The Mighty Mutanimals all remember the night they first met Mona Lisa. It was shortly after an alien invasion in New York. Again. This time not of the Kraang or the Triceratons, but of strange bug-like aliens. The team didn't know who or what these aliens were or where they came from, but it was obvious they were a threat to all earthlings. They had to be stopped.

After the bug aliens that invaded their lair were slain, their mother ship was destroyed. And all questions were soon answered by their friends, the Ninja Turtles. Bursting through the door of their lair was Michelangelo, strangely without his orange mask or any gear. Mikey's brothers, along with their friends April and Karai, followed behind him. But what struck the Mutanimals' attention was the mysterious lizard woman happily locking arms with Raphael as he escorted her inside.

That's when Leonardo explained everything. How Slash's old partner, The Newtralizer, returned. How The Newtralizer was working alongside another intergalactic threat named Lord Dregg - who the turtles fought many times while in space. How the alien bugs they were fighting were called Vreen and were a hive mind for Dregg. How once Dregg and this ship were destroyed, his "children'' as Dregg called them, fell as well.

The news shocked Slash, learning that Newtrailzer lived and returned. His friends fought in this battle against Newtralizer, but not asking Slash for assistance in the battle, for he still had a bone to pick with Newtrailzer. Perhaps it was for the best. But Slash has many regrets and it will always be a fight he wishes he could've been a part of.

Still, he was relieved to know they were able to handle the fight thanks to the help of some of their friends, and even a few alien allies.

After everything was explained to the Mutanimals, their attention quickly turned towards the lizard woman who Raphael was staring at so fondly. They didn't blame him. They all agreed among themselves that she was beautiful. However, it was unlike Raphael of all people to be acting in such a way. And this behavior unsettled them a bit.

When asked who she was, Raph gave the Mutanimals an answer that made them all practically fall to the ground in shock.

"Mona Lisa, these are the guys I was telling you about. This is my friend, Slash, and his team, The Mighty Mutanimals. Everyone, this is Mona Lisa. My..." he blushes, "Girlfriend."

"GIRLFRIEND?!"

The Mutanimals couldn't believe it when they first heard it. They thought he was joking or maybe they misheard him, but it was true. Raphael, the stubborn short tempered turtle, got himself a girlfriend. Slash does recall Raphael mentioning something about meeting "someone special" when he came back from his space travels, but he never expected that he found love, and with a Salamandrian of all things!

Slash was justifiably skeptical of Mona at first meeting her. His previous bad experience with another Salamandrian still stung. However, he showed her respect because of her relationship with Raphael. Plus, she has helped his friends in many dire situations in the past.

He offered her a place on his team, regardless of his opinions of her at the time. Leatherhead and Dr Rockwell's feelings were opposite, immediately welcoming her with open arms. Grateful for her helping their turtle friends countless times in the past. They never once questioned her and took the turtles word that she is someone they can trust. Mondo Gecko, up to his old trips, took immediate action to hit on Mona, only to be field kicked across the room by Raph seconds later. Not only was a position on their team offered to Mona, but they gave her a place to stay as well, welcoming her into their home and offering her a room of her own.

Over the years of working together and going on missions stopping crooks and other threats, The Mutanimals all grew to adore Mona not just as another teammate, but as a close friend. She fit in perfectly. Her intellect clashed well with Rockwell, with them discussing intergalactic sciences and theories. She and Leatherhead bonded over their dedication to protect the ones they love, bringing an understanding towards one another, along with entertaining sparring matches between them. Though his constant flirting annoyed her, Mona enjoyed when Mondo could make her laugh. Eventually, she became his mentor, helping him improve his fighting, though he insists his fighting style is already "sick". Finally, Slash and Mona Lisa. The two warriors bonded and eventually became good friends. So much so, that Slash looked at Mona like a sister, and she felt the same sibling bond. They worked well together. Mona would offer battle advice and strategies in Slash's plans, and he himself would share with her embarrassing stories about Raphael and his time as his pet turtle, Spike.

The Mighty Mutanimals became like a family to Mona Lisa, and they felt the same, so with news that she was being sent back home, the team felt lost. They couldn't believe she was leaving. They couldn't believe what Bishop was doing to get her to leave. They didn't want to see their friend go.

"You think Bishop is doing all this just to prevent Raphael and Mona Lisa from getting married?" Mondo Gecko suddenly asked, breaking the silence in the Mutanimals lair.

The team all looked at him as they contemplated in the main room of their lair. They were under house arrest, thanks to Bishop's claiming they were interfering with his laws and they deserved to be punished. It was that, or a prison sentence.

"Of course we do," Rockwell says, "It became obvious after Raphael admitted to planning to propose to her the other night. Doesn't look like we'll be getting a wedding now. She'll be sent home tonight."

"I just hope we can say one last goodbye to her before she goes..." Leatherhead's comment was tinged with worry.

"It's been almost 24 hours since Bishop and the Utrom took her with them to Dimension X," Slash said. "At the very least, I hope Bishop will allow her to come back to see us one last time. She is family after all." He sighs, "To think he's doing all of this because he's threatened by a potential marriage. Pathetic..."

"If Mona Lisa did marry Raph, would she still be a Mutanimal or would she be a part of the Hamato Clan?" Leatherhead wondered.

"It would be up to her," Slash tells him. "I'm considered a part of the Hamato family, but not the clan itself. I'm a Mutanimal, so she'd most likely do the same. If she and Raphael by some miracle ever did wed, she'd be a Hamato through marriage, a Mutanimal by heart, and a Salamandrian by blood."

The group sat in silence as they thought about the beauty of that possibility. A possibility that was quickly fading away.

"If Raph did have the chance to ask Mona to marry him, without Bishop getting in the way, you think she would've said 'yes'?" Mondo Gecko asked, "I mean, even before Bishop came by, we did tell her Raph isn't marriage material, so you think without Bishop we would've ruined Raph's chance because of what we said to her?"

"It's a possibility," Slash tells him, "Because of what we said, she's leaving Earth thinking her and Raph have no future together, but even then, she still loves him and we all know he loves her. Which surprises me that Raphael isn't doing anything about this! Last we saw him he was leaving in a furious rage to speak to the professor, but now there's nothing."

"I've tried speaking to Michelangelo, but all he said was that Raphael is 'handling it'." Leatherhead comments before adding sadly, "I'd hate to believe it, but I think Raphael might be giving up."

Rockwell shrugs, "Well, you know the old saying, 'If you love someone, let them go'."

"Bullshit!" Mondo shouts, getting up from where he sat, "Now, I may not like the dude because he's dating a lizard hottie that should be with someone more rad... like me. But you and I both know that Raph wouldn't let this slide! Even you, Slash!"

"I know that," Slash tells him calmly, "But maybe Doc has a point. Maybe Raphael is respecting Mona's decision to leave..."

"A good thing too!" A menacing voice says, joining into the conversation.

The Mutanimals all turn around to the source of the voice. Their bodies shaking from the sight of Bishop in their lair, smirking at them. He was so quiet, they didn't hear him come in. It was hard to guess how long he was standing there listening to their conversation, but Slash and his team could guess it was a while.

"About time Raphael knows his place," Bishop says with smug confidence as he approaches the Mutanimals.

"What are you doing here?!' Slash panics, trying his best to stay calm so as to not cause any trouble.

The Utrom rolls his eyes, "Did my men tazing you the other night fry your brain? I promised Y'gythgba she'd return to your lair to gather her belongings before her departure, which will be in about..." Bishop pulls back his sleeve to look at his watch, "One hour."

"Then where is she?" Slash asked. He and the Mutanimals were all looking around but not seeing their friend in sight.

"She's outside with my men. I wish to talk with all of you before you see her."

"What? You got more stupid rules for us to follow? Is us being on house arrest not enough for you?" Mondo Gecko asked snarkily before Rockwell rushed to him, covering his mouth. They don't wish to cause more problems with Bishop. One wrong move or word said could lead to even more chaos.

"It has come to my attention that you are all aware of Raphael's proposal plans," Bishop tells them as he lowers his dark glasses, revealing his threatening glare. "So I will only say this once, so you mutants better understand: If any of you mention a word of that turtle's marriage goal to Y'gythgba, I myself will make your lives far worse than it already is." Bishop's face then cracks with an eerie smile that makes all the Mutanimals uncomfortable. "Your treatment now is me being generous. Keep it that way."

Slash's eyes widen from the threat he hears. Not of fear, but of realization, "He's still threatened by Raphael..."

It may not seem it to some, but Slash could tell from Bishop's threat alone. He's still threatened by the chance of Raphael stopping him. Bishop actually has doubts that his plans will be successful. There's still a chance.

The Mutanimals have no choice but to nod and agree to Bishop's terms. Bishop smiles and signals for his soldiers to escort Mona Lisa inside.

"Mona Lisa!" The Mutanimals all cheer with relief from the sight of their friend entering the lair. They all rush to Mona Lisa, greeting her with a group hug, relieved and happy to know she's alive and safe.

"Are you alright?" Slash asked her.

"Did Bishop hurt you in any way?" Leatherhead adds.

"No, my friends, I'm fine" she assures them. "The Utrom were kind hosts while I stayed with them, though Bishop's attitude made it bittersweet." She then does a quick scan around the lair, "Is Raphael here?"

"You didn't see him?" Rockwell asked.

"No," Mona says sadly, "Bishop did not allow me to go visit him at his home. He said that if he truly wants to say goodbye to me he'll come here himself. I hope he'll be here soon so I can see him one last time, but also... I don't know why, but Bishop has been so desperate to keep Raphael and I apart these last few hours..."

The Mutanimals all look at each other, sharing the same thought, but before any words of the topic can be spoken, the team notices Bishop. Across the room behind Mona, arms crossed, the Utrom glared at them threateningly through his dark shades. A sudden shiver ran down the Mutanimals' spines. The glare itself was strong enough to keep their mouths shut, preventing them all from telling Mona the truth.

"Are you really leaving?" Mondo Gecko asked her. All the Mutanimals looked at Mona Lisa, hoping that maybe her answer would be opposite to what they feared it to be.

Mona sighs, "I have no other choice..."

"We understand, Mona Lisa," Slash tells her, "We just wish there was some way for you to stay."

"I gave my word in order to keep you all safe. Know that these last few years living with you all was truly a wonderful experience. You all taught me so much and we've been through some amazing adventures together I could never experience back on Salamandria," she smiles, "I'm truly grateful that I got to be a Mighty Mutanimal."

"You still are a Mutanimal," Slash tells her, the team all nodding in agreement with a warm smile. "No matter where in the galaxy you will be, you will always be a part of our family."

Mona begins to tear up, touched by her friend's words as the rest look on. They all had heartbroken smiles, sad to see their friend go. Mona says nothing, but instead she and Mutanimals all join together in a group hug. No words spoken, they knew she'll miss them, and they will miss her.

Watching the embrace, Bishop rolls his eyes, occasionally looking back at his watch. Soon Mona and the Mutanimals group hug ends and the team offers to help Mona pack her belongings she left at their lair.

"You have 45 minutes," Bishop tells Mona, "No more, no less."

Mona nods, assuring Bishop that she'll be ready in time and heads off with the Mutanimals to her room to begin packing.

Bishop took himself outside to wait for Mona Lisa as she collected her belongings. As he stepped outside he informed his Utrom soldiers, "Stay alert, Raphael could foolishly try some last minute scheme. Search the perimeter and inform me if you spot the rogue mutant."

The Utrom soldiers all looked at each other, confused by Bishop's strange orders and eagerness to hunt for Raphael, but agreed. The soldiers all went off in different directions as Bishop stayed alone outside the abandoned warehouse known as the Mighty Mutanimals home.

A quiet night, Bishop looks at his watch again.

11:17 PM

"Tck! Could time go by any slower?" He sighs as he looks up from his wrist, observing the area. An empty street, no cars on the road except for the ones parked on the side. A few street lamps lit up the street, while the rest of the big city towered over him.

"Hm, no sign of Raphael so far." Bishop then chuckled to himself, "Perhaps he's given up. Good. Serves him right for even trying to stand up to me in the first place. He's a fool, and perhaps once I send Y'gythgba away, I'll be able to enforce more laws on these mutants. I could even be promoted to the title of King in the council from all my hard work." He then shrugs as he says aloud, ''Am I being too cruel? Perhaps, and yes those mutants have helped my people numerous times in the past, even defeating the Kraang and Triceratons and helping us win back our home, but drastic times call for drastic measures! I can't allow any changes, big or small, that could lead to chaos in the galaxy. Even ones as simple and supposedly harmless as a marriage."

Bishop then scoffs, "Marriage. One between the mutant turtle and a Salamandrian no less. Luckily, that will never happen. Y'gythgba will be sent back to her home planet soon, I'll have full control over mutant kind, and Raphael is nowhere to be found. I doubt he'll even try anything now."

"Think again, Bishop!" A voice shouts.

Bishop sighs in annoyance, "Speak of the devil..."

He looks out to see Raphael standing on the other side on the abandoned street. A single light from the street lamp enveloped him, allowing Bishop to see the red turtle's smug grin.

"Huh, and for a moment I thought you've given up," Bishop comments as he glares at Raphael. "You're too late. So if you have any last minute tricks or schemes, don't bother. Y'gythgba will be leaving in less than 40 minutes. Accept it. I've won."

"If you really know me, Bishop, you would know I don't give up that easily," Raph tells him, crossing the street and approaching the Utrom. "But don't worry. I'm not here to cause any trouble tonight."

He laughs, "That's a first."

Raph then explains to the Utrom calmly, "Look, I'm just here to see Mona Lisa before she goes. I promised her we'd say our final goodbyes before she leaves Earth. Remember?"

Bishop crosses his arms, "I will not allow it."

"Why not? Until she leaves she is free to speak with whoever she wishes. Mona and I have our rights to see and talk to each other one last time."

"Why are you so desperate to speak to her?" Bishop asked with a glare.

"She's still my girlfriend, dumbass. Is it so wrong of me to say goodbye to the woman I love?"

Bishop says nothing, only responding with a huff.

"But since you're so curious to know..." Raph continued, his voice switching to a more cocky tone that caught Bishop's attention, "While she's still here, I wanted to ask Mona Lisa something..."

Bishop looks at Raph, raising an eyebrow. He watches as Raphael reaches from behind him and takes out a small item hidden in his belt. Raph then pulls the item out for Utrom to see. Resting in between his two fingers was a beautiful rose gold ring, crowned with a brilliant round diamond, and two smaller matching jewels on each side. The delicate ring shone in the light of the street lamps, causing a chill to travel up the Utrom's spine.

Raph smirks, "Something very important..."