Unexpected Journey

by NightLight12

UNDER REVISION! Aideen always felt different in her world, as if she never belong there. Soon she finds herself in a strange land and meet different kind of cat people! Long forgotten memories will come back and secrets will be reveal. Along the way love will bloom but not just for one person. (Lion-O X OC)

32. Chapter 32: Decision

Okay first, forget what I put on last time! This chapter did not wanted to go the way I thought it would. I had a different story to tell. A different ending! It wanted to write it's self differently than what I had plan! Anyways, it's also longer then the previews once I've written and it took a while to finish, because it had a different way it wanted to be told. So, I just did it the way it felt right.

Hope you enjoy it!

Thank you to all that have favor, followed, and review.

Disclaimer: I don't own Thundercats except my O.C's and some non-canon events.

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Decision

Aideen stared at her reflection with a frown as she once again began to regret her decision. She didn't know what came over her to say yes. Perhaps it was the fact that part of her really wanted to make Lion-O jealous. To make him realize how he was making her feel whenever she saw him and Pumyra. But then again.. she had chosen to step aside. It still anger her how manipulative Pumyra could be. She cared about Lion-O far to much that it anger her whenever she saw someone use him for their own gain. She could see how manipulative she was and it wasn't just her. The others were beginning to see it as well.

Then there was Sharrod. She remembered small pieces of the time they spent together. Her brother had trusted him with his life. They had been best friends and were going to be brothers in arms as they began their military training. He had always been kind to her. Always thinking about her feeling above anything else and what was she doing? Taking advantage of that. She cared about him, of course. It was just... not in the romantic way. He was always going to be a very good friend of her and someone she appreciated but nothing more. She should have said no. She should have been clear about her feelings, but she wasn't. She was being selfish and at the end she knew she was just going to hurt him.

"No, no," she mutter. She ran a hand through her hair as its curls sway with her pacing. "I have to be clear with him. I have to tell him how I feel. Oh spirits! What have I done." She sat down on the bed as she tried to think of a way to tell the dog how she truly felt. Why did I agree to this? A knock on the door made her look up, "come in."

Titania walked in and smiled as soon as she saw her. "You look beautiful," the white tiger said.

Aideen looked at herself in the mirror once again. Her redbrown curly hair was down, now way past her waist. She was sure she would have to cut it eventually. Instead of her usual outfit that consist of a pair of pants a shirt and combat boots she now were a dress. Aideen was not one to use dresses, but as Shila had stated, she needed to be presentable. Her dress was a simple aqua blue with long sleeves, an inch above the knee from the front and long from the back along with black leggings. How did Shila find that dress? Aideen had no idea. She didn't even know how she had found the long boots she now were that combined her dress. Her headband was still placed on her head but the cracks were visible for everyone to see. She frowned at her reflection before looking away. "I don't feel beautiful," she mutter.

The tiger frowned at her, "Aideen," she turn to look at her. "Are you sure this is what you want?"

She looked away before letting out a sigh, "honestly? I don't know what I want. I don't know if this is right." She began to pace again as she became nervous for a whole different thing than this date. "I mean.. Sharrod has been nothing more than kind to me, but... but I really don't feel like that towards him. Yet he has helped me so much its the lest I can do. I can give him a chance, but.."

"But your heart already belongs to someone else?" The tiger finished. Aideen stopped in her track to looked at her with a surprise look. "I know about Lion-O." Titania sat on the bed and but the box she held to the side before patting the bed for the girl to sit. Aideen walked towards her and sat down. "Isha has been telling me everything that happen since you came here- at least everything she knows." She grabbed one of the young girls lose strand of hair and moved it behind her ear. "It must be hard. To see him with someone else, isn't it?" The young girl looked down and nodded. "Then why not tell him? What's really stopping you Aideen? I know it's not about you falling in love or being hurt. What is stopping you?"

Her brown eyes looked up as she let out a weak laugh. Her eyes watering at her reason and the tigers question. How can she know this when she barely knew Aideen. No, that's not right. Titania had always been this way. She knew when someone was trouble or needed guidance. She was an empathy and could see many thing no one else could. That is how she was able to tell about Aideen's and Tygra's soul bond. She took a deep breath, "What if I did take the leap? What if I told him and he accepted and.. and.. I feel in love with him. I don't want to lose him."

Titania look at her with a sad expression. "But how do you know you will lose him if you don't have him? You don't know the future. It's all yet to be written. Don't think of the what if's. Make the choice you agree with, that your heart agrees with. The choice that feels right." She turn around and grabbed the box and open it. Inside was a circlet crown it was woven with thin silver and in the center was a jewel with a rain drop at the bottom. "This is a crow worn by the princess. It's the crown you would use had Kiran not fallen." She grabbed the crown and put it on Aideen. "Our kingdom may have fallen, but as long as the people are still alive it will live and can be rebuild."

Aideen nodded as she touched the jewel that was now at the center of her forehead. She felt different like all of this wasn't her, and yet it was exactly her. She let out as sigh, Everything will keep on changing, she thought as she stood up. Walking toward her bag she took out her mothers watch and put it inside a hidden pocket the dress had. Might as well embrace it. With that she made her way out of her room.

---

The rest of the group where all waiting down below at the small empty cafe that was part of the hotel. Sharrod had yet to show up, but the mood in the room was already tense enough. Isha was sulking on her sit with her arms crossed. Xander was pacing back and forth questioning his decision and yet assuring himself that this was the right choice. He was prince after all. Finding his sister a suitable husband was one of his duties. Shila was currently sipping her tea and ignoring everyone else. As for the thundercats... Well Tygra was leaning against the wall with his arms cross and a displeased look on his face. Panthro was doing the exact same thing. Cheetara and the twins were the only once calm, even when they didn't like the situation either. As for Lion-O... Well he was doing nothing else, but glaring at the empty air. Pumyra was currently by his side trying to distracted him, but it was clear that that was annoying him more than anything.

"The atmosphere here is very tense. I could feel it all the way from my room," A voice distracted them. They all turn to look at the cat that had just enter.

Isha looked up at the voice, "Keli!" she exclaimed as her face light up at seeing her. She got up and went to hug the snowshoe cat. She hadn't see her yesterday or earlier that morning. Keli had been a very nice cat who she had meet while being train by Tigres.

"Hello Isha. I see you've been well," the cat patted the girls head before turning around to see the others. She hadn't been feeling well and wanted to rest in her room as such didn't get to introduced herself to the other. "I am Keli, Xander's master and seer of Kiran."

"Seer?" the cheetah question as she got up.

Keli nodded, "I can see the future." She looked at each one of the cats, "I know about Jaga, Claudu, and" she looked at the lion, "I know about the conflict you have." Lion-O frowned at her, but just as he was about to speak she spoke up first. "I know what you will ask and unfortunate I cannot tell you. What happens today will be what must be. But I can tell you this." She moved towards him her clear blue eyes never leaving his. Her hand touched his chest, "fallow what your heart and mind tell you. If you both agree, if both consider this to be the right choice. If you cannot forget no matter what you try. If something within you tells you to make that choice then make it. Make it and don't let fear stop you." She took a step back and walked towards Shila, "Sometimes our hearts know what they want and the rightness within it. They can lead us to the one think or the one living being who is meant to be."

The room was silent before they all turn around as the heard someone approaching. Aideen stopped as the others looked at her. Their awed expression made her look at herself before looking back at them. She really felt strange dressed like this. "You can all stop staring now. I mean it.. stop," she said before walking towards her brother.

Xander looked at her, "Aideen you look... amazing," she smiled at him. The older boy smiled before it slipped his lips, "you know what? I think this was a mistake. Go change, I will tell Sharrod you said no. In fact, I think that you should never date. Yeah, that's it! You will never date or dress like this ever again."

Aideen looked at him before laughing. "Oh spirits! Xander you can't do that. Truest me. It's would be very rude, besides it's just a date. Not like I'm getting married."

He looked at her with a frown before turning to Isha. "Why didn't you stop me?!"

The older girl threw her hands in the air. "I tried, but you wouldn't listen."

"Then, why didn't you knock me out?!"

"That would be rude! But I definitely should have!" Both cousins kept on bickering back and forth as Aideen looked at them with a shake of her head.

She looked at the others before her eyes landed on Lion-O. His expression was awe struck that it made her blush. His eyes never left her as he moved closer to get. Her hands began to fiddled with the dress sleeve as she looked down at the ground. Once he was in front of her she looked up through her eye lashes as she could see his clear eyes that display all of his emotions as clear as crystal. It made a warm feeling bloom in the pit of her stomach. "Well?" she heard herself ask, "How do I look?"

The lion looked at her once more before saying, "beautiful. You look beautiful."

The blush darken as she smiled shyly at him. Their moment though was broken by Shila. "To bad she's not your date but someone else. Who should be here soon," the dog said.

Aideens smile slowly decreased before being forced back. She took a deep breath and stood straight. "Right, but I believe I'm owe an antidote?" Moving away from the lion who was now frowning at the ground she walked towards Titania who has a cup in her hand.

"Here," the white tiger said.

She smiled in gratitude before drinking the antidote. She turned to look at the new cat that was sitting and sipping tea with Shila. "You must be Keli. If I am correct."

Keli smiled, "that's correct. How have you been, Aideen?"

"I've been alright, just..."

"troubled and confused with everything you have just found out?" the cat guessed.

Aideen nodded, "yeah, something like that."

"Life can be hard sometimes, but it knows what it's doing."

"I hope so," she replied before she heard a knock on the door. Aideen took a deep breath as the door was open and Sharrod walked in with a color full bouquet of flowers. He looked at her with the same awe struck as the others.

"Aideen you look beautiful," the dog complemented. He gave her the small bouquet with a smile.

She looked at the flowers and gave her thanks before looking at him. He was no longer in his usual outfit instead he dress rather.. nice. Black pants with black boots, a dark sleeveless coat that was open reveling a plain shirt that had two strapped to the side of his shoulders were she could see blaster hidden by the large coat. In all he looked quite handsome in his dark attire. "You.. look great," she said after a while.

Sharrod raised an eyebrow, "you're into the dark look?"

From behind her she could hear her brother and Isha choking on their own breath. She smirked, "kinds of." She walked towards him before poking his chest. "It actually makes you look really good." She.. didn't think about what she said or her actions until she looked at the others shock look. Her cheeks redden at her comment. Oh spirits! What did I just say, she thought as she tried to look away in embarrassed.

The dog laughed at the girls embarrassed look, "well then it was a good thing I dressed like this." He smiled at her suggestively as he leaned down towards her, making her cheeks redden more before she got an idea. She knew it was a bad idea, but the look the dog was giving her made it seem like a challenge. He was teasing her trying to see how embarrass he could get her. It had been a game her brothers and their friends used to play and he was trying to play with her. She took that as a challenge.

With a smile she leaned towards him and put a hand on his chest. "Yep, it was a great ideal. It made all your.." she looked him up and down, "great qualities show." She leaned a bit closer and looked up at him through her eyelashes. "You look fantastic in dark."

Sharrod looked at her with widen eyes as he took a step back. The others were looking at the scene with wide eyes and jaw slack from the girls claim. The lion looked in shock at her not believing what he had just heard. He clenched his first as he looked at the closeness between the two. A fury swept within him, but before he could do anything Panthro had grabbed his arm. "Don't do anything, kid," he mutter so only the lion could hear. Not that it matter everyone would feel the lion's jealousy rolling off him.

The dog looked at Aideen, and saw her smirk, before laughing. "Okay, you win," he said. The others looked at him in shock not knowing what he was talking about. "I should have known you wouldn't back down."

Aideen stood up straight and crossed her arms. "Hell no! You and my brothers were constantly trying to embarrass me in front of everyone. I wasn't about to let you do the same."

He just smiled at her before giving a low bow with his hand extended forward. "Princess Aideen would you be so kind and accompany me on a lovely date," the dog requested.

She smile down at him before giving a courteous bow. "It would be my pleasure." She put her hand in his and watched as he rose and gave her hand a kiss.

"Alright! Alright!" Xander exclaimed. Having enough of the two flirting and teasing he decided to step in. Also, he was kind of worry about what the lion would do if he didn't step in soon. "I will be going with you along with Titania because.. let be honest. I will need someone to control me before I decided to step in and stop this date all together."

Sharrod nodded, "very well then. Shall we?"

Aideen nodded and followed the dog who hadn't let go of her hand. She gave one last glanced towards the lion before she was out the door with her brother and Titania right behind her.

---

Lion-O was seething with the whole entire thing. He wanted to go after them and tell them that this could not happen. That Aideen shouldn't have agreed to this, but he knew he had no right to get in this matter all together. That and Shila had said that if he even dared go out of the room, with hopes of following them, she was going to knock him out. Which had been scary enough to not let him follow them, but instead pace around the room. The others just looked at him with different expressions on their faces. The thundercats were all told to stay inside until Aideen returns because Shila and Keli knew they would follow Aideen and Sharrod and they didn't want them to intervene.

"Come on Lion-O you need to calm down," Tygra advice. Even though he was displeased with this whole situation he wasn't one to get in the way of Aideens happiness and if Sharrod was it then, even though he didn't like it, he wouldn't get in between them. But first he was going to make sure that what Aideen and Lion-O felt was truly nothing that could make them be together.

"It will just be fore a few hours," Cheetara reminded. "We can stay here until then. This is something Aideen agreed to. It was her choice and we had to respect it."

"I just don't like this, Cheetara," the lion replied. He turn away from the as he tried to control his jealousy.

"Yeah we can tell," the husky commented. That just made him turn and growled at her. She put her cup down and glared at the lion. "Don't go growling at me, kid. How about instead of growling at anyone who makes a comment you try and figure out your own feelings."

He turn away, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Shila snort, "Oh come now, kid. I can see the way you look at Aideen. We all can see it." She gestured to the others in the room. "The question here is whether you are going to do something about it. Is it worth it or not?"

Lion-O stopped his pacing as he glared at the wall before his expression soften as he remembered the time he meet Aideen. She had been kind to him and understanding. She believed him even when others didn't. His family, his people, even cheetara hadn't, but she, a stranger at the time, had. Even though it wasn't her duty she stayed with them. Even when she found out about her brothers being here she stayed with him. At first he had thought it was because she had promised his father to help him, but it hadn't been. He had asked her back then when Zane and Xander had appeared.

She had been sitting by a tree reading her mothers journal and relaxing while the others were setting camp. She had looked up at him with a raised eyebrow as he sat by her side. "I know there's something troubling you. You have that frown in your face," she said.

He looked straight ahead but didn't day anything. He was afraid that if he said anything he might offend her or worse make her leave. But he really needed to know why she was till here with him. He turn to look at her brown eyes that were staring at him with that slight opens she had began to show him following the events with Alchy and the discovery of her family. "Why are you still with us?" he question.

Aideen frowned with confusion and slight hurt. "You.. you don't want me to?"

Lion-O's eyes widen as he realist his misunderstood question. "No! I mean.. No..that not.." he stammer as he tried to find the right way to ask.

The girl closed her book as she sat straight, turn her full attention towards him. "What's wrong, Lion-O?"

He sigh, "You know your brothers are here and you can go with them. So, why don't you?" He looked down at her with questioning eyes. "Is it the promise you made to my father? If it is you know you can forget about it. We have Panthro and each other. You don't have to-"

She touched his arm to stop him from saying anything further. "Is that why you think I'm with you?" she question with a frown, "because of the promise I made to your father?" The young lion nodded. She let out a sigh, "Lion-O I'm fallowing you because you're my friend. Yeah, perhaps it started out because of the promise I made with your father but you've became a very important person in my life. I'm not leaving you until your kingdom is restore and Mumm-Ra has been defeated."

"That could take years," he informed.

She nodded, "I know and I don't care. As long as it take. As long as you need me, I will be there for you."

Lion-O looked at her as she smiled at him before she turn around, leaned on his side and open her book again.

"She's not a thundercat," Pumyra's voice made him turn towards her. "She's not one of us. Lion-O is our king and his queen must be someone of the same species as ours. Aideen may be nice and she may be princess to another kingdom but she is not one of us."

Isha stood up from her chair as she clenched her fist. "Us? Excuse me, but who in the spirits name are you to say that? You've been for what? A few days? And now you think you have a right to say who is part of who."

"Isha's right," Cheetara spoke. She frowned at the puma from her harsh words. "Aideen had been with us the longs. Whether is is a cat or another species it doesn't matter. She is one of us."

"Yeah!" the kitts agreed as they glared at the puma.

"Aideen had helped us many times," Wilykit stated.

"She even risked her life for us! She a thundercat whether she is a cat or not!" Wilykat declared. The others agreed with the kitts claim. Lion-O looked at them as they had clearly stated Aideen being one of them. Shila smiled behind her cup as Keli smiled openly at the Thundercats.

Pumyra though frowned at them. "You may accept her, but what about your people," she turn to Lion-O as he frowned at her. "Do you really think they will accept her as their queen?"

"Who said anything about Aideen becoming their queen?" the husky question making them turn to her. Shila looked at them with a raised eyebrow, "you are all thinking about the future that is yet to come. You should be thinking about now. Not then. Not if. Now, that is what is important. Maybe Aideen becomes queen, maybe she doesn't. Who knows." She stop and turn to Keli, "Well, Keli does but she won't tell. So instead of focusing on the future how about you think of now. Will you take the opportunity life has given you or will you let it pass?"

They all turn to Lion-O as he looked down in thought. Pumyra let out a huff but didn't say anything. Keli looked at the scene before her before deciding to give him some advise. "It's not to late yet. After the date Aideen will talk to Xander and Zane. Shall they agree then it will be to late. You still have time to talk to Aideen and find out where this could go. If," she turn to him with knowing eyes, "you're willing to take the risk."

---

It had been awkward to say the lest. As soon as they left the others, both Titania and her brother been staying behind far enough for the two to talk yet not to far for them to not see what they were doing. It had started with nothing more than silence as they both tried to think of something to say and even more as they got to the small cafe that Sharrod had reserved for them. It was a nice place not elegant yet not to shabby. Dog city had many places that were very nice and pleasant for them to enjoy. And after awhile the silent was replaced by laughter.

Aideen was actually having a great time as Sharrod talked about his brave adventures and what Kiran had been like. She smiled with exciting eyes as she heard of her kingdom. "I wish I could remember," she admitted as she put her chin on her hand. "Sometimes I get small visions. Part of what Kiran was like. It makes me feel like it's a part of me that has been missing for a long time and yet at the same times it's a unknown place." A sigh escaped her as she looked down at the food. She had gotten used to the food from third earth, but it was still strange. A hand was placed on top of hers making her look up.

"Don't worry Aideen," he comforted. "You will get your memories back and when you do.." he smiled at her. "You will find the place you belong to. In the meantime enjoy life. Don't let it pass by without enjoying it to the fullest."

She smiled at him, "you sound like Isha... and Xander." She looked at her brother who was glaring at the hand on top of hers. Titania was currently grabbing him to stop him from standing up. She turn back around with a roll of her eyes. "Who's currently glaring at you for grabbing me."

He only shrugged with a smirk but moved his hand away from hers and continue to eat. Once they were done they walked around the market. Many of the animals there were selling old technology, metal, even jewelry. Small stores held food and other herbs, but the majority of them sold weapons and armor. Dogs in armor walked around making sure everything was in order while talking about some one by the name of Tookit.

She thought the date was going to be boring or awkward, but she was actually having a lot of fun. He was making her feel so.. special. As if she truly was a princess and that was.. alright, but in her mind she couldn't help but think of Lion-O. How he made her feel like his equal even before they learned of her statues. How he was willing to go to great extend to her. He cherished her without making her feel fragile and weak. It upset her to think of the events that had been taking place since Pumyra showed up. He was always there for her and now he barely looked at her. He was always caring and still was but not now there was a distance between the two of them. She knew it was her fault. She had set that invisible like because she was afraid of being hurt. Of having him only to lose him later on.

These past months have been a roller coaster to her but she wouldn't trade them for nothing. She knew she would need to go back. Back to earth. To a planet she had grown up to, but... now. Now that she had everything she never thought she would get again. Well, it made her doubt her decision of returning home. Third earth had became another home. A place where the people she loved and cared about lived. That was enough for her to reconsider whether she wanted to go back or not. To stay or to go back. It was a question she had been asking herself these past few days.

"Aideen?" she blinked before looking back at Sharrod as they stood in front of a jewelry shop. "Are you alright?"

She blinked a few more times before smiling at him. "yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry just thinking... about a lot of things."

He looked down at the jewelry before gabbing a bracelet. "It's Lion-O, isn't it," he stated.

Aideens eyes widen slightly. "Ah, no.. I mean..I ..-"

"It's alright. I would have to blind not to see how he looks at you or how you look at him," he replied. He gave her a small smile as he put the bracelet down. His full attention turn to her as he tilted his head and crossed his arms.

She didn't know what he was thinking about, but he seemed deep in thought as he looked at her with an intensity that made her squirm. Finally he looked away with a hum. She sigh as she looked up at him. "I'm sorry," she apologies.

"What for?"

She waved her hand around her, "for saying yes when.. when" she sigh. Her eyes downcast as she felt guilt roll in the pit of her stomach. "For agreeing when I like someone else. For giving you false hope." There was silent afterwards that made her look up at him. His eyes held sadness, happiness, and fondness. "Sorry."

He shook his head, "Don't apologies for your feelings. You've been hurt already enough. To see you admit that you like someone else is.. great." He sigh before they walked out. They kept walking around in silent until he spoke again. "Tell me who hurt you."

She knew what he was asking and while she didn't want to say anything she thought that she owed it to him. He had told her a lot about what life had been for him since Kiran fell. Now it was time for her to tell him something as well. "His name was Jason. He cheated on me with Juliet." She looked down at her hands as she thought about the day it had happen. Now, it didn't hurt as much as it had. "I found them making out and learned that he had been with Juliet a week after we were dating. I thought he liked me. I was wrong." She turned to him with teary eyes. "He should have told me. I would have understood, but he decided to play with my feelings. Making me think that he liked me even though he didn't. He used me."

Sharrod gabbed her hand in comfort. "I'm sorry."

She shook her head, "What for? You didn't do anything. Be sided I'm over it. I'm done thinking about him or what he did to me. I still have the bracelet he bought me. I've tried to get rid of it, but I haven't been able to."

"Why not?"

"He.. he died about a year ago. I visit him at the hospital he was staying in. They said he was in an accident and were unsure is he was going to make it. He wanted to see me. So, I agreed. He asked for forgiveness and I gave it to him." She shook her head at the displease look the dog was giving her. "I wanted him to pass away in peace that's why I did it. I wanted to forgive him, not only for him, but for me. If had stayed angry at him. If I hadn't gone and visit him. I would have regret it. Is it wrong that I forgave him for my sake?"

"No," he replied, "it's not." He smiled before chuckling.

"What?"

He shook his head as he looked at the sky. He put his arms on his hips and looked down at her. "You really are something else, Aideen. Lion-O is lucky to have someone like you care for him the way you do. And you deserve all of the happiness in the world. Don't give it up when you just got it."

"I'm still sorry, Sharrod," she said honestly.

"Don't be," he replied, "You may not like me like that, but this has been a great date. Just remembered to always cherish the days as if they were your last. Don't let fear stop you from finding your place in this world... or in another."

Aideen smiled brightly at him before hugging him. "Thanks Sharrod."

He hugged her even though he had a sad smile on his face. He was glade she was happy even if it wasn't with him. "Now, lets finish this date and hope that your brother doesn't kill me."

She looked back at her brother who was currently glaring at them while Titania just shook her head. She turn back around with a mischievous look in her eyes, "Or we can annoy him more."

Sharrod smirked at her as he put his arm around her shoulder. "See this is why I like you. Annoying your brothers is my goal."

---

Isha looked at Panthro as he seemed unable to stop looking at Keli. The cat seemed undisturbed by the panthers constant stare. Her eyes turn to meet Shila who was looking between the two as well while sipping her tea. She was tempted to make a comment about it, but decided to stay quite for the time being. Of course she wasn't the only one who noticed. The other thundercats were looking between Keli and Panthro.

"Did Panthro just fall in love?" Wilykit whisper.

The older girl looked back at them, "I think so."

"Well who would have thought we would see the day when Panthro is left speechless," Tygra commented as he leaned on Isha's chair.

"I think it's great," Lion-O commented, "Panthro deserves to be happy."

Isha rested her chin on her palm as she leaned forward. "Yeah, but unfortunate it had to be Keli."

Cheetara looked down at Isha, "What do you mean?"

The older girl sigh as she leaned back on her chair only to turn around and glared at the tiger. He just smirked smugly at her, his smirk widening as her glared intensified. With a huff she turned back around and leaned back ignoring the tiger. "Keli is a seer and she is to never marry," Isha began to explained. She knew this because it had been explained to her by Xander after she tried to get him to go out with someone only to be turn down. The days that had followed were questioning him as to why until he told her the rules that seers were to follow. "The spirits care for their seers. Many have married, but as a result they are unable to see the future anymore. They like their seers to be pure and neutral when it comes to good and evil. If a seer is to lose their pureness their powers as seers would vanish with their pureness. It's also a problem if a seer falls in love, because then they would be bias and get involve in the battle between good and evil. While Keli has always prophecies for Karin she never stop prophecies for people with dark hearts either. If someone where to ask them about their future she will give them the information without giving it all away."

Lion-O looked at Panthro as the cat kept staring at Keli with a fond look that rarely appears. He felt bad for Panthro at not being able to be with someone he likes. "Is there anyway that they can be together?"

She glanced at the cat before looking back at Panthro. The older cat had always been nice to Isha. He was a close friend of her and she cared about him. It upset her that he had to choose Keli out of all the cats. "Yes, there is," she answer. She could feel their eyes on her waiting for her to tell them how. "Keli would have to talk to the spirits and asked for their permission to be with Panthro. Should the spirits agree her sight will be removed, but the spirits will still let her be one of their faithful servants."

"So, in the end she still loses her powers?" Tygra question.

Isha shrugged, "Well, yeah. The power of a seer is a gift... or a curse to some. If a seer stays with the power to see the future they can end up exposing things that have to stay hidden until the time comes when they must revel them. The balance between good and evil can tilt in favor of one or the seer can become a danger to natural order. As such the seer has to keep her feelings control. Keli is the only seer in Third earth. As soon as Xander was born she knew he would have the power as well and as such she has been training him for a while now. Xander will have to also follow the rules unless he wishes to lose his powers as well. Without a seer the spirits will not have a way to communicate with the other species or prophecies certain events."

"That's impressive," Cheetara commented.

"Does that mean that Xander can also see the future like Keli?" Wilykat question.

She shook her head, "No, not yet. He still has a lot of training to do. Right now he has small visions. Nothing that is big just small things, but when he is ready his powers will be as strong as Keli's and as he grows they will only get stronger, but.." she bit her lip.

Keli began to stand up but didn't see the cup before her and knocked it over. She yelp at the sudden feeling of water being pour on her. She looked down at herself before rubbing her eyes. Instantly Isha was to her side making the tiger stand up quick before he fell from the chairs sudden lose of stability. The older girl would have laughed if it wasn't for the fact that Keli was kind of freaking out about what had happen. "Are you alright?" she question as soon as she got close.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Just didn't see the cup," Keli replied. She closed her eyes and reopen them, but everything was still blurry almost close to darkness. It seemed it would take longer for her vision to clear again. She let out as sigh as she grabbed the side of the table. By then Cheetara, who had approached them, and Shila had finish cleaning up.

Panthro looked at the cat before letting out a sigh, "You're losing your sight, aren't you, Keli."

They all look between Panthro and Keli at the familiarity the panther talked to the seer. "You two know each other?" Cheetara question.

The panther didn't say anything just looked at Keli. The female cat sigh before nodding, "Yes, we had travel together for a while after he rescued me from the black pyramid. Back then when he was betrayed by Grune." She stood straight and turn to Panthro, "as for your question. Yes, my powers have gotten stronger and as such my sight is leaving me."

"Wait," Tygra said, "what do you mean your sight is leaving you?"

"It's the consequent of being a seer," the panther answer. He looked down at the cat with sad eyes. "Her powers to see further into the future and clear get stronger as time goes by, but in return her sight begins to leave. Within time she will be blind, but her powers of seer will have reach it full power." He huff as he looked at the cat, "My proposal is still there, Keli."

Keli frowned, "I cannot, Panthro. I told you there is no other seer-"

"What about Xander? He-"

"Is not ready." Keli sigh as she rubbed her forehead a headache already forming as she kept straining her sight. "A war is already starting. The spirits need a seer. There's no one else, but me. It's my duty." She looked down with a sigh, "You know I would say yes, but I cannot. Nor can I get my feeling involved with my duty."

The cat snort, "Yeah, you've made that clear enough the moment you left."

She growled at the cats comment. Shila raised an eyebrow at the cats growl while Isha stared with wide eyes. Neither one were used to Keli being anger by anyone. Her reaction came to a surprise to both of them.

"Well, I'm sorry I didn't accept your marriage proposal in favor of doing my duty. Of doing what is right!" Keli replied.

The others stood in shock at the cats out burst. Isha blinked as she wonder what exactly happen between the two. "Um, what-"

"Stay out of it!" The two older cats yelled making the older girl shrike back.

Keli cover her eyes as she groan. "I need to rest," she stated before making her way towards her room. Isha instantly moved to her side and helped her.

Once they were all gone the remaining turn towards Panthro who was huffing in irritation. "What!" he shouted before walking out of the cafe.

"What just happen?" Wilykat question. The others looked at each other in confusion at the scene that just took place.

Shila narrowed her eyes but didn't say anything. She should have know there was something going on the moment Keli didn't seem to be bother by the cat's constant stare.

---

Aideen was having a great time especially when her brother kept getting annoyed through the remainder of their date. They were giggling at her brothers frustration and annoyance even more when he was unable to get close to them. His eyes were glaring daggers and when he wasn't, they could hear his groan at having to see them flirt. It made them laugh even more.

"This had been the best day," Sharrod said in between laughter.

She nodded in agreement, "I haven't laughed this much in a very long time."

Once they were both calmed down they kept walking slowly taking in the remaining sight the different shops had to offer. "So," he began. She turn to look at him only to see him looking down. "Are you planning on talking to Lion-O?"

She looked ahead, "I don't know. I.. I think I might. If I can get him away from Pumyra. She seems to be very clinging to him."

"Yeah, I notice that too," he commented. "I think I will be leaving tomorrow as well."

"Why?" she turn to look at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, I was suppose to meet back with my master and I have a business to run as well." he shrugged as he looked down at her. "I had plan on staying for two days, but once I saw you. I wanted to see if I had a chance. You know, go for it or regret it later."

"I'm sorry again Sharrod," she apologies.

He just shook his head, "I said it was alright. Besides, one is never in control of another feelings. I'm sure there's someone out there for me."

"I'm sure there is. Who wouldn't like you?" she said, "Unfortunately.."

"Someone else has already occupied your heart." He gave a nod in understating.

All she could do was nod, because it was the true and she was done denying it. She looked ahead before her eyes caught a glimpse of metal as a raccoon was taking a dogs pocket watch. "Hey!" she shouted before walking toward him.

The raccoon seemed startle that he dropped the watch. He picked it up and hand it to the dog who had turn to looked at him as soon as the girl had shouted. "Here you go good sir. You seemed to drop this," he said. The dog snatched it from the raccoons grasp before he walked away.

"What do you think your doing?" the girl demanded as she stood in front of the raccoon.

"I have no idea what you are implying, my lady," the raccoon replied with an innocent look.

"Cut the crap raccoon," Sharrod replied. He stood next to Aideen with his arms crossed. His eyes narrow as he looked closely at the raccoon, "Wait.. aren't you that raccoon thief?"

The raccoon smiled innocently at them before giving a bow. "Well would you look at that. I believe it is time for me to scatter."

Aideen acted fast and got in his way. "Not so fast," she said. "I believe you are being looked for by the guards."

The small animal grim before his eyes caught the girls headband. While it had small cracks already the wood that it was made with was rare and valuable. Not to mention the magic it was giving off. "I think we can come to an agreement. You let me go and I will give this to you," He said before taking out a watched that held the letter S and I.

Aideen's eyes instantly widen as she patted her dress for the pocket watch she always kept with her. She turn back around to glared at him, "give it back. That is mine," she growl. Lunching forward she tried to get the raccoon but he just side step her and ran way. "No! That's my mothers!" With that she left Sharrod and ran towards the raccoon while Xander and Titania called after her.

She could see him not far from her dodging everyone that got in their way. She was not about to let him get away with her mothers watch. It was the only thing she had that belong to her mother and her father and she was not about to lose it. With a growl she tried to use her powers but nothing happen. Whatever was making her powers stop working was annoying her to no end.

As they travel further into the city the more crowded it became. She tried to keep sight of the raccoon but he was far more sneakier than she thought. Her fear of losing the watch intensified as he got farther way. "No. No. No!" she ran as fast as she could dodging all of the animals that got in her way. Please! Let me catch up to him, she wished as she closed her eyes. In an instant her shadow surrounded her before shadow traveling her in front of the raccoon.

The raccoon let out a startle yelp as the girl stood in front of him. Both looked at each other with widen eyes before Aideen grabbed his hand and pushed him on the ground. "Give me back my watch!" she yelled. She could feel the other animals looking at her as struggled to find her watch. Once she felt the watch she took it out of his pocket but didn't notice him grabbing her headband until they were both separated.

An intense pain shut through the girls head making her yell in pain and drop her pocket watch. She fell to the ground while grabbing her head as the pain intensified. A surge of memories over took her mind making her blind to her surroundings. It was as if she was seeing it all at once. Memories of her brother Ian, her parents, and her kingdom. But a memory shook her more than anything and made her gasp in recognize. Of a small snake like girl who she had named Jewel.

While all of this was happening the headband in the raccoons hand began to shatter even more. "No. No. No, don't break," the raccoon said. He look at the girl feeling guilty for what he had done as he saw her in pain. It hadn't taken him long to realize that there probably was a reason for the magic in the girls headband. He turn to see the pocket watch as temptation began to cloud his mind. Wanting the watch he ran to grab it only to be stop by the back of his shirt. He turn to see the dog that was traveling with the girl growl down at him. That made him shrink in fear.

"What did you do?!" Sharrod growled. The raccoon could only show him the headband as it shatter in to small pieces. The dogs eyes widen as he looked at the pieces of wood on the ground.

"Aideen!"Xander yelled. Titania, Panthro, and Dobo were right behind him. The panther had meet up with Dobo after walking around to clear his head. They had both chatted for a while until they saw Aideen run pass them followed by Sharrod, Titania, and Xander. They instantly followed fearing that something had happen.

The young girl looked up before groaning in pain. She closed her eyes trying to sooth the pain, but it didn't work. Titania kneeled besides her and put her hands on her forehead. She channel some her healing powers trying to eases the pain and find the reason for it. She turn to look at the shatter wood before her eyes widen. Her eyes meet Xander as they widen with fear.

"What happening?!" Panthro exclaimed as he kneeled next to the girls side.

Mean while Dobo was looking at the raccoon with a growl. "Tookit, we finally found you. We've been looking for you for a while now." He narrowed his eyes, "What did you do?"

Tookit extended his hands, "I didn't do anything. The headband was already shattering. I was just trying to help this poor girl-"

"Quite," Dobo growl. "I know of your lies and tricks. Now tell the truth. What did you do?"

"I just took her headband that's all. I swear!" the raccoon replied.

Dobo looked at the guards as they approached them. "Take him to prison and make sure this time he doesn't escape." He looked down at Aideen as the girl clenched her fist but became more calm as the tiger began to heal her.

Xander looked down at the broken headband. He look back at Titania as his sister seemed to calm down. "We can't use this anymore," he said.

The white tiger shook her head, "no, but I can try and lesson the pain and stop any permanent damage. We should head back to the hotel first."

They all nodded as Panthro decided to carry Aideen. The girl groan but other wise relaxed.

---

Isha looked at Keli as the cat looked out the window. She wanted to say something anything because she knew the cat was feeling slightly dejected, but she didn't know what to say. With a sigh she walk towards her and put a hand on her shoulder in comfort. "Everything will turn out find, Keli, you'll see." The female cat squeeze her hand with a nod.

Keli had faith that the spirits would guided her in the decisions she made. It was still hard for her to say no to Panthro when she felt the way he did. She still remembered the day she meet him, but tried to keep it hidden in the back of her mind. There was no reason for her to go back in the past when the present was right now. With a sigh the cat look out side at the blue sky.

The older girl look back at her before walking out of the room. She walked down to see the lion sitting down along with Pumyra who was now back from her rest. She huff in irritation before walking towards the sink and grabbing a cup of water. The bad feeling she had been getting from the puma only made her far more cautious of her surrounding whenever the cat was in sight. She turn back around and made her way towards the door wanting to make sure Panthro was alright. And, of course, to see if he will tell her what happen between him and Keli. "I'm going to look for Panthro," she said.

"You know you can't go looking for Aideen," Shila reminded.

She pouted before looking back at the husky. "I'm bore! How much longer will it take for them to continue this date," she said.

Shila just shrugged, "Maybe they're enjoying their date and decided to extended it."

"No way!" Wilykat exclaimed. "Aideen wound't choose him!"

Isha turn towards the kitts with a small smile. They truly cared about Aideen as one of them. It made her happy that her cousin found friends that loved her like family. Her smile unfortunately was erased at Shila's next words.

"Why not?" the husky said. She turned towards the cats with a raised eyebrow. "There's no one who had shown great interest on her," at that she glanced at the lion. "And she will, within time, eventually marry."

Both young cats looked at one another with a small hit of fear. Fear at the thought of losing Aideen but knowing she would choose someone eventually. "Lion-O will!" Kit exclaimed.

"Yeah!" her brother agreed.

They all turn around to look at Lion-O who was looking at the younger cats with a surprise look. He could feel their eyes on him, but he didn't say anything. Aideen had yet to talk to him. If he was to ask, he wanted to talk to her first, but even then to ask for her hand... Well he didn't even know if she was to agree to date him and marriage was not something he was currently thinking about.

Shila looked at the lion before turning away. "You don't have to do what Sharrod did. All you have to do is let Xander know that you are interested in Aideen. Which I'm sure he already knows know and ask her. The whole rule thing is just for when someone is asking to marry her." She turn back around to look at him pointy. "But you do have to have someone with you if you go on dates that is something that will be asked of you. Unless Zane and Xander deem it unnecessary."

Isha look down at the lion before letting out a sigh at seeing his furrow in thought. "Anyways, I'm not going to look for them. I just want to talk to Panthro. I promise." With that she turn around ready to leave.

"Wait, were coming with you." She let out a groan at the knowledge of having the couple follow her. With a sigh she walked out with Tygra and Cheetara behind her. With a sigh she prepared herself for their lovey dovey atmosphere. "Shouldn't she be with Lion-O? Guiding him and whatnot? Not here with her boyfriend ignoring her duties? She thought before she shook her head. Whatever they do it was none of her business.

After looking around, but not finding Panthro, Isha decided to buy some fruit. She was looking around with Cheetara as Tygra was looking at each dog with suspicious and slight disgust look on his face. "Will you stop it," the older girl said. She picked the fruit and payed the seller. She turned with crossed arms to glare at the tiger. "Not every dog is bad. So stop staring at them like your about to catch flies if they even look your way."

The tiger looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "That's exactly what I'm afraid of."

She snorted, "You're the worse." With that she walked way with him.

"It's an honest fear," he replied.

Isha turned around with narrow eyes. "No, it's not. You are just being rude to animals you don't even know. What has a cat ever done to help other species, huh?"

He narrow his eyes, "We created an empire-"

"Yeah, that is now on the ground," she knew she had stepped out of line when she said that. Her eyes widen as she stop and saw both cats glared at her. "I'm sorry I-"

"Really and what did your mother do besides kill? Do tell. Last I hear she was the reason why Kiran is gone. Why I can't see my mother," he snapped. He and Isha may annoy each other for fun, but she had gone out of line. "At least the cats held peace between the species. We are the once who stood against Mumm-Ra and are the only ones standing against him now. Your mother just stands by his side."

Isha blanked out for a few seconds before she right out growled at him. He knew she hatted when he talks about her mother or called her Isha's mother. Cheetara could see the change in the atmosphere as both glared at one another. "Alright, we shouldn-" but she went unheard.

"Oh is that so. You think that you are so much better than everyone else. An empire? Peace? Please!" she didn't want to generalized all cats as bad, but she had heard a lot of thing from other species that picture the cats as not so great. "You thunderians were just hiding behind your tall walls. Eating more food than you can consume and wasting it because you had more than any other animal did. You left others to fight for scraps. Peace? All you did was kill innocent animals"

"We did not!" the tiger shouted back.

She stop and looked at him with slight confusing eyes. "So what? All that land that your king took to expand said empire was inhabitable? You know nothing of what you've done. Tell me have you hear of any animal talk great about said empire?" the tiger didn't say anything but just clenched his fist. "No, of course not! You all think your above all others. You showed fear not kindness. You were nothing more than a conqueror. And you!" she pointed at him. Her eyes full of anger, "are one of the worst. You think you are entitle to everything and are above everyone else. Even your brother. Well let me tell you!" She was closer than she thought but she didn't move way. "You. Are. Not!"

Tygra growled at her and said something he was sure to regret. "At least I'm not the son of Mumm-Ras right hand. At least my mother didn't help him escape. My father even gave up his whole tribe for me. Your mother kills for her own gain. You call me entitle when you hid everything from all of use. You think you're better than others when it comes to knowledge that you forget how you talk. How are you different from me! How are you different from your mother!"

"Tygra!" Cheetara yelled.

Isha stared at him in shock as the silence stretched before them. She watched as guilt crossed the tigers eyes. Neither one said anything until she let out a sigh. She hated being compared to her mother. "And that is why you have no right to look down on others. You who have a mother who will do anything for you. You who had a father that gave up his whole tribe just to keep you safe. You got a new family that gave you everything and loved you. A kingdom that was well off than any other kingdom." She gestured to herself, "I didn't have that. Some species don't have that. I am the girl who is hated because of her mother. So, Thanks for reminding me who my mother was. You didn't have to. I've never forgotten who I was." She was calm as she spoke. The anger long gone only replaced by sadness. "While you had that. While you were in your tall walls surrounded by guards and servants. I was in a room studying dark magic. Or, no, if I had disobeyed my mother I would be locked in a dark room with no light because I was nice to someone. Or being punished because I disobeys. Because I did the right thing. Not everyone had the opportunity you did, Tygra. I had to stay quite. I had to obey or else my own mother would lock me in total darkness hopping it would consume me and make me as dark as her. If I dare defy her, to talk back, it would be whip after whip until I learn to never speak or look at her." She was calm in the outside but in the inside she could feel herself getting close to a panic attack breath. She clenched her fist trying to stop herself from cracking and sobbing on the ground. "Stop looking down on others, because they aren't as fortune as you were."

"Isha.. I didn't.." the tiger struggled to apologies. He should have know that talking about her mother was a very sour subject. Not to mention that she hadn't denied his declared that she was like her mother. Her eyes told him that she was already used to it.

She waved it away. Like it was nothing out of the ordinary, and perhaps it wasn't. "If fine. I said things I shouldn't have either. Don't worry." She turned around and began to walk away, "you're not the first one to say that anyways."

Tygra walked towards her and put a hand on her shoulder before turning her around. "No, I'm sorry...And you're right. I was fortune enough to find a home after my father send me away. My mother is still alive and I have the opportunity to learn more about her birth place. I shouldn't have said that. It wasn't right."

She let lout another sigh, "it's alright. At least you've apologies and I'm sorry for what I said." She look at Cheetara, "two both of you. I didn't mean to offend you or bring back the past. It wasn't right either."

Cheetara join them with a smile, "don't worry, Isha. It's alright."

She nodded, the sensation she had been feeling a few minutes ago was long gone. She was about to walk away but Tygra didn't seem to be finish. He grabbed the bag full of fruits and looked at her in the eyes with a sincerity she had never see in him. Or at least not directed at her. "You are not your mother. You're far from being her. She will never hurt you again. Not if we have something to say about it. You're an honorary Thundercat as well. Even if you are not a cat. We're in this together and will protect one another that includes you."

Isha's eyes widen slightly at his declaration. It had been along time since someone had said that to her. Her uncle and Sahib had been one of the few. She moved slightly back unconsciously making him look at her with worry but she just waved it away. She felt fear through her system for an unknown reason. "Gush what are you saying?" she felt herself slightly tremble but she didn't know why."Don't get all mushy on me because we had a fight. You don't need to say that to me. I'm completly fine just, you, taking care of Aideen is good enough."

Tygra stared at her in shock at the girls words. It was as if... as if she was hiding from the gestured. She was always cheerful, caring, and showed her love for the cousin and the others. But when it came to someone showing her their feeling towards her it was as if she was not worth it. Right at that moment she looked like a wounded animal unsure of the animals in front of her. She looked like she didn't know whether to run or cry from the tigers words. He once again found himself wondering who Isha was and if perhaps the person they knew was nothing more than a mask to hid her true self because she had been rejected to much that it made her became someone who she knew wouldn't be rejected.

"Isha," the girl looked at him with frightful eyes. A sight that neither cat had ever seen on the girl. "I mean it."

"I.. um..." she began but was unable to say anything. With a sigh she nodded slowly, "Thank you, Tygra. It's been along time since someone said that to me." She gave a small smile. With that she turn around and began to walk away as she calmed herself and forced herself to think of something else. To change the subject instead of overthinking about what had just happen. "Now, let move on because there is another problem we do need to deal with."

The tiger look at her as he was slightly impressed at her way of moving along. They never saw it, but Isha could be as forgiving as Aideen. The only differences was that she forgave those close to her and held grudges against those who hurt the ones she cares about. Isha was far more guarded than Aideen but she was only guarded regarding her feeling and Tygra was beginning to see that.

He decided to let it slid for now. "So, we get Lion-O and Aideen together alone?"

She nodded, "I think we should just lock them in the tank."

"The question is how?" they tried to come up with a plan as they came closer to the hotel.

"Shouldn't we let them solve this on their own?" Cheetara question. They stop and looked at her.

"Knowing Lion-O he will continue to avoid her while he sulks because she won't talk to him," Tygra replied.

Isha nodded, "Or growl at all those who are interested in her. Not that Pumyra is not making it easy for them to talk. She keeps clinging to him like an annoying bug that won't leave you alone."

The cheetah frowned at her. "She's not that bad." Isha and Tygra shared a look before turning towards Cheetara with a raised eyebrow. "Alright, maybe she is, but it's their problem and we have no right to intervene."

The older girl shook her head, "No. No. You see that is where you are wrong. According to the cousin and sibling laws. I have a right to do something. What kind of cousin would I be if I let her happiness walk away. If I let her see the person she likes like someone else. See now that would make me a terrible cousin."

"Cousin and sibling law?" she question, "you're joking."

Isha gasped as she clenched her heart dramatically. "It's not a joke. It's a law that we cousins and sibling take real serious." She shook her head as she tisk at her. "You know nothing. As Aideens cousin I have to do everything in my power to make sure she is happy. If she doesn't like someone, then I don't like that person. If she is unhappy my job is to find out why and make whoever hurt her pay. If she is in love or likes someone my job is to make it happen. See that is what family is all about." She put her hand on the cheetahs shoulder, "now, you have a duty similar as you are part of this family."

Cheetara blinked taken back by what the girl said. "What?"

"Yeah, Aideen considers you family and one of her best friends. As such you have a duty to help me."

"She never said anything like that," the cat replied.

Isha frowned but gave her an honest look. "Come on! She talks to you before talking to the others. She truest you with her secrets. Of course she would consider you family and her best friend. Ask her yourself when we see her and she will tell you the same thing."

The cheetah didn't know what to say. Aideen is a great friend, but she didn't think she would think of her like that. Cheetara smiled as she was touched by the gestured. "I still think we shouldn't get involve." With a roll of her eyes the girl threw her arms in the air, but before she said anything else Cheetara spoke. "But I will help you. Just so that Lion-O and Aideen can resolve this."

Tygra smiled at her before grabbing her waist and gave her a kiss. They ignored the gagging noise Isha was making at the gesture of affection. "Have I told you how much I love you?" the tiger said.

"Oh, come on! Hopefully Aideen and Lion-O won't be like these because if they are then this was totally an mistake," the brunet commented.

Tygra turn to her, "Would it?"

"Nope, but honestly I am so getting tire of being the third wheel. I am going to hang out more with the kitts and Panthro if Aideen and Lion-O became like you two sickening people." She shudder at the mere thought of having to be a third wheel to two couples. That was a new level she rather not go to. "But as long as Aideen is happy. Am happy." She shrugged, "Now, this is what I had in mind...

---

As soon as the other got to the hotel and saw the state Aideen was in they began to panic. It wasn't until the girl herself told them that she was fine that they all calmed down. Aideen was still feeling weak with a painful headache but thanks to Titania that would all go away. She still felt bad that her date with Sharrod had ended the way it did, but at the end she guessed it was for the best. Be sided the face Dobo got when he lay eyes on Shila was priceless. Not to mention the small smile of interest that Shila hid behind her cup. She was sure to find out what happen later after she rest for a while of course. Whatever those two had seen in each other they seemed quite interested. If she went with the small memories that she had recently seen then Shila would first see if he was worth her attention or not.

As she lay in bed her mind went to those small memories that she now held precious. The time she had with her father when they had both been happy. The time with the her brother Ian who was constantly being goofy trying to make her laugh. Who had such big dreams and wanted to help others. While Zane was straight and mysterious Ian was more... forward, fun and caring, but never was one to know how to lie. He hadn't been her best friend, nor the one she wen't to when she needed just someone by her side. She went to him when she need help with something, or to talk about her feeling, or just someone to reassure her that the decisions she was making were the right ones.

She had forgotten about him, but now she was beginning to feel whole again. To finally understand herself better. To remember the things she had forgotten. To finally have that piece that had been missing all her life. And that, despite the pain, was worth what she had been through.

After she sleep for a few hours Aideen got up and went down to the cafe where she was sure the others were. It was already late afternoon which meant she didn't sleep for to long. Her head was still throbbing but it was long since calm down. The sensation of her headband was still there and would take long for her to get used to not having it. The only time she ever took it off was to sleep or shower. Her mother had always been very strict when it came to her taking it off for a long period of time.

As soon as she walked towards the table they were in they turn to look at her in surprise. She raised an eyebrow, "what?"

Isha gestured towards her outfit. "What's up with the outfit?" she question.

She had change from her dress to more comfortable clothes. Simple pair of pants with a strap wrapped wound her left thigh that held her knife. Her dual swords hanged to her right from the belt she wore. Her knee-length boots were replace by shorter leather once. She wore a black shirt with with an armor corset. Her fingerless gloves were replace by leather bracers. She still wore her mothers necklace and her hair was braided sideways. While she was till getting used to the outfit she liked it. "What? You don't like it?"

Her cousin shrugged, "I do it's just...different." She looked at the girls head, "it's going to be weird to see you without your headband."

Aideen touched her head and nodded in agreement. "As for the outfit. Sharrod gave it to me."

Isha's eyes instantly took that displeased look. "He gave it to you?"

The young girl just rolled her eyes as she took a sit. "Yes, Isha, he gave it to me. He knows someone who owns a clothing store and bought me this."

"And you just wear what he gives you?" the tiger question.

She was really not feeling up for a fight or willing to deal with her cousins questioning and displeased looks. "Yes because it was nice of him and I actually like it." she sigh, "can you two please behave."

The others didn't say anything and kept quite. Isha crossed her arms as she leaned back on her chair. "So what now? You talk to Zane about accepting his offer."

Xander nodded, "Yep pretty much." He lay his head down on his crossed arms and began to sulk at the thought of his sister being engage. She was still a teenager, not yet eighteen, and she was already going to marry. The though itself made him sulk even more. "Why did I agree to this!"

Aideen rolled her eyes at her brothers dramatic nature. "Because it was the right thing to do," she replied. She felt the atmosphere saddening making her look at the others. They were all looking at the table with the exception of Pumyra who was rather looking indifferent. Out of all of them the once that stood out the most were the twins who were pouting in sadness and Lion-O who was looking as if he had just lost someone very important to him.

He look at her with kind eyes that were heartbroken, "If this is what you want then... I'm happy for you."

She look at him with calculating eyes before turning towards the others. "Yeah, well you don't have to because I already talk to Zane. I told him that me and Sharrod talked and we agreed that it was best if we stayed friends." The other turn to look at her with a surprise look. "I like Sharrrod, but as a friend only. He's been kind to me and caring. But... well I just don't like him like that. And this whole thing, being a princess, and whatnot is new to me. I'm not use to these rules and having others decide for me. Am just remembering who I am and where I come from. If I'm going to make a decision that will affect my life then... I rather make that decision because I want it to happen not because someone else said it had to be done that way."

Xander look at her, "You talk to Zane?"

She nodded, "Yeah, just a moment ago before I came down. He was... busy, but had time to hear me out." The conversation had been short, but he had given her great advice and his support. When he learned about Sharrod he just raised an eyebrow as if he knew it was going to happen. From what she had heard Xander say yesterday then the older boy probably did. "Be sided, I wasn't about to leave you guys. I said I was going to help you defeat Mumm-Ra and I meant it."

"Yay!" the twins said. They rushed to hug Aideen as the others looked with pleased looks.

---

Later that day the cats were checking the book once again to see if it had pointed anywhere but up. Once they saw the book still pointing up they return to the hotel or at lest the others did. Tygra and Panthro were currently talking to Lion-O while Cheetara asked Pumyra for help in finding more supplies in case they decided to leave soon. The twins had instantly asked if they could come along. The more people to distract the puma the better. Isha was currently getting excited for her plan to work. She just needed to lock both Lion-O and Aideen together in the tank for a while or until they resolve this whole situation. She smiled as she approach the younger girl. Her back was currently turn to Isha as she talked to both Shila and Dobo most likely thanking the dog for his help with Tookit and advising him not to let him fight in the pit. After all a raccoon that could hid small weapons could use them to get away.

She was, unfortunately, stopped by Xander who blocked the girl view. His arms were crossed as he looked down at her. Being a bit shorten than him, he look almost threatening if it wasn't for the fact that she knew he was a softy in the inside. Now, Zane was a different matter. He looked kind and approachable until you got in his bad side then it was better if you began your will. Or, if your Xander and Isha, you decided to prank someone.

"What are you planning, Isha?" her cousin asked.

Her smile disappeared followed by a confused look. To anyone that wasn't Xander that may have worked but he knew her better. Which made him narrow his eyes at her. "Nothing, just wanting to talk to Aideen."

"Really?" he said before giving her a suspicious look. With one last look he moved to the side but leaned towards her. "Use the jet there's cameras in there and I want to know what happens." With that he walked away toward the lion. Once he was in reach he put his hand around his shoulder. "Come on, Lion-O. Let me show you the new upgrades we just gave the jet."

The corner of her lip twitched as she tried to keep the smile off her face. With the male left she turn around and made her way towards Aideen. "Excuse me. Mind if I take her away," she said. Dobo and Shila shared a look before shrugging.

"Go ahead," Shila replied, "I think I will go to the arena. I was told there was a strong gladiator fighting today."

Dobo turn to her and gave her a bow. "Then let me accompany you," he said.

The two girls looked at Shila as she look down at him with crossed arms. With a nod she took his hand and linked their arms together. They watched as they walked away while Dogo began to make small conversation with her. Aideen turn to Isha, "How much do you want to bet that he will win her heart."

The older girl shook her head, "Nope, I know he will and I learn not to make bets with you. So, no I will not bet anything. Be sides if she finds out were both dead."

She smiled at her cousins statement. "Yeah, she would. She always acts so tough and yet she is the kindest dog I know."

"She's just too blunt and harsh with her words, but she means well," Isha shrugged. "She's doesn't know how to talk to animals. She would rather get strait to the point than bet around the bush."

"Yeah, she reminds me of someone I know," Aideen look at her with knowingly.

Isha just shrugged. "By the way what were you and Dobo talking about?"

"Oh, that," Aideen didn't seem to notice they were walking. Isha was trying to distract her while also leading her towards the third brothers jet. "He was just telling me that he was there when I was born. Apparently he was caught stealing by the castles guards, but father had seen good in him and let him serve his sentience by working around the castle. He said that fathers blind trust made him not steal anything and instead do as was told. Apparently he learn a lot about fighting from watching the guards daily training. After he was done he left but he saw me after I had been born."

"Ah, so that's what he meant last time," Isha said.

"Yep," by the time they finish talking they were in front of the jet. She turn towards Isha, "why are we here?"

Isha just kept walking, "Your brother said he wanted to talk to you."

The young girl just raised an eyebrow at her but followed her. "Really? Then why didn't he tell me anything while I was talking to Dobo and Shila?"

The older girl roll her eyes, "because you were talking to Dobo and Shila." One inside they walked towards a small room that held many different type of plants and artifacts. Of course they weren't the only once inside. "Hey guys." Isha stayed by the door as Xander walked towards her. "So, I've brought Aideen like you asked."

Xander raised an eyebrow at her before turning towards his cousin. "Right, I wanted to show you something." He gave a pointed look at Isha before walking toward the right glass case. Inside were various different plants. At the center in a separated small case a white flower that held snowy petals stood. Instead of solid the flower was placed in snow. "Look at this," once he took out the glass case and then shinned light onto the flower. It's snowy petals instantly turn crystal ice. The flowers vain clear for her to see as if they were rivers withing the crystal ice. "Here I was going to give you thins. I got it from Hook Mountain. They are hard to come by unless you know were to look."

Aideen look at the flower as her brother gave it to her. She watched at the petals turn back to it's snowy form. A smile formed on her lips, "It's beautiful. Thanks Xan-" she watched as her brother, two cousins, and Panthro stood outside the door. "Um, what are you doing?" She glanced towards her right where Lion-O seemed to have noticed the others as well.

"Well you see.."

"We need you to resolve this matter that is going on with you two," Isha said simply.

Aideen narrowed her eyes at her cousin as she began to realist what they were about to try and do. Just as she was about to step towards them the door slid shut. The two teens shared a look before turning towards the door. "Let us out!" they both shouted.

"Sorry, but not until you two resolve this," Tygra's said.

"I'm sorry kid, but the situation is getting out of hand and we're tire of you two lookin' at each other yet not doing anything about it," Panthro added.

"So until you resolve this you two stay in there," Xander stated.

"You've got to be kidding me," they both deadpan. They shared a look before looking away.

---

From the others side of the door-

The others were looking at a holographic screen as the young king and princess stayed on opposite side of the room while casting glances at each other. "How angry do you think she'll be?" Xander question.

"It all depends on how it turn out," Tygra replied.

Isha let out a groan, "they're so... awkward with each other! It's painful to watch." She cover her eyes a she sat on one of sits.

Tygra shook his head, "he never knows how to act around anyone he likes. This is why out of the two I'm the charming one."

Isha snort, "Whatever helps you sleep at night."

The two cats look at her with a confuse look. Xander kept his eyes on the screen but answer their confuse looks, "she means to say; whatever makes you feel better."

The tiger turn to glared at her as she just smiled at him. She turn back to look at the screen as neither cousin or lion have done anything. "How much longer are they going to take?!"

---

Inside the room, Aideen narrowed her eyes at the door as she heard Ishas comment. With a sigh she turn to look at Lion-O before lowering her gaze. Why not? the voice had said before. It had told her to take it. That if she wanted Lion-O to have him. Sharrod and Titania had also told her to not be afraid of the future to not be afraid of her own feeling. Cheetara had advised her to choose before it was to late. They had all told her to follow her heart to do what she wanted. Part of her was still trying to stop her. Trying to tell her that this was a bad idea. It could lead to her being hurt. To falling more for him and then having him taken away from her. She could be hurt in the end. She knew her fearful and protective side was trying to stop her in order to keep her feeling from being hurt. But if she did nothing and he decided to choose Pumyra then what? Wouldn't she be hurt even more then? Wouldn't she fall in love with him more as they travel? But he wouldn't be hers. He would be someone elses.

She bit her lip before taking a deep breath and looking up only to stare at teal eyes. Lion-O stood in front of her with a soft look, "Aideen, I'm sorry about before. About what happen with the sword and on mountain Plun-Darr. I should have listen to you." His eyes sadden as he remember her warning and him choosing to listen to Pumyra,"You've always been by my side no matter what happen." He sigh as he looked down, "I was hurt. When you said... when you said that we were different. I know you were hurt and the last thing I want to do is hurt you, but seeing you with Sharrod.." Lion-O look up at her with such strong emotion that made her eyes widen. "I don't like it, Aideen. I feel like I'm losing you. I don't want that. I don't want you to be with someone else. I.. I." He swallow before grabbing her hand. He looked down at it as he rubbed his thumb over her soft skin. He pulled her hand until her palm was on top of his chest plate. He look at her with intense eyes. Her eyes were slightly widen as her breathing became slightly faster. Her cheeks were rosy, but her eyes never left his. "I like you. More than I thought."

Her eyes widen at his confession. She knew his feelings, but to have him say them out loud made them truly real. It made them engrave themselves in her heart. The words repeating until they were stored in her memory. Her heart throbbed in her chest as she look at his eyes. The same eyes she thought were beautiful when she first arrived. The hand that he had extended to her was now grabbing hers making her cheeks warm and the warm feeling that was in the pit of her stomach to spreed around her body. It gave a numbing sensation and yet it was a pleasant feeling. Her fear were long sing forgotten the moment he had looked at her with those strong and caring eyes.

"I.." she breath. She look down shyly before taking a deep breath. She look up at him before placing her hand on his cheek. She didn't know when her feeling began or when they had gotten this strong, but she knew she was done running way. "I like you too. Far more than I thought I would. I don't... I don't want to lose you either. To anyone."

She her eyes soften as him and a small smile appeared on her face. Both stared at one another before leaning forward. The moment her lips touched his her eyes closed. It was short and yet exactly what they both needed. What they had both wanted without knowing. It was soft yet full of unspoken emotions. Once they part Lion-O pulled her close and she wrapped her arms around his neck as he wrapped his around her waist. They stared at one another for few seconds before kissing again.

There was still things they needed to talk about. Fears they would need to over come and decisions to make. But at the moment they were exactly where they wanted to be. For now they would enjoy the happiness that they had long for. And tomorrow they would worry about the rest. A day at a time. Together.

---

"It's about time!" Panthro exclaimed.

Isha smiled along with Xander as they looked at the scene before her. She was happy for her cousin. Her worry of her being hurt were still there but there was also the possibly of her being happy. Of her finally having what she deserved. Aideen would still need to fight against her darkness, but Isha knew that Lion-O would help her fight it. She believe that he was going to become her light and anchor when the time came for Aideens trial just like she would be his in time of need. That was why they were soulmates. They were meant to be together.

Slowly her smile left her lips. While the others moved to head back into the room Isha walked outside without them noticing. The sun was setting on the horizon as the second moon began to rise on the sky. The older girls cheerfulness was gone along with her smile. Her eyes were emotionless almost as if they were lacking the light within them. Her lips were on a thin line. Her hands were to her side and the aura of cheerfulness that she had put up was gone. There was no trace of Isha the cheerful girl full of energy instead there stood Zamora the girl who she was desperately trying to hid behind Isha. Two different persons and neither one being her.

"Just a bit longer," she mutter as she looked at the sky. "Just a little longer. I just want to make sure she get what she wants." She closed her eyes as she clenched her fist. "Please just give me a little more time."

"How much longer, Isha?" a voice question her. "How much longer until you realize that you can't continue like this? You are tearing apart. I can help you."

"No," she mutter. "No, you can't. You wan't to control me."

"You know that's not true," the voice was soft, caring, and desperate. "I want to help you, but you won't let me. You are afraid. Afraid of being yourself. Afraid of letting the others see who Zamora is."

"I'm not Zamora. My name is Isha," she replied. The voice was silent for a few minutes, but Isha could still feel it was still there. It has always been there.

"Are you? Are we? Isha or Zamora who are we?" it continue to say. "We no longer know who we are. You cannot deny me. You cannot ignore me. You need me."

"No. I don't"

"Yes, you do! You need me to continue to live! If you deny me. If you continue to ignore me! You will shatter your own soul. It won't be long. You already separated us. I am your other half. We cannot be apart from one another any longer."

Isha clenched her fist tighter as she tried to ignored it's words. "No, no. I.. You.. You are nothing more than darkness. I don't need you..." She cover her eyes as they began to water. She wanted to ignore her. Her other half. The half that holds everything Isha put aside. Everything Isha made sure to move. Everything that was Zamora. But it was still there. It was calling her name as the time went by. Her master had purified her darkness and seals away the few that she couldn't get rid of. But Isha had been desperate that time and she did something her master had order her never to do because of the dire consequences. "I will.."

"You will what? Continue to hid yourself from everyone. Continue to fear our mother. She will find us. She will end us. If we don't shatter first."

"Then so be it. I am not darkness. I am not Zamora. I am Isha," the girl kept repeating as tears stream down her eyes.

"No.. you are not. We are darkness because we need to be darkness. You still don't understand. You're still afraid of your own self. But this is who we are." Isha turned towards the jets shining metal. She saw her reflection before it changed. It was still her but with black eyes, black hair, and markings along her face. A dark outfit cover her reflection as her eyes looked at her with sadness and pity. "We are afraid, but we cannot continue like this. Let me help you. Don't leave me locked up, just like mother did. Don't lock me up. Don't leave me in the darkness. Don't push me away. Please!"

Isha covered her ears as she heard the pleads that became more child like. The same pleads she said to her mother when she punished her. "I'm Isha. My names Isha," the girl kept repeating as tears stream down her face. She kneeled down on the ground as tried to stop the pleads that were becoming louder and louder in her ears.

---

A/N: Okay, I had originally plan to post two chapters, but I will be going on a trip for a while and won't be able to write for a few days. I will try to finish the other chapter soon, but in the mean time I hope you enjoy this chapter. I also want to remind you that the following chapters will be slightly change because of the current development off this chapter.

So.. we are going to be getting more background information on Isha and how her life had been before she was found and what she has to to deal with. Aideen isn't the only one who has problems after all.

I hope you like it and that there is nothing within the chapter that confuses you. If there is let me know!

Thank you all for you patience and dedication to this story!

Please don't forget to review/favorite/and follow.

English is not my first langue. Sorry for any mistakes.