Hi, guys! Had a small writer's block, so this chapter came later than I wanted it to. This is a filler chapter after the conclusion of another one of Lily's trials, and yes, she has more adventures, hence the name of this chapter. Probably not the best chapter, I've written, but Lily does learn quite a few things about the world. I do want to give a little warning for those with PTSD. Lily sees a vision and Justine tells her a story about a bombing that happened in 1995.

I have been doing some thinking about how to proceed with this story and I am deciding to do a little time jump in the next chapter. The Turtles and the Robinsons will have some peace for a year... at least. For now, enjoy this chapter! I promise the next chapter will come sooner.

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

P.S. No Robinsons in this chapter, unfortunately. But definitely in the next chapter! The reimagining of "Hope," the best story I've written, is next!

April 19, 2043 - Todayland, North Montana, USA

LILIANNA'S POV

The months flew by. I introduced Mareena to my little friend group that consisted of Wilbur, James, and Justine and she was a blast to spend time with. Mareena enjoyed sharing her knowledge of marine biology with us. Wilbur was the most fascinated with the subject as his father was always trying to find a way to make the world a better place to live. Justine also wanted to work with animals in her future and open her own ranch here in Todayland. I was so thrilled she found a home here like I did.

Wilbur continued his studies in history education and James pursued his studies in chemistry. My life was extremely busy with my criminal psychology studies, my show, and spending time with my friends and family, but I felt satisfied knowing my place was here right now. I continued to go to sleep while counting my blessings.

Today, I was shaken awake by Justine. I took a glance at my phone to find it was four-thirty in the morning.

"Justine, why?" I moaned. "It's Sunday."

"I promise I'll explain later," Justine replied. "Actually, I should say I'll show you later. Right now, I would put on a white dress."

"A white dress?" I asked. "Am I getting married or something?"

"NO!" Justine exclaimed loudly. "Nothing like that! Today is a historic day in Oklahoma and I wanted to show you why."

"Justine, please let me go back to sleep."

I was denied the chance to go back to sleep. It instantly got cold when Justine pulled the blankets off me and I had no choice but to get out of bed. I groggily found my white vision quest dress and put it on. I did not put my hair in a braid because people would immediately recognize me as Aumanil, so instead I left it flowing. I did put hairspray on my red layers to give it volume. After I put on the brown boots, I was ready to go.

"Do you have the portal on you?" Justine, wearing a short-sleeved white dress and brown cowgirl boots, asked me.

"Yeah."

I activated the portal and we immediately made our way to Oklahoma.

Elkhorn, Oklahoma, USA

Justine and I made it to Pride Ranch while it was still dark outside. The cowgirl found a lantern on the ground and lit it up with a match she hid in her dress.

"You keep matches in your dresses?" I asked with a raised eyebrow. "I thought they don't exist anymore."

"Candles still exist, don't they?"

"Yeah, but that's what lighters are for."

"And those are what do not exist. There was one thing my dad did right: he banned smoking from Elkhorn. We always had clean air here. He never liked the smell of cigarette smoke."

I reacted in disgust, remembering the countless amount of homeless people who had smoked in New York.

"I don't blame him," I replied. "So what are we doing on your ranch?"

"I wanna introduce you to someone."

Justine led the way into the barn with her lantern and she led me to the horses.

"Lily, this is my horse Bullseye," Justine said, petting her brown horse. "This grey horse is my dad's and her name is Genevieve."

I smiled, admiring those horses. Then my attention turned to a reddish brown horse with a black mane. I looked into its eyes... her eyes, while she looked into mine. I took off my brown contacts, revealing my blue eyes. I peered into this horse's soul, realizing she had not gone riding often while she was quite young. She had a gentle heart but a fiery soul. Feeling respect for her, I put my forehead on her, and she nuzzled me back. I laughed gently.

"Her name is Morwen," Justine suddenly spoke. "Mom will take her out riding once in a while, but she won't go anywhere near my dad. All three of us think she is shy. But it looks like she's made a friend."

"Shall we ride together?" I telepathically asked my new equine friend.

Morwen neighed happily in response. Justine gave me an apple, which I fed to Morwen.

"You're going to have to help me, my friend. I've never ridden a horse before."

Morwen knelt down to the ground. I smiled.

"You know you're gonna need a saddle, right?" Justine asked.

"What do you think, my friend?"

Morwen snorted, which gave me my answer.

"No saddle it is," I said out loud.

I flipped my right leg over to the other side of Morwen before I sat on her back, and then she rose. I laughed, amazed at how much shorter everything suddenly got. I then closed my eyes and meditated, bringing me to the time my dad rode a horse. I gently kicked Morwen on the sides, prompting her to move forward.

"That's a good girl, Morwen," I told her gently.

"How is this possible?" Justine asked, and I could tell she had a look of awe on her face. "I didn't even have to say anything!"

Morwen led me out of the barn. I took a look around and found the waxing gibbous moon towards the west.

"Hey, Justine!" I yelled. "Where exactly are we going?"

"Follow me! Ride like the wind, Bullseye!"

Justine galloped off with her horse towards the moon. I kicked Morwen gently, but all she did was walk. I kicked her again, and this time she was jogging. It was time for me to verbalize that I wanted her to run.

"Yah!" I heard Justine yelling in the distance.

"Yah!" I yelled.

Morwen galloped, and words could not describe how freeing this felt. I could feel the wind pulling my hair back just like it would when I was flying in the sky or running through the woods.

"Hayakuhashiru!" I yelled in Japanese.

I was very surprised Morwen understood me because I felt the two of us going faster. We eventually caught up to Justine and Bullseye.

"Are you sure you've never ridden a horse before?" Justine yelled with a grin.

"I'm sure!" I yelled with laughter.

"You must be a horse whisperer if you learned to ride within seconds!"

"Something like that!"

At some point in the morning, we stopped so that our horses could have some water at Lake Konawa. Then we rode on, heading west at first and then north. The sun was just about to rise in the East when we entered Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City was just as majestic as Todayland with their skylines being similar. The difference was that Oklahoma City remained modern to celebrate both the past and the future while Todayland celebrated the present and the future.

Justine and I rode through the quiet streets of Oklahoma City until we reached the intersection of 4th Street and Robinson Avenue. We got off our horses and led them down a stairway that led to a dead end.

"That way no one will see them," Justine explained. "My dad and I are the only ones who've ridden horses here, but it was daylight and there were spectators around. The sun has yet to rise. Come on!"

Justine led me back up the stairs towards a big structure with words lit up: We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived, and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope, and serenity.

"Justine, you woke me up early and brought me all the way here for a veteran's memorial?" I asked angrily.

"It's not a veteran's memorial," Justine snapped. "You'll see for yourself soon."

Justine then led me up a ramp through the gate to see a beautiful sight unfolding before me. There was a pool of water in front of me and beyond that was a gate that simply said 9:03. To my left where a series of empty chairs that were lit up in the bottom with names etched onto them. To my left was a huge elm tree that was beginning to bloom and beyond that were more trees, an orchard. Then I glanced behind me to see something different on this side: 9:01.

"What happened at 9:02?" I asked.

"Where those chairs are at now? That's where the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building stood. All of these people were in or around that 9-story building when tragedy struck at 9:02 on April 19, 1995."

Suddenly, I saw images coming in my mind. From this very spot, I saw a rental truck pulling up to the very building Justine spoke about on my left. The driver came out of the truck and started walking my way. I had a feeling of dread when he walked past me and kept on going. A couple of minutes had passed, and the truck suddenly exploded! I felt the blast as if I was there and I heard many screams inside the building... including the screams of children, as the front of the building collapsed.

I collapsed onto my knees and started to cry as these images continued in my mind. The sounds of police cars and firetrucks surrounded me. So many worried spectators rushed to the scene to help or donate everything they could offer. This sight looked like a war zone.

"LILY!"

I woke up to Justine shaking me and I was brought back to reality, back to the serene place that this place of tragedy would eventually become. Justine had a look of worry on her face.

"Are you okay?" she asked me.

"I had these... visions of what happened," I shakily answered. "Children died here. I could feel their pain."

"You're not wearing your contacts," Justine replied with realization; I had forgotten to put them back on. "So these visions come with your powers?"

I nodded, tears coming out of my blue eyes. Suddenly, I saw my parents sitting towards the 9:03 gate, gazing out at the chairs.

"Mom? Dad?"

"Lily, where are you going?" I heard Justine ask me.

I walked towards them, fully aware that this was another vision. Both my parents were in tears as they held onto each other.

"Donnie, what are we going to do?" Mom asked him. "We can't just leave Lily out there alone!"

"I don't like it any more than you do," Dad explained. "But Lily is fourteen and she's our daughter. She's learned how to survive from the best teachers. And she's not alone. God is with her. If anyone can now bring our little girl back to us, it's God. All we can do now is pray."

I let out a gasp as my dad prayed out loud in front of me for a fourteen-year-old me. My parents truly never gave up on me and instead lifted me up to God to take care of me. After they finished praying, they got up and left the memorial.

"Another vision?" Justine asked.

I was brought back to reality again as Justine tapped me on the shoulder.

"My parents were here when I was kidnapped in 2038," I explained. "They stopped here and prayed for me when they couldn't find me. But they never explored it. They just left."

"Then allow me to show you around. This was very eye-opening when my dad brought me here a few years ago."

Justine first showed me the field of empty chairs, each chair representing one of 168 people who had died as a result of the bombing. The first five I saw were either in a different building or were part of the rescue efforts. The chairs after these five were organized based on what floor they were working or visiting when the bombing happened. Only one row had two chairs. But what really hit me was that there were chairs smaller than the others, representing the 19 children that were killed. I started crying again, remembering the screaming of these children in my vision. The children who had so much to learn like taking their first steps or saying their first words, singing the alphabet... and they never did. The children who were looking forward to see what life would offer, but they were denied that life.

Justine took my hand and led me to the huge elm that was called the Survivor Tree, which is the symbol of resilience in Oklahoma as it survived the bombing and has lived over one hundred years. I smiled through my tears, realizing this tree, this piece of nature, had some hope left in it.

Justine then led me to the Rescuers' Orchard, each tree representing other states that came to Oklahoma's aid. And then there was a children's area so children who visited can express what they felt upon seeing all of this. This entire place represented hope that with the awareness of violence and senseless acts of terrorism, our world will become a better place to live in, should we choose to become better people.

"I remember going to the 9/11 memorial with my dad," I told Justine. "My dad, my uncles, and my grandfather Splinter lived in sewers that were very close to the Twin Towers that were struck and eventually collapsed. They had to escape, not just because of the towers collapsing, but also to avoid being sick from the toxic dust."

"Did they figure out what was going on that day?" Justine asked.

"Splinter figured it out right away when the North Tower was hit. From what my dad told me, Splinter knew right when the first BOOM sounded that they had to get away. I think they were fortunate to get away when they did. They ended up in Philadelphia for a year until Splinter deemed it safe enough to return to New York. I remember my dad telling me that he understood enough about ventilation to clean the lair up to prevent any of them from being sick as a result of the toxic dust."

"I think we both were fortunate to be born after these events happened."

"Yeah, but I have powers that come with visions, Justine. When I saw that building blowing up in front of me, it felt like I was right there. I felt everything. I was crying when 168 lives were lost in that moment. It'd be a whole lot worse if I had a vision of the 9/11 attacks that killed three thousand people. I'd start to lose hope in humanity then."

"We thought the same thing would happen that fateful day in 1995," Justine replied, speaking for the people of Oklahoma. "But when the federal building blew up, people didn't run from the destruction. People ran to it, offering to help in any way they can. Free phone calls were given out. People who were suffering received free meals. Lots of blood was donated. Memorials were already being built in honor of the dead. Money was not once a subject this entire time. And thus, the Oklahoma Standard was born."

Justine then led me past the 9:03 gate and up the stairs.

"This was the entrance to the daycare center that was housed in that building," Justine explained. "This was the flagpole that stood here."

It dawned on me... this was the part of the building that had remained intact until it was eventually demolished. I was standing on original ground. I walked to the railing that overlooked the entire memorial. The empty chairs were below me. At this point, the sun had risen and the lights that were in these chairs were turned off. The scent of the pine trees hit me and I smiled, taking in the smallest sign of hope.

"We can't undo what happened," Justine spoke. "But we can help people change how they think by showing them this. Anything can happen. All it takes is one second to change something. Nine-o-one was the last minute of innocence for Oklahoma City. Nine-o-three was the first minute of healing. I'm sure you've experienced something like that in your own life?"

"The day I accidentally killed the Magician."

"Really? Not your kidnapping?"

"No. While the kidnapping did haunt me in the days I traveled on foot, what truly haunted me was killing someone. I was crying for hours, so afraid that I was going to be in jail. At first, I wanted to be done with being a ninja. I didn't want to fight anymore. But then my dad and Uncle Leo reminded me that I was needed here on this earth to fight for someone who couldn't. I may not be innocent anymore, but I've gained the knowledge and wisdom needed to learn more about the world and what to fight for."

"You are the bravest woman I've ever known," Justine replied in awe. "It takes real courage to move forward after everything that happened."

"And I will be courageous now and go through the museum with you."

"Well, the museum doesn't open until noon, but there's a remembrance ceremony today if you'd like to see it. Meanwhile, we can occupy ourselves in Oklahoma City if you'd like. I'm afraid this is the only place I've been to here."

"Well, that makes two of us. I've actually done all the research on Oklahoma for our trip down Route 66, so I have a few ideas on where to go."

"Great! But could we get something to eat first?"

"Sure!"

I took out my T-Phone and looked up places to eat.

"It looks like there's a restaurant just down the street on Robinson Avenue."

"Perfect!" Justine exclaimed happily. "But let's take our horses with us."

"Justine, it's literally two blocks away from here. I think they'll be okay for a little bit."

"True, but what if some sort of officer finds these horses and decides to call animal control?"

I nodded in agreement, realizing her point. We went down the stairs to retrieve our horses.

"By the way, Morwen is yours if you'd like to have her."

I glanced up at Justine and blinked. Suddenly, I laughed.

"You're not serious," I said with a grin.

I continued to laugh and saw that Justine wasn't laughing. I stopped laughing and realized...

"You're serious? I can actually have Morwen?"

"You two hit it off right away and it's clear she likes you. I think it would be better if she stays with you."

I scoffed.

"I'd love that, believe me, but that's not going to be possible."

"And why not?"

"In case you missed it, we may live in a farmhouse, but the only thing we have is a chicken coop! The barn is my dad's lab. We don't even have stables for horses!"

"Your dad's an inventor isn't he? Why can't he build one?"

"Because we don't have the space!"

Justine blew a raspberry at me.

"Oh, please. I've been to your farmhouse and you have lots of space. And I am insisting you take Morwen with you. Since you won't be home for your birthday, consider this my birthday gift to you."

North Hampton, New York, USA

DONATELLO'S POV

Lily had called us this afternoon telling us she was visiting home today, so April and I did not hesitate in driving home early to see her and Justine. We both smiled at the sight when we pulled in the driveway: Justine and Lily were enjoying a picnic with two horses eating the grass near them.

"Where did the horses come from?" April asked.

"Beats me. I guess we'll find out."

We parked the Party Wagon and got out of the van.

"Hey, girls!" I greeted them with a grin. "It's nice to see you both!"

"It's good to be home, Dad," Lily replied. "Justine and I are enjoying ourselves here."

"How long have you been here?" April asked.

"Not too long," Justine explained. "Lily and I packed a picnic at my home in Elkhorn and we decided to come here through the portal with our horses."

"Justine woke me up at 4:30 this morning and took the portal to Elkhorn," Lily chimed in, nodding her head towards a reddish-brown horse. "Morwen and I bonded quickly and we, along with Justine and Bullseye, rode all the way to Oklahoma City to the bombing memorial. The anniversary of the bombing was today, so I learned a lot."

"So that's why you wanted to go there," April told me. "It was a memorial for bombing victims. But why didn't we explore it that day?"

"We were focused on finding Lily," I answered. "Somehow, I knew we would find solace in the place where many daughters' lives were lost. But I didn't know at the time that it was a bombing memorial. It was the statement of the memorial that prompted me to visit: We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived, and those changed forever..."

"May all who leave here know the impact of violence," Lily and I finished the statement at the same time. "May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope, and serenity."

"Mom, Dad, there was a lot more to the story than just lives lost," Lily explained. "There was resilience, hope, comfort, a site of destruction turned into a place of peace and serenity."

"I know Lily did not know of the bombing until today," Justine chimed in. "But please, when you pass through Oklahoma City on your trip, please give the memorial and museum a visit and not just for solace. Know the story. Understand those who survived and understand those who fight to tell the tale."

"We'll take you up on that," April replied.

"There's something else too," Lily said. "Justine gifted me Morwen for my birthday. She thinks you'll be able to make a stable for her, Dad. That's why we brought her here."

I smiled.

"She is a beautiful horse. But unfortunately, we cannot keep her. In order to make all of those modifications to our house, I needed to obtain a permit. I'd need a permit to build stables."

I glanced at my wife.

"April and I have been talking about our future here and if things go well, we won't need to build stables, which means you cannot keep Morwen here, Lily."

Lily gave me a look of shock.

"What are you talking about?" she asked. "What things?"

"Should we tell her now?" April whispered to me.

"I think now's a good time," I answered and then turned to Lily. "After Karena and Wilbur's wedding, we have done some thinking. All of us worked together to ensure the best wedding possible for Karena and Wilbur and we have achieved that. And now we're empty-nesters because you have your own life to live, Lily. The three of us had wonderful memories in this house but now it's just the two of us."

"Your dad and I decided we need another hobby, something productive," April continued. "After the success of Karena and Wilbur's wedding, we've decided, with help from the rest of the family, to use the farmhouse as a wedding venue and open a wedding-planning business. We'd spend the next year moving things around the house and then by next summer, we would move back into the lair to be with family."

"We'd still sleep there if there is a wedding that weekend," I chimed in. "But we wanted your approval first, Lily. You grew up in this house. We didn't want to do anything without your permission because we don't want to taint your happy memories here."

Lily smiled, to my surprise.

"Have you made blueprints?" she asked.

"Yes!" I answered, getting into my satchel to pull out a set of blueprints. "So the living room would be our meeting room, where we would discuss the benefits of choosing us and the prices."

"We understand the feeling of living on a low budget," April chimed in. "Our goal is to make a wedding as low-budget as possible if that's what the couple wants."

"The kitchen will remain the kitchen, of course. Uncle Mikey and Auntie Karai would work together to make the lunch or dinner while Athena would make the wedding cake. Then our bedroom would be the bridal suite and your bedroom would be the groom suite."

"But Lily, if you're not comfortable with that, we can always make your room the bridal suite and our bedroom the groom suite," April chimed in again.

"No, you two, that makes the most sense," Lily answered. "Your bedroom is bigger and is right next to the bathroom, which the girls would need to do hair and makeup. The groom's suite would be next to the closet, a place where we can easily store all the wedding outfits."

"Except for the wedding dress, of course," April replied.

"Thank you for understanding, Lily," I said with a fond smile. "As for the wedding ceremony, reception site, and dance floor, we thought of knocking the three out at once. I'd actually build a dance floor in the backyard, which will also become the site for the ceremony. The reception area would be both outdoors and indoors for those sensitive to the outdoors."

"And what if it rains?" Lily asked.

"We've thought of that too," April said with a grin.

"I will build a structure around the dance floor and ceremony site that will look like a modernized greenhouse," I explained. "And all of this will be close to the barn but away from Splinter and Yoshi's graves."

"I'm confident you will build amazing things from this, Dad," Lily replied. "You have my permission."

April and I both hugged Lily.

"Thank you!" April said gleefully.

"I take it the entire family will have roles?" Lily asked.

"Yes, and it'll pretty much be the same roles as you all played in Wilbur and Karena's wedding," I explained. "Only Mom and I will be the planners instead of being part of the wedding party. And that is unless the couple wants to bring their own vendors in."

"And with that, we'll update our pricing to reflect that," April chimed in. "Our package would include everything."

"Meanwhile, until I open a ranch in Todayland, my parents and I can take care of Morwen for you, Lily," Justine finally spoke. "I understand."

Lily hugged Justine.

"Thank you so much!"

"That was very generous of you, Justine," I said with a smile.

"We owned her before I gifted her to Lily. And she's like family to us. We'll be happy to take care of her."

June 8, 2043 - Los Angeles, California, USA

LILIANNA'S POV

All too quickly, my sophomore year of college ended and my parents and I embarked on our two-week Route 66 trip across the country. The three of us had an amazing time to celebrate my parents' 25th wedding anniversary and my 19th birthday!

Our trip started with driving along different Interstate highways, driving west out of New York, through the small panhandle of Pennsylvania, and into Ohio. We spent the first night in Cincinnati.

After eating a delicious breakfast on May 25th, we visited Kings Island, a very delightful theme park that had various rides. We were there for four hours before driving northwest through Ohio and Indiana, spending the night in Chicago.

We ate breakfast at Lou Mitchell's, the official start of Route 66, where Mom and I were gifted with a box of Milk Duds. We had no desire to stay in Chicago for very long and decided to drive our way southeast out of the city. We had all day to explore northern Illinois, so we took our time. There were these travel hubs that we continuously stopped at to take pictures, even at Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket in Willowbrook where we ate delicious fried chicken and drank orange cream sodas for lunch. We drove into Romeoville where there was, for some reason, forbidden access to the travel hub, but my dad managed to sneak us in to get a picture. We explored the museum and the old prison in Joliet. We enjoyed having ice cream next to the Gemini Giant in Wilmington. We had such fascination driving through the old mine towns of Braidwood, Godley, and Braceville until we came upon the two-called jail in Gardner.

We continued driving happily through the small towns in Illinois, stopping at all kinds of old gas stations and going into the museum in Pontiac. We struggled to drive through Bloomington but enjoyed driving through the towns after that, especially Atlanta where we found another giant and enjoyed a slice of apple pie. After driving through the city of Lincoln, we eventually arrived in Springfield and ate dinner at the Cozy Dog Drive-In. Then we collapsed at our hotel.

Every day of our trip was similar to that day. I found enjoyment literally walking into Missouri on the Chain of Rocks Bridge; no cars would be driven on it. I very much enjoyed our stay in Lebanon, Missouri at the Munger Moss Motel; the neon was absolutely beautiful. Kansas was very fascinating to drive through, as there were mostly homages to the movie Cars. On my birthday, we found the friendliest people in Oklahoma, and we ended up having dinner with the Prides when they traveled to Tulsa just to see us. I did take my parents to the memorial in Oklahoma City and they were very touched at the resilience these Oklahomans carried with them that fateful day in 1995.

We ventured on to Texas, spending my birthday night in Shamrock where I saw more beautiful neon. Texas was easy to drive through, driving through the panhandle in a short amount of time. We did leave our marks at Cadillac Ranch and took pictures there. We enjoyed a slice of pie in Adrian, the halfway point of Route 66 before sleeping in the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, another hotel with such beautiful neon. I enjoyed my stay here the most, but was looking forward to sleeping in another motel on the way back.

The next day was entirely spent in New Mexico and we ended up in the same room Lucille Ball slept in at the El Rancho hotel in Gallup. We reached the Grand Canyon two days later and it truly was a majestic sight. That easily became my mom's favorite part of the trip. Two days later, we made it to the end of Route 66 in Santa Monica, California. We spend a couple extra days there and went snorkeling off the Pacific Ocean.

Today, I was dropping my parents off at LAX so they could enjoy their second honeymoon in Hawaii.

"It's kind of weird how the tide turns, right?" I asked as we approached the terminal. "Last time you saw me off. Now I'm seeing you off."

"Believe me, this will be more common the older you get," Mom replied.

"We want to give you something," Dad said.

With a smile, he got out his satchel and gave me...

"The Oklahoma passport?" I asked with surprise.

"Finish it for us," Mom told me with confidence.

"Have a fantastic time driving home with your friends," Dad said. "Have fun. Be safe. Make amazing memories."

"I have something for you, too," Mom said, handing me a journal. "And it's not just for you. It's for everyone to write in. The trip is often about the memories you make, not the destination."

"We want to hear everything when we come back to New York," Dad replied.

"As long as you and Mom tell me about your trip to Hawaii," I replied, returning the smile. "I will alway treasure our trip together."

"Good. So will we."

I hugged both my parents.

"I love you both," I told them.

"We love you too, Lily," Mom replied, kissing me on the cheek.

"Now, go! Enjoy your second honeymoon!"

I kissed both my parents on their cheeks before they boarded their plane. Suddenly...

"LILY!"

I turned around to see my three cousins with Mareena. I squealed happily, running up to them and giving them each a hug.

"I figured I'd fly with them," Mareena explained, but I didn't care.

"Hey, I'm just happy to see you!" I replied.

"I am so excited about this trip!" Ryan exclaimed happily.

"Oh, that's right!" Mareena replied. "You just graduated high school! Are you going to Todayland University like Lily?"

"Yes, I'll be studying to be a police officer."

"Good for you!"

"Meanwhile, Athena and I have decided why we're attending Todayland University in 2044," Venus chimed in. "I'll be studying horticulture and Athena will study history education."

"You'll have the best teachers, Athena," I heard James chiming in behind them with a smile. "Wilbur would not stop talking about them."

"James, you made it!" I yelled excitedly.

I ran up to him and jumped into his arms. My boyfriend twirled me around before we gave each other a passionate kiss.

"Get a room, you two!" Ryan teased us.

"That won't be necessary, Ryan," I replied while blushing, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.

"It's good to see you, Lily," James said. "How was your trip out west?"

"It was wonderful! I'll have to tell you about it while we're traveling."

"Just don't leave without me, partner."

I turned around to see Justine with her luggage and a big smile.

"Welcome to California, partner!" I greeted her, giving her a hug.

Justine returned the hug.

"I had to convince my parents for an hour straight that I was going to be fine traveling the United States with friends," Justine explained. "But they encouraged me to have fun. Have you been here long?"

"My parents and I spent a couple of days here enjoying the pier and seeing the sights of Los Angeles, like Hollywood and Disneyland. My dad especially had a good time. But I'm excited to spend the next two weeks with you all!"

"What is on the itinerary, Lily?" Venus asked with an excited smile.

"Well, I figured we'd spend today and tomorrow in Los Angeles and Santa Monica and then we set off for Arizona. I was in charge of making the reservations at all of our hotels."

"But who will do the driving?" Ryan asked. "We all have driver's licenses now."

"Why don't we take turns?" Athena suggested. "We'd all have our own fun traveling the country."

"I think that's an amazing idea," James replied.

June 12, 2043 - the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

The seven of us had a blast exploring Hollywood, Disneyland, and the Santa Monica Pier before we set off for the Grand Canyon. Just like my dad was mistaken for a Disney character, Ryan and Venus were seen as Disney characters and tourists had tried to get their signatures. However, I did explain that my cousins and I were the children of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles after I was mistaken for Ariel. I did show off my vocal chords and we had our pictures taken.

After our second night in the Los Angeles area, we set off for Kingman, Arizona. Getting out was very easy since California had banned fossil fuels and gasoline. Every citizen was required to get a flying car in that state. After spending the night in Kingman, we ventured off to the Grand Canyon. We didn't just look at it in awe and wonder like I did with my parents. We rode mules down to the bottom of the canyon and we explored this wonder of the world from below. It was all just beautiful. I had a blast taking pictures of the art God provided in this canyon. Mareena had a blast and found a river of water to swim in.

We settled down and set up camp, thanks to the tents and sleeping bags Justine and James took with them. Six of us knew how to start a fire. We had a blast lighting it together. James brought his guitar with him and we had fun singing camping songs, no matter how terrific or terrible we sounded. Athena and Justine proved themselves to be wonderful cooks, grilling hot dogs and s'mores over the fire, and Ryan and Venus brought the chips. All of the food was bought in Kingman before we set off today.

Now, I was in my tent with James, and we were both looking up at the sky to see all of these amazing stars that lit up the night. The rest of the crew were still singing and laughing the night away.

"Do you imagine doing this kind of thing with your children someday?" James asked.

My smile quickly faded away.

"No, I don't. In fact, I don't imagine myself having kids at all."

James stiffened up and sat across from me with his legs crossed.

"Are you okay?" he asked me with a concerned look. "Did something happen to make you not want kids?"

"I read my baby book a few years ago," I explained. "My mom treated it as both a journal and a scrapbook. I read every entry. While my mom was happy having me, she was also in a lot of pain delivering me. And besides, my dad's a turtle. What if I were to be pregnant and eventually give birth to a mutant turtle like my dad? I'd be in even more pain than my mom was."

"So, you're simply scared of having a baby? You are not at all doubtful of your ability to be a mother?"

I shook my head.

"I don't know. How could I match my parents' ability to, well... parent? Donatello and April are the best parents I could ever ask for. I'll never be the parent they were!"

"So you really do believe you'll be an amazing mom? Because I know you'll be an amazing mom because you were raised by two amazing people. They set the bar high for you. Don't just meet the bar, Lilianna. Jump over it! I remember your performance as Mrs. Potts. You've got the compassion and the soul to be a mother. And if our child happens to be a mutant turtle like Donatello, then we'll love him or her no matter what."

I smiled. I now knew for sure I wanted to marry James someday. I quickly put a confused look on my face as I looked into his blue eyes.

"James... are you going to do what I think you're going to do?"

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"Oh," I laughed sheepishly. "Sorry. With the way you were encouraging about my being a mother someday made me think you were going to propose marriage."

James chuckled.

"Not yet, but that reminds me..."

Not yet? I thought as James took something out of his pocket. He held a box out and gave it to me.

"Open it," he encouraged me.

I opened the black box and found a silver ring with a single emerald stone shaped like a heart on it.

"James, this is beautiful," I said in awe. "Now wait, are you proposing? Because this looks like an engagement ring."

"No, and I promise when the time comes, I will ask your dad for your hand in marriage. This, Lilianna Mae, is my promise to do just that. I love you with all my heart, mind, and soul. I just hope it's the right size, considering the circumstances."

"Let's find out."

James slipped the ring over my middle finger. It was a perfect fit. I let out a delightful giggle.

"I've never worn a ring before," I explained. "So I didn't know what to expect! You really do know me."

"Hey. It has been four years since we first met. I know these years have been hectic with high school and college and now your show, but we still found a way to be closer to each other."

I suddenly let out a giggle.

"I remember my dad telling me about his love story with my mom. They had also known each other for four years before they moved forward with their relationship. Not that it's a coincidence! But they were just friends for all four years. After my mom accidentally reduced my dad to a quantum smear and then saved his life, she decided to become my dad's girlfriend. She couldn't bear losing him again."

"Wait, how is what you just said possible?" James asked with a shocked voice.

"That's a long story."

"Hey, we're under a dome full of stars in one of the most beautiful places on Earth," James replied with a smirk. "We've got all the time in the world."

I started explaining the love story of Donatello and April to my newly-betrothed boyfriend, smiling every time my dad made a gesture of affection for my mom.

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

APRIL'S POV

So far, Donnie and I were having a marvelous time in Hawaii, and at the moment, we were in each other's arms in our bed in the hotel room. Even though he was a cold-blooded turtle, he felt warm and full of love.

"What a wonderful second honeymoon so far," I said, feeling very blessed.

"If you had told me 25 years ago that we were going to go to Hawaii together..."

Donnie paused.

"Yeah?" I asked, encouraging him to continue.

"Well, what would you have done if I told you that?"

"I would have laughed right in your face!" I answered with a laugh. "Mutants were still seen as monsters to the common people. What would you have done?"

"I'd keep dreaming about it," Donnie answered. "Then again, when we met over 30 years ago, I never really imagined you would be my wife."

"I feel you. I never thought I would be friends with, let alone marry, a mutant turtle. But with everything we've discovered together, my life has been everything but normal. And besides, I recognized your affections towards me all this time. I just didn't act on it until the time was right."

"It took you four years and an accident with that Aeon crystal until you confessed your love to me. And that was something I never thought you'd do. I had always thought you being my wife was just a dream. When I proposed to you, I felt that because you were bold enough to tell me you love me, I could feel bold enough to ask you to marry me. That was the best decision I have ever made."

"And you were the best decision I have made. My life has been wonderful because you were in it. You helped me graduate college and supported me throughout my entire career with Channel 6 News. We had a beautiful baby girl together, and we got to watch her grow up together. You gave me a home I never thought was possible. You gave me hope the entire time we've known each other, even in the times I was on edge."

I let out a sigh of content.

"I wonder what the next 25 years will hold for us."

"Well, we've got the transformation of our home to look forward too," Donnie replied. "And then after that, we'll be moving back into the lair. Athena and Venus will both be living in Todayland for college, I imagine."

"Venus told me she considered going to college in New York. But she can always change her mind."

"That's right. And Lily... she'll be graduating college and she'll start building her career as a criminal psychologist. And if things go well with her and James, we might have a son-in-law in the near future."

Words could not describe how surprised I felt when I heard those words. Every time Lily's boyfriend was brought up, Donnie had brought out his protective self, preparing to defend our daughter at any cost.

"What if Lily does decide to marry James if he asked her to?" I asked. "How would that make you feel, D?"

"I'm just as surprised as you are, April. I don't need to be psychic to read your facial expressions. But Lily told me things were going really well with them. And even though I'm still on the fence with James, I do have more respect for him. He's treated Lily really well ever since he apologized for his mistakes a few years back."

I smiled, happy that Donnie was slowly changing his mind about James. As her mother, I had always prayed that Lily would be happy. So far, God had answered my prayers.

"And what about us?" I asked. "We'll be back in New York. I'll be closer to my job. If there is a wedding at our home, we'll spend the weekend there. I'll be very happy with my role in our wedding business."

"I'm excited to work in my lab in the lair again," Donnie replied with a smile. "It's more spacious than the lab at the farmhouse. And I, too, am excited about how our wedding business would grow. I never imagined I'd do anything like that either."

"You are going to build so many amazing extensions to the farmhouse," I encouraged him, knowing his talents. "We'll have one of the most beautiful venues in upstate New York."

I paused, one more question coming to mind.

"Have you thought about retiring?"

"Nah," Donnie answered with a voice of contentment. "I can't see myself stopping to just rest. This entire vacation has been wonderful, but I am excited to get back to work."

"Raph and Mona were right about the palace. It was absolutely beautiful."

"Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed the architecture! I also really enjoyed swimming in the Pacific Ocean like a normal turtle. Didn't need to hold my breath at all."

"You really did look at home at the beach," I replied. "But Diamondhead! Oh my gosh, it was awesome!"

"And the U.S.S. Arizona memorial. The bombing is what may have pushed the United States into World War Two, but now it pales in comparison to the Oklahoma City National Memorial."

"Which is equally as good as the 9/11 Memorial. Everything can change in a blink of an eye."

Donnie suddenly kissed me. With a giggle, I kissed him back.

"What was that for?" I asked with a fond smile.

"Everything changed in a blink of an eye when I first laid eyes on you," Donnie confessed with an affectionate smile. "It all changed for the better. You made my world an amazing place to stay. You've supported me too. You've always helped me with my projects and you've either defended me or helped me see the error of my ways. You're wonderful, April, and I love you for it."

"Aww, Donnie..."

I placed my right hand on his cheek and he melted into the touch just before our lips met. I felt his strong left hand touch the back of my neck as we took our kiss deeper. I was more in love with him than I was 30 years ago, and I am looking forward to what the next 25 years of marriage would bring for us as we took our lovemaking under the covers.

P.S.S. I highly recommend reading my story "Never For Nothing." I think I captured Donnie and April's love pretty well in that 3-chapter story using a song by Margaret Becker and two songs by Christina Grimmie. The reflection part of this chapter brought me back to that story. Also, what do you think? From what you've read so far, do you think Lily is a perfect combination of Donnie and April or is she more like one over the other? Thank you for reading, and I'll see you next time!