So, meet Anna (pronounced AH-NAH). I had introduced her to you briefly as a baby in "Tales of the Third Age," and here she is now! I needed a new challenge in this story to pass the time between 2046 and 2049, the next year something major happens to Lily. Anna's journey within this story will be very interesting to write. I did take a personality test using Anna's traits and I absolutely love the results, as you'll discover later.
I had also used parts of the song "For the First Time" in this chapter because Anna feels like a fish out of water being in this totally new world that is totally different from her own world. The song is reflecting how she feels - excited and afraid at the same time. Without further ado, enjoy!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything related to "Meet the Robinsons," "TMNT," "Toy Story," nor "Lord of the Rings: The Third Age," nor do I own Halle's "For the First Time." I only own Lilianna, Justine, Ryan, Isamu, and Anna.
April 29, 2046 - New York City, New York, USA
DONATELLO'S POV
I had returned home after delivering Justine's baby son and I collapsed on the bed after a very long night. Unfortunately, I was not given a chance to rest.
My T-Phone started to ring. I quickly picked it up, worried that Justine and Ryan already needed my help.
"Donatello."
"Hi, Donnie. It's Franny. I need to ask you a question."
"Sure. What's up?"
"Is Middle-Earth another dimension or did it actually exist at some point in this timeline?"
I chuckled.
"You are asking the wrong person, Franny. That's Wilbur's field of study."
"I already asked him when I explained what happened this morning. To Wilbur, it's fiction. But you've actually been to Middle-Earth before… as a teenager."
"It's fiction to Wilbur? Really?"
I rubbed my neck in confusion.
"If Middle-Earth is one of the dimensions that merged with all of ours, it should have existed many years ago and evolved to our earth now. But it may help if there's a backstory to your question."
"Carl found a young woman yelling at Lefty this morning. She's tall, has long copper-red hair, muscular like Lily, but very polite and determined. She told us she's from a city called Minas Tirith in Gondor and that her parents are Berethor and Idrial. Does any of that ring a bell?"
My eyes widened in shock. Another mystery emerged from Karena moving to Todayland.
"Yes, I recognize those names. But I could have sworn Berethor was betrothed to Morwen. How did he and Idrial have a daughter?"
"That's something to ask Anna. That's her name. Is there anyway you and Lily can come to Todayland and help her?"
"Lily went back home to California. I'll take April with me. April knew Berethor, too."
Todayland, North Montana, USA
APRIL'S POV
"April, Donnie, am I glad to see you!"
Franny ran up to us and gave us a hug. We returned the hug.
"How's Anna doing?" Donnie asked with concern in his amber eyes.
"She's calm, very willing to talk. But she's very confused. She's already asked me questions about my dress and why we have a monster in our house."
Franny led us to the dining room where we found who looked like a young woman. She had long copper-red hair that went down past her waist. She wore a blue dress and black leggings underneath beautiful silver armor, and they perfectly complimented her green eyes. I thought for a moment I was looking at my daughter, but knowing Lily's shorter height and blue eyes, it wasn't her. And I found another difference between the two women: this woman's ears were slightly pointed.
"You're an elf," I said in awe.
"Half-elf," she replied with a bold but gentle voice. "My father was born a Gondorian soldier. But may I ask just what are you? You are definitely not human."
"You are correct," Donnie replied. "I'm a humanoid turtle. I came into contact with a substance called mutagen and I transformed into this. I'm Donatello, and this is my wife April."
"I'm Anna, daughter of Berethor. I sense you both knew him."
"Yes, I knew him," Donnie replied with a frown. "He's passed on?"
"Yes," Anna answered with sadness clouding her face. "My father passed away peacefully one hundred years after I was born. My mother Idrial had tried to aide the Queen of Gondor when King Elessar passed, but to no avail. Lady Arwen fled to Lothlorien and passed of heartbreak. My mother sailed to the Grey Havens to overcome her grief."
"Why didn't you go with her?" I asked.
"I didn't belong. It didn't feel right having my mother go another land alive while my father dies. I felt it was my duty, my turn, to protect Middle-Earth, should something happen."
"Well, something must have happened if you're here now," I replied. "You're no longer in Middle-Earth. You're in Todayland, North Montana, United States, North America, planet Earth."
"You have a lot of names for your home, April," Anna replied with a confused look on her face. "But how did I get here?"
"You tell us," Donnie sternly replied. "What do you last remember?"
"After my father's passing and my mother's departure, I joined the fountain guard of Minas Tirith to keep watch over my father's tomb for one hundred years. It was my way of watching over his soul. One day, it suddenly got dark. The only light inside the tombs were the torches we had lit. I had to know why it became so dark, and I ran outside the tombs. There was no sun. No clouds. Only darkness. I could not see the city, nor could I find my way back inside. For the first time in my life, I felt terrified. But then a purple door appeared and I felt that I had to go in. Then I woke up here."
Donnie and I glanced at each other in bewilderment. Anna was at least 200 years old, and she didn't look even close to being 30!
"I beg your pardon, Anna, but I find it very hard to believe that you are 200 years old," Donnie spoke. "No one lives that long here."
"I am not from here."
"Okay, so say you really are 200 years old," I chimed in. "How are you going to get home?"
Anna sighed.
"I'm unsure if there is a home to go back to. But upon further reflection, I remember my mother warning me that Morgoth might return to turn Middle-Earth to darkness. And I thought the War of the Ring was the darkest of all time."
"So the portal would not be able to take you home, then?" Donnie asked.
"Portal?"
"The purple door. They're portals invented by our old enemy the Kraang. Did you obtain one of them somehow?"
"No, it just appeared like it was magic."
Donnie and I glanced at each other again, but this time with concern on our faces.
"So someone brought her here," I told him.
"But who?" Donnie asked me. "Lily?"
"Lily's stressed but she wouldn't do something like that. It could be Kraang Subprime."
"Who is this Kraang Subprime?" Anna asked with confusion.
"I think it's best if we start from the beginning, Anna," Donnie replied. "I was born a baby turtle with three brothers when a man named Hamato Yoshi bought us from a pet store…"
ANNA'S POV
"And that is our story," April concluded. "Donnie and I got married and we have a daughter together, Lily."
"My brothers married also," Donatello continued. "And they each have a child. Ryan, Venus, and Athena are Lily's cousins. They have all been trained in the martial arts, the art of ninjutsu, just like us."
I smiled in awe at their story. I was in awe that April was no ordinary woman herself who had a keen insight.
"Do you have any hope of returning to Middle-Earth, Anna?"
I let out a sigh, and for the first time in two hundred years, I felt hopeless.
"No. It's in total darkness. There's no going back. But, how do I thrive here? What tools do I need to survive?"
"We can introduce you to our daughter," Donatello suggested. "Lily's been through a lot, but she's grown through her trials. If anyone can help you, it's her."
"D, are you sure about this?" April asked her husband with concern. "You said Lily didn't seem like herself earlier today. What if she can't help?"
"April, we know her. She's always put others before herself. And besides, they have two spare bedrooms. Why can't Anna stay with Lily? The lair is not the place for her."
April sighed.
"Let me talk to Lily," she replied.
"May I come with you?" I chimed in.
April examined me with her eyes and smiled.
"Maybe we can shop for some clothes first."
Pacific Bay, California, USA
LILIANNA'S POV
I sniffed as I heard knocking on the door. But I felt angry.
"Go away, James!"
"It's your mother!"
I gasped. I bolted out of bed and opened the door and gasped again.
"Mom, I'm so sorry!" I broke down crying.
We embraced each other as I cried on her shoulder.
"Let's sit down," Mom suggested.
We walked arm in arm and sat on the bed.
"Let's talk about your problems first. What happened?"
"I helped Dad save Justine's life and deliver her son," I explained, the vivid images playing in my head. "But when Dad cut her stomach open and dug in, I felt nauseous. I couldn't stand it. But I still helped him. When Isamu was born, I couldn't help but leave the room."
I paused and cried some more.
"Mom, I don't want children. After Karena screaming for her life pushing her daughter out and Justine almost DYING to bring Isamu here, I'm not worthy of being a mom. I want to live as long as I can to help people. But being a mother is not in the cards for me."
"Lily, listen to me," Mom sternly but calmly said. "I had the same fears you do now. Your father and I had always wanted a child as long as we started knowing each other but I was afraid. Afraid that I was going to die sacrificing myself for you, my child. But your father, oh, your sweet and honorable father convinced me to never give up trying. And then you came along and it was worth every ounce of pain."
My mom placed her hands on my shoulders.
"Lily, your dad and I have known you all your life and we have no doubt you will be a terrific mother. But right now, in this moment, your dad and I need your help with something. She's downstairs."
"She?"
I glanced up with worry in my blue eyes.
"Is Justine okay?"
"Yes, Justine is fine. But it's not her. Come on down and see for yourself."
I let out a sigh.
"I owe James an apology anyway."
I followed my mom out of the bedroom and we went down the stairs. To my surprise, I found a young woman sitting on the couch with James and my dad. She had long copper red hair like me, and part of her hair was tied back while the rest draped over her shoulders, covering her ears. She wore a short-sleeved peacock-blue dress with bronze sandals. She glanced up with her green eyes and I noticed a golden floral necklace on her chest.
"Anna, this is our daughter, Lily," Dad introduced us to each other. "Lily, this is Anna… umm…"
"Swan," the woman said, getting up and holding out her hand. "Anna Swan."
I shook her hand and smiled.
"Lily Hamato. You're absolutely beautiful."
"Your father and mother tell me that you're a believer, you look past the appearance. They say you can help me blend in."
"You're not from here, are you?" I asked with a smirk and then proceeded to read her mind, forgetting I was not wearing my contacts. "You're from the city of Minas Tirith in the realm of Gondor in Middle-Earth. You are the daughter of Berethor, a Gondorian soldier, and Idrial, an elf of Lothlorien."
I paused, pushing her hair behind her ear. Her ears had a slight point to them, revealing her Elven heritage.
"You, too, have the gift of foresight," Anna breathed in awe. "I've told you nothing except my name and yet you already know so much about me."
"And yet, you're troubled. Your home is in total darkness? How is that possible?"
"There was a being named Morgoth who had died after Arda was formed," Anna explained. "My mother always warned me that he might return and turn everything into darkness. And now he has."
"Is there anything we can do to stop it?" I asked.
"We cannot. And it appears that I am stuck here. And I do not know how to live here. Donatello suggested you could help me, and that is why I am here."
"Is that all you came in?" I asked, pointing to her dress.
"It was a gift from Tallulah," Anna explained. "I left my dress and armor at the house."
I smirked.
"Well, if you're going to blend in at Pacific Bay, we need to do a little shopping."
After I put on my brown contacts, I led Anna through the dining room, the kitchen, and then into the garage. I opened up the car door.
"Come on in!" I encouraged her.
"In that… contraption?" Anna asked with uncertainty.
"It's called a car. And I promise it's safe."
Anna smiled, ready for a new adventure. She climbed into the car. I started the car and started the drive to Los Angeles. I noticed Anna was watching me drive with fascination in her green eyes.
"May I ask you something?" she asked.
"Sure!"
"Why are your eyes now brown? Weren't they blue before?"
I let out a sigh.
"What I am about to tell you stays in this car, okay? Do not tell anyone about this."
"You have my word."
"Okay. I have a secret identity. I was born Lilianna Hamato, daughter of Donatello and April and born with telepathic powers I discovered when I was kidnapped eight years ago. I got in trouble for using my powers once in school and I vowed never to do that again. So I made myself another identity: Aumanil. And you'll know her when you see her."
"Is Aumanil as kind and compassionate as the name?"
I smiled.
"Yes, she is. Now, tell me your story. What do you like to do? What are your talents?"
"Before I came here, I was a fountain guard like my father before me. I was in charge of keeping the peace of the tombs, making sure no one, including my father, was disturbed. Both my parents have trained me well in weaponry, and I had the best teachers in school. And now, here is my secret: I am 202 years old. My birthday was only ten days ago."
"TWO HUNDRED TWO?" I yelled. "You look WAY too young to be 202!"
"That's what your parents tell me. And tell me: how old are you?"
"I'll be 22 next month."
"Well, to blend in, I will pretend to be 22. Though I must warn you that my wisdom and knowledge far exceeds my age."
"I believe you, my friend. So what do you plan to do while you're here? You can't just sit around and do nothing."
"I agree," Anna replied. "What do you suggest?"
"Well, every human being has a life," I explained. "Me? I go to work during the day, come home, change clothes, and then I go to school. And during the day, I eat lunch and dinner."
"No breakfast?"
I shook my head.
"I don't have time for breakfast. What was your life schedule?"
"I eat breakfast, head to work, eat lunch, work some more, return home to eat dinner, write, and go to sleep. But as the years passed, I've felt more uncertain if that life was meant to be. I miss my family, very much."
"Do you have siblings?"
"I had a brother, Adan. He sailed with our mother. I wanted to stay to be sure my father was taken care of, even after his passing."
"Anna, you stayed to grieve?" I asked, feeling compassion. "Who were you before your father died?"
"I was happy while my parents were there with us!" Anna yelled suddenly. "We shared knowledge together. We trained together. We played games together. We danced together! We lived in peace for two hundred years, even while my father fought outside Minas Tirith to bring peace to Middle-Earth! And now I have lost everything!"
Anna broke down and cried. I tried to find a place to park so I could comfort my new friend. Once I found a place, I parked my car and I hugged her. Anna cried into my shoulder.
"I know what it's like to lose everything," I comforted her. "When I was kidnapped, I thought I would never find my way back home. I felt trapped like a fish out of water. But then I met the Robinsons, the people you first met, and they helped me reconnect with my family. Your family may be gone now, but I promise you are not alone. And you never will be alone again."
Anna sniffed, looking up at me and smiled. Her green eyes had hope in them.
"I know. I brought my parents with me."
Anna patted her satchel.
"I kept my parents' journals. They both gave their journals to me when their lives were complete. If I was ever afraid, I read my mother's journal. If I needed inspiration, I read my father's."
"That's a great way to honor them," I replied. "Now then, we're actually where we're supposed to be. Shall we go inside and get you some clothes?"
ANNA'S POV
"Look at the sun, the sky, and the sand, and the sea behind me. Look at me, suddenly I am on land and I'm free. Don't mind me as I climb for the first time, jump for the first time. Trying to stand as this gravity's pulling me down."
I followed Lily into an even bigger building. When I walked inside, it looked like an entire outlet of stores to shop in. I quickly figured out that this was called a mall. It reminded me very much of the markets of Minas Tirith, only these were clothing stores instead of food markets. But instead of excitement, I felt fear. These people looked so different from each other and I was surrounded by uncertainty.
"In here," Lily beckoned me.
She took my hand and let me to a glamorous store. The first thing I saw was a series of crystal lights above me, and it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life.
"Look, it's a fire. It's warm and it glows, and it lights this chamber. Let me admire it. Ow! Get too close and it bites. I came too close for the first time. Burned for the first time. Everything's clearer and brighter and hotter. But now that I'm here like a fish out of water, trying to stand but this gravity's pulling me down."
I tried to reach up for the lights, but I felt myself being pulled away.
"Come on, Anna!" Lily said with laughter. "Let's find you some clothes fit for an Elven princess in California!"
I still felt terrified. Lily, with a big smile on her face, continued to lead me around the shop.
"Now I love the blue on you," Lily started to speak as she dropped clothes into my arms. "But let's experiment, too. Let's see what colors suit you best."
By the time she was finished, the clothes were piled up to my chin. I followed Lily into what she called a dressing room.
"I'll be right back. I want to shop for some new shoes for you, too."
I stood in the dressing room and I let the clothes fall. I looked at myself in the mirror, and I immediately saw my father.
"Are we only food for slaughter? Is this life on land?"
I walked up to the mirror and touched it. I gasped when he reached out and touched me.
"This is impossible," I breathed.
"You were lonely watching over me in the tombs," Father told me with a gentle smile. "Come on, Anna, it's now time to stand."
I gasped when I heard the door open. I turned around to see Lily walking in with sandals and boots.
"Alright, Anna, let's try on some outfits. I promise to not leave your side again."
Lily gave me a weird look.
"Are you okay?" she asked. "You look like you just saw a ghost!"
I shook my head, silently promising my father that I would stand tall no matter what.
"Yes, I am fine."
Lily and I worked together to take off my blue dress. Lily had picked out a dress or blouse and pants in every color possible. We both agreed polka-dots and stripes were out of the question. We eventually realized that green was the best color on me and so Lily searched for more green outfits. While she looked, I glanced at myself in the mirror again, this time seeing myself wearing a sleeveless green dress with brown boots.
"Squeeze in the shoes and the corset is tight and the seams are busting. Some women choose this. I guess it's alright. Are my dreams adjusting?"
And they were. I never imagined I'd be in a totally different world, much less another universe. This world was so much more advanced and complex. I was a fast learner, but how long would it take me to learn how to live in this world? Things were no longer simple. Instead of Morgoth, being here was my biggest trial. Would I ever call this place home?
"I'm back!" Lily announced.
I opened the door to let her back in.
"So I found all of this," she said, hanging the dresses on the shelf.
"Why are you doing this for me?" I asked. "We have only just met."
"My dad told me he knew your father," Lily explained. "He said your father was a great leader and an honorable man. And besides, how could I refuse to help someone in need? You practically look my age."
"How can I repay you?" I asked.
Lily's face scrunched up.
"Kindness is free, my friend. These clothes are going to cost money, but I'll be happy to pay for them on your behalf. You need to have a strong footing in this world if you are to survive here, and kindness is my first step to guide you there. Now, you used to be a guard, right?"
"A fountain guard, yes."
"Was that all you've done?" Lily asked.
"Yes, for one hundred years."
"I can't imagine working in the same place for five years, let alone one hundred! That's a lifetime here, and that's not possible."
"How long do your people live?"
"It depends on the circumstances. Some, mostly women, live to be one hundred. Others can die at a very young age. Some babies see death before they see life."
"My passion has always been to preserve life," I explained with a sigh. "To live long and to prosper."
"Hmm… you could be a doctor."
I laughed.
"I have learned how to heal people, but I do not believe it works like that here."
"Maybe my dad can give you advice," Lily suggested. "He's a doctor. He helps people and mutants and he gives them medicine. Though he's a better professor than he is a doctor."
"Your father's a teacher? How do your people handle a big turtle teaching them?"
"His job was remote, at first. He worked from home. Then I got kidnapped and ended up in the same city my dad works for, so when the Robinsons reunited us, my dad took the chance to be with me and teach his students in person. He was scared at first, but it turned out to be one of the best things he has ever done. His students love him and his teaching methods."
I eventually changed back into the blue dress and bronze sandals Tallulah gave me. Lily led me to the front of the store to pay for my clothes. Then we went back to the car and went back to her home.
April 30, 2046
LILIANNA'S POV
I woke up bright and early as always. James was still fast asleep. I kissed him on the cheek and went into the bathroom to change out of my nightgown and into my grey scrubs. I was so very thrilled that I only had two weeks left of my job before I start my internship.
When I got out of the bedroom, I smelled bacon. I glanced back to see my husband sound asleep.
"Who's cooking breakfast?" I whispered out loud.
I walked to the spare bedroom Anna was sleeping in and noticed she wasn't there. I smiled, realizing she was the one making breakfast.
I went down the stairs. I opened the closet to grab my purse and then walked into the kitchen to see Anna, wearing her green nightgown, cooking.
"Good morning, Lily," she greeted me with a smile.
"Good morning," I replied. "You couldn't sleep?"
Anna shook her head.
"How long have you been cooking?" I asked.
"Not very long. I sensed you were awake and I decided to make you something for the road. You cannot go on the road with an empty stomach."
I smiled, grateful for Anna taking time out of her day to do something for me.
"I hope you like bacon and eggs," she continued. "I know it's not much, but—"
"Anna, it's perfect. Thank you."
Anna followed me to the dining room table and sat down.
"So why couldn't you sleep?" I asked.
"I did a lot of thinking. And I want to pay you back somehow. So I thought about getting a job. But I don't know where to start."
"Well, for starters, we need to get you some identification papers," I explained. "Cornelius Robinson made some for a friend when she moved to the future, similar to your journey here. Then you would need to learn how to fill out applications for a job and then you'd need to learn how to drive. In fact…"
I dug into my purse and took out the portable portal.
"This is what my dad used to bring you here," I explained. "This will take you anywhere you need to go. Cornelius Robinson is in Todayland, the city you were in yesterday, and he'll be in a place called Robinson Industries. His office is on the very top floor. You just introduce yourself and explain how you got here. He's an understanding man. Once you're done there, please come straight home."
Anna nodded and we continued eating our breakfast.
"This is the best bacon and eggs I've ever had," I spoke in awe. "Where did you learn to cook like that?"
"My mother taught me how to cook," Anna answered. "She has taught me what herbs to use for flavor, how to make mashed potatoes soft, the works."
"You may be in competition with James," I teased. "He's the cook out of the two of us. I'm way too busy to cook, but I'll make something good once in a while. But Anna…"
I placed a hand on hers.
"Don't dwell on the past. If you do that, you're stuck there and it's hard to move forward. Cherish your memories with your father and mother, but you need to let them go, too. You need to forgive yourself and move on. I know what it's like to have nothing, but I didn't let it get to me. I felt determined to keep going. And Anna, your parents were determined people. They'd want you to be determined, too, to live your own life without them."
Anna smiled before she started eating again. I silently prayed that God would be with her no matter where she went.
Todayland, North Montana, USA
ANNA'S POV
I changed out of my green nightgown and into a long-sleeved green dress with dark brown boots. I put my long copper-red hair in a fishtail braid and put on the golden flower necklace my mother gave me. After I finished, I took Lily's portal to Todayland.
The portal took me exactly where I needed to go: Robinson Industries. I walked inside and immediately saw the bustling of people going to work to start their day. I found the staircase inside another door and started to climb. It was a long flight up, but I was already used to it; I had ran up all seven levels of Minas Tirith numerous times, and they were bigger than these floors.
I reached the top floor of Robinson Industries and found a lone office with Cornelius' name on it. I hesitantly walked over and knocked. Then he answered, a man with blonde spiked hair, glasses over his blue eyes, and wearing a white coat over a blue vest and red pants. He smiled at me.
"May I help you, young lady?"
"Yes, my name is Anna Swan. Lily told me to come see you."
"Lily? Lily Hamato?"
"Yes, sir. I have a long story to tell. I am not of this universe."
"Oh! You traveled between dimensions?"
"Yes, sir."
"Come on in. Let's talk."
I followed Cornelius into his office and took a seat. I explained my life story to him and he seemed to be impressed.
"So, what can you do for me?" I asked.
"I'm not sure I follow, Miss Swan. Let's start at the beginning. Where are you from?"
I explained my entire life story to the scientist, finishing with me using a portal to come here and spending my days with Lily in California.
"I see," Cornelius replied, clasping his hands together. "I'll tell you what. I will give you a couple tests. The first test will be a personality test to see what type of personality you have. Then I will give you the same test I gave to Donatello to see if you qualify for any college degrees. Then we'll see what kind of jobs you qualify for. I will use the information you gave me to see how I can make your forms of identification."
"Alright."
First, I took the Myers-Briggs Personality Test on some sort of technological tablet. After two hundred years, I knew exactly how to answer every question and I did not hesitate to tap the options that best described me, though I was confused at what a museum was. When I finished, I put the tablet down. Cornelius looked at my results and his eyes widened.
"What is it?" I asked. "What's my result?"
"You are an advocate, Anna," Cornelius explained, this time with a smile on his face. "You have introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging traits, INFJ, as we call it here. And your type is rare. It looks like you are here to make a difference, helping others with your inner vision, personal values, and a principled version of humanism. It sounds like you would make an excellent lawyer, Anna."
"What's a lawyer?" I asked.
"A lawyer is someone who uses justice to defend someone or to help someone."
I laughed, instantly reminded of myself and my brother.
"I have always felt like I have to explain my brother's actions to my mother and father," I explained. "My brother was always getting into trouble and I'm always begging my parents to not give him an extensive punishment."
"It also looks like you are very organized and you have a routine for every moment of the day," Cornelius continued. "Now, you have told me that you graduated from schools having the best teachers in Minas Tirith, is that correct?"
"Yes, sir."
"I will have you take a test that is related to criminal and civil law. If you pass, I will reward you with a college degree in criminal justice from Todayland University."
Pacific Bay, California, USA
LILIANNA'S POV
"Cornelius suggested you become a lawyer?" I asked with shock.
Anna laughed in response.
"Yes! I can't believe I never saw it before in myself. It helped me bring back memories of when my brother Adan would get in trouble and I'd try to defend him."
"How did your parents react to that?" I asked with a grin.
"It depends," Anna replied. "My mother, like me, was more understanding and her punishment, if there was one, was lenient. My father, on the other hand, punished my brother justly, and sometimes I was punished as well for trying to defend him."
Anna laughed again.
"My father did admire my compassion for helping my brother, and even more so for the people around me. To be honest, I never really enjoyed being a fountain guard. I stood for eight hours watching the tombs, and I did that for one hundred years."
"It sounds like you're ready for something new," I replied. "And after knowing you for a day, I'd have to agree with Cornelius. You'd be an amazing lawyer. You're understanding, you're compassionate, you're blunt and honest, and you're creative. You know how to find a solution."
I smiled.
"Maybe you're here for this reason."
"I'm still terrified," Anna admitted, biting her lip. "Cornelius mentioned something about my having a criminal justice degree and about me asking you to find a law school for me."
"I take it this degree is another one of those documents Cornelius had to make for you?"
"Oh, he said I nailed my choice of field," Anna answered. "And he gave me the documents I need. I am Miss Anna Swan, born in Auckland, New Zealand who immigrated to the United States as a child, became a legal citizen, graduated with a G.E.D., whatever that means, and graduated from Todayland University with a degree in criminal justice. Oh, and I'm also 22 instead of 202."
"Why Auckland?" I asked with intrigue.
"I told Cornelius I was from Middle-Earth, and most of the actors who starred in The Lord of the Rings were Australian. My accent reminded him of that, so therefore, I was 'born' in Auckland."
I laughed.
"Where is New Zealand anyway?" Anna asked.
"I will show you something."
I took out my T-Phone and pulled up my maps app.
"Whoa!" Anna exclaimed. "What is that?"
"It's called a cell phone," I explained. "I take it you don't have phones on Middle-Earth?"
Anna shook her head.
"So a phone is another way of communicating between two people," I continued. "You just hold this up to your ear and you listen to your loved one talk to you. Of course, you can talk back. But in today's society, there's also texting. It's like writing a letter inside a cell phone and the person immediately gets it. This particular phone is a cell phone my dad invented called a T-Phone; the 't' is for turtle. Everyone in my family has one. You may be getting one too, or at least a temporary one. But anyway, this…"
I opened my maps app and zoomed out my location to reveal the entire planet with a background of stars in space.
"…is our world."
"Whoa!" Anna exclaimed, using her fingers to move the planet.
"The physical object is called a globe," I explained. "You can use it to find any place in the world, like Auckland here."
I moved the globe to the small island of New Zealand. Anna was in awe.
"I have never imagined seeing something like this," she said. "I absolutely love science. It surrounds us and it's ever-growing. I love art more than science though. I draw in my free time."
"Really? You'll have to show me sometime."
Anna smiled.
"I certainly will."
I suddenly yawned.
"Goodness, it's getting late. We should be going to sleep."
"I agree," Anna replied. "Have a good night, Lily."
"You too, Anna."
ANNA'S POV
I got into my bedroom and dropped my bag on the floor. For the first time, I felt weary.
"Realize the price that you paid with your voice as he turns from you. Those sacrifices you made were a choice that you can't undo."
I walked over to the bed and collapsed in it. There was no going back now. Minas Tirith, the city I called home for 202 years, was now gone. No portal could take me back. My only choice was to move forward in this world. Just the thought of my going to law school was daunting.
"Lost… for the first time. Scared… for the first time. Gravity feels like an undertow pulling me… down."
I placed my hand on my mother's necklace, praying that somehow, somewhere, she was thinking of me. But wait. There was probably a different god in this world. Who was I praying to?
Deciding to ask Lily tomorrow, my eyes closed, and my mind drifted into a deep slumber.
May 1, 2046
LILIANNA'S POV
I was driving to work and jamming to Christina Grimmie when the music faded away and my phone started to ring. I tapped on my watch to answer the phone.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Lily."
"Hi, Dad!" I greeted him with my gap-toothed smile. "What's up?"
"Did I read correctly that Anna is aspiring to become a lawyer?"
"Yes, you did. Anna took the same tests you did when you got married. She has an advocate personality and Cornelius suggested she become a lawyer. Neither of us could believe it until she shared a memory about her brother with me."
"How so?"
"Her brother always got in trouble, so Anna always tried to defend him. If she was convincing, then her brother either got a lighter punishment or he was off the hook. Otherwise, they were both punished."
"Ah, that makes sense. So the reason I am calling and asking you about this is because Uncle Leo wants to meet her."
I blinked.
"Really? How come?"
"He didn't say. Just that he wanted to speak with Anna privately. She trusts you, and since Mom and I knew her father, we trust her."
"Anna has been a wonderful companion the past couple days. She has so many questions and is willing to learn. She's still scared, of course, but she's gotten more comfortable."
"Yeah, it's not easy to adjust to a totally different world. It makes me wonder how Auntie Mona felt when she moved here from Salamandria. So what day do you think you can bring Anna over?"
"How about Sunday?" I suggested. "I'm working all this week. Justine's graduation is on Saturday, so Sunday is my next free day."
"Oh, that's right. I forgot about graduation. I have to be there."
"How is Justine doing?" I asked. "Is she home?"
"About that."
I immediately got worried.
"Justine is now living with the Robinsons," Dad explained. "While her business is successful, she doesn't have enough income to live on her own now that she had her baby. She has released herself from her lease, so now the primary owner of the lease is Venus."
"I thought it would be Ryan," I replied.
"Venus makes more income than Ryan does, so Venus is now in charge of paying rent. And it'll help Ryan and Justine out, too. Justine is using the money she is making from her business for nursing school and her wedding while Ryan is going to pay for anything Isamu needs."
"I'm so thankful for the Robinsons," I said, blowing a sigh of relief.
"Well, Franny was eager to help out. Ever since Wilbur moved out, she's missed taking care of someone. The Robinsons are providing everything for Justine while she's living there."
"That's good. How's Ryan taking it?"
"He's very happy to contribute and help Justine and Isamu. But I have no idea what he plans to do now that he's not coming back to New York like he originally planned."
"Justine had dreamed of opening a horse ranch in Todayland," I replied, remembering my conversations with the cowgirl. "Maybe Ryan could help with that."
"Ryan is actually very good with money, so that's not a bad idea. You'll have to suggest that to him. So, Sunday, then?"
"Yes, Sunday."
"I'll let Uncle Leo know."
"Cool. Unfortunately, I have to go. I'm about to be at work."
"Oh! Yes, I will let you go. Have a good day, okay? I love you, Lily Mae."
"I love you too, Dad. I'll see you Saturday."
"See you Saturday!"
I hung up, parked my car, and got out to start my shift at the hospital.
May 5, 2046 - Todayland, North Montana, USA
JUSTINE'S POV
I heard knocking on the door to my room as I stirred myself awake.
"Justine, are you awake?"
I dragged myself out of bed and towards the door. I opened it to see Franny standing on the other side.
"Hi, Franny," I groggily greeted her.
"Another long night?" she asked me with a frown.
"Yep," I answered, glancing at the crib against the wall. "Isamu's alert, that's for sure. I wish he had come after graduation. I still feel terrible."
"Well, you've been resting for the past week. Let me see your scar."
I lifted my nightgown up. I still looked pregnant, but I also lost weight because Isamu was born. Franny examined the scar in my lower abdomen where Donnie operated.
"It looks like it's healing well," she said. "You feel terrible on the inside?"
"Pretty much."
"These things take time. I was still having contractions for a couple months after Wilbur was born."
"So that's what's causing me to hurt so much?"
"Yes."
"So what do I do?" I asked.
"Keep moving forward," Franny answered with a grin. "Are you going to make it through graduation?"
"Yeah, I think so. The only walking I've done is to change Isamu's diaper and to put him back to sleep... and then I try to put myself to sleep."
I let out a sigh.
"I wish Ryan was here. I need him, Franny."
"Well, I'm sure he'll be at your graduation. Speaking of which do you need help picking out an outfit?"
I smiled for the first time all morning.
"I'd love that."
Franny opened the closet and pulled out a lavender dress for me to wear. I smiled even bigger when she had pulled out my favorite dress to wear when pregnant.
"This was your favorite?"
I nodded eagerly. I did not hesitate to take off my nightgown and put the dress on. It had an empire waist to showcase my bump and the sleeves were fluttered.
"That is so beautiful!" Franny exclaimed.
"It's a bestseller in Tallulah's shop," I replied.
"So, who's going to take care of Isamu while you walk across the stage?"
"Ryan is, of course. He and Leo are coming to the graduation and so are Lily and my mom. Donnie has to be there since he's a professor."
"That's awful nice of Lily and your mom to come all this way to see you," Franny replied with a kind smile. "Now, do you need Aunt Billie to take you to the university?"
"Yes, please. I'm not comfortable with driving myself there yet."
"Alright. And I promise Isamu will be well taken care of."
I hugged my friend and she hugged me back. I was so thankful the Robinsons had taken me in to heal and to take care of myself and Isamu while Ryan continued to go to school and bond with his cousins. All too soon, it was time for me to go graduate.
ANNA'S POV
"Why does it cost so much to go to school?" I asked, doing research on Lily's T-Phone.
"I honestly don't know," Lily replied with a grim look on her face. "What have you found so far?"
"Well, thanks to Cornelius's test, I already have a bachelor's degree. But now it looks like I need to take a Law School Admission Test and need to score 150 to get into any law school I want. But my big problem is going to be money. I doubt the money I have will be good here."
"You may be surprised," Lily said with confidence. "There may be a coin dealer somewhere in this city. We can head there after graduation if you'd like."
"Okay! I already have one law school in mind: the California Western School of Law, located in a city called San Diego. Their core values align with mine. But according to my research, it's best for me to apply to five schools."
"You have very good research skills. I applied for five graduate schools and received rejection letters from all but one. I got lucky. My dad discovered I was rejected because I'm a mutant."
I gave Lily a look of shock.
"Really? Only because you're a mutant?"
"Yep."
I felt angry. I was made aware that a law was passed for mutants to live among humans in this world, but it sickened me that they were still treated like they were animals, if not monsters.
"Lily, if I am successful in becoming a lawyer, I want to advocate for you and your family and anyone else who was affected by mutation. I want to help in anyway I can to ensure you can do what you want to do without judgment."
"So, basically, you want to be a family lawyer?" she asked.
"Yours, if you are willing to have me. But I love defending people too."
"So maybe you can be a criminal lawyer, too, or a trial advocate. You have a lot of options out there, Anna. Think of who you are and make the choice that is best for you."
"Yes, but I do not have the money."
"Yet. The key word here is, yet. We will help you get on your feet, no matter the cost."
"Lily?"
We turned to see a turtle who looked similar to Donatello, but he was shorter, had more build, and wore a blue mask. He approached us with a short woman with a short black hairstyle with blonde hair underneath.
"Uncle Leo!" Lily exclaimed happily, hugging him. "Hi!"
Leonardo embraced her in return. He looked up and he saw me. I immediately started to understand his culture and I bowed. He released his embrace and bowed in return.
"Kon'nichiwa, Anna-chan," Leonardo greeted me in Japanese. "Leonardo desu. Hajimemashite."
"Hajimemashite," I replied, shaking his hand.
"You know Japanese?" Leonardo asked with surprise.
"I catch on fast. I also know that you need to speak with me."
"Right down to business," Leonardo grinned. "That is a good quality. But that is going to have to wait. The graduation is about to start."
I suddenly heard grand music playing. I returned the phone to Lily and I turned around to see the graduates walking into the auditorium.
"So which one is Justine?" I asked.
"She's the cowgirl with the most style."
We turned around again to see another short woman, this time wearing a blue jumpsuit and her blonde hair tied back. Next to her was a younger turtle holding a baby.
"Hi, Bo," Lily greeted her with a smile. "Hey, Ryan."
"Hey, Lily," Ryan greeted her in return. "Are you feeling any better since Sunday morning?"
"Yes, thank you. That reminds me, Ryan, Bo, I'd like you to meet my newest friend Anna Swan. Anna, this is my cousin Ryan, his son Isamu, and his future mother-in-law, Bo Pride."
"Pleased to meet you, Anna," Bo greeted me, shaking my hand.
"Likewise," I replied before shaking the turtle's hand. "Ryan, son of Leonardo, hajimemashite."
"Hajimemashite, Anna-chan," Ryan replied with surprise. "I'm very surprised you know Japanese, but let's watch my fiancée graduate."
I sat and listened to Cornelius talk to the graduates. I leaned in to whisper to Lily again.
"What's his story?"
"He's an inventor," Lily explained in a whisper. "Just like my dad. But unlike my dad, he was an orphan. He didn't get adopted until he was twelve. But like my dad, he uses his inventions for good. He created Robinson Industries, Todayland University, everything here. He pretty much transformed the city of Regina into the city we all know and love today."
Lily and I continued to watch the graduation and I finally identified her friend Justine when her name was called. She walked slower than the other graduates, likely due to her birthing a child just days before. Then it dawned on me that her father was not present. I turned around to try to talk to Bo.
"If you don't mind me asking, where is your husband?" I asked quietly.
Bo leaned in and whispered in my ear.
"Justine disowned her father when we found out about her pregnancy. And to be honest, I don't blame her. Woody's the sheriff back home and he's always put the law before family, even to the point of putting his own daughter in jail. It hurt Justine so much that she's become afraid of him. He's gotten better since then and has respected Justine's wishes. He's been going to Tulsa for counseling."
I frowned. Life in Middle-Earth was easy compared to this. There were hardly any familial affairs that I was aware of. Everyone I had met seemed to get along. But I found out just from this conversation that life on Earth was a lot more complex.
"Is there anything I can do?" I asked.
"Just pray."
I felt confused, but I nodded. I had spent this past week researching how to be a lawyer and had forgotten to ask Lily who her god was. Then another question popped in my head.
"And Justine? Has she had counseling?"
"I don't know," Bo replied in a whisper. "She's been living here in Todayland the past four years studying to be a veterinarian, an animal doctor. She's been surrounded by friends this entire time and she's living with people who love her. It may be enough for her, or it may not be."
Bo gave me a smile.
"I just met you and here I am spilling my guts out to you. You're easy to talk to, Anna. Thank you for caring so much about my family. It hasn't been easy since Justine moved here, and things got more complicated with her pregnancy. I love Isamu, don't get me wrong. He's adorable! There are some days I wish things were normal between the three of us."
"I understand," I replied.
The music rang again and the graduates walked out of the auditorium. When the ceremony officially ended, the five of us walked out and tried to find Justine. Instead, she found us. She hugged her mother.
"Thank you for coming, Mom," Justine told her. "It means so much to me that you're here."
"I wouldn't miss your graduation nor my grandson's birth for the world," Bo replied with a fond smile.
Justine then glanced at me and Lily. She squealed with delight, and Lily squealed back. Lily ran to her and embraced her.
"Lily, thank you for coming!" Justine excitedly told my friend. "It means the world to me that you're here."
"It's a pleasure!" Lily replied and then beckoned me over. "There's someone I want you to meet. This is my new friend Anna Swan. She recently moved to Pacific Bay and will be studying to become a lawyer. Anna, this is Justine Pride, a cowgirl from Elkhorn, Oklahoma."
"It's nice to meet you," Justine said, hugging me suddenly.
I hugged her back. I felt she knew Japanese, so I responded back in that language.
"Hajimemashite, kijo-i."
Justine squealed again.
"No way! You know Japanese?"
"It's a sixth sense," I replied with a chuckle. "Please do not call me an expert."
"Same here. I'm learning because of my fiancé Ryan. I'm marrying into the Hamato Clan and want to learn everything possible about Japanese culture."
"I admire your passion."
"And I admire yours!" Justine replied enthusiastically. "You want to be a lawyer? That is amazing! Who do you want to help?"
"It depends. After Lily explained the story about her rejection letters, I realized that mutants are still being treated unjustly. I want to be an advocate for them. I'm not sure if this counts or not, but I'm technically not human either; I'm half-human, half-elf."
"Half-elf? What dimension did you come from?"
"Middle-Earth."
"Ah-ha! No wonder you're full of intuition! Which parent was the elf?"
"My mother, Idrial. You may not have heard of her."
"I'm afraid not," Justine replied. "But just meeting someone who is part-elf is cool! I hope we'll see each other again."
I smiled.
"I have a feeling we will."
"Congratulations, Justine," Leonardo said, approaching behind me.
"Arigatogozaimasu, sensei," Justine thanked him in Japanese. "And Karai, it's good to see you."
"Congratulations, Justine," Karai replied with a smile.
I watched Justine greet her new family and I assisted in taking everyone's pictures. It had taken me a few moments to figure out how to use a camera on a cell phone, but it was easy enough. After I got pictures of Justine and her family, I walked up to Lily.
"May I take a picture of us?" I asked.
"You wanna do a selfie?" Lily asked with surprise.
"I've... never had a picture taken of me before. I've drawn myself, sure, but--"
"I'd love to. Give me my phone."
I gave Lily her phone back and she positioned us to where we could see ourselves in the phone. We both smiled at the camera as Lily took the picture.
"That's beautiful!" Lily said, admiring our photo. "But wait, you don't have a phone yet."
"No, I do not," I replied.
"I can help with that!"
I turned around to see Cornelius walking up to me with a smile on his face.
"Anna, it's so good to see you again."
"You as well, Cornelius," I replied.
"It dawned on me that Middle-Earth did not have any phones," Cornelius explained. "And I also realized your birthday had just passed. So, I want you have this on me."
Cornelius handed me a present. I opened it to find a brand new iPhone. I smiled even more when I found it was dark green, my favorite color. I could not help but hug him.
"Hannon le!"
"I take it that means, thank you?" Cornelius asked, returning the hug.
"Yes."
"Then you're welcome. Now, the phone number you'll have is a number based in Todayland."
"That's okay," I replied with a grin. "I technically went to college here, after all."
"You catch on quick. Now, Lily will help you set it up and you'll be able to use it to navigate through daily life. If you have any other questions, just come talk to me."
"Thank you, Cornelius."
After Cornelius walked away, I could not help but squeal in delight. Lily and I hugged each other excitedly.
"I cannot believe he went through all that trouble for me," I told her.
"The Robinsons have always taken care of each other and their friends," Lily replied. "Cornelius paid for my dad's apartment when he stayed for a short period of time. And I actually lived with the Robinsons myself after I met Wilbur."
"Who's Wilbur?" I asked.
"Cornelius and Franny's son. He's in Connecticut now with his wife and daughter. But I promise you will get to meet him one day."
"Anna."
I turned and saw Leonardo approaching me.
"I would like to speak with you alone."
"Hai, sensei."
I followed the oldest turtle inside another building on the Todayland University campus. It looked like a place to help oneself build up their strength and agility. There was a rock wall in another room. Leonardo and I sat down on a bench and faced each other.
"Donnie tells me you want to become a lawyer," Leonardo started.
"Hai, sensei. After doing my research on lawyering and after talking to Lily about her clan, I'd like to someday represent the clan as well as any defendants or prosecution, depending on who is more just in their battles."
Leonardo blinked with surprise. I suddenly had a feeling about where this conversation was going.
"I was about to talk with you about you representing the Hamato Clan, and you already figured it out. You are very resourceful, Anna, and you have a rare gift. It's taken both my sensei and I our entire lives to develop this gift of intuition."
"To be fair, I'm actually 202 years old," I replied.
"I have already been made aware of your age, Miss Swan. Tell me, how long do you think you will survive here?"
"I imagine I'd slowly turn into a mortal and live only another hundred years. I do not know how being in this world will affect me. But I do know I cannot go back home; there's nothing left now. I need to place my footing here and move on with my life."
"I see," Leonardo replied with a frown. "Do you know how to defend yourself?"
"Yes. My father has trained me to fight and my mother has trained me to heal, though the magic of Middle-Earth will not work here."
"I will propose a deal: you represent us when you become a lawyer and we will teach you how to use your powers here."
"Goodness!" I exclaimed. "Do you really think my powers of healing will work?"
"With time, yes. Have you used any other powers back in Minas Tirith?"
"My mother taught me how to create light and water using the resources surrounding me."
"We will teach you that, also."
"Who is 'we,' Leonardo?" I asked out of curiosity and with a grin.
"April and Lily both have psychic abilities, much like you do. My brother Donnie has helped train them both how to use them. I can help you as well. I do believe you would be a huge help to us both as a lawyer and a kunoichi - a female ninja."
"Wow!" I exclaimed, feeling very surprised. "This is quite an honor. But I already know how to fight."
"Let's put your knowledge to the test then," Leonardo replied with a smirk, unsheathing one of his swords.
"May I borrow your other sword?" I asked. "I left my weapons at Lily's."
Leonardo unsheathed his other sword and tossed it to me. I caught it with ease. Then a memory started to play in my head.
FLASHBACK - April 19, FO 10 - Minas Tirith, Gondor
"Like this, Father?"
My father Berethor, carrying a proud smile, chuckled at my enthusiasm.
"Not quite," he answered, walking up to me. "Let me show you."
My father knelt down and helped me correct my form. My hands were very spread apart on the sword's handle. He helped me close the gap, so now my hands were together.
"Now, lift your elbows up," Father suggested. "Because then you are truly ready to fight."
I lifted my elbows and shoulders up and put a determined grin on my face. Father laughed again.
"Don't tense up," he told me, putting a hand on my right shoulder. "When you fight, you just do it. Don't think and don't worry. Just relax and fight. It will become second nature to you."
I let out a deep breath and relaxed my shoulders.
"Like this?" I asked.
"Yes, very good. Now, let's do some practice swings."
My father drew his own sword and smiled at me. We walked towards each other. I swung my sword at him and he parried. After a few swings, I started to get the hang of it and swung faster. I spun around on my last swing, prepared to deal a blow, but my father parried. I panted, but my father's smile grew bigger.
"Very good, Anna. You're a fast learner, just like your mother. Now try to defend yourself."
I readied myself again and relaxed my shoulders. This time, my father swung at me. I read all of his moves and was able to parry all of his swings.
"Well done, daughter!" Father exclaimed happily.
He picked me off the floor, causing me to drop my sword, and he held me on his hip. He used his free hand to tickle me in the tummy, and I laughed. I felt so loved and happy. I gazed into his blue eyes and his short red hair. I loved my father so much.
PRESENT
I smiled fondly at the memory. Then I positioned myself to fight Leonardo, remembering everything my father taught me. We charged at each other. Leonardo first played offense, so I had to turn my mind on and read his moves. I parried all of his blows, and I eventually found a way for me to go on the offensive, swinging my sword at him. I did lots of spinning around, as did he. I was still reading his moves. I found a weakness and I was able to disarm him.
"Your father taught you very well," Leonardo told me. "Was that who you were thinking of just now?"
"It was," I answered, my smile fading away.
I handed the sword back to its owner.
"I'm sorry to cut this short, but I need to find Lily and go home."
I walked out of the building and had no trouble finding Lily.
Pacific Bay, California, USA
Right when Lily and I got home, I retreated to my room. I opened my satchel and found my father's journal. Inside was a drawing I sketched of him, and I examined it. I had captured his details well. His copper red hair that was long enough to reach his neck and his bangs, parted in the middle. His gentle blue eyes. A scar that he carried just to the side of his right eye. His bold jawline. His proud smile.
I set the drawing aside and flipped his journal to the very last page.
"Anna,
If you are reading this, then it means I have passed on from this life. I had kept this journal ever since I was banished from Gondor and it helped me explore my feelings. There are some stories I have written that I had never told you before, and now you will get to know me on a much deeper level. You will learn how I met your mother. How we saved each other's lives. How we taught each other our gifts. How you came into our lives. Everything.
I know you are scared because I am dying. But I need you to promise me one thing, daughter: promise me you will carve your own path and discover yourself. Do not linger in the tombs and watch my body deteriorate over time. You cannot dwell on the past. Instead, look forward to the future, and look forward to the day we will see each other again. I am confident we will see each other again. But live your life first. Your journey is only beginning. I love you, daughter, forever.
Your proud and loving father,
Berethor."
I held my father's journal against my chest and cried. How was he so confident we'd see each other again? I was now in a totally different world without him in it. I felt even more alone than I had felt in Minas Tirith and there was no going back. I cried myself into a slumber, lying down on the floor in my bedroom and closing my eyes, letting sleep take me.
