Yay! I finished this chapter to bring to you guys. Getting the rest of the story up will not be easy though with my wedding just five weeks away. But we're getting there! Meanwhile, enjoy this chapter! Challenge achieved: Donatello as a college professor.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything related to "TMNT" nor "Meet the Robinsons." I only own Karena, Lily, Ryan, Venus, and Athena.
December 30, 2038 – New York City, New York, USA
DONATELLO'S POV
The four of us made it to the city safely after Lily, Karena, and I packed. April, who suggested we fly earlier than planned, drove us down in the Party Wagon. Before heading to the airport, we stopped by the lair for us to say goodbye for the spring. I watched Lily say her goodbyes to her cousins.
"Are you coming back for spring break, Lily?" Athena asked with hope in her blue eyes.
"I don't think so, Athena," Lily answered sadly. "Spring break is different for college students and high school students. But hey, I'll have my T-Phone with me. I'll make sure to call you."
Lily and Athena hugged, and then my daughter walked up to Venus, giving each other a fist bump.
"You knock those people dead with your cheerleading skills," Venus told her with a smirk. "You are an amazing girl."
"Thanks, Venus. I'll do my best to wow them."
Lily then walked up to Ryan, and they hugged each other.
"Thanks for talking some sense into me, Lily," Ryan told her. "And congratulations on your vision quest. It took a lot of guts to go through what you did."
"It wasn't easy, believe me. But thank you for having faith in me."
Next, Lily, Karena, and I walked up to my brothers, all of whom took the morning off to see us off. First was Mikey, who hugged each of us.
"Karena, it was amazing seeing you again," Mikey told our friend. "We're gonna miss you."
"I hope it won't take another twenty-five years for me to stop by," Karena replied with a laugh. "And Renet, it was a pleasure meeting you."
"You are one of the kindest women I have ever met," Renet replied. "Take care of yourself, and of Wilbur, in Todayland. I hope I'll get the chance to meet him sometime."
"I have a feeling that will happen."
"Knock your students out of the park with your knowledge, D," Mikey told me. "And you, Lily, be the smartest girl in the class!"
"Will do, Uncle Mikey," Lily replied as Mikey and I gave each other a fist bump.
We approached Mona Lisa and Raph next. Mona gave Karena and Lily hugs while Raph fist bumped each of us.
"Lily, take my daughter's advice and knock everyone dead," Raph told her with a smirk. "You got your mother's spunk."
We all laughed at that as Lily suddenly embraced her uncle. Raph did not hesitate to hug her back with a huge smile on his face.
"I love you, Uncle Raph," Lily told him, and my heart melted at that.
"I love you too, Lily. Make good choices for your dad, okay?"
Lily nodded happily.
"It has been an honor getting to know you, Karena," Mona said. "Lily, be bold and don't be afraid."
"I can keep that promise, Auntie Mona," Lily replied. "After going on my vision quest, I feel more confident than ever."
We walked over to Leo.
"Karai's going to accompany you guys to the airport with April," Leo told us as he hugged me. "We'll miss you, little brother. Good luck in Todayland. I hope it's everything you've dreamed of."
"We'll find out," I replied, returning a smile.
"Lilianna, we are all proud of you for what you have accomplished this week. Remember to be yourself in Todayland."
"I will, Sensei," Lily replied, returning his hug.
"Karena, it has been lovely catching up with you. Like Mikey said, I hope you don't wait twenty-five years to see us again."
Karena laughed as she hugged Leo.
"I promise it won't be that long. Ryan, it was nice getting to know you, Venus, and Athena. You are all amazing kids."
"Thanks, Karena," Ryan replied, not as shy as he was when they first met. "May I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Will you bring Wilbur by some time? He sounds like a great guy."
"I think Wilbur would love to meet you," Karena answered with a smile. "Maybe I can bring him with me when Lily and Uncle Donnie return from Todayland."
"Well, you guys need to go if you're going to catch your plane," Leo said.
The five of us left the lair, but we turned around one more time to wave good-bye. April and Karai got in the front seats of the Party Wagon while Karena got cozy with me and Lily in the back. It was not a long drive to get to LaGuardia Airport. Our first step was to get through security, and we all cracked up laughing when Karai was tagged down for her armor. April had to give Karai a spare change of clothes before she could cross. We were thankful to get to the gate early enough for Lily, Karena, and I to say our good-byes to April and Karai. Karai was the first to hug all of us.
"Karena, it was an honor to meet you. Leo had told me about you before you came over."
"Really?" Karena replied with surprise in her voice. "I must have made quite the impression on him."
"You impressed me! Leo told me he had thought fondly of you when we were just getting to know each other."
"You are one of the bravest women I've ever met. I mean, you questioned your so-called father, faced the truth, and embraced it. No one ever does that anymore."
"Embracing the truth was easier said than done, especially with Shredder trying so hard to win me back. I just… can't believe I lived my mother's life when he was alive."
"Are you more like your mother or Splinter?"
"I have my mother's spirit, but I have my father's honor. I miss him every day."
Karai paused, turning to me and Lily.
"Remember us, Lily."
"How could I forget you guys?" Lily asked with a laugh. "You're family, and I love you very much."
Lily kissed Karai on the cheek, and her aunt returned the favor. Then, Karai hugged me.
"Donatello, I know you're her father, but please watch over her for us. Keep her safe."
I nodded, returning her hug. Meanwhile, April was hugging Karena.
"It was wonderful to see you again," April told her. "Maybe I can try to make it to Todayland when Donnie's off for spring break."
"That would be amazing!" Karena replied enthusiastically. "A week in Todayland is certainly a better time spent than only a weekend."
"Well, I hope to pull it off!"
I watched my wife step towards our daughter. April started to cry.
"Mom, don't cry, okay? You're going to ruin your makeup."
"Right, right," April replied, wiping away the few tears she had on her face. "You're going to be out of my life again for another two months. I cannot wait until the day you are with us for good."
"Me neither, Mom. I love you."
"I love you too, sweetheart."
April and Lily kissed each other on the cheek. Finally, April approached me. We quickly embraced each other, and I felt tears threatening to fall. I let out a shaky sigh.
"I'm gonna miss you, April," I cried.
"Oh, Donnie, I'm going to miss you too."
We pulled apart. April smiled and caressed both my cheeks while using her thumbs to wipe away my tears underneath my mask. I put my right hand on the back of her neck, playing with her beautiful red hair.
"I love you so much, Donnie," my wife told me affectionately. "Be strong for all of us. You'll be back home before you know it."
"I love you too, April," I replied.
We drew each other in for kisses. I moaned as I tasted her strawberry lips again as I have for the last twenty years. I felt April's hands on the back of my neck as she played with the tails of my purple mask, and my hands fell to her waist. Our moment ended when we heard the announcement that the plane was now accepting passengers.
"I love you," I breathed, hugging her one more time.
"I love you, D," April replied breathlessly.
I let go of her, and I turned around to follow Lily and Karena on the plane. I turned back to look at April and Karai, who both waved at me. I waved back, and I finally got on the plane and sat next to Lily, who sat next to Karena at the window. Before we all knew it, the plane took off, leaving New York City for Todayland.
Todayland, North Montana, USA
KARENA'S POV
It was a four hour flight from New York to Todayland, and we gained an hour due to the time zone change. After I napped throughout the flight, we made it safely back home. The plane landed, and I had Donnie and Lily follow me off. When we went through the gate, the first person I saw was my boyfriend, who was standing there with a smile on his face. I ran to him, embraced him, and kissed him. He returned the favor and kissed me back in our embrace.
"How was New York?" Wilbur asked. "Was it everything you imagined it would be?"
"There have been a lot of changes over twenty-five years, both with the city and with the Turtles," I answered. "But yes, it was. I had a wonderful time!"
We broke the hug, and Wilbur and Lily hugged each other.
"Welcome back, Lily. Are you ready to tackle spring semester?"
"No!" Lily answered with a sassy voice. "I need to catch my breath first. I can't believe winter break's almost over!"
"I know exactly how you feel," Wilbur replied. "But I am excited you guys came two days early."
Wilbur then shook Donatello's hand.
"Long time no see, Don."
"Thank you, Wilbur," Donnie replied with a grin. "But it's only been a month."
Donnie walked over to Cornelius and shook his hand. Franny, however, hugged the mutant turtle, who happily returned it.
"I'm so glad you made it safely, Donnie," Franny told him.
"Me too, Franny. Cornelius, it will be a pleasure being here for the next five months."
"The pleasure is all ours, Donatello," Cornelius replied. "What would you and Lily like to do first: get settled in your apartment, explore Todayland University, or have dinner with us?"
"Dinner sounds amazing!" Donnie replied, putting an arm around his daughter. "What about you, Lily?"
"Sounds good to me!"
"Fantastic!" Franny replied happily. "Aunt Billie's waiting for us on the train."
"What is for dinner anyway?" Lily asked.
"Mom's making mashed potatoes and steak," Cornelius answered. "She's also making a variety of vegetables for us to choose from."
"That sounds fantastic," Donnie replied. "Let's go!"
January 10, 2039
I woke in my dormitory and had breakfast with my roommate Lindsay. At eight o'clock, we went our separate ways, ready to start our spring semester of the college year. I was enjoying this year so much more than the year before when I was being hunted by Wilbur's stalker. I managed to earn straight A's in the fall semester, so I'm praying that it would motivate me to continue to do well.
My first class was music theory, which was simply an introduction class and I was not given an assignment. My second class was an introduction to biology. To my delight, Lindsay was my classmate, so we opted to sit together.
"Karena, do you have any idea who our teacher is?" Lindsay asked. "I got an email that there had been a last-minute change."
"Let me look at my schedule."
I took out my binder, which contained my class schedule, and my eyes opened wide. I heard the door open, and I turned toward that direction. I watched a smiling Donatello Hamato enter the classroom with his lab coat on. As surprised as I was at his entrance, I was even more surprised that he was not wearing his purple mask.
"Karena, is it just me, or is an alien teaching us?" Lindsey whispered, tapping me on the shoulder.
"No!" I exclaimed quietly. "That's one of my friends, and he's a mutant turtle."
"Wait, you know him?" Lindsay asked in astonishment. "How?"
"That's a long story," I whispered back as the maskless mutant turtle set his satchel down at the desk.
"Well then, it is nine o'clock," Donnie announced with a proud smile. "So let's get started. I am very excited to meet all of you, and I'm even more excited about meeting you all in person this semester instead of behind a computer screen. I promise you that we are going to have fun learning all aspects and studies of biology from computers, books, and from exploring nature around Todayland."
I smiled fondly, inspired by Donnie's courage of teaching me and my classmates in person. It really inspired me because I was going to college to be a teacher myself.
"With that said, we're going to get to know each other today. I am Dr. Donatello Hamato. I have been teaching biology and physics remotely for Todayland University for twenty years now, and I have gotten to know all kinds of students. If you are a student who likes to stick to the rules, then you may call me Dr. Hamato. If you like to be more flexible and relaxed, then you may call me Donatello or Donnie. Now, I know what most of you are thinking in regard to my appearance."
I could not wait to hear him explain that to his students.
"And you are correct in that I am not human, and no, I am not an alien either. I was a baby turtle over 40 years ago, and I have three brothers. A man from Japan bought us in a pet store in New York City, and he followed a strange man who was carrying a cannister of ooze called mutagen. It was dropped during a fight, and so were we. Me and my brothers became mutant, or genetically-enhanced as you all call it, turtles with human qualities. The man was a master of ninjutsu, and he started training us once we found a home. Yes? Oh, and when you have a question today, please state your name."
I turned to see a female blonde classmate raising her hand.
"I'm Bailey."
"Hi Bailey, it's very nice to meet you," Donnie greeted her with a kind smile.
"Did you say you were from New York?"
"Yes, Bailey, that is correct. Are there any other questions before I continue?"
Bailey raised her hand again, and Donnie gave her his attention with a nod.
"Were you one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?"
"I was! I'm actually just getting to that. While growing up, I grew fascinated with technology and all different kinds of appliances that I would find while scavenging around junkyards, and I learned how to fix and invent things. So, when me and my brothers came of age, we were allowed to patrol New York City for the first time. We ran into an alien race called the Kraang. Since that day, we had saved the world from three alien invasions, gone to space, and traveled back in time four times. I was the inventor of the team, creating gadgets and vehicles that were useful in our battles. I carried that passion for science throughout my life, eventually gaining the attention of Cornelius Robinson. Now, I imagine you all have heard of him?"
Most of the classroom nodded.
"Okay, that is very interesting," Donnie noted with an interesting look on his face. "Raise your hand if you come from out of state."
The rest of the class raised their hand.
"Well, as an out-of-state professor myself, welcome to Todayland, and welcome to my class! For those who do not know Cornelius Robinson, he is also an inventor who has created many inventions that have saved the world from pollution and climate change. He is the model for making the world greener and for making this utopian city. Cornelius flew out to New York one day after hearing of all I had done for me and my brothers, and he gave me a test. I passed this test, and I am now a doctor in biology, physics, and medicine. Back in New York, I have started my own practice and I see patients, both humans and mutants, to analyze their health. Now, normally, I would also teach you guys from my computer in New York and this class would have been online. However, due to some circumstances, I am living here for the spring semester and teaching you all in person, which is my greatest pleasure. Back home, I have a wife named April, whom I have met during our battles with the Kraang. She is an investigative reporter for Channel 6 News in the city. We have been married for over 20 years and we have a daughter together named Lily. Do you have any questions for me so far?"
A brown-haired man raised his hand, and Donnie pointed at him, giving him his attention.
"My name is Cody, and I have two questions."
"It's nice to meet you, Cody," Donnie replied. "Go ahead."
"My first question is, you said we can call you by your first name, right?"
"Yes, you may. I have received emails where I have been addressed as Dr. Hamato, and I have received emails where I'm called Donnie. We are all adults here. If calling me Donnie helps you relax, then that is fine with me."
"Cool. And two, is your wife a turtle too?"
"No, she is human."
"May I ask a third question, Donnie?"
"Sure."
"How did you and April conceive your daughter?"
The entire class exclaimed with excitement, and I saw blushing on Donnie's cheeks.
"That I will leave to your imagination," Donnie answered, letting out a nervous chuckle. "There are a lot of possibilities to think of. Now, are there any other questions?"
This time, a brunette woman raised her hand.
"I'm Emily, Dr. Hamato. Is Lily part-turtle and part-human?"
"It's very nice to meet you, Emily," Donnie replied. "Yes, Lily is part-turtle and part-human. However, she looks very much like a human. That is a fascinating topic that revolves around genetics, which we will get to at some point in the semester, and no, I will not include my daughter in those lessons. Any other questions?"
We all shook our heads.
"Okay, fantastic. Now, today is an introduction to… the introduction to biology. So I will go over the syllabus with you. Now, I imagine you all have laptops in your possession, so I would like you to turn them on and then go to your portal."
While I turned on my laptop, I watched Donnie turn his on also. He also turned on an advanced projector so we could see what he is talking about.
"Are we all at the portal?"
Everyone nodded.
"Fantastic! Okay, I am liking this class already. So, you are going to go to your introduction to biology class, click on it, and it should take you to another page that lists some folders. I would like you to click on the folder named 'Resources.' The only one that should be there is the syllabus, and I would like you to please open it."
Donnie waited a few moments before continuing.
"Is everyone there?"
We all nodded.
"Great! Now, if you get lost at all, please raise your hand, and I will stop and answer any questions you have. My contact information is at the top of the syllabus. The best way to get a hold of me is to come to my office in this building. If you have a question about the homework, I will be in my office from eight o'clock in the morning until nine o'clock when I am teaching you guys. I do have another class to teach after this one, and then I go on my lunch break at eleven. When I get back, I have two more classes to teach from noon to two o'clock, and then I will be in my office until three. After that, I have to pick my daughter up from school. When you cannot catch me in my office, I am available by my cell phone and by email. I will try my hardest to reply back right away. Any questions?"
We all shook our heads.
"Okay, our next item of business is attendance," Donatello continued. "The key to mastering something is to be present all the time. With that said, I will be grading you on attendance every time we meet. Each class we have together is 50 minutes long, and we meet three days a week unless either a holiday falls on a day we have class or I absolutely must cancel class. I will not start this until next week, because I understand this is your first day back from break and you need some time to get used to your new normal. Anyway, if you show up early or on time before I start speaking, you will earn all ten of your points. You lose a point in every five-minute window. So, if you show up one minute past nine, you will lose a point. If you show up six minutes past nine, you will lose two points, and so on. Yes, Bailey?"
"So, what if we can't make it to class because we're sick?"
"That is a very good question, Bailey. I am a different kind of professor when it comes to students being sick. If I was teaching online, attendance would have been required no matter what. However, if you are sick, please call me or come to my office. I will treat you as a patient, and I will assess whether you are able to attend class or not. For example, you come into my office and say you have a sore throat and you need to nurse it. I will suggest a medicine you can take, but I will still require you to come to class. Now say you come into my office, but I see that you have a whooping cough and I take your temperature to see that you have a fever. You will not be required to come to class. Instead, I will send you back home, suggest some medicine, and I will call you to check on you the next day and then every day after that until you are able to come back to class. Does anyone have any questions before I move on to the next topic? Yes?"
I turned to a red-haired woman.
"My name is Jamie, Dr. Hamato, and if we can't come to class when we are sick, how will we know what we missed?"
"Ah! I was just getting to that, Jamie," Donnie replied with enthusiasm. "So, every day after class, I will upload every PowerPoint presentation that I have made and shared with you into the portal. All you would have to do is acknowledge that you have read through the PowerPoint, as well as any links that I have attached, to me through email. I am actually just getting to the next part of the syllabus. Does anyone else have questions?"
I saw Lindsay raising her hand, and Donnie looked in my direction.
"My name is Lindsay, and is there another kind of excused absence, like a family vacation?"
"That depends, Lindsay," Donatello answered. "If there is a death in the family, then yes, it is an excused absence. You would need to return to your family to say good-bye to your loved one. Family emergencies are excused absences. Now, vacations are another story. We are all adults, and you all have made the choice to attend college, which means sacrificing time with family to receive a higher education. If you choose to take a vacation or if your family takes you out on vacation, it is an unexcused absence and you will lose your points for those days."
"Even if your family forces you to?"
"Yes, Lindsay. And if that ever happens, please let me know, and I will personally try to get in touch with your family. A lot of money is put into higher education and missing one day is a lot of money wasted. Yes?"
I turned toward another blonde student.
"My name is Brittney, and last semester I was stressed because of all the papers and tests in my other classes. I couldn't even attend a class because I was so stressed. Is that an unexcused absence?"
I turned back toward Donatello, who had a kind smile on his face.
"Stress happens to everyone, Brittney, and I understand that college is one of the most trying experiences a person can have. If you ever feel that the course load is too much, please come see me, and I promise we will work something out. Every person learns differently, and my goal is for you to have the best education possible. We will be doing an exercise before class is adjourned today so that I can get to know all of you better. I want to learn why you're going to college, how you learn, what your personality is, and all that so that I can provide the best experience for you. Are there any other questions?"
We all shook our heads.
"Fantastic. Next up in the syllabus is our schedule. We're just getting to know each other this week, and your assignments will always be related to what we have covered that day. Please look over this on your own time. This is not set in stone, as it will be possible for me to cancel class, but I will try the best I can to stick to that schedule. Lastly, I have to put the rules of the campus in the syllabus regarding plagiarism, bullying, and all that jazz. Now, does anyone have any questions for me?"
We all shook our heads again.
"I'm really liking this class. You guys have asked very good questions and you did not seem lost at all. I think we will all be just fine. So now we are going to do that activity I spoke about earlier, and it is called the Three P's. I will give all of you three index cards, and on these index cards, you will write down your three P's. On one card, please write down something personal about yourself. On another, please tell me something professional about you. And on the last card, please give me a peculiar thing that you do. I will share mine on the board."
Donnie took a dry-erase marker and wrote down his three P's to help us understand what we are doing.
"So, my something personal I would like to share with you is that my favorite music genre is rock."
"YES!" a whole group of students shouted, and the rest of us laughed.
"Okay, let's settle down," Donnie said with laughter as he continued to write. "My something professional is that I have three doctorate degrees in biology, physics, and medicine. And lastly, my something peculiar is I have my own personal laboratory in the barn back home. Go ahead and fill out your index cards, and please be sure to write your names on them. You may bring them up to me when class is dismissed. Now, I will give you your first assignment, and do not worry, it is an easy one. You are to write a five hundred-word essay describing yourself. I would like you to talk about the following."
Donatello paused, writing on a separate section of the board.
"Where do you come from? Why are you attending Todayland University? What type of career will you invest yourself? What is your Briggs-Myers personality type? What is your favorite color? And last but not least, if you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I am expecting you to do some research on your favorite colors, your dream careers, and where you'd like to go. This will be due tomorrow evening at midnight. Once you turn your cards into me, you are dismissed."
I pondered on what to write down for my cards. My something personal was easy. I wrote down, my favorite color is green. My something professional was a little harder, but I managed to write something down: I was valedictorian of my graduating high school class. Lastly, I wrote down my something peculiar: I love to draw and color. I got up and turned my cards in to Donnie.
"Are you sure you're okay with my calling you Donnie?" I asked my teacher with a puzzling look.
"Surprised, are you?" Donnie asked with his gap-toothed grin. "Of course you can! It's not like I became a stranger the minute I walked into the classroom. Karena, please relax."
"It's just so weird seeing you here… and even weirder that you're not wearing a mask."
"Yeah, I do feel a little odd without it, like the mask is part of my identity."
"It is, in a sense. I've always seen you with it on. I've never seen the face behind the mask before. But at the same time, you see more without the mask, like the shape of your eyes, your brown eyes… yeah."
"And you are absolutely right," Donnie replied. "You're probably learning a lot more about me just from my being here."
"Yeah, that's true."
"So, how did I do?"
Donnie still carried that grin, and I put a smile on my face.
"You looked like you belong here, Donnie," I answered. "You knew exactly what to say and how to answer questions. You were in your element."
"I'm glad to hear you say that," Donatello replied. "I just hope your classmates agree with you."
"I guess we'll find out. It's not every day a mutant turtle teaches a class."
"And it's not every day a student learns to not judge a book by its cover. An in-person environment is very different from an online one. What else do you have planned today?"
"Attending school and then spending time with Wilbur."
"Have fun!"
"Thanks, Dr. Hamato."
Donnie and I smiled at each other before I left the classroom. When I got out there, Lindsey was there to greet me.
"Okay, spill it. How do you know Dr. Hamato?"
"I met him on an adventure and we defeated an evil scientist and a criminal together," I answered. "What do you think of him?"
"He certainly is human," Lindsay answered. "But I think I'm going to like having him as my professor. He sounds very motivating."
"You know what? I think so too."
LILIANNA'S POV
The end of the school day came, and I greeted Wilbur at his locker. However, I wasn't happy.
"Hey, Lily! What's up?"
"Wondering why you haven't given me a Christmas present yet," I answered with a flat expression. "It's already January 10th."
"Are you really ready for your Christmas gift, Lilianna?" Wilbur teased.
"I'm not amused, Wilbur."
"Okay, okay."
I watched Wilbur reaching into his pocket, and he handed me tickets. I gasped when I read what the tickets were for.
"The Todayland High School Winter Ball?" I asked loudly, and then started to laugh. "Are you serious?"
"Yes! I told my cousin Tallulah about what you told me, and she made you a dress. I bought the tickets. You are going to come with me and Karena to the winter ball on February 12th."
"Oh my gosh! Now I wanna see my dress! But my dad's going to be picking me up soon."
"Don't you have cheerleading practice?" Wilbur asked.
"Not today. We have a game tomorrow, and so we need to rest for it."
"That makes sense. Go ahead and call your dad, and I'll ask my mom. I'll see if I can go with you and your dad to Tallulah's shop."
"Okay!"
I went into the bathroom to call my dad, praying that it was not too early to call him.
"Donatello."
"Hi, Dad."
"Lily, hi! I was just leaving campus to come get you. What's up?"
"Wilbur finally gave me my Christmas present, and it's tickets to the winter ball next month. He even told me Tallulah made me a dress, and I really want to see it! Can Wilbur come with us to see it, please?"
"As long as Wilbur gives me directions on where to go," Dad answered. "It's fine with me."
"You're the best of the best, Dad! I love you!"
"Well, I love you too, Lily Mae," Dad replied with laughter. "Hang on tight, okay?"
"Okay, bye."
I hung up. I walked out of the ladies' room to meet back up with Wilbur at his locker.
"What did your dad say?" Wilbur asked.
"He's okay with it. And your mom?"
"She just gave me the okay to go with you guys. Tallulah showed me the dress on Christmas, and you're going to love it, I promise."
"If you say so, genius," I teased him. "Now come on! Let's go! My dad just left campus!"
I took Wilbur's hand and led him down the stairs and outside the door.
"Lily, I swear you're acting like a little girl!" Wilbur yelled.
"I'm sorry, I'm just so excited about this! Probably more than I am about cheering at tomorrow's game! And probably even more than my dad watching me cheer at tomorrow's game!"
"Your dad watched you cheer last week," Wilbur replied with a flat expression.
"I know, but I always got excited when Dad watched me do something. It means he loves me a lot."
"That's how I feel about my mom. She always made time to watch me do really cool stuff. My dad is always busy working at Robinson Industries."
Wilbur let out a sigh.
"Our relationship's gotten better, but there are days when I wish he was home more often. You're lucky to have a dad who actually makes time for you."
"Speaking of which, he's here."
My dad pulled up in a purple flying car that he was renting for these five months. Thankfully, Cornelius had offered to pay for the rental despite my dad having just as much money. I got in the front seat while Wilbur got in the back.
"Hey, Lily Mae," Dad greeted me with a smile.
"Hi, Dad."
"I'm sorry, did you just call her Lily May?" Wilbur asked, letting out a laugh.
"I've called her Lily Mae ever since she was born," Dad answered. "It's my name for her."
"That's kind of cute, actually," Wilbur replied. "I take it that means Lily's middle name is May?"
"Ding, ding, ding!" I answered. "I was born in the month of May, but my parents changed the spelling of it."
"So it's spelled with an 'e' instead of a 'y'?"
"That's right," Dad answered. "It was April's idea."
"That's really pretty, and it suits you too, Lily."
"We're both in agreement on that," Dad replied. "April did good. Now, Wilbur, where am I going?"
Wilbur gave my dad directions on how to get to the dress shop, and to my surprise, it was crowded! The three of us walked in the store.
"I'll be right with you!" I heard Tallulah yell from the back.
"Take your time, Tallulah!" Wilbur yelled back. "It's me!"
"Oh, Wilbur!"
After a short time, Tallulah showed up at the front of the store.
"Hey, Wilbur!" Tallulah greeted us. "And hello to you, Donnie and Lily. What can I do for you?"
"Lily wants to see her dress," Wilbur answered with a smile.
"Oh, right! And I do want to apologize. Ever since New Year's Day, I've been slammed! Everyone's wanting new clothes for the winter and the girls are shopping for their dresses for winter ball. Come on back!"
We followed Tallulah to the back of the store to her fitting rooms. I gasped in awe. It was so huge!
"Hey, Tallulah, what used to be in this store before you bought it?" I asked.
"It was a dance studio and ballroom before the owners had to sell it to the bank," Tallulah answered from the dressing room. "I had just moved here and wanted to make a difference to the town, so after Cornelius's generosity as well as generosity from everyone else, I came up with the money to buy this store. It was slow at first. Franny was my first customer when she was pregnant with Wilbur. But thanks to her, it's one of the most popular stores in town."
"I take it that means Franny has a gift for influencing people?" Dad asked.
"Oh yeah! She's influenced her husband, Wilbur, all of us! Okay, Lily, I'm ready for you to try this on!"
I looked up and walked into the dressing room with Tallulah. I let out a delighted gasp when I saw the dress. It was a white dress with no sleeves. It touched the floor, and on the dress were lavender decorations, shaped like elegant swirls.
"Tallulah, this is so beautiful," I said, about to cry.
"Go on and try it on!" she encouraged me. "And then call once you are ready."
Tallulah was an excellent seamstress. The dress had fit me perfectly, as she had paid attention to my measurements and what I liked and disliked.
"I'm ready, Tallulah!" I yelled.
"I'm coming!"
Tallulah opened the door and let out a gasp when she saw me. She then smiled, messing around a little with my dress.
"What do you think?" Tallulah asked. "I think you are gorgeous."
"I love it!" I answered.
"Should we show it to your dad?"
"He'd want to see it."
"Hey, Donnie, would you like to see your daughter in her dress?" Tallulah yelled.
"I'm right here," Dad replied with a chuckle. "Sure, but you didn't have to yell."
"Here we go," Tallulah told me.
She opened the door, and I stepped out. First, I saw my dad's face. He had the same reaction as Tallulah: his jaw was dropped in awe. I giggled, and then I walked to the podium to really look at myself in the mirror. I actually looked like I was a bride with the way my hair was up in a French braid.
"Lily, you look just as beautiful as your mother," Dad said, walking up behind me with a proud smile on his face.
"I agree," Wilbur chimed in.
"And I would definitely do your hair the way you have it today for that night," Tallulah suggested. "It's like your braid was made for the dress."
"There's just one problem," I spoke up. "I want long sleeves."
"May I offer you a suggestion?" Tallulah asked, and I nodded. "You are a female ninja. Why don't you look the part of the kunoichi going to the ball? Just do one long sleeve on which ever arm you choose, and then leave the other arm strapless? We will make it work!"
"Well, then you may do your magic!" I replied enthusiastically.
January 17, 2039
My dad picked me up from school and we drove right back to the dress shop. Tallulah had given me a call that my dress was ready to try on again, and I was excited to see the modifications she had made.
"How's teaching going, Dad?" I asked him on the way.
"I'm actually very surprised no one dropped out of my classes," Dad answered. "I would have thought my appearance would scare them off, but no. Everyone seems eager to learn about the different studies of biology. My physics classes are the same way."
"Dad, I've seen you tape yourself before, and you were born for this job. You do like to talk about your passions, and you do like to hear yourself talk a lot. Being a college professor is perfect for that, because not only do you have the satisfaction of hearing yourself talk, but students also have the advantage of learning from the greatest minds on the planet and applying what you say to their knowledge."
I watched Dad giving me a smirk as he continued to drive.
"Where did my little girl go, and how did she get to be so wise?"
"She grew up, was kidnapped, and went on a vision quest after returning home."
"Speaking of which, I was talking to Uncle Leo recently and he wanted me to tell you how proud he is that you didn't give up on your vision quest."
"I already know, Dad. I may not have mastered the art of meditation, but I've learned so much more the past four months alone than I have my entire life. Grandpa Splinter was with me, the teenage you was there with me, even Uncle Leo was with me during my vision quest."
"I do find your finding me as a teenager fascinating," Dad replied. "I'm curious about what I said to you."
"I do remember you sounded younger and you had that same look on your face when you tell me you love me. You were there as my conscience, but perhaps you were your own conscience also. You were so worried about Mom falling in love with Casey, but then you saw my blue eyes and the gap in my teeth, and you had hope. Dad, did you really have a grudge with Casey?"
"I sure did," Dad answered with a chuckle. "It sounds childish nowadays, but then again, we both were children falling in love with the same girl. We'd always compete over who has the best landing on the roof, who can give your mom the best affections, and so on. When I went on my vision quest, I was thinking that Casey was going to convince your mom to fall for him. I was surprised when Casey and I bonded over our love for building things, and I was surprised when your mom told me what she felt for me shortly after she became a kunoichi, and Casey respectfully stepped back. We've both done some growing up after our adventures in space, but I'd do it again if I could. You and your mom are the most precious women I've ever known, and you both are worth fighting for."
"Aww, Dad—"
"Wait until we get to the dress shop, okay?" Dad said, holding up his hand after I tried to hug him.
I put my head on his shoulder, but he didn't budge. It was only a short matter of time before we arrived at the dress shop.
"I'll be right with you!" I heard Tallulah shout from the back.
"Tallulah likes to yell," Dad observed with a chuckle.
"She owns the store and is her own boss. Of course she yells. She has to in order to maintain order."
In another short matter of time, Tallulah arrived to the front of the store, and she instantly put a smile on her face.
"Lily, Donnie! You two just made my day!"
"Ah, so you're cranky today?" Dad asked.
I looked into her eyes to read her mind. Tallulah was absolutely cranky.
"I've been busy all day today with no break," Tallulah explained. "One of my employees called off for a family emergency, and then one had arrived late because she slept in."
She let out a sigh.
"But I'm so happy to see you both. Come on back!"
Dad and I followed Tallulah back into the dressing room, but this time, she showed us both the dress, which had the design but looked different.
"Lily, Donnie, I did research on ninjutsu, and Wilbur and Karena helped me out. Ninjas do their best work in the shadows and when they camouflage, blend in with their environment. So, Lily, I have added an illusion neckline, so there is a transparent strap on your right side, as you are right-handed. But I have also added a sleeve that is transparent on your left arm. Last, but not least, I did include two slits in the dress, one on each side, because a kunoichi always has to be deceptive. The slits will not show on the dress. However, I did have to turn a ballgown into an A-line dress, which is why it looks different."
"I prefer A-line dresses anyway," I replied with a smile. "It's still very beautiful, Tallulah."
"Did you know Lily made her own dress for her vision quest?" Dad asked the seamstress.
"No! Show me!"
Dad took out his T-Phone and showed her a picture of me in my vision quest dress.
"Lily, this is beautiful!" Tallulah complimented me. "You look like a Jedi with that dress."
"That was kind of the idea," I replied. "Rey inspired me regarding the design, and then I went on my vision quest with twin katana blades."
"Ah, like Ahsoka Tano, right?"
"Yes! I love Ahsoka!"
"Well, let's see how this dress looks on you."
I followed Tallulah into the dressing room, and I tried on the dress. I already felt much more comfortable with how the dress felt, and again, it fit me perfectly.
"Tallulah? This is the dress."
"Ah! Wonderful!"
"I absolutely love how you have designed this to honor me and to honor the ways of the ninja. I may have to ask you to design my wedding dress someday."
"Do NOT think about that, young lady!" I heard Dad yelling from outside the door.
Tallulah and I laughed in response.
"You can relax, Dad! I'm not Cinderella. Not even close! If anything, I'm Merida!"
"Well, come on, let me see you!"
Tallulah opened the door, and I stepped out, revealing myself to my dad, who had a fond smile on his face this time.
"That's definitely the dress," Dad told me. "It just suits you the best."
"Would Mom say the same thing?" I asked. "I know how Mom is with fashion."
"Trust me, your mom would agree with me."
North Hampton, New York, USA
APRIL'S POV
After a hard day of work in the city, I drove home in the Party Wagon. I got out in the bitter cold and proceeded to unlock the house to get in. However, when I got inside, I sensed someone else's presence.
"Donnie?" I yelled out. "That can't be you, is it?"
I knew it wasn't my husband, but he was always good with surprises, him being a master of ninjutsu. But I sensed a darker presence. I turned on the light in the gathering room.
"Who's there?" I asked. "Show yourself!"
I got my tessen out of my pocket and threw it. I then used my psychic powers to scan the room and the house. I heard the tessen hitting my intruder on the top floor… in Lily's bedroom. I gasped. I ran upstairs into my daughter's room.
"YOU!" I screamed.
"April O'Neil."
"It's April Hamato now, you jerk!" I yelled, finding the intruder and grabbing him by the collar. "Why are you here? Are you here to try to kidnap my daughter again?"
"I came for your husband, Mrs. Hamato," the Magician answered with a sadistic grin.
"Well, he's not here, and neither is my daughter!" I shot back. "So go back to your California hideout and leave my family alone!"
"Give your husband a message from me: bring Karena Edwards to Los Angeles, or your daughter dies."
I watched the Magician jump out of Lily's window, and I was immediately prompted to follow him. I followed him to his 2017 Ford Focus, and I snapped two pictures of his car before he drove off.
"Gotcha," I whispered with confidence. "I gotta call Raph."
I dialed Raph's number on my T-Phone.
"Sup?"
"Raph, it's April. The Magician was just at my house."
"What? When?"
"Just now. He threatened me and my family, Raph. He told me to tell Donnie to take Karena to Los Angeles or Lily would die."
"Okay, April, calm down."
"Raph, I am as calm as I can be. I was calm enough to take photos of the Magician's car. I'm sending them to you right now."
I sent my brother-in-law the two photos.
"Sweet. Thanks, April. Call Donnie. Let him know what's going on. Meanwhile, please come to the lair. It's not safe for you at the farmhouse anymore."
"Oh, Raph, I just got home—"
"April, it's Leo. Raph's right. The Magician was just at your house. He can kill you. You need to come to the lair until he's back behind bars. There are more than three of us that can take care of you."
I let out a sigh.
"Alright, I'll come down after I call Donnie. I love you guys."
"We love you too, April," Raph replied.
I hung up, and I proceeded to call Donnie.
Todayland, North Montana, USA
DONATELLO'S POV
"Okay, so I take two cards," I thought out loud. "And we have an epidemic. It looks like the epidemic is in… Lagos. So I'll place three yellow cubes there. Then, we have infections in… Chicago… and Atlanta. Your turn, Lily."
The phone rang. I took out my T-Phone and saw my wife's picture on the screen.
"Oh, it's your mother."
"I'll take my turn while you talk to her," Lily said.
I answered my phone.
"Donatello."
"Donnie, it's me."
"Hey, April! Are you doing okay?"
"Donnie, the Magician was here."
My grin turned into a shocked expression.
"What?! Where are you now?"
"I'm about to go back to New York City. Leo and Raph don't believe it's safe for me to be at the farmhouse anymore."
"Oh, honey—"
"Donnie, he threatened us. He knows Lily escaped. He wanted me to tell you to bring Karena to Los Angeles or Lily would die."
"I can't do that, April."
"I'm telling you not to, D. I'm getting Raph involved somehow."
"April, honey, I know you're worried," I tried soothing her. "But Lily and I couldn't be more safe, and Karena is safe too. Don't worry about us. Just worry about getting to New York safely."
I heard April letting out a weary sigh.
"Okay, D. But promise me that you and Lily will stay safe."
"April, you do know who you're speaking with, right?" I asked with a smirk. "We're ninjas. We know how to take care of ourselves. Right, Lily?"
Lily looked up and read my thoughts. She smiled.
"Right, Dad."
"See, April? We got this!"
"I trust you, D. I love you."
"I love you, too. I'll talk to you later."
"Bye, D."
I hung up.
"Dad? What is it?"
I smiled at my daughter while worrying about April at the same time.
"It's nothing. Let's keep playing."
"Daaad. I can read minds, you know. What's wrong?"
My smile disappeared, and I let out a sigh.
"The Magician stopped at the house. He knows you've escaped and he's threatened us. In fact, he's threatening to take your life."
"He threatened me? Why?"
I put my hands on my daughter's shoulders and I stared into her blue eyes with a grim expression on my face.
"Lilianna, I don't know how long he's known you've escaped. But he told your mother that if I didn't deliver Karena to Los Angeles, you'd die. Now listen to me. I don't know what's going to happen. But for right now, we're safe. I'm not going anywhere. Your mom is going to try to get Uncle Raph involved. But please know that I'm here to love you and to keep you safe, okay?"
"Dad, I understand," Lily replied with an assuring smile. "I love you, too."
I smiled.
"Hey, let's keep playing, okay? What did you do?"
"I took the cubes out of Chicago and Atlanta. Lagos had an outbreak."
"Okay, so it's my turn, then."
"Dad, should we let Karena know?"
"Lily, let Wilbur know tomorrow. I'd rather have her hear it from him. Now, back to the game. Now I have a cure for our unfriendly blue virus, so I am going to go to Atlanta, using my Hong Kong city card, and it is cured!"
