana liked the tiger. In fact she knew the two liked each other but hadn’t expressed it in public.
Either Alana wasn’t sure what people would think or she was just getting used to having a captured heart who treated her well. Trisha wasn’t sure which one but she knew it was one of them. In the two years she knew Alana, she had gotten to know when Alana was unsure about something.
The two women turned away from pool table and walked up the stairs, passing Alana along the way. When the past her, Trisha turned and realized, Tygra wasn’t visible. She smiled as she knew Alana would be surprised to see the tiger in such a relaxed mood.
“Is Tygra down here? Alana asked. “I have looked for him everywhere.”
Trisha nodded and continued her way up.
Alana was puzzled why Trisha would have a goofy grin but she soon got her answer. She stopped at the bottom of the stairs. One look at Tygra and she had to stifle a giggle before continuing towards him.
“What do you find so amusing?” he asked. He had heard Alana ask her question and knew she was about to enter. He knew when she saw him; he could here trying not to giggle.
“I’ve never seen you so relaxed before,” she answered as she sat beside him.
Tygra lifted his head. “Up until now, I’ve never really relaxed my muscles and it feels nice to do so. Especially being held in Tony’s prison. There wasn’t much room to move.”
“The brig is never meant for comfort. I was wondering if you wanted to take a walk with me. It’s a beautiful day and I wouldn’t mind having some company.”
“Any ideas where you wanted to go?” he asked, sitting up.
“I thought maybe…I could use some moral support while I go and visit my friends grave. I haven’t been to the grave sight since the day you followed me. And that was when there was still snow on the ground.”
“That is a long time. I’m surprised you didn’t ask Lion-O.”
“Everyone is busy. Lion-O is monitoring enemy activity. Cheetara and Panthro are over seeing with the settlement of the people who don’t want to return back to Seris. Mandora is with them.
“The Thunderkittens are visiting the Robear Berbils,” Tygra answered. He stood. “When did you want to go?”
“Anytime. We could take the Thundertank and then walk from the crash sight.”
“Then let’s go.” He quickly grasped her hands, which were resting in her lap, and lifted her up.
Alana smiled as the two left the room. Unknown to Tygra, Alana had something else in mind. The other day she had taken a walk and found a meadow with a lake. She was with the Thunderkittens. The trio found the lake to inviting and they went for a swim. Alana thought it was high time that she go and see the grave sight.
She was going to trick Tygra into going to the lake and hopefully convince him to tolerate the water, as he couldn’t swim unless he was using the whip. Alana felt he could get over his fear of water but facing it, head on. And she had an idea of how to convince him to go swimming with her.
The two of them climbed into the Thundertank and sped off. They didn’t even realize, Trisha stood at the top of the stairs, smiling. She knew Alana found someone to love and to love her back. She wondered how long it would take before the two of them would announce their feelings.
Being in the Thundertank, it didn’t take the two long to get to the crash sight. Being in the front, which wasn’t normal, Alana had to take a deep breath as the skeleton ship came into view. Tygra noticed her in take of breath but knew that she needed to do this.
When he stopped, he jumped out and silently waited for Alana to get the courage to get out. When she did, he walked over to her. He grasped her hands in his. “I’m here if you need me. Now I can either go with you, or I’ll stay here.”
She knew he was being sincere. “No. I’ll manage.”
He gave her hands a quick squeeze before letting go. She slowly turned and walked to where Lion-O made the inscription. She silently read the inscription before looking towards the sky.
“Guys, I know you’re here. I’m sorry I haven’t been here since you were buried but…”
“There is no need to apologize.”
Both Tygra and Alana looked at the same time as one of Alana’s brothers appeared. The last time Tygra saw him was the day her brothers revealed to Alana that they had the same power as Jaga. Tygra didn’t recognize the brother.
“I know you have been busy and trying to continue on without us has been tough. Your friends wanted me to tell you that you have survived one of the toughest fights to ever face. You faced Tony.”
“David,” she pleaded. “I miss you.”
“We know,” he continued. “But we are with you.” We walked closer to her and whispered. Tygra couldn’t pick up what he was saying. “You love him. Show him. He won’t hurt you.”
Alana blushed and averted her eyes towards Tygra before turning back. “I…don’t know…how?”
“Perhaps after today, you will.”
“What do you mean?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.
“I know you are planning to take Tygra to the lake…”
“If you weren’t a ghost, I’d hit you,” she hissed.
David smiled. “Hey,” he said loudly. “What are brothers for? We have to pester our sister somehow.”
“Will you keep it down,” she hissed.
David continued to smile as he began to disappear. When he was gone Alana turned away and stormed over to the Thundertank and grumbled. “That egoistical, moronic, pain in the ass. If he wasn’t dead, I’d kill himself.”
Tygra raised an eyebrow. “Who are you talking about?”
“What?” Alana stopped and realized Tygra heard what she said. She swiftly turned away and blushed. “Sorry.”
She felt Tygra’s hands touch her shoulders. “That seemed like an intense conversation.”
Tears suddenly appeared as she quickly turned and buried her head against Tygra. “Hold me,” she cried.
He wrapped his arms around her back and held her close. He didn’t know what to do. Just a few minutes ago, she was practically having an argument with her deceased brother and now she was crying. Was she crying because it was her brother or was it what she said?
When she calmed her tears, she looked up in his eyes. “I don’t know what came over me. Whenever David and I ever had an intense talk I always got mad. He’s always been the one to make me mad the fastest.”
Tygra slightly chuckled. “I remember what’s it like to have siblings. I had three of them and when the four us were in the same room together, it was look out.”
“I didn’t know you had siblings.”
“Two brothers and a sister. Why don’t we go for that walk, perhaps that will ease your mind.”
“Thanks.” She pulled away and began to walk away, Tygra following.
As the two walked, Alana realized that her brother must have guest what she had planned. She noticed they were nearing the lake. She took a deep breath. David was right, she did love the tiger and she knew he loved her to. The two didn’t say the words but the affections were there. Realizing that if she didn’t try and help Tygra with his fear of water, he would never get over it.
“Oh look,” she said. “There’s a lake, you mind if I take a swim.” She didn’t bother hearing his answer when she ran over to the edge of the lake and removed her outer clothing, revealing a black one-piece bathing suit that crisscrossed in the back. It reminded Alana of Cheetara’s orange suit.
“Alana,” Tygra started. “I’m not sure if this is a good idea.”
She turned back, “Why not? It’s warm. There are no clouds in the sky and if the Mutants are around, well, I’m sure we can handle them. You know you could come to. Besides…” she walked in to prove a point until she was at the deepest. “It doesn’t even go to my neck.”
Tygra crossed his arms. “You know I’m not fond of water unless I’m using my whip.”
“Just because you have a fear of water it doesn’t always mean you let it control you. Hell in a way, I’m slightly scared of water but that’s only because when I was really little, I almost drowned. But that didn’t stop me from enjoying water. I just don’t swim in water that’s over my head. Besides what would happen if sometime I was swimming and something happened to me and you were the only one who could get to me? You would have no choice but to save me.”
“What could happen to you in shallower water?”
“Anything. I could take a cramp or somehow end up swallowing water when trying to come up for air. There are so many scenarios of drowning.”
“I don’t like it.”
Alana walked out of the water and over to him. “If you don’t want to go in the water that’s fine. But wouldn’t it be nice to surprise the enemy by not showing your fear and being able to laugh in the their face.” She grabbed his hands and pulled him closer to the lake. He went willingly. How could he say no to a beautiful woman, especially with her wearing a bathing suit.
He felt his feet touch the water before he stopped, forcing her stop. She noticed his hesitation. She let go of his hands.
“It doesn’t hurt to try,” she said quietly. “Wouldn’t it be nice if you could swim without showing fear.”
“That it would be.” He took a step closer into the water.
She noticed that he was slowly taking a step in. She began to slowly take a step backwards. Something caught her foot and she lost her footing, falling into the water with a shriek. She heard Tygra yell her name. He continued to yell her name until she remerged from the water. Her brown hair was almost completely in her face.
Relief washed over his face. “Are you alright?”
Alana suddenly began to laugh as she pulled her hair out of her face. “That was refreshing. Luckily the water isn’t that deep.”
By now Tygra was knee deep in the water and he had a hand holding out to her. She pulled her head back into the water, getting her hair out of her face before taking his hand and standing.
“Stupid rock. I had no idea that was there.” She reached and grabbed the rock. It was bigger than she thought but not big enough for her to not grab. She gave it a toss over to the side, giving off a splash. “There, that won’t bother me now.”
She turned back to Tygra. As she went to speak a piece of hair fell into her face. She was about to pull it to the side but Tygra beat her to it. He gently grasped her hair and carefully placed it behind her ear.
She noticed the look in his eyes and a slight chill hit her body. She wasn’t sure if it was eyes or the slight breeze that blew by.
“So are you going to try and dish out the water? Because I’m going to swim.” She quickly turned and dove into the water and resurfaced in the deepest spot. “I love the water,” she squealed, slapping her hands against the water, making ripples.
Tygra smiled. What could be the harm? Alana was right. It would be nice to surprise his enemies and if she or anyone else was endanger in the water, he would be able to help. But of course what no one knew was he was an excellent swimmer. He didn’t like the water because every time he swam, an enemy always pined him down. At least being invisible the enemy couldn’t see what direction he was going.
“Not many people know this,” Tygra started as he moved further into the water. He realized that she was taunting him. “I can swim, I just don’t like being in water.”
“Then you need to act like the water doesn’t bother you. The question is how well can you swim?”
A challenge. She had just challenged him and he couldn’t back down from that. She knew too many of his weak points. He jumped into the water, diving under. Alana gasped as she saw him go under. She honestly didn’t think he would do it. She jumped when he surfaced, directly in front of her.
“You weren’t joking,” she breathed.
Tygra nodded. “I was taught when I was child. But I never found a use for swimming unless it’s necessary.”
“You’ve missed much.” She pulled away and began swimming around.
For about an hour the two swam around. They would give each other chases but then Alana would back off and just take it easy. She finally got him in the water and that was her goal. After awhile, Tygra began to tire of the swim.
“Alana,” he said when he was close to her. “I believe we should get out now. Soon Willa and your sister will be arriving at Cats’ Lair. But first.” He grasped her hands, pulling her closer.
Her heart skipped a beat.
“I want to thank you. I never knew swimming could be relaxing and with my fear of water, it doesn’t help. I’ve seen the Thunderkittens and Lion-O go out swimming but I never understood why.”
“Well you’re always welcome to come with us when we go swimming.”
“You knew about the lake didn’t you?”
Pulling her hands away from his, she swung her hands up. “Guilty. I had full plans in bringing you here. The other day, the kittens and I were swimming here. I figured it would be a perfect spot to help you get over your fear or at least be able to suppress it if the time calls.”
“It’s effective. I didn’t suspect for a minute.”
Alana’s eyes widened as she realized why Tygra had such an intense gaze on her. He was showing affection to her through his eyes. She was drawn to his eyes. She had marvelled how the Thundercats were. They were strange but at the same time, attracting. Looking into their eyes was much different from human eyes.
Tygra noticed that she was staring into his eyes as he was drawn into hers. No woman had ever drawn him in like that way before. He knew she cared for him. Well if she didn’t, then she wouldn’t have allowed him to kiss her and continue to draw his company.
He didn’t know who moved first but he noticed they were getting closer. When he was a breath away from her, he closed his eyes and whispered. “You are beautiful.”
Alana barely heard his words as she felt his lips on hers. The kiss first started like butterfly kisses but soon became heated. He wrapped his arms around her back, bringing her as close as he could. Hers wrapped around his neck, preventing him from moving his head. Pent up longing, quickly filled into the kiss.
A puff of wind, caused Alana to shiver and Tygra pulled away. “Are you cold?”
“No,” she answered confused. “I feel like something is wrong.” She looked up and found the source of her feeling. High in the sky, she saw a ship heading towards Cats’ Lair. A feeling of dread washed over her.
Tygra looked up and noticed what kind of ship was landing. “Safari Joe,” he stated. “What does he want now? Come on, we better get going.”
He grasped her hand and the two made their way out of the water. Alana quickly grabbed her clothes and they made their way back to her brother’s grave sight, where the Thundertank sat. When they reached the tank, She had her clothes back on. From the walk, helped to dry her bathing suit and when she was able to get her clothing back on, one couldn’t even tell she was wearing wet, well except for her hair. She quickly pulled her hair into a bun, when Tygra pulled the tank into gear and left for Cats’ Lair.
What was her father doing here this time? One thing was for sure, the ship was heading straight for Cats’ Lair. Lion-O was the only Thundercat, besides Snarf, who was holding down the fort. If Safari Joe was going to try something, it would be the perfect time to do it. Alana didn’t think, though, he came for a confrontation. She figured it was her, he came for.
