Well, just kidding! I had totally forgotten about the "surprise" party. Yes, it does get spoiled for one of the Turtles. But anyway...
It's time to finally admit to the world that I have autism. It may or may not be a part of my characters. I'll leave that to your imagination. After almost 30 years, I'm finally embracing who I am as an autistic person and I do plan on writing about it in the near future. With that said, I'm going to do the best I can to finish this project first and then finally write a book: a devotional by a faithful, autistic woman.
There's still a lot left to write in this project, but now I'm motivated to finish it. We're currently in 2047 and I will tell you this story will end 20 years from now. There will be at least two more weddings. There will be at least three babies being born (if you've read my past stories, you'll know who one of them will be). There will be at least two deaths. There will be more moving around the USA. The story will include the 2012 "TMNT" apocalypse arc. Now the big question is... will Lily survive? You'll have to keep reading and waiting to find out. My goal for this project is to reach 100 chapters. Let's see if I can do it!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything related to "Meet the Robinsons," "TMNT," "Toy Story," "Criminal Case," nor "Lord of the Rings," nor do I own Ginny Owens' Remember Me. I only own Lilianna, Ryan, Venus, Athena, Karena, Diana, James, Justine, and Anna.
P.S. I want to give a huge thank you to my husband who helped me come up with an idea to finish this chapter.
September 29, 2047 - San Diego, California, USA
ANNA'S POV
It's crazy how much things can change in a year, and even more so after five more months. After Lily returned home from her visit in New York and Todayland, she and James made love for the first time since Isamu's birth with a newfound confidence. Lily also squared away her education for the next three years at Pacific Bay University, and she graduated with a big smile this past May with her master's degree. I was proud to be her guest alongside Donatello, April, and James.
Justine and Ryan, along with the Robinson family, her mother Bo, and his parents Leonardo and Karai, celebrated Isamu's first birthday back in April with a small cupcake. Ryan gifted him his first weapon: a wooden katana. While Isamu was only learning to walk when he turned one, Ryan wanted him to get a head start on his ninja training. Justine simply gifted him clothes she made at her job, and he looked quite handsome in a crocheted suit and top hat. After that, Ryan graduated Todayland University with his bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Justine had finally gathered enough money for her own apartment with Ryan and Isamu, who currently slept in their own rooms since they were not married yet.
Lily and James helped me find a one-bedroom apartment in San Diego at a decent price. I was floored at how expensive everything was, but I felt confident I was going to make it. I moved into my apartment in July and I started going to law school in August. I had remained in contact with Jasper ever since our date, and he even spent his spring break in Pacific Bay just to see me. He had tried to spend one week of summer in Pacific Bay only to find I had already moved. He ended up spending one day in San Diego and booked a hotel for the night before flying home. His company was pleasant and I dearly miss him.
Lastly, Athena started student teaching at Todayland High School while Venus started her last year at Todayland University for her horticulture degree. And today was Mutation Day, celebrating the Turtles since no one knew when they were actually born. Lily and I had realized we made a mistake in planning when we discovered it fell on a Sunday instead of Friday, so we had to make some changes.
I took out my phone, gazing out at the San Diego skyline before the Pacific Ocean, and called the Hamato cousins and their friends.
"Hi, Anna!" Lily said excitedly.
"What up, Lily?" Athena asked.
"Hello again, Athena," Venus greeted her with some sarcasm.
"Are we ready, Venus?" Ryan asked, and I sensed a smile.
"The big day has arrived!" Justine said excitedly.
"Well, one of them," Wilbur chimed in. "You still have another nine or so months until your wedding."
"Guys, let's focus, okay?" Karena said with laughter. "Is everyone here? Anna, can you hear us?"
"Yes, I can!" I answered enthusiastically. "Lily, you're in charge. Wanna take it away?"
"Yes, ma'am!" Lily replied. "Thank you all for helping me prepare this party for the Turtles, our fathers. As Justine said, the day is finally here to put our plan into motion. Now, do we all remember what plan B is?"
"Sure do," Wilbur answered. "I'm on my way to meet Raph at the World Trade Center so that I can give him a tour of T.I.M.E. headquarters and he can give me a tour of the police station."
"I'll surprise my dad at his pizzeria and have him make all the pizzas for the party without him realizing they're for him and his brothers," Athena summarized her part.
"I'm also giving someone a surprise," Venus chimed in. "But it's my mom, and the plan is to take her and Renet over to the Mighty Mutanimals and patrol with them."
"I'm dragging my parents away and taking them to Todayland," Ryan explained.
"The five of us are going to grab lunch and cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory and have a picnic at the arboretum," Justine continued. "We should all have a great time together."
"Instead of my plan A of setting up a birthday date for my parents at the Cheesecake Factory, I bought my parents tickets to One World Observatory," Lily explained. "They'll go to the observatory and then have lunch in their restaurant. But what they won't know is that I'll be in the lair with Anna, Karena, and Diana, helping them set up for the party."
"Wait a minute!" Karena exclaimed. "What are we doing for drinks?"
"I got those," I answered. "I have the root beer and colas all ready to go. Karena, Lily, I will see you soon."
"What time should we all meet up?" Venus asked.
"That part of the plan hasn't changed," Wilbur explained. "You are all going to enter the lair through the garage into Donnie's lab. When the girls are ready, they'll knock on the door and then--"
"Surprise!" Athena shouted.
"Alright, ninjas, let's move!" Lily shouted confidently.
New York City, New York, USA
RYAN'S POV
I was the first to go to the lair. I grinned, noticing my father watching TV with Uncle Raph.
"Hi, Father."
The two Turtles turned around with surprise and then they returned the grin.
"What's going on, Ryan?" Uncle Raph asked, giving me a firm handshake.
"Oh, nothing. I just thought I'd come by and say hi. And to ask Father if he and Mom wanted to spend the day with me, Justine, and Isamu in Todayland."
"Ryan, I'm honored," Father answered with a humble smile. "But today's Mutation Day. Today's a special day to spend time with family."
"Exactly!" I replied, remembering everything Lily learned. "I'm family and I live all the way in Todayland. And besides, Isamu would love to see you. We can use the portal to get there. We've arranged something special."
"Leo, just go," Uncle Raph encouraged him. "And besides, I gotta leave, too. Wilbur's showing me around his headquarters on his day off. Donnie's love of technology is rubbing off on me."
"Oh, really?" Father asked with a smirk. "And what are Donnie and Mikey's plans for the day?"
"Mikey's working. He has a business to run, remember, sensei? And knowing Donnie, he'll be in his lab all day. Go on, Leo. Have some fun with your grandkid!"
Father chuckled.
"I'll go find Karai and then we can go, Ryan."
I grinned as my father walked into the dojo while Uncle Raph went out of the lair on his turtlecycle. I quickly took out my T-Phone and texted Venus.
VENUS'S POV
"Plan Sensei is in effect," Ryan texted me. "You're up."
"Looks like it's my turn," I told my cousin in our Todayland apartment. "Ryan's about to leave with his parents."
"Yay!" Athena replied excitedly. "Text me and tell me how it goes!"
"Will do."
I took out my portal and used it to get to New York, landing right in the sewers. I took the short walk from my location and into the lair. It was strangely silent in the lair. The TV was turned off. I heard music coming from the kitchen and I decided that was the first place to go. I walked in to see Uncle Mikey and Aunt Renet doing the dishes.
"Hey, guys."
They turned and saw me with huge smiles on their faces.
"Venus!" Uncle Mikey screamed excitedly. "It's so good to see you!"
"What are you doing here?" Aunt Renet asked.
"I'm looking for you, actually," I answered honestly. "Now where's Mother?"
"She's with Donnie in his lab," Aunt Renet answered with confusion. "You're looking for me and your mom?"
"I'll explain in a minute. Would you come with me?"
"Sure!"
Aunt Renet gave her husband a kiss on the cheek before following me to the lab. We walked in and found Uncle Donnie working together on a project while blasting rock music
"Hey, guys!" I shouted.
Uncle Donnie paused the music and turned to see me.
"Venus!" he exclaimed, covering up his project with a sheepish giggle. "I wasn't expecting anybody! Did you need help with your project?"
"Thank you, but I've figured it out. Is my mother in the greenhouse?"
"Yes, she's been helping Donnie take care of your flowers," Aunt April explained. "And please take Aunt Renet with you."
"That was my plan," I replied with confusion.
Aunt Renet followed me into the greenhouse where I saw my mother working diligently.
"Hello, Mother."
Mother looked up and smiled at the sight of me. She walked away from work and gave me a hug.
"Venus, it is so good to see you! This is a pleasant surprise!"
"Surprise!" I exclaimed lightly. "This all looks amazing!"
"Today is Mutation Day," Mother explained. "I'm thinking of using these flowers to celebrate your father and uncles tonight."
"I do not think they will care, Mother. Even though they're 50, they are still teenage boys inside. All they'll want in a party is pizza and soda."
"That is true. So what brings you by?"
"I want to take you and Aunt Renet to go on a little patrol and spend time with the Mighty Mutanimals," I explained.
"Oh, I love the Mutanimals!" Aunt Renet exclaimed happily. "Especially Mondo Gecko. He's so rad."
"Of course, you would like Mondo, Renet," Mother replied. "He's just like your husband. But I suppose I am due for a visit. I'd especially like to get my rematch with Slash. I will show him who's on top!"
I laughed. Then I had an idea. I sent a text to Lily.
"Hey, what if we invited the Mighty Mutanimals to the party? They've been there for our fathers since they were teenagers."
"Donatello, April, we're going to go to the Mutanimals' hideout," Mother told them.
"Oh, have fun!" Aunt April replied. "Donnie and I need to get going anyway. We've got a date at the World Trade Center."
"Oh, really?" Aunt Renet asked with bliss. "Are you going to the observatory?"
"We sure are," Uncle Donnie answered. "Lily gave us tickets for Mutation Day. What better way to celebrate it than with my wife and family? But anyway, say hi to Rockwell for me!"
"Will do!"
After Aunt Renet told her husband where she was going and her promise to say hi to Leatherhead, I texted my younger cousin.
ATHENA'S POV
I was playing video games when I received a text. I paused the game and glanced down to see Venus texting me.
"Uncle Leo and Auntie Karai are gone. I never saw my father. We're about to head to the Mutanimals' lair. It's your turn. Uncle Donnie and Aunt April might still be there, though."
I smiled and sent her a text.
"It's about time for my dad to leave for work anyway. I'll go surprise him."
I put my phone in my pocket and took out the portal to head to New York. When I got into the sewers, I received another text. But this time, it was from Wilbur.
"Just met up with Raph at the World Trade Center. We're heading to T.I.M.E. now."
Ryan and Venus then sent their updates in reply before I went into the lair. I heard music coming from two rooms: the kitchen and Uncle Donnie's lab. Realizing I'd have to hurry, I went into the kitchen.
"Daddy?"
My dad turned around and his eyes widened.
"Athena!"
He ran up to me and hugged me with a twinkle in his blue eyes. I embraced him back.
"First Venus, and now you! I can't believe you're here."
I laughed.
"Happy Mutation Day, Daddy."
"It just brightened up, thanks to you."
My dad sighed.
"But I still have to go to work."
"Why don't I help you?" I suggested, pretending to not know about the party. "We are in New York and it still gets busy on Sundays."
"You are a Godsend, Athena."
"Good. What would you like me to do for today?"
"Why don't you help me cook in the kitchen?" Daddy suggested. "I can always use the extra help. And because tomorrow is your birthday, I'll give you the money to get yourself whatever you want."
"Daddy, I'm your daughter. You don't need to pay me."
"Yes, I do. Today, you are an employee in my restaurant. You will get paid."
I laughed.
"Well, then let's go!"
We went out of the kitchen and out of the lair to ride the Party Wagon.
"Hey, Daddy, is the World Trade Center close to your work?"
"The restaurant's only a few blocks away from Yankee Stadium. Why?"
"Oh," I cringed. "Just curious."
Pacific Bay, California, USA
LILIANNA'S POV
I heard my phone ding as I finished breakfast. I glanced at it to see that Athena texted me, Anna, and Karena.
"Good news and bad news. Daddy and I are on our way to the pizzeria. The bad news is Uncle Donnie and Aunt April are still in the lair. Lily, what time are they supposed to be at the World Trade Center?"
I went on my bank app and found the transaction that explained my payment for the tickets. I thought about calling Athena, but then I'd ruin the surprise. I texted the group back.
"Their reservation is supposed to be at noon Eastern Time. They should have left by now. Let me call my parents real quick."
I then made a call to my dad.
"Donatello."
"Hi, Dad!" I said excitedly. "Happy Mutation Day!"
"Oh, goodness! Thank you! That reminds me. Venus stopped by today. She went with Auntie Mona and Auntie Renet to spend time with the Mighty Mutanimals."
"Oh, you don't say!"
"Hi, Lily, it's Mom," I heard my mom's voice on the other side. "Dad and I are just about to leave to go to the observatory. Thank you again for the tickets. We are looking forward to this date."
"It's my pleasure! You two deserve a day out. I promise you will love the view."
"Oh, that's right!" Dad replied. "You had your bachelorette party in the observatory. But Mom's right. We need to leave. Wow, now that I think about it, it's so quiet in the lair. I wonder where everyone else went."
"We all have our own lives now. And it's Sunday."
"But it's also Mutation Day. Normally, we'd just spend the first half of our day doing whatever we please and then celebrate together at night."
"D, let's just go. I'm sure everyone is fine."
"Right. Well, Lily Mae, we'll send you pictures."
"Please do! And enjoy yourselves! Goodbye now."
I hung up and immediately texted the small group back.
"Let's give them five minutes. Then the five of us can head to the lair and start decorating."
I went upstairs to change out of my purple nightgown and put on a purple long-sleeved dress. Then my phone dinged again. Anna had texted me this time.
"Five? Did I miss someone?"
I texted her back.
"James is coming along. I'm married, remember?"
I heard another ding. This time, Karena texted back.
"We overlooked something. We need a cake!"
I gasped. I had totally forgotten about a cake. Then my phone dinged again with a text from Anna.
"I got you! I'll make the cake if you can tell me any memorable stories Donnie shared with you."
I grinned before putting on my purple boots.
"James, are you ready?" I yelled.
"Yeah! Are you?"
"Just about!"
I walked down the stairs and found James reading something on his phone. He simply wore a purple polo shirt and blue jeans. He looked up at me and laughed.
"Why do you always outdress me?" my husband asked.
"It's weird. My mom was a tomboy when she grew up. I wonder if I inherited this trait from my grandmother, Tang Shen. She dressed comfortably. To me, dresses are more comfortable."
"Whatever you say, princess."
I gave him a small glare. Of all the names I did not like being called, it was princess. I took out my portal and before we knew it, James and I ended up in my father's lab with Anna, Karena, and Diana.
New York City, New York, USA
ANNA'S POV
My main priority was making the cake while Lily, James, and Karena decorated the lair. Lily had told me the story of how Mikey had always made a cake of algae and worms prior to their first adventure out of the sewers. It was a challenge at first. I had made four chocolate cakes with gummy worms in them - one for each Turtle and his family. But I didn't have anything to make the frosting with! James went up to the surface to get the groceries needed. On each cake, I made a vanilla frosting with a mix of blue and green food coloring to make it look like algae. Then I used purple food coloring to decorate the borders of the cakes. I started to put the cakes in the freezer when...
"Meow!"
I jumped and then I laughed. I had totally forgotten the Turtles owned an ice cream cat named Molly, who had greeted me with a big smile.
"Hello, Molly," I greeted her. "I need you to watch these cakes for me. They're for the Turtles."
"Meow!" Molly replied sadly.
"What's wron-- oh!"
I realized Molly would no longer fit in the freezer with the four cakes. In fact, I could only fit two at a time.
"Hmmm... what if you guarded the other two cakes in the fridge?" I suggested. "You're colder. This just might work. What do you think?"
"Meow!" Molly said happily.
"Good plan. But how do I take you out?"
"Meow!"
Molly pointed to a bowl that stood in the middle of the counter where I had decorated the cakes.
"That'll work."
I picked up the ice cream cat and put her in the bowl. Then I put her in the fridge along with the other two cakes. Suddenly, I saw a vision and gasped. I ran out into the living room area.
"Lily!" I yelled. "Your parents just entered the sewers!"
"What?!" Lily yelled in response. "It's only three o'clock! We're not ready yet!"
"What do we do?" James asked.
"We need to distract Donnie and April somehow," I explained. "We could send Lily out."
"No, I'll go," Karena replied. "If Lily goes out, Donnie and April are immediately going to be suspicious. My being in the lair makes more sense since my husband's still with Raph."
"Then go. Good luck!"
DONATELLO'S POV
"I had a wonderful time!" April gushed as we entered the sewers.
"I did, too," I replied, flashing her a grin. "That was a great idea Lily had. We should do this kind of thing more often."
"For sure!"
"Donnie? April?"
Our smiles turned into looks of confusion.
"Did you hear that?" I asked.
"That sounded like Karena," April replied before yelling out. "Over here!"
We continued walking towards the voice and found Karena just wandering about.
"Karena, is everything okay?" I asked.
"Oh, yeah!" she answered with a very cheesy smile. "Everything's groovy! I just figured I'd spend some time with you two while waiting for Wilbur to get back."
I shrugged. While I was skeptical of her behavior, her reasoning made sense.
"Well, I don't see why not," I replied. "You go on ahead. We'll catch up."
After Karena wandered out of earshot, I turned towards my wife.
"April, I think Karena's hiding something."
"You think so, too?" she asked. "She seemed a little off."
"I'm glad we're in agreement. Karena's a terrible liar. And besides, where's Diana?"
April gasped.
"Donnie, you're right! Wilbur's touring the police department with Raph. I highly doubt Diana's with him."
"Unless Diana's with the Cranes."
"Oh," April replied with a wince. "I forgot about that. Do you have their number?"
"Yeah."
I called Russell.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Russell. It's Donnie. Listen, is Diana with you?"
"No, Karena didn't ask us to babysit her today. Why do you ask? Is something wrong with Karena and Wilbur?"
"No, no! Nothing's wrong. We just wanted to double check."
"Your behavior's strange. Is everything alright?"
"I'm about to find out. Thanks, Russell."
I hung up.
"No, Diana's not with the Cranes," I told April.
"Then where is she?" April asked in a panic.
"April, could you do a telepathic scan?"
My wife closed her eyes and scanned all over the sewers.
"Lily?" April asked in confusion.
"Lily?" I repeated.
April then gasped loudly.
"Donnie, Anna knows we're down here. I just connected with her."
"Anna? She's here? But where's Diana?"
"With Anna, Lily, and James. But what is Lily doing here?"
"Did you see anything else?" I asked.
"Yes, the lair was decorated. Donnie, I think Karena was trying to distract us from going back to the lair."
"We need to get to the bottom of this. Let's catch up with Karena, but don't give away what we know about the lair and our daughter."
April and I ran and caught up with Karena. We remained quiet as we followed her back to the lair. When we approached the garage, April and I kept going to the turnstiles.
"Donnie, wait!" Karena panicked. "Don't go that way! The lair's a mess."
April smirked at me.
"I think April and I will take our chances," I replied.
"Donatello!"
April and I walked through the turnstiles and our jaws dropped. The living room was decked out with blue, red, purple, and orange decorations, and it was suspiciously quiet. I decided I had enough.
"What is going on here?" I yelled. "Show yourselves!"
I saw a head with long red hair popping out of the kitchen and she sheepishly giggled.
"Hi, Donnie," Anna giggled. "Hi, April."
"Anna, what are you doing here?" April asked. "What's going on?"
"Hi, Mom," I heard James greeting us from the dojo. "Hi, Dad.
"Hello, son," I replied before yelling out. "Lilianna Mae Hamato, show yourself this instant!"
Lily slowly emerged from behind her husband, holding Diana in her arms.
"Hi, Daddy," Lily sheepishly greeted us, showing us the gap in her teeth. "You weren't supposed to see this yet."
I pointed a finger to another room.
"Lab," I sternly told her. "Now."
"Yes, sir."
Lily led me and April into my lab and she sat down on my chair. I crossed my arms while April put her hands on her hips.
"Lily, what is going on?" April asked. "Who is this party for?"
"You, Dad," Lily answered. "And Uncle Leo, Uncle Raph, and Uncle Mikey. Let me explain everything."
And she did just that, from Anna's sarcastic remark to all of the next generation preparing plans to distract me and my brothers so the lair would be decorated for a surprise party.
"Oh, Lily, you didn't have to go through all this trouble for us," I told her humbly, relaxing my position.
"Yes, we did, Donatello," Anna chimed in, walking into the lab. "You only turn 50 once."
"And without all of you, we wouldn't be here," Lily continued. "We just wanted to throw you the best 50th Mutation Day party possible because we all love you. You all gave us life, and we are forever thankful for that."
April and I glanced at each other, smiled, and then pulled our daughter in for a hug.
"The best gift I could ever have is having my daughter here with me," I told her.
"Now, this party may be spoiled for your dad," April said with a smirk. "But it doesn't mean we won't help you surprise your uncles. Your dad's good at acting surprised."
"I am?" I asked with uncertainty.
"He is?" Lily and Anna asked at the same time.
"Yes," April answered with a laugh. "Now tell us what we need to do."
"Dad, text your brothers at four-thirty. Tell all of them to enter the lair through your lab."
"I'll make you a pizza as a distraction," Anna chimed in.
"Mom, text Ryan, Athena, and Wilbur," Lily continued. "Tell them all to have the Turtles go through the garage while they use the main entrance. I'll try to telepathically contact Dr. Rockwell and have him tell Venus and Auntie Mona to use the main entrance as well."
APRIL'S POV
"Donnie, is there a reason why you told us to meet you in your lab?" Raph asked impatiently.
"Yeah!" Mikey chimed in. "Why can't we go into the lair?"
"Did something happen?" Leo asked.
"Yes!" Donnie answered with a big grin. "I made a mess in the living room testing out an experiment."
"What kind of experiment?" Mikey asked. "Does it involve pizza?"
"Yes! I've been trying to magnify one simple pizza so that the entire family can enjoy it."
"What are you, a wizard?" Raph asked sarcastically.
"Ooh, ooh!" Mikey exclaimed excitedly as he took a bite of the pizza Anna made. "Donnie should be placed in Ravenclaw!"
Donnie's smile transformed into a dropped jaw.
"You've read Harry Potter?" he asked.
"Yeah! I've always wanted to go to Hogwarts, become a wizard, sneak in all the food I want, learn some cool spells--"
"Why would we trust you with magic, Mikey?" Raph asked.
"Dude, do you remember the time I had electric powers?"
I felt my phone going off as Mikey continued to prove himself. I took a quick glance and found a text from Lily.
"We're finally ready! Can you come out so you can text Dad?"
"I gotta go," I spoke up. "I need to go check on Donnie's mess, see if his robot vacuum has been put to good use."
I slightly opened the lab door and got out to see not only the final project, but also the entire Hamato Clan, the Mighty Mutanimals, Casey, and Shinigami, waiting in the living room.
"So, what do you think?" Anna asked with a smile.
I took everything in. Behind the TV was a long table with pizzas and cakes lined up and ready to be served. The decorations I had seen before remained in place, but now there were balloons as well. Ice Cream Kitty was waiting in Athena's arms. Everyone in the room was smiling as they awaited the arrival of the Turtles.
"It all looks absolutely wonderful," I answered with a smile. "They're gonna love it."
I sent a text to my husband.
"You all can come out now."
I stood in between Lily and Anna as we all prepared our voices. Suddenly, we heard and watched the lab doors opening and Donnie emerged with his T-Phone, preparing to videotape the moment.
"SURPRISE!" we all happily screamed at the top of our lungs.
I watched Donnie videotape his brothers' reactions. Leo and Raph simply had their jaws dropped while Mikey had the biggest grin on his face. Donnie himself had simply smiled.
"Donnie, why are you videotaping us?" Leo asked with a laugh. "It's your surprise too!"
"I'm just taking in the moment," he answered.
"You knew about it, didn't you?" Raph asked.
Donnie only nodded.
"What brought this on?" Leo asked as Donnie continued to videotape us.
"We wanted to let you know just how much we all love you," Anna explained, representing all of us. "You gave Master Splinter a family to love and cherish. You gave April and Karai a place to turn to when they had no place to go. You accepted Casey because he's protected your identities. You gave the Mighty Mutanimals a foundation to build and work together. Mona Lisa and Renet joined the clan because of their marriages to Raphael and Michelangelo. Shinigami joined the clan as Karai's closest friend. All four of you desired to be fathers, and because of that, Lilianna, Ryan, Venus, and Athena were born and you all showered them with the same love Splinter gave you. James married Lily and you all accepted him into the clan. Lily found Wilbur and Karena after a kidnapping and proved themselves to be true friends. Justine is about to raise Isamu and marry Ryan, and you all accepted them. And lastly, you accepted me, an elf from Gondor, and allowed me to represent you. You only turn 50 once, and what better way to celebrate it than for us to show you that love in return?"
"Dudes, I think I'm gonna cry," Mikey replied. "Athena, all those pizzas were for us?"
Athena nodded with a fond smile.
"Two pizzas for each family to share," she answered.
"Four algae-and-worm cakes to represent the beginning of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," Anna chimed in. "And don't worry, it's not made of actual algae and worms."
We all laughed.
"And we brought everyone's favorite drinks," Karena chimed in. "We've planned a lot for tonight."
"Let's dig in!" Wilbur announced.
All twenty-five of us gathered in the living room with our pizzas and watched one episode of each of the Turtle's favorite shows. After an episode of Super Robo Mecha ForceFive, we dug into the cakes.
"Oh ho!" Raph exclaimed, watching chocolate oozing out of his slice of cake. "This cake just became amazing!"
Anna took a bow.
"You made all these cakes?" Mikey asked with surprise, to which Anna nodded.
"Wow, you actually impressed my dad!" Athena chimed in. "You may have to tell him your secrets."
"I don't claim these secrets," Anna humbly replied. "My mother gave me terrific advice."
"This is very delicious, Anna," Mona Lisa told her with a fond smile. "Very well done."
"All of you have done an amazing job with this," Donnie said in awe. "Sure, I spoiled the party for myself, but this is still a nice surprise. Thank you all for surprising us. We became what Splinter dreamed of having: a big happy family."
"Splinter would agree with that," Leo replied.
We enjoyed our cake and watched episodes from two more shows until Dr. Rockwell made an announcement.
"Alright, everyone. Athena was in charge of picking the games and now I am in charge of watching them play out. Apparently, Donatello believes I cheat."
Lily and I cracked up laughing.
"The first game we are playing is called Recalling the Crazy Moments," Dr. Rockwell continued with his British accent. "Everyone, grab a sheet of paper and write down the craziest thing you have ever done. I will read it out loud and you will all have to guess who has done it. Though I don't understand why Lilianna and April aren't playing this either. They're just as psychic as I am."
"Because we've learned to control it!" Lily shot back as everyone laughed.
We all wrote our crazy stories down. That is, those of us who could write. Once we submitted our stories, Dr. Rockwell shuffled the box and picked a random note.
"I went to outer space."
"Wait, that's it?" Leo asked. "That narrows it down."
"Well, clearly Leo didn't write it," Mikey replied. "Was it Donnie?"
My husband shook his head with his gap-toothed grin.
"I hate admitting it, but I think it's Raph," Wilbur chimed in. "Raph's not one to just do something crazy like going to space. He has to be convinced to do it."
"What am I, an open book?" Raph asked.
"Ding, ding, ding!" Dr. Rockwell announced. "We have a winner! Nice work, Wilbur. And now for the next one: I moved twenty-four years into the future."
"Okay, that one's too easy," Donnie said. "That was Karena."
"I couldn't come up with anything crazier!" Karena replied.
"Why did you do that?" Slash asked. "Weren't you happy?"
"Exactly that. Wilbur gave me hope, so I moved to be with him. And every moment was worth it."
"Alright, here's the next one," Dr. Rockwell announced. "I had a baby with a mutant turtle."
"Oh my gosh!" Karai exclaimed. "There's four of us who have done that. There's nothing more to it?"
"Um, excuse you, Mom," Justine retaliated. "I had a baby with a mutant turtle, too."
"I'm going to guess April," Mona Lisa said with confidence. "She was the first of us to have a baby."
"Good guess, Mona," I replied. "But that actually wasn't the craziest thing I've ever done."
"I think of all the women who reacted the most to the news of having a baby, it was Justine," Donnie chimed in. "In fact, none of us were expecting that kind of news from her. So I'm guessing Justine."
"Donatello gets it right again!" Dr. Rockwell announced. "Now for the next one. On my sixth day of high school, I stripped down in front of a boy and had my first kiss with him."
"Ooh!" Ryan and Athena exclaimed at the same time.
"Goodness, that actually happened?" Justine asked with laughter. "She's more bold than me!"
"Was it you, Red?" Casey asked.
"Which of us are you asking?" I asked, glancing at my daughter.
"I think it's April," Casey guessed with confidence.
"What is it with everyone and guessing I had these crazy moments?" I asked in bewilderment. "I wasn't that bold in high school."
"Well, I know it wasn't Venus," Raph replied.
"I'd say," Wilbur said. "But I'd be giving away the answer."
Anna suddenly had a look on her face and turned towards Lily.
"You stripped down and kissed Wilbur, Lily?" Anna asked with a wide grin.
Lily blushed and looked away.
"Ding, ding, ding!" Dr. Rockwell exclaimed. "Good job, Anna. And now... I disguised myself as a man and went off on a hunt."
"April!" everyone yelled at the same time.
"No!" I exclaimed, now feeling rather annoyed. "Why would I do that?"
"Because I can't catch deer for the life of me," Donnie answered.
"He's telling the truth, Mom," Lily said.
"Well, just for that, and also because Anna didn't say anything, I'm guessing Anna!" I shot back.
"Wait, was it really you?" Donnie asked.
Anna simply smiled.
"How did you pull that off?" Lily asked. "Your hair is so long."
"Well, I bear a striking resemblance to my father Berethor," Anna explained. "When I became of age, I was looking forward to put my training to good use and go on a hunt. But my father turned me down, saying that I'd be better suited in the houses of healing with my mother. Needless to say, I was angry. So Lady Eowyn paid a visit to Minas Tirith one day and I asked her for advice on how to get away with being a man for a day. With her advice, I went with my dad on a hunt and I ended up catching the biggest prey. When my dad found that same prey on our dinner table, I smiled proudly, revealing who I was. My dad got so angry that I disobeyed him, and he grounded me for a month."
"That doesn't sound like you at all!" Athena replied.
"That's because I was young and stupid back then. And besides, I eventually got to work with my dad in the Citadel Guard. But back to the game?"
"Yes, as fascinating as that story is," Dr. Rockwell agreed. "I fought a mutagen man with only my bike and a pipe."
"Wait, how?" Mikey asked in bewilderment.
I glanced over at my husband, who had a frown on his face. I knew exactly who wrote this crazy story.
"Casey wrote it," I revealed. "I was with him when it happened."
"How did you fight this mutagen man and still get away from the mutagen?" Shinigami asked.
"Luck and skills," Casey answered proudly. "But I'm sure April's story is crazier than that."
"Oh, you have no idea, Jones," I replied.
"Moving on!" Dr. Rockwell continued. "I got married."
We all cracked up laughing.
"That one's savage," Venus said. "That's pretty much everyone in this room."
"Wait, whose crazy stories have already been told?" Athena asked.
"Raph, mine, and Karena's," Lily answered. "And Justine's would count too since she's engaged."
"Man, it could be anybody's!" Mikey complained. "Was it you, Karai?"
"My story's crazier than that," Karai answered with a smirk. "I call Donatello!"
Donnie nodded his head.
"Seriously?" Wilbur asked in bewilderment. "Getting married was the craziest thing you had ever done, Donnie?"
"Believe it or not, yes," my husband explained. "I had done some crazy things in my life, sure. But when it came time for me to propose to April, I panicked. I'm a mutant turtle. I wasn't sure if she would say yes. But the closer we got to my wedding day, the more crazier I felt. Thankfully, I had my brothers to support me. And marrying April was both the craziest and the best thing to happen to me."
We leaned in to each other and kissed.
"Get a room!" Casey yelled.
Everyone laughed as we finished our kiss, blushing.
"You know what I just realized?" Lily said with a smile. "You two are celebrating your 30th wedding anniversary this year."
"Has it been 30 years?" I asked.
"Yep," Donnie answered. "December 25, 2017. And Lily Mae, we don't need another big party to celebrate that. You've already done so much just for tonight."
"Then why don't you and April join me and the girls in the Smoky Mountains?" Justine suggested. "It was Anna's idea for me to have a bachelorette party. I may not be able to go home to Oklahoma anymore but I've been told I'd feel at home in Tennessee. And April, I think you'd make quite the cowgirl."
Donnie and I glanced at each other.
"That sounds wonderful," I answered. "But enough about us. What's the next one, Rockwell?"
"Let's see... I defeated a pizza monster."
"Mikey!" we all yelled.
December 25, 2047 - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA
LILIANNA'S POV
"Lily, wake up."
I felt myself being shaken awake. I glanced up to see Anna hovering over me.
"Why is it that every time I go on vacation, someone shakes me awake?" I sleepily asked.
"Because this is an important day!" Anna explained happily.
"Oh, right! Merry Christmas, Anna."
"Well, Merry Christmas to you too, Lily, but that's not why."
I shot up in my bed in our cozy cabin we rented in Pigeon Forge.
"Then why is it an important day?" I asked.
"We'll explain downstairs. No need to get dressed yet."
I still felt confused. But I followed Anna down the stairs. Everyone was well awake and about to enjoy their breakfast.
"Good morning, Lily Mae," Dad, the only male on this trip, greeted me.
"Good morning, Dad. Good morning, everyone. What's this all about?"
"We've come up with a little schedule for today," Justine explained. "Donnie pulled some strings and rented out a chapel to use today."
"So we're celebrating your bachelorette party at a chapel?" I asked, biting into my omelet. "I'm confused."
"No, the bachelorette party is on New Year's Eve," Athena explained.
"Yeah, remember that it was you who planned it?" Venus asked. "You're the matron of honor!"
"So what's going on today that you all got planned without involving me?"
"Well, we're involving you now," Mom answered. "Shortly after the Mutation Day party, Dad and I talked. We decided to follow up on Justine's suggestion and we're going to renew our vows. Thirty years is another milestone. We would have done it five years ago--"
"But we didn't think about it back then," Dad continued as I dropped my jaw in delight. "But as this vacation is a side purpose from Justine's bachelorette party, we thought we'd give Justine a little glimpse at what a ceremony is like."
"Donnie, I was involved in Lily's wedding," Justine replied. "I know what ceremonies look like."
She turned to me.
"What your parents were trying to ask you is if you'd like to officiate the renewal of their vows. You know your parents more than anyone here. And besides, it's not official or anything."
"It's something we want to do because we've been married for so long," Mom continued. "But we got busy raising you, Lily. We'd be honored if you could help us."
"Of course, I would!" I eagerly answered. "But what role are the other girls going to play?"
"I'm going to be taking pictures," Karena chimed in.
"I've got the music," Athena answered.
"I know I'm not part of the wedding party," Anna chimed in. "But I'm going to get lunch and wine set up in the kitchen. I'm excited to take on this role!"
"I've already made a bouquet for Aunt April," Venus said. "And Auntie Renet already made new cloaks for the couple. So today, I'm just going to be opening the door for the bride."
"And I got the other door," Justine answered before turning to Karena. "Are you doing okay? This cannot be easy without Diana."
"It isn't," Karena answered with a frown. "But I know Wilbur's taking good care of her. She's not a little baby anymore. Can you believe she's turning three soon?"
"Oh my goodness! So is it just Wilbur and Diana having quality father-daughter time?"
"Not just that. Wilbur and Diana are in Todayland for Christmas celebrating with the Robinsons. Diana's really enjoying playing music with her grandma's frogs."
"Aww!" we all exclaimed.
"I'll admit it's weird not having Ryan and Isamu here with me," Justine said. "It's even weirder that both my parents traveled to New York to see them."
"Wait, Woody is in New York?" I asked with worry. "I thought he couldn't see your family."
"It's just me he can't see. But he's been asking a lot about his grandson lately in his letters and expressed interest in meeting him. Ryan arranged it to where he's got the entire Hamato clan watching them in case Woody tries something. But thankfully, I haven't heard anything off yet."
"Well, that's good at least," Dad replied. "Do you think Woody's learned since he found out you were pregnant?"
"I think so," Justine answered. "Now that he knows he has a grandson, he's trying to be a better person. He's trying to not be as judgmental. I did have to remind him that he was a lost toy at one point."
"It sounds like he needed to be lost again," Athena said. "Are you planning on inviting him to your wedding?"
"Goodness, I haven't even decided where it's gonna be!"
"What?!" we all exclaimed.
"Justine, your wedding is five months away!" Mom reminded her. "How do you not have a place yet?"
"And why didn't you ask us, your matron of honor and bridesmaids for help?" I asked.
"I've been busy!" Justine snapped. "Between Isamu, Ryan, and school, I haven't had time to think."
"Okay, what do you have done?" Venus asked. "My mother and I have been helping you with the flowers, so that's set. But having a place to have a wedding will help us so that we know where they'll be."
"Well, are you looking for a private setting or a public one?" Dad asked.
"Probably more private," Justine answered. "I am marrying a mutant turtle after all."
"Why not the farmhouse?" Mom suggested. "And I'm not just saying that because it's our wedding venue."
"And we've had weddings there before," Venus chimed in. "Not only would you have a venue on budget, but you'd also get an entire wedding team behind you all the way. After all, you've already asked for my help with flowers."
The bride-to-be smiled.
"I'll talk to Ryan about it. That all sounds good. We were having trouble deciding whether to marry in New York or in Todayland. But don't we have another celebration to look forward to today?"
Mom glanced at her watch.
"Oh, goodness, yes!" she exclaimed. "I gotta go get ready!"
"Me too," Dad replied. "Everyone get ready and we'll meet you back downstairs."
"Meanwhile, let me take this quick test to get myself certified to do this," I said, running back up the stairs to open my laptop.
My dad had rented the Angel's View chapel in the Smoky Mountains to renew his vows with my mom. I was amazed that it was made of logs. There was a window at the end of the aisle that came with a view of the mountains. It had snowed overnight, giving us a majestic view of the mountains for Christmas.
Athena started playing the song I had used to walk down the aisle at my own wedding in 2045. Only this time, I was escorting my father.
"Remember me in a Bible cracked and faded by the years. Remember me in a sanctuary filled with silent prayer. And age to age and heart to heart, bound by grace and peace. Child of wonder, child of God, I've remembered you. Remember me."
Right now, my father was wearing nothing but his belts and his purple mask. He left his bo staff in the cabin. I had dressed as Aumanil for today's occasion, but today I was playing the role of Lilianna Hamato.
We reached the end of the aisle. Athena then changed the song to Lindsey Stirling's Carol of the Bells, the same song my mother used to walk herself down the aisle 30 years ago. Venus and Justine opened the doors and in came my mother. This time, my mother wore a white long-sleeved mermaid dress with her short red hair just barely touching her shoulders. She carried a bouquet of white roses. Her blue eyes twinkled as she smiled at my father, her beloved. She eventually met us at the end of the aisle and Athena faded the song away. There were only six of us in the empty log-cabin chapel, and it was beautiful sight. I took a deep breath, looked down at the script my father gave me, smiled, and opened my mouth to speak.
"Donatello and April, my father and my mother, it is a pleasure to share today's very special occasion with you. Many people believe that entering into marriage is the final step in a romantic relationship. As they see it, a couple meets, gets to know each other, falls in love, decides they want to go through life together, and then take the final step: marriage. But marriage is not meant to be the final step in a couple's relationship; it is really just the beginning of a grand adventure, that hopefully, will be long and fruitful for each couple."
I paused and glanced at my parents, who smiled lovingly at each other before I continued.
"You have shared the joys, blessings, and yes, the challenges, of married life for 30 years. And, today you wish to reconfirm your commitment to working together to make your marriage grow and blossom in the years to come. May this ceremony, renewing the vows you took to become husband and wife on your wedding day, remind you that despite the stresses inevitable in every life, your love, respect, trust and understanding of each other will continue to increase your contentment and heighten your joy in living. Please join hands."
My parents turned to face each other as they held each other's hands.
"Donatello, will you continue to have my mother April as your wife and continue to live in this marriage? Do you reaffirm your love for her, and will you love, honor and cherish her in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"
"Yes, I do," Dad answered fondly.
"April, will you continue to have my father Donatello as your husband and continue to live in this marriage? Do you reaffirm your love for him, and will you love, honor and cherish him in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Mom answered, returning the fond smile.
"I understand you both have something you wish to say to each other?"
My mother opened her mouth to speak first.
"Donnie, I have always loved you and I will love you forever. We've come so far since we exchanged our vows 30 years ago. We got the jobs we dreamed of. We raised our daughter together and we watched her get married. We are back to where we were 30 years ago: the two of us spending our lives together, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I will continue to support you in every decision, poor or wise. I will continue to smile and enjoy life. I will continue to be the wife you need me to be until we perish together. And I will continue to love you, no matter what."
"April, marrying you was the best decision I have ever made because my life only got better," Dad said, reciting his new vows. "I never imagined that I would be a college professor, but you encouraged me to go for it. I never imagined I'd be a father to the second most beautiful woman in the world, but again, you encouraged me. And just as you encouraged me, I encouraged you to go after your dreams, and I promise to continue being your source of encouragement. You are the most courageous woman I have ever known and I will continue to love you for the rest of my days. I'm excited to spend our golden years together because you are worth it. I love you."
I smiled, almost tearing up because of my parents' love for each other. But I shrugged off the incoming tears and continued my role.
"I ask that you each remember to continue to cherish each other as special and unique individuals and that you each respect the thoughts and ideas of one another. And most of all, be able to forgive each other, and not hold grudges against one another. Live each day in love with each other, always being there to give love, comfort, and refuge to each other, in good times and bad. Donatello and April, my father and my mother, today you have renewed the promises and vows you made to each other on your wedding day. You have symbolized the renewal of the marriage union by the joining of hands, the taking of vows, and by the wearing of your wedding ring. It is with pleasure that I conclude the ceremony of renewing the vows of marriage that joined you and binds you as husband and wife. Dad, you may kiss your bride... again!"
We all laughed as my dad leaned in to kiss my mom. Then the tears started to fall from my blue eyes. Justine and Venus cloaked each of them with a white cloak before my parents walked out of the chapel. The rest of us clapped as they walked.
December 31, 2047
ANNA'S POV
After Donnie paid for our bachelorette dinner in downtown Pigeon Forge, we returned to our cabin to celebrate with wine. And this time, Venus and Athena were able to drink as they became of age.
"Alright, girls, it's time for the toasts," Lily announced, raising her glass with a proud smile. "To Justine, a cowgirl with a strong spirit. Ryan is so lucky to have you as his bride."
"Hear, hear!" we echoed as we sipped our wine.
"I'd like to propose a toast," Venus stood up. "To Anna, who came up with the idea of having this party in the Smoky Mountains, paid for some of it, and making the most memorable food ever. You're a true friend to the Hamato Clan."
"I'd like to make a toast myself," Justine announced. "To Lily for being the best matron of honor I could ever have. To Karena, Venus, and Athena for standing up with me and becoming family. To Anna, for planning this trip. And to April and Donnie, the two lovebirds that started this entire thing with their own wedding 30 years ago, I hope Ryan and I will learn a lot of things from you two."
"Marriage is quite the roller coaster," Donnie replied with a grin. "But it's worth every minute of the ride."
"Hear, hear!" we all cheered.
"I'd also like to propose a toast to Athena", Donnie continued. "She passed her student teaching with flying colors and got her degree in education!"
"Woo!" we all cheered.
I was about to sip my wine when I was about to have a vision. I stopped to visualize what was happening. I saw an old African-American man taking some sort of ooze from a locked laboratory. I saw this same man putting this ooze in a huge container along with a single drop of blood. Then, I saw a horrifying figure: a tall man with cunning like no other. Not even Lily would beat him as Aumanil. And this man wore a metal helmet and a metal mask over his mouth.
"It's time for revenge," this man spoke furiously. "Revenge against Hamato Yoshi and his wretched Turtles!"
I gasped, dropping my glass. It fell to the floor and broke, the wine dripping all over the floor. I staggered back in shock.
"Dad!" I heard Lily scream.
Thankfully, I felt myself being grabbed by her parents before I fell on the floor.
"Anna, are you okay?" Donnie asked with worry.
I looked at the purple-masked Turtle with fear in my green eyes.
"Donnie, something's wrong," April said, pulling my cheek so I could face her. "Anna, what did you see?"
"A man, with a metal mask and a metal helmet. He said something about getting revenge against someone named Hamato Yoshi. Does that name sound familiar to you?"
"As it should," Donnie answered. "That's Splinter's real name. But he's dead. He was murdered by the Shredder almost 32 years ago."
I gasped in horror. Was it him?
"He said something about getting revenge on Yoshi and..."
I paused, letting out a shaky breath.
"... and you, Donnie. You and your brothers."
"But that didn't happen," April chimed in. "Leo killed the Shredder the next night. And then when Tiger Claw tried to raise Shredder from the dead, his plan backfired. The world was almost overrun by spirits from the Netherworld."
"April, you don't understand," I snapped. "This man came from a huge container. He was created with just a drop of blood and some ooze some other guy found in a locked laboratory."
"Are you saying that this Shredder you saw in your vision was a clone?" Donnie asked angrily. "Cloning is illegal. It always has been."
"Dad, this is Anna you're talking to," Lily chimed in. "Her visions have always been on point, unlike mine. Is someone actually trying to clone the Shredder, Anna?"
"Yes. It felt so real and so terrifying. The Shredder was so terrifying to look at."
"He truly was when we first met him," Donnie replied, his anger washing away. "But he wouldn't leave us alone. We had to put our fears aside and fight for our lives, even if it meant killing him."
"Did you get a glimpse at who is trying to clone the Shredder?" Venus asked.
"Yes," I answered. "He was African-American. He has an Afro, glasses, a pink sweatshirt and blue jeans."
"Baxter Stockman?!" Donnie and April asked at the same time.
"Is he that nut who mutated into a fly and tried to kidnap lawyers and mutate them into his insect minions?" Athena asked.
"Um, ew," Karena disgustedly chimed in.
"Yes, one and the same," Donnie answered before letting out a sigh. "This is a disturbing vision."
"Only one person can confirm if Anna's vision is true," Karena spoke with a determined look. "My husband."
"That's right!" Venus exclaimed. "I remember Father talking to me about his tour of T.I.M.E. Wilbur's the historian and he analyzes the timeline to be sure nothing drastic happened."
"It's not just the drastic that happens in the past," April replied. "Even the tiniest thing can change the future. But Venus has a good point. This could have happened in a different timeline. Maybe Baxter somehow altered this timeline by stealing time-traveling technology from the black market."
"I guess that means the party's over?" Justine asked with a frown.
"We're supposed to return to New York tomorrow anyway," Donnie answered. "When we get back, the first thing we're doing is seeing Wilbur at T.I.M.E."