Alrighty, here is the last chapter of the London arc! Having Lily being back in her old shell solving mysteries was an absolute blast to write. But you will have to wait to find out what the outcome is.
Yes, I imagined Knuckles being a little taller here to match Lily's height because I have already imagined what will become of them later. I think I fluctuated with Lily's height throughout the story, but her confirmed height is five feet, one inch. Because Lily can use her powers to fly, she might have flown while arguing with her dad so she'd match his height. But anyway, this first part of the chapter has Knuckles taking Lily to the only place he called home as a child. I did do my research on it and I hope I did this justice. Also, I really liked Pachacamac, so I had to bring him back here.
I have finished the next chapter, but I'm saving it until Valentine's Day. Long story short, Lily and Knuckles have the house to themselves after Karena offers to watch the kids. I'm not saying anything more. Enjoy this current chapter!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything related to "Meet the Robinsons," "TMNT," "Criminal Case: Travel in Time," "Choices: High School Story," nor "Sonic the Hedgehog." I only own Lilianna, Little Donnie, Mika, Vaia, Karena, Diana, Wesley, Roger, and Penny.
May 29, 2061 - Angel Island, Mobius
LILIANNA'S POV
Knuckles led me to a place with homes made with bricks and leaves, surrounded by trees.
"Where are we?" I asked.
"This was my home," he answered.
I gasped in awe. I glanced up. The stars and the moon were crystal clear against a dark blue sky.
"This place is beautiful!"
"No one has lived here for fifty years," Knuckles spoke. "I am amazed these homes are still standing. But they are probably now in ruins. Come."
He took my hand again and led me inside one of the houses. Something immediately caught my eye. The moon had shone onto a chest of some kind. I walked over and opened the chest.
"Whoa!" I exclaimed, taking out the trinkets. "Are these... toys?"
"Yes," the Echidna answered. "They... were mine."
I smiled fondly, starting to wonder what kind of personality Knuckles had when he was just a child. I continued to dig and examine all these toys until I felt a piece of parchment. I dug it out and unrolled it. It was a drawing of a family portrait!
"Is this you?" I asked in awe.
There were two adult Echidnas in the drawing, both covered in armor. And in the woman's arms was a small child, simply covered in a blanket.
"Yes, it is me," Knuckles answered. "And that is my father and mother."
"You look so much like your mother. You have her eyes. But you also have your father in you."
I paused and turned to him.
"You have told me how your father died. What happened to your mother?"
"It was a very sad day in our village," Knuckles explained with a frown. "My mother, when she was not nursing me, was a huntress. One day, she went out on a hunt, and she never returned home. My people had made up many stories of what had happened to her, ranging from an owl snatching her away to her dying in the field of battle to a fearsome foe. But my father never shed a single tear. Instead, he became angry and used every minute he was at home to train me."
I frowned.
"What do you remember most about your mother?"
"She was very strong and very kind. She had told me the same thing every day, even if I could not understand it. She told me, always fight with honor, and always show compassion."
Knuckles let out a laugh.
"I did not understand what compassion was until the hedgehog saved my life for the first time. But since that day, I do my best to listen before I head into battle."
"Your mother sounds like she was a very wise woman."
"My people have even said she was just as wise as our greatest enemy, Longclaw. Everyone looked to her."
His purple eyes lit up with the moon reflecting off them.
"Come!"
He led me into another room and opened another chest. He dug out a red dress with turquoise decorations along the neckline and a brown leather belt at the waist. He walked over to me.
"You are not the first person to call me Twilight," Knuckles continued with a smile. "In fact, my mother almost gave me that name because of my birthmark."
He demonstrated by putting one of his hands over the white crescent moon on his chest.
"But, in our tribe's traditions, we name our new children for their most distinguished feature."
"Which, for you, was your bigger hands!" I said in awe.
"Yes. My father called me Knuckles when I hatched."
"Hatched?"
"We laid eggs. But that is a story for another time. When I first met you, Lilianna, you reminded me of my mother. I want you to have this, to honor her."
My eyes widened in awe. I shook my head.
"Knuckles, I cannot take this. This was your mother's. I don't want to offend her."
"Knuckles."
I glanced around with shock.
"Did you hear that?" I asked. "Is someone else here?"
He smiled.
"I remember that voice."
Suddenly, a ghost appeared in the room. He was a larger Echidna, but shorter than Knuckles, and he was dressed in garments. He gave us a warm smile.
"Knuckles, my boy, it is so good to see you back home. And boy, have you grown!"
"Chief Pachacamac!"
They embraced each other with such happiness. Then, he noticed me.
"And who is this beautiful young lady?"
I blushed.
"This is Lilianna of the Hamato Clan," Knuckles introduced me to him. "Lily, this is Chief Pachacamac. He took me in and trained me when my mother died and my father went into battle."
Chief Pachacamac took my hand and kissed it.
"Any friend of Knuckles is a friend of mine."
"Thank you, Chief. It is an honor to meet you."
"Lilianna is more than a friend," Knuckles corrected him. "She is my sweetheart."
"Knuckles, my boy! You found love!"
"I know she is not an Echidna, but--"
Chief Pachacamac held his hand up and glimpsed into my blue eyes. He let out a merry laugh.
"You picked a good one, my boy! She has a warrior's spirit and a compassionate heart, just like your mother. That dress should suit her nicely."
"Chief, are you sure?" I asked.
"You may call me Pachacamac. And yes. Amythest has already granted permission for you to wear it."
"Amythest?"
"Knuckles's mother. She was named for her eyes. Now tell me, Lilianna: where does your name come from?"
"My parents gave me the name because it means the dawn of a fresh spring day. I was born at dawn 37 years ago today."
"And this second name, Aumanil, what does that mean?"
"It means compassion."
"Not only has Amythest approved of you wearing her dress, but Knuckles's father Jem has approved as well. Go try it on!"
I grinned, and Knuckles gave me a confirming nod as he handed me the dress. I stepped back, and I started another transformation, the light shining very brightly inside.
Now, I was wearing the red dress. The tiara I wore on my head was now gone, but my titanium bracelets, black leggings, and boots remained. However, my boots had turned red to match the dress.
"Something is missing," Pachacamac spoke.
"I think I know what it is," Knuckles replied.
He dug in the trunk again.
"Am I seriousy getting fashion advice from an Echidna warrior and an Echidna ghost?" I asked with a laugh.
"Lilianna, one of the warrior's greatest strengths is what you wear," Pachacamac explained. "It can either rise you up to the challenge or it can bring you down to defeat."
"Here."
Knuckles suddenly gave me a titanium tiara to match the bracelets.
"There's titanium on your home planet?" I asked with surprise.
"Not just titanium, Lilianna. Refined titanium."
"The same titanium and copper alloy you used to make your braceles," Knuckles chimed in.
"How did you know?" I asked in awe.
He shrugged.
"The fox has been teaching me a thing or two about chemistry. And I have hunted for treasure once upon a time. There is one more item that you should have."
Knuckles dug in the chest and pulled out a rope.
"This is no ordinary rope," he explained. "My father used it to stop his enemy, and his enemy could not escape it. His power is in this rope."
He then smiled with confidence.
"But you, Aumanil, also have the power to manipulate the human mind. You can be like that one superhero and force someone to tell the truth."
"That would be helpful, especially if I have trouble reaching the unconscious."
"Now this I have to see," Pachamac chimed in. "Lilianna, would you care to demonstrate?"
"Do you trust me?" I asked my beau.
"Of course."
I tied the rope around Knuckles' arms and bound him with it. I closed my eyes and transferred my psychic abilities into the rope.
"Knuckles, what is your deepest, darkest fear?"
He let out a deep breath before answering.
"Ghosts. I am afraid of ghosts."
I let out a laugh, taking a glance at Pachacamac.
"And yet, you are talking to a ghost at this very moment?"
"That is different, Aumanil. I know him."
Suddenly, my phone went off.
"Where is that music coming from?" Pachamac asked.
I answered my phone, amazed that cell service was excellent here.
"This is Aumanil."
"Lily, it's Dad. I don't know where you and Knuckles went off to, but you need to come back here now. Donnie's on the news!"
"We're on our way."
I hung up and glanced at the two Echidnas, releasing Knuckles from the rope.
"What happened?" Knuckles asked.
"That was my dad. He says Donnie is on the news."
"Do you wanna bet on the Master Emerald that it is not good news?"
"Lilianna, please, one moment."
I glanced down at the chief and he smiled at me.
"Keep Knuckles on his toes. And if you two become mates one day, you have my blessing."
I smiled and bowed to him.
"Thank you, Pachacamac. I won't let you down."
Knuckles threw a ring to open the portal back to Earth.
Westport, Connecticut, USA, Earth
Knuckles and I landed on the beach in my backyard. We ran inside and found everybody except for the children around the TV.
"Word has come in from London that a huge kid-sized turtle was spotted attending the Spotlite International Festival. Some witnesses have raised speculation that this turtle is a child of one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles."
"But the Turtles would be around sixty years old now. Would this turtle perhaps be a granchild?"
"That is very possible, Jim. Even the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles need to settle down and start their own families."
"Now, there is also speculation that this turtle has invisible powers--"
"DONATELLO!" Knuckles suddenly yelled, his voice booming around the entire house like loud thunder.
"Dang, Knux!" Sonic exclaimed.
"I was half-expecting Lily to call him down!" Dad said with shock. "But man! Knuckles has the voice for it!"
"Remind me not to get on his bad side," Wilbur chimed in.
I heard footsteps behind me and found Little Donnie coming down the stairs.
"Yes, Dad?"
"Did you use your invisibility in London?" I asked, putting my hands on my hips.
"Umm--"
"The truth, Donatello," Knuckles sternly reminded him, also putting his hands on his hips.
"Yes, I used my invisibility," Little Donnie answered. "But I swear it was for a good reason."
"We need to discuss this, just the three of us," I suggested. "Dad, can you text me if anything else pops up?"
"Absolutely."
Knuckles and I took our son outside and we sat on the chairs.
"What happened in London?" I asked.
"You know how the staff was stolen?" Donnie explained. "Well, first, I used my psychic abilities to find that the staff was in the Fairfield penthouse. After Amy and Rory retrieved a keycard to get in the room, I used my invisibility to take the keycard and sneak in. I found the staff blended in with the tree and used my powers to bring it down. But we were caught. I used my invisibility to protect my friends and to escape. But a woman rammed into my force field with her wheelchair and caught my hand. We would have been caught for sure if Ajay's... mother's boyfriend hadn't helped us."
"Donatello, with great power comes great responsibility," I reprimanded him. "And that also involves protecting your identity."
"Were you spotted using your powers?" Knuckles asked.
"Yes, Cory and Kitty spotted me."
"How much do you wanna bet they're the ones who reported Donnie to the news?" I asked my beau.
"You keep mentioning the word caught," Knuckles told Donnie with keen observation. "If the staff was yours in the first place, why were you framed for the theft?"
"Because the students from Fairfield are A-list actors!" Donnie answered with a glare. "They will say anything with the correct tone to place the blame on someone else and get things their way. They tried scaring us out of competing earlier this quarter because they wanted to keep first place to themselves."
Knuckles and I glanced at each other and we both let out a sigh.
"So, what's going to happen now?" Donnie asked.
"Well, for one thing, you're grounded," I answered. "You exposed yourself to your enemies and almost got caught because of it."
"Are you kidding me? Dad?"
"Sorry, Donatello, but your mother is right. You were careless. And I doubt you were alone, which means there are more people that know of your powers. We will do some extra training so you can learn responsibility."
"Mom, is that going to be my punishment?"
"Yes. And you and I will do extra training as well."
I felt my phone vibrate. My dad had texted me.
"Apparently Channel 6 News is aware that Aumanil is my daughter and they believe Donnie is her son. Unfortunately, Donnie has been framed for stealing the prop at Spotlite and Westport's victory is in jeopardy. You better clear this up fast."
I groaned.
"What happened?" Knuckles asked.
"Donnie's framed for stealing the staff because of his powers."
"Are you kidding me?" Donnie yelled. "It was our staff! If I could see Cory right now, I'd punch him in the face!"
"Donatello Akihito, you will do no such thing!" I sternly replied.
"None of us is going to do anything right now," Knuckles calmly chimed in. "We need to chill out. Being angry is not going to solve this problem. Once our minds are quiet and still, your mother and I will discuss how to resolve this and prove your innocence."
"It is time for you to go to bed anyway," I said. "It's late."
"But there's still a party!" Donnie replied.
"I believe the party is over," Knuckles responded. "Go on, Donatello."
We all sighed at the same time. We walked inside and wished everyone a good night. After changing back into Lilianna Hamato, I sat down on the couch with Knuckles and he held me in his arms.
"What are you going to do?" he asked me.
"The Spotlite venue and the hotel have cameras."
"Would each individual room have cameras?"
I pondered this for a moment.
"You're right. They wouldn't unless someone inserted a spy cam."
"Would Fairfield do that?"
My eyes widened.
"Yes, they would! Donnie did mention they tried their hardest to keep first place. I wouldn't be surprised if they did use a camera to frame Donnie for theft. As for Spotlite, they used a very prestigious theater. There's probably cameras everywhere, but I would need to hack into them somehow."
"How?" Knuckles asked. "You would have to work for the government to have that kind of access."
I grinned.
"I do work for the government."
"Wait a minute."
We suddenly pulled apart.
"What exactly do you do for work?" Knuckles asked with a perplexed expression.
"I am a profiler for the Time Investigation Management and Exploration Agency, T.I.M.E. for short. I study the criminal mind. In my line of work, I analyze psychological clues and handwriting samples from both the present and the past. We specialize in preventing crimes from happening via time travel, which is why we never discuss our cases outside of work. But you may be onto something, Knuckles. I work at the headquarters in New York City. Since its founding, it has expanded worldwide and there is a headquarters in London."
"That is where G.U.N. Headquarters is as well," Knuckles replied angrily. "If word of this got to them, Donatello is in trouble. They say they are there to protect the planet from alien threats. But they are a threat to us, even after we have solemnly vowed to keep the universe safe with our powers."
"I take it mutants are a 'threat' as well?" I spoke. "I wonder if I can travel to London and get help from their chief to help me prove Donnie's innocence."
May 30, 2061 - New York City, New York, USA
WILBUR'S POV
"Absolutely."
Lily looked at me with surprise, blinking quite a few times.
"Really? You'd let me go to London just like that?"
"Lily, I know your son," I assured her. "I know he's innocent. And since he is a mutant turtle, he is your son and he is Donatello's grandson, he is protected here. I will talk with Renet to give you passage into T.I.M.E. Headquarters in London. And knowing you, you will be resourceful and prove his innocence."
The red-haired profiler, dressed in a red blouse and black pants underneath a black blazer, smiled at me.
"Thank you for having confidence in me."
"No problem. When do you plan on leaving for London?"
"As soon as I can. I'd have to call in a favor though so that the kids are taken care of."
"Oh, that's right!" I exclaimed. "The kids are out for the summer. But wait--"
"No, Wilbur," Lily corrected me. "School doesn't get out until Friday. I still need someone to take care of Vaia during the day. I'll ask Knuckles. Vaia's always calm when he's there."
"And then after school, Karena can go over, pick up Vaia, and then your kids can just spend the night with us."
"Wilbur, that's thoughtful, but that is five total kids in the house, including a baby. Be honest, do you and Karena want to go through the hassle of taking care of a baby again?"
"Lily, Vaia's almost seven months old. She does sleep through the night, right?"
"Yes."
"Then everything will be fine. Knuckles can take care of her during the day, and then after school, we'll take care of her. And besides, it's been a long time since Wesley and Donnie have actually hung out."
"Wilbur, they hung out yesterday at the party."
"I mean before that! Since you moved across town, Wesley and Donnie don't ever see each other and it's been hurting him."
Lily let out a sigh.
"Donnie has expressed that he misses Wesley, too. We've all been through a lot, Wilbur, with James dying, Donnie going to school and then transferring schools, Vaia being born, and now Knuckles being in our lives."
I smiled.
"If my opinion means anything, I think you starting an intimate relationship with Knuckles was the best move you have made in a while. Knuckles really cares for you and your children. I can see it in his eyes. And besides, you seem much happier now than you were at Christmas."
"I may be a better warrior than Knuckles--"
"By a thin margin."
Lily laughed.
"But Knuckles has a lot of wisdom and compassion for the people he loves. If anyone tries to hurt them, you'd better believe he's going to be there to make sure they're safe. And he actually makes sure that I'm safe. I could not ask for someone better."
"I will leave you to it, then."
We hugged each other and then Lily went back to her office to make arrangements while I got her the clearance she needed from Renet.
May 31, 2061 - London, England, United Kingdom
LILIANNA'S POV
Knuckles had come over for dinner and stayed with the kids before I took the overnight flight to London. By the time I had arrived, it was ten o'clock in the morning here, five o'clock in New York City. I went to the same hotel Donnie and I stayed in before making a beeline to T.I.M.E. Headquarters.
"May I help you, miss?" a British woman receptionist asked me.
"Yes, I am Dr. Lilianna Hamato from T.I.M.E. Headquarters in New York City. I have an appointment with Chief Pattinson."
"Ah, yes. Chief Pattinson has been expecting you. Please, have a seat."
"Thank you."
I sat down and texted Knuckles that I made it to London safely. Today, I wore a navy blue dress with blue heels. My short red hair was free, parted to the right. I had waited patiently for ten minutes.
"Dr. Lilianna Hamato?"
I glanced up and saw the chief walking my way. I stood up, smiled, and shook his hand.
"It is very nice to meet someone from across the pond. I am Chief Roger Pattinson."
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," I replied.
"Let's go to my office."
I noticed the headquarters was smaller than in New York, so it did not take us long at all to go into his office.
"What brings you to London, Dr. Hamato?" Roger asked me.
"Sir, a theft has occured at the Spotlite Festival a couple weeks ago and my son has been framed for it. I am here to prove his innocence."
"Do you have proof?"
"No. But I am here to look for it. The venue where the festival was held has cameras, does it not?"
"Yes! Dr. Hamato, you are a genius! The cameras would have caught the theft! Our technology expert is out today, but I like to say I am just as gifted as she is."
"So am I," I replied with my gap-toothed grin.
We walked out of his office and walked down into the technology office.
"Tell me, Dr. Hamato, is your son that turtle that was on the news?" Roger asked.
"Yes, that is him," I answered with a frown. "He was named after his grandfather, my dad. He is just as gifted. The item in question, Prospero's staff, was made by my son. A rival school stole the staff and hid it in their penthouse room at the hotel. I am actually staying in that very room so I could find more clues there."
"You are a clever one, Dr. Hamato. How do you plan to prove his innocence?"
"Well, if the cameras tell me the story, then I will ask my son if he recognizes the thieves. If he does, then I will ask the thieves in question, but not before presenting the evidence to your local police department."
"Ah, Scotland Yard. What happened that caused your son to be accused of theft?"
"His rival school has talented actors. And they used that to their advantage. They saw that my son has superpowers and they used that to put him on the news. When my son tried to get the staff back, he and his friends were caught. I propose that there was a hidden camera in the hotel room so they could discredit his school. His school ended up winning first place at the festival. His rivals won second. My significant other believes Fairfield High School should have been disqualified for theft."
"The rules do call for that, should theft occur," Roger replied. "I do hope you find what you are looking for."
"I'm in!" I exclaimed excitedly.
"So you are the technology expert at your headquarters?"
"I'm the profiler, actually."
"Ah, so you read between the lines."
"Yes. My dad taught me how to hack into a computer a long time ago. Ah! Here we go! This camera overlooks backstage in Stage A where my son's play took place."
"What time do you have?"
"I have eight A.M. There's my son looking through all the props, and that girl next to him is Skye, the lead technician. And now they're glancing all over."
"When would the theft had taken place?" Roger asked.
"I imagined it happened overnight when the doors are locked and everyone has gone home for the night. Chief, what time does the venue close?"
"Eleven o'clock, every night. The last play always starts at eight o'clock so the staff can start closing the venue."
"So if everyone got out by eleven, then the theft must have happened afterwards. Fairfield has been in London four springs in a row. They must have this theater layout memorized like the palms of their hands."
I rapidly typed to move my view to the front of the venue. Nothing had happened at first.
"Hmm," I pondered out loud. "They must have broken in from the back."
I moved cameras again. Right when I moved the cameras, I found the four teenage kids wearing black... and there was sound!
"Martin, Yves, keep a lookout and stay hidden. Kitty and I will be right back."
Kitty used a tool to break in to the venue. I closely kept monitoring them, switching cameras as they ran around the venue.
"According to the program, Westport is performing here," Cory spoke.
"We need to find something that will downsize their pathetic little play," Kitty explained. "Something out of the ordinary that will be severely missed."
"Then, they'll be too focused on finding it and we'll win Spotlite four years in a row! You are the true mastermind, Kitten."
"Don't ever call me that! Let's just go."
The two kids made it to Stage A and they looked around until they found a chest. They scavenged through the chest.
"Whoa!" Cory exclaimed. "Look at this!"
He dug the staff out from the chest and held it up. It lit up the entire room.
"Yes!" Kitty exclaimed excitedly. "This is it. And look at this wood. It'll blend right in with our tree! It'd be very hard for Westport to find their precious staff."
"Roger, can you send these images to Chief Hamato in New York?" I asked. "This is the evidence we need to ask Fairfield's students about the theft."
"That is discriminating evidence! They've been caught red-handed. I will send this evidence to Scotland Yard, and then they'll deal with the Spotlite judges. I am sure we will stay in touch over this, Dr. Hamato."
"But there is something else we need to do: we need my son and one other witness to identify the thieves. If they can do that, then we've got them for sure!"
Westport, Connecticut, USA
LITTLE DONNIE'S POV
We were in homeroom for the last fifteen minutes of the school day when the phone rang.
"This is Ms. Maddox. Yes, I will tell them. Thank you."
She hung up the phone and glanced my way.
"Donnie and Amy, you two are dismissed. You have been called to the principal's office."
Amy and I glanced at each other in confusion.
"Are we in trouble?" Amy asked.
"All we can do is go and find out," I replied.
Amy and I went to our lockers and then we went down to the principal's office. But, boy, was I in for a surprise!
"WILBUR?!" I exclaimed loudly.
"Hi, Donnie," Wilbur greeted me with a kind smile. "And you must be Miss Amy Jenkins?"
"Yes, sir. Who are you?"
"I am Agent Wilbur Robinson with the T.I.M.E. Agency. I am here to ask you some questions regarding the theft during the Spotlite International Festival in London."
"Oh!" Amy exclaimed. "Who reported the theft? Because I know we didn't. We found the staff and just left everything behind."
"Well, Amy, I'm not sure if you heard, but Donnie has been framed for the theft."
"Are you kidding me?" Amy angrily asked. "Donnie's innocent! Why would he steal his own staff?"
"From what we have heard, one of the Fairfield students reported Donnie to the news," Wilbur explained and I also got angry. "But one of our other agents, Donnie's mother, flew back to London to prove his innocence. She found some discriminating evidence and we need you two to idenfity the thieves. Can you do that for me?"
"I'll do anything to prove Donnie's innocence," Amy answered with determination.
"Okay. Now watch carefully."
Amy and I watched the videos of two Fairfield students looking through our trunk of props. The room then lit up when they found the staff.
"That girl," Amy spoke. "That's Kitty!"
"And the boy is Cory," I finally chimed in.
"Do you happen to know their last names?" Wilbur asked.
"We were sent a mass text from these two," I explained. "I used a gadget to figure out who had texted us. Kitty's real name is Katherine Mason. And then there's Cory Houser."
Wilbur smiled.
"Thank you both. That was all I needed. Amy, you are free to go."
"See you tomorrow, Donnie."
"See you."
Amy walked out of the office. I turned back to Wilbur, who kept the smile.
"So what happens now? Will my mom figure out it was Fairfield?"
"Oh, I'm fairly certain she knows it was Fairfield," Wilbur answered. "I know your mother, Donnie. She is the most clever person I have ever met. She has always found the way to retrieve the answers and the proof she needs."
London, England, United Kingdom
LILIANNA'S POV
After a long day in London, I finally retreated to my hotel room. I had requested I sleep in the same room as the Fairfield students did a couple weeks back so I could try to find evidence of a hidden camera.
I lied down on the bed for five minutes, sending an 'I love you' text to Knuckles. After he replied back with the same text, it was time for me to get back to work. I searched under every piece of furniture, behind the television set, behind the bed, in the tree, and even in the bathroom. But I could not find anything.
I spun around and transformed into Aumanil with the dress and tools Knuckles and Pachacamac gave me. I grinned, falling in love with the new look. I was able to carry my weapons again! And with the new boots, I was able to easily climb up the tree without putting extra weight on it.
"Thanks, Knuckles!" I spoke out loud with a grin.
When I got to the top of the tree, I found...
"A 360-degree security camera! That was a very clever place to hide it. Now, let's turn it off and see what we can find."
I examined the data on the camera. The Fairfield kids had returned to their hotel room around one o'clock in the morning. Cory had climbed the tree to hide the staff. Hours later, when the kids were gone, the door opened by itself. Donnie then turned visible, glancing around. Then, he pushed the keycard under the door, giving Amy, Ajay, Rory, and Skye access. Afterwards, the staff had started to move by itself, and Donnie eventually grasped it. But then he turned invisible when the door slammed open, showing the staff in the air. Amy grabbed it. Donnie then turned visible and then turned himself and his friends completely invisible. Cory and Kitty then ran after them.
I examined who the camera belonged to and found more footage of Cory. I decided to turn this camera in to Scotland Yard tomorrow.
"But this can't be the only camera in the room," I pondered out loud. "How did Cory get a clear picture of Donnie?"
I closed my eyes and remembered the news. The view of Donnie and his friends came from the ground. I climbed back down the tree and glanced over at the balcony. There was a potted plant in that spot.
"Well, you are coming with me tomorrow morning."
June 1, 2061
As Lilianna Hamato, I returned to T.I.M.E. headquarters in London with the potted plant. I reintroduced myself to the receptionist and Chief Pattinson came and got me.
"What all have you found, Dr. Hamato?"
"Well, this, for one," I answered, holding up the plant. "Aumanil found it and told me to present it to your technology expert."
"Aumanil, huh?" Roger asked with a grin.
"She helps me from time to time," I replied with a wink. "Now, Agent Robinson in New York City has visited two kids in Westport High School who were in London to identify the thieves of their prop staff. They are Katherine Mason and Cory Houser from Fairfield High School."
"I did my research on the Spotlite International Festival and discovered Westport High School won first place while Fairfield High School won second. If we can get these kids to confess to their crime, then we can present this evidence to the judge panel and they will decide Fairfield's punishment."
He sighed and then smiled.
"New York City is quite lucky to have you in their staff, Dr. Hamato. You are the best profiler I have ever worked with, even better than my own profiler."
I laughed, reading his mind.
"Thank you, but my home is in New York. Meanwhile, I will head to the technology office and go see her."
"Her name is Penny," Roger replied. "I will let her know you are coming."
"Thank you, sir."
I got out of the office and made a phone call to Wilbur's office.
"You have reached the confidential voicemail of Agent Wilbur Robinson, team coordinator of the Temporal Crimes Division at the Time Information Management and Exploration Agency. I am out of my office at this time. Please leave me a detailed message with your name and phone number and I will get back with you as soon as I can. Thank you, and have a blessed day."
I smacked my head, forgetting about the time difference. It was five in the morning in New York City.
"Hey, Wilbur, it's Lily. We need to get Kitty and Cory to confess their crimes before I can go to Scotland Yard, and we need a recording of it. Can you call me back and tell me what you would like to do? Thanks. Talk to you soon."
I hung up and then I went into Penny's office.
"Hello, there! You must be Dr. Lilianna Hamato. I'm Penny St. James."
We shook each others' hands.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Penny. Your chief suggested I have you examine this plant."
"How come?"
"I am here in London investigating a theft that my son has been framed for. I believe a picture that was taken from within this plant was leaked to news outlets in London and then around the globe. It does not paint my son nor my family in a good light."
"So you need me to find evidence that there was a hidden camera in this plant?"
"Yes. This was the only thing in the spot where the picture was taken."
"Give me some time to look over this plant. Why don't you go out for lunch or afternoon tea and then come back? I should have my results ready by then."
"That sounds wonderful, Penny. I will be back."
Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
WILBUR'S POV
After I received Lily's voicemail, I received permission from Renet to travel to Fairfield to interview the two students. After checking in with the secretary, I was set up in a testing room in the office. I had requested to see these two students separately.
I heard a knock. I looked up to see a young dark blonde woman wearing a blue and white striped dress.
"Hello? I was told someone in here needed to see me?"
"Yes," I answered. "Are you Katherine Mason?"
"Yes, but everyone calls me Kitty."
"Please close the door and sit down."
Kitty did as she was told.
"I'm Agent Wilbur Robinson of the Time Investigation Management and Exploration Agency. I'm conducting an investigation into a theft that occurred in London during the Spotlite Festival."
"Oh, good!" Kitty replied rather enthusiastically. "I am certain that you will find that those Westport kids are guilty of the theft and they will lose their precious trophy."
"You seem rather certain that Westport High School is guilty of stealing their own prop."
"They stole it from us!" Kitty snapped. "I knew something was up when Westport invited us to their party, and then it turns out the little turtle kid has superpowers. It was easy for us to get revenge by exposing him. No one takes first place from us."
"Your musical was Romeo and Juliet, correct? I have read the play myself and I don't ever recall a wizard being in the play."
"Well, duh! That's because we made him up!"
I raised my eyebrow.
"Miss Mason, when I was your age, I used to lie all the time so I would get out of trouble. So I can spot a liar in front of me or five miles away. Did you know, Miss Mason, that the security system captured your break-in and theft?"
She blew a raspberry at me.
"No, it didn't. There are no cameras in the venue."
"Are you sure about that?"
I played the video on my work phone and her face turned as white as a ghost's.
"Let's try again," I sternly spoke, crossing my arms. "Is that you stealing the prop? And remember that lying to a government official is grounds for an arrest."
"You wouldn't do that, would you? I have a reputation to protect! I got accepted to Juliard!"
"You should have thought about that before you decide to try to sabotage another school's chances of winning. Now is that you or not?"
Sweat started to fall on her forehead.
"Yes, that's me. And my partner is Cory Houser."
"Thank you, Miss Mason. That is all I need from you."
Kitty left. I told the principal to call for Cory, and he came five minutes later.
"Hello?"
"Hello. Are you Cory Houser?"
"Yes."
"Please close the door and sit down."
Cory did what he was told and scoffed.
"Let's get this over with. I have a hot date to get ready for."
"Your date can wait," I sternly replied.
I introduced myself again and stated my purpose for being here.
"So the turtle's guilty, right?" Cory asked with a smug grin. "Freaks like him belong in the lab, not in the drama club."
I glared at him.
"This investigation is not about the turtle. It is about the theft at Spotlite. I called you in here because one of our agents found discriminating evidence that you and another student stole one of Westport High School's props the morning of their play."
"What?! That's ridiculous! Why would a handsome actor like me want to steal a prop?"
"That's what I want to know. Why were you so determined to sabotage Westport High School's chances of winning?"
"Because they're wanna-bes! They were so determined to take our first place spot and take away our fame and fortune!"
"All Westport wanted to do was perform their best, regardless if they placed or not. But you almost did not give them that chance."
"You have no proof of that."
"But the venue's security system does."
I played the video again. His face was also white.
"But... but... but that's impossible! The venue has never had cameras before!"
"Tell me the truth, Cory: did you and Kitty steal that prop?"
"Oh, we did more than that," Cory answered with a sinister look on his face. "I also exposed that turtle to the news and accused him of stealing our prop. That news made it around the world! Mutants might be able to roam freely around America, but they have no place in London or anywhere else in the world! Because that turtle broke the law, Westport will lose their trophy to us!"
"Or Fairfield will if T.I.M.E. and Scotland Yard finds the truth about what you all have done!" I shot back. "You may leave now."
London, England, United Kingdom
LILIANNA'S POV
I returned to Penny's office after both lunch and afternoon tea.
"You said you had results for me?" I asked.
"Yes, ma'am, and you were right. There was a hidden camera in the plant. I compared the images to what was shared on the news and it's a match."
"The camera was still there? I'm amazed!"
"Yes. But I found something else that was unique. Who is this?"
Penny shared the photo with me. I chuckled.
"Oh, that's Aumanil."
"She's changed her style?" Penny asked with surprise. "She looks amazing! The red really suits her."
"Yes, it does," I replied, silently thanking Knuckles.
"So Aumanil was the one who found the camera?"
"Yes, and there was also another camera hidden in the tree in the penthouse suite. But the potted plant seems to have captured everything."
"No, only the door opening itself, the turtle turning visible, and everything after that. It's been here since, it seems. It has captured the images of everyone sleeping in that room, including you, Aumanil."
My eyes widened. The camera captured my transformation!
"I am sorry, but I am in need of Aumanil's services now. Do you trust me?"
"Yes."
I backed up and transformed into Aumanil.
"Penny, can you edit the footage to cut out everything that happened since the Fairfield students left?"
"Yes, I can."
It did not take her long.
"Now, I am sorry to do this, but I will need to wipe your memory of Lilianna Hamato transforming into me."
Penny frowned.
"I understand."
I unclasped the rope.
"This rope will bound you," I explained. "You will not be able to move. But with this rope, I can also force people to tell the truth and then have them forget about everything that happened."
"All right."
I bound her and held on tight with my left hand. I used my right hand to manipulate her mind.
"Lilianna Hamato and Aumanil are not the same person," I seductively told her, waving my right hand across her forehead.
"Lilianna Hamato and Aumanil are not the same person," Penny repeated back to me, her irises opening up to me like doors.
"You never saw Aumanil in this room."
"I never saw Aumanil in this room."
"Close your eyes."
Penny did what she was told.
"Count to sixty," I instructed her. "After, you may open your eyes, and you will forget everything that has happened in the last ten minutes."
"I understand."
I unbound her and clasped the rope back onto my belt. I slowly started the transformation back into Lilianna Hamato. By the time I was done, she had counted to sixty and opened her eyes.
"I just had the strangest dream," Penny spoke. "And the strange thing is, I don't remember a single thing about it! But I have a massive headache."
"Come, Penny," I soothed her. "Sit down. Let me get you some water."
"Actually, I'm going to step outside. Fresh air always helps my headaches. I trust you, Dr. Hamato. Go ahead and finish up here and bring this evidence to Chief Pattinson, Chief Hamato, and Scotland Yard."
"Thank you. I hope your head gets better."
"Thank you."
Penny paused before going out the door.
"You know, you are the nicest person I have ever met. I hope we will see each other again."
I returned the smile.
"I think we will."
Westport, Connecticut, USA
KARENA'S POV
After school, Diana and Donnie met me in the band room and then we went to pick up Wesley and Mika. We went to Lily's house to pick up Vaia and relieve Knuckles, Lily's new beau, from babysitting duty.
Donnie and Mika opened the door first.
"Dad, we're home!" Donnie yelled.
"Dad?" I asked with surprise.
"Yeah. Knuckles is my new dad, even though he and Mom are only dating."
"What about you, Mika?"
"His name is Knuckles," Mika simply answered.
"Hello, Donatello," Knuckles greeted him, walking down the stairs. "Hello, Mika."
He glanced at the rest of us with a smile on his face.
"Karena, Diana, Wesley, it is good to see you."
"It's good to see you, too," Diana replied.
"We just came to pick up Vaia," I explained.
"Karena, I had just put Vaia down for a nap," Knuckles said, frowning. "Some of the milk did not agree with her."
"It must be expired. Is she okay?"
"Yes, she is fine. But come to think of it, the same thing happened when Donatello went to London. I had to ask the fox for help."
"Do you think Vaia is sensitive to dairy?" I suggested.
"No, I believe you are right. I believe the milk was expired."
The Echidna looked at me with intrigue.
"Karena, when Vaia is with you, what do you feed her?"
"Lily explained to me that she breastfeeds her children until they are at least one year old. As a mother of two, I try to stay true to Lily's desires for Vaia and I will breastfeed her as well."
"Hmm..."
Knuckles pondered for a moment.
"Say I need to give Vaia milk in the morning, but all of her mother's milk is not good. Unfortunately, I do not know when Lily will return home. Is there a way for Vaia to have this milk prepared ahead of time?"
"Yes!" I answered excitedly. "I haven't given birth in twelve years, but when our breasts are stimulated by a sexual desire, we make milk."
I immediately started thinking of a plan.
"I could make Wilbur his favorite meal, watch his favorite movie with him, and then we could love on each other."
Then I looked at my new friend.
"By any chance, does this have to do with your new desires for Lily?"
Knuckles blushed and turned red, putting his hands behind his back.
"I know nothing of what you just said."
"If you say so," I replied with a wink. "Anyway, if you can lend me some bottles, I can have some milk ready for you tomorrow morning. I still have the pump my father-in-law gave me."
Knuckles smiled, the peach tint coming back to his cheeks.
"Why don't you and your children stay for a while? I need to train Donatello anyway."
"You train Donnie, too?" Diana asked.
"Yes. I am training him in the ways of the Echidna tribe."
"May I join you? I'd like to learn something new."
"You are a warrior as well?" Knuckles asked with pleasant surprise. "You are most certainly welcome to join. And what of you, Wesley?"
"Nah, I'll sit this one out," Wesley answered. "I don't really like to fight."
"You may not like to fight, but what if it becomes your only option?"
"Then I'll just walk away."
"Wesley, at least watch Knuckles teach," I encouraged my son. "Who knows? You may learn something without throwing a single punch."
"She's right," Little Donnie chimed in, shooting me a grin. "Besides my mom, Knuckles is the best teacher you could possibly have. He knows his stuff."
Wesley sighed.
"All right. I'll watch."
"Follow me," Knuckles encouraged us.
We went outside to the backyard. I sat with Wesley while Mika, Donnie, and Diana positioned themselves in their battle starting positions. Knuckles, meanwhile, sat down as if he was going to meditate.
"Uh, what's he doing?" Wesley asked.
"I don't know," I answered teasingly. "But he's reminding me of Splinter."
Mika charged first with her spear. Knuckles easily grabbed onto the spear and flipped Mika onto the ground!
"Dang!" Wesley exclaimed. "He's good."
The Echidna suddenly stood up and got into position with his spear. Diana charged with her tessen. She was very fluid with her moves, but Knuckles dodged every one of them. My daughter then released her tessen like it was a boomerang.
"Do you really believe you can defeat me with a metal fa--OH!"
The tessen hit Knuckles square in the face before it returned to its owner.
"You talk too much!" Diana yelled with a confident grin.
"Well done, Diana. But it will not be easy next time. Donatello, think fast."
Knuckles suddenly threw his spear at Donnie! But the humanoid turtle easily caught it and dropped his own staff. Knuckles picked up the fallen staff and they sparred with each other.
"Whoa!" Wesley exclaimed. "Knuckles is good!"
"Donnie's just as good!" I replied back. "Looks like both Lily and Knuckles have been fantastic teachers."
Donnie suddenly turned invisible. Knuckles stood still. After a few moments, the latter performed a spinning side kick and Donnie turned visible again. Knuckles had kicked him square in the stomach.
LITTLE DONNIE'S POV
I felt like I got the air smacked out me as I dropped to the ground. I glanced up and saw Knuckles holding his hand out for me to grab.
"Diana, well done," Knuckles complimented her. "I do not know how you knew where to strike with that fan, but you have been well-trained."
"Arigatogozaimasu, Knuckles," Diana replied in Japanese. "You truly are a master in combat. You might be better than our master sensei, Leonardo."
"Arigatogozaimasu, Diana."
I gapped my mouth open. Knuckles somehow knew Japanese.
"Always remember, Diana, that your true strength comes from within. Mika, you must have steely focus before charging. Donatello, may I speak with you alone?"
Mika and Diana went to join Karena and Wesley. Knuckles and I sat down across from each other with our legs crossed.
"I have a story to share with you," Knuckles explained. "For many centuries, my tribe, the Echidnas, have been on a quest to find the Master Emerald and restore order. But when my tribe was wiped out, the quest fell to me. For forty years, guardianship of the Master Emerald has shifted between myself, the fox, the hedgehog, and Wade Whipple. But now that Wade has passed, I would like to appoint a new guardian to watch over the Master Emerald with his life, to make certain it is never used for evil."
"Okay," I replied. "Thank you for telling me this. So, have you decided who this new guardian is?"
"I have."
"Who?"
All Knuckles did was firmly nod and stare at me. My mouth gapped open again after a few moments.
"Wait, me?" I exclaimed. "No, no, no, no. I'm only eleven! I can't watch the Master Emerald! And besides, I've caused you and Mom enough trouble around here."
"That is precisely why you have been chosen," Knuckles explained. "The fox was only eight years of age when we made our vow. Yes, you are young. But you are skilled. You are smart, and you are wise for your age. You are worthy of guarding the Master Emerald. You would only need to guard it if I am on a quest with the fox and the hedgehog."
I blew a sigh of relief.
"That doesn't sound as bad, then. Wait, is this the real reason why my punishment is extra training?"
"Yes. I have chosen to train you so you can guard the Master Emerald."
"Why not my mother? You two are dating. You would think you'd trust her with everything. And you are also training her in your ways."
"Your mother has a higher purpose to fulfill."
"But she may have a better place to hide the Master Emerald than I could think of."
"I am trusting you with the Master Emerald, Donatello. And you have the advantage of being a child. A child has a vivid imagination. They can come up with ideas an adult could not."
Knuckles smiled and put a hand on my shoulder.
"I saw your play in London and I was amazed at all the work you have put into it. If you can create something as amazing as that staff, you can find a place to hide the Master Emerald."
"Or perhaps I can build something!" I exclaimed with realization. "I can see if my grandpa can help me."
"This is something you must do on your own."
"Oh."
"If I should ever hand you the Master Emerald, you cannot ever reveal its location."
"I understand."
"Good."
Knuckles stood up and offered his hand to help me up.
"Now, let us practice using your invisibility."
June 2, 2061 - London, England, United Kingdom
LILIANNA'S POV
I went back to T.I.M.E. Headquarters and made a beeline for Chief Pattinson's office.
"I've got it!" I exclaimed excitedly. "Agent Robinson recorded the confessions of the two Fairfield students responsible for the theft of Westport's Prospero staff. And I have further footage regarding the theft. That should be enough to implicate Fairfield for all they've done to my son and his castmates."
"Excellent, Dr. Hamato!" Roger exclaimed excitedly. "You are quite a smart one. I will gather all of this evidence and bring it to Scotland Yard. You should hear a verdict of the updated Spotlite results in the next few months. Now, do you have a way of getting home?"
"My boss paid for my trip here. She can help me get home."
"Send Chief Hamato my regards. Say, Hamato... are you two related?"
"Chief Renet Hamato is my aunt," I answered with a smile. "And my father, Donatello Hamato, is the coroner."
"And, just between us, your son will make a fine addition to the team at T.I.M.E. someday if he is anything like his mother."
"Thank you, sir. If I am no longer needed here, I have a plane to catch. I have a family to get home to."
Westport, Connecticut, USA
It did not take me long at all to find a flight that would take me home to New York City. I spent the entire seven hours of the flight excited about coming home to my children and my sweetheart. I had a picture of Knuckles and Donnie as my background so that I always knew of two things I fight for.
By the time I got off the plane, it was only two o'clock in the afternoon. I took the hour-long monorail ride to Westport and then took public transportation to get me home.
I took out my keys and unlocked the door to my house. I immediately glanced over to the living room. The Echidna glanced my way and stood up with a look of surprise on his face.
"Lily?"
I smiled fondly at him.
"Knuckles."
He let out a laugh of joy as he jogged towards me. He grabbed me by the waist and lifted me up in the air, twirling me around. I laughed with him as I looked down into his purple eyes, feeling joyful and very loved. Then, he put me down. I caressed his left cheek and he closed his eyes. He, too, caressed my cheek, his hands bare. We pulled each other close and closed the distance with a sweet kiss, which electrified both of us.
"I've missed you so much," I breathed.
"I've missed you, too," Knuckles whispered into my ear.
"Mama!"
Knuckles and I both glanced over at Vaia with our mouths gapped open.
"Knuckles, has she spoken anything to you while I was gone?"
"No. Just cooing and babbling. Does that mean...?"
We gazed at each other and grinned.
"Vaia's first word!" we said at the same time.
"Vaia, can you say that again?" Knuckles gently asked her as we knelt down to her level.
"Mama!"
We laughed, and I lifted her off the ground. Vaia also laughed as I lifted into the air. After I brought her back down, I put her against my chest. I felt Knuckles nuzzling his head on top of mine as we both gazed down at her.
"I love you both," Knuckles whispered.
"We love you, too," I whispered back.