What will happen to the Pride family? Read on and find out!

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


November 10, 2045 - Todayland, North Montana, USA

LILIANNA'S POV

I waited at the airport with Franny to pick up Woody and Bo.

"Thank you for coming, Lily," Franny said. "It means a lot to us."

"I think it means more for Justine," I replied. "Thank heavens my dad is with her right now at her prenatal appointment."

"Justine's done an amazing job with her brand. She truly is a model, baby bump and all."

"Just remember to not mention that to Woody."

Franny blew out a sigh.

"Karena warned me that Woody hates liars and he's good at catching a lie."

"Justine told me my dad gave a lie to Woody with a straight face," I replied. "I still don't believe her! My dad's a terrible liar."

"It does come with the patient confidentiality clause," Franny said.

"Lily?"

We turned forward to see Woody and Bo getting off the escalator with their bags. It looked like they had only packed for the weekend. Franny and I walked towards them and gave them hugs.

"Welcome back to Todayland!" Franny greeted them.

"Lily, I'm very surprised to see you," Bo told me. "Are you here for the weekend, too?"

"No, unfortunately not. I'm heading back home tonight. Franny asked me to be here."

"I thought Wilbur was still here in Todayland," Woody chimed in as we walked towards Billie's train.

"Wilbur and his family moved to Connecticut," Franny explained. "Wilbur found his dream job in New York City last spring."

"Oh, wow!" Woody exclaimed with surprise. "That's far away from home. I hope he's happy there."

"He's the happiest I've ever seen him," Franny replied with a smile. "I'm the happiest I've been in years. I took over Karena's job as the band teacher at Todayland High School. I forgot how fulfilling it is to teach."

"Lily, what do you do now?" Bo asked.

"During the day, I work as a mental health technician at an inpatient hospital," I answered. "At night, I go to class at Pacific Bay University. It has been so much easier for me to take one class at a time instead of five so that I can earn the money we need and so that I can spend time with my husband on the weekends."

"Justine!" Woody suddenly exclaimed.

Franny and I gasped. Justine was standing right next to the train with a frown on her face. Woody and Bo ran to her and hugged her tightly.

"Guys, too tight," Justine squeaked.

"We were so worried about you!" Woody cried. "Why didn't you write to us or call us?"

"Did something happen?" Bo asked.

"Back in August, I was terrified at what you would do to me if I told you what happened," Justine explained. "But now, I'm tired of living in fear. I want to live with joy."

"Justine, what happened?" Woody asked sternly.

"Oh, boy," I mumbled with worry.

"Yep, me too," Franny replied, hugging me.

"Is Justine going to tell them?" I asked.

"You're the psychic!"

"I'm wearing contacts!"

"I'm pregnant!" Justine yelled for all of us to hear her.

I wanted to cry for her. A few months ago she was so scared of sharing her news with her parents. Now, she showed courage through her tears.

I watched as Bo fainted on the train.

"Bo!" we all exclaimed at the same time.

"Let's get her onto the slumber car!" Franny yelled.

Franny and Woody carried her through the train cars into own with a bed while I stood with Justine. Justine suddenly started to cry.

"Daddy's gonna kill me," she said through her tears.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"No."

I held her in my arms as she cried into my chest.

"Everything will be alright as long as I'm here," I soothed her.

"Oh!"

We broke apart suddenly. Justine put her right hand on her bump.

"What is it?" I asked.

Justine laughed through her tears.

"I think... I just felt the baby's first kick!"

"Speaking of which."

We both looked up to see an angry Woody Pride standing before us. Justine trembled, clinging onto me.

"Justine Jessica Pride, who is the father?" Woody asked angrily, crossing his arms.

"I can't tell you," Justine answered tearfully. "You wouldn't understand."

"You're right. I don't understand. I don't understand why you had to throw your life away. I don't understand why you had decided to throw away your beliefs."

"I didn't--"

"I don't understand why you didn't wait for the right guy to come along and ask for your hand in marriage before you decided to have a baby!"

"Woody, that's enough!" I snapped. "Yes, mistakes were made all around. But everyone has learned and moved forward."

"Moved forward? Lilianna, my daughter is unmarried and pregnant. How is that moving forward?"

"Ryan's promised to stay by my side no matter what!"

Justine gasped when she realized what she said.

"Ryan?" Woody asked with shock written on his face. "The same guy we encouraged you to ask out?"

"Yes."

Justine looked down, clearly ashamed.

"Daddy, I'm sorry. He thought he wouldn't be able to get me pregnant and I listened to him!"

"Ryan's not the only one at fault here," Woody replied, his anger returning. "But I want to give him a good talking to."

"If this talking to involves hurting him, I will guarantee he won't be the only one hurt," I angrily told him.

"Is that a threat?" Woody asked.

"Yes. You hurt my family, and I'll hurt you. We are the Hamato Clan. We always defend each other, even if we're wrong. And I'm proud to say that Justine is officially part of the Hamato Clan since she's carrying Ryan's child. You won't just be hurting Ryan, Woodrow. You'll be hurting your own daughter, too, and your grandchild, who, as of right now, is a healthy baby."

Woody and Justine both looked at me with shock in their brown eyes.

"Once Franny takes you to your hotel, Justine will be coming with me," I continued. "Her safety is my priority."


DONATELLO'S POV

I sat in my office with Ryan. Ryan was helping me grade papers while I did a little cleaning in my office.

"Why did you lie to me?"

Ryan and I turned toward the voice at the door. We saw Woody Pride standing there, and he did not look very happy.

"What are you talking about, sheriff?" I asked.

"You know what. My daughter's pregnancy."

"She told you?" I asked with shock in my voice.

"So you do know. Why did you hide it from me? I had every right to know what is going on with my daughter!"

"No, you do not, sheriff," I angrily corrected him. "Justine did not want you to know because she knew you'd react like this. She's a grown woman. She is allowed to make her own choices and she's allowed to make her own mistakes. It is not up to you to judge her."

"How dare you--"

"No, how dare you!" I roared. "I'm a Christian myself, sheriff, and so are April and Lily. You raised your daughter to where the rules must be followed or she would be punished. You've closed your mind to everything else, to reason, to logic! You raised Justine to fear you because you threw her in jail for a mistake she made. She was afraid you were going to throw her in jail for being pregnant! That's why she didn't want to tell you in the first place! Justine is scared, Woody. She needs an understanding and caring father. If you won't be that father, then I will, and that's a promise I made to Justine. I raised Lily to love others, including her enemies. I raised her to think for herself and for others. I raised Lily to be compassionate and open-minded. If she had ended up pregnant before she got married, I would have spoken with her about it, but I'd still love her. Can you say the same about yourself, sheriff?"

"I've said it once and I'll say it again, Donatello," Woody replied sternly. "You have no right telling me how to be a father."

I continued to glare at him, shaking my head.

"You have no right to be a father," I shot back. "I want you out of my office right now or I will call security."

"You can't be serious."

I pointed my finger to the door.

"Get out. Now!"

Woody tipped his hat and walked out. Ryan suddenly tapped me on the shoulder. I had forgotten he was here.

"The last time I've seen you that angry was when I was hurting Lily on purpose. Are you alright?"

I blew out a huge sigh of relief.

"Yeah," I answered slowly. "Yeah, I am okay. I didn't think I had that in me."

"Uncle Donnie?"

"Hmm?"

My nephew smiled fondly at me.

"Thank you for standing up for Justine. It means a lot to me."

I wrapped an arm around him, aware that he wasn't a fan of hugs.

"It's the least I could do," I replied, returning the smile.

I looked around, noticing the small mess remaining in my office.

"Well, let's continue to work."


BO'S POV

Woody and I met with Ryan's parents at the Robinson's house. The four of us gathered in the music room to discuss what had happened with our children.

"Thank you for meeting with us," Leonardo started the conversation. "I understand this is a delicate situation and I would like the four of us to come to some sort of understanding."

"This is my fault," Woody replied with a grim look on his face. "I just came from Donatello's office and he accused me of not being the father Justine needed."

"Woody, how is this your fault?" Karai asked with a confused expression.

"Bo and I encouraged Justine to give Ryan another chance after reading the book of Exodus. Before coming here, we had thought Ryan had hurt our girl because Justine hadn't spoken to us. I thought about hurting Ryan for what he's done. Lily actually threatened me! Can you believe that? And she's a Christian!"

"Woody, I want to tell you that Ryan came up to us and admitted his mistake right away," Leo explained.

"But Justine also made a mistake," Karai chimed in. "Yes, Ryan was the initiator, but Justine had a choice and she chose to go for it. Nevertheless, we have chosen to welcome Justine into our family, and we are thrilled to have a grandchild."

"And what about Ryan?" Woody asked.

"Ryan is an adult and is capable of learning from his mistakes," Leo answered. "So is Justine. Woody, you must see that. Donnie learned that it's not worth it to treat his daughter like a little girl, even after becoming an adult. You clearly have trust issues."

Woody suddenly stood up impatiently.

"I don't have time for this," my husband snapped.

He walked towards the door and slammed it. I shook my head.

"I'm sorry about this," I finally spoke. "Justine is just as stubborn as her father; they don't like admitting they're at fault."

Leo and Karai sighed.

"Neither does Ryan," Karai replied with a frown. "He got that from me because I wasn't keen on rules either."

"Bo, I noticed you were quiet," Leo spoke. "Are you alright?"

It was my turn to sigh.

"I don't know. Justine and her daddy never really got along. And now this happens. I want to be there to support her and deep down, I know Woody does, too. We were both shocked when Justine told us."

"Donnie told me you fainted," Leo replied. "And he also told me about his conversation with Woody."

"Something doesn't sit right with me," I spoke up. "Woody said that Lily threatened him. What exactly happened? Lily is not one to make threats."

"We're the Hamato Clan, Bo," Karai explained. "If someone in our family is threatened, and in this case, it's Ryan by your husband, we will not hesitate to strike back. We take care of each other, and we cover for each other's mistakes."

"Bo, you are correct," Leo chimed in. "It is rare that Lilianna makes threats. But in the times she has, her threats are always a means to protect her family. Trust me when I say Justine is safe with us."

I sighed again.

"How can we fix this?" I asked.

"There's nothing to fix, Bo," Leo answered. "What's done is done. But I would advise your husband to think about putting his daughter above the law. He seems to be a strict follower."

"Well, of course, he is. He is the sheriff, after all."

"But there has to be a case where circumstances arose and Woody had to choose between justice and compassion. Karai, Ryan, and I are not Christians. We are heavy followers of the Shinto religion. Splinter taught me to show compassion to the people around me, to show mercy. That's why we have taken Justine in. Now, I know Donnie and Lily are Christians, just like you and Woody. Yet Donnie always chooses compassion because his goal is to save lives. He is Justine's doctor, after all. Lily chooses compassion because she says it's what Jesus would do."

"You make good points, Leo," I replied, taking it all in.

"Bo, Justine's life is going to change forever because of her baby," Karai explained. "She was so afraid that Woody would punish her for having a baby out of wedlock. She needs support from you and Woody, the people who first loved her and raised her. Otherwise, you're going to lose her and your grandchild. What choice will you two make?"


November 11, 2045 - Pacific Bay, California, USA

LILIANNA'S POV

Justine had asked to spend her weekend with me and James. Justine and I ended up making breakfast together and we ate her pancakes with delightful hearts.

"Justine, you just might be a better cook than me!" I said with a laugh. "Who taught you how to cook so well?"

"My mom."

"Well, let me tell you: you are going to be an amazing mom."

"So will you," Justine replied.

My smile immediately faded away.

"Whoa, are you okay?" Justine asked me with a concerned voice. "Is it a touchy subject?"

"I know it's silly, but yes. I never believed in my ability to be a mom. Ever since I was cast as Mrs. Potts in a high school theater production, everyone's been telling that I'll be an amazing mother someday."

I slammed my fist onto the table and turned to my best friend.

"How can I be an amazing mother if I can't top my own mother?"

Justine looked confused.

"Uh, Lily, being a mother is not a competition."

"That's not what I mean."

"Then what do you mean?" she asked.

"My mother is awesome. She's fed me, nurtured me, put me to sleep. She's always listened to me, asking me if I needed anything. She always put me first. Heck, she taught me how to use my powers!"

"Your dad did all that too, if memory serves me correctly."

"Yes, he did. How can I be an amazing parent if my own parents set the bar high for me?"

Justine let out a sigh, placing a hand on her small bump.

"Listen, Lily, both Wilbur and I wished we had better parents at some point in our lives. And that's why Wilbur is so involved with raising Diana when he's home. He wants Diana to have a father to be there for her every day. And Wilbur's doing an amazing job. Now, I still want to go to school to have a better life, not just for myself but for my baby, too. But now I need to arrange things to where I'm home for the baby also. My life isn't just about me anymore. Ryan and this baby are now in my life too, so I need to think about them."

Justine paused, letting out another sigh.

"But you, Lily, are the sweetest woman I know."

I raised an eyebrow at her, not at all feeling very sweet.

"Justine, you're getting myself confused with Athena. She's the sweet one!"

"Back to the point: you've been there for James since day one. You've never stopped caring for him and you're caring more for him now because he's your husband. You have a husband, a house, and a job. And you're still trying to improve your life. You're better prepared to become a parent than any of us are."

"Justine, I don't want to be a parent, okay?" I snapped.

"Neither do I!" Justine yelled back. "And yet, here I am! And you know what? It's okay! Because I have Ryan to back me up, and God is taking care of me, too. Life happens, and we need to suck those lemons and live it!"

I sat in confusion, but at the same time, what Justine said was making sense. Justine let out a few sighs before speaking again.

"Listen, Lily, I'm sorry for yelling at you. My hormones are all over the place with this baby inside me. But come on! You are the most confident person I know, and of all the things you're not confident about, it's about your ability to be a mother? You're going to be the best mother in the world someday. Take it from me. Your parents raised you to be loving, compassionate, hopeful, confident. You already have the traits of a mother. Laugh at your past. Laugh at your future. Laugh at all the bad things that might happen because that's the devil talking. Listen to God. You always have, so listen now. You will have a child someday, even if it's not for five years. And that child is going to love you with all her heart because you will always be there for her. I know, because I know you."

I suddenly started crying, forcing me to take off my brown contacts. I had absolutely no hope in myself, worried that I wasn't going to be the parent my parents are. I was worried I was going to mess up. I was worried if I had a child, he or she would not love me back, that I would be taken for granted.

"Oh, Lily."

Justine stood up, walked around the table, and hugged me from behind.

"Have you talked to your parents about this? Or James?"

"I've spoken to James about the possibility of us being parents," I tearfully answered. "He likes the idea, but I... I don't know. I haven't discussed anything with my parents. I discussed the possibility of infertility with my dad but he dismissed my concerns, saying that if I get it every month, I have the opportunity to be pregnant. He acted like this was no big deal."

"Maybe talk to your mom first, at least? She's been through it. Maybe she can help you."

I let out a long sigh, knowing Justine was right. I stood up and we hugged each other. I wish I could call Justine my sister, because I needed one right now. I then remembered my mom's miscarriage with my brother and cried harder, my tears falling on Justine's purple dress.


New York City, New York, USA

APRIL'S POV

I was cleaning up the lair after eating dinner when my phone started to ring. I immediately recognized the ringtone I assigned to Lily and answered.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Mom. Can we talk?"

"Of course, sweetheart. I'm just cleaning up the lair. Would you like me to go someplace private?"

"Yes, please."

"Okay. Give me a minute."

I immediately went into the kitchen to throw the trash away. Then I walked out and around the lair to my bedroom. I closed the door and lied down on the bed.

"Okay, I'm in the bedroom. What would you like to talk about?"

"Children."

"Has Justine's pregnancy given you some thought?"

"Karena's, too. And these thoughts started when I was in the labor and delivery room with Karena and Wilbur. I thought that Karena was so brave to go through the pain of bringing a baby into the world, and now Justine has to go through it. It makes me wonder if I'm worthy of such a task, of being a mother."

"You're having doubts?" I asked with surprise in my blue eyes.

"Yes. It was something I never thought about until I played Mrs. Potts in high school. Then I kept getting all these compliments about how I'd be a wonderful mother someday. I was really annoyed back then."

"I can understand that. I didn't want to be a mother either."

"Wait, seriously?" Lily asked, sounding surprised herself. "But I read my baby book."

"I was twenty-eight when I birthed you. You gain a different perspective on things as you grow up. When I was sixteen, I had just met your father and my dad had just gotten kidnapped. I just wanted him home! I couldn't think about falling in love or my future when I just wanted to focus on the present, and I think you think the same way, Lily, even now. Right now, you are a newlywed. You just want to spend as much time as possible with James until you both feel ready for parenthood. I felt the same way when I married your dad."

"Thank you for telling me this, Mom. But could we get back to why you didn't want to be a mom at first?"

I let out a sigh.

"It was when I discovered that I was a mutant. I was thinking the same thing you are thinking now: that there was no way I would be a mother. Thankfully, your father saw through that and thought it would be worth trying to conceive. It took us six years of marriage to finally conceive you and every effort we took was worth it."

"Ryan had those same thoughts and now Justine is pregnant."

"At least you and James got married first."

"True. James wanted to go all the way but I said no. It wasn't right."

Lily sighed.

"Mom, just the thought of being pregnant scares me. I didn't think it would, but it does."

"Then just focus on you and James. You just got married, so enjoy it. Your dad and I were on our honeymoon stage for quite a while... until the following March when Cornelius knocked on our door."

"The day your lives changed again. The month Dad got his degrees and was able to help you go back to school to finish your degree. Was that when you started trying for me?"

"Sweetie, we started before we got married. We started when I confessed my feelings for him a year before our wedding."

"Wow..."

There was silence on the other line.

"Lily, are you okay?" I asked with concern, sitting up.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I never thought you and Dad would have tried for me before marriage."

"We had known each other for four years and it felt right."

Somehow, I knew Lily was smiling.

"Thanks, Mom. Can I ask you one more question?"

"Sure."

"What's the key to trying it with James? We haven't done it yet."

"Really? Are you two okay?"

"Yeah, we're fine. Just busy settling in as newlyweds, settling into our new jobs, my settling into night school, and so on."

"Just busy, huh?"

"Yeah."

"Well, I know you have nightgowns. Have you thought about other types of sleepwear?"

"Mom, I'm not wearing lounge pants."

"No, no! Not those!"

I let out a huff, shaking my head.

"What I am trying to say is show off some shoulder. Show off some leg. It's like wearing a swimsuit."


Pacific Bay, California, USA

LILIANNA'S POV

"I understand what you're saying, Mom."

I heard knocking.

"Hold on, Mom."

I covered my phone.

"Who is it?" I yelled.

"Justine. We need to talk."

"Give me a minute!"

I uncovered my phone.

"I have to go, Mom. Justine wants to talk to me."

"I'll leave you to it. I need to see how your dad is doing anyway. I love you."

"I love you, too. I'll talk to you soon."

"Of course! Bye, dear."

"Bye, Mom."

I hung up. I put my phone away and walked to the door. I opened it to reveal Justine, still wearing her purple dress.

"Hey, could we talk?" Justine asked.

"Sure."

Justine and I sat down on the bed in one of the spare bedrooms.

"What's up?" I asked with a smile.

"First, what's up with you?" Justine asked in reply. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, I am fine. I just got off the phone with my mom."

"I heard," the cowgirl replied with a grin. "My senses of smell and hearing improved with this pregnancy. That's one perk of it, I guess."

"You're not enjoying it?" I asked with a frown.

"I am! Don't get me wrong. Though with my parents here, I'd rather die."

"Oh, Justine--"

"And that's why I wanted to talk to you. I'm actually glad my parents came here instead of me going to Oklahoma. I can just get this done and over with."

I stared at her with a confused expression.

"Get what done and over with?"

Justine let out a long sigh.

"Lily, what I'm about to say doesn't leave this room until it happens. I'm disowning my father."

I gasped.

"Justine, are you sure?"

"I have thought long and hard about this all day, crying while thinking about his presence. Every time I think about him, I get scared and I cry. I was hoping my dad had changed, but he hasn't. He was just as judgmental as he was when he put me in that jail cell. I feel safe with your father, and I feel safe with Leonardo, Ryan's father. But when it comes to my own father... I can't do it. I see his face and I fall to my knees and cry. I love him, but--"

"You want to do what you think is right," I finished her sentence.

"Yes, exactly," Justine answered, giving me a surprised look. "Did you take your contacts off or something?"

"No, I'm still wearing them. No, Justine, I understand what you are going through."

"You wanted to disown your father?"

"Heavens, no! But my dad and I did have a fight one time and I wanted nothing to do with him. I told him I needed to stay away from him for a while."

I chuckled.

"That only lasted a day," I continued. "But someone reminded me of what it means to have a bond with your father, that it's one of the most important things you can ever have. So I ran to my dad's office in tears and asked for his forgiveness."

"Lily, I've already forgiven my dad for the whole jail thing, but I'll never forget it."

"Justine, it sounds like you're making this decision based on your past."

She shook her head.

"No, not just that. I'm making this decision because of how he treated me, how he treated you, how he treated your father... pretty much everything that happened this weekend. My dad is stuck in his ways, and it's hard to help him change that. He's forever going to look at me as a prostitute, and I refuse to live like that. No, I want to raise this child with Ryan and still live my life as a vet. It'll just be delayed a little."

"Or it may not be delayed at all if you ask for help," I replied with a grin. "I'm proud of you, Justine! You're not letting any negative thing impact you or what you want. Heck, you were happier lately until your parents came."

I let out a sigh, my grin fading away.

"I think, overall, you're making the right call, Justine, and this was not an easy decision to make. Maybe one day you will call Woody Pride your father again."

"I hope so. It'll take years for that to happen."

"I hope this will be a wake-up call for him. But what about your mom?"

Justine sighed.

"I don't know. She's trying as hard as she can to be supportive of me despite what my dad says."

"I'd keep her in your life, for now, at least. She can always visit you. And she and my dad are good friends and fellow doctors."

Justine smiled.

"Okay. Thank you for talking with me."

"Anytime. Do you need me there with you?"

"I'd like that, but only if you become Aumanil. I think if Aumanil was at my side, then it won't show that you helped to convince me to do this."

"That makes sense."

We hugged each other, but we quickly let each other go when I felt movement.

"Well, hello, little baby!" I said to Justine's baby bump.

Justine laughed merrily and I smiled. We gazed into each other's eyes with confidence that we would both be terrific mothers someday.


November 12, 2045 - Todayland, North Montana, USA

JUSTINE'S POV

I sat in the Hilton lobby, wearing a black dress I had made that hid my pregnancy. I opened up my iPhone and I looked over the notes Donatello had typed in my doctor's visit this past Friday. I had completed my sixteenth week that day and also felt the baby move for the first time. While Donnie had told me that my baby's growth was encouraging, he also encouraged me to try pelvic exercises and to eat more plant proteins. I've really been enjoying drinking chocolate almond milk with Athena when I'm home. Venus, on the other hand, found it disgusting.

"Hello, Justine."

I looked up to see Aumanil standing in front of me with a smile on her kind face. I got up and hugged her, and she hugged me back.

"Thank you for coming," I told her.

"Are you ready?" Aumanil asked me.

"No, but it's something I have to do."

"Okay. If you're absolutely sure."

"Aumanil, I know you mean well," I angrily replied. "But I moved to Todayland to get away from my father."

I started walking to the elevator and I pushed the button to go to my parents' floor. Aumanil joined me. We rode the elevator in silence. Then we walked to my parents' room. With a frown, I knocked on the door. I stood there for a minute before the door opened to reveal my father.

"Howdy, Justine," he greeted me. "Aumanil."

"Father."

"Sheriff," Aumanil replied at the same time I did.

"Come in," Father prompted us.

We walked into the room. My mother got up and sat on the same bed as my father while Aumanil and I sat on the other bed.

"I hope you don't mind Aumanil being here with me," I spoke. "I need her support."

"Of course," Mom answered. "Aumanil is always welcome here."

I let out a sigh.

"I want to thank you both for raising me to be an independent woman and for encouraging me to go to college. Moving here to Todayland was the best decision I had ever made for myself."

"Because of Ryan?" Mom asked.

"Not just that," I explained. "I made a lot of new friends here and I'm excelling here. Despite my pregnancy, I still have dreams to be a veterinarian and to open my own horse ranch here."

My parents both frowned.

"You're not coming back to Oklahoma, are you?" Dad asked.

"No, I will very likely never come back again," I answered, the tears coming to my brown eyes. "Elkhorn is in my past now, and that is one path I cannot go back on. I thought I could maybe find a way to visit you but now I don't think that will be possible."

"Is this because of us or because of your circumstances?" Mom asked.

I cried.

"Both," I answered tearfully. "Please know that I love you both very much. But Dad, the jail thing is something I will never forget, even after forgiving you. I was so scared you were going to do it again if I told you about Ryan and the baby. And then after I mustered up the courage to tell you both, you still judged me. Fathers are supposed to be understanding and loving and logical. And I'm still scared. I start crying the moment I see your face in my mind. I can't live like this, not for me and not for my family."

For the first time ever, I saw tears in my dad's brown eyes.

"What can I do to fix this?" he asked.

"I don't know," I answered honestly. "I pray God can answer that for you. But for a while, I can't see you, Woody. I'm sorry. I pray that God will take you where you need to be, and God will guide me on my path."

Woody got up to try and hug me, but I ran out of the room instead. Instead of taking the elevator, I ran down the stairs until I couldn't anymore. I had prayed for God to take me home, and then I collapsed.


"Justine. Justine, wake up!"

I slowly stirred myself awake. I opened my eyes to find Lily and my mom hovering over me.

"Mom?" I asked weakly. "Is Dad here?"

"No, he's in the hotel room," Mother answered. "You said you can't see him, remember?"

Everything came back to me. I had disowned my father, and I could no longer go back. What's done is done.

"Are you okay?" Mother asked.

"I should be asking if you're okay," I answered. "Especially after all that."

"Justine, I can't make you talk to your father," Mother explained. "And I can't make him talk to you. He might still write to you, though."

"That's fine."

"Are you sure?" Lily asked with concern. "I thought you wanted nothing to do with him anymore."

I buried my head in my hands.

"I don't know what to think anymore," I replied. "I just want to watch my baby grow and move forward with my life. Maybe I will see Woody again. I don't know! I'm just frustrated and all I want is to see Ryan."

"I think that can be arranged," Lily replied with a kind smile. "Do you wanna just head back to your apartment? I'm sure Venus and Athena deserve to know what happened, too."

I smiled.

"Yeah, I'd like that."

"Justine, what about us?" Mother asked.

I hugged her and she hugged me back.

"We're okay, Mother," I replied. "You can write to me or call me all you want. Thank you for being understanding."

"Woody and I may not like what all has happened, but you're right. All we can do is move forward. And besides..."

Mother paused and smiled.

"I'm looking forward to being called Grandma Bo."

"Aww!" I exclaimed with laughter.

I hugged my mother again as Lily clapped next to me.

"I'm glad you have someone in your family still," Lily said happily.

"Not just my mom," I replied, reaching out to hold Lily's hand. "You've been there from the beginning and from before that. You're family too, Lily. In fact, I want to ask you something: would you be the baby's godmother?"

Lily placed her free hand over her heart.

"The answer is, definitely yes!"

Lily and I squealed with delight as we hugged each other. Mother also joined us in the hug, and then we went our separate ways.


November 13, 2045

DONATELLO'S POV

I sat at my computer grading papers with Ryan cleaning up the office when I heard knocking at the door. I glanced up to see Justine standing there. I smiled at her despite her uncertain look.

"Hey, Justine. Come on in."

My most promising student walked in the door and stood behind the chair.

"Hey, honey," Ryan greeted her.

Justine smiled at him and blushed.

"Hey," she replied. "Umm... could your uncle and I talk privately?"

"Oh, sure! Let me take a drink of water outside."

Ryan left the office. Justine sat down in the chair with a downcast look on her face. My smile turned into a frown.

"Justine, are you okay?" I asked.

"Donnie, there's something I need to tell you."

"Is it about the baby?"

"It's about Woody."

"Woody? What about your father?"

"Donnie, I disowned my father last night."

I opened my mouth in shock.

"I figured you should know," Justine continued. "I'm sorry, but I can't be this perfect daughter for him. That ship has sailed--"

"Justine, stop," I interrupted her calmly. "You don't need to apologize for doing the right thing."

The cowgirl started crying.

"Was it the right thing?" she tearfully asked. "I may have lost my father forever--"

"Justine!"

She looked startled at my tone.

"You have not lost your father forever," I sternly told her and then chuckled. "Goodness, you're just as dramatic as my daughter. But anyway, your father will be back in your life one day. But right now, it is better off this way. You did the right thing. I'm sorry you are going through this. It must be hard. But I promise you, like I promised before, I'm here. And so is Leo! You're already welcomed into the Hamato Clan as Ryan's beloved and the mother of his child. And you're a black-belt in karate, so you already fit in."

Justine laughed through her tears.

"You think Leo can train me to be a kunoichi once I have this baby?" she asked.

I laughed in response. I stood up and held my arms out. Justine stood up and walked right into them.

"You know something?" I asked.

"Hmm?"

"Leo just might. Wilbur's an official ninja. Maybe you can be a kunoichi, too."

We released the hug.

"But right now, for the next five months, I want you to take it easy," I sternly, but kindly reminded her. "You're only going to grow from here and exercising will get harder."

"Was April able to do any of her ninja stuff during her pregnancy?" Justine asked.

"She tried at first during her first trimester but she got tired quickly. She was able to do more during her second trimester but only when she needed to."


FLASHBACK: January 13, 2024 - New York City, New York, USA

April and I sparred in the dojo with huge smiles on our faces. She fought with her tessen while I fought with my bo staff. But we both also fought with caution; April was twenty weeks pregnant with our child, even though she had just now started to show it through her black jumpsuit.

"How are you feeling, honey?" I asked as I defended myself.

"Fantastic, sweetheart!" April replied, her blow blocked by my weapon. "I haven't felt this good since September. You?"

"I'm great!"

I suddenly stopped fighting as April performed a spinning back kick, her foot landing on my stomach. I fell to my knees in pain.

"Donnie!" April exclaimed, running over to me. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm good," I squeaked.

"Why did you stop fighting, all of a sudden? Is your intelligence dwindling again?"

I chuckled, remembering the accident in my lab where Mikey splashed an experiment on my hand while I tried finding a cure for Karai's mind control.

"No, nothing like that," I answered with a frown.

April held out her hand, and I took it. She helped me up, and I was taken by surprise how strong she was, especially in her condition.

"April, I'm worried about you. You're carrying our baby and you're fighting as if you're not."

"Donnie, please relax," my wife assured me, caressing my cheek. "I'm fine! In fact, right after I knocked you out, this baby was moving quite a bit."

She moved my hand and laid it on her belly. Sure enough, the baby squirmed around. Suddenly, the baby moved its foot and kicked my hand with it.

"Oh!" April exclaimed like the wind had been knocked out of her.

"Yeah, no kidding!" I replied. "This baby's going to be a ninja for sure!"

I pulled my wife in for a kiss, and she returned it with a smile.

"I think the baby's a girl," April spoke. "My belly's quite round and she kicks like a girl. What do you think?"

"With a kick like that? No doubt he's a boy. And besides, you've always wanted a son."

April's smile grew bigger at the thought.

"That is true, but you have always wanted a baby girl. And besides, you've already given me so much. You gave me more smarts. You gave me hope. You gave me your love. You gave me your name. You gave me my college degree. You gave me my job. And now, you're giving me a baby."

It was her turn to give me a kiss, and I lovingly returned it.

"Please, let me give you a girl," she prayed. "We can have a boy next time."

I laughed.

"You haven't even given birth yet, and you already want another baby?"

April laughed in return.

"Yes, because I love you, Donnie."

We both caressed April's belly and gazed into each other's eyes before giving each other one last kiss before leaving the dojo.


PRESENT

"Donnie?"

I snapped out of my memories.

"Sorry, Justine," I said with a chuckle. "Just going down memory lane. What were we talking about?"

"My being active during this pregnancy."

"Ah, yes! Anyway..."

Justine and I continued to talk about the importance of exercising during pregnancy.


December 17, 2045 - New York City, New York, USA

JUSTINE'S POV

Ryan, Venus, Athena, and I got off the plane at La Guardia Airport after a smooth flight. Karai and Renet, Ryan and Venus' mothers, were there to greet us. Renet hugged each of us while Karai bowed.

"Justine, we are happy you are able to make it here in your condition," Renet greeted me with a smile. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Renet," I answered. "Donnie gave me the all clear to come here. Thank you for having me."

"It's no trouble at all, Justine," Karai replied. "Do you have a nickname?"

I was taken aback by her question.

"Well, that was random, but no. I never had a pet name."

"Do you have a middle name?" Ryan asked me.

"Jessica. My father-- I mean, Woody, named me after my aunt. But I call her my aunt Jessie. Jessica Jane Pride is her full name."

"What about Jusutīnu?" Karai asked. "It's your name in Japanese."

I pondered this for a moment.

"I think I have the perfect one," Ryan chimed in. "Kijō-i. It's cowgirl in Japanese."

My face brightened up.

"I love it!" I replied, hugging my boyfriend. "What is thank you in Japanese?"

"Arigatō," Ryan answered with a smile.

"Arigatō, Ryan."

"Dōitashimashite," Ryan replied first in Japanese. "You're welcome."

"Now you've got me curious. What's your name in Japanese?"

"Raian. But the irony is, I was actually named after both the captain of Space Heroes and my father. My father's name in Japanese is Reonarudo."

"It reminded me of Leo's favorite character," Karai chimed in. "So the name Ryan stuck. Would you like to learn Japanese, Kijō-i?"

"Yes, I'd love to!"

"Uh, could we go back to the lair, please?" Athena asked. "Venus and I can teach some introductory Japanese to Justine on the way."

"That's a good idea!" Venus chimed in. "Justine, we'd love it if you bunked with one of us during your stay."

My smile went away. I just now noticed that someone was missing.

"Where's Lily?" I asked.

"She and James are flying in on Friday," Renet answered as we left the airport. "James was only allowed one week off work."

"Now, that's not right," I replied.

"It must be part of his work policy," Karai explained. "After all, he's only been working at that job since August."

"Lily, on the other hand, automatically got her paid time off, which is 25 days," Renet said. "She already spent four of those in November, and she's spending the rest of it in New York, Connecticut, and Todayland. And then she'll get 25 more days after she gets back."

"Dang!" Venus exclaimed.

"So long story short, Lily's got a good job," Athena replied. "A good job with really good benefits."

"Yes, exactly," Karai said as we got in some sort of van with a deer head in front.

"Is that supposed to be some sort of hippie van?" I asked.

"It used to be Lily's grandfather's van," Venus answered. "My father made the painting of the woman. I wonder if he thought of me back then."

"Maybe your mother, Venus," Athena replied.

"I don't know... he hadn't met my mother in space at the time."

"Your mother's from space?" I asked with widened eyes. "What kinds of adventures did y'all go on?"

"We'd all be glad to share them with you when Lily gets here," Karai answered.


December 25, 2045

"Kijō-i. Kijō-i, wake up."

I stirred myself awake. Once again, someone was hovering over me. This time it was the owner of the bed I was sleeping in.

"Oh, hey, Ryan," I said with a sleepy smile.

"Merīkurisumasu," my boyfriend spoke in Japanese. "Merry Christmas."

My smile grew bigger. Japanese was a beautiful language, and I was happy that my first Christmas gift was a new word to learn. Thankfully, I was a fast learner.

"Merīkurisumasu," I replied back before I lifted the covers and patted on the bed. "Come here. Cuddle with me?"

Ryan smiled. He got into the bed with me and held me. He was cold-blooded, so he felt cold, but I didn't care. We had warm blankets covering us, and it felt wonderful. It was also a small bed, but I didn't care. Ryan, my small unborn child, and I fit perfectly.

"How's the baby doing?" Ryan asked.

"The baby's doing really well," I answered. "Your uncle gave me an ultrasound exam and our baby is going to be mostly human."

"That is great news," Ryan replied humbly with a little excitement.

"Lily and James have both agreed to be the baby's godparents. They are going to be wonderful."

"They sure are. Especially Lily, since she's already had experience."

"And she's the best for the job."

"Do you think our baby will be raised in Christianity?" Ryan asked.

"Actually, Donnie told me he had taught Lily both the Christianity and the Shinto religions and she chose which one she thought helped her grow more. I was thinking of doing the same thing here. I can teach him about Christianity and you can teach him about the Shinto religion."

"That's a good idea."

There was a pause.

"Justine, did you say him? Is there something you'd like to tell me?"

I gazed up at him and gave him a big smile. I held his left hand and pulled it onto my baby bump.

"Merry Christmas, Ryan. We're going to have a baby boy."

"Uncle Donnie figured it out?" Ryan asked with shock.

"He sure did! Amazing, isn't it?"

"YAHOO!" Ryan shouted happily.

Ryan jumped out of the bed and ran out into the lair.

"IT'S A BOY! IT'S A BOY!"

I couldn't help but laugh at his enthusiasm. I was excited myself when I found out I was having a son.

"Ryan, go back to sleep!" Raphael yelled from another room.

I cracked up laughing. I already fell in love with my new family. So much that I opened up my phone and did an online search for Japanese boy names. Ryan then came back in the room.

"Sorry about that," he said sheepishly. "I got so excited about having a boy."

"You have every reason to be excited," I replied with a kind smile. "And hey, maybe you can help me find the perfect name for our son."

"Ooh, yeah. I'd like that to be our Christmas gift to the family."

"That's a good idea!"

Google immediately gave me some good names.

"Hmm, I want to find a name that means firstborn," I explained.

"The second one is a good one," Ryan pointed out. "Daiki."

I tapped on the name and found out it means grand first son.

"Let's keep looking," I suggested.

"Justine, are you sure you want our son's name to be Japanese?" Ryan asked.

"This baby is yours," I explained. "And I'm part of your family, who was mostly raised on Japanese tradition. To me, a Japanese name fits because I'm entering into your family."

"Now I have another question: if I asked you to marry me in the future, would you be taking my name or keeping yours?"

"Hmm... what's my last name in Japanese?"

"Hokori. Why?"

"I'd want to keep my name, but at the same time, I want to change it to the Japanese translation."

"Justine, it is Japanese custom for a woman to have the same last name as her husband," Ryan explained. "But when Hamato Yoshi and Tang Shen got married, she kept her name. And, unfortunately, if this baby is born before we get married, he would have your name. That's why I'm thinking we do a name in English."

"Ryan, could we at least give the baby my Japanese last name: Hokori? I'm sorry, but Pride is not the best last name in the world."

"Yes, it is," Ryan replied with a smile on his face.

"Huh?"

I felt surprised at his response.

"Pride is pretty much another word for confidence," Ryan explained. "And Justine, you are the definition of confidence, even after finding out about the baby. You are determined to see things through and you're stubborn to give everything up. I'd be honored if our baby took your name before we got married. And if you decide to change your name, we can change our son's name, too. And I think I know a great first name for our son."

"Really?" I asked with a smile. "What is it?"

"Isamu. It means brave, which you are, Justine. You are the bravest woman I've ever known."

My heart melted. Ryan was right. Isamu was the perfect name. I scrolled down a little further to find the name I was looking for.

"Look at this one, Ryan. Ichiro. The name means firstborn."

"It fits."

"Then it's settled."

I caressed my baby bump with both my hands. I gazed at my boyfriend with a big smile on my face.

"When he's born and until it's time for us to get married, his name will be Isamu Ichiro Pride."