Hello again! If you've read this far, congratulations on following along on this wild ride! This starts my reimagination of "For Good." There are some things that I wrote that are not planned, but I'm happy with what I wrote. One of my favorite parts was the flashback between Donnie and April. Without further ado, enjoy this chapter!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything related to "TMNT" nor "Meet the Robinsons." I only own Karena, Lilianna, Venus, Athena, James, & Kate. I also do not own Shaimus's "All of This" nor Margaret Becker's "Never For Nothing."

August 27, 2040 – Todayland, North Montana, USA

WILBUR'S POV

I heard the song All of This loudly playing on my phone, which woke me up. I turned the song off after hearing the first verse. I looked at the date and time. It was August 27, 2040, and it was six o'clock in the morning. I smiled. For the first time ever, I was excited to go back to school. My smile grew bigger because it also meant that I was entering my final year of high school. I did not hesitate to get out of bed, but not before playing the same song on my phone.

"Hey, girl, whatcha doing?" I sang happily, not realizing just how excited I was for school. "There's something in the kitchen that shouldn't be brewing. Oh, hey! Step away. We should save our love for a better day."

I walked onto the levitation platform, which lowered me to the bottom floor. I walked to my closet.

"But hey babe, you got me going. The kitchen's on fire and we're stuck in the oven. Oh, hoo! You should know all of this makes me love you more."

I took out my signature outfit as the drums played.

"Hey, everything seems alright and I know you will have me tonight. Take me where my heart says but my mind will say no."

I took off my pajamas and changed into my school clothes.

"Hey girl, you got me, lover. The house burned down and we're running for cover. Hey, hoo! You should know all of this makes me love you more."

While the guitar solo played, I messed around with my hair. I combed it and then I put hair gel on my cowlick so it wouldn't look weird. I didn't sing the rest of the song because I was too focused on getting my hair just right and then I had put on my shoes.

"Well, look at you, Mr. Todayland High School Senior," Carl spoke happily as he walked into my room.

I laughed.

"I am so excited, Carl. No more waking up at six in the morning after this year."

"Oh, that's what you're excited about, huh?" Carl teased me. "What about marching band? Senior road trips?"

"Carl, I want to walk through my senior year on a positive note. And besides, I'm exempt from taking final exams this year because of my ACT score."

"Really? What was your score?"

"Thirty-two."

"Hey! That is good! I'll betcha you'll be recognized as a North Montana State Scholar."

"Hey, if it helps me get into Todayland University, then I'm happy."

"Have you decided what you're going to study?" Carl asked.

My smile faded away.

"No, not yet. Lily suggested I be a teacher because I'm a good storyteller, but I don't want to be a teacher. I'd just be carrying the trend of teachers in my family."

"Well, if you end up marrying Karena, then the trend won't be broken. She's getting her education degree this winter."

I snapped my fingers, forgetting my girlfriend was attending Todayland University to be a music teacher.

"Carl, have you been speaking to Karena lately?" I asked with curiosity.

"Yes, and you are going to be in for a surprise. Speaking of which, do you need to be at school early?"

"Unfortunately. My first days of school have always started with a seven o'clock marching band practice. And then I relax and have breakfast with Lily."

"Will Lily be attending school here again this year?" Carl asked.

"Yes. She surprised her dad throughout her sophomore year. Her dad thought she wasn't going to handle the pressure of going to school, being a cheerleader, being the leader of her clan, and doing homework. But she proved him wrong, especially during the epidemic."

"That reminds me, how did your appointment with Dr. Pride go?"

"It went well. Donatello was with her because he's my doctor. She just asked me if I had any more symptoms and about my health in general."

"I'm still amazed Donatello managed to put you in his care. All of his patients are in New York!"

"Once you get him talking, he won't stop. And it's been interesting going to New York, and not just for my doctor's appointments. My ninja training's been going well. Leo thinks I'll be initiated as a full-pledged ninja on Lily's birthday."

"That's in May too, isn't it?"

"May 29th, yes. I guess the day of Lily's birth turned into a day of celebration for the Hamato Clan. Once Lily was born, she inspired the entire family to look forward to their future, looking for things to celebrate. In fact, they celebrate Mutation Day now more than ever."

"What's Mutation Day?" Carl asked, rubbing his golden head.

"The day Leo, Raph, Don, and Mikey mutated from being baby turtles to baby humanoid turtles," I explained. "Mikey's been the most enthusiastic about it, but Don brought the tradition back after Lily was born."

I glanced at my phone. It was now six forty-five.

"I have to go, Carl. I'd hate to make a bad impression on my first day as a senior."

"Good luck, little buddy!"

North Hampton, New York, USA

LILIANNA'S POV

My alarm went off, and I woke up with a smile on my face. Today was the start of a new school year for me. To my pleasant surprise, my dad was okay with my going to Todayland High School again. Ever since I had turned sixteen, he had continued to encourage me to do my best in training, both my ninjutsu training and my psychic training, as well as on my nightly patrols. There were some nights where I had patrolled on foot. On other nights, my cousins will try being the leader while I assisted them from my car now that I could drive in the city by myself. However, my dad had also told me not to drive through the portal to Todayland, so my lavender-colored flying car would sit in the lair all day until it was time for patrol, should I choose to drive.

I heard my phone going off again, and I realized I had pushed the snooze button instead of the stop button. I sheepishly chuckled out loud before turning off my alarm for real.

"Lilianna Mae, you need to get up!"

"I'm awake, Dad!"

I chuckled and rolled my eyes. I peeked into my closet and decided to wear one of the outfits I had received for my birthday: a navy blue blouse with a short black skirt. Again, I wore black boots to compliment my outfit. I put half of my long red hair up in a ponytail and left the bottom half of my hair down. I swept my bangs over to my left side. I smiled, confident with my look, and then I walked out of my room, down the stairs, through the hall, and into the kitchen. To my surprise, I saw my dad cooking breakfast. My mom was sitting in the dining room reading her tablet with a cup of coffee in her hand.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Dad teased me with his gap-toothed grin.

"You are bad, Dad," I teased back, sharing a gap-toothed grin of my own.

"Excited for school?"

"It'll be great to be back. I'm still surprised you're allowing me to go back to Todayland."

"You have proven me wrong with how much endurance you had last year," Dad explained.

He expertly flipped a pancake, which landed right back on the pan with perfect precision. I clapped for him. He turned towards me and gave me a small bow.

"And it is very clear how much you love it in Todayland, so Mom and I are letting you go back next year too. Why not have all the experience at one school?"

I could not help but run up to him and hug him. He exclaimed with surprise, but then he hugged me back.

"You are the best of the best of the best!" I happily said into his plastron.

I heard my mom laughing with joy in the background.

"But Dad, you've taught me something else too: never take anything for granted. I love being here and in the city just as much as I love being in Todayland. You can't trade family members, especially family members who love you."

"Lily, have you told Dad the big news?" Mom asked me from the dining room.

"What news?" Dad asked.

"The high school ran out of math classes for me to take," I explained. "So I'm taking two math classes at Todayland University this year. I'm taking trigonometry this semester, and then college algebra next semester. I'll be taking the monorail to the university for that period of the day."

"You and Cornelius worked this out?" Dad asked with surprise in his voice.

"Yep! I'm excited about it."

"Already knocking out college credits, huh?"

"Yep! I'm taking advanced placement U.S. history too."

"You really are my daughter," Dad replied with fondness in his voice and in his amber eyes. "I'm very proud of you. Now, please sit down with your mother. I need to finish these pancakes."

I kissed my dad on the cheek and then I walked into the dining room and sat across from my mom, who was doing a puzzle on her tablet.

"Which puzzle is that, Mom?"

"Wordle."

"That game that's still going on since 2022? That's surprising."

"Some puzzles are harder than others. But it's never stopped your dad, even if he gets the puzzle in six tries."

"Dad's never failed?" I asked.

"Nope. He was the one who got me addicted to it, ever since it went public."

"May I see?"

"Sure! Maybe we can work together on it."

I stood up and walked around the table to watch my mom try her hand at Wordle.

"So, what word should I try first?" Mom asked me.

"Isn't this your puzzle?"

"Just this once, pick a good starter word for me. After today, you're on your own. It has to be a five-letter word."

I pondered for a moment.

"Ninja."

Once my mom typed the word, she pushed the enter button. The blocks changed color. I noticed that the first n turned yellow along with the a. The rest of them were blacked out.

"Okay, so that means there's only one n in the word," Mom explained to me. "The a is in the word too, but not in the right place."

"What about human?"

Mom typed the word in. The n and the a were still yellow while the rest of the word was blacked out.

"Hmm… there are only two other places the n can be: the second or fourth spot."

"What about plane?"

This time, the last three letters were colored green. The first two letters were blacked out.

"I take it the green means the letters are in the correct place?" I asked.

"Yes. Oh! I know!"

I watched my mom type in the next word: crane. The entire word was green.

"Not bad, Lily," Mom complimented me with a grin. "Not bad at all. It took us four tries to solve it."

"Okay, once I'm done making breakfast, I'm solving it," Dad yelled from the kitchen.

"How's it coming?" Mom asked.

"Just about done! Could you ladies help me with the rest, please?"

Mom and I got up from the dining room table to help Dad finish the pancakes. Mom retrieved the syrups while I set up the table. Once we were all settled in the dining room, my dad took out his T-Phone, presumably to solve today's Wordle. According to my dad, he has never failed a puzzle, though he will solve it in six tries once in a while. Suddenly, he started to laugh.

"Let me guess: you got it in two again?" Mom asked teasingly.

"No!" Dad answered with a smile. "I solved it on my first try!"

"What?" Mom and I exclaimed at the same time.

"No way!" Mom replied with even more teasing in her voice. "You weren't being psychic or eavesdropping on our conversation, were you, Donnie?"

"No, I swear!" Dad defended himself. "I've always used crane as my starter word."

"Lily, is your dad telling us the truth?" Mom asked with a smug grin on her face.

"Go ahead and read my mind," Dad said, also carrying a smug grin. "Which one of us right?"

With a grin, I looked into my dad's eyes and read his mind.

"Mom, he was telling the truth. He's used crane first everyday since he started playing in 2022."

"For eighteen years? Really?"

"You heard it from the psychic, April," Dad answered with a wink. "Although this was only the second time in those eighteen years crane has been the winner. But here's my question: Lily, how come you've never tried to read your mother's mind?"

"Because Mom knows how to shut up."

"Lily!"

I turned to look at my mom, who now had a glare on her face. Dad also had a glare on his face.

"I'm sorry, Mom," I told her, immediately realizing what I said. "It just came out of my mouth."

"Try again, Lilianna," Dad said angrily. "I'm sorry. I promise never to say that again."

"Mom, I'm sorry. I promise never to use those words again."

"Thank you," Mom replied, relaxing her facial muscles.

"Actually, if there's someone who knows how to close his mind, it's Wilbur," I explained. "I had so much trouble getting into his mind when he had the virus. It's never happened to me before. But I've never really tried reading Mom's mind."

"Donnie, didn't you close your mind off that one time?" Mom asked. "I remember you and Lily having a fight and you told her you closed it."

"It does take skill to close your mind," Dad answered. "It's harder for me because I have so much knowledge and memories in there."

"Could we please go to a more pleasant topic than my powers, please?" I asked. "I'd like this school year to go by as smoothly as possible."

"Well, what are you looking forward to this year, Lily?" Dad asked with a smile.

"Cheerleading, of course. And seeing my friends again."

"Especially James?" Mom teased me with a smirk on her face.

I blushed.

"Not at the table, honey," Dad told her.

"I'm with Dad on this one," I replied. "Moving on. Wilbur's gotta be really excited. It's his senior year. How did it feel like for both of you? I know I'm a junior, but still."

"I was so excited to graduate," Mom answered. "I did not have a good experience in high school. I learned more from your dad than my teachers. But there was one experience that I will never forget."

FLASHBACK: May 10, 2014 - New York City, New York, USA

APRIL'S POV

I sat at my table and yawned. The prom king and queen had just been crowned, and right now, it was the coronation dance.

"Are you okay, Red?" Casey Jones asked me.

I turned to my right to see a look of concern on my date's face.

"I want to go home, Casey," I answered, shaking my head. "I'm not one to get all excited about dances."

"Okay, Red. I'll take you home."

I smiled. There were times where I hated Casey for being obnoxious. And then there were times where he showed he really cared. This was one of those times where he cared. Casey took my hand and led me out of the ballroom. I lifted up my yellow dress to prepare myself to ride behind him on his bike. Once I got on, I put on the helmet Casey gave me for safety measures. I held onto him as he started to pedal as fast as he could to my apartment.

"Did you have a good time?" Casey asked me once we got home.

"Yeah!" I lied with a smile on my face. "It was wonderful. Seeing everyone in their dresses and tuxedos. Watching everyone dancing and having the time of their lives. Spending time with you and Irma."

I took one last look at Casey, who was wearing a black tuxedo and had his hair combed to the side. I smiled genuinely, because I never expected him to wash himself up for me.

"What about you, Casey?" I asked him. "Did you have a good time?"

"Dances aren't my thing either," Casey answered. "I'd rather fight another Mutagen Man with you any day."

"I can get behind that," I replied, and that was the truth. "Thank you for taking me home, Casey. See you in the lair tomorrow?"

"Sure, Red. See you tomorrow."

I watched Casey take off on his bike, and I smiled. Once he was out of my eyesight, my smile disappeared. I let out a sigh before walking inside. I unlocked my apartment and walked inside to greet my dad, who greeted me with a smile.

"You're home early. How was the prom?"

"Peachy, Dad. Just peachy."

I couldn't come up with anything else to say. For some reason, I had trouble talking to my dad.

"I'm... gonna go to my room and get out of this dress. Good night, Dad."

"Goodnight, April."

I kissed him on the cheek before retreating to my room. I was so excited to get out of this dress. But right when I got into my room, I felt another presence. I immediately walked over to my window and opened it. I smiled again, this time with hope in my heart.

"Donnie?" I called out. "Is that you?"

Donatello, the purple-clad mutant turtle who was my best friend, appeared out of his hiding place and came up to me at my window. His kind smile turned into a look of awe.

"April, you're so... so..."

"Princessy?" I asked, biting my lip. "I hate this dress."

"Why?" Donnie asked with a frown. "There must have been a special occasion if you're wearing a dress."

"Tonight was my high school prom. I went with Casey, but just as friends. He actually came prepared. He was dressed in a tuxedo and took care of himself."

"So why aren't you happy?"

"Dances aren't my thing. I didn't really have a good time. I enjoyed going with Casey, but... but..."

"You wanted more than the high school cliques? You wanted more than what you see in those movies?"

I let out a small gasp.

"Yeah, pretty much. High school dances are so predictable. You go in fancy dresses, you dance with friends, you get to watch the coronation that only the popular kids are involved in, and then you get to watch said popular kids dance together. It's very cliquey. I want my dances to mean something. And... Casey is a terrible dancer. And I really hate this dress."

I watched as Donnie analyzed every part of me. First, he saw my blue eyes and my red braided crown with my bangs swept to my left. Then he saw my strapless yellow ball gown, which touched the ground. I lifted my dress up so he could see my yellow wedged heels. I looked back up at my best friend, and he had an affectionate smile.

"You're pretty," Donnie said. "But something is not quite right."

"The dress?"

"Not quite. May I?"

I nodded my head, wondering what he was going to do. I felt his big fingers searching my hair. Before I knew it, my braided crown was gone, and all of my hair fell down to my shoulders. I looked up at Donnie, who had an even bigger smile.

"You are so beautiful, April," he told me.

"Even in this dress?" I asked sheepishly.

"Especially in that dress. April, you're beautiful no matter what you wear or what your hair looks like."

I blushed. Donnie usually hid his feelings or stuttered on them, but it felt freeing hearing his perfect thoughts.

"In fact, I'd be honored to dance with the most beautiful girl on the planet."

Donnie paused.

"And I should stop talking now-"

"No, Donnie. I'd love to dance with you."

He blinked.

"W-wait, really? You... want to... dance... with... me?"

I laughed.

"Yes, Donnie, I do. In fact, I know the perfect song."

I took out my T-Phone from my pocket and put on Margaret Becker's Never For Nothing.

"April, I have a confession to make," Donnie spoke. "I don't know how to dance... I mean, not in that way."

"My dad taught me how to dance," I replied with a smile. "Please, let me teach you. You put this hand here."

I guided Donnie's right hand and put it on my waist. I let out a chuckle as I heard him gulp nervously.

"And then you take my right hand with your left hand."

I held our hands out.

"And now, we glide to your left for three, and then back right for three."

Donnie watched our feet for a few moments as Margaret began to sing.

"You cried alone by the window over the love that you lost. You gave it all, never counting the cost."

"You got it, D!" I encouraged him.

I caught a glimpse of him smiling, showing the gap in his teeth. He continued to look down at our feet as we continued dancing.

"Rain-like tears beat on your window, melting your heart to the floor. No love returned, and now you have less than before."

Now Donnie and I were looking at each other in the eyes, dancing underneath the twinkling dome above us.

"It's never for nothing when you love with no return. It's never for nothing. Light your candle in the darkness, 'cause it's never for nothing."

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Donnie asked me with a kind smile.

"You know what? I am enjoying myself. This is way better than watching everyone else dance. You are an amazing dancer, Donatello."

Donnie blushed, but managed to compose himself.

"Are you ready to be surprised?" he asked me.

"Surprised how? Whoa!"

Donnie twirled me, and I twirled back into his arms.

"I had an amazing teacher," he replied, winking at me as we continued to dance.

"Oh! My favorite line is coming up."

"So hold on to the holy promise that says 'no labor of love is in vain.' Precious tears are changed to jewels in the rain."

"I take it that line convinced you to come back to us?" Donnie asked.

"That was you," I answered. "That line convinced me just how much you love me and how our friendship was worth fighting for."

I let out a sigh.

"What's wrong?" Donnie asked with concern in his voice. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No, Donnie, you did the complete opposite," I answered, giving him a fond smile. "You've always been there for me."

I paused for a moment.

"It's graduation. I'm graduating high school in just two weeks. And honestly? I wish you could come. For the first time, I wish you weren't a turtle so that I could tell Irma just how amazing you are."

Donnie pondered my thoughts with a curious smile.

"If you'd like to tell her about me, you may. Just don't reveal that I'm a mutant turtle learning ninjutsu living in the sewers."

"No, Donnie, I made a promise to you and to Master Splinter to never reveal your existence. I'm going to keep all of my promises from now on because I don't want to lose you again."

Donnie looked startled. It was my turn to blush.

"I guess we're both saying things out of the blue," Donnie said with a chuckle. "I know we've talked about this before, but how do you feel about us?"

"Donnie."

I put my hand on his left cheek, and he melted into the touch. My smile only grew bigger.

"Let's finish our dance."

PRESENT - August 27, 2040 - North Hampton, New York, USA

LILIANNA'S POV

"That is so sweet," I told my mom once she finished her story. "Dad, did you ever go to Mom's graduation?"

"I did," Dad answered with a smile. "I couldn't go inside, obviously. But once she and Grandpa returned to their apartment, I waited for her to show up at the window. She had her hair down and she was still wearing her cap and gown. I remember her being excited about earning her diploma."

"And I was excited about attending college for a degree in journalism. Your dad was my biggest supporter."

"Dad, what about you? Or did you even go to school?"

"I homeschooled myself and your uncles all that time. I applied for a GED when I turned thirteen and had it sent to an old address of Splinter's. After I told him about it, he returned to his old home and retrieved my diploma for me. Afterwards, when we weren't training ninjutsu, I taught your uncles generalized knowledge, basically the things we all need to survive."

"So you were destined to be a teacher from the beginning," I replied in awe.

My dad chuckled.

"Yeah, I guess so. Although, teaching Uncle Mikey was not easy. He was always distracted."

"Now I gotta know," Mom chimed in. "What were their best subjects? I know yours was science."

"Leo and Raph excelled in history. Mikey excelled in literature. And actually, science was not my best subject."

"It wasn't?" Mom asked with surprise in her voice.

"Let me guess: math, particularly calculus?" I asked.

"Finite mathematics, actually," Dad answered with his gap-toothed grin. "Great guess, Lily! How are the pancakes?"

"Donnie, your cooking is getting better and better," Mom answered. "The pancakes are absolutely delicious!"

"I agree," I replied. "And I saw the way you flipped them. Not even Athena could do a pancake flip that well."

"Thank you! And thank you."

Dad took out his phone.

"And now I believe you need to get ready for your first day as a high school junior."

"I just need to grab my backpack," I replied with a smile.

Todayland, North Montana, USA

WILBUR'S POV

My first marching band rehearsal concluded at seven forty-five, and I made my way to the cafeteria to meet up with Lily. I quickly found her at our spot. Her long red hair was always a giveaway.

"Lily!"

She looked up in my direction and gave me a gap-toothed smile.

"Hey there, partner!" Lily greeted me. "How does it feel being a senior?"

"Absolutely amazing!" I answered enthusiastically. "I am so ready to get this show on the road!"

"Are we talking about the marching band or your senior year?"

"Both."

"Hi, guys!"

Lily and I turned to see a girl with braided blonde hair and brown eyes. She was wearing an orange shirt with orange pants and white sneakers.

"Athena?" Lily asked with surprise in her voice. "Did I leave something in the lair last night?"

"Goodness, no!" Athena replied. "My mom enrolled me here as a freshman!"

"What?" Lily and I exclaimed at the same time.

"How did you pull that off?" Lily asked, still surprised.

"Well, I am that age where I'm allowed to go to high school," Athena explained. "You inspire me, Lily. I practically had to beg my parents to let me come to school here."

Lily and I turned toward each other and raised an eyebrow at each other.

"Did you have any proof that you're even eligible for high school, Athena?" Lily asked her youngest cousin.

"Lily, you of all people should know that your dad homeschools us and prints our diplomas. I'm all set! Otherwise, I wouldn't be here."

"She's got a point," I chimed in. "Well, Athena, you remember me, right?"

"Yes, Wilbur Robinson, right? The son of the Father of the Future, Lily's "brother" and Ryan's best friend?"

"You got me! So what can we do to help?"

"I was hoping Lily could help me find my classes," Athena answered with a smile. "And Wilbur, as a senior, maybe you can share with me the secrets of this school."

"Well, I'm not sure about any secrets, but I'll do my best."

"Sweet! So where would my locker be?"

"All of the freshmen lockers are on the fourth floor," Lily answered.

"Thanks! Lily, I'll see you up there!"

"Athena, wait!"

Athena had darted out the door. Lily let out a sigh.

"Athena is as kind as her mother, but she's just as distracted as her dad," Lily explained. "I should go help her. We'll see you at lunch, Wilbur."

I watched Lily leaving the cafeteria, and now I was alone.

"I guess I'll go to my locker."

I left the cafeteria and took the short trek to my locker. I smiled with relief because I no longer had to take the stairs to get to my locker. The seniors had their lockers on the bottom floor, and I was very excited to walk down these halls all the time. Despite the seniors feeling ready to graduate, I often found that the seniors had the most school spirit.

"Hey, Wilbur!"

I turned to my right to see James Anderson walking up to me.

"Hey!"

We bumped our fists and then hugged each other.

"Can you believe we are finally seniors?" James asked with a big smile on his face. "We rule the school!"

"Hopefully we won't have any stalkers or magicians or wasps this year," I replied.

"Have you truly moved on from Rachel?"

"I believe so. Lily's been quite the help with her being here. She's been a great distraction."

"Is that all she is, a distraction?"

"Goodness no! Lily's become the sister I never had. Speaking of which, she'll be graduating as a Todayland Star. She's coming here this year and next year."

"Cool! Maybe I can find her."

"Check the top floor," I suggested. "We very recently discovered her cousin is coming to school here now too."

"Which one?"

"Athena, the completely human cousin, though don't tell her I said that."

"Hey, I've learned to keep secrets after dating Lily for some time."

"Dating? Are you official?"

"No, Lily still wants to take it slow. And after everything I've done, I don't blame her. So what's with you and Karena? Who are you going to take to dances now that she's that age?"

"She's still young enough to go to homecoming with me!" I retorted. "But winter ball will be too late. Maybe I'll tag along with you and Lily."

"Or maybe ask Athena to prom?"

"Well, that's an idea. But..."

I trailed off.

"Wilbur? What's wrong, Bud?"

"James, promise me you'll keep this secret."

"Sure."

I whispered in his ear.

"I'm going to ask Karena to marry me when she graduates college in December."

James looked at me with astonishment written all over his face.

"What?! Can you get married out of high school?"

"Well, that's not the plan, but yes, eighteen is the legal age to marry without my parents' consent. So if I would indeed ask Athena out to prom, I'd feel like I'm betraying Karena somehow. Winter ball's no big deal. But prom? I could always go stag."

"And we could pretend it's your bachelor's party," James suggested. "Though I am planning on asking Lily to prom again unless something happens."

"Thanks for the idea," I replied with a smile.

The first bell rang.

"I gotta go. Band class is first for me this year."

"And I've got gym. Good luck, Wilbur!"

"You too, James!"

I watched James speed away towards the gym while I followed closely behind. The band room was the room just before the gym, so I ended up following James until we both turned the corners. Once I entered the band room, I walked into the cubby room where I found my trumpet safe and sound. I put my mouthpiece in the instrument and then blew into it, warming myself and my trumpet up to play. Then, I went to my usual seat. I sat down just as the final bell rang. We stood up, cited the Pledge of Allegiance, and then we sat back down and listened to our first announcements of the year. Afterwards, Mr. Samuels stood up and addressed us with a smile on our faces.

"I know you've heard this before, but welcome to the beginning of a new year. I am so excited to guide you all this year, and we are going to have a lot of fun with our Lord of the Rings selection. But first, allow me to introduce you to a very special person. Miss Edwards, would you please stand?"

My eyes widened when I watched my girlfriend standing up next to my teacher.

"Isn't that your girlfriend?" Rich Hardy asked me in a whisper.

"Yes," I answered. "I knew she was student teaching, but I never knew she'd be student teaching here."

"This is Miss Edwards, boys and girls. She is a student teacher who may take Mrs White's place when she retires. Miss Edwards?"

"It is very nice to meet all of you," Karena said with a smile on her face. "I have been attending Todayland University studying music education, and this is my very last semester before I graduate. I am very proud to spend my last semester here with you all. At first, I am just here as an observer, and yes, I will be participating in the football games with you as a flutist. As we further go into the semester, I will be going with you to your competitions all around North Montana, and I will eventually take over Mr. Samuels' duty as your teacher until December when I graduate. But for now, let me grab my flute and allow me to play with you guys."

"Karena plays the flute?" I asked myself quietly. "I didn't know that."

"Thank you, Miss Edwards," Mr. Samuels replied. "And now, let's open up our books and play Minas Tirith."

LILIANNA'S POV

"I don't know which is more surprising," I said. "My cousin going to school here or Karena being a student teacher here."

I sat at the lunch table with Athena, Wilbur, James, and Kate.

"So you're Lily's cousin?" Kate asked.

"Yep!" Athena enthusiastically answered. "We have two other cousins, but Lily's dad is homeschooling them. My parents let me go to school here."

"How old are you?" James asked.

"I'm fourteen now, but I'll be fifteen on September 30th."

"Ah, so you're a freshman."

"Yeah, but I'm a cool freshman! I get to live out my dad's dreams of high school."

"So that's who gave you the okay to go to school!" I spoke up. "I can't say I'm surprised. Uncle Mikey does have a vivid imagination."

"So what do you think of high school so far?" Wilbur asked my cousin.

"I can't really say yet," Athena answered. "But what I really wanna know is how you really got involved with cheerleading, Lily. And is there anything else I can do?"

"The cheerleading thing just came out of the blue," I answered. "I wanted to be more involved with the school somehow, and I found it through cheerleading. Wilbur found his through the band."

I paused, smirking at my best friend.

"You know, Wilbur, I am very surprised to find out you are the president of your class."

"But not as surprised at hearing the news of you being the vice president of yours, Lily," Wilbur replied.

"I wasn't expecting to win at all! Honest!"

"Hey, you worked for it, and your classmates agreed you made the most difference with your school spirit."

"I'm not even the most popular kid in the school," I replied. "If anything, that title goes to you, Wilbur."

"Lily, we all know I don't care about popularity. I'm just happy to be involved."

"Guys, what can I do?" Athena chimed in.

"Well, if you want to be a cheerleader with Lily, there are tryouts that will be hosted on Friday," Kate suggested. "The drama club is holding tryouts for the play, too, but that's during lunch."

"And I think, for the freshmen, election season is currently happening," Wilbur suggested. "Maybe that's something you can try."

"How do I campaign?" Athena asked.

"I can help you out with that," I answered. "I think I understand your eagerness to be involved. Go ahead and sign up in the office, and all you have to do is promote some sort of platform. You are going to want to convince your classmates to vote for you."

"Your best bet is to be a student council representative," Wilbur suggested. "That's how I got started with student government. And the job of the student council is to decide how to run the school dances. My job is to find a way to promote these events. That's part of Lily's job too."

"Athena, you've got a spirit like no other," I encouraged her. "Use your imagination and your love of food to promote yourself to your classmates. And who cares if you're new? You clearly care about being involved."

"Lily's right," Wilbur said, backing me up with a confident smile. "You can do this!"

"So, the main office, right?" Athena asked.

"Yes."

"Lily, would you come with me, please?"

I took one look at her and she was giving me her puppy-dog pout. I let out a sigh, giving in.

"Alright, let's go. You boys have fun."

I led my cousin out of the cafeteria and down the hallway to the principal's office.

"Hello, Mr. Jameson?"

Mr. Jameson looked up from his desk and put a big smile on his face.

"Lily! Come on in! And who is this little lady?"

"This is my cousin Athena. She's been enrolled as a freshman here. Athena, this is our principal, Mr. Jameson."

Athena shook hands with the principal.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," Athena told him with a smile.

"It's always nice to meet new students," Mr. Jameson replied. "So what can I do for you ladies?"

"Well, Athena is being the model freshman and would like to run for student government," I explained.

"I'm loving the enthusiasm. You are going to fit right in here. What office are we running for, Athena?"

"Wilbur suggested I run for student council."

"Ah, you know Wilbur, too. He has become a model student since his freshman year. He will be missed when he graduates."

"Lily has spoken highly of him," Athena replied, still holding her smile. "Is there anything I need to do?"

"I will give you this form."

Mr. Jameson printed off a piece of paper.

"This is a petition for your campaign to run for student council. You will need to obtain thirty signatures by convincing them to vote for you. Now tell me, have you thought of a platform for your campaign, Athena?"

"Yes, my platform will be based around food. I cook all the time for my family, and I'd like to help provide better food and flowers for school dances. I'd also like to advocate for the life classes, such as sewing, cooking, and childrearing."

My jaw dropped open. Words could not describe how proud I was that Athena was already trying to be the best student. Words also could not describe how much I am thinking like my dad right now.

"Now you've got me curious. I have never seen a student so passionate about the simplicities of life before. What is your favorite hobby?"

"Cooking, without a doubt," Athena answered. "My dad owns a pizza restaurant back home and passed down his teachings to me. But I have always been willing to learn from all of my cousins. Lily's been helping me with my vocals. Ryan has always given me a tip on how to improve my ninjutsu. And Venus has taught me a thing or two about botany and horticulture."

"And you seem to be a very outgoing person," Mr. Jameson told her. "So I have no doubt you will obtain all of those signatures. Once you are done, return this to me, and I will officially put your name in the ballot."

"Fantastic! Thank you so much!"

"Thank you, Athena, for taking a step further into making this world a better place. Your family, especially your cousin Lily, would be proud of you."

"I am proud," I replied with an earnest smile. "Thank you."

Athena and I walked out with smiles on our faces.

"Look at you go!" I encouraged her. "You're adjusting better than I did."

"You're my role model, Lily," Athena replied. "I'm just trying to follow your example."

I put my left hand over my heart. I felt really touched.

"Athena, that is the sweetest thing anyone besides my father has ever told me. But when I first came to Todayland High School, I felt so terrified that I wouldn't fit in that I kept hiding. Wilbur was the one who brought me out of hiding. But you, you came here and the first thing you wanted to do was help other students. I am so proud of you."

I paused, letting out a chuckle.

"Okay, did I sound like my dad just now?"

"YES!" Athena answered with laughter. "Now tell me, what is the best way to obtain signatures?"

"The best way is to approach your fellow freshmen classmates in all of your classes. There's a good chance you will all be together all day for at least the first semester. You are certainly not going to be the only one with a new experience in high school. Just introduce yourself to them, start with an icebreaker, and then ease your way into explaining your platform."

"What's an icebreaker?" Athena asked.

"Just a general question to get to know somebody," I explained. "My dad uses them all the time on the first days of classes. Actually, a good one to ask here would be, what is your favorite sport? You've already expressed interest in cheerleading, so if someone answers with that, that is a fantastic way to connect. And yes, you may include me in that discussion."

"Noted. Thanks! Shall we head back to the cafeteria?"

I glanced at my T-Phone to see what time it was. It was eleven-forty.

"There's only five more minutes of lunch. We might make it back in time."

"Then let's go!" Athena replied.

We walked back into the cafeteria and joined back up with Wilbur, James, and Kate.

"So, how did it go with Mr. Jameson?" Wilbur asked with a grin.

"He was very impressed," Athena answered. "And he's very nice and encouraging. I think I have what it takes to be a student council representative. Lily gave me great advice too."

"That's the spirit!"

"Wilbur, may I practice on you?"

"Sure!"

"You can also practice on us if you'd like," James suggested.

"Okay!"

Athena cleared her throat.

"Hi! My name is Athena. What is your name?"

"My name is Wilbur. Wilbur Robinson."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Wilbur," Athena replied. "What is your favorite sport?"

"Chargeball. It's a combination of dodgeball and hockey. You have this glove on, and you fire charge balls to get rid of your opponent's blocks. Once you finish that, you try to score a goal."

"That is so cool! Do you enjoy going to school dances?"

"That depends on whether I have a date or not," Wilbur answered. "Why do you ask?"

"School dances can be fun without dates," Athena explained. "You can go stag with your friends and still have a great time. I am running for student council, and as your representative, it is my goal to provide you with the best food and entertainment. I do a lot of cooking at home and my family loves my cooking. And my dad has taught me how to be selective with music, and it will be my goal as your representative to help find the best musicians for the job."

"What kind of food would you provide at the dance?" Wilbur asked.

"Both salts and sweets. I make amazing brownies and lemon squares, and I know how to make the best nacho cheese and salsa for tortilla chips. My goal is to provide a refreshment table for both snacks and drinks, such as Coca-Cola products, punch, and lemonade. I want to make school dances as authentic as possible."

"Homemade foods and drinks are certainly better than store bought," Wilbur replied with a grin.

"If you agree, then please sign this petition to support me."

We all clapped.

"Not bad, Athena," Wilbur complimented her.

"Actually, I think that's perfect," I chimed in. "You found a way to spark a conversation with another classmate, and then you went right to the point."

I paused.

"Come to think of it, I think the only thing missing from that is a transition. You should talk about your interest in cheerleading too, and then ask if their interests in school dances."

"And you don't even have to ask about sports," James suggested. "You can ask about their favorite colors, because believe it or not, colors do play a part in dances."

"Or you can ask what their favorite school subject is," Kate chimed in. "There's a lot of icebreaker questions you can ask. We believe in you, Athena!"

"Thanks, guys."

August 31, 2040 - New York City, New York, USA

ATHENA'S POV

I returned to the lair feeling all pooped out. I got settled in the bean bag chair that my dad had gotten for me, and I put on Super Robo Mecha Force Five.

"Wow!" I heard Venus yell out. "I've never seen you... just relaxing before. Are you alright?"

"Yes, Venus, I'm fine," I answered. "I'm just so tired. Everything I went through today is not as tiring as two hours of ninjutsu with Uncle Leo."

"What happened?" Venus asked, sitting down next to me.

"Well, I went to school-"

"I still can't believe you're going to Todayland High with Lily," Venus interrupted me.

"I'm surprised my parents said yes. But anyway, I went to school, discovered that I've been elected the freshman representative of the student council-"

"That's awesome! Isn't Lily a part of that too?"

"Yeah. She's the vice president of her class. Anyway, I went to school, discovered I'm now the freshman representative of the student council, then tried out for the fall play and for cheerleading. Whew!"

"Are you going to be able to handle all of that?" Venus asked me. "And isn't the term auditioning for the fall play?"

"It's the same thing," I replied with annoyance in my voice. "But we'll find out."

I let out a sigh.

"Come to think of it, I wonder how Lily is able to handle everything she does on top of being the leader of the Hamato Clan. She makes it all look easy."

"That is something to ask Lily," Venus replied. "So you just need a breather?"

"Yeah. I think out of all the things I tried out for, I hope I don't make the play. Maybe I'll stick with student council during school hours and cheerleading after school."

"And the one thing we don't need you to sacrifice is your love of cooking. We all love your cooking way more than your dad's."

"Really?"

"Really. I know, I don't give compliments often, but you've earned this one."

"Well, I did use my love of cooking to be elected for student council."

"And being elected is all about keeping your promises," Venus advised me. "So don't ever give that up. But hey, you'll be working with Lily, so she can definitely keep you accountable."

"Lily is good at that. That, and giving advice."

I let out another sigh.

"I just want to be a good student."

"Just be yourself, Athena," Venus advised me. "That is the best way to go. And those friends that helped you out: Wilbur, James, and Kate? Keep them. They sound like amazing friends."

Suddenly, a portal opened up behind us, and Lily emerged from it. I quickly stood up... only to find out how sore I was.

"Hi!" Lily greeted us enthusiastically.

"Hey, Lily," we both greeted her.

"Athena, are you okay?" she asked me with a genuine look of concern on her face.

"I'm just really sore. I don't usually get sore."

"Well, cheerleading is a different sport from ninjutsu," Lily explained with compassion in her voice. "Which reminds me... congratulations, Athena. You made the squad!"

"Really? Yay!"

"You were clearly inspired from watching me try out a couple years ago. Hopefully the soreness will be worth it."

"So far it is," I replied with a fatigued laugh. "But I'm not sure I want to go out on patrol tonight."

"It does sound like you need to rest," Lily replied. "I'll talk to Uncle Leo about it. I think he'll understand."

"Thanks, Lily. Do you wanna watch the rest of this episode with us? I plan on doing homework afterwards."

"Sure!"

Lily sat down and watched the rest of the show with us.

"Do you have a schedule or some sort for cheerleading?" I asked her.

"Oh! Yes! I got it right here."

Lily handed me papers, which contained calendars.

"I usually come to the lair right after practice so that I can jump right into our training," Lily explained. "And then afterwards, I go home with my parents. I really do believe you will be just fine."

"I know I will be."

"Actually going to school is harder than being homeschooled. I mean, sure, my dad always had a routine with me when it came to schooling, but it was the same thing for me every day. That was one of the reasons why I begged him to let me go to school in Todayland. So why did you beg your dad to go?"

"Because I want to be with you more," I answered with a smile. "Like I said before, you're my role model. I look up to you. And you actually want to do things with me. We don't live with each other, unlike with Ryan and Venus, so I see you less often. With my going to school with you, I'll feel like I'm actually a part of your family."

Lily frowned.

"Aww, Athena."

Lily hugged me, and I hugged her back.

"Just because we live three hours away doesn't mean we're not family. I've loved you since the day you were born, and so have my parents. Heck, my dad helped your mom give birth to you! You've always been family. It's just that fate took us on another path. I know my mom would love the opportunity to move back to the city someday, but she and my dad compromised on things, and we're living our best lives. Maybe they'll move back here when I go to college. I don't know! I remember my dad telling me that he needed room to grow and that was why he and Mom moved out of the lair. As much as I am powerful with my psychic ability, I cannot predict the future."

I gapped my mouth open.

"Gotta love irony. These so called psychics can predict the future, but you can't."

"All I can do is read thoughts and movements, Athena," Lily replied. "And I'm taking my dad's advice on not using the time machine to see my future. I'm content with my life here and in Todayland."

"You carry the best of both worlds really well," I told her. "I hope I can do the same someday."

"Well, you are already one week through the school year, and so far, I think you're killing it."

Lily gave me a wink before going to the dojo via cartwheels, round-offs, and flips.

"I don't know about you," Venus told me with a smirk. "But I think you two are about to have the best year of your lives."