Back in the bridal changing room, April was looking out the window. Outside, the guests were gathering together for the wedding. She smiles as she spots all her friends dressed in fancy suits and dresses -  and soon she spots the groom as well, greeting his guests.

"Huh..." April says in a calm but surprised tone, trying to process what she is witnessing outside, "Raph in a suit. So surreal."

"Raphael is outside?" Mona's eyes sparked, almost jumping out of her seat, wanting to see her future husband so soon.

"Mona! Stop moving!" Shinigami says, pulling Mona back down to sit in her seat, "I need to fix your makeup."

"Oh, my apologies." Mona sits still, allowing her friend to continue her work.

"Shini, don't you think you've done enough of Mona's make up?" Renet asked, "You're going to give her waffle face!"

"It's called 'pancake face', and I'm just doing some touching up." Shini looks back at Mona with an excited grin, "I really want to make your eyes POP!"

As Shinigami goes back to touching up the bride's makeup, Mona's eyes drift over carefully to April curiously, "You said you saw Raphael? How does he look? I'm sure he looks very handsome, right?"

April giggles, "If I tell you, it'll ruin the surprise. You're not allowed to see him before the wedding just as much as he's not allowed to see you."

As the girls finished getting ready for the ceremony, they heard an unexpected knock at the door.

"Hello? Is it alright if I come in?" the voice said faintly behind the door.

April approached the door, opened it and entered Donatello.

"Salutations, Ladies!" He bowed low and exaggeratedly.

"Donnie? What are you doing here?" April asked, "Aren't you supposed to be outside finishing setting everything up."

"Don't worry, everything is ready," he promises to her, "I just wanted to send a message to Mona Lisa."

Mona looks over curiously at her future brother-in-law as he seems to struggle with trying to find the right words to say.

"What is it, Donatello?" she asked.

"Alright, I don't want to freak you out on your wedding day, but you have a right to know this... Bishop is here."

"What?!" Mona panics, once again jumping out of her seat. Shinigami grabbed her and dragged her back to sit down to complete her makeup.

"Why is Bishop here?" Mona growled, trying her best not to have her eye poked by Shini's make up pen.

"It's okay!" Donnie quickly assures her, rather scared of his future sister-in-law's wrath only being held back by a simple eyeliner pen, "Raph took care of everything. Bishop is not here to cause trouble."

"Aw, he's not?" Karai said, her tanto blade suddenly back in her hands, ready for battle, "That sucks. I was hoping for a fight."

"Karai! I told you no weapons!" April shouts.

Karai sticks her tongue out at April in a teasing manner before placing her sword back in its scabbard - but still close at hand.

"Then why is he here?" Mona asked, finally able to move freely as Shinigmai began packing up her cosmetic supplies.

"Apparently, the Utrom Council has a wedding gift for you and Raph, and as punishment for his actions, Bishop has been ordered to give it to you two personally. To add a cherry on top of it, Raph thought it would be an even better punishment if Bishop witnessed the wedding himself."

"That seems very childish of him to do," April comments before turning to Mona and telling her, "This is your wedding too. So you have every right to kick out that jerk if you wanna. Raph isn't the only one who can make that decision."

Mona took a moment to process the information she was given. She didn't wish to have Bishop at her wedding after all the harm he has done to her friends, her love and herself, but the wedding gift piqued her interest. Mona supposed that if Raphael was alright with Bishop being at the wedding, then it's okay with her. As long as he causes no harm or starts any trouble ... and even if he does, Mona Lisa will be ready.

She knows April said no weapons or fighting at the ceremony, but that didn't stop Mona from hiding a blade or two in her dress, just in case. A warrior must always be prepared after all.

Mona takes a deep breath and gives a relaxed shrug.

"I'll allow it," she says to Donnie and April. "Who knows, maybe Raphael will lose his temper and pummel that dishonorable creature right through the planet's crust." Mona then gave an amused giggle as a loving smile grew upon her face, "That would be quite arousing..."

"Yeah, it's official, you guys really are a strange couple..." Donnie says, not at all surprised by Mona's answer.

"Great, so I gotta find an extra seat for the wedding for an uninvited guest?!" April says in distress, "The wedding will be starting soon!"

Donnie smiles at his girlfriend as he gently wraps his arm around her, comforting her. "It's alright, April. I already took care of it. I found some spare chairs in the barn."

April grinned from ear to ear, "You're the best Donnie!" She cheers as she gives him a loving kiss, thanking him.

"Speaking of the wedding," Karai steps in, "What time is it?"

"Oh, uh, I'm not sure..." April says, "Renet, do you know what time it is?"

"What?" Renet says in an offended tone, putting her hands on her hips, "Just because I'm a time traveler and work with time I just so happen to magically know the exact time of day without ever having to look at a clock?"

"Uh, well, I-I just thought-"

"HA! Kidding!" Renet joyfully laughs, "I can do that! It's 6:43 pm."

April gasps, "It's that late already?! Come on girls, the ceremony will start soon! Go find your groomsman. We will then all meet up downstairs five minutes before the ceremony starts."

The girls all nod as Karai and Renet leave the bridal room to find their groomsmen who will be escorting them down the aisle. As Donnie was about to head out as well, Shinigami grabbed his arm, pulling him towards her, locking his arm with hers, preventing him from leaving.

"I found my groomsman," Shini said, giving a cat-like grin before looking at April, "Are you sure you're okay with Donatello escorting me down the aisle, Little Red Bird?"

April scoffs, rolling her eyes with a smile, "I'll try to control my jealousy."

"I don't think you have to worry about April, but worry more about Karai," Donnie warns Shini.

"Don't try anything funny with my girlfriend, Donatello!" Karai shouts, her voice echoing through the farmhouse halls as she makes her way downstairs.

"Wouldn't dream of it!" He shouts back, as Shini huffs from their little playful banter.

Everyone laughs and begins to head out of the bridal room. Before leaving, April looks back at the bride who was still patiently waiting in the room, "Mona, I'll come back and get you in a few minutes. Just wait here for now while I make sure everything and everyone is in place."

Mona Lisa nods as she watches the door close. Alone in her room, she awaits the most important moment she will be sharing with the love of her life.

To think that over a year ago Mona Lisa had no idea what marriage was, but now here she was, in a clean white wedding dress, veil on her head and bouquet in hands, soon about to walk down the aisle to begin her new life with Raphael. Husband and wife.

Mona couldn't control herself. The excitement was getting to her. She remembers April said something about spotting Raph outside, so Mona took a moment to glance through the window, hoping she would spot her future husband. Sadly all she could see was Leonardo escorting everyone to the wedding ceremony area in the backyard, along with her bridesmaids meeting up with their groomsmen. Shini's arm is still locked tightly onto Donatello while April went off with Casey, a pairing Mona could tell annoyed Donnie, but the best man and maid of honor must walk down the aisle together. It's tradition! She then saw Renet run up to and hug her boyfriend Mikey, greeting him with multiple loving kisses on his face before the two skipped off together, ready to walk down the aisle together. Last was Karai and Slash, with Karai greeting Slash with a friendly jab to the arm before the two shared a laugh. After some quick chit chatting between the two, Slash then offered Karai his arm to escort her to the ceremony. Seems all the bridesmaids found their groomsmen, but no sign of Raphael. He must already be over at the altar, out of sight from the window, waiting for her.

"Hm, maybe it's for the best if I don't see Raphael yet..." Mona says to herself, "April's right, it would ruin the surprise."

Suddenly Mona nears a knock at the door. She panics, quickly making her distance away from the window as she answers, "Come in, April!"

The door opens gently and peeking in was not Mona's maid of honor, but instead her commander from the Salamandrian army.

"G'throkka!" Mona smiles, approaching him with a friendly traditional Salamandrian greeting with a formal salute.

"I was informed that a male guardian of the bride is the one who should escort her down the aisle during the wedding ceremony," he told her once they completed their greeting.

Mona smiles, "And I wouldn't have thought of a better candidate for the position."

"I'm honored. Not only to fulfill that role but to be in the presence of this pure gem shining among me." With a proud smile, Sal takes Mona's hand as she gazes into the mirror, inhaling this moment. Drinking it in ... locking it in her memory.

"Look at you! You look more beautiful than planet Vantinia's Golden Moon! A true cosmic goddess!"

Mona was taken aback by her commander's compliment, flattered but also shocked.

"G'throkka! You've never spoken so highly of me like that before..."

"I can't help it. It feels like it was only yesterday I met that shy but determined little girl, ready to learn how to fight and defend her planet. Now that little girl is all grown up..." Sal's right eye, the one that showed his pure joy for his lieutenant, began to tear up, "I'm so proud of you, and I know your parents would be too."

Mona Lisa hasn't thought about that, her parents not being here for the biggest day of her life. Though they weren't in her life long, they loved and adored her until they met their tragic fate on the battlefield against the Triceratons. She was still a child when it happened, not fully aware of what she lost. Her memories of her parents are little, but she did remember one thing about them. They had a love that was pure and true. Though marriage is uncommon on Salamandria, Mona's parents loved one another as if they were an avowed pair. A rare sight on her planet for two matched beings to truly be in love. As a child, Mona desired to find a romance like that as well, one full of trust, loyalty and passion. She got her wish when she met Raphael.

"I miss them..." Mona tells her commander softly, a tear starting to run down her cheek.

"Don't cry, my dear," He smiles as he gently wipes away his lieutenant's tears, "You'll ruin your makeup."

Mona sniffs as her smile returns, taking her commander's hand from her face and looking up at him.

"You know, I once told Raphael that you were only my mentor, not my father... but to tell you the truth you were the closest I've ever had to one, and I'm ashamed it took me so long to realize that." She looks at him with a smile before quickly hugging her commander as she tells him softly, "Thank you for always being there for me."

Sal was surprised by his lieutenant's sudden action of an embrace. Never once has she ever hugged him but he accepted it, hugging her back, holding back his tears.

"I should be thanking you. I may not have said it much, but you were always like a daughter to me and I loved you like one as well. I know that you will be in good hands with a man who will love and support you till the end of time."

"Thank you, G'throkka."

"And speaking of him, do not worry. I already had my talk with Raphael," Sal tells her once they part from their hug.

Mona blinks, her expression quickly switching to concern, "Oh no, please don't tell me you threatened him."

"Of course not! " Sal assures her, "He is not like those dishonorable men who desperately tried to pursue you back on Salamandria! No. I simply told Raphael to love and cherish you for the rest of your days. To be a good husband and always be there for you."

"Aww," Mona's was touched. Seems like he's been more like a father to her then she originally thought, "Commander, that is so-"

"And also for you and him to provide me with many grandchildren."

"E-Excuse me?!"

"I'm not getting any younger and I would like to have little future soldiers to spoil before I become one with the stars. I already informed Raphael that you and he must produce at least 5 offspring for the Salamandrian military." Sal Commander then chuckles, leaning towards Mona Lisa as he gives a wink, "But in truth, I won't complain if you two make more than I requested."

"G'throkka! That's highly inappropriate! You must have given Raphael a heart attack from such a suggestion!"

"Nonsense! Raphael is fine. I think..."

Mona exhales, turning away from her commander and crossing her arms in annoyment, "If I end up being alone at the altar, I'll know that you are to blame!"

Mona felt Sal's hand gently touch her shoulder, leaning down slightly to make eye contact with her as she tells her, "I doubt Raphael would ever do that to you. He loves you."

She softly smiles, she couldn't stay mad at him when he spoke the truth, "I know he does. Isn't that why we're all here in the first place?"

"Hm, true. Even when we first met Raphael he showed signs of a heroic heart. I wasn't surprised when I heard that he fought Bishop in your honor."

"I still worry about Bishop being present at my wedding," Mona says, being reminded of that Utrom trash.

    "You have nothing to fear, Y'gythgba." Sal comforts her, "I personally will make sure nothing will go wrong on your special day." He then leans down and whispers, "I have a blaster and my plasma sword hidden in my suit."

    "As do I," Mona giggles with a whisper, "Along with a few explosives and knives in my dress as well."

    "Excellent!" he exclaimed with pride, "Being well prepared! Just like I taught you!"

    As the two Salamandrians shared a laugh - having the same plans in mind for any possible negative outcomes to occur at the wedding - they soon heard a soft knock at the door. Mona calls for whoever is on the other side to come in.

Opening the door and poking her head through the crack, the bride and her commander see their human friend, April O'Neil.

"Oh, great! Sal Commander, you're already here!" April says relieved.

"Punctuality is important," Sal tells her.

April nods, agreeing with the commander before turning to look at the bride, "Mona Lisa?" she gives her friend an excited smile, "It's time."