I swear there will be more action on Wilbur and Karena's side eventually! Donnie and April's road trip to find Lily was not planned, but I feel that it provided further depth into the story. Enjoy this chapter!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything related to "TMNT" nor "Meet the Robinsons." I only own Lilianna, Ryan, Lindsey, and Karena. I also do not own Amy Irving's "Why Don't You Do Right?"
October 2, 2038 – North Hampton, New York, USA
DONATELLO'S POV
April and I had gotten home from the lair after asking my brothers for help in finding our daughter.
"So how long is this leave of yours, April?" I asked.
"About a week. What about you?"
"I asked for two weeks off!"
"Well that was generous of Cornelius to do," April replied.
Suddenly, she winced in pain.
"April! Are you okay?"
"I think… Donnie! Follow me!"
April and I suddenly took off sprinting in the woods.
"April, where are we going?" I asked as we continued to sprint, not losing my breath at all.
"I know exactly what happened," April answered. "Just keep following me!"
We kept on sprinting until we got to the exact spot where I found Lily's phone.
"My powers picked up a trail from Lily's kidnappers," April explained. "Maybe I can use them to find where they went."
"Now that I think about it, I do smell cherries," I replied, taking a huge sniff of air. "Lily's scent. I'll follow you wherever you need to go, April."
The more I followed April around the woods, the more I was convinced she was an excellent tracker. We followed her psychic trail for an hour until I spotted something on the ground.
"April, look! Tire tracks! I can't believe Raph missed this!"
"I missed what?"
April and I both turned around to find my brother Raphael and his wife Mona Lisa approaching us.
"What are you two doing all the way out here?" Raph asked.
"I sensed a trail and we've been following it," April explained. "Come look at this."
Raph and Mona knelt down next to me to analyze the tire tracks. Raph took out his T-Phone and took a picture of it with the flash on.
"Aren't ground cars extinct?" Mona Lisa asked.
"Not entirely," I explained. "Cornelius Robinson invented the flying car, and it was such a hit that the entire country adopted this, significantly saving the planet of pollution and the use of fossil fuels. These cars that we used as teenagers are still used, but not as often."
"I could go back to the city and figure out what kind of car this is," Raph suggested.
"No need," I replied. "This tire came from a 2017 Ford Focus. I remember going through a car junkyard one time for parts and studied everything there."
"Donnie, my psychic trail doesn't end here," April chimed in. "It keeps going."
The three of us started to follow her.
"April, I don't smell her anymore," I said with worry as we continued to run.
"Well, thank goodness for April's psychic powers," Mona Lisa replied.
We found ourselves running out of the forest and looking at a major highway.
"Donnie, Lily's kidnappers took Interstate 88 west of here," April revealed.
"Where do you suppose they would be taking her?" Mona Lisa asked.
"I don't know," Raph answered with worry. "But I got a bad feeling about this."
"Me too," I replied. "April, does the trail keep going?"
"Yes. Donnie, we need to follow it."
"I'll pack a suitcase right away. Raph, let Leo and Mikey know we'll call you guys every day for an update. Hopefully April's powers can help us find our daughter."
October 3, 2038 – Somewhere in New York, on Interstate 88
APRIL'S POV
Once I alerted my husband of a trail I found on Interstate 88, we did not hesitate to pack a suitcase and try to follow the trail. Donnie was the driver while I used my psychic powers to try to find the trail. We started out going west on Interstate 88.
"Uh, April, the interstate's ending!" Donnie told me as calmly as he could. "Which way did they go?"
"Go on Interstate 86, D!" I yelled.
I watched Donnie merge out of Interstate 88 and onto Interstate 86, and we continued driving west despite us driving north for a while.
"April, how long is this trail?" Donnie asked. "And is it going to take us to Lily?"
"Hey, Raph says we have to follow every lead!" I snapped.
"Okay, sheesh! You don't have to snap at me."
I let out a sigh.
"I'm sorry, D. I've been kidnapped before, but you saved me that same night. Lily's been gone for two nights already. I'm just so worried about her!"
Don, while looking at the road, took his right hand off the steering wheel and put it on my shoulder.
"I'm worried too, honey. And that's why we're doing this. If this lead helps us get to another lead, then it's worth it. Just keep telling me where to go."
"What if we need to stay the night?"
"Then that's what we'll do. We have money, don't worry. And I'm free to roam around now, so they have to accept me."
"If not, then we'll do what we've always done: camp in the van."
We drove Interstate 86 for some time until Donnie alerted me that the Interstate was ending.
"Isn't the Interstate supposed to be country-wide?" Donnie asked in anger as we crossed the Pennsylvania border. "What's with all these Interstates ending?"
"Take Interstate 90 west, D!" I said sternly.
"Gee, I wonder how Lily must have felt with all of these Interstate changes."
"She may have been knocked out, Donnie," I replied. "Just keep driving!"
We drove Interstate 90 alongside Lake Erie. We weren't in Pennsylvania for very long. We crossed into Ohio, and once we drove into the town called Toledo, we spent the night there. Thankfully, Donnie was accepted and he was able to pay a room for the night. We woke up right at sunrise, and we did not hesitate to hit the road again. We crossed into Indiana, and then we crossed into Illinois. Interstate 90 had taken us into Chicago, but then I felt something different.
"Donnie, Lily's kidnappers didn't stay on Interstate 90," I spoke up.
"Then, where am I going, April?" Donnie asked impatiently as we ran into traffic. "This is amazing. You'd think with all the flying cars, Chicago would be traffic-free. But no! We're STUCK IN TRAFFIC!"
"Exit onto Adams Street," I answered.
"Why would the kidnappers go into the city?" Donnie asked in confusion. "What was their destination with Lily?"
"I don't know," I replied. "But I'm not liking that this trail took us all the way here to Chicago. And we're not done yet."
Donnie suddenly gasped.
"April! I just remembered something. Chicago was the home of Al Capone! Well, technically, Cicero is, but the point is, Al Capone ran Chicago! Maybe these kidnappers have a connection to Capone."
"I don't think so, Donnie. I'm thinking these kidnappers knew what they were doing. Besides, wasn't Capone alive 100 years ago?"
"Yeah, I see your point. Alright, we're exiting onto Adams now."
It was worse to drive through the city than it was driving through the Interstate. There were lots of people walking around, so we had to be super cautious about crossing the road. Then, something grabbed Donnie's attention.
"A Route 66 sign? Route 66 started here? Heh, who knew?"
It took us while to find out where the kidnappers went next. Suddenly, I felt a change in the trail.
"Donnie, turn left onto Ogden Avenue."
"Got it!"
We turned to find another Route 66 sign, and we were heading into Cicero, and then Berwyn, Lyons, and McCook.
"I think I know where the kidnappers went!" Donnie spoke up. "Route 66 was a major highway in the 1950s. People dreamed of going to California for a richer life, and Route 66 had everything at the time."
"Where does Route 66 end, D?" I asked.
"Santa Monica, California."
"Do you think that's where Lily's kidnappers are taking her?"
"Absolutely. The road was saved not too long ago. The kidnappers probably believe this road is a safe haven. It certainly wasn't in its heyday, but after it had been decommissioned in the 1980s, this road couldn't be more safer to use today."
"So, we're going all the way to California?" I asked.
"Not necessarily. If Lily's smart, she would have tried to escape in the midst of all this. Let's keep going for now, see if you can find her trail."
We followed Route 66 until we reached the city of Joliet, and then we spent the night downtown, but not before admiring the Rialto Theatre, which was built the same year Route 66 was commissioned for the first time: 1926. I was thankful for Donnie still having his electronic lock pick, and he was able to get us in to look at the theatre, which was one of the most beautiful sights I had ever seen. It looked like it was still used to play movies and for music performances.
When sunrise came after an extra hour of sleep due to the change in time zones, we took off on Route 66 out of Joliet, but not before getting frozen coffees at Dunkin Donuts. Donnie and I looked in awe when we drove past an old Nascar race track. We drove past Elwood and alongside what I thought was the most beautiful prairie I had ever seen. The sun's position was absolutely perfect for us to stop on the side of the road and take a picture. Then we ventured into the town of Wilmington. The first thing we saw was a giant statue of a green astronaut. Donnie geeked out at the sight, stopped the van at a restaurant called the Launching Pad, and I took a picture of him next to the giant. We ventured onto the towns of Braidwood, Gardner, and then Dwight.
"Okay, I know we're supposed to be following your psychic trail," Donnie started to say as he pulled the van up to a vintage gas station. "But everything we've seen here is amazing! We need to do this again sometime."
"For sure!" I replied enthusiastically. "When Lily is with us and not missing."
"I think I've learned a lesson from this."
"Asides from not listening to your daughter and yelling at her?"
Donnie gave me a stern glance.
"Yes, asides from that. If you ever feel like you're in the fast lane, slow down. I think this was why Route 66 was so popular before it was saved. This road gives you time to stop and admire what it was and what it is now."
Donnie set up a tripod for his T-Phone to take a picture of the two of us at the gas station before venturing on south. The twin cities Bloomington-Normal was impossible to follow, but we made it out and continued to follow the trail. We drove through major cities such as Lincoln and Springfield, the capital of Illinois, and then drove alongside Interstate 55 through the city of Litchfield where we approached a restaurant called the Ariston Café. We ate an Italian lunch there and learned that this restaurant had been in business since 1924. After taking a dessert to go, we ventured on through the city of Edwardsville and across the Missouri border into St. Louis.
"Is the trail still on Route 66?" Donnie asked.
"Yep, just keep going."
We ended up driving through the state of Missouri. The sights we passed in Missouri were just as interesting as the sights in Illinois. It was mostly history we saw, such as the Gasconade River bridge that had been threatened to be disassembled, but ended up being saved, and old restaurants and hotels that had been deserted. Springfield, Missouri was the next major city to drive through, and this city was significant as Route 66 was decided here. There were lots of Route 66 sights in the city, but we pressed on, continuing to follow my psychic trail. We pushed on through Joplin, but not before seeing the sights in Carthage. We eventually reached the Kansas border and the town of Galena. We did take a stop to take pictures of the cars from the movie Cars that were stationed along the road here. We passed the most unique bridge called a rainbow bridge after passing through Riverton, and then we drove through Baxter Springs. It only took us half an hour before crossing into Oklahoma.
"Of all the states I never thought I'd go to, it's Oklahoma," Donnie said. "Is the trail still hot?"
"Yep."
Donnie and I found Oklahoma to be the most passionate about Route 66, even more passionate than Illinois, the state where the road started, and Missouri, the state the name of the road was decided. There was at least one Route 66 sight in every city we passed through, and we even found a 9-foot road that was the original road. Once we got into Tulsa, we spent the night. It was still Central Daylight Time, so the time stayed constant as we woke up before sunrise and got back on the road. It took me and Donnie about an hour to drive through Tulsa, as there was a lot to see. Thankfully, the psychic trail remained strong. We continued to see lots of Route 66 sightings as we drove. Suddenly, I felt the trail go cold as we entered the small town of Arcadia.
"Donnie, stop the car!"
We parked in front of a round barn and took a look around.
"April, come look at this!" Donnie yelled.
I walked over to him and found yellow paint on the road.
"Is that supposed to be there?" I asked.
"I don't think so," Donnie replied. "I think this is spray paint. Don't tell me someone thought to vandalize this beautiful barn!"
I grunted in pain, and Donnie did not hesitate to comfort me.
"Donnie, it's Lily!"
"Wait, what? Where is she?"
"I don't know, but… I think I know what happened here. Lily knocked out the taillights of her kidnapper's car, and then sprayed them with this spray paint."
I ran up the road, with Donnie following me as the events of Lily's escape played in my mind.
"Lily ran here!" I yelled. "She escaped."
"Atta girl, Lily!" Donnie yelled excitedly. "Now we're getting somewhere!"
We continued running until we got to a field. I started crying as the trail ran cold.
"Lily ran north," I cried. "I can't track her anymore. She must have slept in a field, and any rain or water washed the trail out."
"Oh, April," Donnie said, soothing me with comforting hands. "Lily's gonna be okay. I know this now. She's a smart girl, like she's proven just now. She'll find her way back to us, or she'll find a way to communicate with us. She knows what she is doing, April, and I'm proud of her for that."
"So, what should we do, Donnie?" I asked, sniffing the snot in my nose back as my husband wiped my tears away.
"Come to think of it, there was a place in Oklahoma City that we should visit before starting our way back home," Donnie suggested. "It's a bombing memorial, and it's often a place people go to reflect on the events of that day and to reflect on their own lives. We'll call Leo there."
October 6, 2038 – New York City, New York, USA
LEONARDO'S POV
I sat in meditation with Karai and Ryan when my T-Phone rang.
"Leo, the phone's ringing," Karai said through her meditation.
"It's Donnie," I replied. "We need to wake up."
We opened our eyes, and I answered the phone, putting the call on speakerphone.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Leo, it's Donnie."
"How are you doing?" I asked.
"We have good news and bad news."
"Let's have the good news first for a change," Karai said.
"April and I are at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum right now."
"My psychic trail ended in Arcadia, a town about thirty minutes away from where we are now," April explained. "Donnie and I found spray paint on the side of the road, and we discovered that Lily escaped her kidnappers. She ran north, but my trail ran cold again once we reached a field."
"I take it that's the bad news?" I asked.
"Yes," Donnie confirmed. "She ran through fields, and we do not know how far north she ran. Leo, she could be starving for all we know. But I don't think there's anything else April and I can do."
"All we can do is put our trust in that Lily will find her own way back to us," April chimed in. "But we do know that she is indeed alive."
"I'd rather have her alive than have her in the hands of kidnappers," Leo replied. "Is there anything we can do?"
"I'm afraid not, Leo," Donnie answered with sadness in his voice. "April and I are walking on the memorial grounds now, trying to make peace with what happened, and then we'll be heading back to New York. It should take us about a few days to get back."
"You and April are more than welcome to spend some time in the lair with us if you'd like," I offered. "Your bedroom hasn't changed at all, Don."
"Thanks, Leo. We'll think about it. We love you guys."
"We love you too, Donnie. We'll see you in a few days."
I hung up the phone, and Karai and I exchanged glances.
"Are you sure there isn't anything we can do, Leo?" Karai asked.
"Could we maybe meditate into Lily's mind?" Ryan asked.
"That is something only Aunt April can do, son," I answered with a sigh.
"But it doesn't mean we can't try, right? Lily would do the same if I was kidnapped. She is our role model after all."
I smiled, proud of my son for having the ability to be resilient.
"Ryan, go ahead and bring Venus and Athena in here. We're going to try to help Lily together."
October 28, 2038 – Todayland, North Montana, USA
LILIANNA'S POV
The first night of running, I had taken a nap in the middle of the field. The grass had been tall enough for me to blend in. I was suddenly nudged awake by a cow. I gasped when I realized it was daylight. I had to use my skills as a kunoichi to blend in so that the farmer could not spot me. When the farmer went back inside his house, I started running again.
During my travels, I had to scavenge for food that no one had wanted. I was thankful for all those times my dad took me to the various junkyards in New York City. Not only did he teach me how to scavenge for parts to use for his inventions, but he also taught me to find edible food in case I were to end up in survival mode. Thankfully, I did not have to only rely on dumpsters and junkyards to find food. There were restaurants in the various cities that had meals already paid for. All I had to do was pull down a ticket, give it to the waiter or waitress, and wait for my food. Those were rich opportunities for me, eating in a nice place.
I could not bear to ask anyone for help because, for the first time in my life, I was too afraid. Besides, when I had tried to read their minds, their only focus was making sure they could support their families. Why would they help a half-human, half-mutant-turtle anyway? But just seeing these thoughts made me miss my own family. There was no doubt they had been trying to find me all this time. Another disadvantage was that pay phones had gone extinct, so there was no way for me to make contact with my family. I did not even carry a picture of either parent. If I had shown someone the picture of my dad, they would have freaked out at his sight. I had some people freaking out over my having three fingers on each hand. I was wearing tennis shoes, so my three-toed feet were not seen.
I pushed on, praying that I was at least close to New York. I knew that I had been gone for countless days… maybe weeks. I had eventually reached what I thought was the most beautiful city. It was nighttime, so the city was lit in neon. I felt a sense of relief that washed over me at the sight. Instead of running, I walked so I could find a sign to find where I was at.
I had ran through various cities. I had discovered that I had escaped near a round barn in Arcadia, Oklahoma. I had then travelled to cities like Wichita, Omaha, Sioux Falls, and Bismarck. It was terrifying to run through unfamiliar territories, but there were lots of beautiful sunsets and sunrises that made the travels almost worth it. I had even spotted birds and other animals that I had never seen in New York. I only wish that I had my T-Phone with me to take pictures of them all.
I finally got close enough to the city to help me figure out where I was at, and words could not describe how I felt when I read the sign: Welcome to Todayland. The future has arrived in North Montana.
"North Montana?!" I screamed. "Are you shell-kicking me?"
I felt so tired and freaked out that I could not walk any farther. I collapsed and blacked out.
The next day…
I had a peaceful sleep. I woke up to find that I was inside a house. The bed was very comfortable to sleep in. The first thing I did was meditate to see if I could sense anyone else in the room with me. That, combined with my newfound power, confirmed that I was alone in the room.
I was curious about where I was at, as someone clearly found me and brought me here. I got out of the room and explored the halls. There were pictures of different children on all the walls, but there was one that stood out:
Cornelius "Lewis" Robinson. Orphaned from infancy until adolescence, Lewis had discovered his love of inventing in this orphanage. He was finally adopted after winning the science fair with his memory scanner at Joyce William Elementary School on March 30, 2007. We at Sixth Street Orphanage are very proud of Lewis's accomplishments.
Tears came to my eyes as I looked at the picture of Lewis, a young boy with spiky blonde hair. He had reminded me so much of my dad. My dad loved inventing just as much as Lewis does, and we had quite the house, full of inventions and gadgets my dad created over the years.
"Oh! You're awake!"
I turned to see a kind, middle-aged African woman with short grey hair. She wore a grey shirt and a purple pencil skirt.
"I was worried you wouldn't wake up. Cornelius found you unconscious outside the city and brought you here."
"Cornelius Robinson is still in the city?" I asked, now knowing where the world-famous inventor lived his life.
"He sure is," the woman answered, looking at Lewis's picture. "The world started to change that day. He's the CEO of Robinson Industries now, but he still does what he loves doing: inventing. His dreams of making the world a better place are still coming true."
There was a moment of silence, and I could suddenly read her thoughts.
"I should introduce myself to this poor girl. She's been through a lot. She probably doesn't know where she's at."
"My name is Mildred," the woman told me. "And may I ask what your name is?"
"I'm Lilianna. Everyone calls me Lily."
"Do you have family, Lily?"
"Yes… they're all in New York."
"Heavens! New York?" Mildred asked with surprise in her voice. "That's a long ways away! You have no family here in North Montana?"
"No, I've never heard of North Montana until now."
"Well, how about this? You stay here until we find your family in New York, okay?"
I was tempted to tell her that half of my family are mutant turtles, but I kept quiet. I only nodded my head.
"There's breakfast downstairs if you'd like some. And then I'd like to take you to school so that I can register you until you go back to New York."
I felt nervous again. Here I was in a strange place, and there was already talks about my being enrolled in school. My dad had homeschooled me my whole life. I desperately wanted to go back to New York now.
I went downstairs but found that I wasn't that hungry to eat breakfast because of my nerves. I settled for two pieces of toast and a glass of orange juice. Then, Mildred drove me in her flying car to Todayland High School. I had revealed that I had turned fourteen years old in May, so I was to be enrolled as a freshman. While Mildred filled out some of the forms, I had to fill out some forms also, and I had to make my own schedule. My first day at Todayland High School was on Monday, and I became afraid again. I was even more afraid than when I was kidnapped.
October 31, 2038
KARENA'S POV
"Gee, Karena, you could pull it off as anybody!"
"Thanks, Lindsey," I replied to my roommate. "Though I'm not sure how I feel about dressing up as Jessica Rabbit."
I had Lindsey help me zip up the red dress Tallulah made me. The dress had no sleeves, but it was floor length with a slit on my left leg. The dress covered my breasts perfectly, which I was thrilled about. Next, I put on the long silk purple gloves. Next, Lindsey helped me apply the red lipstick, purple eyeshadow, and brown eyeliner. Lastly, she helped me put on the long red-haired wig.
"Karena, trust me, you like a carbon-copy of Jessica Rabbit!" Lindsey said with a smile on her face.
"Come on, Lindsey, my breasts aren't that big. Can we please just get this night done and over with?"
"Why did you go along with this anyway?" my blonde-haired roommate asked.
"Because my boyfriend gave me the puppy dog pout. And also because his mom asked me to sing her song."
"You're going to knock Robinson Industries out of the park. That's for sure!"
"Thanks for the vote of confidence. I hope I do well."
"So, is Wilbur picking you up?"
"Nah, I figured we'd go there in style: bubbles. I wonder what Wilbur's going to be dressed up as?"
"How is Wilbur doing anyway?" Lindsey asked as she started to change clothes.
"Wilbur is doing well. He got his learner's permit, so he's being guided by his parents when he drives."
"Why can't you teach him?"
"I'm only nineteen. But yeah, he's on the student council this year, so he's been keeping himself busy."
"Good for him!" Lindsey replied with a smile. "I'm glad he's putting his potential to good use. What does he do there?"
"He's the sophomore representative for the council, so he'll spend his free time asking his classmates how they are doing and how the school environment can be better."
"That sounds like Wilbur Robinson. I'm glad."
"He has always enjoyed helping people, so yeah, I'm happy too. Though when we went to the homecoming dance, Wilbur wanted to escape."
"How co—oh wait. This wouldn't have anything to do with freshman year, would it?"
"That's exactly it," I answered. "The trauma wasn't that bad. I mean, he did pretty much solve his own almost-murder. But the fact that we were both almost killed was traumatic enough. That entire thing started with Rachel stalking him at the dance last year."
"I can't believe Rachel would do such a thing," Lindsey replied.
"Rachel wanted someone who didn't share the same feelings, and she was also mentally sick. I hope Rachel is getting that help somewhere."
"Well, what do you think?"
I looked up to see my roommate dressed with black leggings, glam bracelets, a t-shirt with a skull, and her blonde hair in waves.
"So far so good," I answered. "But you're missing the make-up."
"I'm getting to that!"
I watched Lindsey apply her own make-up to make herself look like a rock star from the 1980s.
"There!" Lindsey exclaimed with a big smile. "The femme fatale and the rock star. What a dynamic duo!"
I laughed.
"Let's take a selfie!" Lindsey suggested.
"Let me position your phone," I replied. "Wilbur taught me a few tricks."
"Ooh, Wilbur's a photographer, too? He's a kid of many talents."
"That sounds about right!" I replied, finishing getting the phone set up. "Okay, let's do this."
Lindsey and I posed our best for the picture, and then we put our shoes on, ready to take Halloween by storm.
WILBUR'S POV
"Do I have to wear this?" I asked. "I can pick my own costumes, you know?"
"I understand that honey," Mom answered. "But I will not have a zombie greeting people for the bash. Besides, this costume has always been cute on you."
"Yeah, when I was eight," I mumbled. "Can't I just wear something that will complement Karena's costume."
"No, you're not going to be Roger Rabbit either."
"That wasn't what I meant, Mom. I just want to wear something simple, like a tuxedo suit."
"Wilbur, that is your zombie costume, so no, you are not wearing it."
I realized I wasn't going to go anywhere with this argument with my mom, so I let out a sigh.
"Fine, I'll wear the penguin costume, but only until after Karena's performance."
I walked away and muttered under my breath.
"Maybe I'd be better off as Daffy Duck. At least I'd get some hearty laughs out of it."
I went into my room and went up the levitation platform to my bed where my penguin costume lay. Letting out a very loud sigh, I put the penguin costume over my casual clothes. Then, an idea came to mind. I may not be able to show my zombie costume at first, but I sure can shed the penguin costume afterwards. I took off my penguin costume, and then I took off my casual clothes. I put on the ripped black suit with red paint all over it, and I put red make-up in my pocket. Finally, I put the penguin costume back on over the suit, and I was all ready to go.
LILIANNA'S POV
It was Halloween, and Mildred was kind enough to buy me some materials for me to make my Halloween costume. It was my dad's favorite holiday as well as my uncles'. It was the one day of the entire year they could go up to the surface without anyone screaming in terror at their sight. That is, until the bill passed for all mutants to freely roam the planet without judgment.
It was only fitting for me to dress like my father and my uncles. I had received a green shirt and green leggings, but then I had to paint my hands, my feet, and my face green. I created a plastron and a shell using organic materials and tan-colored paint. The rest of the costume was easy. I made myself a white mask, as mine was back in New York, and then I put my belt and sheath on after adjusting it to the shell. I put my bo staff in the sheath, and I was ready to go.
"Would you like me to take a picture of you?" Mildred asked. "You can show your family when you return to New York."
"Yeah! That'd be great! Thanks!"
Then, an idea sparked in my head.
"Hey Mildred, is there any way you can send it to my cell phone? I don't have it on me. It may be back in New York."
"Smile!" Mildred told me.
I gave her my best gap-toothed grin and posed with my bo staff before she took the picture.
"You really do look like a ninja turtle!" Mildred complimented me with a laugh before her smile faded away. "I don't mean to pry, but you didn't come to Todayland by choice, did you?"
"Let me give you my cell number," I said, ignoring her question.
I typed my cell number into Mildred's phone, and sent the picture to my cell phone, praying that if my parents found it, they would receive the message that I was okay.
"Why don't we try a different approach, Lily?" Mildred proposed. "Can you tell me about your family?"
"I'm an only child to parents who love me. My dad has three brothers, all of whom are married. I am one of four cousins in the family. I was running around in the woods one day and I got kidnapped. I escaped from their car somewhere in Oklahoma and just kept on running and hiding. I thought I was heading back to New York, but somehow I ended up here. I have never been far away from home before. My hometown is in North Hampton. The rest of my family live in Manhattan."
"Your family must love you very much. I hope they will be able to find you here."
"I have surprised myself with how resourceful I have been this entire time," I replied. "If anything, I may find them."
"But it's not a good idea for you to travel alone. You're safe here, Lily. And I promise I will take care of you until we reunite you with your family."
"Thank you, Mildred. But I can go into the city by myself, right?"
"Yes, you may. There's a Halloween bash at Robinson Industries if you'd like to go there. The Robinson family hosts it every year there."
"Could you take me there, please?"
"I take all the orphans there with me," Mildred answered with a smile. "I'd be delighted to."
"Thank you so much!"
It turned out that Robinson Industries was only blocks away from the orphanage, and it was a building that was shaped like an R. We walked through the main doors, and then we took the elevator to the thirtieth floor. We got out of the elevator and walked toward the ballroom where the Halloween bash was held. We were greeted by a boy my age wearing a penguin costume.
"Miss Duffy, welcome to our annual Halloween bash!" the boy greeted her.
"Thank you very much, Wilbur," Mildred replied with a kind smile.
"You all look very amazing tonight," Wilbur complimented all of us.
"Thank you," we all replied.
"You may enter," Wilbur told us, gesturing toward the ballroom with his left hand.
I was amazed at how the ballroom was decorated. There were orange and black balloons everywhere, and there were also orange and black streamers along the walls and the ceiling. There was a disco ball in the middle of the room, and there was an orange runner in the center of the room from the door to the stage. To my surprise, there was a group of mutant frogs on the stage. I smiled with delight, glad to see that New York City was not the only city with mutants running around. These frogs were performing all sorts of jazz music, which made me feel even more welcome. When I wanted to dance, I had always put on big band music and pretended I was in the 1920s, dancing in a speakeasy.
I then tried to focus. My goal tonight was to find someone who may possibly know my parents, especially if it meant finding Cornelius Robinson himself. I read the thoughts of every guest in the bash, but every single thought I read went along the lines of the person having a good time and appreciating the music and the food. Suddenly, the music stopped playing, and I found a woman wearing a witch's costume walk up to the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the woman spoke into the microphone. "Cornelius and I want to thank you all for coming to our annual Halloween bash. We hope you're all having a fabulous time. Now, we have a special guest today. I have known her for a little over a year and a half, and she has assisted my family with any conflicts over the past year. She is a beautiful young woman, who is currently attending Todayland University, majoring in music education. And now it is my pleasure to present… Miss Karena Edwards!"
I let out a loud gasp amongst the applause. I finally found a connection. The woman walking up to the stage attended the same university my dad is remotely teaching at. I also remembered the thoughts of my kidnappers and they mentioned a woman named Karena. I wondered if this was the same person as she started to sing with a seductive but sweet voice.
"You had plenty money, 1922. You let other women make a fool of you. Why don't you do right, like some other men do? Get out of here, and get me some money too."
Karena, wearing a red evening dress and a red wig, walked off the stage with the microphone. I watched as she walked to each table.
"You're sitting there and wondering what it's all about. If you ain't got no money, they will put you out. Why don't you do right, like some other men do? Get out of here, and get me some money too."
I noticed all of the men in the room were looking at Karena with widened eyes, but then I noticed Wilbur staring at her simply with a smile on his face. I could not help but read his only thought:
"Good job, Karena. You make me proud."
"If you had prepared twenty years ago, you wouldn't be a-wanderin' now from door to door. Why don't you do right, like some other men do? Get out of here and get me some money too."
Karena walked to another table and sat on the lap of a man wearing a U.S. soldier costume.
"Get out of here and get me some money too."
I smirked when Karena took off the hat and shoved it into that man's face.
"Why don't you do right like some other men…"
The music paused as Karena looked seductively… into Cornelius Robinson himself.
"Do?"
Karena held out her note as she tugged Cornelius's tie, and then she walked back up to the stage to put the microphone down. By the time she did that, the ballroom erupted in applause. Karena walked off the stage, and I did not hesitate to walk up to her.
"Oh, hi!" Karena greeted me. "I look a little… exposed, don't I?"
"Can you help me?" I asked.
"I'm not sure I can, but that is an amazing costume. You look like the female version of Donatello."
"You know my dad?" I asked excitedly.
"Wait a minute, what are you talking about?" Karena asked.
I took a moment to read her mind, and Karena truly did not know what I was talking about. Feeling saddened, I ran out of the ballroom, out of Robinson Industries, and back to the orphanage. I went to my room, took off the green make-up and my costume, and I cried on the bed.
"Mom, Dad, please tell me you got Mildred's text," I cried to the ceiling, and then I cried myself to sleep.
KARENA'S POV
I felt bad for the girl. As amazing as her costume was, she looked like she was lost in a strange world. I wanted to follow her, but I felt that I was needed here.
"BOO!"
I screamed, and everyone turned in my direction. I turned around to see my boyfriend no longer in a penguin costume, but in what I believed to be a zombie costume! There was red paint all over his face and on his costume, which I assumed was a ripped tuxedo suit.
"Geez, I didn't mean to scare you to death!" Wilbur said with concern in his voice. "I am so sorry! Are you okay? It's not me, is it?"
"Yeah, I'll be okay," I answered. "It's just that I had a… strange conversation just now."
Wilbur blew a sigh of relief, but then gave me a serious facial expression.
"How strange was this conversation?" Wilbur asked me.
"A girl… approached me after I finished singing. She asked if I could help her and if I knew her dad."
"What's her name?"
"She didn't say. But I feel bad. Especially since she had an amazing costume! Goodness, it reminded me so much of Donnie before I moved here."
"By Donnie, do you mean… the mutant turtle?"
"Yes!"
I let out a sigh.
"I hope she'll be okay."
"She will be," Wilbur replied. "If I know anything about women, it's that they're tougher than men. Now come on. Let's enjoy the rest of the party."
North Hampton, New York, USA
DONATELLO'S POV
I sat dejectedly at my desk, praying that Lily was safe somewhere in the country. I picked up her phone and looked at the picture of herself in the background. It was a good selfie she took. She showed her gap-toothed grin that she inherited from me, and she also winked. It was an older selfie, as she still had bangs, but her copper red hair was absolutely perfect in the light.
I set the phone down as a tear fell. Feeling the tear, I took off my purple mask. I had continued on with my work, taping lessons for my students at Todayland University, but I couldn't bring myself to do any other experiments in the lab. Instead, I meditated and spoke to Splinter. He ended up giving me the same advice that he gave Raph when Spike mutated into Slash:
"Surround yourself with friends and family in the present."
I was more thankful than ever that April was in my life to tell me every day that everything was going to be okay. April continued to have hope that our daughter would make it back to us, and because of that I had hope, too. Suddenly, I heard my T-Phone ring. I looked at it, but there was nothing on my T-Phone.
"Lily's phone rang?" I asked out loud in confusion.
I opened Lily's T-Phone to discover that she had indeed received a text message. I opened it, praying that this was a good sign. To my sudden delight, it was a picture of my daughter wearing green make-up, dressed like me, only with a white mask instead of a purple one. I put my purple mask back on after wiping away my tears. Using my T-Phone, I dialed the number that sent the picture to Lily's phone.
"Hello?"
"Yes, may I ask who I am speaking with?"
"This is Mildred Duffy at Sixth Street Orphanage. How may I help you?"
"Yes, my name is Dr. Donatello Hamato, and my daughter had been kidnapped at the beginning of October. After not having any luck finding her, my daughter received a picture on her phone from this number. Would you happen to know my daughter, Lilianna?"
"You're her father! Oh, praise God! Yes, I have been getting acquainted with Lily."
"So, she's okay?" I asked.
"Yes, she is safe. She is a little malnourished, but I have been taking care of her for the last three days."
"Oh!" I exclaimed happily. "Oh, thank you Jesus! Oh my gosh, this is amazing news! So where are you at? Is there any way I can try to get in touch with her?"
"We are in Todayland, North Montana. I have enrolled Lily in high school so that she can get the education she needs in case we weren't able to find any of her family."
"Good! I'm glad you did that. I'm not sure when I'll be able to get over there. I'll have to talk to my family about what to do. Just please watch over her for me until we get something figured out."
"I will do that, Dr. Hamato. I will also try to encourage Lily to call you whenever she can. Is this number a good number to call you?"
"Yes it is. Thank you so much! I truly appreciate everything you've done for her so far. And please, call me Donatello."
"It's my pleasure, Donatello. I will have Lily call you from my cell phone."
"That sounds great."
"Do you have any other questions for me, Donatello?"
"I can't even think straight right now! Ha! I'm just… so excited my Lily Mae is safe!"
"I'm happy for you, Donatello. I'll let her know you called."
"I appreciate that. Have a good night, Mildred."
"Good night, Donatello, and thank you for calling."
We hung up, and I laughed with joy. I had so much joy that I ran out of the barn and into the house, carrying Lily's phone with me.
"April!"
"Donnie! I was just about to get you. We gotta leave for the city."
"Lily's safe!"
"Wait, what?" April asked, her smile fading away. "What about Lily?"
"She's safe! Lily's phone rang and there was a picture of her in her Halloween costume. April, she dressed as me. So I called the number on my cell phone. Lilianna is safe in Todayland, North Montana!"
"Todayland?! Isn't that where your university is?"
"Yes, it is. Ironic, isn't it? Lily's being taken care of in an orphanage. She's malnourished, but she's going to be alright."
"I wonder how Lily made it all the way to North Montana," April said quietly.
"I don't know, but she's safe. That's all that matters."
"Hallelujah for that, Donatello!" April said excitedly. "Now we really need to go to the lair, tell the family the good news!"
"Booyakasha!" I yelled, and April and I ran into the Party Wagon.