Hi everyone! There's a lot going on here. Lily heads to Oklahoma, New York, and Delaware. It is action-packed and I hope you will enjoy it! Happy reading!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything related to "TMNT," "Meet the Robinsons," "Toy Story," "Justice League Unlimited," and "Batman Beyond." I only own Lilianna, Ryan, Venus, Athena, and Justine.
P.S. Yes, I have done research on "Justice League" and "Batman Beyond" while writing this chapter.
December 22, 2042 - Elkhorn, Oklahoma, USA
LILIANNA'S POV
A lot has happened this first half of my sophomore year of college, but the most happened this past month. I ventured to Dimension X just before heading back to Todayland to stop Krang's scheme and I was successful, thanks to the help of my family. All of the animals and pets that had survived this entire time were recovering just fine... well, almost all of them.
Right when Justine and I returned to our dorm, Wilbur immediately came over with the news that Buster had unexpectedly passed away. My dad wrote a note of excused absences that entire week to give him time to mourn the loss of a beloved pet. Buster was buried in the garden, the same place Wilbur and Karena exchanged their marriage vows.
My entire family, which now included Wilbur, Karena, and Justine as honorary members, started our nightly patrols. Thankfully, it was all quiet in New York City, North Hampton, and Todayland. There have been no threats from Dimension X since Krang was forced to return to his own time and Kraang Subprime was sentenced to a maximum security prison on her home planet.
All too quickly, fall semester came to an end at both Todayland University and Todayland High School. Justine and I first flew to New York City together and went on patrols with my parents in North Hampton. Wilbur and Karena, of course, remained in Todayland, their home, and did their patrols there. Their mother Franny joined them in my place.
After a week, Justine had asked me if I would go with her to her hometown. Understanding that she needed support, we flew to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Words could not describe how surprised I was that Woody and Bo Pride owned their own flying car. It surprised me even more that it did fit the four of us. But before we drove to Elkhorn, Justine had given me a winter dress to wear. I loved the green and red dress I was wearing today with white fur around my neck.
While Justine returned home with her parents, the owner of the cafe, Estelle, was kind to offer me a room to sleep in. I had met her daughter Emily, who knew more about Justine than Woody did and was a delight to talk to. Like Justine, Emily was also going to college to be a nurse. Emily was not at all scared when she discovered I had three-fingered hands. My three-toed feet were hidden in brown winter boots.
I woke up on this crisp Monday morning. There was no snow on the ground, but it was cold enough for me to enjoy some of Estelle's hot chocolate. I heard the bell ring, indicating that Estelle had a customer. I turned and saw Justine instead. I smiled and waved.
"Good morning," I greeted her.
"Good morning, Lily," Justine greeted me with sadness in her voice.
"What's going on?" I asked, my smile turning into a frown. "What's wrong?"
"Lily, you know why I'm here. I've been waking up early and coming here before my parents wake up."
"Where do you go before the cafe opens?" I asked.
Justine sighed.
"The jail. Here, I feel that's where I belong."
I suddenly got angry.
"That's poppycock and you know it!" I snapped. "That is a broken Justine talking. The Justine I know has grown into a beautiful young woman who now laughs at her past and her future. The Justine of Elkhorn, Oklahoma is no longer that girl. She's grown up and feels ready to tell her father how she feels all this time."
"I don't know, Lily!" Justine yelled, now breaking into tears. "I feel totally fine in Todayland but now I feel distant."
I've had enough. I got up, tugged Justine by the wrist and led her out the door. While she complained about being in pain, I forced her on her horse and I climbed up behind her.
"Take me to Pride Ranch," I sternly told her.
"Yah!" Justine yelled.
Her horse quickly ran out of town and into Pride Ranch. Once we got there, we quickly got off the horse and went inside the house.
"Woody?" I yelled. "Bo?"
"In the dining room!" Bo yelled.
Precisely remembering the layout of the house, I had no trouble finding it while dragging Justine with me.
"Where did you go, Justine?" Woody asked with a worried voice. "We were worried about you."
"She found me," I answered before letting out a sigh. "Woody, Justine, you two need to talk about your feelings. Justine, you were clearly scarred at what happened and felt distant for a long time. Woody, I know you love your daughter, but she needs to be heard by you. You never really gave her the chance to speak. Now's the time."
Woody let out a sigh, and he had a look of sadness and guilt on his face. Justine looked hurt. I sat down next to Bo, who started to whisper in my ear.
"Thank you for being the friend Justine needs. Woody and I were very worried when we left her. We received Justine's letter and we both felt guilty. You were right. Now is the time for reconciliation. I hope Justine and Woody will agree."
"I want to help my friends in any way I can," I whispered back to her. "Including you and Woody. Raising a child is not easy, and neither is letting your child go. I can read my dad like a book."
"I know you and Donnie have quite the relationship. I hope it's rubbed off on all of us."
"You go first, Justine," Woody prompted her. "I know you're scared. The truth is, I'm scared too."
Justine's brown eyes widened as she sharply looked up at her father.
"Father, you've never been scared before."
"You didn't know me when I was a toy," Woody explained. "Andy was the best owner I could ever had. He made me feel so alive, and I didn't want to lose that. I was so scared of being abandoned, of being lost, of him not caring about me anymore. When Buzz came along, I tried everything to prevent my fears from coming true. But I couldn't deny it anymore when we found ourselves at Sid's house. Sid treated his toys horribly."
"So much for Justine going first," I whispered to Bo.
"Sid had ordered a rocket to blow a toy up and his first thought was me. No, I hid, scared for my life. And then he found Buzz. Thankfully, a rainstorm came and made me think about my actions and the consequences that came with them. Buzz was, indeed, the coolest toy, and he didn't do anything to deserve that rocket. I deserved it all, the pain, the destruction, my death."
Woody let out a shaky sigh.
"My fears about myself turned into my fears that my friends would be abandoned. Jessie and Bullseye were almost shipped off to Japan to be in a museum. Years later, after a huge misunderstanding, all of us almost died in an incinerator. And then, when I found Bo again, I was scared of losing her while being scared of Bonnie's sadness. I learned that I needed to let it all go and just be myself. I stayed with your mom and then... you came along."
Woody genuinely smiled with tears coming down from his brown eyes.
"You were the greatest gift to ever come from this life. But I was still scared. I was scared that I was going to mess up while being your father. And I messed up big time by throwing you in that jail cell."
Woody turned to me.
"Lily, you and Donnie were right about everything. I had thought long and hard about what I have done ever since we left Todayland and I regret every second of it. I lost my daughter that night. When she came home the next morning, she hid. She never came down to speak to us. But I never knew exactly why. I thought a night in jail would do her some good. I had no idea until Justine wrote us that letter that she had changed. I broke her spirit and I was scared that I would never talk to her or see her again. I did the complete opposite of what I promised myself."
I thought about the promises my dad had made the day I was born. In this moment, I felt so thankful that my dad fulfilled them and raised me to be the woman I am today. My thoughts were interrupted when I heard Justine crying.
"I was so scared that you would never see me the same way again," Justine cried, talking to her father. "I thought you would see me as a common criminal and not as your daughter, so yes, I hid. I thought you didn't love me and it was your love I needed the most that night, to tell me why you threw me in that jail cell. I would have been mad at you, sure, but not broken like I am now."
"I know," Woody replied with a frown. "I received your letter and thought about everything you said. I even reached out to Donnie for advice. Justine, I want to let you know that I do trust you. I was wrong not to. I should have encouraged you and instead I broke your spirit."
"I actually doubted you, Father, and I doubted myself because of it. I needed to leave Elkhorn to find myself again, and I did, thanks to Lily and Donnie. I need to hear from you that you love me and that you are proud of me. But I don't want to hear that you trust me when you haven't trusted me all this time. Father, I needed more than just doing household chores all day. I needed to be in town socializing with the other kids and finding out who I am there. I needed to be in town every day, not just on the weekends. I needed to explore, Father, but you never gave me that chance. I went to Todayland so I could do all the exploring myself, and I'm happy there. I can finally be who I am without any limitations that other people have set for me. I forgive you, Father, but it's going to take a while for you to gain my trust back."
"I understand," Woody replied, finally smiling through his tears. "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you then, but I promise I'll be there for you now."
"Okay, but you're going to have to do more than just talk. You have to show me, too."
Something felt off.
"Justine, come here a second," I chimed in.
Justine walked over to us.
"What is it?" she asked.
"What would Jesus do?" I asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Justine, Jesus is very quick to forgive when asked. You already told your dad that you've forgiven him. Now you need to let the past go and accept him back into your life. He doesn't need to prove himself any further. I understand you wanting your space, so tell him, but don't be too harsh in your boundaries."
"Lily--"
"Justine, you are turning into your dad by expecting too much of him. Don't. Just let it go. You are a sweet woman who wants the best for everyone, including your dad."
Justine started to cry again as she turned around. To the surprise of her father, she hugged him. He hugged her back with such tender care on his face.
"I promise to never abandon you again, Justine," Woody told her. "I love you."
December 23, 2042 - New York City, New York, USA
DONATELLO'S POV
April and I anxiously waited for Lily's plane to land at La Guardia airport. I felt very excited when Lily called us and told us everything was okay with the Pride family. I was very thankful that the citizens of Elkhorn took great care of my daughter and that Woody and Bo offered to drive her to the airport in Tulsa.
But I was the most excited that Lily was going to be home for Christmas. She, along with Justine, had spent the first week of Christmas break with us. Justine was still scared to face her parents and I prompted her to work things out with her family. So Lily and Justine flew out to Tulsa this past Friday and spent the weekend in Elkhorn. I felt relieved hearing Justine worked things out with her dad.
"Donnie, look!"
I looked up and saw Lily going down the escalator with the only bag she took with her to Oklahoma. With a big smile on her face, she ran up to us and hugged her.
"I was worried I was going to spend Christmas in Oklahoma without giving you both your gift!" Lily said with laughter.
"Lily, you didn't have to give us anything," April replied with a smile. "Just having you here is enough of a Christmas present for us."
"I appreciate that, Mom, but I was actually talking about your anniversary present, which you will find out about in two days."
April snapped her fingers and I laughed.
"Come on, ladies, let's get back to the lair!"
The three of us walked out of the airport when suddenly...
"Lilianna Hamato!"
We all turned around and saw a tall woman with her long black hair tied back walking up to us. I recognized her as Diana Prince and I was very surprised to see her.
"Hi, Diana," I greeted her with a smile.
"Donnie," Diana replied, giving me a firm nod. "It's very nice to see you."
She turned towards my daughter.
"Are you Lilianna Hamato?"
"Yes," she answered without hesitance. "May I help you with something?"
"Wonder Woman asked me to give you this."
Diana handed Lily a piece of paper.
"It was nice meeting you, Lily," Diana told her with a fond smile and then she walked away.
"Oookay, what was that?" Lily asked before turning to me. "And how do you know her, Dad? Is she one of your patients?"
"Yes, she is," I answered. "What does the note say?"
Lily's eyes widened as she read the note.
"The note is for Aumanil," she explained. "Aumanil's been invited to join the Justice League!"
I let out a sigh. I wasn't surprised that my daughter would eventually be noticed by the Justice League. I was not, however, expecting that to happen so soon.
"We need to talk about this," I spoke up. "Let's get into the Party Wagon."
The three of us got into the Party Wagon and made our way to the lair.
"Donnie, how do you know that woman?" April asked me as I drove. "You said she's a patient?"
I let out a sigh.
"I might as well tell you both. If Lily decides to join, she's going to find out eventually."
"Find out what, Dad?" Lily asked.
"I didn't say anything at first to anybody because I was sworn to secrecy," I explained. "But I'm not just a doctor for humans and mutants in New York City. I'm also a doctor for all the superheroes who are involved in the Justice League."
"What?!" April and Lily both exclaimed at the same time.
"Donatello, I am your wife!" April yelled at me. "How could you keep something like this from me?"
"I'm sorry, April, but I was sworn to secrecy and could not tell anybody about this. I know every superhero and their secret identities. If I am not treating them on the Watchtower orbiting Earth, then I am to pretend not to know them. And yes, Batman has paid me generously, at least at first until he declared he was done in 2019. Then Superman took over in paying me."
I let out a sigh.
"Things have actually gotten easier due to the world being a safer place to live. Wonder Woman and Superman are two of the only remaining founding members of the Justice League. The Flash married and has a son, Jess, who is a current member. John Stewart and Shayera Hol, Green Lantern and Hawkgirl respectively, have a son together, Rex, whose superhero name is Warhawk. The new Green Lantern after John retired is Kai-Ro, who is Tibetan. The Martian Manhunter, taking Wonder Woman's advice, settled for a life on Earth. He'll visit the Watchtower once in a while. Then there's Aquaman who has a daughter Mareena, who became Aquagirl. And then there's Barda, originally from Apokolips who joined around the time I became a doctor for them. Micron and Static are two others who had joined around that time also."
"And Batman?" Lily asked.
"Bruce Wayne had a heart attack in his last mission in 2019 and had to use a gun to save a woman's life, something he was very much against doing. He resigned from the Justice League and hung up the cape. Terry McGinnis took the role on after his father died. He, like Bruce, is a part-time member of the league. He joined very recently. And now, it seems like you got the invite, Lily."
"Dad, I understand. I'm angry, sure, that you kept something like this from the closest members of your family, the two of us. But I learned from my time with the Prides that I need to trust you."
"Me too, D," April replied. "Thank you for telling us all this now. But who approached you first to be their doctor?"
"It was Batman," I answered. "He remembered my medical knowledge from when my brothers and I fought alongside him and, after hearing everything we did, he asked me to be their doctor. In fact, I was the one to tell him about his weakening heart, to take it easy. The fact that he didn't do that makes me angry. But I'm glad he came around and trained Terry. He finally got back to me after Superman invited Terry to join a couple years back."
"Have any of your brothers considered joining?" Lily asked. "I know appearances wouldn't have mattered. After all, Martian Manhunter came from Mars and Superman from Krypton."
"Leo declined in behalf of the group because he felt that we were better off in the sewers. This was after Mom and I got married and before we moved to North Hampton. But Lily, the choice to join is yours to make. We can't make it for you. Just promise us you'll remember who you are."
Todayland, North Montana, USA
WILBUR'S POV
I had just changed into my pajamas for the evening when my phone started to ring. I discovered Lily calling me and I answered.
"Wilbur here."
"Hey, Wilbur! Did you just get home from work?"
"Yeah, I just changed into clothes. There's a benefit to working days. I get to spend more time with my wife."
"That's a good idea. Hey, may I talk to you about something? Or is it a bad time?"
"You called at the perfect time, actually. What's up?"
"I received an invitation from Wonder Woman to join the Justice League."
I almost dropped my phone as I fumbled it around, shocked at what she just told me.
"Wilbur, is everything okay?"
"Yeah! Yeah, everything's fine! It took me by surprise!"
"It took all of us by surprise. And I discovered something about my dad that he's keep hidden from Mom since they've pretty much been married. My dad is the main doctor for the superheroes of the Justice League. Batman paid him well at first before he retired and Superman took over his payroll. Oops!"
"What is it?"
"I kind of promised my dad I wouldn't tell anyone else about it. He just screamed at me. Hold on."
Despite Lily trying to block the speaker, I heard her screaming back at her dad.
"I'm speaking to Wilbur! We can trust him! It's not like he's going to blab your so-called secret to the world!"
"Do NOT push any buttons, young lady!" Donatello yelled back. "I had my reasons for keeping that secret. And of course, once I tell you, you blab!"
"Oh my gosh, Dad!" Lily snapped back. "It's WILBUR. I swear he is the only person I am talking to about this. You need to stop overreacting."
"Guys? I'm right here."
"Oh, shoot, I'm sorry, Wilbur," Lily replied. "Let me put you on speaker."
"Hello, Wilbur," an angry Donatello greeted me over the phone. "What all did you hear just now?"
"Everything," I answered with a flat expression. "You both are loud when you wanna be."
There was a pause. I was prompted to speak again.
"If it helps you any, Donnie, your secret is safe with me. And besides, I'm part of the Hamato Clan, too. You can trust me. I won't even tell my wife if it helps you."
"Thank you, Wilbur," Donnie replied. "I imagine you would be good at secrets due to experience. April actually yelled at me because I never told her until today."
"Now that is surprising."
"Thank goodness she forgave me. Lily, too."
"Speaking of which, Lily, what are you going to do?" I asked. "Have you thought about it?"
"Yes, and I think I am going to join. I've always wanted to help people and I don't think the world knows enough about Aumanil."
"Yeah, here in Todayland, you're known as the white female ninja. The world deserves to know who Aumanil is. I'm proud of you, Lily. That is a huge step you are taking."
"I hope it'll be worth it."
New York City, New York, USA
LILIANNA'S POV
After I transformed into Aumanil, I made the flight into the city to try and find Wonder Woman, the superhero who had inspired me all along. I remember watching the Justice League saving the world over and over again as a child and I remember trying to copy Wonder Woman all the time. She was my inspiration for building titanium bracelets to block bullets. And now I was going to meet her in the flesh to accept her invitation into the Justice League.
I perched on a rooftop overlooking Brooklyn Bridge with the waxing gibbous moon in the background. Suddenly, I felt someone trying to attack me. I quickly dodged out of the way and turned around. Wonder Woman was fighting me! I continued to read her moves and kept moving out of her way, avoiding each punch and kick she threw at me. I also had the quick opportunity to read her mind and discovered she was testing me.
At just the right time, I blocked her punch and threw a spinning roundhouse kick, nailing her in the stomach. She staggered back, letting out a loud gasp.
"You fight well, Aumanil," Wonder Woman complimented me. "Who taught you?"
"My family. I have a feeling you know who they are."
"Yes, the Turtles. I was very surprised when Donatello mentioned he had a daughter."
"I was just as surprised when Donatello revealed he was your doctor. But anyway. All four Turtles taught me how to fight. Donatello taught me how to fight with a bo staff and Leonardo taught me to fight with two katana blades. Donatello and his wife April both taught me how to use my powers. April, my mother, was born with psychic abilities and therefore, I inherited them from her."
"Everyone in the Metro Tower is very intrigued to meet you," Wonder Woman explained. "It's not far from here. We gather in Metropolis in the state of Delaware. Can you fly?"
"Yes, I can."
Metropolis, Delaware
Wonder Woman and I flew to Metropolis, Delaware. She led me to some sort of conference room where there were five other people present. I immediately recognized Superman as he, too, never aged, at least not by much; he did have some grey in his black hair. Batman and the Flash wore different suits. The Green Lantern looked younger and there was a female whom I did not recognize.
"Thank you for bringing our honored guest, Diana," Superman said before turning to me. "Please, introduce yourself to us. We are excited to get to know you."
"My birth name is Lilianna Hamato," I explained with a smile. "I am Donatello's daughter and I inherited my powers from my mother April O'Neil. My superhero name is Aumanil, which means a kind, compassionate spirit, and that is exactly why I am here today, to show kindness and compassion."
"Aumanil is an excellent fighter," Wonder Woman chimed in. "I have been trained on martial arts myself in Themyscira and I have never seen anyone just step aside as if my moves were nothing. She bested me."
"So she has strong fighting skills," a younger Batman replied. "Let's see what else she can do. Then we'll introduce ourselves."
"Why don't you go first, big guy?" Flash suggested with a grin.
With a grin, Superman got up off his chair and prepared to fight me. I got myself ready to read his moves. First, he threw some punches. I was thankful to see them coming because he wasn't called the Man of Steel for nothing. Next, I saw lasers coming out of his eyes. I shielded them with my bracelets.
"That's impossible!" Wonder Woman exclaimed gently. "Not even my bracelets can do that."
Next, Superman blew cold air my way and I was easily able to make a shield for myself, though it didn't last long. I only lasted for five seconds before I fell to my knees and felt the cold.
"Fascinating," Superman said. "You can create a shield out of nothing, but it's a weak shield. But those bracelets... what are they made of?"
"Titanium," I answered. "I made them myself."
"Alright, I want a turn," Batman said, getting up and taking Superman's place.
Batman and I both showed off our martial arts skills. Batman also had quite a bit of gadgets that he threw my way, but I saw them all coming.
"Riddle me this, Aumanil: did you combine the titanium with a copper alloy to make the bracelets?" Batman asked with a smirk.
"Very good!" I answered just before giving him a kick in the stomach. "Donatello has taught me physics and chemistry. There is an alien material in these bracelets also, but that's a story for another day."
"It's like she saw all of them coming," Batman told his fellow colleagues in disbelief.
"Oh, please," Flash replied, blowing a raspberry. "She can't see me coming."
"Would you like to eat those words?" I asked with my gap-toothed grin.
"If you somehow trip me, I'll eat my hat."
I prepared myself to read the Flash's movements. He was extremely fast but thankfully, I could still read where he would run. I did a spinning side kick right away and nailed him on the right thigh.
"Ow!" Flash exclaimed. "You've been drinking your milk!"
I laughed, truly enjoying my time here.
"But can she dodge this?" a young woman, about my age, asked.
She summoned water from somewhere and aimed it towards me. My shield lasted longer with the water, though I did manipulate the water to where it landed right in my mouth. A satisfying drink was exactly what I needed.
"You are incredible!" the young woman yelled excitedly. "I'm Aquagirl, but please call me Mareena."
"Pleased to meet you, Mareena," I replied, shaking her hand.
"I'm Jess Shimmers, the Flash."
Batman took off his mask, revealing a young man with brown eyes and black hair. He reminded me somewhat of Ryan.
"I'm Terry McGinnis, Batman."
"Clark Kent, Superman."
"And my name is Kai-Ro," a young boy said in a gentle voice. "I'm the Green Lantern representing Earth in the Green Lantern Corps. I'm from Tibet. I could not help but notice your fighting style is that of the ninja. Are you originally from Japan?"
"I'm not, but my late grandfather Hamato Yoshi was," I explained. "He trained my dad and my uncles in the art of ninjutsu, and then my dad and my uncles trained me and my three cousins."
"I have visited Japan before," Kai-Ro explained with a smile. "Beautiful place with wonderful gardens."
"I would love to visit Japan someday."
"So how were you able to dodge all of our moves the way you did?" Terry asked.
"I could not help but notice you have mutagen in your bloodstream," Clark pointed out. "I take it that has something to do with your powers."
"Mutagen does very unpredictable things when exposed," I explained. "Though I was born a mutant through my mutant turtle father and mutant human-alien mother."
"Lilianna Hamato has psychic abilities," a male voice said from above us.
We glanced up to see the Martian Manhunter joining us.
"I needed to come welcome our newest member of the Justice League. I am J'onn J'onzz. It is an honor to meet you, Lilianna."
"The honor is mine," I replied with a bow. "I take it I'm in?"
"With a resume like that, why wouldn't you be in?" Jess asked with a grin. "Welcome to the club, sis!"
I laughed at his enthusiasm as I got comfortable around my new colleagues.
December 25, 2042 - New York City, New York, USA
APRIL'S POV
I heard the alarm going off in my phone and I snoozed it on the nightstand. I turned to see my handsome husband still asleep. I smiled and planted a kiss on his left cheek.
"Merry Christmas, Donnie," I whispered in a singsong voice.
"Merry Christmas, April," Donnie replied sleepily. "Happy anniversary."
I let out a playful gasp.
"My husband remembered our wedding anniversary?"
I watched my husband smirk as he somehow hit me with a pillow. When I next glanced at him, he was awake with his gap-toothed grin.
"You really thought I'd forget our silver anniversary?" Donnie asked playfully as he hit me with his pillow.
We had a fun little pillow fight, laughing with glee and delight. We still had the energy of two teenage ninjas, and we sure felt like two teenagers in love during that moment. Suddenly, we heard knocking on the door.
"Who is it?" I asked, still laughing from our pillow fight.
"It's Lily. Are you two okay?"
"Just having fun, Lily," Donnie yelled. "Come in!"
The door opened to reveal our daughter, wearing a red dress with white fur around her wrists, her neck, and the bottom of her dress by the knees. To our surprise, Lily brought someone with her. This woman had long platinum-blonde hair and wore a green dress very similar to Lily's.
"I hope you won't mind if I brought a friend along," Lily told us with her gap-toothed grin. "She's very curious about Christmas and wanted to meet the family."
"Now I see the connection!" the woman exclaimed happily. "You both have gaps in your teeth! This is wonderful!"
"It's very nice to see you, Mareena," Donnie replied with a smile. "This is my wife, April."
"It's nice to meet you, Mareena," I greeted her with a firm handshake.
"The pleasure's all mine, April," Mareena replied.
"So, Mareena, how did you get to know Donnie and Lily?"
"I've known Donnie ever since I joined the Justice League a few years back," Mareena explained, still with a smile on her face. "He's everyone's doctor there. Lily just joined us and we hit it right off."
Donnie chuckled.
"Lily has always made friends wherever she goes," he said. "Well, I'm glad you two have become fast friends."
"I had no idea Mareena is studying marine biology at Todayland University," Lily explained excitedly.
"I want to help conservation efforts in keeping our oceans clean," Mareena chimed in.
"We sure need it," Donnie replied in agreement. "It's gotten better over the years but we still have work to do."
"I'm hoping to represent Atlantis well."
"If you don't mind me asking, where is Atlantis, exactly?" I asked. "I always thought it was a myth."
"I think it's best if it stays that way," Mareena answered. "But I trust you. Any friend or family of Lily's is a friend and family I can trust. It's miles away from Santorini. But according to the myths, it can be off the Caribbean Sea or the Mediterranean Sea or even in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean."
"Greece... it gets cold up there, doesn't it?" Lily asked.
"Sure, if you live on land. Once you're underwater for a long time, you get used to it."
We all smiled at each other.
"We should go introduce Mareena to the rest of the family," Lily said. "We'll see you both later."
"We'll see you soon!" I replied.
Lily and Mareena walked out of the room. Donnie and I glanced at each other.
"Should we be worried?" I asked.
"Nah, it's fine," Donnie replied. "I wish we had a little more warning, but it's nice to see Mareena here. She and Lily share a lot in common."
LILIANNA'S POV
I led Mareena into the living room where the rest of the family were already assembled.
"Hi, guys!" I greeted them excitedly. "I'd like you all to meet my new friend Mareena. Mareena, these are my uncles Leonardo, Raphael, and Michelangelo; my aunts Karai, Mona Lisa, and Renet; and my cousins Ryan, Venus, and Athena."
"It's very nice to meet you, Mareena," Athena said, getting up and shaking her hand with a smile. "Do you go to school with Lily?"
"Actually, yes," Mareena answered with a huge grin. "I had no idea Lily attended Todayland University until we met at Metro Tower."
"Lily did tell us she was joining the Justice League," Venus chimed in. "Is that how she met you?"
"Yes, my father was a member and I took his place as Atlantis' representative. My brother Arthur is now king after our father stepped down."
"Why are you not with your family?" Auntie Mona asked.
"Yeah, because it's Christmas," Ryan chimed in. "Christmas is all about being with family."
"We don't celebrate Christmas in Atlantis," Mareena replied with a frown.
"WHAT?!" every single person in the room, including my parents, asked with shock.
"When Atlantis was founded, Christmas didn't exist," Mareena explained. "That's actually why I'm here. Lily talked about Christmas with her family and I asked to join her. I hope that's alright with all of you."
"I am the sensei of the Hamato Clan," Uncle Leo introduced himself. "And on behalf of my family, I wish you a warm welcome to our humble lair."
"Thank you, Leonardo."
"With that said, let's go to the dojo, everyone!"
We all moaned, grumbling at the fact that we had to spar with each other on Christmas morning.
"So we have an odd number of people here today," Uncle Leo announced. "So I will sit out until there is one person left standing. Lily will be paired with Venus. Mareena will be with Athena. Ryan will spar with Mikey. Raph with Donnie. April and Mona. Renet and Karai. Get ready!"
I prepared myself, standing across from Venus, the current leader of the clan.
"Let's see which role suits you more," Venus suggested. "Justice League member or clan leader."
"I think we both know the answer to that," I replied with a smirk.
"Hajime!"
To my surprise, Venus just stood still. I charged at her and we started to spar. I was just plain Lilianna Hamato with brown contacts right now, and I had armed myself with my bo staff. Venus prepared to defend herself with her sais. Because my powers were blocked by my contacts, I had the disadvantage of not knowing when Venus struck, which, honestly, felt extremely nice.
Venus and I were the only ones left standing after a while, and we were smiling at each other this entire time, clearly enjoying sparring together. But Venus was getting tired. I used her fatigue to my advantage and disarmed her. I then did a spinning kick to the stomach, knocking her down.
"You are definitely... Justice League material, Lily," Venus said before collapsing.
"Alright, here are our next matchups," Uncle Leo announced. "Lily and Athena. Mikey and Donnie. April and Karai."
The six of us prepared ourselves. I took a glance to the side to see Mareena giving me a thumbs up. I returned it, and then I turned to face my youngest cousin.
"Hajime!"
Athena charged at me with her nunchucks.
"How many visitors have we had now in this lair?" she asked me with a grin.
"Are we talking in total?" I asked. "Like my dad, I can make a list."
"Can you multitask?"
"My mom was the first and then Casey came after. Auntie Karai and Shinigami both came to the lair also. Karena visited also, along with Wilbur, Justine, and now Mareena."
"I've liked every single person you've brought here," Athena replied. "But I especially like Mareena. She's very open, just like you! And the fact that she's actually from Atlantis? Even cooler!"
"We've all met our fair share of foreigners," I replied. "Most of them good and honest."
I used my bo staff to eventually disarm Athena and I knocked her down with the same kick.
"Alright, I'll face Donnie and Lily will face April," Uncle Leo announced.
I gulped. My mother did not have a secret identity, which means she could use her powers whenever she wanted to.
"Don't be nervous, Lily," Mom encouraged me. "Just think about everything the eight of us have taught you."
I let out a deep breath.
"Hajime!" Auntie Karai yelled.
My mom and I did fierce battle together. She was on the offensive with her tessen while I defended myself with my bo staff.
I had done some fierce battles the past few days. I fought with Wonder Woman on the rooftops of New York City as a test. Another test was my fight with Batman in Metropolis. Mareena and Athena were both good, but they both still needed to learn some skills. Perhaps fighting my mother was another test.
To my surprise, my mother never used her powers. But I could tell she was getting tired. I used the combination of an uppercut and a hook to disarm her and then I used a move my mother taught me against her, kicking her in the stomach, just like I did with all my foes the past few days.
"Dang, Lily, you used the dragon's tail against me," Mom told me with a smile. "Very well done."
I blew a sigh, feeling some fatigue myself.
"Thanks, Mom."
At the same time we were done, Uncle Leo had just defeated my dad. Now we were facing each other.
"I want to face Aumanil," Uncle Leo requested. "I want to see what you can do."
"Uncle Leo, I don't believe that's fair," I replied. "I can read your moves. It wouldn't be a fair fight."
"There is no such thing as a fair fight, Lilianna," Uncle Leo replied sternly, but with a kind smile on his face. "If a fight is fair, you are giving the enemy a chance to win. The goal going into battle is always to win."
I smiled, realizing his point. In front of my entire family plus Mareena, I spun around and transformed into Aumanil. I spun while holding my bo staff so that I would still have it on me after I transformed. With my long red hair now tied back in a braid, I felt ready to fight.
"Hajime!" Auntie Karai yelled again.
Uncle Leo beckoned me to attack first. I charged, swinging my bo staff on the way and delivered a blow that he blocked with his katana blades. As I predicted, I was able to read my sensei's moves and dodged every single move. When I couldn't block his moves with my wooden bo staff, I blocked them with my bracelets. When I did that, my uncle had this very surprised look on his face that I will never forget.
"Wait, how are you able to block me with your bracelets?" Uncle Leo asked. "My blades should have sliced right through you!"
I used the distraction to my advantage and did a series of kicks to knock him down. My entire family cheered.
"That's my girl!" I heard Dad yelling excitedly.
With a smile, I held out my hand to help my sensei up.
"I combined the titanium with a copper alloy as well as a metal alloy the Kraang used on their technology," I explained.
"Did your dad help you build them?" Uncle Leo asked.
"No, I built them myself."
I glanced around the room and everyone, including my dad, had their mouths dropped.
"I have thought about building a lightsaber someday using an energy crystal from Dimension X," I continued. "That is, in case my bracelets eventually break down or the mission would call for a lightsaber."
"I've said it once and I'll say it again," Uncle Mikey chimed. "You really are Donnie's girl."
We all laughed.
"That's the truth!" Athena replied. "And you're basically a Jedi with your psychic powers. You can move things, get into people's minds, you can even fly. How many people on this earth can do that?"
"Not many, that's for sure," Uncle Raph replied. "We're proud of you, Lil."
I smiled fondly at my red-masked uncle. Before we knew it, we had gathered in the living room to open our Christmas presents.
"Let's have Donnie and April open the first one," Uncle Leo suggested. "Today is a big day for them."
It was my cue. I went into the kitchen and into the freezer where I greeted our Ice Cream Kitty.
"Hi Molly!"
"Meow!" she replied with a big smile on her strawberry face.
I laughed.
"You have those tickets still?"
"Meow!"
Molly retrieved the tickets, which were very much safe inside the sheet protector Wilbur found in his dad's office supplies.
"Thank you very much."
I kissed Molly in her face and she bumped her small face onto my nose. With a giggle, I took the ice cream off with my finger and ate it.
"Mmm! Strawberry truly is the best flavor. See you later, Molly!"
"Meow!"
I closed the door and walked back into the living room with the tickets hiding behind my back.
"I'm sorry it's not wrapped," I explained to my parents. "But all of us, including Wilbur, worked very hard to keep this a surprise. Happy 25th wedding anniversary, Mom and Dad."
I gave them the tickets.
"Goodness!" Dad exclaimed. "It's cold!"
"Ice Cream Kitty took extra good care of them," Uncle Mikey explained. "It was the best place we could come up with."
"Let's see what's in it!" Mom said excitedly.
"Wilbur numbered everything in that package," Uncle Leo explained. "All of us took extra care preparing your gift."
"Hey!" Dad exclaimed. "It's a ticket to Kings Island in Cincinnati!"
"And reservations at a hotel there," Mom replied.
"That's kind of cool! I didn't know there was a theme park in Cincinnati."
"It was my idea," Athena explained. "The Brady Bunch went to King's Island in one episode and it looked like fun. When Dad explained to me what they were getting you two for your anniversary, this immediately popped in my head. Of course, you wanna spend the night after a long day of driving but maybe you'd wanna have some fun before going to your next stop."
"That is a great-- next stop?" Mom asked with a grin.
"Let's see where this next stop is," Dad replied, pulling out the next ticket. "A reservation for the Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago with a brochure for Lou Mitchell's. Oh, April! Here's a map of Route 66 in Illinois... a very detailed one!"
"I'm liking where this is going," Mom said. "We enjoyed driving through Illinois while searching for Lily. Let's see where the next stop is."
Mom pulled out the next reservation ticket.
"This is a reservation for the Route 66 Hotel & Conference Center in Springfield, Illinois. Cool!"
"I'm sensing a theme here," Dad said.
"And these are reservations for the end of May. Which means we'd be missing Lily's birthday. Well, what's the next one, D?"
Dad revealed the next ticket.
"The Munger Moss Hotel in Lebanon, Missouri. The neon looks so cool! I'm pretty sure we drove right through Missouri, so we'll definitely have a blast this time."
Mom revealed the next location.
"The Desert Hills Motel in Tulsa, Oklahoma."
"Tulsa has a lot to offer from what I've read," I explained. "Be sure to explore Tulsa both at night and during the day."
"There are some brochures in here too," Dad chimed in. "Including an Oklahoma passport! This is so cool! Where's our next hotel going to be?"
Dad took out the next reservation ticket.
"The Route 66 Inn in Shamrock, Texas."
"Speaking of neon, I hear the U Drop Inn and Conoco gas station has amazing neon," Uncle Raph explained. "Hopefully you'll make a stop."
"We never made it to Texas," Mom replied. "We'll certainly take you up on that. Now where to next?"
Mom suddenly squealed.
"The Blue Swallow Motel! Ah! I'm so excited! It's one of the oldest motels on Route 66 and the neon is so beautiful. Thank you so much!"
"Where is that at?" Dad asked.
"Tucumcari, New Mexico. What's next, D?"
"The El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, New Mexico, right before crossing into Arizona. Ooh, it looks like some movie stars have stayed at this hotel. That's pretty neat! You all have done amazing with your research!"
Mom let out a loud gasp.
"Donnie, we're staying at the Grand Canyon Hotel! And we get to see the Grand Canyon the next morning!"
"Is it far?"
"Actually, it's only an hour drive from the hotel," Auntie Mona answered. "I've always wanted to see the Grand Canyon so I tried to get you folks as close as possible."
"Thank you, Mona!" Mom exclaimed with tears in her blue eyes. "All of this has been wonderful so far!"
"We're not done yet!" Uncle Mikey announced. "Keep going!"
Dad pulled out the next ticket.
"Looks like we're staying at the Route 66 Motel in Barstow, California. What's next, April?"
"The Rest Haven Motel in Santa Monica, California. And look, we have plane tickets!"
"Plane tickets?" Dad asked with surprise. "If we're driving all that way to Santa Monica, where would the Party Wagon be going?"
"That's where I come in," I explained. "We all thought it would be a fun family trip down Route 66 if I joined you. Then when we spend a day or two in Santa Monica, I'll drive the Party Wagon back home while you two..."
I motioned them to glance down at the plane tickets.
"... are flying to Honolulu!" Mom yelled excitedly. "Oh my goodness! Who knew?"
I raised my hand with a sheepish smile on my face.
"I overheard you at the wedding," I explained. "Wilbur and Cornelius did all the planning there, and they have paid for all the hotel and airfare expenses. You only need to worry about gas and food."
"And souvenirs!" Athena chimed in. "You can't forget the souvenirs"
"And I can take those back with me. The trip to Hawaii is just for you two. It's your 25th wedding anniversary and next fall will start Dad's 25th year teaching. What better way to celebrate than with a second honeymoon?"
"Lily, was this all your idea?" Dad asked in awe.
"No, we all worked on it together," Uncle Leo answered. "You deserve nothing but the best."
"A trip on Route 66 with our daughter during her birthday and a second honeymoon in Hawaii?" Mom replied with a big smile. "I can't say no to that."
"But Lily, you're going to be going home across the country alone," Dad said with worry. "Are you going to be okay?"
"I'll be fine, Dad, because..."
I turned towards my cousins and Mareena.
"I will be taking six people with me."
Ryan, Venus, and Athena all squealed with delight until they realized what I said.
"Wait, you are referring to us, right?" Athena asked. "There's nine of us here."
"Yes, Athena," I answered with a laugh. "My cousins and friends: you, Ryan, Venus, Mareena, Justine, and James. What better way to drive home than to be with the people you love?"
"Lily, thank you!" Ryan exclaimed happily.
He suddenly ran up to me and gave me a hug. Taken by surprise, I hugged him back and pat him on the back.
"What's gotten you so excited all of a sudden?" I asked. "I know it's more than the trip."
"I'm graduating high school in May! This summer will be my graduation summer before going to college at Todayland University."
My jaw dropped at this revelation, as did many others.
"Ryan, you're going to school in Todayland?" Auntie Karai asked.
"Oh! I got so excited I forgot to tell you! I got accepted to Todayland University! I'm going to study to become a police officer of the New York City Police Department..."
Ryan turned towards our red-masked uncle.
"Just like you, Uncle Raphael."
All Uncle Raph could do was smile fondly at his nephew.
"I'm proud of you, Ryan. I'll be honored to take you under my wing. But be sure to pass all your classes first."
Ryan laughed.
"I promise to study lots and get Lily's help when I need it. From what I hear, she's at the top of her class, even above Wilbur."
I blushed.
"You're just saying that," I replied.
"No, it's true! Cornelius told Wilbur who told me. But the question is, if you're in California, Justine is in Oklahoma, James is in Todayland, and Mareena is in Atlantis, how will we all get there?"
"Wilbur and Cornelius have paid for your airfare to fly to Los Angeles. I'll be picking all of you up there just after Mom and Dad fly off to Hawaii."
"There will be someone over 21, right?" Athena asked.
"I'll be turning 21 in January," Mareena answered.
"Oh, awesome!"
"How will you celebrate your birthday?" Venus asked.
"I'll be drinking in Atlantis right before school resumes. My birthday is after we got back to school."
"You could come to one of my shows," I suggested. "Unless I have a guest singer underage, only adults who are 21 can get in."
"I didn't know you provided entertainment!" Mareena replied happily.
"Lily is the best singer I've ever known," Athena complimented my skills.
"I have to agree," Ryan chimed in. "She's taught Athena and Venus how to sing, too."
"I might dedicate a song to you," I told my new friend.
"Then I have to go!"
"When's your birthday?"
"January 17th."
"It's on a Saturday!"
"I know! I'm already excited that I don't have school on my birthday. Who wants to learn and study anyway on a birthday?"
"Very true," I replied. "A birthday is a celebration of life, or even better yet, a celebration of your presence in other people's lives."
"I've never thought of it that way," Mareena replied fondly. "Just tell me what you've got planned and I'll be there!"
"Done!"
"Lily Mae, may we see you please?" Dad asked.
My face turned red.
"Lily Mae?" Mareena asked with a cheeky grin. "That's so adorable!"
"It's my dad's nickname for me," I whispered.
I joined my parents in the bedroom.
"Did we hear you say that James is joining you?" Dad asked with his hands on his hips.
"Yes, you did. Am I gonna get one of those lectures again?"
Dad realized his position and he relaxed.
"I'm sorry," he replied. "I feel so uneasy with you going with a man who is not family and who is not your husband."
"Dad, James and I are in a great place," I explained. "We've grown so much as a couple since my junior year of high school. We've talked about going on a road trip together to see if we truly are suited for each other."
"Thank heavens you are going with other people and not just the two of you. If it was just the two of you, I would have forbidden it completely."
I suddenly grew angry, and it was my turn to put my hands on my hips.
"Dad, do you trust me or not?"
"Of course, I trust you! I've learned to trust you this entire time."
"Then why does it sound like you don't trust me?" I asked angrily. "James and I are both adults. And I was going to agree with you about us being alone on a road trip until you opened your big mouth!"
"What did I say?" Dad angrily asked.
"That you would have forbidden me and James from going on a trip alone. That was uncalled for, Father. If you want me to be happy, then you need to stop meddling in my life! Stop telling me how to live it. You've told me how to live my life the last eighteen years. Now I need to learn from my own experiences. If I need your help, I will ask for it! I never asked for your opinion and probably never will again!"
I turned and walked towards the door.
"Lily--"
I slammed the door just as Dad called after me. I stormed out of the lair as everyone called after me and I ran. I continued to run around the sewers until I no longer could. I ran to the same place my parents first found me all those years ago when I was just a little girl, the same place my mother found the Kraang communication orb.
The guilt came to me and I started to cry. I hated fighting with my dad. I have always hated it. What he said was uncalled for, but I realized I had also said some things that weren't necessary either.
I cried and let my tears fall for quite some time. Suddenly, I felt a strong hand on my shoulder: my father's hand.
"Oh, Lily," my dad said with a soothing voice. "I am so, so sorry. You were right. What I said about you and James was uncalled for. And you were right. I said too much. I say what's on my mind out loud a lot."
I sniffed.
"Yeah, I noticed," I replied.
"Are you okay?" he asked me.
I turned around to face him. He had a frown on his face, a frown that said, "I'm guilty." I didn't even need to read his mind to know that his apology was genuine.
"Yeah, I'll be alright," I answered. "I'm sorry too, Dad."
"What on earth for? You did nothing wrong."
"I didn't mean what I said about you meddling and you telling me how to live my life. I was angry. It was the spur of the moment."
"Aww, Lily."
I started crying again, this time leaning into his plastron and letting the tears fall on the tails of his purple mask. I felt his strong arms around me.
"Hey, I understand," Dad continued. "It's human to be angry and it's human to say the wrong thing because of your anger. I forgive you. I hope you can forgive me too."
I nodded with a teary smile on my face, looking up into his amber eyes. My dad's genuine frown turned into a gentle smile.
"Dad, promise me you'll never stop giving me advice."
"I'll always give you advice when you ask for it," he replied softly. "And that's a promise. I love you, Lily Mae."
"I love you too, Dad."
I felt him kissing me on the top of my layered red hair.
"Hey, why don't we go back to the lair? It's Christmas. And Mareena was really worried about you."
"I guess I need to apologize to everyone--"
"No, you don't need to do that. This was between you and me. As far as I'm concerned, this is already behind us. Okay?"
I nodded and returned to the lair to celebrate Christmas with my family.