Chapter 11 – Sister Fix

Watching from the top of the stairs as the Thundertank sped off towards the direction of one of the human villages, the watcher wondered how long it would take before finding their human friend's sister. All they had to go on was she was somewhere on Third Earth. He hoped it wouldn't take too long, as the Mutants were getting real close to finding out about Alana.

The ThunderCats had battled the Mutants three more times since the first time leaving Alana alone. Out of those three, twice Alana was with them. But luckily the Mutants never saw her. When the ThunderCats were finally able to chase the Mutants away, they would head back home. The second time Alana was with them when the Mutants attacked, Lion-O decided to delay the search until the Mutants stopped attacking.

Ever since then, whenever Lion-O called the others, Alana was able to use a linkup and see the battle. The last time, she was ready to head out and give them a hand as the ThunderCats were having a hard time, as it was Mumm-Ra, who was also now looking for her. But as she was about to head out to help, Lion-O was able to make Mumm-Ra retreat back to his Black Pyramid.

When the Thundertank was no longer in sight, the watcher turned, heading back inside. This was the third day the ThunderCats searched for the missing sister.

"Tygra."

Hearing his name, he turned to see his leader coming towards him. "Is something the matter?"

"Not so far," Lion-O said. "Alana left with Panthro?"

Tygra nodded. "The Thunderkittens as well. Alana is quite excited in the hopes of finding her sister."

"That I have noticed. May I ask you a personal question? It's about Alana."

"What about her?" Tygra asked, giving Lion-O permission to ask his question.

"Is it just me or does there seem to something between you two."

Tygra sighed, realizing everyone was beginning to notice his attraction towards the young human. But of course he wasn't the only one with attraction on their minds. Tygra turned towards the opened doors, leading outside and looked at the horizon.

"I guess there's no way around it. I have been pondering about this for the past few months, ever since Alana's brother appeared to us the first time. What he told me in private has really made me think and I have to admit, I didn't think it could happen…"

"You're falling for her…aren't you?"

Tygra turned, swiftly. He was silent for a moment. "I never thought it was possible. I am older than her. She is barely an adult."

"You're not as old as you let on."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Since we met Willa and she helped you to become young again from the Cave of Time, I've noticed you seemed to be more active. You have become younger?"

Tygra raised his hands in defence. "Guilty as charged. At the beginning I thought I had returned to my normal age but eventually I began to notice that was not the case."

"Did you deduct how much younger?"

"Ten years. And I only found this out shortly before Alana crashed."

Lion-O thought for a few moments of the age difference. "That only makes you 10 years older than Alana."

"That's still a large amount of years between us."

"You know she told me age doesn't matter after reaching adult hood."

Tygra looked at his leader. "I'm not the only one who's falling for someone."

Lion-O slightly snorted. "I don't need to get cornered by that one again. I better go and check to see how things are in the control room." The ThunderCat leader quickly left the room before Tygra was able to ask what he meant by that. Tygra knew he was going to have to ask Alana when she returned.

Tygra was sitting in the conference room when Alana walked in. She noticed he was immersed in what he was looking at. She figured it was the plans for the new level. Not wanting to have the surprise spoiled, she quickly left the room and returned with a crumpled up piece of paper. Holding back a giggle, she threw it at his head.

"Hey!" he jumped. He looked angrily around until he saw Alana giggling. But upon her smile, his anger was gone.

"Sorry," she apologized. "I wanted to get your attention. But didn't want to get too close in case you were looking at the plans for the new level. I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise you guys are doing."

Tygra folded the plans. "I was, actually. But it's nice to know you're not trying to take a peek."

"Where would be the fun in that? Although, sometimes trying to take a peek and not succeeding is fun. But it's also fun trying to guess and the anticipation is also fun. It's something that keeps my mind off my father or my friends."

"That's understandable. There's something Panthro wants to add and I was checking to see if it could be added."

"I see. I just figured I'd let you know we were back. We've been to three human villages and there's nothing. There isn't even anyone with the name of Vanessa."

"Give it time."

"I know but finding my sister…"

"Is important. There are still other villages that could be checked out. After you left, Lion-O and I were talking," Tygra said. He wanted to know why his leader averted his statement about having an attraction to someone. "I have noticed he seems to be distracted lately."

Alana smiled brightly with a giggle, knowing that he had asked if he liked someone. "Oh. And you think I would know. Well what if I do? It probably isn't my place to say but I can tell you he does like someone…but who…that I'm not giving away."

"I don't need to know who it is, I just wanted to know if he was."

"You have your answer." Deciding to change the subject, she walked over to the tiger and sat across from him. "When Lion-O went through the trails, how long did it take you to recover?"

"Days. I had to force myself to move around when Lion-O was crowned as the real Lord of the ThunderCats. Why do you ask?"

"I was thinking back when I saw the trails and how exhausted you were."

"I see." In the back of his mind, he thought maybe she was considering on becoming a ThunderCat. The choice had been offered to her. "I had better go and find Panthro. Do you know where he is?"

"The last I'd seen him, he was heading down below."

"Thanks." He got up and left.

She wasn't alone long before Lion-O walked in. But she was so deep in thought that she didn't even notice he came up beside her until he sat beside her. The realization made her slightly jump.

"How was your search?" he asked.

"So far not so good. We traveled to three villages and didn't find anything. There's not even a person with the name of Vanessa. They never heard of that name. But as Tygra said, there are other human villages."

"There is."

"I know, but I don't want to set myself up for disappointment in case the letter was wrong."

"I don't believe your brother would have wrote the letter if he wasn't sure your sister was living somewhere on Third Earth."

"But it's hard."

Lion-O nodded in understanding. "Tomorrow why don't we go to the Tree Top Kingdom? You have never been there and I'm sure Willa wouldn't mind seeing you. Perhaps seeing the Warrior Maidens will ease your mind."

"I haven't really seen them since the day we buried my family and my birthday. I would like that. And it's not that I don't enjoy your company, which I do, but it would be nice to be surrounded by people who are the same race as myself."

"Good. In the morning, if there's no Mutant activity, you and I will go to the Tree Top Kingdom."

"In the meantime," Alana stood. "If anyone needs me, I'll be outside enjoying what's left of the sunlight. Snarf should have dinner ready soon."

"Someone will come and get you when dinner is ready."

Alana nodded and walked out.

With the dawn approaching, Alana sat on the steps of Cats' Lair. She woke just as dawn began and seeing the sun was soon to rise, she climbed out of the bed and dressed before heading outside to enjoy the beautiful spring air.

As the sun began to crest the horizon, Alana felt a presence behind her. She never gave any indication she knew someone was behind her.

"I've almost forgotten how beautiful the sunrise is. I never had the chance to see it much on Seris."

The figure behind pulled out of the shadows, taking a seat beside her. She gave a small sigh knowing who came out.

"I honestly didn't think you would be up this early. I thought only Cheetara was up this early," he said.

"I don't even know if she is up."

"She is."

"So what brings you out here?" she glanced to the tiger.

"I was patrolling the area and saw activity in the main entrance and came to investigate."

"You seemed to always be on duty first thing in the morning. Is that something you've always done?"

"Ever since my mother died, I had always been up early. So naturally when we came here, I always volunteered to take the last watch."

"When did your mother die? If you don't mind me asking."

"Not at all. She died from a Mutant attack when I was but a small cub, protecting me. I was too young at the time to understand what was really happening. My father found us after the ThunderCats chased off the Mutants. But it was too late; my mother was too badly hurt. She died a few hours later."

"That's sad," she replied, solemnly. "You were so young."

He knew she was curious to how old he was. "I was only five."

"You never really knew your mother," she stated the obvious.

"No. I do have that memory. But never really knew her. I don't even remember what she looked like."

"What about your father?"

"He passed away, peacefully a year before Thundera exploded. He never had the horror of watching our planet be destroyed. But I couldn't let that bother me, where I had Lion-O and the Thunderkittens to think about."

"I suppose not. None of you guys have actually been able to grieve over the planet exploding."

"Actually, we have, but only in the privacy of our quarters. We could never openly show our feelings about Thundera."

"But still, you watched your planet die. Everyone you loved or were friends with are gone. You don't even know if all ships escaped the wrath of the Mutants when you fled, which means, as far as you know the ThunderCats are the last of the Thunderian race."

Tygra looked at the rising sun, which almost completely passed the horizon. Alana was right; he did lose a lot, just as much as she did. "We're alike," he said suddenly.

Alana blinked. "What do you mean?"

He turned and looked at her. "We both have lost much but have gained a new family and new friends. Yes you and Lion-O have more in common, but we all have something in common on some level."

Alana turned away and lightly snorted. "And Lion-O lost most of all."

"That he did. But he has taken leadership and responsibility well. He has come a long way from the day we crashed."

"Speaking of Lion-O, he's going to take me to the Tree Top Kingdom. I have never been there yet and I'm sure Willa would like to know how I'm doing."

"I'm sure she would. Cheetara and I will be heading towards the Wollo village to get some supplies so we'll be gone most of the day. Well we better get inside or Snarf will have a fit." He stood and offered a hand to Alana.

She took the hand and as she began to turn towards the entrance, she noticed something in the distance. She turned. "Looks like Cheetara is on her way back."

"Huh?" Tygra turned and looked towards the forest edge and saw a cloud of smoke coming at top speed. He couldn't even make out what was causing it until the Cheetara was standing in front of him.

"Enjoy your run?" Tygra asked, smirking

"Immensely," she answered. "It's nice to feel the warmer air hitting my body as I run."

"I'm sure it is," Tygra answered as he turned back.

Lion-O and Alana, in the Thundertank, entered an open field with five huge trees standing in the middle. Alana whistled as she saw the huts donning on the top parts of the trees. Bridges made of rope and slabs of wood as its walkway went from the center areas to the tree lines where more huts were in amongst the trees.

"Alana," Lion-O smiled, drawing her out of the daze. "Welcome to the Tree Top Kingdom."

Alana looked at the young lord before staring back out of the front of the tank. Lion-O pulled the tank to a stop as Willa and her sister Nayda came to greet the two.

"Lion-O," Willa called. "This is a surprise."

Lion-O jumped out with Alana following suit. Alana stayed near the tank as Lion-O met Willa part way. "Yeah. I wanted to show Alana your Kingdom."

Nayda walked to Alana. "Welcome," she said.

"Thank you."

"I see you have been doing well, since we last saw each other." Alana gave the woman a smile.

"Yeah, well the ThunderCats have been really generous and kind."

"When we first met the ThunderCats we weren't sure what to make of them, that was until Willa learned differently."

"Really, so you're saying it wasn't always easy for the ThunderCats to make friends?"

"Not really, but soon everyone learned they are really nice people."

As the two ladies spoke, Lion-O and Willa spoke. "You normally don't come here unless you need something," Willa said.

"Normally, but I wanted Alana to get her mind off certain things."

"What kind of things?"

"We have recently learnt one of her sisters is alive here on Third Earth. Alana is very determined to find her."

"Really? Have you any leads?"

"No. We've searched a few villages yesterday. The problem is and I never told Alana this. In fact, neither have the other ThunderCats. There is only a hand full of villages and you're one of them."

"So you fear this lead may not to be true."

"Yes and she's been through so much. And now her father has learnt she's still alive."

"You're kidding? Safari Joe."

Lion-O nodded. "She's still grieving and when we cleaned out the ship, we came across some crates. The crates contained items from her friends and something her brothers packed for her. There was clothing and personal items she never thought she'd see again. In amongst the items was a letter stating about her sister."

"That is a lot for a person to go through. I'll talk to some of my warriors. Perhaps they may be able to help in the search."

"That would be greatly appreciated," Lion-O agreed. "Right now, I'm going to give Alana a tour, that is if you don't mind."

Willa smiled. "Not at all. But I'll be the tour guide."

Lion-O smiled. "Alana," he called. Alana turned at the sound of her name. "Willa has agreed to give you a tour of the kingdom."

"Sure," she smiled. She and Nayda walked over to Willa. "It would be amazing to see what you warrior maidens are like."

Willa nodded and turned. As she walked away, Lion-O began to follow her. Alana guessed that was Willa's way of saying 'follow me'. As the four, Nayda taking up the rear, walked; Alana saw many different things happening. She saw children, but all were girls in training, while others were practicing their skills. Some warriors were sparring with hand-to-hand combat.

"Willa," Alana said. "I didn't know you guys had other skills besides fighting with bows."

"After an attack by the Mutants, the ThunderCats began to teach us how to defend ourselves better. Before then, we never had any use for the skill," Willa answered.

"And since then," Nayda intervened. "We have been able to beat the Mutants without having to call the ThunderCats."

"That's good. Those Mutants are a pain in the ass."

Willa stopped and looked at Alana while Lion-O shook his head. For the past few months, he had heard her use many strange words and was starting to get used to her speaking words he never heard before.

"Sorry," Alana apologized. "I keep forgetting Third Earth natives are not used to profanity."

"I haven't heard words like that in a long time," Willa answered.

Now it was Lion-O's turn to look. "What do you mean?"

Willa turned to the young lord. "Lion-O, you know full well not all of the warrior women are born into the tribe. A year ago, we found a woman wondering in the jungle. She barely was able to see and looked awful. Just as we approached her, she had collapsed."

"What happened to her?" Alana asked.

"She has never really told us. We healed her back to health and she told us who she was. When I showed her around, she was inspired to become one of us. The completion of her training is drawing near."

Alana turned. "Really?"

"There she is," Nayda said.

The three women and Lion-O turned as they watched a woman come flying out of a tree. While in mid air, she let go of the vine she was holding and did three summersaults before landing on the ground.

Lion-O noticed Alana seemed stunned. He was surprised a woman could have reflexes like that but Alana looked like she was slapped in the face. He came up to her. The woman in training had her back turned to Alana.

"Are you all right?" he asked.

With wide eyes, she answered. "That stunt, I've seen that somewhere before."

"Nessie," Willa called. "We have guests. I'd like you to meet the Lord of the ThunderCats."

Nessie, as Willa called her, slowly turned. When she was fully turned, Alana gasped as she recognized the face of the woman. Nessie at the moment couldn't see Alana as she was mostly blocked by Lion-O.

"This is Lion-O," Willa said as Nessie came closer. "And this is their new friend…"

"Alana!" Nessie yelled when Alana stepped away from Lion-O.

Willa and Lion-O looked at Nessie with wide eyes.

Fresh tears began to track a moist line down her cheeks as Nessie moved past the Warrior Queen and stopped to stand in front of Alana. For several moments, no one said a word until Alana broke the silence. Lion-O noticed she was trembling as one word fell from her lips. If it weren't for his good hearing, he wouldn't have heard her whisper.

"Vanessa," she whispered, barely audible.

Her legs began to wobble as she took a step back. Or at least she thought she took a step back. She heard Lion-O shout her name and then warmth was against her arms and back. She tipped her head back. "My…sister…has…been…found…"

Lion-O watched with concern as she formed the words with pauses between each before suddenly he felt her weight get heavier.

"Alana!" Nessie yelled again, this time in alarm.

"She fainted," Lion-O answered. "She'll be all right." He looked at the warrior. The one they were searching for was directly in front of them. There was much to discuss. "We have a lot to talk about."

Nessie looked the young lord. "We do. First we should get her inside where it's warmer."

"I agree," Nayda said.

Taking her into his arms, Lion-O carried Alana inside the closest hut. When she was comfortably lying on a bedroll, Lion-O stood back up. "I'll be back."

Nessie stood quickly, blocking his path. "Where are you going?"

"I'm getting the other ThunderCats. They should be here."

Nessie nodded and moved out of his way, allowing him to head back to the Thundertank. She watched from the hut, as the tank sped off towards the Cats' Lair. She couldn't stop thinking how Willa said a woman crashed and was in the care of the ThunderCats. The realization suddenly slammed into her like a ton of bricks, Willa was talking about Alana all this time, including about the loss of Alana's brothers… her brothers. Quiet tears slowly tracked their way down her cheeks.

Wilykit was picking some flowers near the drawbridge for Alana when she heard the growl of the Thundertank approaching her. She jumped from the ground and ran towards the Lair. She almost made it to the doors when they were thrown open as the other ThunderCats came rushing out.

"What's going on?" WilyKit asked.

"Lion-O just radioed us," Panthro answered. "He wanted us out there and to be ready."

"Be ready for what?"

Wilykit's questioned wasn't answered as the Thundertank came across the drawbridge. When it stopped, Lion-O jumped out. The ThunderCats met him at the bottom of the stairs.

"Where's Alana?" Panthro rushed out.

"She's still in the Tree Top Kingdom. But something has happened. Nothing bad. But something we all need to be there for. Are Cheetara and Tygra at the Wollo village?"

Panthro nodded. "Let's get moving," he blurted. "We'll make our way towards the Wollo village and get them." He jumped in the tank, opening the hatchway to allow the other ThunderCats to jump in.

With Lion-O and Panthro in front, the tank sped off towards the jungle, leaving the hatch opened. When they reached the Wollo village, it didn't take Tygra and Cheetara long to jump in.

"What's this about?" Tygra asked after being told Alana was still at the Tree Top Kingdom.

"You'll see when we get there. And there's going to be a lot of explaining to do. However, Alana has fainted from the shock of what happened." Lion-O could see the worried look of his tiger friend. He inwardly smiled, as he knew there was nothing to worry about.

Within minutes the tank arrived at the base of the Tree Top Kingdom. The ThunderCats jumped out and rushed to the hut where Alana was resting in.

"ThunderCats," Willa said.

Kneeling beside Willa was a woman who was hovering over Alana. Tygra took a step forward. Lion-O held out his arm for Tygra to stop.

"So you are the ThunderCats," Nessie said. "Well it's a pleasure to finally meet you and it's even better with what has just happened." Nessie stood and slowly turned.

Her face reminded Tygra of Safari Joe but softer.

"I was just told you are looking for someone. Well I…"

"ThunderCats," Lion-O interrupted as he noticed Nessie wasn't sure what to say. She was still in a state of shock herself. "Meet Alana's sister, Vanessa."

"What?" Panthro jumped. Tygra and Cheetara gasped.

"Are you kidding?" Wilykat asked. "We found her?!"

"There is a lot of explaining and I'd rather explain why I'm here when Alana awakes," Nessie said. "Please, tell me what happened to my brothers."

Lion-O stepped forward. "Alana was being chased down by her fiancé. Apparently she was being held prisoner on his planet and your brothers helped her to escape. But from her fiancé, they lost their lives as the ship crashed. She has been with us since."

"I remember seeing a bright ball of fire crash into the ground. That was Alana?"

Lion-O nodded. "I'm Lion-O, her new brother and very protective of her."

Vanessa smiled at his declaration. "You seem like a big brother."

"If you are Alana's sister, why aren't you sad about your brothers?" Wilykit asked.

"I am but I haven't seen my brothers in two years and that was only on the day I was married. Though my husband treated me with respect and kindness. I actually haven't really been around them in four years when I was forced to move out of my parent's home, which I was happy about. Father is a real jackass."

"We've met him," Cheetara said. "And he was recently here too."

"What do you mean treated?" Wilykat asked.

"I'll explain that later." A moan from behind Vanessa made her turn back around.

Tygra quickly moved to the other side and waited for Alana to wake. Lion-O stood behind him.

As Alana opened her eyes, blurred colors was all she was able to make out, but as her eyesight came into focus, she noticed three concerned faces were looking down upon her.

"You've been through a lot," Vanessa said quietly when she knew Alana was fully awake.

"That's putting it mildly," Alana answered as tears began to form. "Vanessa."

The two sisters embraced each other as both began to shed tears. Both Lion-O and Tygra smiled, Alana was reunited with a family member. Something out of Tygra's eye caught his attention. He slightly looked up and saw two ghost figures standing at the entrance behind the other ThunderCats.

Lion-O looked up, wondering what had Tygra's attention. He saw Jaga and Josh standing at the entrance to the hut. Everyone was so preoccupied with the two sisters; they did not notice the spirits. Josh looked with a smile and nodded. Jaga placed a caring hand on his shoulder and whispered something. The two vanished before anyone else could notice.

"I've missed you," Alana cried as she pulled away from her sister. But then looked away towards the doorway to the hut.

"I know. Our brothers are gone." Vanessa noticed Alana was looking behind her. "What's wrong?"

"Josh. I just felt Josh was here." She looked back to her sister, as she was confused. "Our brothers are always with me. I feel their presence."

"I'm just glad you're all right," Vanessa said, changing the subject. "I've been so worried about you since the day you left Second Earth and met your fiancé."

"He's a jerk," Alana snapped. "He held me prisoner in my own room. Everywhere I went, he always had one of his followers to follow me around. I swear to you if I didn't have the solitude of my room, he probably would have watched me bath."

Vanessa clenched his fists. "How could he do that?"

"There has been no proof, but I know he killed his own parents because they said 'no' too many times. He doesn't take kindly to that word or to whoever says it."

"How did our brothers get involved? The last I heard, father liked his sons."

"Me being the youngest, Josh took favoritism to me. When I left our home, Tony…" Alana trailed off. "But then Josh and the others arrived on the Planet Seris and from there, they protected me."

"Did he hurt you?" Vanessa growled.

"No!" Alana snapped. "I wish people would stop asking me that. He has tried but Josh or Carl always intervened."

"Then why did Josh protect you? I'm only asking because I'm your older sister. Full blooded at that."

"I don't want to talk about it." Alana turned her head away but turned back. "How did you get here? The last I heard, you had gotten married."

"Well the wedding was on Second Earth as all you guys were there. My husband and I left for our honeymoon. We were gone for a whole month. When we left and headed for home, Planet Tyrin, we came across an asteroid field. It damaged our systems and lost control. Somehow we entered a gravitational pull and crashed here, but it was too late.

"I was severely wounded and somehow managed to make it out of the ship. But I went back, realizing no one was with me. My husband and the rest of the crew were killed on impact. I took what was left of my stuff and buried them outside of the ship, promising to be back for them. Afterwards the ship exploded."

"I remember," Panthro piped up, "hearing about a ship crashing last year. But when we went to investigate, the ship was in engulfed in flames leaving nothing left."

"You weren't very far from me. I was hiding at the tree line, mourning over the loss of my husband." Vanessa turned to the ThunderCats. "I wanted to wait and tell you all when Alana was awake so I wouldn't have to retell it twice. It's a painful memory but I have been able to move on."

"How? How can you move on when you witnessed your family's death?"

"It's hard." Vanessa turned back. "But I managed. As I said I was severely injured, when the ThunderCats left, though didn't not know it was them, I wondered off. I was bleeding, barely could see from my tears and had a concussion. Somehow found myself wondering here in the Tree Top Kingdom and from there the warriors saved my life. I was intrigued by their way of life and decided to become one of them."

"So you wouldn't want to return with me to Second Earth, if the chance presents itself?" Alana asked. She wasn't even sure if she wanted to leave if the time ever came.

"No. I love it here. I'm free of father. Father doesn't know I'm here and he doesn't, as far as I know, even know Jacob lost his life."

"I'm free of father as well," Alana agreed. "I don't even know if I want to leave. The ThunderCats have been taking care of me since I crashed and I have come to care for them."

"Well then stay. I have heard of the ThunderCats and their loyalty. They seemed to be a great race and…" she looked at them once again. "I'm glad you have taken care of her. She's my baby sister, though I'm not too much older but she still is the baby of the family, and hasn't had a good life."

"We know," Lion-O replied. "And we're glad to help. If you ever want to visit Alana or if she wants to visit you, don't hesitate to ask. Our door is always open for you."

"Thank you, ThunderCats. And it's nice to know my sister isn't far away either." Vanessa noticed Alana was trying to get up. Without so much saying, she wrapped her arm around Alana's and helped her to her feet.

Alana nodded her thanks. "I don't know what to say or do."

"Well I guess this day has turned out good," Panthro answered, crossing his arms. "And you know what would make this day even better?"

Alana tilted her head, staring at the panther. She began to shrug her shoulders indicating she wasn't sure what he was talking about. But then her eyes widened and she smiled. "You're going to show me the new level?"

Panthro nodded. "The final touches were just finished when Lion-O wanted us to come here."

"Well then what are we waiting for?" she cheered.

Lion-O blinked in surprise. "What about your sister? You just found her."

Alana turned to her brother. "I know."

"What new level?" Vanessa asked.

Willa turned. "With the Berbils help, the ThunderCats dismantled what was salvageable of Alana's ship and built a new level under Cats' Lair. Alana came up with the idea."

"That sounds interesting," Vanessa said. "Why don't you ThunderCats head back home and I'll meet up with you? I have a few things I need to do first. If Alana is going to see this new level, I would like to see too."

"Don't be long," Alana said, giving her sister a hug.

"I won't be. I'm not leaving my baby sister again. You've already been fed to the fish and you were able to jump out of the water."

"The fish bit hard," Alana whispered.

"I know and they will pay, but right now you have wonderful friends to take care of you. I would if I had the resources but I'm still trying to get over my fish bites."

The ThunderCats looked at each other wondering what the two women were talking about. Willa just smiled. She didn't know what they were talking about but knew it was an old form of Third Earth.

"Now, go," Vanessa insisted. She slightly pushed Alana away from her. "I'll see you in a bit."

Without so much more of a word, Vanessa walked outside and disappeared within the trees. The ThunderCats were confused why Alana's sister would leave like that, considering they hadn't saw each other in a few years.

Alana looked at her friends. "Vanessa has never been one to say good-bye."

"Well then," Panthro said. "We better get going."

It was nearing late afternoon when Vanessa arrived at Cats' Lair. Alana and Panthro were in the command room as he was scanning the surrounding land and Alana sat in another chair waiting to hear from her sister.

"Alana," Panthro interrupted her thoughts. "I believe what you've been waiting for has arrived."

Alana looked up and saw two warrior maidens walking towards the lair. She smiled, jumping to her feet and ran out of the room almost knocking down Cheetara as she was walking into the room.

"What was that?" she asked.

Panthro chuckled. "Just me telling her, her sister has just arrived."

Cheetara smiled. "It's nice to see her happy. She hasn't smiled much since coming here."

"I better go and let Lion-O know our guest has arrived."

"I'm sure, he'll find out on his own. I just passed him on my way and I'm sure Alana will run past him as well."

As Cheetara predicted, Alana nearly slammed into Lion-O as he and Tygra were walking towards the command center. In the last second, just as they noticed she was coming towards them, fast, she swung her leg out and skidded between the two. She barely stopped to notice she bunched up the carpet that was in the hallway.

"Whoa," Lion-O blurted as he blinked at the way she avoided ramming into him or Tygra.

"Can't talk," she said hurriedly and then ran off.

"What was that all about?" Tygra asked.

"Either she has gotten upset about something or her sister has arrived."

Tygra smiled. "I'm going to say it's her sister. Let's go and check it out."

Lion-O nodded and the two of them rushed off after Alana. When they reached the foyer, they watched as she slid down the stairs and quickly opened the doors, letting in the afternoon sun where she skidded to a halt and waited. She didn't realize she was not standing alone until Lion-O placed a comforting hand on her shoulder as Vanessa and another Warrior Maiden was walking across the drawbridge.

"You almost ran us down just because of your sister."

"Sorry," she said, catching her breath. "But…"

Lion-O laughed. "There's no need for an apology. Your sister is important and I'm glad you're happy."

The three were silent until the two women were in front of them. "Hello," Willa said.

The two sisters embraced. "I've been anxious since we left the jungle."

Vanessa smiled. "You've never been one to wait patiently when it came to surprises."

"Nessie," Willa replied. "I'm going to head back."

Vanessa turned back to her leader. "Thanks for showing me the way here. I probably won't be back tonight."

Willa turned and began to walk away. "I don't expect you to. Enjoy your time."

"Why do the warriors call you Nessie?" Tygra asked when Willa was out of earshot.

Vanessa turned to the tiger. "Nessie is my nickname Alana gave me. To remember her by, I told them that was my name. When Alana was able to say my full name, she called me by my normal name."

"Would you like a tour?" Alana asked.

"I would love to."

Lion-O nodded in agreement. He turned and led the way as he began the tour. The two sisters were behind him while Tygra took up the rear. Vanessa was able to see the hanger bays in which held the Thundertank and the Feliner, which had been recently built shortly before Alana arrived. She was shown the many rooms including the dinning room and command center.

When they reached the command room, Panthro was busy on another console than when Alana was there and Cheetara was talking to him. The two turned to their leader. Alana remained quiet while Lion-O spoke to Vanessa in private for a few moments.

"Now that you've seen Cats' Lair, I would like to show you both the new level that has been finished, but I want it to be a surprise for Alana."

Vanessa smiled. "Once on Alana's birthday, Carl blind folded her, keeping from seeing where he was taking her until arriving. Mind you father wasn't there, which in my opinion was good and it was Alana's last birthday with our mother."

"Why was the blindfold used?"

"Carl and mother wanted to surprise her with something she had always wanted to see."

"You want me to blindfold her and then take her below."

Vanessa nodded. "If this new level is something that was her idea. I think it would make it all the more better if she didn't see it until we're all down there." Vanessa reached into her quiver of arrows and pulled out a piece of cloth. "This was part of the clothing I was wearing when I crashed. Use this."

Lion-O tentatively took in his hands. "I don't know about this."

Vanessa rolled her eyes. "Oh come on, where's your sense of adventure?" She snatched the cloth from his hands and walked away.

"You know what would make this surprise even better," she announced, approaching the others. Alana shrugged. Vanessa grinned and showed the blindfold.

"You have got to be kidding me," Alana gasped with a whine, taking one step back.

"Nope. The last time you wore one; you were more excited than I had ever seen you. Besides, I would like to see this room before you."

"But…" Alana tried to protest, backing up…into Tygra's chest. Tygra, on reflex, brought his hands out, preventing her from falling.

"Come on, for old time's sake," Vanessa pleaded. "I know it was your last birthday with mother but it was fun. Seeing your reaction."

Alana sighed in defeat. Vanessa's smiled widened, as she knew she had won. Tygra moved away, allowing Vanessa to place the blindfold on her sister.

Alana heard whispering going between Vanessa, Tygra and Lion-O then heard rustling of feet before hearing the door swish open and then close.

"What's going on?"

"Don't worry," Cheetara answered.

Alana felt someone grab her hand and pull her towards the door. She went easily, but wasn't sure who had her hand. She knew from hearing Cheetara there was at least one other person in the room. But who was that person, she didn't know. She lightly jumped when she learnt who was leading her towards where ever she was heading.

"Careful," Tygra said. "We're about to turn a corner and then head down the stairs."

"You startled me," she jerked.

"Sorry."

When they reached the stairs, Tygra carefully walked down, keeping himself one step ahead of Alana, in case she were to loose her balance. As she began her descend down the steps, she noticed Tygra was one step ahead of her. Her hand tightly gripped his when she felt something against her back. She recognized it as a hand and must have thought it was Cheetara's.

"Where are we?" she asked.

"Nearing the bottom of the stairs in the entryway," Cheetara answered. "Afterwards we'll be heading down a hallway that will lead to the secret doorway that has been kept from you."

"I hate it when Vanessa does this to me," Alana huffed.

"You didn't have to agree," Tygra said. "You don't have to do anything you don't want to do."

"I know but this is my sister we're talking about here. I haven't seen her in two years and I do remember the last time I had to be a blindfold. It was fun."

"Alana," Vanessa called, running into the room. "You're going to love it."

Alana stopped, forcing Tygra to stop. She stomped her foot in slight frustration. Vanessa had enough time to see the new level and get back up before Alana even reached doorway that would lead her to the level. "That's not fair!"

"You know what's not fair is why didn't we ever think of it when we were kids."

Alana suddenly felt her other arm being grabbed and she was forced to continue moving. Tygra did not let go of her other hand. When Vanessa knew her sister wouldn't stop again. She released the arm she held.

"Oh it's so great. The colors, the designs and the fact you were able salvage a lot from your ship. You'll love it."

Just hearing what her sister was saying was spiking her interest. "Will you quit it already! You have my attention. I can't really go any faster than I am without possibly tripping over something."

The closer the group got to the new room, the more Alana was getting excited. She wasn't showing it physically but Vanessa could tell. Her free hand wouldn't stop fidgeting while the other, in Tygra's hand, kept twitching. For Alana it seemed like an eternity getting to the new level until she finally was forced to stop. A slight gasp was heard from behind her and she knew it came from Cheetara. Well at least she wasn't the only who hadn't seen the room yet.

Someone slowly untied the blindfold. When the cloth was off, it took a few minutes for Alana's eyes to adjust to the lighting. The first thing she noticed, her sister was sitting on a sofa. The sofa happened to be one that wasn't badly damaged in the crash. She slightly turned, noticing it was Cheetara who removed the blindfold.

Pillars were all over the place indicating there were no walls expect for the exterior and what looked to be a small room. The small room, Alana guessed, was a bathroom facility. In the room…level, there were pictures and other ornaments lining the walls. The ornaments and pictures were from the crates found. Bookshelves also lined the walls, giving a new home for the all the books that were also found in the crates.

"What kind of room is this called?" Wilykit asked.

Alana was too speechless to answer the question. She was amazed at how well the ThunderCats built and of course she had to thank the Robear Berbils as well. They were the ones who were able to make it possible for it to be built quickly.

Vanessa looked at the young girl. "In ancient times of the human race, they would make rooms like these and call them recreational rooms. To this day we still have recreational rooms but they are nothing like they used to be. With technology we can make outdoor sounds and make it look like you're outdoors."

"I love it," Alana said quietly. "It's better than I hoped." She looked at Tygra and then to the rest of the ThunderCats. "Thank you, all of you. It's beautiful." She looked at her sister as she smirked. Knowing something was up, she moved away from Tygra, forcing him to let go of her hand and she moved to her sister. "What's up your sleeve?"

Vanessa looked innocent for the moment. "What? I'm not sure what you're talking about."

"Yeah, right." Alana crossed her arms. "I know for a fact there was lots of time from the time you quickly ran out of the command center, with the other ThunderCats to the time you came back to me and bragged about seeing the level."

"Ah," Vanessa had a known smile. "That will be a surprise on its own, from me." She sobered and placed her hands on her sister's shoulder. "We have been reunited after four years. It's time to leave the past behind and begin a new. There is so much I want to tell you and I'm sure you want to tell me as well and right now is not the time to get into details. Why don't I stay here for the night and we can talk. Just like we used to. Besides, Willa is not expecting me tonight."

Alana smiled. "I would love that."

The two sisters embraced each other again. Tygra was happy for Alana and knew Lion-O was as well. It seemed like a lifetime ago when Alana had crashed on Third Earth and now things were finally starting to look up for her. In the back of his mind, Tygra couldn't help but wonder about Safari Joe. What would happen when he reached his home and Alana's fiancé learned she was still alive and well? He was slightly worried Tony may decide to take a venture to Third Earth, seeing if Safari Joe was telling the truth or complete the job he started.

Lion-O was also thinking the same thing. He was more worried about Tony than what Safari Joe would say. He didn't want Tony anywhere near Alana or Cats' Lair. While watching the two sisters, he decided he was going to contact Mandora and give her an update of what had been happening. If Tony were to come, he wanted to be ready and have Mandora on stand by. Tony was going to pay for the death of Alana's brothers one way or another. But Tony wasn't the only thing on the young Lord's mind; he was also worried about the Mutants and Mumm-Ra. They were coming real close to learning of Alana and how she arrived.