Hi everyone! First off, I want to thank you so much for the love and support just by reading my stories. That is enough for me to put a smile on my face. But I'd like to request that when posting reviews on any of my stories, please do not leave your contact information. A reader review is not the place for it. The point of reviews is to praise or criticize one's work, to teach us writers to improve and make our stories better. A simple "I love it, keep it up," review is enough to keep me going. It always has been. Heck, please message me requests for "Hanashi!" I always welcome story requests, whether I can do it or not.

Meanwhile, I apologize for the delay. I had no problems writing the first half of this chapter, but then the second half deals with the Westport High School election for president and I realized I need to go through the "Class Act" books again to be more concise with the timing. So, instead, I've been coming up with ideas and putting them into words in "Gondor's Grace." I also started a new story, a prequel to this one: "A Story Like No Other." Please head on over there to those two stories and tell me what you think.

Lastly, Little Donnie is making a debut! This is not the first time I have created part of a chapter in his POV, but this will be interesting to tell, him being a 10-year-old freshman.

Welcome back to "Lilianna," and enjoy this chapter!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything related to "Meet the Robinsons" nor "TMNT," nor do I own Sum 41's "Noots." I only own Karena, Diana, Wesley, Athena, Lilianna, Little Donnie, and Mika. Lily's new baby may or may not be born in this chapter.

September 8, 2060 - Westport, Connecticut, USA

DIANA'S POV

I ate breakfast with my family and then Caleb picked me up to go to school. But words could not express my feelings at what I saw.

"What's with the crowd?" I asked as my boyfriend helped me inside the building.

"Haven't you heard?" Caleb answered with a smile. "We have a new student. He skipped a few grades to be here and he's enrolled as a freshman."

I blinked, and right before my eyes, little Donatello Hamato was putting his backpack in his locker. My classmates looked at him in awe. He may be small, but he was dressed like a casual young man, wearing denim jeans, a baggy purple shirt, and a black beanie to cover his bald head.

"Hi, Donnie."

He turned towards me and smiled.

"Hey, Diana. Why are you surprised?"

Right, I thought. He's psychic, too. I rubbed my neck and accidentally dropped one of my crutches.

"I... um, didn't think I'd see you here so soon," I explained awkwardly.

"You did suggest testing me at high school level to my mom," Donnie replied. "Russell tested me and now, here I am."

"That was fast," I mumbled. "Lily must be really stressed."

"Mom's been stressed ever since Dad died. She's growing a baby and at the same time, she's going to work and trying to do everything for us."

New York City, New York, USA

LILIANNA'S POV

After our morning huddle, I went into my office and got myself settled in. I logged in, and I suddenly felt pain inside my abdomen. I yelped out and clutched onto my baby bump.

"WILBUR!"

One second later, Wilbur rushed into my office.

"Lily, are you okay?"

"Get my dad, NOW!"

"Okay!"

Wilbur ran out and I continued to breathe, hoping that this wasn't pre-term labor. But the pain never went away. Thankfully, within five minutes, Wilbur returned with my dad.

"Lily!" Dad exclaimed, rushing to my side. "Are you okay?"

"It hurts," I spoke, still clutching to my belly.

"Come on."

My dad carried me out of my office and into his. I felt Wilbur following close behind. He laid me on the table and examined me. He suddenly had a look of panic on his face.

"Lily, you're bleeding."

I gasped.

"What?"

I started to cry.

"The good news is, we caught it early," Dad explained. "I can try to save the baby. But Lily, regardless of what happens, I am ordering you not just as your father, but also as your doctor, to take it easy until the baby is born."

"Just save her, please!" I pleaded with him.

"Wilbur, I need corticosteroids from the cabinet. I'm going to put pressure on her vagina to try to stop the bleeding."

"What are you talking about?" Wilbur asked with panic.

"It's labeled on an IV cord."

Wilbur glanced in the cabinet as my pains continued. My dad took off my undergarments and I suddenly felt pressure, which felt quite painful. I then felt a small stab in my left arm and after a few minutes, I started to calm down. My dad continued to put pressure at the exit.

"There!" Dad wearily exclaimed. "The bleeding stopped. Whew! Now let's examine the baby."

I lifted up my dress to expose my belly. I felt more sensitive this time around, and I felt the coldness of the gel. Thankfully, I could hear the baby's heartbeat.

"The baby survived," Dad said. "Thank goodness. But clearly, she's stressed. I'm going to put you on bed rest until she's born."

"WHAT?!" Wilbur and I exclaimed at the same time.

"How is Lily supposed to take care of her children while staying in bed?" Wilbur asked.

"Yeah!" I chimed in. "Donnie's only ten!"

"I'd stop by, but I'm already making housecalls to Diana regarding her broken leg. Wilbur, please take Lily home."

"Uh, about that," Wilbur replied, holding his finger up. "Russell was our ride."

Dad rolled his eyes and let out a sigh.

"Never mind. I'll take her. I'll let Karena know she'll need to pick Mika up from school. Donnie started his first day at Westport High, so that should not be an issue."

Westport, Connecticut, USA

WILBUR'S POV

I was helping Karena do the laundry when I heard knocking at the door. I glanced up to see my daughter standing there.

"What's up, Diana?" I asked.

"Can we talk?"

"Sure. I need to talk to you anyway."

"Oh!" Diana exclaimed, wobbling into the room. "Well, then you go first."

"No, no. You're my child. You will always be first. What's on your mind?"

"I saw Little Donnie at my school today."

I gazed into her brown eyes and saw a mixture of confusion and surprise.

"And?" I prompted her.

"I was surprised to see him there. But he sat alone at lunch, so I invited him to join me and my friends."

"So why are you doubting him? Wasn't it your idea for Donnie to be tested in the first place?"

"Yeah. It was just weird seeing him. He's so small and so young. I'm worried he'll be talked about in a rumor or something."

"Diana."

I sat down and patted the bed, having her join me.

"Have you ever been the subject of a rumor?"

"Of course."

"And what did you do?"

"I investigated for the truth."

"Besides that. Did you ignore it or did you talk to someone about it?"

"I spoke to my friends."

"Then that's what Donnie needs to do," I explained. "If you can show him you can be trusted, he'll come to you. And it sounds like you're doing that already."

Diana smiled.

"Thanks, Dad. Now, what were you going to talk to me about?"

I sighed just as Karena and Wesley walked into the bedroom.

"Lily almost lost the baby today."

"Oh my gosh!" Diana and Wesley gasped at the same time.

"Donatello's put her on bed rest until the baby is born."

"I picked up Mika from school today because of it," Karena explained. "Kids, Lily's going to need our help taking care of her, Donnie, and Mika."

"I'm afriad I won't be able to do much of anything," Diana replied.

"That's okay. In fact, it may be best that you're with Lily. She's going to need moral support."

"So will I. We can support each other."

"I'll make breakfast and bring it over."

"Actually, Karr, I think it's best if we made breakfast at Lily's," I suggested. "Use her food and her dishes. Wesley, can you help with the dishes?"

"Why do I have to do the dishes?" he whined, crossing his arms.

"Because if you don't, you'll be grounded."

"WHAT?!"

"You heard him," Karena sternly replied, crossing her arms. "Maybe you can have Donnie help you. I can have Mika help me make breakfast."

"What would you like me to do?" I asked.

"Drop Mika off at school? Caleb's already coming over to pick up Diana. Maybe he can take Donnie with him. Then I can take all the kids home after school. We'll all have dinner together in Lily's room and then we'll all go home and get to sleep."

"How long do we have to do this?" Wesley whined again.

"Wesley Wilbur Robinson, I do not know where this disrespectful attitude came from," I angrily replied. "But it needs to stop right now. This is about helping our friends and we need to do it together. And it will take us as long as Lily needs us. If you do not help us like we have asked you to, so help me, I will ground you for the entirety of this, which is two months. Am I making myself clear?"

Wesley rolled his eyes.

"Feels like I'm grounded anyway."

I had enough. I pointed a finger.

"Go to your room! Now!"

Wesley growled and marched off to his room.

"What's with him?" Diana asked.

"I don't know," Karena said, scratching her head. "Wesley doesn't usually act like this. Let me go talk to him."

Karena walked out, leaving just me and Diana in the room. We shrugged. Despite her struggles, she helped me finish the laundry.

September 9, 2060

LILIANNA'S POV

I woke up to small kicks inside my uterus. I smiled, feeling thankful my baby was alive. But then I frowned, feeling saddened that I was now stuck at home for at least three months. I started to cry.

Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder and I yelped.

"Whoa, Lily, relax! It's Diana."

I gasped. Diana was sitting right next to me on the bed.

"Diana, I'm so sorry. I didn't see you there."

"Are you okay?"

I sighed.

"This is all my fault. It's my fault James died. It's my fault I'm the most wanted by the Foot Clan. It's my fault-"

"Lily, this isn't going to help you or your baby," Diana calmly interrupted me. "This is not your fault. The Shredder took away someone you loved. He's going to keep taking away people you love until you crumble. That's how he tried to take Splinter out. But the night James died, you never gave in. You distracted Shredder and you saved lives, like you always do. And now..."

Diana put her hand on my bump.

"James has given you another life. What would he say if you had lost that?"

I smiled, and I laughed at myself.

"He'd ask me what I'm doing to myself and ask me why I'm wasting my life away. I'm trying to be everything for everyone. But this baby has shown me I can't do it all."

"Then, please let us help you," Diana replied kindly. "I know you're hesitant about asking for help, but Lily, you are part of a family that loves you and would sacrifice their lives for you. They'd want to help you if they're able. And that applies to me and my family, too."

We heard knocking. I saw Little Donnie at the door with a smile.

"Diana's right, Mom. Okay, Wes!"

I gasped at what I saw next. Wesley carried a tray of breakfast over to me.

"What is all this?" I asked.

"Your dad told me everything," Karena explained. "The four of us decided together to help you. Please do not worry."

"And if you ever need anything, your mom said she'd drop everything and come help you," Wilbur chimed in.

I felt so surprised that I almost cried.

"Thank you. Thank you all for your kindness."

November 5th, 2060

I heard knocking on the door and I saw Diana standing there. I gasped happily at the sight.

"Your boot is gone!"

"Yeah!" Diana replied excitedly. "Your dad was impressed at my progress. Anyway, my family and I are going to the play. Did you want to come with us?"

I rubbed my huge baby bump.

"No, thank you, Diana. I'm not up for it tonight. But I'm happy to hear you're all going to support your new friend."

"Friends," Diana corrected me. "I've known Rory for a while now. He and Amy are going to be amazing!"

"Mom, can I go to the play with Wes, please?" Little Donnie asked.

"Of course, you can," I answered. "I hope you'll all have a good time!"

"We will," Diana replied happily.

Shortly after my children left with the Robinsons, I started to feel contractions and my water broke. I got out of bed in between them and started to fill the bathtub with water. I had decided on a water birth this time to try to help me with the pain. What I hadn't counted on, however, was my contractions coming quite rapidly. I had a feeling I was going to have the baby within the hour.

After I got back in the bedroom, I got my phone and called my dad.

"Donatello."

"Dad, you need to come here, now!"

"Lily! Oh my goodness, are you alright?"

"I'm fine right now, but my contractions are very tense and coming very quickly."

"How far apart are they?"

"Four minutes."

"ARE YOU SERIOUS?! Why are you just now calling me, Lilianna Mae?!"

"Dad, I felt nothing until half an hour ago!" I snapped back, not appreciating my father's tone. "This is all very sudden, and the most important thing that needs to happen is you driving down here, and not another word!"

I hung up. I was amazed at two things: that I yelled back to my father and how I managed to make it to the baby's due date.

I felt another contraction starting and I moaned in pain. I moaned even more when I felt pressure from the baby.

"No, no, no!" I yelled. "Please wait another hour!"

I tried to breathe my way through the contraction, but it hurt. I slowly made my way back to the bathroom and got into the tub full of warm water.

"Oh, James," I moaned. "Please be with me now. Please help me give birth to this life you've given me."

Another half hour had passed, and then my strongest contraction started. I felt lots of pressure. At that point, I could not wait for my father. I was on my own. I started to cry, feeling so alone with my pain.

"James, please!"

I felt another contraction with a strong urge to push. I pushed as much as I could without yelping out in pain. But...

"AAAAAAUUUUUUUGH!"

I breathed in and out to try to calm myself down. The baby was already crowning, and it was only my second push. I remembered what my dad told me and I stopped pushing. Then I looked up.

"Oops."

I had released a psychic blast, and now there was a hole in the roof. I glanced around the bathroom and found my phone... on the sink.

"Siri!" I yelled. "Call Donatello!"

"Calling Donatello..."

I waited a moment until my father answered, though it was faint.

"Donatello."

"Dad, hurry!" I yelled. "The baby's coming and now there's a hole in the roof!"

"There's a WHAT?!" I heard him yelling.

I moaned loudly at the next contraction and I pushed. I felt the baby's head fully out. Remembering everything my father and Venus had done, I placed both my hands around her, and I continued to bear down and push. I pushed one more time, and then I pulled her up to my chest.

DONATELLO'S POV

"Lily? LILY?!"

I heard her moaning in the background as I continued to speed my way into Westport. Then I heard the first cries of my newest grandchild.

"LILY, ARE YOU OKAY?" I yelled into my phone.

"YEAH!" Lily yelled. "WE'RE OKAY! NOW, HOW FAR AWAY ARE YOU?"

"I JUST GOT INTO WESTPORT. HANG IN THERE, LILY!"

I hung up the phone and kept driving until I got to Lily's. I noticed her car was the only car in the driveway, which meant the Robinsons were elsewhere.

"Donnie," I breathed in realization. "Mika!"

I hurried out of the Party Wagon and into the house.

"D!" I yelled. "MIKA! LILY?"

"Dad, we're up here in the bathroom!" Lily yelled back.

I hurried up the stairs, carrying my bag with me. When I got into Lily's room and then the bathroom, I gasped in awe at the sight. Lily was lying in the bathtub, holding the baby close to her chest. She had a huge, proud smile on her face.

"Lily?"

She glanced over at me, her bun now in a messy state, but she smiled at me.

"Father!"

I walked over to them and glanced down at the baby.

"Dad, meet Vaia Aru Hamato. Vaia, this is your grandpa."

"Vaia!" I breathed and then smiled. "That is a beautiful name. What does it mean?"

"Life."

I glanced down and saw the placenta in the water. I got into my bag, got out the clamps and scissors, and I cut the umbilical cord.

"I cannot believe you did this all by yourself," I said in awe.

"I didn't really have a choice," Lily replied. "Labor came and went very quickly."

"Speaking of which, where is everybody?"

"The Robinsons went to the play at Westport High and Donnie and Mika went with them. They've been such a big help to me the past couple months. They deserved to have the night off."

"Speaking of which," I spoke while examining Vaia. "How's Donnie handling high school?"

"He's been doing really well, actually. Diana and her friends took him in, and he's made some friends with this Lookout group. It's helped his self-esteem and his grades."

"I'm happy to hear that."

I glanced at my daughter, who now had a frown on her face.

"Lily, are you alright? Are you thinking about James again?"

"No, Dad. I'm thinking about you, actually. I want to apologize."

"Apologize? What for?"

"For not trusting you about Armageddon," Lily explained. "I guess... every time I see you or talk to you, I still feel like I'm a little girl who hasn't learned anything. I keep having this feeling that you're going to scream at me, no matter what I do."

It was my turn to frown. I walked over to her and handed the baby to her.

"Lily, I'm sorry I made you feel that way. I really am. I have been an overprotective father and I regret that."

"No, Father, don't regret it. It is because of your overprotectiveness that I am alive. It's my fault. I took you for granted and I felt that I could do everything on my own. These last couple months helped me see it."

Lily sighed.

"The truth is, Dad, I do need you. I need your help to stop Armageddon from happening."

"Tell me everything you know, and your uncles and aunts, and your mom and I will do everything we can."

KARENA'S POV

After the play ended and Diana had her chance to talk to her new friends, we made a beeline to Lily's house not just to drop off her children, but also to see how Lily was doing.

"Wait," Wilbur spoke. "The Party Wagon's here."

It only meant one thing.

"Donatello's here," I replied, then I grew concerned as I parked the car. "I hope Lily's okay!"

The six of us ran out of the car and into the house. It was pitch black in the house, except for a small amount of light coming from Lily's room.

"I guess we're going upstairs," Wilbur said. "Donnie, Mika, why don't you two get ready for bed?"

"Yes, sir," Mika replied.

"What should we do?" Diana asked.

"You and Wesley wait right here," I answered. "Wilbur, let's go."

Wilbur and I snuck into Lily's room, and then we quietly gasped. Lily was in her bed holding her new baby with a fond smile on her face. Her father was sitting in a chair next to her.

"Psst!" Wilbur whispered. "Lily!"

Father and daughter glanced at us and continued to smile.

"You made it back!" Lily said quietly.

"Yeah. Donnie and Mika are getting ready for bed and Diana and Wes are just outside by the stairs."

"Do you need us to do anything?" I asked.

"Please send Donnie and Mika in here," Lily requested. "They should be the first to meet their baby sister."

I squealed with delight.

"It's a girl! Oh, how wonderful! What is her name?"

"Shh, later."

Wilbur and I walked out of her room and went our separate ways. I knocked on Mika's door.

"Who is it?"

"It's Auntie Karena!"

I smiled. Neither Wilbur nor I had siblings. When Lily introduced me to Mika as 'Auntie Karena,' my heart had just melted. Lily had always considered Wilbur as the brother she never had, so it had honored me that I could call Lily my sister.

Mika opened the door and I saw her dressed in her pink pajamas.

"Is Mommy okay?"

"Yes, Mommy is okay. She had the baby."

Mika gasped and laughed giddily.

"Is it a boy or a girl?"

"Why don't you find out?" I suggested.

Mika ran down the hall and knocked on her mother's door. Shortly after she got in, Little Donnie followed her. Wilbur and I met up with each other and then with Diana and Wesley.

"Is Lily okay?" Diana asked.

"She had the baby," Wilbur explained.

"Oh my goodness! Can we go see her?"

"Let's give Lily and her children some privacy," I suggested. "If she needs or wants us, she'll let us know."

The four of us went down the stairs and I poured all of us glasses of milk. Then, Donatello came down the stairs.

"How long have you been here?" I asked the purple-clad turtle.

"I got here at eight o'clock. The baby was already born. Based on the time Lily called me while giving birth, I'd say the baby was born at seven forty-four."

"So, we pretty much left Lily alone in the most important time of her life right now," Wilbur replied, smacking his head. "Now I feel stupid."

"No, don't say that," I consoled him. "Lily wasn't experiencing contractions all day. They must have started after we left. We felt confident she was going to be okay."

"Lily did tell me over the phone that the contractions had come rather quickly," Donatello explained. "They were four minutes apart when I called. Before I knew it, the baby was born. To my surprise, the baby was perfectly healthy."

"Why were you surprised?" Diana asked.

"I probably shouldn't have been, to be honest," he answered with a chuckle. "Lily has always surprised the people around her with her abilities. Tonight, she birthed her daughter by herself with no complications. She knew exactly what she was doing, even if she had mourned for James during her labor."

"I was wondering about that," Wilbur replied with a frown. "I can't imagine being in her shoes. Karr, what would you have done if you had lost me?"

"Oh goodness, Wilbur!" I moaned. "Had this been before Diana was born, I probably would have no hope and killed myself. But now, I'd do what Lily has done: cope and move forward. It's what you would want me to do."

Suddenly, the phone rang. Wilbur took it out and answered it.

"This is Wilbur. I'm at Lily's. She just had the baby."

He suddenly gasped.

"Oh, crumb! I totally forgot about your retirement party! Umm... maybe Karena and I can stop by in an hour. Okay. See you soon. Bye."

"Wait, who's retiring?" I asked.

"I honestly forgot myself," Donatello chimed in. "Lily had called with such urgency that I headed straight here. Amy's retiring from T.I.M.E. Renet is taking over as the new chief of the Temporal Crimes Decision. And..."

There was an awkward silence as he gazed at my husband.

"Wilbur, is there something you want to tell us?" I asked in a singsong voice.

"Well..."

Wilbur hesitated before he continued, rubbing his neck.

"Renet interviewed me and chose me to replace her as the new team coordinator."

"Oh my goodness!" Diana and I exclaimed together.

"This is wonderful news!" Diana said, hugging her father.

"You've been at T.I.M.E. for fifteen years now," I chimed in. "You deserve this."

We then heard a phone vibrating. Donatello glanced at his T-Phone and smiled.

"Lily wants all of you. I'm going to go to the party and explain everything to Amy. Hopefully she'll understand."

"Amy's usually understanding about this stuff," Wilbur assured him. "I think it'll be fine. And besides, she's not retiring until Christmas. So I'll have plenty of opportunities to see her and ask for advice."

The four of us made our way up the stairs and into Lily's room to join the other four.

"Hey, guys," Lily greeted us.

"Hi, Lily," I replied. "How are you feeling?"

She laughed.

"I feel surprisingly energetic. I've been stuck in bed for the last two months. Now that the baby's born, I kind of want to go outside and walk around."

"We can watch Vaia for you if you'd like," I offered.

"I'll go outside with you, Lily," Diana said.

"Thank you."

Lily handed the baby to Wilbur.

"Wilbur, meet your goddaughter, Vaia Aru Hamato."

"The words for life and sun," Wilbur replied fondly. "You chose a great name for her."

"Can I ask you something, Lily?" Wesley suddenly asked.

"Sure."

"Why didn't you name her Jamie?"

The red-haired kunoichi frowned.

"I can understand your thinking, Wesley, and I have thought about naming the new baby Jamie. But when the thought fully hit me, I cried. It's too painful to think about."

"We understand," I replied.

"Come on, Lily," Diana beckoned her.

Lily took her goddaughter's hand and they went down the stairs together. Meanwhile, I glanced at the baby in Wilbur's arms and examined her.

"She's just like her sister," I whispered in awe. "She looks fully human."

"But maybe Vaia will be different," Wilbur replied quietly. "Maybe she'll have her mother's red hair."

"Considering her middle name, that would make sense."

Wilbur and I continued to love on Vaia. By the time Lily came back inside, we were all ready to go to bed. Our adventures in helping Lily were not over yet.

January 3, 2061 - New York City, New York, USA

WILBUR'S POV

Today was the start of a very different routine for me. Amy had retired from T.I.M.E. after serving as the team coordinator and then the chief for 36 years. As a result, Renet was promoted into Amy's position and I was promoted to the team coordinator position, so that meant me getting to work by eight in the morning instead of nine. Thankfully, Amy and Russell chose to stay in Westport as the latter showed no interest in retiring. As a result, Amy offered to take care of Vaia while Lily went to work. I spent November and December training my replacement in the world of history.

While Lily was on maternity leave, she caught me and the rest of the Hamato Clan up on what she found in Ashley Faris's apartment. Prior to James' death, Lily had found files called "Armageddon," likely indicating a plan to end the world. She heavily believed the Foot Clan, the Vizioso mob, and the Purple Dragons were all involved. Thankfully, our first step to dissolving the plan was putting Ashley behind bars for good, which happened, thanks to Anna Swan's help. Now, our focus was to find evidence to pin against Hun, Antonio Vizioso, and the Shredder. Despite Raphael's expertise as a former detective, it was easier said than done.

After I clocked in, I met up with Renet, my new boss. She helped me refresh my memory on what all I needed to do as the team coordinator and then we spoke about our Christmas vacations. Renet and Mikey ended up going to Hawaii so the orange-clad turtle could experience surfing, which he absolutely loved. I, with my family, returned to Todayland and spent Christmas with my folks. We also caught up with Justine, Ryan, and Isamu, who were all doing very well. We learned that Isamu himself had started high school and Ryan returned to work as a security officer. Justine never changed. She was the same kind-hearted cowgirl who loved horses and taking care of them and her family. Karena and I also had a laugh when Isamu expressed jealousy that his cousin Donnie was also a freshman in high school.

Before we knew it, it was time for our morning huddle. Renet and I walked out of our offices and into the conference room that was set up for us. Once everyone made it in, Renet cleared her throat.

"Hello, everyone! It's great to be back, and welcome back to those who also took a break for Christmas. You have all worked so hard this year, especially in putting Ashley Faris behind bars. Now, we have some changes to the team that are taking effect today. As you all know, Amy has retired and I have taken over as the new chief of the Temporal Crimes Division. With me, we have our new team coordinator, Wilbur. And Wilbur, don't you have some other news you would like to share?"

I stood up and smiled proudly.

"Yes. But first, Lily, on behalf of the team, welcome back. We hope you're well-rested after Vaia's birth."

"Thank you," Lily replied with a kind smile.

"But now, onto my big news. Replacing me as T.I.M.E.'s historian is our favorite teacher, Athena Hamato. The good news is, Athena will be tackling on teaching, researching, and translating all at once."

"Oh, Wilbur, stop!" Athena replied with a blush. "But in all seriousness, I'm honored to officially be part of the team while still doing what I love."

We finished our huddle and then I met up with Lily and Athena in the latter's office. I glanced around, feeling a little nostalgic. This gigantic library was no longer mine, but I felt proud it was passed down to someone who loved history just as much as I did.

"How are two of my favorite girls doing?" I asked.

Athena blushed again.

"Is Wilbur always like this?" she asked her cousin.

"Some things never change," Lily answered with a wink. "But this is going to be just like old times when we trained in the lair."

"Only it's not Leonardo being the leader. We have Wilbur and your father, Lily! We have Donatello!"

Lily chuckled, and then she glanced away.

"Lily, are you alright?" I asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just wondering how the kids are doing."

Westport, Connecticut, USA

LILIANNA'S POV

The four of us sat at the table. My main priority was making sure Vaia was fed, so I held her close to me while Donnie and Mika ate their steaks and vegetables.

"Hey, Mom," Donnie spoke. "Is the table a good place to talk about politics?"

"Absolutely."

"What's politics?" Mika asked.

"Well..."

I paused, having a little trouble explaining the process.

"Politics, Mika, is a branch of life where you discuss policies around the globe. You, a citizen of the country, vote on who gets to represent you, and he or she talks to other representatives about your beliefs."

"And what does that mean?"

"Say you believe in the power of free speech. You vote for a leader who also believes in free speech, and that leader preaches that belief around the world to those who do not believe."

"So these leaders can ask for world peace?" Mika asked with a glimmer in her blue eyes.

"They can, but, unfortunately, not every leader believes in peace. That's why we still have wars today."

"That stinks!"

"Yes, Mika, it absolutely does stink. But that's the world we live in. Donnie, what did you want to know about politics?"

"Well, the school is holding an election for school president," Donnie explained. "There's going to be an assembly tomorrow to help us decide who we are going to vote for. Do you have any advice?"

"It all depends on what you believe in, Donatello. What would you like in school?"

"I love that Diana included me in her friend group because she believes in my intelligence. Her friend Emma helped me find the Lookout group and I've never felt so involved in my entire life."

"Donnie, you're only ten!" Mika said with a laugh.

"So?"

"Anyway," I sternly chimed back in. "So you are looking for a school president that will back you up for who you are, correct?"

"Yes. But all the candidates are different! How will I know who to choose?"

"Pay close attention to what they say and their body language. Body language especially speaks volume about one's position."

January 4, 2061

We reunited at the dinner table. This time, dinner was hamburgers and mac n' cheese.

"So, Donnie, how did the assembly go?" I asked.

"It was very interesting," Donnie answered with a grin. "There are now five candidates running for school president. First is Lorenzo, who just wants to keep everything as it is. He didn't seem to know what to say."

"He sounds like another pretty face," Mika chimed in.

"Aurora!" I sternly replied. "Do not judge a book by its cover."

"Huh? What does that mean?"

"It means do not assume things based on appearance. People can surprise you. Please, go on, Donatello."

"Well, then there's Morgan," Donnie continued. "She's all about anarchy and how she wants to overthrow school government. Myra, a friend of Diana's, wants to help everyone find love."

He grinned again.

"But then, there's Rory and Adam. Rory is advocating for the school arts, like drama, band, chorus, art classes. Adam is advocating for the sports. They both seem to care about their fellow classmates and their well-being. I might stick with those two for now, but I don't know who to vote for."

"I take it you have time?"

"Yes. The election is in February."

January 6, 2061

LITTLE DONNIE'S POV

Today's homeroom was dedicated to the upcoming school election. This time, the candidates were going to participate in a debate moderated by the current student president, Maria Flores.

After I put my books in my locker, I made my way to the auditorium. When I got there, I found Diana and Caleb waiting to walk in.

"Hi, guys!"

They smiled at me.

"Hey, Donnie," Diana replied. "Would you like to sit with us?"

"Yes, please!"

I blew a sigh of relief.

"It felt so awkward sitting by myself the other day."

"Hey, never be afraid to come find us," Caleb encouraged me. "We're friends here."

I followed them into the auditorium and took a seat next to Caleb. I looked ahead... and found Lorenzo's girlfriend on the stage making out with him.

"Do they have to do that there in full view?" I asked in annoyance, rolling my eyes.

"That is why I respect Diana in more private places," Caleb replied. "Although, we are in a dark enough place where no one can see us."

"Caleb!" Diana exclaimed with giggles. "Not in front of Donnie!"

"Thank you," I chimed in.

I looked ahead again. Myra was making faces at her friends in the front row while Morgan was writing something on her arm, looking bored to be here. And then, I saw Adam and Rory smiling and laughing together.

"Whoa!" I exclaimed quietly. "Rory and Adam look so confident. It looks like they came prepared."

"They look incredible!" Diana replied.

"I wonder where they got their clothes from," Caleb said.

Suddenly, Maria emerged from behind the curtain and walked up to the microphone with a grin.

"As the outgoing student body president, it's my pleasure to act as moderator for this debate. And I hope that the incoming president will treat the office as seriously as I did. So let's get to it! When it comes to budgeting for prom, Lorenzo, let's actually start with you."

"What's a budget?" Lorenzo asked with confusion.

"Organizing your money," I quietly spoke, shaking my head, while Rory answered him.

"Oh! It's all going to the dance!"

"But how will the money be spent?" Maria asked.

"It'll all go to the venue!"

Myra spoke about holding prom at the beach and setting up a matchmaking booth. Morgan talked about having prom at a skate park and having everyone dressed in T-shirts and jeans. Then, Rory and Adam pitched their ideas, especially regarding the dessert.

"I've known Rory a long time, yes," Adam spoke with a confident smile.

"Careful, Adam," Rory teased him. "Don't make me talk about the ice cream sundae mishap of 2051."

"Hey, you started that!"

We laughed together. Maria moved on to the school rules next and asked the candidates had anything they wanted to change. Morgan did not hesitate to speak up.

"I just think student government is oppressive and my first act as president will be-"

"Oppressive?" Rory shot back. "But weren't you part of Principal Isa's hall monitor gang last year? If you believe in anarchy, why back Isa's outrageous policies?"

"Yeah!" a girl shouted from the front.

"He's right!" another boy shouted.

I tapped Caleb on the shoulder.

"What happened?" I whispered.

"It's a long story."

I glanced back-and-forth between Diana and Morgan. Morgan glanced around nervously. Diana, meanwhile, looked like she was about to cry. I glimpsed into her mind and saw her fears of being expelled from the school and going to jail. I frowned, but then...

"Nope, I'm out," Morgan announced, walking off the stage and hastening to the back of the auditorium.

"I guess that means Morgan has withdrawn her candidacy?" Maria asked.

"Thank goodness!" I exclaimed quietly.

My mind stayed with Diana as the other candidates chimed in about the rules. I didn't pay much attention to the debate until...

"No, I'm not!" Lorenzo shouted.

"Yes, you are!" Myra teased.

"Nuh-uh!".

"Yeah huh!"

"Guys, the question was about assigned parking spaces," Maria chimed in, clearly annoyed.

"That's a thing?" I asked.

"Will you be driving by the end of high school?" Caleb asked me.

I pondered for a moment, doing the math.

"No. I'll be fourteen by the time I graduate."

I spent the next part of the debate imagining myself learning to drive. I wondered if my grandpa would be the one teaching me or if it would be my mom. Suddenly...

"I never said that, Adam," Rory defended himself.

"But you implied it!" Adam argued. "You implied that the arts deserve more money than sports."

"I just mean-"

"You'll both have a turn to answer in a moment," Maria interrupted Rory. "But first-"

"And what?" Adam angrily continued. "Sports aren't civilized?"

"Bashing each other and throwing balls into hoops isn't exactly Shakespeare," Rory shot back.

"It's that sort of 'us against them' thinking that I'm trying to change."

"That's a good point!" Sydney's voice rang loud and clear from the audience.

"I want everyone at this school to be part of the same team," Adam continued calmly. "We're in this together, whether we play on the field or support in the stands."

"And athletes have always been so accepting!" Rory said sarcastically.

I crossed my arms, taking offense at that. I knew exactly who I would stand up for.

"Are the rest of us going to get a chance to respond?" Myra asked impatiently.

"Yes," Maria answered. "Rory and Adam, both of your times were up a while ago."

But Rory and Adam continued to exchange heated debate, not giving anyone else a chance to chime in.

"It is now time for closing statements. Rory and Adam?"

"Just that I'll do everything I can to make sure you don't win, Adam," Rory angrily stated.

"Same," Adam shot back.

I shook my head and walked out among the applause. I started to wonder if skipping grades was worth this. I walked alone to my locker, grabbed my banana and books, and went to my next class.

January 19, 2061

I had decided to spend the next two weeks getting to know myself. After the debate a couple weeks back, I ate my lunch outside in the cold before I was invited to go skateboarding with some older students. Needless to say, I was quickly accepted into the group. I had impressed Morgan, the leader of the group, with my skateboarding skills. In fact, I had impressed myself, as I had never skateboarded before; my time was always spent in either books or ninjutsu.

I started to spend more time with this group of students during lunchtime and it was the perfect way to blow off some steam when classes got rough. I had tried hard to not involve myself with politics after the debate. However, I could not help myself last week and ended up buying some cookies, brownies, and cupcakes for my family.

Today, after the first three hours of classes, I went to the cafeteria and got in line for some pizza. To my amazement, it was packed!

"It must be too cold to go outside," I said out loud. "I wonder if Diana's available."

I eventually made my way to get my pizza. Suddenly, a song started to play over the speakers.

"Okay, that's different."

Then, I recognized it.

"Kryptonite? Seriously? I LOVE this song!"

I watched Rory getting on top of a table and every single person turned towards him.

"WHO'S READY TO DANCE?" Rory yelled with joy.

His friends joined him on the ground and everyone around me started to pull out their phones and take pictures. I shook my head. While I loved the song, I was not interested in dancing.

"Right into our trap!" one of the dancing girls yelled. "Er, harmless performance!"

I was trapped. I glanced around to find an escape and there wasn't one. I looked back at Rory, who encouraged everyone to join in on the dancing.

"Nice try," a girl with long red hair yelled. "I am not doing that."

I blew a sigh of relief. I was happy I was not alone.

"This is crazy!" another student yelled.

"Diana, here!" another dancing girl yelled, pulling my friend into the flash mob.

"Yeah!" Diana shouted excitedly, swaying her hips. "This rules!"

As more people joined in, I finally found an escape route by the emergency door.

"Yahoo!" Lorenzo shouted.

"Boo Bear, you can't!" Amber yelled. "It's a publicity stunt for Rory!"

"I knew it!" I yelled.

I suddenly felt confused as I looked at the blonde girl dancing with Rory.

"Wait a minute," I thought out loud. "Wasn't she at the bake sale?"

I felt inspired to walk up to her and ask her what her motivation was for supporting two candidates. But I continued to feel trapped as I tried making my way up to her.

BANG!

I turned towards my escape route. Another group of students came flooding in with pool noodles!

"Oh, no!" I cried.

"Hey, Amy!" Adam yelled excitedly.

"We thought we'd join the party!" a taller girl yelled.

There was now both a flash mob and a pool noodle fight, both happening simultaneously in the cafeteria. I suddenly wished I could hide. And then, I started to disappear.

"Huh?" I asked, looking down at my now-invisible hands. "Oh, right! I can turn invisible! Maybe I can get out without people noticing."

"Supporting Adam is supporting school spirit!" Emma yelled.

I turned fully invisible and made my way among the two crowds, making sure I don't bump into anyone.

"YEAH!" Caleb shouted. "GO WESTPORT ATHLETES!"

"Take that!" Frank yelled, almost bumping into me!

I tried my hardest to remain quiet and remain stealthy. I glanced around and saw that I would have a better chance of escaping with the flash mob. I walked towards the dancers as I saw the red-haired girl throwing a pool noodle at the blonde one. She looked torn between dancing with the flash mob and fighting with a pool noodle. I felt sorry for her. She ultimately decided to ditch the pool noodle and continue dancing. Just as I made my escape, the song faded away and the bell rang. When I saw both groups dispersing and walking towards my direction, I gasped. I went around the corner and turned visible again, not aware that my clothes were visible the entire time.

"Man, I hope no one saw me," I said out loud.

"You really have some nerve, crashing into my flash mob like that!" Rory shouted from the cafeteria.

"Oh, don't take it personally," Adam shot back. "It was just the right thing to do for the campaign."

Suddenly, Adam started to walk my way and all I could do was stand there with my mouth gapped open.

"What are you staring at?" he angrily asked me.

"Nothing," I answered sheepishly, glancing at the ground.

Adam let out a sigh.

"I'm sorry. I'm just..."

"Stressed?" I asked.

"Yeah, exactly."

We stood there in an awkward silence.

"Well, see you later, umm..."

"Donnie."

"Donnie," Adam replied before his face lit up. "Oh, Donnie! You're that kid who skipped grades to be here."

I chuckled sheepishly, rubbing my neck.

"Yep! That's me!"

"We should shoot some hoops sometime," Adam suggested with a smile. "See you around!"

I blinked as he walked off.

"Shoot some hoops?" I asked out loud as I stood by the stairs alone. "Why would anyone want to shoot some hoops with me?"

Realizing I was on the opposite side of where my locker was, I ran through the cafeteria and made a beeline to my locker.

January 20, 2061

LILIANNA'S POV

Mika, Donnie, and I ate breakfast together at the table.

"Hey, Mom?"

"Yes, Donatello?"

"Is it okay if I walk to school by myself today?"

"Absolutely not. It is too cold. And you are too young."

"Mom, I'm in high school."

"But you are only ten years old, and you are a turtle. You'll freeze!"

"Ten-year-olds walk to school alone all the time," Donnie shot back.

"Why are you arguing with me?" I angrily asked.

"And I have a warm winter hat, gloves, and a heavy coat. I'll be fine."

"No, you won't, Donatello. You are not walking to school alone, and that is final. Do you understand?"

"Why?" Donnie yelled. "Do you not trust me to be out on my own?"

"There will be no yelling at this table, young man," I shouted over him. "Now, sit down!"

"No! I've had enough!"

"DONATELLO!"

He huffed, left the table and went up the stairs.

"Donnie!"

The door to his room slammed shut.

"What's wrong with Donnie?" Mika asked.

"I don't know," I answered honestly. "I'd better go find out. Please watch Vaia."

I went up the stairs and opened my son's door without knocking.

"Donatello Akihito Hamato, do you mind explaining what that attitude was about down there?"

"I have go get ready for school."

"You are not going to school with that attitude," I sternly told him. "Now what is wrong?"

"I just want to be alone."

"Why?"

"Because I'm weird and invisible."

"Who told you that?"

"Nobody."

"So you told yourself?"

Donnie looked at me with glassy eyes before he turned invisible.

"See this, Mom? I was a freak before with my being a mutant turtle. Now I can become a pile of clothes with no head! The only way I can walk around invisible is to run around naked!"

I chuckled, glancing at the floating clothes. And then I put a hand on his shoulder and stared him in the eyes with my powers.

"You are not invisible, Donatello. And you are not a freak. You are my son. You are human. And you are absolutely wonderful just the way you are. Anyone who doesn't think so is a fool."

He turned visible and smiled at me.

"Thanks, Mom. I'm sorry I yelled at you."

"Is school frustrating you?"

"No, it's confusing me. Yesterday was full of weird things. A flash mob dancing to Kryptonite. A pool noodle fight. Then Adam asking me to shoot hoops with him, whatever that means."

"Sweetheart, Adam wants you to play basketball with him sometime."

"Wait, me? Why?"

"Adam must see something in you. Why not take him up on his offer?"

"Come to think of it, there's this girl who was supporting both him and Rory at the same time. Maybe I can ask him about it."

"You could."

"Mommy! Caleb's here!"

"Oh, shoot! Donnie, you gotta go! Knock 'em dead, honey!"

"Mom!"

I kissed him on the cheek.

"I love you, sweetheart."

"I love you too, Mom."

LITTLE DONNIE'S POV

I arrived at school and made a beeline for the gym with Caleb. We joined the rest of the basketball team and witnessed Adam and Lorenzo shooting hoops.

"Hey, guys!" Caled yelled excitedly. "Meet Donnie."

Everyone exclaimed at my sight.

"Seriously, Caleb?" Lorenzo asked. "You brought the elementary kid?"

"Relax, Lorenzo," Adam chimed in. "I invited him here. I wanna see what he's got. Are you game, Donnie?"

I grinned.

"I've got game. Let's go!"

"Alright, it'll be me, Caleb, and Donnie against Frank, Jacob, and Lorenzo," Adam announced. "Three against three. The first to make it to ten baskets wins."

Adam put on a song and we started to play. Caleb dribbled the ball down the court and I ran alongside him.

"Today is too late. How long do we have to wait? Oh no, I think she knows. That's why I can't let go. I feel this burning inside, a feeling that no one should know. This could be so good again, I'd wait here til then."

After Lorenzo scored for his team, I had the ball. I dribbled and ran down the court with a grin on my face.

"No apologies. I never thought you'd be so easily deceived. Now I'll just hang my head."

I dribbled around my opponents, twirling my body the way I twirled the ball.

"While I walk with the dead."

But I didn't stop. I felt motivated to try the jump and dunk. I tried the jump, and then I felt myself walking and twirling on air!

"I'll just hand my head."

I slam-dunked the basketball into the hoop and landed perfectly on my feet. Everyone looked at me with gapped mouths.

"What?" I asked.

"How did you do that?" Adam asked in awe. "You're like that one dog who can play all the sports."

"Air Bud?"

"Yeah, him!"

"I could say I've been trained in ninjutsu," I answered honestly. "But this has never happened before."

"Whatever that move was, that's super dope!" Lorenzo exclaimed in awe. "You totally have to join the basketball team."

I shook my head.

"Nah. I'll stuck with my Lookout group. But I won't refuse a game of basketball if I'm ever asked."

"Donnie, we definitely want you to play with us again," Frank chimed in. "You're a cool dude."

I grinned sheepishly.

"Let's call it a morning," Adam suggested. "I want to talk to Donnie alone."

Everyone cleared out of the gym, leaving the two of us alone.

"So what do you think of the election?" Adam asked.

"Confusing. And I have to ask: who is the girl helping you?"

"Oh, my girlfriend? Erin's my campaign manager. She's been my biggest supporter since I announced my campaign."

"So why is she also supporting Rory's campaign?" I asked.

"Huh? Erin wouldn't do that to me."

"Are you sure? I'm talking about the girl with blonde hair."

"Oh!"

Adam laughed sheepishly.

"That's my twin sister, Amy. She's not just my sister though: she's Rory's sweetheart. She's supporting both of us, even if our stances are very different."

"And you're just okay with this?" I asked.

"Amy has cleared the air about where she stands," Adam explained. "She loves both of us and she wants both of us to succeed. At the end, she can only choose one of us. I actually feel bad she's in this position. I don't know how she keeps her cool with all of this."

"So what do you want out of this election?"

"I want everyone to support each other no matter what. We're a team that works very well together. We always back each other up. If a fellow student felt down, I'd want to lift them up."

"And Rory?"

Adam sighed.

"Rory seems to think we should be one happy family. But that's not how life works. All families have issues. But it's up to you and how to react to them. We can either choose kindness and teamwork or we can choose to put ourselves first."

The warning bell rang.

"That's our cue," Adam said with a smile. "Let's play again some time."

"Definitely!"

Adam and I left the gym, but I was left with more questions about myself. How did I walk on air? Is this another one of my powers?