Hi everyone! The next few chapters may be hard for me to write. These are going to be more like little stories that span over the years. In this case, this chapter covers what happens in Little Donnie's first year of life, and the first year of the Hamato Clan going into hiding. There are some sweet moments. And there are some very hard moments.

I'm already imagining a duel between Lily and the Shredder, so I'm a little excited about writing about that. But for now, enjoy and review!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything related to "TMNT," "Meet the Robinsons," "Toy Story," "Lord of the Rings," nor "Criminal Case." I only own Lilianna, James, Little Donnie, Ryan, Justine, Isamu, Venus, Athena, Skyler, Anna, Karena, and Diana.

August 8, 2050 - Pacific Bay, California, USA

LILIANNA'S POV

James and I gazed down at our baby boy, who gazed at us with the cutest toothless smile possible.

"Isn't he the cutest thing?" I asked my husband sweetly.

"He is pretty special," James replied, caressing our son's bald green head.

Little Donnie suddenly sneezed.

"Bless you!" I said.

And then he let out a laugh. James and I exclaimed and then laughed.

"Now how can I leave this sweet baby with that adorable laugh?" I asked in awe.

"By giving him to me and marching down those stairs."

I pouted.

"Now, James--"

"Lily, it's your first day back at work. And besides, it'll only be for a couple of hours. I'll be dropping Donnie off with you when I go to work since we can't have babies working with us."

I let out a sigh.

"I wish Anna or Jasper were here. I wish Dad was here."

I handed Donnie to my husband, who then embraced me. A few tears fell on his shoulders.

"I wish Dad was here, too," he whispered. "I know how much he wants to be here with us. But Lily, you know what you need to do. You do need a small break from motherhood, even if it's only two hours. Go, reunite with your work family, and get all caught up. I'll be by with Donnie shortly."

I gave my son a kiss on the forehead and telepathically spoke to him.

"I love you, my darling. We'll be together again before you know it."

"I love you too, Mama."

With a small smile, I walked out of the room, down the stairs, through the house and into the garage. I got into my flying car, but my hands stalled on the steering control.

I hadn't been in a car since I was in labor over three months ago. It was a strange feeling to me, being somewhere other than my house and being away from my baby. But deep down, I knew that not going back to work was not an option anymore. Uncle Leonardo had encouraged me to live my life as if nothing happened.

I grabbed my phone, put on Sixpence None the Richer, and finally started the car. Once I felt the beat, a smile crept on my face. I suddenly felt optimism like I never felt in my life. For a moment, it was just me and the spirit surrounding me, and I was the happiest I ever felt.

ANNA'S POV

I waited patiently for Lily in her office on her first day back from work, for she had asked to see me. Thankfully, I didn't have to wait long. Lily, dressed in a long yellow dress with what's left of her baby bump, her long red hair now up in a braided crown and bun, entered the office.

"Anna!" Lily excitedly greeted me.

She set her stuff down and we embraced each other.

"It's so good to see you."

"Even though I don't work here, welcome back," I replied with a smirk. "Now why am I here?"

"Right down to it, huh?" Lily asked.

We took a seat across from each other.

"I need someone to spy on the Shredder."

I blinked.

"I thought Leonardo told us to lay low?" I asked in reply.

"Come on, Anna, think for a moment," Lily sternly said, clasping her hands. "There's gotta be more than just Stockman cloning the Shredder. There's a reason behind it all, but I don't know what it is. We can't use the portals anymore unless it is absolutely needed. But your water stallion can travel all the waters to get to Tokyo."

I felt floored at what my best friend was suggesting.

"WHAT?! That's crazy! My stallion cannot travel across an ocean!"

Lily smiled.

"Not yet. But what if you don't need an ocean? You always travel where the waters meet the land. What if there was a way for you to travel to Tokyo that way?"

"I think you're crazy for even suggesting that, but I suppose I need a challenge. As for spying on the Shredder, what do I need to do? What do I look for?"

"Well, for one, anything out of the ordinary. Two, find out what Shredder knows about our clan. We have to know what Shredder and his goons are really up to. But be discreet. If my uncle wants us to lay low, then we'll keep it between the three of us."

"Three? Who's the other one?"

Westport, Connecticut, USA

WILBUR'S POV

I sat down at the dining room table with my family. Karena had made three of us delicious steaks with broccoli and white cheddar macaroni and cheese. For Wesley, he simply had the macaroni and cheese with some applesauce since he still had teeth growing in.

I helped Diana cut her steak while Karena fed Wesley.

"Karr, I need to tell you something and maybe you can help me with it."

"What is it?" my wife asked me.

"Lily's asked me to do patrols around New York City before I come home. And I've already asked Athena and Renet to patrol with me."

"I thought the clan was lying low."

"That's what I told Lily. She thinks there's more to Shredder's rebirth than meets the eye."

"If it helps us be free of him sooner than later, then I'm on board," Karena replied with a glare. "Shredder was a monster to Splinter and the Turtles."

"What's a Shredder?" Diana, my five-year-old daughter, asked.

"Someone you absolutely do not want to meet," I sternly replied, finishing cutting her steak. "Please eat your food."

"So what's Lily having you do on your patrols?" Karena asked.

"Look for anything out of the ordinary. There was a lot of activity in Chinatown, so that's where Athena will patrol. Renet and I will have the rest of the city covered. I'm keeping an extra eye out on the black market and other shady areas in case the Vizioso mob and the Purple Dragons get any ideas about time travel."

"Are the timelines still normal?"

"Yes, thank heavens."

"There are purple dragons in New York City?" Diana asked with excitement.

"No, Diana, it's the name of a gang," Karena answered. "More people you do not want to meet."

"Karr, shh!" I sternly replied. "Diana, please eat your food. I'm not telling you again."

"Yes, Daddy."

"So what you're telling us, Wilbur, is that you'll be coming home late at night?" Karena asked. "Patrols take two hours."

"Donatello's going to relieve me. He's already out and about as a professor in Todayland. He's already figured out how to implement safety measures in case anyone ever comes to the Turtles' lair or Shredder's lair."

"I think you mean Karai's lair."

"At least Shinigami's aware of what's going on. Casey's gonna patrol there, too."

"And what about the other Turtles?"

"Raph and Mikey retired and are staying in the lair with Leo," I explained. "April thought of retiring but Donnie doesn't want her to. He thinks April might be able to get intel from her job."

"She always has."

"Mommy, Daddy, may I be excused?" Diana asked.

We glanced at her plate and found it was empty. I gave her a smile.

"Yes, you're excused."

"Thanks."

Diana left the table and went upstairs. Karena and I both noticed the slumping on her shoulders.

"Something's wrong," Karena said.

"I think I know," I replied, feeling guilty. "Excuse me."

I followed Diana up the stairs and into her room. I found her holding her dolls with a frown on her face. I knocked on the door.

"May I come in?" I asked.

"Sure."

I closed the door and sat down on the floor with her.

"What's wrong, princess?"

"All you and Mommy talked about were grown-up stuff. You just told me to eat. You didn't ask me how I'm doing."

I frowned. She was very perceptive for someone her age.

"You're absolutely right. Dinner time is family time. We should have included you in our conversation. Mommy and I are sorry, Diana."

"It's okay."

"No, Diana, it isn't."

I sighed.

"Listen. Do not take apologies for granted. By saying, it's okay, you are really encouraging someone to repeat the behavior, which is something we don't want. If you keep saying, it's okay, to people, people will take advantage of you and take things from you, and that's not okay. Instead, if someone says they're sorry, say thank you and I forgive you. Thank you accepts that the other person acknowledges they're wrong. And forgiving gives that person the chance to change and move forward."

Diana gazed at me in awe with her brown eyes.

"Wow, Daddy! That's deep!"

I smiled.

"You are quite mature for your age, and that's not a bad thing. So, how are you?"

"I'm okay, Daddy."

"Just okay?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "What's wrong?"

"Is the Shredder a bad guy?"

I let out a sigh, not wanting to have this conversation with my very young daughter.

"I'm afraid so. He's a killer. But this does not mean you need to be scared of him. We're the Robinsons. We always stick together no matter what. I promise, Diana, you're safe here. Mommy and I will protect you from the bad guys."

Diana finally smiled. She set down her dolls, crawled up to me, and hugged me. I hugged her back.

"I love you, Daddy."

"I love you too, princess."

I suddenly had an idea.

"After Mommy puts Wesley to sleep, do you want to play a board game with us? You can pick the game."

"Okay!"

Diana suddenly got up and ran out of the room.

"No running in the house!" I yelled after her.

"Mommy, can we play Candy Land, please?"

I chuckled at her enthusiasm, following her down the stairs.

September 30, 2050 - New York City, New York, USA

ATHENA'S POV

I spent my morning teaching Latin to the new employees and then I spent the rest of the shift in my office. But I couldn't bring myself to work.

Today was my twenty-fifth birthday. Normally, I would have spent it with all my family after work. This time, I only had Skyler and Venus. I was going to have the quietest birthday ever by spending it with only two people in the quietest part of New York possible. And there was nothing to do in that area.

I just sat there and I felt depressed. Suddenly, I heard a knock. I jumped. I saw my mother with a bouquet of flowers.

"I'm sorry," Mom said, walking into my office. "I didn't mean to scare you. Is everything okay?"

"No. I'm a loser."

"Now, wait a minute. Who told you that?"

"Me. It's my birthday and it's just me, Skyler, and Venus."

"Excuse you!" Mom snapped. "I'm here on your birthday, am I not?"

"Yes, but this is work!" I yelled back. "After work, I go on patrol with you and Wilbur and it's back to the most cautious life possible. I do not want my birthday to be so boring!"

My mom frowned. She set down the flowers and sat down next to me.

"I understand. I've had to celebrate a birthday by myself before. It's no fun. But it doesn't have to be that way."

"What do you mean?"

"We can do something together, just the two of us, here in the city. What do you say?"

I shook my head.

"No, thanks. I'll stick with celebrating with Skyler and Venus."

"Athena, did I do something wrong?"

"It's nothing like that, Mom. It's just we have patrol, and that's important. And it's also important that we lay low."

I suddenly started crying, feeling in denial. I finally had to blurt out the truth.

"The thing that hurts the most is not seeing Dad and tasting his pizza and birthday cake on my birthday. I hate this new normal. I HATE IT!"

My mother pulled me into her arms as I cried into her chest.

"Me too, Athena. Me too."

I then sniffled, coming back to reality.

"What am I doing?" I asked myself. "I'm at work. I cannot be crying at work. I know I'm better than this."

"Athena, you're human. Crying is okay. And the truth is, no one likes the new normal. The only people whose lives haven't changed because of the Shredder are Wilbur's family."

We let out sighs.

"Speaking of which, I should go see how Wilbur's doing."

"What about the flowers?" I asked.

"Read the card," Mom answered with a wink.

My mother left my office, leaving me alone to read the card.

"Athena, Happy 25th Birthday. You are the bravest woman I've ever known and I am so proud of you. I love you. Love, Dad."

I held the card against my heart, crying again. My father had not forgotten me!

"Maybe this new normal isn't so bad after all," I said out loud.

I set the card down, smelled the flowers, and continued to work.

December 25, 2050 - North Hampton, New York, USA

VENUS'S POV

Christmas used to be the biggest day of the year for the Hamato Clan. Everyone would gather together in the lair and celebrate many things besides the holiday.

My father and his brothers each married on Christmas Day. Uncle Donatello was the first, now married for 33 years. Uncle Michelangelo came next. Then Uncle Leonardo. And finally, my father during the Covid-19 pandemic. Today was my father's thirtieth wedding anniversary and I could not be there to celebrate.

I slammed my fist down at the nightstand that stood next to my bed. I was angry at Shredder for not staying dead. I was angry at Shredder for being reborn. I was angry at Shredder because it forced us to go undercover. Uncle Leonardo did not want the Shredder knowing that the Turtles had wives and children. However, my mother and I had fought the Shredder when he was reborn, so there was no doubt he was aware of our existence. But so far, we had not seen the Shredder.

Today, and who knows how much longer in the future, it was only myself, my cousin Athena, and her husband Skyler celebrating Christmas in the farmhouse this year. Lily had her own family in California, as did Anna. Ryan had his family in North Montana. Wilbur's family was south of us in Connecticut. The Turtles and their wives remained in the sewers of New York City.

I suddenly heard knocking on my door, and Athena opened it.

"Hey, are you okay?"

"Yeah!" I lied. "Everything's fine. Merry Christmas."

Athena wasn't convinced. She walked into the room and sat on the bed with me.

"Skyler and I were cooking a special breakfast for Christmas when we heard the noise upstairs. What's wrong, Venus?"

"Today's the thirtieth wedding anniversary of my parents and I can't be there to celebrate with them."

Athena frowned.

"I can relate. I couldn't celebrate my twenty-fifth birthday with my dad and that's something we always did together."

"Tell me about it," I replied, as I, too, had turned twenty-five this year. "I spent my birthday alone with my flowers. I had wished my mother was here to be with me. Now I wish I was home today."

We hugged.

"At least we have each other," Athena said with a smile. "And no one in the clan is alone. That was why Skyler and I agreed to move in with you. You're the only one without a partner."

"I haven't thought about it like that," I replied with fondness. "Thank you both. Though I would have been fine on my own."

Athena raised an eyebrow.

"Okay, if you complained to me about not being home with the clan, then no, you would not have been fine on your own. You're not like your father, Venus. You're tough, but you'd rather fight as part of the team than going solo."

I laughed before replying.

"You have brought up a good point."

"Athena, breakfast is getting cold!"

We glanced at the door at the sound of Skyler's voice.

"We better get down there," Athena suggested.

I followed her down the stairs and to the smell of breakfast. I saw that Skyler and Athena had made pancakes and scrambled eggs with shredded cheddar on top of the eggs. We ate to our hearts' content, and then we went into the living room to open our presents.

"I think you'll like mine, Venus," Athena said. "I found your gift on my way home from work. I saw it and thought of you."

I opened Athena's present and unearthed a long-sleeved teal dress. I grinned, immediately running into the bathroom to put it on. Athena knew me so well. After all, we weren't just cousins. We were practically sisters, born a month apart.

I came back in the living room and twirled my new dress around, careful not to knock anything down with my tail.

"You look absolutely beautiful, Venus," Skyler complimented me.

"I'm totally wearing this dress every day!"

"Now, open mine, Skyler!" Athena said excitedly.

"Well, okay."

Skyler opened the box, which contained... actually, I wasn't sure what it was. But Skyler knew. He gasped and then gazed at his wife, who grinned giddily.

"Are you serious?" Skyler asked.

"Yes!" Athena squeaked.

"What is it?" I asked.

"A positive pregnancy test," Skyler answered.

I gasped and turned to Athena with shock.

"You're having a baby?"

Athena nodded excitedly. We both squealed and hugged each other. Now our Christmas Day was joyous. Another baby was on the way.

January 8, 2051 - New York City, New York, USA

DONATELLO'S POV

My T-Phone went off on the quietest Sunday possible.

"Donatello."

"Dad! Donnie's missing!"

"Wait, what?" I yelled in shock. "What do you mean, he's missing?"

"I've looked all over the house and even the outdoors. I cannot find him!"

"Okay, Lily, calm down. I'll be right over."

I grabbed my medical bag, in case my grandson would get himself injured, and my portal, making my way to my daughter's home.

Pacific Bay, California, USA

LILIANNA'S POV

I paced around the living room, waiting for my dad to show up. Granted, I was very excited to see him, as eight months had passed since Uncle Leo decided the clan needed to lay low. But this was not how I wanted it to happen.

Suddenly, a pink door opened, and out came my father.

"Dad!"

I ran up to him and ran into his arms. I felt his embrace.

"I'm so happy to see you, too, Lily Mae," he gently told me. "Where did you see Donnie last?"

"In his crib."

I led my father up the stairs.

"I thought James had taken him out of the crib and maybe changed his diaper or fed him or something!" I explained. "But he hadn't seen Donnie all morning."

I led my father to the nursery where my husband sat in the rocking chair.

"Oh, Dad!" James exclaimed, quickly getting up. "Thank heavens, you're here!"

"Hello to you, too, son," Dad replied with a chuckle. "So you say Donnie was in the crib, Lily?"

"Yes."

The three of us walked over to the crib. I glanced over at my dad, who had a very interesting look on his face.

"Lily, you read Donnie's thoughts when you were pregnant with him. Can you still do that?"

"Yes, I can."

"Go ahead and try it."

I closed my eyes to try to find my son. But all I heard were giggles.

"I hear Donnie laughing," I said out loud. "But he sounds like he's right here!"

I tried to telepathically speak to him.

"Donnie, darling, it's Mama. Where are you?"

My son was smarter than he looked, and just as I predicted, I read a thought.

"I'm right here!"

I opened my eyes and looked down, but the crib still looked empty.

"I don't understand," I spoke again. "I swear he's right here."

"Donnie!" Dad said in a singsong voice. "Grandpa's gonna get you!"

Dad suddenly dropped his fingers in the crib, but not on the crib. Words could not describe what happened next. Donnie suddenly appeared in his crib, and he was full of smiles and laughter. James and I screamed, holding each other as if we just saw a ghost!

"There's your answer," Dad told us, holding my baby in his arms. "Your son, apparently, can turn invisible."

"How?" I asked in shock. "I don't even have that ability!"

"So what you're telling me is that Donnie has powers, too?" James asked skeptically.

"Yes. Donnie can already read his mother's thoughts because of his experience in the womb. He must have just discovered this power."

"He's only eight months old!" I yelled. "How on earth am I supposed to teach him to not turn invisible?"

"The same way your mother and I taught you to use your powers," Dad answered sternly. "With time and practice. Obviously, in the presence of you two, he'll be fine. But when he's alone, like he was this morning, then you'll need to watch out. Like you said, he's only eight months old. He won't understand how to turn invisible and visible again. But Lily, he's also at that age when he will start to understand what the word no means. I'd suggest you start there."

"But I don't want to discourage him from using his powers."

"Right now, he's a baby. He needs a lot of attention and help taking care of himself. If he's invisible, you won't be able to help him. Then, the older he gets, the more he'll be able to understand."

"Do you have any advice to help us get started?" James asked.

"The only advice I have right now is, be patient. Donnie will eventually learn to use his power correctly. But I'd also watch out for his telepathy. Lily, your son can already read your mind. He may be able to read others' thoughts the older he gets."

"I'll teach him the wisdom of superpowers," I replied with a chuckle. "Thank you, Dad. Any luck on your end regarding you-know-who?"

"No. He must still be in Japan learning about his past. We haven't seen Stockman nor the Vizioso mob either."

"And nothing from Krang?"

"No."

I let out a sigh.

"Well, Donnie's been getting pretty good at his motion, so I've been teaching him how to throw punches. He's not old enough to learn to kick yet, though he probably could kick from the floor."

I chuckled, placing my hand on my now-flat abdomen.

"I wonder how Isamu's doing," James replied.

We gazed at our son in Dad's arms. Suddenly, Dad's T-Phone rang.

"Donatello."

Dad's eyes widened, as if something terrible had happened.

"I'll be right there!"

"What happened?" I asked as he hung up.

"It's Athena. She's losing a lot of blood!"

James and I gasped as my dad handed Donnie to me, opened the portal, and ran through it. When I allowed myself to enter her mind, I discovered what was happening to her.

"James, please hold Donnie. I need to go pray."

North Hampton, New York, USA

DONATELLO'S POV

I examined Athena in the barn where my lab used to be. Athena was heavily bleeding from her pelvis and she was in a lot of pain. I had learned she was pregnant and I tried my hardest to stop the bleeding.

Thankfully, I remembered that I had an ultrasound machine in the barn still and I ended up using it to see if there was a sign of an embryo in her uterus. But I found no heartbeat; only a very small clot.

I examined her cervix one last time and found that I was too late; it had been dilated. I tried very hard not to cry in front of my niece.

"Excuse me," I managed to whisper out.

"Uncle Donnie?" Athena asked weakly. "What's happening?"

I could not speak.

"Is it the baby?" Athena asked.

The tears started to stain my purple mask. I had to take it off.

"Uncle Donnie, what is it?" Athena suddenly yelled.

"Athena, I was too late!" I yelled out crying. "I tried to save your baby but..."

I took a deep breath and gazed into Athena's brown eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Athena. But your baby's gone."

Athena lied her head back down with a look of shock. I walked away so I could tell her husband the news.

"How's Athena?" Skyler asked. "Wait a minute, Donnie, your mask is off. Did something...?"

Skyler widened his eyes, realizing what had happened.

"No. No, it can't be!"

"I'm so sorry, Skyler," I told him tearfully.

"And Athena?"

"I'll need to prescribe her medication so the uterus can expel the rest of her pregnancy tissues."

Unlike me, Skyler maintained his composure.

"What do you think, Donnie? Would Athena and I still be able to have a baby?"

For the first time since I arrived, I smiled. Skyler chose hope, something I need to choose, too.

"Yes. Athena seemed very healthy, otherwise. I don't see any reason why you and Athena can't try again."

To my surprise, Skyler hugged me. I hugged him back.

"Thank you, Donnie, for trying. There was nothing else you could have done. Athena and I won't give up. That's for sure."

Skyler ran outside into the barn to see his wife. For reasons I could not explain, I felt better than I did just five minutes ago. By the time I got back into the barn, Athena and Skyler had determined smiles on their faces. I was in awe at their resilience. I wondered if Lily would have done the same thing if it was her going through it.

I let out a sigh, putting my purple mask back on. I walked back into the barn, gave Athena medicine and explained her future symptoms, and then returned home to New York.

April 29, 2051 - Todayland, North Montana, USA

JUSTINE'S POV

"Happy birthday!" Ryan and I shouted at the same time.

"Wow!" Isamu exclaimed enthusiastically. "Thanks, Mom! Thanks, Dad!"

"Shall we sing?" I asked.

"Now hold on, kijo-i," Ryan said with a chuckle. "We need to light the candles."

Ryan got a match and lit up the five candles that were on the chocolate cake.

"Okay, now we're ready. One, two, three."

"Happy birthday to you!" we sang together. "Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear Isamu! Happy birthday to you!"

"Can you blow out the candles, Isamu?" I asked sweetly.

Isamu, now a young boy with black hair and blue eyes, took a huge breath and blew out the candles.

"Yay!" we cheered.

"Now how old are you, son?" Ryan asked.

"Go. Five."

"Very good!" I replied proudly.

"When are we gonna see Grandpa Leo?" Isamu asked eagerly. "He's always at my birthday party."

Ryan and I glanced at each other with a frown.

"Should we tell him the truth?" Ryan asked in a whisper.

"I got it."

I let out a sigh and turned to my son.

"Grandpa Leo won't make it this year, sweetie."

"So we're going to the lair?" Isamu asked.

"No, sweetie, we're staying here this year."

Isamu's smile disappeared.

"Why?"

"Because Grandpa Leo's got other stuff to do," Ryan answered.

"But he's Grandpa!" Isamu suddenly yelled. "He needs to be here!"

"Isamu, please use your indoor voice," I tried to soothe him.

"What about Miwa?"

I frowned. Miwa was Karai's real name and Isamu found it easier to call her that than 'Grandma.'

"Miwa won't be able to make it either," I answered.

"What about Auntie Lily? Doctor Donnie? Anybody?"

We both shook our heads. Suddenly, Isamu grabbed a piece of his chocolate cake and threw it at the wall in anger.

"Isamu, what are you doing?" Ryan yelled with shock.

"I hate birthdays!" Isamu yelled. "I hate them!"

"No, you don't," I sternly replied. "And you do not throw food in the house. You go pick that up, right now."

"No!" Isamu screamed.

"Isamu Ichiro Hamato, we do not scream in the house," Ryan sternly told him.

"I hate you!"

"Alright, young man, that is enough!" I snapped. "You need a timeout."

"No, I don't!"

"Yes, you do," Ryan replied. "Unless you'd rather go to your room instead?"

"No!"

"Then take your chair and face the same wall you threw your cake at," I told him.

Isamu did what he was told and he crossed his arms after he sat down. I took Ryan aside and we whispered to each other.

"I feel horrible," I started our conversation. "He really wants Leo there."

"You heard what my dad said," Ryan replied. "We need to lay low. What if you-know-who found out Leonardo married Karai and not only has a son but also a grandson?"

"Lily called her father because she thought her son had disappeared!" I shot back. "Ryan, this is our son, and it's his birthday. It clearly means a lot to have his grandpa there."

"So what do we do?"

"What if we had your dad come here? Todayland's neutral ground. And who knows? Maybe your dad can help him get out of his funk."

Ryan let out a sigh.

"I'll make the call."

I walked over to my son and knelt down so we could see eye-to-eye.

"Hey, are you okay?" I asked sweetly.

"Iie, haha," Isamu answered with a frown. "Why can't I see Grandpa Leo?"

"The truth right now is very scary," I explained the best I could. "Grandpa Leo is trying to keep you safe by not coming over."

"Did Grandpa Leo do something wrong?"

I hesitated.

"No. He didn't do anything wrong and neither did you."

"I threw cake at the wall because I was mad," Isamu replied with sadness in his small voice.

"Isamu, you were upset. I understand. I did the same thing when I was your age."

Isamu's eyes widened.

"You did?"

"Oh, yes. Grandpa Woody was furious. He immediately had me clean it up and then I had to say I was sorry. And it was on my birthday of all days."

"I threw cake at the wall, too," Ryan confessed. "Grandpa Leo reacted exactly the same way Grandpa Woody did. I lost a sparring session to Auntie Lily and I was angry."

He paused and smiled.

"But your Auntie Lily, goodness, she was special. She knew it was my birthday and gave me her slice of cake. She refused to take another. That was the best gift that day: kindness."

Isamu pondered his father's words while I gazed at him in awe. Then I wondered how Lily was doing with her son, feeling every ounce of confidence that she was going to be an amazing mother.

"Sumimasen, haha to chichi," Isamu apologized. "I'm sorry for throwing my cake at the wall."

"You are forgiven, Isamu," I replied.

"I'm going to clean it up, now."

"Wait, son, let me help you," Ryan said, grabbing the cleaning spray. "I'll spray and you wipe it off, okay?"

I smiled, watching my two boys work. I activated the robo-vacuum cleaner to sweep up the cake that landed on the floor. And then I sensed Leonardo come up behind me.

"You and Ryan have become better parents than Karai and I hoped we could be," he told me. "I'm very proud of you both. Have you told him the truth about you-know-who?"

"No. Just that it was scary. He asked if you did something wrong and I brought it back to him."

"Good."

We watched Ryan and Isamu finish cleaning. Isamu then turned towards us and his eyes widened with excitement.

"Grandpa!"

He ran towards Leo and they embraced each other.

"I'm happy you're here," Isamu told him.

"Your father told me how important it was to you that I be here," Leo replied. "And you're right. Family is the most important thing in life. Now, everyone else will not be able to make it, but I hope my presence is enough."

"It is, Grandpa. Thank you. Okay! I'm ready for cake!"

The three of us laughed as we cut the cake and served each other.

May 6, 2051 - Tokyo, Japan

ANNA'S POV

Ever since the clan went into hiding, Lily had asked me to spy on the Shredder without using the portal. I spent the first few months simply riding my water stallion up the Pacific Coast of North America, alongside the Aleutian Islands, down the Kamchatka Peninsula, alongside the Kuril Islands, and finally alongside the Pacific Coast in Japan. Then I spent the next few months studying Japanese culture, reading the citizens of Tokyo and trying to figure out the history of the Hamato and Foot Clans.

After spending Christmas in Connecticut with Jasper's family, I then started to spy on the Shredder from afar, making sure he did not see me. I mostly hid from behind trees, making sure I was as smooth as the river and using stealth when I needed to.

At first, I was simply watching the Shredder learning about his past as Oroku Saki, who was adopted into the Hamato Clan. But according to Baxter Stockman, Splinter, or Hamato Yoshi as he was called back then, had betrayed Shredder, taking the woman he loved. When I had asked Lily about it, she had told me Tang Shen was Yoshi's wife and had already made her choice.

Then Shredder had started to learn about his skills in ninjutsu. I, unfortunately, discovered that Stockman had also told him about the Turtles, April, Karai, and Casey. Shredder had still believed Karai was his daughter and was determined to get her back.

After I rode my stallion to Japan today, I hid among the trees, praying that my Gondorian armor would not give me away. I snuck around and found the burned down dojo.

Suddenly, I wasn't alone. I sensed someone following me. And then I sensed two blades coming my way. I dodged out of the way and drew my sword, facing my new opponent.

I was very surprised at my small but swift opponent. She was a humanoid fox, wearing purple armor and what looked like a tiger's tail around her waist like a belt.

"What is your name?" I calmly asked her.

"My name is Alopex. And you are trespassing!"

She charged at me and we dueled together. She was fast, faster than me. But my mind was faster and I was able to keep up with her. But while I was fighting her, I saw glimpses of her past.

She was mutated as a little girl with another boy, a brother, perhaps. She was part of the circus and then she was an assassin. She blamed her brother, who had mutated into a tiger, and she had cut off his tail. But then I saw the most important aspect of her life that I may use to my advantage: Alopex has met the Turtles and helped them with a crisis.

"Wait, Alopex, I do not want to fight you!" I yelled. "There might be a way for us to work together!"

"You are a spy!" Alopex shot back. "Why would I work with a total stranger?"

"My name is Anna Swan of Gondor and I'm a friend of the Turtles!"

We swung our blades one last time at each other, missed each other, and froze in place. Alopex no longer looked angry.

"You know the Turtles?" she asked with surprise. "How?"

"That's a long story."

Alopex put her blades away.

"I have time. That is, if you have time."

I chuckled.

"You had me pegged. The Shredder has been reborn and I am spying on him."

"I am, too."

"Then, perhaps we may spy together," I suggested.

"And perhaps you may tell me how you know the Turtles," Alopex replied with a grin.

I told Alopex my story as we slowly crawled around the trees and into the dojo. We became fast friends with a newfound respect for each other because of what we learned of honor.

"Shh, listen," Alopex whispered.

"Is there anyone else I need to know about, Stockman?" Shredder asked.

"There izzzz one other," Stockman buzzed. "Lilianna Hamato, Donatello'zzzz daughter."

I gapped my mouth open in shock. Shredder now knew about my best friend, and perhaps the most dangerous of the Turtles' children.

"Did I miss something?" Alopex asked in a whisper.

"Wait," I hushed her.

"Lilianna goezzz by another name," Stockman continued. "Aumanil, a psychic who can manipulate your mind to sssspeak the truth."

"So this Lilianna Hamato has psychic powers," Shredder replied. "Just like--"

"April O'Neil. Yezzzz, Sssshredder, Lilianna izzz April'zzz daughter."

"What? Donatello and April created a child together?"

Shredder cackled.

"Are there any other children, Stockman?"

"I don't know, ssssir," Stockman answered.

"Find Antonio," Shredder demanded. "Ask him to spy on the Turtles. Perhaps they are still in hiding in the sewers. Lilianna and any other children of the Turtles must be destroyed."

That was our cue to leave.

"Anna, this is the same Lilianna who took you in, isn't she?" Alopex asked.

"Yes, one and the same."

"We need to warn her!"

"Wait!"

I had sensed we were followed.

"We need to be extra stealthy," I whispered to Alopex.

"Let's separate," Alopex suggested. "Where do you live?"

"San Diego."

"Let's meet there. I'll draw them away. Any place in particular?"

"Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. Let's move!"

Alopex went out to create a diversion. I used my ninjutsu skills to safely get out of Japan with my water stallion. Alopex eventually joined me, running alongside me.

San Diego, California, USA

LILIANNA'S POV

I took the portal to the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park with Little Donnie on my back. Anna had sent me a text asking me to meet her there.

"Well, Donnie, we're here," I told my son. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

Donnie giggled, and I chuckled.

"What a way to finish your first year of life, isn't it?"

I set my backpack down and held Donnie in my arms, gazing out at the sunset.

"Look at that, Donnie."

I glanced at him as he gazed at the sunset in awe.

"Ah?" Donnie asked, pointing to the north.

I glanced in that direction and found Anna striding in on her water stallion. To my surprise, she brought a companion with her.

"Anna! Who is that?"

"This is Alopex," Anna introduced her with a smile on her face. "Alopex, this is Lilianna Hamato and her son Little Donnie."

I carefully bowed to Alopex, and she bowed to me.

"It is an honor to meet you, Lilianna," Alopex spoke.

"The honor is all mine, Alopex. Please call me Lily."

"Anna has told me all about you."

"I wish I could say the same," I replied. "But I know very little about you."

"I helped your father Donatello many years ago," Alopex explained. "He is very intelligent. I met Anna during one of our spy missions. We have news for you, Lily."

"The Shredder now knows of you, Lily," Anna chimed in. "And he knows of Aumanil, as well."

"Does he know about my family?" I asked.

"No," Alopex answered.

"But because the Shredder knows you are Donatello's daughter, he is assuming the other Turtles bore children as well," Anna explained. "He had Stockman find some guy named Antonio to track the rest of the clan."

"Antonio's the leader of the Vizioso mob!" I angrily replied.

"Lily, you need to convince your father to leave the sewers," Alopex said with determination.

"We're not just going to talk to my father. We're going to talk to my aunts and uncles as well. You're going to need to know the entire story if you are going to help us."

May 7, 2051 - New York City, New York, USA

APRIL'S POV

I stirred myself awake and found my husband still asleep. I leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

"Wake up, sleepyhead," I said with a smile.

Donnie stirred awake.

"Hey, April."

He turned towards me and we shared a kiss.

"You know what today is?" he asked.

"Little Donnie's first birthday," I answered with a sigh. "It's too bad we can't go to Pacific Bay to celebrate with them."

"I know it's hard, April. But--"

"Donnie! April!" Mikey yelled. "We got company!"

We glanced at each other and shrugged. We got out of bed. I changed out of my yellow pajamas and into my black jumpsuit while Donnie simply put on his purple mask and belts.

We ran out of the bedroom to figure out who had come over.

"Casey, maybe?" I asked out loud.

"Lily!" Donnie exclaimed happily.

I gasped excitedly, seeing Lily with her son, Anna, and a face I hadn't seen in a very long time. But first, I hugged Lily and Little Donnie.

"It's so good to see you both," I greeted them.

"It's good to see you, too, Mom," Lily replied.

"Eh?" Little Donnie spoke with curiosity.

My husband and I shared a laugh.

"Just as curious as his grandpa, I see," I said.

"Oh!" Lily exclaimed. "That reminds me. Donnie, I'm gonna set you down, okay?"

"Oh!"

We laughed again.

"He's smart, too!" my husband said happily.

"Little Donnie just took his first steps!" Lily explained excitedly. "Donnie, can you walk to Grandma and Grandpa?"

Little Donnie showed no hesitation in walking to us with a huge grin on his green face.

"He's walking!" my husband exclaimed.

"Yay!" I exclaimed happily.

I swooped up my one-year-old grandson and he laughed in my arms.

"You're getting heavy!" I exclaimed with some exaggeration.

Little Donnie laughed.

"May we get in on the action, too?" Anna asked.

"Of course," my husband answered with a grin of his own. "It's so good to see you again, Anna. And you too, Alopex."

"It is an honor to be alongside you again, Donatello," Alopex replied, bowing to him.

"What brings you all by?" I asked. "I mean, asides from Little Donnie's first birthday."

"We came to speak to everyone," Anna explained.

"Then that is what we shall do," Leo chimed in before he blinked. "Alopex? Is that you?"

Alopex smiled fondly.

"Hello, Leonardo. It's good to see you again after all this time."

"Into the dojo, all of you."

Just minutes later, we were all gathered in the dojo.

"Lily, not that it's not good to see you," Raph started. "But why are you here? And what's Alopex doing back in New York?"

"Please, let me explain," Lily answered. "I asked Anna to spy on the Shredder, which is how she and Alopex got acquainted. It turns out Alopex was spying on him, too."

"Whoa!" Leo exclaimed. "Lily, why are you sending someone to spy on the Shredder?"

"Hear me out! I think there's more to Shredder's rebirth than meets the eye. Since the Turtles and two of their wives are known to the Shredder, and we didn't want to risk the Shredder finding out about me or my cousins, Anna was the best option to spy on Shredder's activities without using a portal. I'm having Wilbur do some spying as well. Anna, Alopex, why don't you tell my family what you found."

Anna and Alopex glanced at each other before revealing their findings.

"Donatello, April, I am sorry to say that the Shredder knows about Lily," Anna revealed.

"And worse, the Shredder has asked for someone named Antonio to spy on you," Alopex chimed in. "Lily explained to me that Antonio is the new leader of the Vizioso mob."

Leo closed his eyes, clearly worried about the situation.

"I'd say we run, but we've never ran before."

"We ran to the farmhouse, remember?" Mikey reminded our leader.

"The Shredder does remember you all living in the sewers," Anna continued. "Antonio will find you. Leonardo, do you have a backup plan in mind?"

"Now, wait a moment," Alopex chimed in. "I am here to help Anna spy on the Shredder. Lily assured me that I would get the full story."

"And you will get it," Leo replied. "All four of us got married after the Shredder died. Donatello married April and bore Lily, who married James and bore Little Donnie. Michelangelo married Renet and bore Athena, who married Skyler. I married Karai and we had a son, Ryan, who married Justine and has a son himself, Isamu. Lastly, Raphael married Mona Lisa and bore Venus. The four children are scattered across the country so we could keep them safe. Lily is raising her family in the city of Pacific Bay on the Pacific Coast. Ryan is raising his family in the city of Todayland in the Rocky Mountains. Lastly, Athena, Skyler, and Venus are living together in upstate New York."

"So, tell us, Alopex, does the Shredder know of anyone else besides Lilianna?" Mona Lisa asked.

"No, only Lily."

We all blew a sigh of relief.

"D, is there anything you can do regarding Antonio?" Leo asked.

"Lily, you had Wilbur do some spying too, right?" my husband asked.

"Yes."

My husband grinned.

"If the Shredder wants Antonio to spy on us, then we'll have a spy of our own. Have Wilbur spy on Antonio. Meanwhile, I'll set up security measures around the lair. Anna, Alopex, keep spying on the Shredder and report your findings to Lily. Leo is the sensei in New York City. Lily is the sensei outside."

"But we still need to come up with a backup plan in case Antonio finds us," Raph suggested.

"If we do end up going someplace, it won't be the farmhouse," Renet replied. "Athena and Venus are already occupying it."

"We may have to separate, too," Leo said.

We all gasped.

"Are you serious?" Karai asked.

"That's not a good idea, Leo," I said adamantly. "If we separate, we're gonna want to be near our children, which will increase the risk of Shredder finding them and us."

"If we do stay together, why don't we go to Oklahoma?" Karai suggested. "It was Justine's home and it's very clear the Hamato Clan are welcome there."

Anna's eyes suddenly widened.

"That reminds me. I have an appointment I need to tend to. Excuse me."

Anna activated her portal and left.

"What was that all about?" Lily asked.

"I don't know," Alopex replied. "But Anna was my ride home."

"I'll take you. Do you have a place to stay?"

"I had returned to Japan after a while. Tiger Claw had started to find me again, but I wanted nothing to do with him, so I left."

Lily raised an eyebrow.

"Alopex, I can read your mind. Tiger Claw is spying on the Shredder, too, isn't he?"

The mutant fox let out a sigh.

"Yes. Tiger Claw eventually found me in Japan and apologized for ruining my life. He had regained the honor he lost so long ago. We forgave each other and went our separate ways. Right after the Shredder was reborn, Tiger Claw found me again, asking me to help him spy on the Shredder."

"Do you think the Shredder will remember Tiger Claw?" Lily asked.

"Yes, along with the rest of the Foot Clan."

"Well, at least we don't have to worry about Chris Bradford," Mikey chimed in. "He's dead."

"Yes, but everyone was quite young," my husband explained. "Xever, Hun, Zeck, Steranko... they were all young men. They're probably in their sixties now."

"We'll just have to pray that they won't rejoin the Foot," Lily said with her fingers crossed.

"I think it's a safe bet that Bebop and Rocksteady will not rejoin the Foot," I replied. "They always complained that Shredder never paid them and treated them horribly. They've been pretty active in Russia and France."

"I'd go ask for their help, but I don't want to leave Little Donnie."

"Won't James help?" my husband asked.

"Lily, I don't think you have a choice," Leo replied. "Aumanil needs to ask Bebop, Rocksteady, and Fishface where they stand. If they do not stand with the Shredder, then ask for their help. Hun, I know, will side with Shredder as leader of the Purple Dragons. Alopex, you and Anna keep spying on the Shredder and try to find Tiger Claw. We may need his help, too."

"I already know where he is, Leonardo," Alopex replied. "I will tell Anna."

Todayland, North Montana, USA

JUSTINE'S POV

Tallulah and I waited patiently for Anna to arrive. We had just finished her wedding dress together and we had trouble keeping our excitement inside.

The bell rang.

"Anna, is that you?" Tallulah yelled.

"Yes, it is!"

We both ran to the front of the store to greet our friend.

"Hi, Anna!" I greeted her with a smile and a hug.

"Thank you both for doing this for me," Anna replied.

"Oh, we had fun!" Tallulah said excitedly. "I don't know whose dress was more fun to make, yours or Lily's."

"I think I saw pictures of Lily's dress, but what all did you do?"

"We made her gown first," I explained. "And then, all the women in the family helped sew three different-colored lilies on the dress. Excluding Lily, of course."

"It was even more exhilarating because we only had two months to do it!" Tallulah chimed in.

"What did Lily do, decide to get married right away?" Anna asked in bewilderment.

"Pretty much!" I answered. "They married right out of college and moved to Pacific Bay so Lily could go to grad school. James wanted to be with her. And now they have a baby boy together. That reminds me, his birthday's today. How's he doing?"

"Little Donnie is grinning ear to ear!" Anna answered with her own grin. "He's walking! His grandparents were so happy to see him."

"You came from the lair?" I asked with concern.

"The Shredder knows about Lily and Aumanil. Not only that, but he's sent the leader of the Vizioso mob to spy on the Turtles. Shredder is assuming the Turtles have more children."

I let out a sigh.

"That's wonderful," I said sarcastically. "That's absolutely wonderful. Ryan's gonna go through the roof."

"You know the Hamato Clan is always welcome at our place," Tallulah suggested. "We've always protected our family from danger."

"Karai suggested Elkhorn as well," Anna replied. "She already knows how welcoming your father is, Justine."

"The Turtles may have to separate," I suggested. "But Donnie would absolutely have to go to Todayland because that's where his job is. Leo would go to Elkhorn because he now has family there."

"I know Mikey pretty well," Tallulah replied. "He'd fit in more here."

"And I can see Raph trying to be involved in a Western," Anna said with a chuckle. "I'll suggest this to them later. But, um, my dress?"

"Oh!" I exclaimed. "Right! Well, come on back!"

Tallulah and I led Anna to the dressing room.

"Your dress is in stall one," Tallulah told her.

"Hannon le."

"Huh?" I asked.

"It's thank you in the Elven language. Excuse me."

Anna disappeared into the stall.

"I can't wait to see her in it!" Tallulah whispered giddily.

Anna let out a delightful gasp.

"I think she likes it," I whispered back.

"Do you need help, Anna?" Tallulah asked.

"It's a zipper, so I think I got it. Thanks!"

"Let us know if you need our help!" I yelled.

We waited a few more minutes before Anna emerged from the door in her wedding gown. Tallulah and I both gasped. Anna was absolutely stunning!

Tallulah and I had made Anna a fit-and-flare dress. Her torso was fitted with long white sleeves barely on her shoulders. The skirt was flared. Tallulah and I had stitched dark blue leaves alongside the hemline of the skirt as well as along her neckline.

"Now turn around, Anna," Tallulah told her.

She turned around so we could see her back. Tallulah was quite the artist and was somehow able to stitch an illusional back side with the White Tree of Gondor stitched onto it. The zipper evenly split the tree in half.

"There's one more thing," I said.

I got into another dressing room and pulled out a dark blue cloak with the White Tree of Gondor on it, and this would serve as a replacement of a wedding veil. I put it over Anna's back. The bride-to-be, with her long red hair down, spun around and admired herself in the mirror.

"This is beautiful!" she breathed in awe. "And thank you for including Gondor in this. I don't know what my dad would say if he was here."

"We kept your father in mind, actually," Tallulah replied.

"We knew you loved each other very much," I chimed in.

"I'm amazed you managed to include the White Tree in your stitching," Anna continued. "I don't know how I can pay you - I mean from the actual payment, of course."

"Anna, this is enough," I told her. "Just keep making the world a better place to live."

"So where are ya getting married?" Tallulah asked with a gleam in her brown eye.

"The Smoky Mountains."

"Really?" I replied. "Why there?"

"After seeing the beauty of it when we celebrated your bachelorette party, I wanted to go back and get married there. Thank goodness, Jasper agreed!"

"Is it a destination wedding?" Tallulah asked.

"No, an elopement. It'll be just me and Jasper, his parents, his sister, and Donatello officiating."

"You're going to have no one represent you?" I asked with a frown.

"No. It's supposed to be intimate."

"Sweetheart, you gotta have someone stand with you!" Tallulah said with worry. "But I wouldn't know the first thing about an elopement. You, Justine?"

I shook my head as I did an internet search on elopements.

"No, Anna's right," I finally spoke. "She and Jasper have every right to have only each other and Donatello there if they wish. Was inviting the Cranes to come along your idea or Jasper's?"

"We decided together," Anna answered.

"But Anna, what about your family?" Tallulah asked "Your family's dead and right now, your officiant is as close to family as you can get. Please, invite another one."

Anna pondered for a moment.

"Maybe I can have Lily help me with the hair. We've been there for each other. She was there when I first came here. She came to my graduation and I helped her birth her son. I'll invite Lily to come along. Hopefully she won't be mad that it's the last minute!"

May 8, 2051 - Pacific Bay, California, USA

LILIANNA'S POV

I was driving to work when the phone rang. I glanced at it and found Anna calling me. I set it down and kept driving, learning my lesson from a long time ago.

I got to work and called Anna back.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Anna. Sorry I couldn't pick up earlier. I was driving."

"Gotcha. Hey, I was calling because I wanted to invite you to my wedding next month."

"Next month?!" I yelled. "Anna, that is way too soon! Why are you asking me this just now?"

"I'm sorry, Lily, but Tallulah and Justine helped me think better about who should be at my intimate wedding. Listen, your dad's officiating and he's the closest I got to family right now. And you, we've always been there for each other. Granted, I've never gone to your wedding because I was still in Gondor, but I was there when your son was born. Will you please, at least, think about it? Having no one representing me at my wedding sounds kind of depressing."

I frowned, understanding Anna's dilemma.

"Yes, I'll think about it and talk to James about it."

"Thank you. Talk to you soon."

We hung up. I clocked in at my office and then I went to my boss's office.

"Lily?"

My boss, Chief Toussaint, looked up and smiled at me.

"Lily! What can I do for you?"

I giggled.

"I need to take a long weekend next month. Can you help me make that happen?"