FIFTY CHAPTERS!!!!! And it's fitting too because this chapter marks the official end of Lily's childhood and the start of her adulthood. Now I'm not sure if this book will have 100 chapters or not, though that would be quite an incredible accomplishment for me. For this second half of the book, I'm not going to do too much on the reimagining. "Insanity" and "Conflicts" are a no-go because when I wrote those, I had not even watched the "Vision Quest" episode of "TMNT." Now that I've watched the entire series, those two stories don't make sense. I will be pulling some stuff out of those two stories though.

Now, "Hope," probably the best story I've written on here before this one, will very likely be a reimagining but with more involvement from Lily and her family (don't worry, I plan to make it better!!!). After "Hope" is "A New Life," which I may or may not reimagine. That one solely focuses on Karena and Wilbur, but depending on how well things go, I could write things on Lily's end. At that point, I'm imagining life to be very different for Lily. I'm not going to spoil my ideas though! And then after that we have the series revolving another OC of mine in the "Meet the Robinsons" world and at that point, I know for a fact that Lily will be back in New York, so those four stories will be reimaginings also.

But for now, enjoy reading this chapter as I will enjoy writing it, and be prepared to grab a tissue. I was crying just imagining how to bring this chapter to life.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything related to "Meet the Robinsons" nor "TMNT" nor "Toy Story." I only own Lilianna, Ryan, Venus, Athena, Karena, and Justine.


May 29, 2042 - North Hampton, New York, USA

LILIANNA'S POV

I stirred myself awake when I heard knocking on the door.

"Oh, Lily Mae!" I heard my dad singing.

I groaned.

"What time is it?" I asked.

"It is eight o'clock in the morning," Dad answered cheerfully.

I sat up, but then I was wide awake. My dad was holding a tray of food and a vase of flowers.

"I'm getting breakfast in bed?" I asked with a teary smile.

"Happy birthday, Lilianna Mae," Dad replied with a big gap-toothed grin, setting the tray on my lap. "I cannot believe you're now an adult."

"Dad, you're making me cry!" I paused to grab a tissue to wipe my tears away. "This is already the best birthday ever!"

"I made your favorite breakfast while your mom shopped for the flowers. You have worked so hard these past four years and graduated the top of your class. Mom and I thought you deserved something special for your birthday."

I immediately dug into my hash brown casserole that also had scrambled eggs, tomatoes, green peppers, and bacon mixed in it. I moaned with satisfaction as I savored the flavors. I also had a delicious cup of iced coffee with peppermint-flavored creamer. My dad put the vase of white roses on the table to replace the flowers I got for my high school graduation the week before.

"Go ahead and enjoy your breakfast, Lily," Dad encouraged me. "Once you're done, just set the dishes in the sink. Mom and I would like to talk to you in my lab."

"Mom and I?" I repeated. "I thought Mom worked on Thursdays."

"She took today off to celebrate your birthday. This is a big milestone for you. But we'll see you in my lab whenever you're ready."

Dad left the room and headed downstairs. I took my time, enjoying every bite of my breakfast and every sip of my coffee. During that time, I had been getting text messages from everyone who was not in school wishing me a happy birthday. It was days like this that I wished I was staying home with family instead of going to Todayland and staying there for school.

After I finished my breakfast, I took off my nightgown and changed into a red tank top and blue shorts. I put on socks and white tennis shoes before venturing outside. I went down the stairs, carefully carrying the tray that I eventually placed in the kitchen sink, and then I ran across the yard into the barn.

"Hi, Mom. Hi again, Dad."

"Good morning, Lily!" Mom greeted me with a smile. "Happy birthday! I hope you enjoyed your breakfast."

"It was delicious! Thank you."

"Well, don't thank us yet. We've got another gift for you."

Mom gave me an envelope. Thinking it was a birthday card with some sort of credit card in it, I opened it. Instead, there was a debit card with notes on the back.

"Mom, what is this?" I asked.

"Okay, download the Chase app on your T-Phone," Mom instructed me. "Once you've done that, enter the information from the back of the card."

I logged in, immediately realizing the notes were a username and password. I was floored what I found once I passed the login screen. The savings account was under my name with a total of fifty thousand dollars!

"Is this... mine?" I asked with a shocked voice.

"When I was pregnant with you, I wanted to prepare you for your future because adulthood is not easy," Mom explained. "I set up a bank account the day after told me about you and I deposited fifty dollars every week. Yesterday was the last day of that deposit, and now it's all yours."

"Oh... my... gosh..."

"But Lily, I want to warn you about something," Dad sternly replied. "Some people will take that money and spend it all on things they do not need. Some things you need can be costly. I want you to use that money wisely. I'd rather you keep it in your savings until you buy a house after college graduation. But the choice is yours, and Mom and I are trusting you to make the right choice."

"I had deposited all that money thinking that you needed it for college only to find it's all been paid for," Mom chimed in with a big smile. "But Dad is right. Only use the money when you absolutely need it. You can spend it on groceries, for example. But don't--"

"Don't spend it carelessly," I finished her thought with a confident smile. "I understand."

"Good. I'm glad."

I glanced at the card, still in disbelief my parents had financially looked out for me my entire life, including my life in my mom's womb.

"Thank you both so much," I finally spoke. "So, what else do we have planned today?"

"Uncle Mikey's got this big party planned for you," Dad answered. "He was going to throw a graduation party last week, but I'm glad we all agreed to play Head's Up that night. He saved it for today."

"Then, let's go!" I said enthusiastically, being a child for one last time. "Let's get this party started!"


New York City, New York, USA

ATHENA'S POV

I hid in my spot in the kitchen until I was given a certain cue. Everything was ready for the party. Mom and I made a huge birthday cake to celebrate Lily's eighteenth birthday. Dad was at his pizzeria making pizzas for dinner later on. The rest of the family, excluding our guest of honor and her parents, decorated the lair.

"Guys?" I heard Uncle Donnie yelling from the entrance. "Where are you guys at?"

"SURPRISE!" Uncle Raph and his family yelled from their hiding spots in the living room.

"SURPRISE!" Uncle Leo and his family yelled from the dojo.

"SURPRISE!" Mom and I yelled, revealing ourselves from the kitchen.

"Guys, I already knew about the party," Lily replied with laughter. "It didn't have to be a surprise."

"What's a good party without a surprise attached to it?" I asked, and everyone laughed.

"She's definitely Mikey's daughter," Uncle Raph told his wife.

"Are you hungry, Lily?" Mom asked. "Athena and I have the cake and ice cream all ready for you."

"And after we all grab that, we're all going to play some Truth or Dare!" I announced.

"And everyone is going to play it," Mom said excitedly.

"You've got to be kidding me," Uncle Raph mumbled.

"Yes, Raphael, that means you."

All of us grabbed our pieces of cake and scoops of ice cream that Auntie Karai grabbed at the store. We all gathered around in the living room floor on the steps and on the floor to start playing Truth or Dare.

"Lily, you're the birthday girl," Mom announced with a smile. "You have the honors of going first."

"Well, Uncle Raph, since you complained, I'm picking you first," Lily said mischievously. "Truth or dare?"

Uncle Raph groaned.

"Alright, truth, but it better be good!"

"No promises," Lily replied with a wink. "What is one annoying habit of each person in the room?"

"Ooh!" Uncle Leo and Uncle Donnie exclaimed mischievously at the same time.

"That's torture!" Uncle Raph exclaimed. "And Mikey isn't even here!"

We laughed.

"Well... Leo still likes that not-at-all-stupid Space Heroes show. Karai bites her nails. Ryan has a temper just like me. When Mona stirs her coffee, her spoon is too loud. Venus always leaves dirt on her feet and doesn't wash them when she's finished in her greenhouse. Donnie still mumbles and mumbles about his experiments. April sings way too loudly. Lily taps her foot when she's bored. Renet always says cold instead of cool. And Athena always licks the batter when baking cookies."

We all glanced at each other with frowns on our faces.

"Now, I believe it's my turn," Uncle Raph continued. "Leo, truth or dare?"

"Dare me," Uncle Leo answered with a grin.

"Say the pledge of allegiance in your least-favorite teacher's voice."

We all cracked up laughing as Uncle Leo gave Uncle Raph a look of disbelief.

"Come on, Leo!" Aunt April encouraged him.

Uncle Leo let out a loud sigh, put his right hand over his heart, and let out an exasperated sigh.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America," Uncle Leo said in the most uninteresting voice possible. "And to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

"Encore!" I shouted enthusiastically. "Encore!"

"Just for that, I'm picking you next, Athena," Uncle Leo said with a mischievous grin. "Truth or dare?"

"Dare."

"Prank call your crush and sing I can't help falling in love with you," Leo told me.

"Ooh!" all the girls in the room exclaimed.

"Athena has a crush?" Lily gasped mischievously.

I blushed.

"Uncle Leo, why would you do this to me?" I asked quietly, taking out my T-Phone.

"Is it Skyler?" Lily asked with a wink.

"Shush."

I dialed Skyler.

"Hello?"

"I can't help falling in love with you," I sang sweetly and softly.

"Aww, Athena, really?I really--"

"Gotta go, bye!" I hastily said before hanging up.

Everyone in the room laughed. Suddenly, my phone went off. It was a text from Skyler.

"I was going to say I really like you too. Will you be my girlfriend?"

I blushed even harder.

"What did Skyler say?" Lily asked with curiosity.

"None of your beeswax," I squeaked. "Aunt April, truth or dare?"

"Truth."

"What song do you sing in the shower?" I asked.

"Oh, that one's easy," Aunt April said, preparing to give me her answer. "Without Him by Christina Grimmie. It was the song that helped me realize I was in love with Donnie all along."

Aunt April took a breath, preparing to sing.

"I'm not one to really talk at all, speak up only when the time is right or when it calls for the big guns. Problem is where to speak from? I hear it's your heart that does all the talking. Hurry up, you've got no time to waste, 'cause this is the man I'm loving for always. And honest to God, truth of the matter, I just can't see my life going on without... you!"

Aunt April belted out a high note.

"Now am I crazy?" Lily sang. "Why can no one understand that I'll never find a better man?"

"Oh, no, no, no, no!" Aunt April belted.

"I'm just imagining a life without my baby and I know, I know, this life ain't meant to be lived without him, without him."

"This life ain't meant to be lived without him," Aunt April and Lily finished the song together. "Without him, I know."

All of us clapped at the duet.

"I believe it's your turn, April," Uncle Donnie told her.

"I guess that means you're volunteering," Aunt April replied, bumping her shoulder against his.

"I guess I walked into that one. Dare."

"Feeling daring, are we, D? For the rest of the game, you must yell out exclamations randomly."

"Aww, sewer apples!" Uncle Donnie exclaimed.

We all laughed.

"That was a good one!" Uncle Leo said with a chuckle. "Pick someone, Donnie."

Uncle Donnie glanced around the room.

"Ryan, truth or dare?"

"Truth."

"Well, shucks! Okay, well... If you were on a deserted island, what two people would you take with you and why?"

"You, Uncle Donnie, because you can invent something to get us off that godforsaken island," Ryan explained. "And I think the other one would be Venus because she's good at catching fish."

"Wait, seriously?!" Lily asked with a shocked voice, turning towards Venus. "Since when have you learned to fish?"

"Oh, I've known to fish for years," Venus answered. "Mom took me fishing while we were all at the farmhouse one day and I've been fishing and swimming at night in the city since then."

"Wow!" Uncle Donnie exclaimed.

"Okay, is that random or did you mean to say that?" Aunt April asked.

"Random, I swear!"

"Speaking of which, Venus, truth or dare?" Ryan asked.

"Dare."

"Whenever someone says like, you must say there you go again for the next hour."

"You've got to be kidding me!" Venus replied with annoyance in her voice.

"Kaboom!" Uncle Donnie exclaimed. "Hey, if I can do Aunt April's dare, you can do this one."

"Mother, truth or dare?" Venus asked.

"Truth," Auntie Mona answered.

"What do you like the most about everyone in this room?"

The room was silent for a moment.

"Ka-chow!" Uncle Donnie exclaimed.

"Venus, remember Ryan's dare," Uncle Leo reminded her.

"Who said like?" Venus asked.

"You did," Lily answered, giving her a raised eyebrow. "Twice."

Venus slapped her hands on her thighs.

"There I go again!" Venus exclaimed, earning laughs from everyone except for her mother.

"I'm glad I'm not the only one," Uncle Donnie said with a chuckle.

"What do I like about each person in the room?" Auntie Mona repeated the question.

"There she goes again!" Venus exclaimed, earning laughs from everyone this time.

"Raphael is the noblest Turtle I have ever known. Donatello is known for his intelligence in all things. Leonardo is as wise as his sensei. Karai never gives up trying. April fights for the truth. Renet is always willing to learn. Ryan is steadfast. Venus has a green thumb in the garden. Lilianna is full of courage. And Athena sees the best in everyone."

"Awesome!" Uncle Donnie exclaimed.

"Now I believe I have to pick someone. Karai, truth or dare?"

"Dare me!" Auntie Karai said enthusiastically.

"Dance around the room singing a song chosen by the person on your right."

Auntie Karai turned towards her right. Lily was sitting next to her.

"Shrug."

"Oh no!" Auntie Karai exclaimed loudly.

"You can do this, Karai!" Uncle Leo said confidently.

"I'll put it on," Lily said, finding the song on her phone.

"Whoo!" Uncle Donnie exclaimed as the song started to play.

It took Auntie Karai a few moments to stand up and get into the groove of things. She started to walk as she started to sing.

"So, you've been hanging with my ex all day, all day. You don't say thanks for taking what I threw away. I ain't fazed. You play these little games. Such a joke. Ain't even tuned in to your show. Oh, you think your claims are made of gold. But deep down everybody knows, knows. They be standing round tryin' to one you up. You're sensing every lie on the tip of their tongue. When you've had enough, you gotta hit 'em with the shrug like."

Auntie Karai shrugged and danced with her hips at the same time.

"There you go again!" Venus exclaimed.

We all laughed as Auntie Karai sang the chorus again.

"There you go again!" Venus exclaimed again, realizing Auntie Karai sand the word like.

"Get into it, Karai!" Aunt April encouraged her.

"Hola, hola, hola. I see you looking at me. Take a picture, but don't be jelly. Girl, we ain't even friends, you're just imaginary. This is getting old. Let it go. You play these little games. Such a joke. Ain't even tuned into your show. Oh, you think your claims are made of gold. But deep down everybody knows, knows. They be standing round tryin' to one you up. You're sensing every lie on the tip of their tongue. When you've had enough, you gotta hit 'em with the shrug like."

"There you go again!" Venus exclaimed.

Auntie Karai stuck her tongue out and pointed her finger at us before singing the chorus again.

"There you go again!"

"I think that's enough," Lily said, turning off the song. "You did pretty good! You're not as bad a singer as you think you are."

"Yeah, boy!" Uncle Donnie exclaimed.

"Thanks, guys," Auntie Karai said, blowing a sigh of relief and sitting back down next to Lily and Uncle Leo. "Renet, truth or dare?"

"Truth."

"Name one person in the room you would least like to be stuck with on a desert island and why."

"Ooh!" Uncle Donnie exclaimed.

"There you go again!" Venus exclaimed.

"That is an impossible question!" Mom exclaimed. "And the person I would pick isn't even in the room. Mikey would eat all the food!"

We all laughed, knowing this was true about my dad.

"I'm going to offend someone no matter what!" Mom said in aghast. "I'd have to pick Raph for his temper. Ryan is a very close second."

"Ooh!" Uncle Donnie exclaimed.

"Donnie, are you being random?" Aunt April asked.

"Yes, I swear!"

"Thanks a lot, sister," Uncle Raph replied grumpily.

We played a few more rounds of Truth or Dare, doing the silliest things possible and lending our voices some more. Uncle Donnie and Venus continued to do their exclamations and blew a sigh of relief when my dad returned home.

"Pizza's here!" Dad shouted excitedly.

"You missed all the fun, Mikey!" Raph replied.

"Looks like we did too!" Wilbur said, coming in behind Mikey with Karena. "Sorry we're late. Karena had to finish grading final exams."

"Thank heavens our final exams ended yesterday," Ryan replied. "Who came up with the idea to cram everything you've learned all year long into one big test?"

"Hey, schools have been doing this for years," Uncle Donnie chimed in.

"On the other hand, Ryan, you're going to be a senior!" Lily said enthusiastically. "If you did well on your ACT exam, you may not need to take finals next year."

"I don't think that's happening," Ryan replied, hanging his head down. "I only got a 24 on the ACT."

"I actually got a 24 on the ACT myself," Karena chimed in. "And I was exempt from final exams my senior year."

"Lily, what did your score end up being?" I asked my cousin.

"I had a perfect score, believe it or not!"

"Dang!" Venus, Ryan, Wilbur, and I all exclaimed at the same time.

"How often did you study?" Ryan asked with surprise in his voice.

"Ironically, I didn't," Lily answered. "Not that I'm encouraging you not to study. Please study whenever you can. I was so busy I couldn't find the time to study."

"Anyway," Karena chimed in again. "Lily, happy birthday! Wilbur, Laszlo, and I worked together on this."

Wilbur gave Lily her large present and she opened it. Lily gasped.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Look at this!" Lily said, her breath taken away.

It was a portrait painting of Lily in her vision quest, her white mask blended in with her braided red hair, which looked like it was blowing away with the wind. She held her bo staff in one hand and a katana in the other. Her proud gap-toothed smile was the brightest thing in the picture, and she was surrounded by a sunrise.

"Be bold like the sun," I read the caption at the bottom of the photo out loud. "This is beautiful!"

"This is the most beautiful thing anyone's ever done for me," Lily said in awe, glancing at the photo before looking at Wilbur. "Thank you so much. I know the perfect place for it."


August 15, 2042 - North Hampton, New York, USA

LILIANNA'S POV

I finished packing the last of my clothes in my suitcase on my bed. Then I closed my suitcase. I sat on the bed next to my suitcase and I looked around the now-empty bedroom. The only things that remained were the bed, the desk, and the painting the Robinsons gave me for my eighteenth birthday.

I let out a sigh. This was my room for the last eighteen years and today, I am moving to Todayland to pursue my own adult life. This room had been my safe place all these years. This room was the place I had most of my talks with my parents, good and bad talks. This room was the place where I could read books and dream about my future.

I suddenly heard knocking just as tears started to come to my eyes. I turned to see my dad walking in the room, wearing only his belts and his purple mask.

"Are you all packed?" Dad asked.

I hesitated.

"Yes, Dad, I am."

"Are you ready?"

I suddenly broke down into tears. I felt my dad sitting down next to me and he wrapped his arm around me.

"Aww, Lily Mae, what's wrong?" Dad asked with a compassionate voice.

I sniffed and let out a sigh.

"Leaving here willingly is very different from leaving against your will. Leaving against your will... it just happens. But leaving to lead your own life... it's hard. Especially when you're leaving behind family who love you, like you, Dad."

"I think I understand."

It was my dad's turn to let out a sigh.

"Do you remember when I went with you to Todayland to finish out your freshman year?"

I nodded.

"It was... hard, for me to leave your mom, especially leaving her alone in the house. I cried in my lab before we went to the airport because I didn't want to leave her for five months. But perhaps the hardest trials of all were losing you. You were wrongly taken away from me and I worried so much that you were never going to come home."

Dad put his hands on my shoulders, forcing me to face him. He had tears behind his purple mask, but he also had a smile on his face.

"But this time, my brave daughter, you are grown up. You are leaving us again, yes, but this time it is your choice, not someone else's. Only you know where to go, and I know with all my heart that you will come back to us to visit, maybe even stay a week."

I had a big, teary teary, and I pulled my dad in for a hug. My dad kissed me on the cheek.

"And besides, I'll be in Todayland every day of the week, so we'll see each other often."

"But, Mom... I won't be seeing her for a while. I think I understand how you feel, Dad."

"On the bright side, Lily, Mom came here for my spring break and it was only a two-month wait. It'll be the same thing here. You'll be back for a week in October, then Thanksgiving, and then Christmas for three weeks. And then there's a winter weekend break, a spring break, and then you'll be back home for a few months."

I laughed for the first time today.

"Dad, you make going away sound easy."

Dad laughed.

"Trust me, it isn't. I don't know who will have it harder, you or Mom and me."

"Dad, you and Mom have done so much for me ever since I was born. Heck, before I was born. I just want to say... thank you. You and Mom truly are the best parents I could ever ask for."

"Lily, God gave me the best daughter. I could not ask for any less, except telling me that He loves you with all His might and you love Him with all of yours."

"Yes, Dad, I do, and I know He loves me. I know He will always watch over me."

We gazed fondly at each other before my dad gave me one last kiss on the cheek.

"I'll take your suitcase. Whenever you're ready, we'll be downstairs."

"Thanks, Dad."

Dad took my suitcase with him out of the room and down the stairs. I stood up, glancing around again at my empty bedroom before my eyes fell on the painting.

"Perhaps I will never truly be gone from this place," I said out loud. "I was raised here. My childhood is here. Generations of the O'Neil family, including myself, have been raised here."

I let out a sigh, and I put a smile on my face.

"It's time for me to move forward, leave my childhood behind. But this isn't goodbye."

I turned towards the door and walked out of my bedroom and down the stairs with my head held high. The house was empty. I walked outside to find the Party Wagon waiting for me. I climbed into the back of the van, and we made the drive to New York City.


New York City, New York, USA

VENUS'S POV

It started out a normal Friday morning. My cousins, uncles, parents, and I performed our katas and did our usual two hours of ninjutsu training. We cooled down and ate the breakfast pizzas Uncle Mikey made. We spent the rest of the morning just lounging around the lair. But it seemed more depressing this morning. Neither Ryan nor Athena were smiling, and not even Uncle Mikey was in high spirits.

"Hi, guys!" I heard Uncle Donnie yelling at the entrance. "We're here!"

All of us ran out to the entrance to see Uncle Donnie, Aunt April, and Lily walking into the lair. They had small smiles on their faces.

"It is nice to see you, Lily," Uncle Leo greeted her, returning the smile.

"Arigato, sensei," Lily replied in Japanese. "Uncle Leo, Venus, may I speak with you both?"

"Me?" I asked with surprise in my voice. "Alright."

Uncle Leo and I followed Lily into the dojo. Once we walked in, she turned around and smiled at us.

"Uncle Leo, I want to thank you for all your training the last sixteen years," Lily said. "I will always hold it to my heart, mind, and soul."

"It has been the greatest honor training you, Lily," he replied, bowing to her. "I have taught you everything I know. I will only encourage you to practice, train, and remember to visit us."

"Hai, sensei."

Lily turned towards me and put my hands in hers.

"Venus, I've done some thinking and I'll be needing someone to watch the Hamato Clan in my stead while I go to college full-time."

"Who are you suggesting, Lily?" I asked.

All she did was smile at me, her brown eyes making contact with my green ones. Then I realized...

"Me?! I can't be the leader! It should be Ryan! He's the oldest after you."

"I'm choosing you, Venus," Lily affirmed, a gap-toothed grin showing on her face. "Ryan is a good ninja, one of the best. But despite being the quarterback of the football team, he is still impatient. But you, Venus, you tried out for the color guard and became a captain in the same year. You are a leader. You overcame all odds against you and kept going, allowing yourself to shine at your best. But best of all, you are humble. You are not like your father in that aspect but your mother. Your mother was a true leader in the battlefield, and so are you, because you are her daughter. I know you can be at the helm of the ship and steer this clan to victory every time."

I shook my head.

"Really, Lily? A sailor saying?"

"You're the captain of this ship while I'm gone, first mate," she replied in confidence. "I trust you, Venus de Milo Hamato."

She saluted at me. I laughed out loud, bowing to her instead of returning the salute. Then we hugged.

"Thank you, Lily, for trusting me. I promise to make you proud."

Lily kissed me on the forehead.

"You have already done that. Just keep being yourself and keep being a natural leader. Don't overthink it, and don't worry! When the time comes, you'll know what to do. It's in your blood."

I let out a sigh.

"What do you think, sensei?" I asked

"This is Lily's decision," Uncle Leo replied. "And I agree with her. If you ever have any questions on how to be a leader, just as me or your mother."

"And Venus, I will always be a phone call away if you need advice," Lily assured me.

"Thank you, both," I replied.

The three of us walked out of the dojo. Lily let out a sigh.

"I guess... this is it."

Lily first walked up to Athena and they shared an embrace. Athena started to cry.

"I don't want you to go, Lily," Athena cried. "I'm going to miss you every night."

"I'm gonna miss you too, Athena."

The next person Lily hugged was Ryan, and to everyone's surprise, he hugged her back.

"Thank you for having my back this past year," Ryan told her. "Don't let college get you down."

Lily laughed.

"Don't let high school kick you in the butt," she replied. "You got this, Ryan."

Lily then walked up to me and we hugged again.

"Thank you for believing in me all this time," I told her. "You are going to do so many more amazing things in Todayland."

"You are the other side of the bridge, Venus," Lily replied with a smile. "You'll do amazing things here in New York. You can do this."

Next, Lily hugged my mother.

"From what your mother has told me, college is another kind of battlefield," Mother told her. "But you are a courageous warrior, Lilianna. We are all proud of you for what you are about to do."

"Thank you, Auntie Mona."

Lily then hugged Auntie Renet.

"Oh, Lily, we're going to miss you so much! You are going to do amazing things!"

"Thanks, Auntie Renet."

Then Lily hugged Auntie Karai.

"If you ever need a bailout, call me," Auntie Karai told her. "Shini and I will take the next portal to Todayland so we can buy you drinks."

"Ahem, ahem!"

We all turned to see a glare on Uncle Donnie's face.

"Okay, maybe we can at least go bowling," Auntie Karai corrected herself.

"You could buy me one of those Shirley Temples," Lily suggested.

"Deal! Good luck in college."

"Thank you, Auntie Karai."

The next person Lily hugged was Uncle Leo.

"Thank you again for teaching me everything. You are an incredible sensei."

I saw a big smile on Uncle Leo's face.

"It means the world to hear you say that. You are a special woman, Lilianna."

Then Lily hugged Uncle Mikey.

"I'll bring you pizza sometime if you'd like," Uncle Mikey offered.

"I just might take you up on that. You make the best pizzas."

Last but not least, she hugged my father.

"Thank you, Uncle Raph, for helping me take down the Magician once and for all. And thank you for protecting my family."

"I'd do it over and over again if I could," Father replied. "Don't be gone for too long."

"Do not worry. Fall break will be here before we all know it."

Lily walked over to her parents and gazed out at all of us. She put a fond smile on her face as we all waved to her.

"This isn't goodbye," Lily told us. "I'm going to miss you, but I'll be back in October for a long weekend."

"Donnie, promise us you'll watch over her," Father said with a grin.

"Believe me, Raph, I've kept that promise ever since she was born," Uncle Donnie replied, returning the grin before turning back to his daughter. "And I'll keep fulfilling that promise until God calls me home."

"Goodbye!" we all yelled. "We'll miss you!"

Lily waved, and before we knew it, she would be gone for two months.


DONATELLO'S POV

April and I drove Lily to LaGuardia Airport despite us having interdimensional portals. This was what Lily wanted, so April and I did not object to it. We made it through the security checks and we found the gate. We got here with plenty of time to spare, so the three of us enjoyed one last meal before we would reunite in October. We enjoyed our meal in silence, simply enjoying each other's company. Afterwards, we explored all the different sites and stores the airport had to offer. Before we knew it...

"Flight 3024 now boarding. Passengers flying to Todayland, please make your way to the gate."

April and I guided Lily back to the gate. When we got there, Lily started crying, as did April. They exchanged a tight embrace, neither woman wanting to let go.

"I love you so much, Lily," April told her. "I wish I could always be with you."

"You already are, Mom," Lily comforted her, putting a hand over her chest. "I'm half you, and because of that, your soul is with me in my heart. I promise to cherish that every day."

"Be safe. Make good choices. And don't be afraid to be yourself and be the best person you can be."

"Yes, Mom."

Lily and April let go. She then walked over to me, and we, too, had a tight embrace, her tears falling onto the tails of my purple mask.

"Thank you, Daddy, for always being there for me. I love you so much."

"I love you too, Lily Mae," I replied, feeling the tears threatening to fall. "I am more than proud of you. Now, I'll be in Todayland every day during the week, and you know where my office is. If you ever need anything..."

"You'll be the first to know, Dad. I promise."

"Final call for Flight 3024 to Todayland, North Montana."

Lily let out a sigh.

"I gotta go."

"Have a safe flight," April and I told her at the same time.

Lily waved at us before she turned and walked through the gate. April and I walked to the window, trying to find Lily in the plane. It took about five minutes, but Lily finally showed up in the window of the plane. It didn't take her long to find us. When she did, she put her hand on the window, as did we on our window.

"Donnie, please hold me," April said sadly.

April and I left one hand on the window while the other was holding each other. The plane started to move. Lily waved to me and April and we waved back. Before we knew it, Lily and the other passengers were in the sky. April and I turned around to go back through the airport and into the Shellraiser to go back to the lair to spend the weekend with the rest of the family.


Todayland, North Montana, USA

KARENA'S POV

Aunt Billie helped me and Wilbur get to the airport to pick up Lily from her flight from New York.

"Lily's flight number is 3024," I told my raven-haired husband.

"And she's using American Airlines," Wilbur replied.

"That's a good start."

We walked around until we saw the screen that listed all the flights that used American Airlines. Lily had left New York sometime after eleven o'clock Central Time and according to Donnie, the flight was only two and a half hours long.

I glanced at my phone. It was now one forty-five in the afternoon.

"Lily's plane should have landed by now," I said.

"Let's wait by the baggage claim," Wilbur suggested.

I nodded in agreement. We didn't walk too far to find the baggage claim that American Airlines was assigned to. We took a seat while waiting.

"Wilbur! Karena!"

We turned around and saw Lily excitedly running up to us with her carry-on bag. We stood up and held our arms out, preparing to hug her.

"How was your flight?" Wilbur asked the redhead.

"It was pretty tiring, actually," Lily answered. "I slept most of the flight."

"You miss your family that much, huh?" I asked.

Lily let out a sigh just as the baggage claim buzzed.

"It was a teary goodbye. I am so thankful I get to see my dad everyday because he works here."

"Well, maybe not just your dad," Wilbur replied optimistically.

"How do you mean?"

"Your cousins are still in high school, right?"

Lily gasped.

"Yes! Ryan's going to be a senior and Venus and Athena will be juniors."

"Maybe you can visit them at the high school," I suggested with a smile. "And I can help with that if you'd like."

"How so?" Lily asked.

"I'm the music teacher, which means I'm in charge of the band, chorus, and color guard. Which also means I work with Venus. So I can at least help you with her."

"And then Ryan's on the football team and Athena is the cheerleading captain this year. Maybe I can catch them before their practices some days."

Lily grabbed her large suitcase before letting out another sigh.

"Would you like some help?" Wilbur asked with a smile.

"That would be amazing, thank you!"

Wilbur took the suitcase and we started walking towards the train.

"We're going to take the train to the university," I told her.

"Oh, cool!" Lily replied before letting out another sigh. "It's going to be so strange. I'm used to taking the portal home every night. But now I live here."

"I understand the feeling," I replied. "There was one time I was visiting your dad at your temporary apartment and we had enjoyed each other's company before we realized it had become midnight. Your dad had warned me I needed to go back to campus but we both forgot that I was temporarily living with Wilbur and his family."

"I think I remember that too. It feels like so long ago. I'm just glad I'm living here on my own terms this time. Which is why it was so hard to leave New York."

"Yeah, freely leaving is very much different from being forced to leave," Wilbur replied, remembering how Lily was kidnapped four years ago. "But you still have your portal on you, right?"

"Yes. It's in my carry-on bag."

"You can use that whenever you feel homesick and want to visit your family," I suggested.

"You know, my dad reminded me that there are breaks in college where you can go home and visit," Lily explained. "Each one is supposedly two months apart. And I remembered my dad's advice when he told me those months would fly by."

"Boy, is that the truth!" Wilbur replied. "Whew! And I hear it's only going to go faster the more you age."

"That's what my dad was telling me! He was telling me recently that it felt like just yesterday that I was born."

"And here you are, a grown woman," I replied. "Your family must be proud of you."

"I kept getting told I was going to do amazing things," Lily replied, this time with a smile on her face. "Even Ryan thanked me. And he's hated me pretty much his whole life."

"Mmm, I don't think so," Wilbur said skeptically. "We've hung out more often this past year and Ryan now has nothing but respect for you. He wants to improve as a leader, and he thought being the quarterback was a good first step. He really does look up to you, Lily, even if he doesn't show it."

"He sounds like Uncle Raph, because he's not good at showing his feelings either."

It did not take us too much longer to reach Todayland University. We got off the train and led Lily to her dormitory. We knocked on the door, as we were unsure if she would have a roommate or not.

"Who is it?" a young girl asked from behind the door.

"It's your roommate, Lily!"

"Oh!"

The door quickly opened to reveal a young woman with brown eyes and braided blonde hair, wearing a blue dress and blue cowgirl boots.

"Justine, hello!" I greeted her with a smile on.

"Oh, howdy, Karena!" Justine replied with a curtsy. "Howdy, Wilbur. Howdy, Lily."

"Howdy!" Wilbur replied.

"I know Lily is my roommate, but what are you two doing here?"

"We're helping Lily get settled in," I answered.

"Howdy, folks! Come on in!"

"Woody, is that you?" I yelled.

"Yep! And his wife's here too!"

"Bo?" Wilbur asked.

The three of us walked in to the dorm and smiled at the sight of our friends from Oklahoma.

"Hey!" we all greeted each other with hugs and smiles.

"Is this how your family reunions always go?" Lily asked the young cowgirl.

"No, but this is the common greeting among folks in Elkhorn," Justine answered. "My parents are here to help me get settled in. Mom, Dad!"

Justine waved her parents over and we followed them.

"This is--"

"Lily Hamato, Donatello's daughter," Bo finished, shaking her hand.

"Oh, right!" Lily exclaimed happily. "I remember you now! It's nice to see you again, Dr. Pride!"

"You know each other?" Wilbur and Woody asked at the same time.

"Donatello acquainted me with his daughter when I traveled here to get my license," Bo explained. "Lily, this is my husband, Woody. He's the sheriff back home."

Lily shook Woody's hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sheriff," Lily replied. "And I'm surprised you're not afraid of me because of my hands."

"I've met your father, Lily," Woody replied in a kind voice. "He is a fine man."

"Th-thank you, sir! Justine, have you met my dad?"

"Yes, I helped him set up for Wilbur and Karena's wedding reception."

Justine turned toward us.

"Congratulations again on getting married by the way. I'm sorry I never really got a chance to talk to you both."

"No worries!" Wilbur replied.

"We're just happy you came to support us," I explained. "And we are both thankful for you and your family to be there."

"Lily, may I help you unpack?" Justine asked with a smile.

"You may! Thanks!"

"Meanwhile, Bo and I were thinking of going to dinner in the city," Woody explained. "You three are welcome to come if you'd like."

"Lily, is your father here?" Bo asked. "Maybe you can invite him."

"I came alone," Lily answered. "My dad made plans to spend this weekend with our family before school starts."

"I understand," Woody replied.

"But I would love to come to dinner with you all," Lily said with a smile on her face. "Wilbur, Karena, what about you?"

"I think this will be a bonding experience for you, your roommate, and her family, Lily," Wilbur explained.

"And besides, we have a date of our own," I chimed in.

"Is there any place you recommend?" Woody asked.

"I may be biased because I work there," Wilbur said nonchalantly. "But Futureburgers has amazing burgers and milkshakes."

"We do have the Cheesecake Factory too," I answered. "But it is still expensive."

"Wait!" Lily exclaimed. "I just remembered something! Cornelius mentioned something about opening a restaurant in the conservatory by the arboretum. Maybe we could try that?"

"I totally forgot about that," Wilbur replied sheepishly. "You'll have to tell me how it is."

"Lily, have you lived in Todayland before?" Bo asked with a confused tone.

"That's a long story..."


LILIANNA'S POV

"I can't believe you were kidnapped and escaped!" Justine exclaimed as we unlocked our dorm and walked in. "Rarely anyone can do that!"

"Well, trying to go back to New York on foot was not easy," I replied. "I ended up here after all. I think I was lucky to find such amazing people to take care of me until I was reunited with my family."

"I think if that had ever happened to me, my dad would never rest until I was found."

I pondered this information, remembering everything that I talked to Justine about at the wedding.

"You know, Justine, you say your father is strict, and you may be right. My parents did set limits with me while I was growing up. But just hearing you say that your dad would not rest until he found you... it made me think of the lost sheep parable in the Bible. I truly do believe your dad loves you and it's why he's hard on you."

"It's funny you mention the lost sheep story because my mom is a shepherdess."

"Your mom is both a doctor and a shepherdess?" I asked with surprise in my voice. "And she raises you? She's a busy woman!"

"Her name is Bo Peep," Justine answered with a fond smile on her face. "She's headstrong and confident, but she's a true leader while my dad is searching for a criminal or for Prospector Pete."

"Prospector Pete... as in Pete from Woody's Roundup?"

"That's him. He works in the mines for a living."

"Elkhorn is sounding more interesting by the minute," I replied with intrigue. "Would you tell me more about that?"

"It's just like those small towns you see in old TV shows like Little House on the Prairie or When Calls the Heart," Justine answered. "And I think I'd rather show you."

I laughed. Justine Pride had a great sense of humor.

"I'll even make you a dress for the grand tour," Justine offered.

"You sew? Me too!"

"I'll tell you what: I'll make you something for when you visit Elkhorn, and you make me something to help me blend in, because all I have are the dresses I've made."

"Deal!"

We firmly shook each others' hands.

"Maybe I'll make you something whenever you visit my childhood home in North Hampton, maybe even New York City."

"I can't wait to be surprised!"

We smiled at each other for the moment as we changed into our pajamas.

"So I know you sing," Justine started another conversation. "What songs do you like to sing?"

"I love singing songs by Christina Grimmie and Rachael Lampa."

"Oh, yeah! You're a Christian too. Aren't the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles... not Christian?"

"Not at first. Cornelius gave my dad a Bible and it totally changed his life. My dad's the only one of the Turtles who is a believer. My mom believes too, and they both raised me in Christianity. What about you and your family?"

"Both have been believers even back when they were toys," Justine answered.

I blinked.

"Back when they were toys? Did I hear that right?"

"Yes, my parents and all of our friends were made in toy factories once upon a time. Then one day, everyone started to change, to be more lifelike."

Everything clicked.

"The day Karena moved to the future," I breathed.

"My parents married one day in 2017 and I was born on Valentine's Day in 2024."

I laughed.

"What's so funny?" Justine asked.

"My parents married in 2017 and I was born in 2024."

"Wait, really?"

"Yes!"

We laughed like two women enjoying tea time.

"I think this is the start of a long, beautiful friendship," Justine said with a big smile.

"Hear, hear!"

We continued our conversation, talking and laughing into the night, my worries about college in Todayland and my family in New York eased.