Sorry for the lengthy time in between updates. I've been busy at work lately. I had actually written most of this chapter and then had to do research for Ryan and Justine's wedding, which fell in the last few days.

We see quite a few trials in this chapter, and I hope you'll enjoy reading each of them as much as I enjoyed writing them. And before I forget, please read and review, tell me what you think.

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

January 5, 2048 - Pacific Bay, California, USA

LILIANNA'S POV

I finished analyzing my mother's notes on her interview with Matilda Stockman in my little office next to the profiler's office. Unfortunately, all I found out about the notes was that she was an elderly woman who loved her son very much. I frowned at Baxter's uprising, now knowing he had deserved better during his childhood. He had stolen to give himself a better life, and instead, he ended up being enlisted by the Shredder and eventually mutated into a lowly housefly.

I got up from my chair, removed my brown contacts, and sat on the floor. I closed my eyes and meditated, trying to figure out Stockman's whereabouts. My meditation ended up giving me more than I expected. I discovered everything Stockman had ever done in New York, before and after his mutation, everything he had said, everything he had plotted. And, unfortunately, I had learned more about the Shredder and his ruthless ways.

I woke up from my meditation and shuddered at the way Shredder spoke. But then I grinned, figuring out where his first lab was in Chinatown.

I got up. I clocked out. I closed the curtains in my office. I turned myself to the left, and then I spun around to my right. After a few times, the sun surrounded me and I became Aumanil. Then I stopped in place.

I took out my portal and made my way to New York.

New York City, New York, USA

It was already well after dark when I arrived in the city. But thankfully, I knew exactly where to go. I flew around the city until I came to Chinatown. I approached an abandoned building. However, the door was locked. I used my telekinesis to unlock the door and I crept inside.

The inside of the building was a very open space. But I gasped at what I saw in the middle: a huge container filled with mutagen.

"All the mutagen taken from T.C.R.I.," I muttered out loud.

I took out my T-phone and took pictures of it. But then I sensed something, or rather, someone. I ran over to the container and I couldn't believe my eyes.

"Baxter, NO!" I screamed.

But I was too late. Baxter jumped into the mutagen willingly. I watched with horror as he transformed into a mixture of himself and something else, something I could not tell. Then he flew out of the vat. I quickly texted Wilbur what I saw and then he spotted me.

"Ssssso, April O'Neil, you have returned to sssstop me?"

"Stirke one," I replied with a smirk, which quickly disappeared. "Baxter, please, let me help you. I understand what all you went through and words cannot describe how sorry I am you went through all that."

"Sssssilence! Baxxxter Sssstockman will sssstop at nothing to bring back the Ssssshredder!"

"That's a bad idea, Stockman!" I warned him. "I'm going to give you one last chance to just walk away. I know a doctor who can help turn you back into a human."

"Never! I will never become a human again! I liked it better as a fly! I am ssssmarter as a fly. And you will not stop me!"

"Then I have no choice," I replied, taking out my bo staff, preparing myself for battle.

"Who are you, child?"

"Guess," I replied with a smirk.

"Umm--"

I used the distraction to my advantage and struck first. Stockman was faster than I thought. He had ended up dodging every move I made. Suddenly, he gurgled up... something, at me. I put my staff down and crossed my arms to make a shield in front of me. But it felt like acid!

"Ow," I mumbled, rubbing my head.

"Your fighting remindssss me of sssssomeone I oncccce knew," Stockman buzzed. "The only one worthy of the knowledggggge I have. He was one of thosssse blasssted Turtlesss!"

Stockman then stopped and analyzed me. I looked into whatever eyes he had and read his mind. He was thinking of Donatello, my father.

"What wasss hisss name?" Stockman asked himself. "He had a purple masssk. A sssstick."

"Stockman, I'm asking you one more time," I pleaded with him. "Come with me. I can ask a doctor to turn you human again if you take some of that mutagen with you."

"Doctor... no doctor can cure me!"

"That's where you're wrong. One has found retro-mutagen before. He can do it again."

"Retro... mutagen?"

Stockman growled.

"Donatello! He'ssss alive! Where issss he?"

"I'm afraid I cannot tell you that. I can have him come to us."

While I spoke, I telepathically told my mother to have my father meet me here.

"If you are not April O'Neil, then who are you?"

I shook my head, saddened that Stockman would rather throw away his chance at redemption.

"I am Aumanil of the Justice League."

I prepared myself again to duel with Stockman, this time with the notion to knock him out cold. But instead, I got knocked hard on the head and everything went black.

DONATELLO'S POV

"Aumanil," I said, shaking my daughter awake. "Aumanil, wake up."

Thankfully, she stirred awake.

"Where am I?" she asked.

"You're in my lab in the lair," I answered with a smile. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm not a mutant, am I?"

My smile faded away as I felt confused.

"Uh, Lily, you've been a mutant since you were born."

"So Baxter didn't mutate me?"

"No. Lily, are you okay?"

"Huh!"

Lily, as Aumanil, sat up on the cot.

"Whoa, take it easy, Lily," I warned her. "You might have a concussion."

"Baxter had every opportunity to drop me in that vat and he didn't. I wonder why?"

"I'm amazed you found him!" I replied with shock.

"I tried a different approach," Lily explained. "I meditated and found Baxter that way. Unfortunately, I got there too late. Baxter Stockman is back to his mutated form, and he did it willingly."

Lily sighed.

"Dad, I tried to reason with him, but it didn't work. He's determined to bring Shredder back."

"Oh, I know," I replied nonchalantly. "He took your portal."

"What?! How?"

"You were passed out, remember? He must have searched you and found the portal worthy enough to take."

"Well, that's fantastic!" Lily sarcastically replied. "Not only can Stockman be anywhere on the planet, but now he could also be anywhere in the Ten Dimensions!"

"Well, we're all ninjas, so we all know meditation."

"Justine isn't a kunoichi. James isn't a ninja. How would they be able to help us?"

"Now, hold on a second. Justine has agreed to be trained in the art of ninjutsu. Uncle Leo and Auntie Karai are gonna train her once she gets married into the clan."

"Okay, good. So meditation. What about Anna?"

"Uncle Leo is sending Anna on a vision quest in April," I explained. "Anna's trained all of her life, and she's trained long enough with us for him to feel that she's ready."

"Knowing Anna, I know she'll pass the test," Lily replied with confidence. "But how am I gonna get my portal back?"

"Well, you're part of the Justice League, aren't you?"

"Yeah."

"The earpiece you use to speak to your fellow colleagues is also a transport device. You may not be able to go to Dimension X anymore, but it will take you anywhere on the planet you need to get to."

"Dad, you're a genius!"

"Actually," I replied while blushing. "It was Bruce Wayne who invented those when the Justice League was formed. But anyway, now we have our work cut out for us. Once Anna completes her vision quest, we'll go to Dimension X and try to find a way to find Stockman."

April 3, 2048 - North Hampton, New York, USA

ANNA'S POV

I followed Lily into the woods at the crack of dawn. These woods very much reminded me of the Eregion realm in Middle-Earth, and it brought a smile to my face.

"Now, Anna, do you remember what my uncle told you to do in your vision quest?" Lily asked me. "What was your mantra?"

"Leonardo told me to be swift as the coursing river," I answered.

"Did he tell you that just because of your spirit powers?"

"I asked him the same thing and he explained that I focus more on my weaponry than my camouflage."

"You have much pride in your skills as a fighter, just like your father," Lily replied with a smile. "Did your mother ever specialize in stealth?"

"Yes, very much so. She knew where to hide and she knew the right time to do that."

"As a kunoichi, I was taught to be with the shadows. But you were taught to fight in the light. You need to be swift as the coursing river day and night. You need to combine the teachings of your father, your mother, and all of us. Be a woman and an elf. Be yourself. Follow your instincts. You know what to do."

We continued walking deeper into the woods until we reached a fork in the road.

"This is where we part for the weekend," Lily told me. "Kōun o!"

"Kōun o," I replied in Japanese.

We bowed to each other and then Lily turned around and headed back to the home she was raised in. Right now, I had to choose which road to travel on. I closed my eyes and listened for the river. Once I heard it from afar, I chose the right path.

I had also remembered all the tests that Leonardo had given. I had to find numerous ways to survive in nature as well as survive with it. I had to start a fire with only tree branches, which my father had taught me at a young age. I used my mother's wisdom to feed the squirrels and deer I would encounter.

Finally, night came. I opened up the backpack I had packed and took out the three blankets I had packed. I unrolled one blanket and placed it on the ground next to the Hudson River. I unrolled another blanket and placed it on top of the first. Lastly, I simply placed the third unrolled blanket on one side to serve as my pillow. Feeling exhausted but content with my day, I lied down on my makeshift bed and went off to sleep.

April 4, 2048 - Westport, Connecticut, USA

WILBUR'S POV

I heard the doorbell go off as I ate breakfast with my family.

"Who could that be this early in the morning?" Karena asked.

"Well, I can go find out," I replied.

With a grateful smile that my leg was finally healed, I walked over to the door. I opened it to see Jasper at the door.

"Oh, hi, Jasper!" I greeted him with a grin. "Come on in! We're just having breakfast."

"Ah, it's okay," Jasper replied. "I already ate. I just came to talk."

"To us or to Anna?" Karena asked with a big smile.

Jasper blushed.

"To you. Lily already made me aware Anna was on some sort of vision quest where technology is not allowed. I hope she's okay, though."

"Anna's been well-trained for this," I assured him with confidence. "I'm sure she's fine. So, what did you want to talk about?"

"My future. I spoke to my parents about it already, but I'd like to talk to people who may have gone through the same things I have."

"What about the future did you want to talk about?" Karena asked.

"Well, I want to go to grad school in San Diego to be a counselor. And I say San Diego because I want to spend more time with Anna. I was wondering what all you two had to go through to get into grad school."

Karena and I glanced at each other awkwardly.

"Actually, I never applied to grad school," I admitted. "I wanted to be a teacher and didn't think I needed a master's degree. I figured having a bachelor's degree was enough."

"I never applied to grad school either," Karena explained. "I'm in the same boat as Wilbur. I'm a teacher. A bachelor's degree was the minimum I needed to teach. Then I married Wilbur and then had a baby with him. I didn't really have the time to think about getting my master's."

"Oh," Jasper replied, looking defeated.

"Jasper, how do your parents feel about you going off to grad school?" I asked.

"They're supportive of me. And they're thrilled that I'll be somewhat close to my grandpa. Mom's already offered to pay for it."

"Well, that's nice of your mom to do that for you," Karena replied.

"Yeah. But what about you two? Would you consider getting your master's degrees someday?"

"Oh, sure!" I answered. "You've actually given me something to think about. Thanks to your mom, I'm not a teacher but a historian, and that was the best decision I have ever made. It was scary to move to a different place, but it was worth it. In fact, it's because I love my job so much I might actually think about applying for grad school."

"I might think about going back to school myself," Karena chimed in. "I've been teaching for quite a while now and I've settled in my life with Wilbur and Diana. I could go for a challenge. And thanks to Wilbur's job, I might be able to afford it."

"T.I.M.E. might actually pay for my education," I replied. "They are a government agency, after all. I wonder if they'd do the same for you."

"You could always ask my mom," Jasper suggested.

"That reminds me, didn't you already have your spring break?" I asked. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to visit for the weekend and I was hoping to see Anna."

"Uh-huh," Karena replied gleefully. "And, uh, how's that friendship going?"

"It's going pretty well, actually," Jasper answered with a smile. "We've been talking over text and then over the phone when Anna gets off work."

"Every relationship starts with a friendship," I said with a smile. "I'm glad you two are taking it slow."

I paused for a moment, going back to the subject at hand.

"If there's anyone you should ask about getting into grad school, it's Lily."

"Yes!" Karena exclaimed, backing me up. "Lily's got all the experience about grad school. She could probably tell you loads of information."

"Oh, I remember my dad talking about that," Jasper replied. "He's Lily's supervisor. He's always talking about how composed Lily is when she's turning in her assignments or when she's working on her dissertation."

"Working with a profiler does help some, I bet," Karena said.

"Lily's felt much more confident ever since Anna spoke to her about her baby woes," I chimed in.

"She still hasn't had luck?" Karena asked with a frown.

"No."

"I'm sure it'll happen soon."

The three of us, with Diana's presence, continued to talk about our futures as we finished breakfast together.

Elkhorn, Oklahoma, USA

JUSTINE'S POV

Ryan and I emerged from the portal just outside of the town, a town I hadn't seen since the summer of 2045. It was hard to believe that it had already been two and a half years since I last saw my father, and here we were asking for his help.

"Are you ready?" Ryan asked.

"No," I answered hesitantly. "But I have to do this. Just... please hold my hand."

Ryan held my hand and we walked into town together. There were lots of whispering about my return to Elkhorn.

"Justine?"

I turned to my right to find my best friend Emily coming out of the salon to greet me.

"Emily!" I exclaimed happily.

We screamed excitedly as we hugged each other.

"It's been a long time!" Emily said happily. "And you look wonderful! And who's this?"

"This is my fiancé Ryan. Ryan, this is my childhood best friend, Emily Pappas."

They shook hands. I was surprised that Emily showed no fear in shaking hands with a mutant turtle.

"So you're the guy Justine's written so much about," Emily said with pleasure. "It's nice to finally match the name with the face. And Ryan, thank you for taking care of Justine. Ever since the sheriff announced she wasn't coming back, I've been worried."

"Thank you, Emily," Ryan replied with a smile. "It's an honor to meet you. Justine's told me a lot about you."

"So what brings you two by?" Emily asked.

Ryan and I glanced at each other before I answered.

"We're here to see the sheriff. We need his help."

"Justine?"

Ryan and I turned around to find the sheriff walking behind us. He wore the same old clothes he's always worn. A yellow plaid shirt. A cow vest. Blue jeans with a brown belt and brown cowboy boots, all complete with a red bandana and a brown cowboy hat.

"Sheriff," I finally spoke, glancing down at my blue dress and brown cowgirl boots.

"Ryan."

"Woody," my fiancé replied.

"I heard you two need to speak with me," Woody replied.

"Yes, Sheriff, we do," I confirmed.

We followed Woody into the jail and sat down at his desk.

"This must be important if you're finally stepping foot in Elkhorn after all these years," Woody told me.

"Something's come up in New York," Ryan started to explain.

"New York? I thought you two were building a family in Todayland."

"We are," I answered. "But we may need your help keeping a lookout for someone."

"I'll do my best," Woody replied.

I blinked.

"Seriously? You'll help us, just like that?"

"Justine, you're my daughter," Woody explained, taking his hat off with a frown. "I've made many mistakes while raising you, but my love for you never waned. I really missed you these last few years. When I visited New York and met Isamu for the first time, I truly realized I have treated you unjustly. I had thought everything I had done was to make sure you were safe. Instead, I pushed you away. I truly am sorry. I know you'll find it in your heart to forgive me, but if you can't, it's okay. You take all the time you need."

I started crying.

"Woody, you have no idea how much I've missed you. You've hurt me. You never listened to me. I didn't feel heard. When I told you about my pregnancy, I was so scared you would hurt me, and I was right to be scared. I think I made the right decision to not see you, but now I don't have a choice. We need your help with something, but maybe you can help me rebuild my relationship with you. You're right. I can't forgive you yet. But I appreciate you taking that step to show remorse. I need you to be my father, not the sheriff."

"I promise to start being there for you. You are doing a wonderful job raising Isamu. I loved seeing him when I visited New York. He reminds me so much of you. So, what can I do for you?"

"Are you ready for a strange story?" Ryan asked.

"I'm talking to a mutant turtle," Woody replied. "How much stranger can this get?"

"Woody Pride, this is exactly what I am talking about," I said through gritted teeth. "And this coming from a former toy who had a Potato Head and a toy T-Rex as friends."

I relaxed my expression when something came across my head. Ever since he had separated from his friends and transformed into a human, he had forgotten who his friends were as toys. Knowing what Lily would do, I took some deep breaths. I no longer had the right to judge my father like he judged me.

"Kijo-i , are you alright?" Ryan asked me.

"Yes, I'm fine. Anyway, Woody, we recently became friends with a woman who has the gift of foresight. She sensed the return of the greatest foe of the Hamato Clan: the Shredder. Lily told us that the person trying to bring him back, Baxter Stockman, transformed himself back into a mutant fly."

Woody looked confused.

"So let me get this straight. I'm on the lookout for a big fly?"

"It's more like a mix of human and housefly," Ryan explained. "It'll be a big fly wearing a pink sweater, blue jeans, and black sneakers, and he also has an Afro."

"And because the mutagen also affects human physiology, it made Stockman smarter and cunning," I continued. "If you see him, he must be stopped. And if you are able to stop him, please call us immediately."

"Don't try to put him in jail or else his acidic spit will melt those bars," Ryan warned him.

"Noted," Woody replied, writing everything down. "Justine, will you or Ryan be staying long?"

"No, sir," Ryan answered. "We only came to ask for your help in watching out for Stockman. He's incredibly dangerous as a fly. And if he does revive Shredder, we're all in trouble."

Corinth, New York, USA

ANNA'S POV

I continued my vision quest alongside the Hudson River with no troubles so far. But I had noticed there was a slight wind coming from the west. I shivered a little, but I kept going.

"Adda, am I on the right path?" I asked God. "Where are you leading me to?"

Suddenly, I felt a presence, a foul presence. I glanced around, but I found no one. I gathered my bow and started to nock an arrow. I took a few more steps along the river, and then I started to see a strange sight emerging from the river.

"Orcs?" I asked out loud. "Here? How? It's impossible!"

Before I knew it, I was surrounded by orcs. I closed my eyes and envisioned everything my mother went through when she was surrounded by orcs in Osgiliath. I opened my eyes, ready to focus. I released my first arrow and only used my newfound skills as an archer to eliminate each orc.

"That was easier than I thought it would be," I said out loud. "But I remember Leonardo saying there was going to be a spiritual adversary. Perhaps I should keep going."

I continued to walk along the river. Suddenly, I heard a piercing scream. I screamed myself, covering my ears. I looked forward and I couldn't believe my eyes: it was a Ringwraith!

"That's impossible!" I screamed. "Sauron was destroyed 200 years ago! You should have gone with him!"

"You fool!" the Nazgûl exclaimed. "It is not yet your time."

"Get out of here!" I yelled, drawing my sword. "You are in my way!"

"Obey, or you will see the worms this night."

I yelled out a battle cry and made contact with the Ringwraith. We battled for what seemed like hours, our swords clashing with each other. I twirled around and so did the Nazgûl. I remembered my training with my parents and my new friends, and it dawned on me that I saw this fighting style before. Suddenly, I heard something that sounded different.

"Help me!"

"What?" I exclaimed. "I don't think so!"

We continued our combat along the river. After a short time, the Nazgûl said it again.

"Help me!"

"Who are you?" I demanded. "Show yourself!"

I flipped backwards and activated my light powers, swinging my sword over my head like my mother taught me. I felt lightning all around me, and then I finally touched the rays of the sun with my sword, showing the face behind the Nazgûl's mask.

Words could not describe how I felt when I saw him. I felt so afraid. I felt shocked. I dropped my sword as I stared at his face.

"That's impossible!" I exclaimed, starting to cry. "You're dead. And you were never a Nazgûl to begin with!"

"Help me!" my father screeched, holding his sword up above his head, preparing to strike me.

"NO!" I screamed.

I rolled over, grabbed my sword back, and blocked my father's blow.

"You. Are. Not. My. FATHER!" I yelled.

The last thing I wanted to do was fight my father. But somehow, he wanted to fight me. So I continued fighting.

"You haven't learned anything, Anna!"

"That's bull and you know it!" I snapped back, blocking another blow.

"Then you will die!"

"Be swift like the coursing river," I heard Leonardo speaking to me.

I remembered a chant my mother taught me to awaken the waters. I recited it twice, raising my sword up above my head. I felt the waters of the Hudson River surrounding me and my spiritual adversary. But suddenly I saw a vision when I gazed into my "father's" eyes.

"I cannot harm him," my father wearily said, dropping his sword.

"He is immune to your power," I heard my mother's voice. "He created you. The Elves held back his enchantment with their artifacts so he could not turn you into one of his kind. But his fell power still lives within you, embedded deep upon the tip of a Morgul blade."

"Then I shall remove it."

I heard screaming inside his mind. I finally figured out what was wrong. While his body had physically healed, his soul hadn't. He died peacefully, but here his soul was troubled.

I screamed in return, plunging my sword into the ground between us with the waters still surrounding us. I placed my hands on his face inside the hood.

"I am free of you, creature," my father spoke.

"NOW FACE ME!" I screamed at the same time he did.

I gazed into his soul and worked up my light magic to save him. After a few minutes had passed, I felt myself flying backwards and forcefully hitting the ground. I heard the waters returning to the banks of the Hudson River.

I closed my eyes. And then I opened my eyes. I no longer saw a Ringwraith. Instead, I saw my father, wearing his fountain guard Gondorian armor with his copper red hair and black cloak flowing with the wind. He let out a deep breath, finally smiling and opening his blue eyes.

"Anna," he spoke warmly, holding his arms out.

I cried again, running into his arms. He closed the embrace, holding me as if he was real.

"How are you here?" I asked, the tears still falling. "What just happened?"

"You saw someone I could have become," Father explained, putting his hands on my shoulders. "Had your mother not intervened in my journey on Middle-Earth, I would have become a wraith and destroyed the world of Man. But perhaps my soul was still dark after all that time."

"No, Father," I assured him. "This wasn't a test just for me. You were tested, too. I think... I was meant to see a different part of you, to see all the pain you carried. But we both passed the test, and now you're free, Father."

I let out a sigh, sitting on a nearby boulder. My father ended up joining me.

"What happened, Father, after you died?"

"My soul wandered. My soul surrounded you for one hundred years while you watched my body turn to dust. When you ventured through a portal into Earth, I went with you, and even there, your mind was clouded in shadow, with grief, and so was my soul."

My father paused to frown.

"It pained me to see my little one so lost, so afraid, longing to see me again. But when you started to believe in Jesus and become more confident, I felt confident, too, that you finally found your calling here. But God told me I had to participate in one more test before I can enter paradise for eternity."

"My vision quest. But how did you know? Did Leonardo call you?"

"Yes. Actually, Leonardo spoke with Jesus, though he doesn't know it. Leonardo is not a believer. I still had darkness in my soul, and it was used to test you. Perhaps I, too, was tested, like you said. And I believe I have passed the test. I am ready to go home."

"Father, I still have so much to tell you," I pleaded with him. "I still have so much to ask you."

"Anna, I am only holding you back. I held you back in Gondor. Now you need to let me go and live your own life. You will never have to worry about me. Where I am going, I am safe. You cannot join me yet. This is only the beginning for you. But, daughter, you are never alone. My soul was with you all this time, but now my spirit will be there, guiding you to where you need to be. Thank you for saving me."

I started crying again, not ready to let him go. I couldn't lose him again. I felt my father pulling me into his arms again, and he rubbed my right shoulder, resting his head on mine.

"I will always love you, Anna of Gondor, my daughter."

"I love you too, Adda. I will never forget you."

We rose. My father gazed down at me one more time, wiping my tears away with a fond smile on his face. Our foreheads touched. Then, I watched him ascend to the skies. And then he was gone.

I turned around and found a set of armor on the boulder. But it wasn't just any set of armor. It was my fountain guard armor from Gondor. I smiled through what's left of my tears. Right then and there, I changed out of my mother's blue dress and golden armor and into my Gondorian armor.

But there was one more piece of the puzzle: the Gondorian flag. I found a long branch that fell from one of the trees and held the flag up on it. I'd find a replacement later. Now knowing, again, that my father was with me in spirit, I started the trek back to North Hampton.

April 5, 2048 - North Hampton, New York, USA

LILIANNA'S POV

"Do you have any advice for me?"

I poured peach tea for myself and my friend Jasper, who surprised me by driving all the way to the farmhouse by himself for all hours on end.

"Do your research," I suggested. "And apply to more than one school. And I say that because only one school would accept me."

"I remember my dad talking to me about that," Jasper replied, sipping his tea. "That wasn't fair that all those schools rejected you just because you're a mutant."

"I almost didn't get married because only Pacific Bay would take me. James had been accepted to a school in New York and was prepared to be with me there."

"Was that why you suddenly decided to get married?"

"I had actually turned his proposal down because long-distance relationships do not work. But then James told me that my dreams were more important than his and that he would follow me and be with me no matter what, so I said yes."

"That's why I want to go to school in San Diego," Jasper replied. "Ever since I met Anna, I can't get her out of my head. I've wanted to be with her since. Sure, we're friends right now, but I think she is my future. And Pacific Bay is too far away, though I could spend the weekend with Grandpa Crane if I wanted to."

"I'm sure he would love that," I replied with a fond smile. "It sounds like you've already thought this out."

"I had help from my parents, Wilbur and Karena, and now you."

I raised one eyebrow while smirking, now knowing the true reason why Jasper drove all this way. Suddenly, I heard a horse neighing in the distance.

"My horse is back in Pacific Bay," I said with confusion.

"Do you have any neighbors?" Jasper asked.

"Not for another five miles," I answered.

I grabbed my purple jacket and followed Jasper outside to the backyard. In the distance was something I thought only happened in movies. It looked like a water stallion was headed our way with a rider on her. The closer this stallion got, the more recognizable the rider became. It was Anna, now wearing platinum armor bearing Gondor's white tree, black leggings, a black undershirt, and a black cloak. Her braid was undone, and now her long red locks were flowing with the wind.

Once she approached the barn, she got off her stallion, which ran back to the waters of the river. With a grin on her face, she started running to us. Jasper ran to her. They met in an embrace. I jogged up to them to continue to watch the moment unfold.

But words could not describe what unfolded. Jasper ran his fingers through Anna's red hair. They pulled apart momentarily. Anna caressed his cheek... and then pulled him in for a kiss. My jaw dropped as Jasper kissed her back. Before the moment ended, I quickly took out my T-phone and snapped a picture of their kiss.

"Anna--"

"Jasper, I love you."

My jaw dropped again. This was the boldest I had ever seen Anna. I had decided now was the time to make my presence known and cleared my throat.

"Oh, Lily!" Anna exclaimed, clearing her throat. "I forgot you were standing there!"

"I just got caught up in the moment," Jasper said with blush in his cheeks.

"Uh-huh," I responded with a smirk. "Come on inside, you lovebirds."

I followed Jasper and Anna inside and I made Anna a cup of tea.

"So what did you find?" Jasper asked.

"My father's soul," Anna answered.

"What does that mean?" I asked.

"My spiritual adversary was my father as a Ringwraith, what he could have been had my mother and her people not intervened when he was stabbed with a Morgul blade. I remembered what Leonardo told me and fought my father with swiftness. But I was also able to save his soul with every tool I had. And..."

Anna started to cry, but she was smiling through her tears. Jasper put an arm around her.

"I had one last conversation with him. I had to learn to let him go so I can live my own life. But now I know his spirit is with me instead of his soul. And somehow, he left me with my armor."

"No, Anna, you had that armor with you all along," I corrected her. "You wore that armor when you came to Todayland from Middle-Earth. Cornelius found it and gave it to my dad for safe-keeping. Then my dad gave it to me to place it where you found it today."

"Anna, I cannot imagine what you have lost," Jasper told her. "But I will pray that you will find a home here."

"I already have, my friend," Anna replied. "The Hamato Clan took me in as one of their own. And Cornelius helped me find my calling here as a lawyer. I owe it all to you to help me find my footing."

"Does this mean you are ready to help us find Stockman and prevent the Shredder from being reborn?" I asked.

Anna gave me a determined glance.

"Yes. Let's do this."

May 16, 2048

DONATELLO'S POV

After Anna finished her vision quest, she joined all of us on our patrols across the country. With the help of the Robinsons, Justine, Ryan, and Venus ran all around the city of Todayland every night. Woody patrolled the town of Elkhorn as well as the surrounding cities in southeastern Oklahoma. His brother-in-law Buzz volunteered to patrol western Oklahoma.

In the west, Anna rode her water stallion all around San Diego. Lily, as Aumanil, flew all over Pacific Bay and the surrounding areas.

In the east, April and I patrolled upstate New York. Wilbur and Karena patrolled Connecticut. And the rest of the Hamato Clan scattered and patrolled every inch of New York City. Unfortunately, even with the help of the Utrom Council and the Justice League, we were not able to find Baxter Stockman here nor in the other Ten Dimensions.

Meanwhile, outside of our patrols, we had many reasons to celebrate. Diana had turned three while Isamu turned two. Athena had already graduated from Todayland University in December when she completed her student teaching. Just a week ago, Venus graduated with her degree in horticulture and did not hesitate to get a license to start her business as a florist in New York City. But Venus was not the only one to graduate last week. Justine also walked across the stage twice to get her nursing credentials and to get her master's degree. From what she tells me, she would work as a nurse at Todayland Hospital when she returns from her honeymoon and then go back to school to get her doctorate so she can become a veterinarian.

And now, today, we were finally going to celebrate Justine's marriage to Ryan at the farmhouse. I was going to officiate the ceremony instead of Leo due to the circumstances. Justine and Ryan had decided to combine their backgrounds and have a part-Japanese, part-American wedding.

Thankfully, my dress code was easy: a black bow tie. I had to help the men of the wedding dress, and it was interesting. All three men wore kimonos. Wilbur and James both expressed awkwardness as they had never worn kimonos before. But they wore their favorite colors and they were content. Ryan, as the groom, wore white.

Suddenly, I heard knocking on the door. I turned and, to my surprise, I found Woody. I sensed Ryan glaring daggers at the cowboy.

"Donatello, may we talk?" he asked.

"Uh, sure!" I replied awkwardly.

Woody and I walked out of the room, down the stairs, and outside to the backyard where the ceremony would take place.

"What's up, Sheriff?"

Woody let out a sigh.

"For the first time in my life, I don't know."

I raised a brow.

"Woody, you came all this way from Oklahoma. But wait, were you on the guest list?"

"No, but I came anyway. She's my daughter, Donnie. I can't just sit there and not watch her get married. But we're still not on good terms with each other. What if she sees me and pushes me away? I probably deserve it."

I scoffed, crossing my arms.

"Yes, you do," I replied, now ranting to him. "You weren't there for her when she needed you. You didn't support her when she tried to go school in Elkhorn. You didn't support her when she went away to college. And most importantly, you didn't support her when she revealed she was pregnant. No, you screamed at her and told her she could do better. Your daughter had every right to leave you off the guest list."

"I... I know," Woody replied hesitantly, looking down before looking back up at me. "Wait, how do you know that?"

"Justine willingly told me everything. And when she did, I made the promise to step in if you weren't going to be the father she needed. And ever since she told you she was expecting, Leo became the father she needed. He's been there for her all this time after she disowned you."

"I know."

"So how do you propose you fix your relationship with Justine?" I asked, this time putting my hands on my hips. "It's her wedding day. The last thing she would want is someone who has hurt her showing up on the best day of her life."

"Please just give me a chance to talk to her," Woody pleaded. "I know what I did was wrong. If Justine doesn't want me there, then she'll tell me."

I raised a brow in suspicion.

"Alright, fine. I'll let you talk to your daughter."

Then my brows furrowed in anger.

"But let me promise you this: if you lay a finger on her and hurt her, it won't just be her kicking you out of her wedding; I will kick you off my property. I hope I'm making myself clear."

"I... I understand," Woody replied hesitantly.

"Then follow me."

I led Woody to my old bedroom and knocked on the door.

"Justine, your dad's here and he'd like to talk to you," I spoke through the door.

"What?!" I heard Lily yell from in the bedroom. "This had better be good."

"No, Lily, wait!" Justine pleaded. "Let me talk to him."

"Fine, but I'm staying here with you."

"The rest of us will meet you two downstairs," Karena told them.

Woody and I backed up before Karena opened the door. She, Venus, Athena, and Lily wore blue tea dresses with brown cowgirl boots. I was impressed Justine managed to find boots that would fit Venus, considering her physiology.

"Karena."

"Woody..."

Karena let out a sigh, putting her hand on his shoulder.

"Good luck."

Karena walked past us with Venus and Athena. Woody and I then walked in the room and found Lily, who glared at Woody, and Justine, all ready to go in a simple lace wedding dress with white cowgirl boots underneath it. Her blonde hair was down and wavy with a veil over her face.

"Justine, sweetheart, you look breathtaking," Woody said with a smile.

The bride looked as if she was going to cry, but instead she took deep breaths and let out a sigh.

"Daddy, you have no idea how many times I had dreamed of seeing you on my wedding day, walking me down the aisle with a smile on your face, finally saying how proud you were of me."

"Justine, I know I messed up," Woody spoke, now with a frown as Lily and I glanced at each other. "And I know it will take us years for us to be on good terms with us again. But please hear me out. Protecting the town, protecting others, it came to me with no trouble. I was born to do it. And I thought I could use it to protect you."

"But you went too far!" Justine yelled. "You threw me in jail because I broke the law. I was seventeen. I needed a father to guide me, not the sheriff. I will never forget that."

"Justine, what your father did was despicable," Lily chimed in. "But that is not all there is to your past. Your past is not totally tainted. In order to move forward with your future, you need to see the beauty, all those memories you created with your parents that made you who you are. I could have chosen to take everything my dad reprimanded me about to heart. I could have chosen to have a grudge against my dad like you did with yours. Instead, I chose to wash that all away. I chose to remember all the times my dad would chase me in the woods and all the times he would catch me and tickle me, showing me that he loved me. I chose to remember all the lessons my dad taught me in his lab. All the times he tucked me into bed and sang me to sleep."

Lily then walked up to Woody.

"It is never too late to change, Woody. If you truly want to change, you need to think of your daughter first, even if it means not being there on her wedding day."

Woody glanced at Justine, then at Lily, at me, and then back at Justine. With a sigh and a frown, Woody turned to leave.

"Wait!" Justine yelled out.

Lily, Woody, and I all gasped as Woody turned around.

"Weddings are about uniting two people into one," Justine spoke. "And I remember a wise man once told me that forgiveness should be given, not earned. Daddy, I forgive you, and it would be an honor if you'd walk me down the aisle and give me away."

Lily and I glanced at each other with shock on our faces.

"Are you sure this is what you want?" Woody asked his daughter.

"Yes, and no. But a wise man also told me to show compassion, and that is my choice today."

Woody and Justine hugged each other while Lily and I blew sighs of relief.

"I'm glad they were able to set aside their differences for one day," Lily whispered to me.

I took out my T-Phone and my eyes widened when I saw what time it was.

"Guys, it's time for the ceremony to start!"

ANNA'S POV

After I assisted Michelangelo with the meal, I went outside and into the chapel. I joined April and Renet in the front row. I smiled at the sight of a shrine at the altar with Wilbur and James already standing there.

"Anna, have you seen Donnie?" April asked me. "The ceremony was supposed to start by now."

"I'm sorry, April," I replied. "I haven't seen him lately. Though when I did see him, he was with a cowboy, rushing through the kitchen. Donnie looked pretty angry."

"Did you say he was with a cowboy?" I heard Leo ask.

"Woody's got some nerve showing up here after everything he's done to his own daughter," Karai angrily replied. "Justine didn't even want him here today."

"Wait, what is going on?" I asked.

"When Justine was seventeen years old, her father threw her in jail for singing in the saloon," April explained.

"Are you serious? What's wrong with that?"

"A saloon, Anna, is an establishment where people drink alcohol," Renet explained. "Justine went into the saloon illegally. Why Woody treated her like a criminal and not his daughter, I will never understand."

"I take it there are age limits to drinking?"

"Yes," Leo answered. "In Oklahoma, the legal age to drink is 21."

I shook my head.

"I understand Woody's reasonings for punishing Justine, but putting her in jail? He could have taken a different approach."

"Hi everyone," I heard Donnie greeting us.

"Donnie, thank heavens!" April exclaimed. "What happened with Woody?"

"Justine has forgiven him and he's walking her down the aisle."

"Wait, just like that?" Karai asked with a whispered shock in her voice.

"Yes, believe it or not. Justine's gained some wisdom from her time in Oklahoma. She's going to continue to set some boundaries until she's comfortable around him again."

"Well, that's good, at least," I replied.

"So where's everyone else?" April asked.

"We're just about ready," Donnie answered.

He gave his wife a kiss on the cheek and then walked up to the altar. And just like that, I heard music playing. I heard this sweet Japanese tune Ryan had picked out for the bridesmaids to walk down the aisle before Justine would make her appearance. First, Venus and Karena entered the church with their blue and white bouquets. Then the maid of honor Athena and matron of honor Lily made their entrances, carrying the same bouquets. Isamu, wearing a small black kimono, walked in carrying one wedding ring in a blue pillow, ending his trek with his grandparents. After him came Diana, wearing a blue dress, tossing light blue flower petals onto the ground. Her trek ended with Justine's mother Bo.

Then, Bo stood up and motioned everyone to stand up and turn to the door. Mikey started the bridal march. Raphael and Mona Lisa opened the doors to reveal Justine, wearing the most beautiful lace wedding dress I had ever seen. She truly looked like an elf, her long blonde hair down in waves with a veil over both her hair and her face. Next to her was her father Woody, wearing a black tuxedo with a black cowboy hat on his head and black cowboy boots underneath his pants. They walked down the aisle together. Justine was all smiles, only glancing at Ryan, who smiled and cried at the same time. I glanced around the church and everyone was in awe at how beautiful Justine was.

Justine and Woody eventually made it to the altar and hugged each other. Woody shook Ryan's hand with neither of them glaring at each other. Ryan escorted Justine the rest of the way, and all of us took a seat.

"Dearly beloved," Donnie spoke out with a smile. "We are gathered here today to witness the union of Ryan Leonardo Hamato and Justine Jessica Pride in holy matrimony. Before we begin, the bride and groom will participate in a shrine ritual, a Shinto tradition in Japanese weddings. Ryan and Justine, you will first cleanse your hands with water and then drink from this cup, purifying your heart and your body."

I sensed Leonardo smiling at the tradition. A vision played out in my mind where Leonardo and Karai performed this same ritual themselves at their own wedding in the lair. In the present, Ryan and Justine finished cleansing themselves and awaited for further instructions.

"The bride and groom have also decided to uphold a Japanese tradition at this time," Donnie announced. "They are offering fruit and sake to the Shinto gods."

Ryan and Justine retrieved the fruit and sake from Wilbur and Lily, and they laid them on the shrine.

"Now let us join in prayer," Donnie spoke again, closing his eyes. "Dear God, thank you for bringing all of us here together. Please bless the marriage of Ryan and Justine and protect them from any temptation or obstacle that will stand between them. Please guide them to love, honor, and cherish each other until you guide them home. Amen."

"Amen," we all replied.

"Do you, Ryan, take this woman to be your beloved wife? Will you love her, honor her, and cherish her for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, until death do you part?"

"I do," Ryan answered.

"And do you, Justine, take this man to be your beloved husband? Will you love him, honor him, and cherish him for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, until death do you part?"

"I do," Justine answered.

Donatello then poured sake into three cups, each a different size.

"This sansankudo ceremony is also part of the Japanese culture," Donnie continued. "Ryan and Justine, you will each drink three sips from these three nuptial cups. This first cup represents your past and gratitude to your ancestors, those who came before you."

Ryan took three sips of the smallest cup first before handing it to Justine.

"The next cup represents the present and the two of you, now intertwining your lives to live one life together."

The next cup was medium-sized, and Ryan and Justine took their sips.

"And the last cup represents the future, the health of Ryan and Justine, their son Isamu, and any other descendants that will come from their love."

Ryan and Justine took their sips from the largest cup. I smiled, appreciating this piece of Japanese culture. I glanced over and also saw Leonardo and Karai smiling fondly. And even Bo and Woody were enjoying themselves.

"Isamu, may I have the ring?" Donnie asked sweetly.

"Go on, Isamu," Leo encouraged him.

Little Isamu walked up the steps and gave the ring to Donnie.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome!" Isamu replied happily.

Everyone in the room laughed as Isamu went back down the stairs with a huge smile on his face. Donnie handed the ring to Ryan, who then placed it on Justine's left ring finger.

"This ring is a symbol of your marriage to each other," Donnie instructed them. "It is a reminder to commit to your vows for each other, of all you have learned about each other, and of your future together. Honor each other and love each other with your heart and your body."

Donnie paused and smiled.

"Now we will conduct a ceremony of the Christianity religion: the couple's first communion as husband and wife."

James took two pieces of bread and gave them to Donnie, who then gave one piece to Ryan and one to Justine.

"On the night of Passover, over two thousand years ago, Jesus gathered his disciples for the Last Supper before his death," Donnie explained. "He gave thanks, broke the bread, and spread it amongst his disciples. He told them, this is my body given for you; so this in remembrance of me."

Justine placed the bread in her mouth, and Ryan followed. Then Athena gave Donnie the wine, which he poured into two different cups for the couple.

"Jesus gave thanks again and divided the wine amongst his disciples," Donnie continued. "And he said, this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."

Justine drank the wine, and Ryan followed suit.

"And now, it is with deepest pleasure, by the power vested in me in the state of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Ryan, you may kiss the bride."

I watched Ryan lift Justine's veil off her face. He caressed her cheeks, pulled her in, and sweetly kissed her. Everyone cheered as a new chapter began.