Hi guys! We got a lot going on here. Got some resolved drama and then some wedding stuff! I won't do too much on the reimagination of "Pride and Justice." This is, overall, Lily's story. She's still in high school, so she still has a lot going on, but the best is yet to come for her. I've been brainstorming ideas for her and Wilbur and Karena are very much in her future.
But for now, enjoy this chapter!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything related to "Meet the Robinsons" nor "TMNT," nor do I own Christina Grimmie's "Little Girl." I only own Karena, Lilianna, Ryan, Venus, Athena, and Travis.
September 5, 2041 - North Hampton, New York, USA
LILIANNA'S POV
I lied on my bed. My face was reddened and full of tears from the past hour. Christina Grimmie's I Bet You Don't Curse God had played on repeat this entire time on my T-Pod. I wanted to be alone. I was angry with my father for believing I was one hundred percent responsible for my cousin's teammate being in the hospital. My mother would very likely take his side. There was a high chance I was going to be grounded here at home as well as at school.
Once I heard the line all hope is lost for what felt like the one hundredth time, I broke into tears again. After the fight I had with my dad, I had no hope of us reconciling. And it broke me. I loved my dad enough that I would sacrifice my life for his. I cannot live without him.
Suddenly, I heard a portal opening in my room. I screamed. I shivered and blew a sigh of relief when Ryan came through the portal.
"Hey, Lily."
"Ryan, what are you doing here?" I asked, wiping away the numerous tears from my face.
"Right now, it's too ask you what's wrong," he answered.
"I was called into the principal's office after someone watched me lift Travis into the air. Then the principal called my dad. I got punished with lunch detention for the rest of this week and next week. My dad and I had a huge fight. My dad doesn't believe Travis' injury was an accident."
"Oh, Lily, I am so sorry," Ryan replied, showing me some sympathy. "I know you didn't deliberately gave him an injury. You're too nice for that."
I let out a scoff and a laugh.
"Me being too nice... heh. I screamed at both my parents. Heck, I don't even want to see them right now."
"You can't avoid them forever."
"Ryan, my dad was absolutely convinced I injured Travis on purpose."
"It sure looked like it from someone else's point of view. But I know it's not true. You used your powers to prove that bullying any cousin of yours would lead to their own troubles. If it's any consolation, Manny apologized to me for his bullying after practice was over."
"Ryan, why are you being so nice to me?" I asked tearfully. "I don't deserve this."
My cousin winced.
"I guessed I earned that one after everything I've done to you. I've bullied you because you were always better than me in our sparring sessions. You always won against me, so it made me feel better when I put you down. I even remember your dad being so stern with me to the point where he would discipline me if I hurt you again. He made it clear that if anyone hurt his little girl, he would make it his business to do whatever it took to get the point across. I guess that's what you were trying to do today. And I just wanted to say thank you."
"Huh?"
I turned to him with a surprised expression on my face.
"Thank you for standing up for me today, even if I didn't deserve it from you. I was always scared that I would be made fun of for my looks. And I was made fun of. But when you defended me, it helped me realize that I didn't have to fight my battles alone. With that said, I wanted to say I'm sorry for bullying you all these years. I hope you can forgive me."
"I have to admit that I wasn't all that nice myself to you because you had hurt me. Of course I forgive you. I pray you'll accept my apology and that you'll forgive me."
"Yes, I will, Lily. I love you."
"Oh, Ryan..."
I started crying again as we hugged each other.
"I'm not a psychic, but I know what you're going to say."
I nodded my head as my tears fell on his shoulders. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.
"Who is it?" I asked with a sniffle.
"It's your mother."
"I should go," Ryan said.
"No, please stay," I pleaded with him.
"Lily, is there someone in there with you?" Mom asked with a confused voice.
"It's me, Aunt April!" Ryan yelled.
"Ryan?"
My mom opened the door and had a surprised expression on her face.
"Not that it isn't nice to see you, but what are you doing here?"
"I just came to say thank you to Lily for standing up for me," Ryan explained.
"Well, I was going to ask Lily for the full story," Mom replied. "But maybe having you here is better. Uncle Donnie is visiting Travis in the hospital."
"Lily was telling the truth, Aunt April. I tried to defend myself against Travis and Manny and she came over to help me stand up for myself. They wouldn't stop bullying me, so Lily lifted Travis off the ground to prove a point: not to harm anyone via bullying. I know Lily, Aunt April. She would never harm an innocent on purpose. Please give her the benefit of a doubt. It doesn't sound like Uncle Donnie did that."
"He certainly didn't," Mom replied. "I wasn't going to either, but then again, heated arguments don't exactly solve problems. It's very rare Uncle Donnie and Lily have a fight like that. They're like two peas in a pod. However, I do believe Uncle Donnie was right about Lily using her powers at the wrong time. The way the principal told him the story, it sounded like Lily had harmed Travis on purpose. But, Lily... I believe you."
"Wait, really?" I asked.
"Really. I believe you didn't injure Travis on purpose. I do believe you owe both Travis and your dad an apology though."
"Mom, I think... I need time away from Dad for a while. I'll have dinner in here tonight."
"Lily, you cannot avoid your dad forever," Mom sternly replied.
"Mom, I actually doubted him. He told me I should have left things alone with Ryan, which was out of character."
"No, Lily, your father was right. It is admirable that you wanted to stand up for your cousin, but there was a better way to do that."
"Like I told Principal Jameson before, no teacher is going to help Ryan. He's a mutant and he's new. Despite that bill being passed and Todayland being a sanctuary city, kids are still cruel because they're so afraid of people that are different from them."
"That still doesn't give you the right to decide how to handle it," Mom replied. "Travis didn't deserve to be injured."
The tears started to come again.
"You don't believe me either," I replied tearfully. "I thought I could trust you, but of course you side with Dad. I don't want to see you for a while."
I opened the portal and grabbed Ryan's hand.
"Lily--"
Ryan and I went through the portal to the lair.
APRIL'S POV
I sat at the dining room table mulling over a cup of peach tea. I hadn't felt so depressed since Lily was kidnapped a few years ago. I was unsure of what to think right now. My attention shifted when I heard a portal opening outside. I turned around excitedly to see if Lily came home. My heart sank when I found my husband coming back instead. I returned my attention to my tea as Donnie opened the door.
"Hey, April," he greeted me.
I sensed a smile on his face.
"Hey, D. How was your visit to Todayland?"
"Well, I apologized to Travis and his family on Lily's behalf and I offered to pay for any services they required out of pocket."
"Well, that's good. Though I'm not sure Lily would agree with you apologizing for her."
"I should go check up on her."
My husband started walking towards the hallway.
"Donnie, she's not here."
He quickly turned around with a horrified look on his face.
"What?! What do you mean, she's not here? Where is she?"
I started to cry. Donnie did not hesitate to sit down next to me and hold me in his strong arms.
"April, everything's going to be fine. We'll find her."
"Donnie, she doesn't want to be found right now," I cried. "I tried speaking to her and Ryan was in the room with her. They both told me their story and I started to believe her. And then I messed up!"
I sobbed and Donnie tried to comfort me with his soothing voice.
"Everything is going to be all right, April. It's okay."
"No, it's not! Lily believes I took your side and doesn't want to see either of us. I'm a crappy mother!"
"Don't say that. You are a wonderful mother."
"No, Donnie, I'm really not. I made things worse because I didn't believe her. I didn't trust her."
"She probably feels the same way about me because I only knew the principal's story."
Donnie let out a weary sigh.
"I didn't even think of asking her for her side of the story. No, I screamed at her and accused her of injuring Travis on purpose. If anyone's the crappy parent here, it's me. I didn't trust her either. That's one of the first lessons we've learned as parents, to trust our children. And here we are, both paying the price for not trusting Lily."
"Donnie, I have to believe she tried to do the right thing and things just didn't go the way she wanted them to. I have to believe she still has that pure heart that makes her who she is."
"I agree. The question is, will she believe us?"
"I hope so. She can't read my mind, but she can read yours. It may be best if you spoke to her first."
"No, you said Lily doesn't want to see either of us. Let's give her some distance. When she's ready to talk to us, she'll come to us. She knows we'll be there."
I looked at my husband, who now had a hopeful smile on his face.
"Hey, it is just the two of us here, and crying over Lily isn't going to help us. Why don't I make a dinner for two? Have a small date night here?"
I smiled through my tears.
"That sounds amazing."
"Drink your tea. I'll fix us up some country fried steak."
"You know how to make country fried steak?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.
"You'd be surprised," Donnie answered with a wink.
He walked out of the living room. I took out my T-Phone and dialed Karai.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Karai, it's April."
"This is a pleasant surprise! How are you?"
"I'm worried. Lily had fights with both of us and she said she didn't want to see us for a while. Is she with you guys?"
"Yes, she's here. She's sparring with her cousins in the dojo. Would you like to speak with her?"
"Thank you, Karai, but we both think it's best to give her some distance for now. We both messed up. I just wanted to be sure she was okay. I'm glad she's with you guys, people she loves."
"I'm sorry to hear there's trouble in your household. Ryan was talking to me about it earlier. Should I tell her that you called to check on her?"
"Actually, could you just... tell her we love her?"
"I can do that. She'll come back to you guys. Just give her some time."
"That's what we've agreed to do. Thank you for listening, Karai."
"Anytime. I'll talk to you later, alright? Actually, I'm sure we'll all see each other in Todayland on Friday. I hear that's when the first football game is."
"That's right. We'll see you on Friday."
We hung up. I felt hope for the first time tonight, content that Lily was safe with family.
September 6, 2041 - Todayland, North Montana, USA
LILIANNA'S POV
After school, I took the bubble transport to the hospital to see Travis. Everyone in my family encouraged me to talk to Travis to work out our differences and problems. Thankfully, they were all supportive.
I found Travis' room and walked in with some "Get Well" balloons after knocking.
"Hey, Travis," I greeted him with a smile.
Travis looked very surprised to see me.
"Lily, right? Your father's the mutant turtle with the lab coat?"
"Yes, that's me."
"It's nice to finally match the name with the face," Travis said with a smile.
"Yeah, thanks," I replied, hanging my head down as I set the balloons down. "Look, Travis, I want to say I'm sorry. I was trying to stand up for my cousin and took things too far. I didn't mean to get you injured."
"Hey, forget about it, alright? I deserved this injury for bullying your cousin. Ryan really is a talented kid. He's just... different. Just the fact that he's a total newbie who landed the quarterback position has made me jealous of him."
"No one deserves to be treated the way you and Manny treated him. And you didn't deserve to be hurt the way I hurt you. That's why I'm here, to ask you for your forgiveness."
"Lily, you're the most beautiful girl on campus, despite your hands. When you lifted me up, I was actually terrified and thought you were some kind of goddess. I felt intimidated."
"Travis, please stop trying to flatter me. I have a boyfriend."
"But yes, I'll forgive you under two conditions. First, I hope you'll forgive me for bullying your cousin."
"I forgive you, but you'll have to ask Ryan for forgiveness too. He's the main victim here."
"I will. And second,..."
Travis let out a sigh.
"Your father, I think his name is Donatello, came by and paid for all of our out-of-pocket expenses. He felt responsible for you and apologized for you."
I let out a scoff.
"I didn't need his help, but go on."
"Lily, he also mentioned you two fought over me. Let me tell you something. My dad and I fight sometimes, but we never let that define our relationship. My dad is my number one supporter. We're always doing things together and he always encourages me."
I felt tears coming to my eyes. Travis perfectly described my relationship with my dad. I started to feel guilty for everything I had thought about him the past 24 hours.
"Lily, don't let one big fight be the wedge in your relationship. Don't hold a grudge against your dad for too long. I will also forgive you if you speak to your father and ask each other for forgiveness."
I sobbed. I suddenly felt the urge to hug Travis and embraced him. To my surprise, he embraced me back as my tears fell on his shoulder.
DONATELLO'S POV
I tried again to grade papers after my time was cut short yesterday. Besides, this was a great distraction from worrying about my daughter. I had managed to grade all the papers just in time for me to put the grades into the computer.
Suddenly, I heard a woman sobbing. I looked up and closed my laptop, preparing myself to help her. Just as I walked out of my office, Lily had ran up to me. Her face was reddened with tears streaming down her face. I immediately grew concerned.
"Lily! Are you okay?"
She shook her head and continued to sob openly.
"Come here, Lily. Let's have a talk in my office."
I put my right arm around her and led her into my office. I closed the door and sat back down at my chair. Lily sat in the chair across from me.
"What happened?" I asked, still carrying the frown on my face.
"I'm so, so..."
Lily sobbed again.
"I'm so sorry, Dad. I'm so sorry I ever said those mean things to you and doubted you and--"
"Shh," I gently interrupted her, putting my hand on her left cheek. "It's okay."
"No, it's not!" Lily wailed, starting to hyperventilate.
"Lily, please look at me and take some deep breaths with me."
I started taking deep breaths as my daughter looked into my brown eyes, and she started to take deep breaths. I opened the mini-fridge and got out a bottled water.
"Here, please drink."
Lily gulped the entire bottle down, to my surprise and worry.
"Dang, you're really upset about this. Are you feeling better enough to talk about what's on your mind?"
"No, Dad, I'm not, but I will anyway. I went to the hospital to see Travis and apologize to him. I asked for forgiveness and he asked the same of me. He also made me promise to talk to you and apologize for holding a grudge."
Lily started crying again.
"Oh, Lily, come here."
Lily walked around the desk and sat on my lap. I held her in my arms like she was my four-year-old girl. She cried into the tails of my purple mask.
"I don't deserve you, Dad. I said some pretty stupid things to you yesterday."
"Yes, yes, you did."
"Dad, I don't want to not see you anymore," Lily cried. "I don't want to not talk to you ever again. I love you so much."
"Aw, Lily, shh," I soothed her, rubbing her arm. "I love you too. And I'm sorry too."
Lily sniffed and glanced up at me with her teary blue eyes.
"Dad, you were right. You don't need to apologize."
"Yes, I do. I said some stupid things too. Heck, I didn't listen to you. I just took what the principal told me and automatically assumed you hurt Travis on purpose. Your mother helped me realize I know you better than that. And I learned, again, that I need to listen to you and to trust you. With that said, I'm so, so sorry for not trusting you. Even the best parents make mistakes from time to time. I hope you can forgive me."
Lily eagerly nodded and then continued crying.
"Aw, sweetheart, shh," I continued soothing her, even planting a kiss on her red hair. "Everything is okay now. We're all okay."
"Okay," Lily shakily replied. "May I come back?"
"Are you kidding? Of course, you can come back! We never wanted you to leave. But I am sorry we pushed you away. We promise never to push you away again. Please, come back to us."
Lily giggled through her tears. I took a deep breath and started singing to her.
"Little girl, don't you cry. Everything will be alright. Little girl, open your eyes. The sun will shine after tonight. Little girl, I got you in my arms. That's nothing new. Come out of your shell. Listen to me tell you..."
My little girl started to calm down in my arms as I continued to sing.
"Little girl, I'm here to say don't run away. Oh, little girl, I know you're scared, the things you bear. So let me tell you you're okay, that you're in my arms to stay, little girl."
September 7, 2041 - Todayland, North Montana, USA
WILBUR'S POV
Today was Karena's first home football game as the Todayland High School music teacher. I had promised her I'd take the day off work not just for her, but also to see how well the color guard would perform.
After I bought my tickets and greeted many familiar students, I made my way into the world's most comfiest bleachers. I found the Hamato family gathered in a section and decided to join them.
"Hey, guys!"
"What up, man?" Mikey greeted me enthusiastically with a fist bump.
"It's a beautiful night, isn't it?" I asked.
"You can't get better than this," Raph answered. "I never thought I'd go to a football game, nevertheless one my daughter's performing in."
"Your daughter is amazing with a flag," I complimented Venus. "She's got raw talent."
"That must run in the family," Mona Lisa replied. "It's very nice to see you, Wilbur. Will you be joining us?"
"Gladly!"
I took a seat between Leo and Don.
"Good evening, Professor Hamato," I greeted him.
Donatello cracked up laughing.
"Now that's a first!" he replied.
"What, you've never been called Professor Hamato before?" I asked.
"Nope! I've been called Dr. Hamato the entire time I taught at Todayland University, which is... 23 years."
"Dang!" I replied in awe. "I hope the university does something special in two years."
"Well, more like one year," Don corrected me. "This is my 24th year teaching."
"After everything you've done for your students, who probably have children graduating high school now, I hope Cornelius does something special," April replied enthusiastically.
"I agree with April," Mona Lisa chimed in. "It is not often one person works in one spot for years on end."
"And next year will be even more special," I replied. "Lily's going to be a student there. That gives me an idea. I'll be right back."
I left the bleachers to find the cheerleaders taking a break before the football players arrive.
"LILY!" I called out.
The red-haired cheerleader turned around towards me. I waved.
"AAHH!" Lily screamed happily, running up to me. "Hi, stranger!"
"Hey, it's great to see you outside the lair!" I shouted happily.
"I know, right? How are you?"
"I'm here!"
"Yes, you are!"
"I need a favor!"
"What kind of favor?"
"The kind that screams surprise!"
Lily pointed to the end of the bleachers and ran over there. I made my way over and joined her.
"What kind of surprise are we talking about?" Lily asked in her normal voice.
"Your dad's 25th work anniversary is next year," I explained. "Since my dad's the president, maybe we can help convince him to do something special for your dad."
"Hey, that's a good idea!" Lily replied enthusiastically. "Maybe the three of us can come up with something."
"LILY, COME ON!" Athena shouted from the 50-yard line.
"That's my cue. We'll talk more later."
"Good luck!" I shouted as Lily took off.
I returned to my spot in the bleachers just in time. The marching band started playing the school song as Ryan and the football players emerged from their tunnel. Athena and Lily cheered and Venus waved her huge golden flag over her head. After the pregame practice was over, the marching band played the Star-Spangled Banner. Venus held the American flag high with pride. Ryan placed his hand over his chest, and Athena and Lily placed both their hands behind their backs. Afterwards, Venus retired to the bleachers and joined us.
"Hey, guys!" she greeted us excitedly.
Venus looked incredible. She could not wear pants like the other color guard members, so Tallulah ended up making her a sleeveless white and golden dress as well as a white bandana to wear around her neck.
"You look beautiful, princess," Raph complimented his daughter.
"Raphael, let's take a picture," Mona Lisa suggested.
For the first time ever, Venus grinned for the camera.
"Don't mind me noticing, but you've never grinned like that before," I told her. "You must be excited."
"I am excited," Venus replied. "I finally found something else I'm good at besides ninjutsu and my botany, and I get to show it to the world. Wilbur, you are an amazing choreographer."
"Thank you, kindly."
"Wait, you're helping the color guard?" Raph asked me.
"Yes! Karena and Principal Jameson offered me a part-time job as the choreographer to help her out. I couldn't turn it down. Doing the color guard was my favorite part of high school. And the best part is that I get paid for it."
"That is awesome!" Don replied enthusiastically. "Returning the favor, I see."
"Yeah. Come, Venus. Sit down!"
"Look!" Karai exclaimed, pointing out to the field. "There's Ryan!"
"Go, Ryan!" Leo yelled excitedly. "That's my boy!"
Ryan took a quick glance at us before turning back to his teammates.
"So, Venus, how have things been here so far?" I asked. "It must have been scary trying something new."
"It was scary," Venus explained. "Ryan and I are not human, so we both worried we'd be bullied. And we did get bullied."
"I'm sorry things started out so rough," I replied sadly.
"Then tryouts happened. When I performed my tryout, everyone suddenly got quiet. I have not been bullied since. Ryan, however, was still bullied because he got the quarterback position. It got bad to where Lily ended up spending the night with us in the lair."
"What happened?" I asked.
"Lily stood up for Ryan and accidentally injured one of his bullies with her powers. She fought with her parents, so she ended up coming to the lair. The four of us helped each other with homework, did a sparring session, and then patrolled New York City."
"So that's why Lily was in the lair without Donnie and April around!"
"Yep. Thankfully, everyone involved apologized, forgave each other, and moved forward."
Suddenly, everyone surrounding me cheered. Ryan himself had scored a touchdown.
"GO RYAN!" Karai shouted.
"Yeah!" Raph joined her. "That's my nephew out there!"
"Yeah, I'm not doing that," Venus said, and I knew this was her true self.
"I don't blame you," I replied. "Things do get tense after we score."
Venus continued to watch the game with me and her family until the game reached the end of the first quarter. Venus and I joined the band and color guard behind the stadium.
"That is halftime, folks. With tremendous leadership from Number 25 Ryan Hamato, the Todayland Stars are soaring over the Peacock Tornadoes 27-12. At this time we would like to present the Todayland Stars Marching Band, directed by Miss Karena Edwards and choreographed by Mr. Wilbur Robinson, performing "The Black Pearl" from the "Pirates of the Caribbean" trilogy. Let's give these folks a soaring round of applause."
I stood next to Lily and Athena as we proudly clapped for the band and color guard. The band sounded absolutely amazing, making me feel like I was actually in the movie fighting pirates. My eyes did fall on Venus for a few minutes and I saw a new side of her. Venus de Milo Hamato was all smiles as she smoothly danced and ran while twirling and tossing her flag.
"Wow, Uncle Raph wasn't kidding when he said Venus had skills with the staff," I heard Lily tell Athena. "She's incredible!"
"She's flawless even with her tail!" Athena replied. "I think she found her calling here."
"I wonder..."
Lily paused, widening her eyes.
"Did Auntie Mona teach her about all this?"
"That would make sense," Athena replied. "Auntie Mona was the most skilled on the battlefield. Maybe she was trained on all things."
"And Venus and her mom do have that special bond," Lily said.
"That is true. Venus loves both her parents yet spends more time with her mom. Maybe it's the similarities of their anatomy. Venus is more Salamandrian than mutant turtle."
Far too quickly, the song ended, and the audience erupted in cheers. I returned to the bleachers to sit with the Hamato family.
"So, what did you guys think?" I asked.
"Pirates of the Caribbean, huh?" Donatello asked in response with his gap-toothed grin. "Very good choice. This was well done."
"Venus was amazing!" April replied. "I've never seen her smile so much before."
I turned towards Raphael and Mona Lisa, who were holding each other affectionately. I walked toward them.
"Hello, Wilbur," Mona greeted me, sharing a smile. "You should be proud of yourself. The performance was incredible."
"Thank you, Mona. But there's plenty more coming."
"I'm proud of our daughter," Raph replied. "She was scared coming here but today she looks like she's in her happy place."
"I've been meaning to ask you both something," I spoke up. "I was standing next to Lily and Athena and they were thinking you trained Venus on the bo staff, Mona. Is that correct?"
Mona let out a sigh, but it was a sigh of content.
"Yes, I gave my daughter one-on-one training after Leonardo would teach her the ways of the ninja. When she expressed a desire to fight more, I told her there were many more ways to fight. I taught her everything I know. We would brawl together, using every weapon possible. When the time came for her to venture on her vision quest, she chose to wield the bo staff, not just because she was the second-best with it."
Mona paused, looking forward to watch Lily perform a cheer.
"Lilianna has been Venus' role model all her life. Lilianna was always the resilient child of the Hamato Clan, never giving up when her life depended on it. To Venus, Lilianna was fearless. Venus may not be the best kunoichi in the clan, but she is the most versatile. If given the chance, Venus and Lilianna would have a strong fight against each other."
"How come it's never happened before?" I asked.
"Because Lilianna has always defeated Athena and Ryan has always defeated Venus. Lilianna has always used her wits and, in the past two years, her psychic abilities. Ryan always used his rage to win. As you are aware, Lilianna has defeated Ryan every time. Venus is a warrior with a brave heart, and so are Lilianna and Athena. Ryan still has a long way to go. I have a feeling he will learn his bravery here, on this battlefield."
"I'd say it's going great," I replied as the Stars scored another touchdown.
September 8, 2041 - New York City, New York, USA
LILIANNA'S POV
"Hajime!"
Venus and I squared off using our two sets of weapons. Venus carried her sais and a borrowed bo staff while I used my own bo staff and my katana blades. We first squared off with our bo staffs.
"Thank you, Mother, for setting this up!" Venus yelled excitedly as she swung her staff at me.
I took the distraction to my advantage and knocked her bo staff out of her hands. I flipped backwards to give Venus time to prepare herself again. She armed herself with her sais this time.
"Come on!" Venus beckoned me, waving at me to go get her.
"Feeling confident, are we?" I asked with my gap-toothed grin.
"I've never felt so confident in my entire life!" Venus replied.
"Good! That confidence will keep you going!"
I charged at her. Venus surprisingly held her own against me with her sais, even disarming me.
"I am impressed," I complimented her. "Uncle Leo gave you some one-on-one training, huh?"
Venus stopped dead in her tracks.
"Actually, it was--"
I ran to perform a spinning kick.
"Venus, watch out!" Uncle Raph yelled.
I kicked her and knocked her down into the ground.
"...my mother," Venus quietly finished her sentence.
"Venus, I must applaud you for telling Lilianna the truth," Uncle Leo chimed in. "But be careful where your thoughts lie. Your thoughts can become distractions. You must clear your mind of all thoughts to prevail."
"Hai, sensai," Venus replied quietly.
"Lilianna, you do not require any feedback," Uncle Leo told me. "Instead, I must congratulate you. You have gone through trials this week."
The two of us glanced at my parents, who looked down guiltily.
"And you even helped another in his own trial."
We glanced at Ryan, who was currently sparring with Athena.
"You have made mistakes, but you acknowledged them and did not let them change you. Instead you displayed courage, stayed true to yourself, recognized your mistakes as well as helping your parents recognize theirs. You are a woman of honor, Lilianna Mae Hamato. You have graduated into the next dan."
Everyone else laughed and cheered for me. I must say that I was not expecting this at all. I ran up to my parents and embraced them.
"We are so proud of you, Lily Mae," Dad told me with his kind smile.
"You have become a better kunoichi than I ever imagined," Mom said, putting her hand on my cheek. "You have come so far ever since you started sixteen years ago."
"I can't believe it's been that long," I replied. "Time does fly."
I let out a gasp.
"I just remembered some news!" I exclaimed out loud.
"What is it, Lilianna?" Mona Lisa asked.
"My application for early graduation got approved," I answered. "And I have even more great news: not only can I participate in the graduation ceremony in May, but I can also participate in winter cheerleading!"
"Oh, that's wonderful!" Dad replied enthusiastically.
"Three cheers for Lily!" Uncle Mikey yelled.
"Hip-hip, hooray!"
I laughed before watching Ryan and Athena returning to their brawl. I glanced at my dad, who shared his gap-toothed grin.
"You convinced Principal Jameson on my behalf, didn't you?" I asked.
"Sometimes you have to give your friend a little nudge," Dad answered with a wink.
"I didn't like it when you apologized for me, but this more than makes up for it."
"I'll take it."
Suddenly, my T-Phone went off. Soon enough, it sounded like everyone's T-Phones were going off.
"Athena, wait!" Ryan shouted. "My phone's buzzing!"
"Mine too!" Athena shouted back.
"As did mine," Mom replied.
"And mine," Dad chimed.
"Alright, whose phone didn't go off?" Uncle Raph asked in annoyance. "Mine didn't."
Most of the adults replied that their phones didn't go off. I glanced at my phone. Tallulah had sent a text to everyone involved in Karena and Wilbur's bridal party.
"If you can see this, you are in the bridal party. I need all of you to come to my shop ASAP."
"I guess we're heading to Todayland," I said out loud.
"I wonder what for?" Mom asked. "It's only September. The wedding's not until May."
"I guess we'll find out," Dad replied, and then raised his voice. "Alright, who all is going to Todayland? Please raise your hand."
I raised my hand, and so did my parents, Ryan, Athena, and Auntie Renet.
"So, half of us are going?" Auntie Renet asked.
"Now that's not fair!" Venus whined. "I'm the only cousin not going!"
"You forget, Venus, the rest of us are involved in the wedding too," Uncle Leo replied. "Today's not a bad day to put the ceremony and reception together. Why don't we all go to Todayland, too? Maybe we can work together with the Robinsons?"
"I'm down," Uncle Raph replied with a smile.
"Me too," Auntie Karai replied.
"Turtles, wives, children, let's move!"
Todayland, North Montana, USA
LEONARDO'S POV
The six of us: myself, Karai, Raph, Mona Lisa, Venus, and Mikey made it to the living room of the Robinsons' house through the portal.
"Hello?" Raph yelled out.
"Is anyone home?" I yelled.
"Welcome, welcome, welcome!" Carl, the golden robot Cornelius invented, ran into the room to greet us happily. "What a pleasant surprise to see you here! What brings you by?"
"Well, the rest of us is at Tallulah's shop discussing wedding details," Venus explained. "So we're here too."
"We thought we could work together to plan the ceremony and reception," I chimed in.
"That's actually a good idea," Carl replied. "Wilbur and Karena are at Tallulah's too. They're all trying on their dresses and tuxedos that she made."
"But Donatello's a turtle," Karai said with hesitance.
"And so is Ryan," I replied.
"I know Tallulah, guys," Carl assured us. "She knows what she is doing. But yes, I will page everyone else to the dining room so we can discuss everything."
Suddenly, we heard two T-Phones go off. Raph and Mona Lisa took them out.
"It looks like we're needed at the dress shop also," Mona Lisa said. "Billie is sending the train."
"Right, because we're ushers," Raph replied.
"Karai and I are the officiants," I replied. "I wonder if we're needed too."
"Let me ask," Mona Lisa said, texting Tallulah back.
"If so, then we can handle this, right Venus?" Mikey asked.
"I hope so," Venus answered.
Mona Lisa's phone rang.
"Yes, please join us!"
I watched Raph and Mona Lisa hug their daughter good-bye for now. Before we knew it, the train took the four of us to the dress shop.
VENUS' POV
Carl guided me and Uncle Mikey to the dining room. Before we knew it, half of the Robinson family gathered with us.
"Thank you everyone for gathering today," Carl announced. "I'm one of Wilbur's best men, but I'm a robot. All I'll be wearing is a bow-tie. So I am here to watch over this meeting. I know we all know each other, but I want all of you to introduce yourselves and tell us your role in the wedding. We'll go from oldest to youngest. Lucille?"
"Hello, everybody!" the pink-haired grandmother stood up. "I'm Lucille, Wilbur's grandma, and I'll be making the cake for the lovely couple."
"Bud, Wilbur's grandfather, and Fritz, Bud's brother, are two of the ushers," Carl announced. "Sitting next to Lucille is Joe, Bud's other brother, who will help us decorate for the ceremony. His wife Billie is the ringbearer."
"I'm Art," the muscular black-haired man stood up. "And this is my brother Gaston. We're Wilbur's uncles who are making the dinner. Franny and Cornelius are Wilbur's parents who are at the boutique."
"The rest of us are at the boutique too," Uncle Mikey finally chimed in. "I'm Michelangelo, Mikey for short. I'm the DJ providing all the awesome music. Leo and Karai are the officiants. Raph and Mona Lisa are the ushers. Donnie is stepping in for Karena's dad and April is Karena's matron of honor. My wife Renet is the flower girl. Lily and Athena, my niece and daughter, are bridesmaids, and my nephew Ryan is a groomsman."
"And I'm Venus," I reintroduced myself. "I'm providing all the flowers. I have then all planted already, so I can't really do much at the moment."
"And I'd like to point out that Laszlo and Tallulah are also in the wedding party as Wilbur's best man and Karena's maid of honor," Carl finished. "Now, let's talk brass tacks, shall we? I have here a timeline of events. It is September, which means we are just eight months away from the wedding. It looks like the only thing that must be discussed this month asides from Tallulah's meeting with the bridal party is the florist. Venus?"
I felt hesitant. I panicked.
"Venus, you've got an amazing plan," Uncle Mikey encouraged me. "Just share what you've got and what you plan to do with them."
I took out a deep breath, and I stood up with a smile.
"I had a discussion with Uncle Donnie and Aunt April earlier regarding flowers because they were making designs for the stationery. We learned that the color scheme of the wedding will be greens and purples. All of my flowers will be white. There are five total bridesmaids, so I am making baby's breath bouquets for all of them. With that said, I am also making baby's breath boutonnières for the five groomsmen. For Wilbur, I am making a white rose boutonnière. And to match, I have this picture of how I'll be making Karena's bouquet."
I sent everyone here a picture of the bouquet.
"It's a bouquet made of white roses, jasmine, orchids, and tweedia with some greenery in it. I plan on tying it with an amethyst purple ribbon."
"Venus, this is beautiful!" Lucille, the only other female in the room, replied in awe. "It looks like you've got everything covered!"
"Do you also have plans for decorations?" Carl asked.
"Yes," I answered with confidence. "If someone can make the arch, I can decorate it with the same flowers as the ones in Karena's bouquet. I'll do simple baby's breath bouquets for the aisle chairs and white rose bouquets for the centerpieces inside the reception area. Carl, where will the wedding and reception be at?"
"Our garden is big enough to do an outdoor wedding," Carl answered. "And the reception will be held at Robinson Industries."
"Would you mind taking me there sometime so I can imagine things?"
"By all means! But the best person to ask would be Cornelius."
"Noted. That is all I got."
"Thank you very much, Venus," Carl replied with a smile. Next on the agenda... we are going to go backwards a little bit. Michelangelo, you're the DJ. What is your plan?"
"Right now, I have Wilbur and Karena choosing their own options," Uncle Mikey explained. "I already spoke with them over the summer. They are going to create four different playlists: the pre-ceremony list, the ceremony list, the cocktail/dinner playlist, and the reception playlist. They are also going to include song suggestions from their guests for another playlist to be played during the dancing part. Nothing's been set in stone yet, but I'll have to work with you guys on the setup since we're going to two places."
"Thank you, Michelangelo. Art and Gaston?"
Suddenly, we heard a portal opening, and I was quite surprised to see Shinigami and Casey Jones appearing.
"I heard there was a wedding meeting going on?" Shinigami asked.
"Shini!" I yelled happily, running up to her and hugging her.
"It's nice to see you too, Venus," Shinigami replied.
"Hello, it's nice to meet you," the robot introduced himself. "I'm Carl, Wilbur's best man and Cornelius's robot friend."
"I'm Shinigami, Wilbur and Karena's photographer, and this is Casey Jones, the artist and behind-the-scenes man."
"You are so cool!" Casey said enthusiastically, shaking Carl's hand.
"Go ahead and take a seat," Carl replied. "Art and Gaston, please?"
"We gave Wilbur and Karena a preview during Wilbur's graduation week," Art explained. "We have all decided to go with an Italian dinner with alternatives for those with allergies."
"Wilbur and Karena agreed to serve spaghetti with tomato sauce and fettuccine with Alfredo sauce," Gaston explained. "We'll have meat options, such as meatballs, fish, or chicken. We'll have a variety of cheeses to choose from. We'll also provide the options of salad, breadsticks, or soup for the side.
"So like an Olive Garden?" Casey asked.
"Pretty much," Art answered. "And this will all be served by the Robinson Industries staff."
"What about the drinks?" Shinigami asked.
"I will prepare them," Carl answered. "I will provide the non-alcoholic drinks while a bartender will be present to make cocktails. We'll also have tea and coffee. Thank you very much, Art and Gaston. Well, Shinigami and Casey, what have you two got planned for us?"
"I will be taking pictures of everything possible," Shinigami explained. "Casey will make a video of everything, starting from when the bridal party get ready until we send the bride and groom away. After editing the video, Casey will draw a piece of art to give Wilbur and Karena for their first wedding anniversary."
"That's an amazing idea!" Uncle Mikey replied excitedly.
"Yes, it is," Carl replied. "And what about engagement photos?"
"December," Shinigami answered. "On the day they became engaged."
"Alright, thank you Shinigami and Casey. Last but not least, Lucille? I know you don't have to plan anything until February, but what do you have so far?"
"Since Karena's birthday is in February, I thought we'd do a little cake testing that day," Lucille explained. "I'll make a variety of cakes, and I am already inviting everyone from the Robinson and Hamato families to attend."
"Sounds great," Carl replied. "Are there any questions?"
LILIANNA'S POV
After my uncles Leo and Raph and aunts Karai and Mona arrived, we all took a seat on the platform, fitting us all perfectly.
"Okay, we gotta get a picture of this," Tallulah said, setting up her iPhone on a tripod. "Everyone smile!"
All twenty-two of us towards the camera and smiled. Afterwards, Tallulah walked back up to her tripod, took her iPhone, and smiled at all of us.
"Thank you all for being here today!" Tallulah said excitedly. "I'm sure you all know me, but my name is Tallulah and I am Karena's maid of honor. I am also the designer of every dress and tuxedo possible. With that said, I will ask every one of you to try your gown on, and I will make any adjustments as needed. We are going to get the easy ones out first. You may leave after trying them on."
We all clapped as Tallulah grabbed her iPad.
"First up is our male officiant, Leonardo."
Uncle Leo walked in to the dressing room while Tallulah got the rest of the rooms ready. He came out wearing an emerald green kimono.
"I asked Donnie for photos from all of your weddings," Tallulah explained. "This was inspired from what you wore on your wedding day. It even covers your shell."
"It fits perfectly," Uncle Leo replied in awe. "I am impressed, Tallulah. I see now why Ryan trusts you."
"It looks great on you, Leo. Our male Hamato usher Raphael is next."
While Tallulah took measurements for Uncle Leo's alterations, Uncle Raph came out wearing a black tuxedo.
"I feel itchy in this," Uncle Raph complained.
"Hmm, this is fixable," Tallulah replied. "I'll replace the inside of the tuxedo with silk. It'll feel much smoother. Donnie, it's your turn."
I watched my dad go into the dressing room. He came out wearing an amethyst purple cloak that went down to his ankles.
"I feel like royalty," Dad said with a big smile.
"Donnie..."
My mother was speechless.
"You look incredible!"
"April is right, Donnie!" Tallulah replied. "That looks so much better than I anticipated! It doesn't look like you need alterations at all!"
"Does that mean I can take it home?" Dad asked.
I looked into his mind and giggled when I found out he wanted to wear it every day.
"Sorry, Donnie. You'll wear it out before the wedding."
"That's a good point," Dad replied with a chuckle.
"Mona, you're up!"
Auntie Mona came out wearing a full tuxedo that included room for her tail to move.
"I love you," Uncle Raph told her with affection.
"And I love you, Raphael."
They kissed.
"Ryan, you're a turtle, so I'd like you to try yours on next," Tallulah said. "And I'd like the rest of the groomsmen to try theirs on."
All the groomsmen, minus Carl, wore green suits. Tallulah had saved Ryan's measurements from my freshman year talent show, as Ryan's suit fit him perfectly.
"Lastly, Wilbur, your suit. Karena, I'd like you to step outside, please."
"I'll go with her," Mom offered.
My mom followed Karena outside. After a few minutes, Wilbur emerged in a white suit with a green bow tie and a green handkerchief in the pocket.
"You look like an amazing groom," I complimented him.
"You know, I don't think I've ever worn white before," Wilbur replied. "I look just as good in white as I do in green."
"Well, you're wearing both, and you dress very nicely. Karena's not going to take her eyes off you."
"Okay, Wilbur, let me measure you for alterations," Tallulah chimed in. "Karai, you're up."
Auntie Karai came out in a purple kimono, and she was beaming.
"Tallulah, I absolutely love the purple," Auntie Karai said. "It fits perfectly."
"Awesome! Renet, you're up!"
Just when Tallulah was done with Wilbur's alterations, Auntie Renet came out wearing a 1950s-styled amethyst purple tea dress with short sleeves.
"This reminds me of my dress on my wedding day," Auntie Renet said dreamily.
"That's the point!" Tallulah replied. "But however did you survive? You got married on Christmas Day, didn't you?"
"The dress was long-sleeved," Aunt Renet answered with a wink. "But this dress is almost exactly identical. Thank you so much!"
"April, you're next!"
My parents shared a kiss before my mom went in the dressing room.
"Wait a minute, Dad, shouldn't all the bridesmaids have gone in?" I asked.
"Nope!" Tallulah answered for him as she started measuring Auntie Renet. "There's a reason."
After some time, my mom emerged from the dressing room wearing a purple strapless dress with a purple cloak identical to my dad's.
"Donnie, I understand how you feel about feeling like royalty," Mom told him. "Though will I need the cloak in May?"
"Trust me, April, it does get cold sometimes," Tallulah answered.
I turned to see my dad's jaw dropped. I helped him close it as Mom approached us.
"You... are so beautiful," Dad fondly told her.
"Lindsey, you're up!"
"Wait, who is Lindsey?" I asked.
"Karena's best friend from college," Dad answered. "She's paired with her boyfriend Randy."
"I guess we have some new faces."
Lindsey, a blonde woman, emerged wearing a short-sleeved purple dress.
"Lily, your turn!"
I blew out a sigh before heading into my dressing room. I let out a gasp. On the hanger was a purple dress with only one strap over my left shoulder and a slit on my right side. I excitedly put it on. After a few minutes, I emerged from the dressing room in time for Athena to enter.
"Lily, you look like a goddess!" Auntie Mona complimented me.
"Thank you!"
"Let's see what we need to fix," Tallulah mumbled, immediately starting to measure me. "How do you feel?"
"I absolutely love it! I can easily do Elsa's braid on my right side to cover my shoulder."
"You do you, Lily. You are absolutely gorgeous!"
"What about me?" Athena asked as she emerged.
Athena wore a halter-top purple dress with slits on both legs.
"Perfect, Athena!" Tallulah complimented her as she finished up my measurements. "Aunt Billie, go on in!"
I went back in the dressing room as Tallulah started to measure Athena's alterations. By the time I had come out again, Wilbur had walked outside with my dad, Karena was in the dressing room, and Billie came out, wearing a purple suit.
"I absolutely love that, Billie!" I complimented her.
"I do, too!" Billie replied in her Swedish accent. "Thank you very much!"
Tallulah let out a gasp as Karena came out of the dressing room. Her dress was absolutely beautiful. She had straps on both shoulders to give her a V-shaped neckline. The dress was an A-line dress with a transparent skirt over the dress, etched with very light purple butterflies.
"Tallulah, you've outdone yourself!" Karena said in awe.
"And now for the veil."
The veil matched Karena's dress perfectly, going as long as her knees.
"Oh, Karena, you look so beautiful!" Mom complimented her, almost on the verge of tears. "I can't believe you're getting married soon."
"April, the wedding's not until May," Karena replied.
"Gosh, I feel like I'm your mom."
Mom and Karena shared a laugh as Tallulah started her alterations.
"How come you're not showing us your dress, Tallulah?" I asked.
"That is a secret for Karena's wedding day," she answered, not taking an eye off her work. "Cornelius, Franny, your turn!"
We spent the rest of the day admiring each other's dresses and gowns and went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner.
