I am so pleased to introduce TheLadyOfSouls as the Fan OC inspiration to be as Miriam for Splinter and one small thing she has mentioned about her allergy toward sushi. Which, it has struck me when I had been thinking over about what Miriam would and could handle to eat in the story. I'm surprised that she has mentioned about her allergy for sushi as I was thinking of using that in the story and as you all, know. I am not new to the mysteries of the psychic or spirt realm, as I am familiar to the supernatural gift, anyway. Onward to the following chapter. Hope you will enjoy it, tootles for now.

Chapter 2

The next day…

It was Miriam's day off and she was feeling a little bored. Surfing through the web as she needed something to entertain her until her next class when the mobile rang.

Mom ringing.

Looking down to the vibrating mobile that showed the picture of her guardian, that she chose to call her mother as this wondrous woman was all she knew and if it weren't for this angel, raising and protected her. Miriam realised that she wouldn't had succeeded this far in her life, picking the phone up and answered.

"Hey mom. What's happening?" Miriam greeted gently, tapping on the keyboard. "Just wondering what you are up to, this evening as it has been awhile since we spent together and visited the cemetery." Tracey Patterson replied.

Miriam sighed softly, leaning back in her chair and continued with worrying and curious wonder. "Don't you think it is a little dangerous to visit the memorial plaques since the police never found their bodies?"

"I understand, Miriam but it is the anniversary when your birth parents disappeared and even though I have adopted you as my own and I've taught you as much I could, but always assured that remembering them and honouring them, will always bring closure for you." Her foster mother replied.

Miriam wiped the tears that streamed down her cheek and answered with a soft reply. "I know, but don't want to move again if they find us."

"I know, sweetie. But sooner or later, we have to face them and find out what has happened to your birth parents and why. The answers will come, and hopefully we shall find justice for them so they can finally rest in peace and you finally have closure." She assured gently with a soft exhale and continued. "I have to get back to work, honey. And I will see you later for dinner, ok."

"I will be there mom. Don't work too late ok." Miriam answered, hoping history doesn't repeat itself. "Don't worry so much, you will get wrinkles." She laughed.

Miriam chuckled and answered. "Ok, mom. See you at 6?"

"Sounds good, be safe. Love you honey bear."

"Love you more, mom."

Exhaled softly as she placed her phone down and continued surfacing the web as she wanted to find something to always carry with her. Miriam had decided to get a special remembrance tattoo for her deceased parents. And finally get another that she always wanted as a child.

A tattoo of the Rat. But more like one of that stood out as the protector and she was pleased to find both as she hoped to find. The first one she found that were of two roses with lilies, surrounded them was a scroll like banner where she could insert their names in and in-between them to state RIP.

Quickly downloaded the picture and printed it then wrote her parents' names with a small message underneath. Together forever. RIP mum and dad.

And resumed her search for the second after a few seconds she had typed in a specific item to give what she hope to find and was very pleased that it didn't take long to find either. The images presented of many of tattoo designs of the rat. In Japanese astrological sign, furry characteristic style and then finally she found exactly what she was looking for.

The tattoo that stood out from the rest.

This rat stood tall, dressed in a kimono with his hands clasped over the hilt of a sword, and he glanced to his left as a cherry blossom tree stood behind him and cherry blossom petals appeared to float around him and to his feet. This was exactly what Miriam was searching for and she didn't hesitate to download and print it.

Smiling happily with the designs she wanted and looked to the clock and the time was still early, turning the computer and printer off. Then gathered all she needed, and rushed out the door.

"Hey mare, where are you off to?" Stacey asked, as she stood in the doorway only draped in a towel. Miriam looked back and replied as she was walking backwards. "Just going out for awhile, I'll be back for lunch. I promise. See you then, Stacey."

Stacey blinked and wondered as she stated. "Um, ok then. She is in a hurry."

11:10am, Phoenix tattoo ink parlour…

Miriam stood outside the tattoo shop and in then exhaled as she pushed the door open, the bell rang to alert the tattooist and receptionist. "Hi, sweetie. Be right with you in a jiffy." The receptionist assured with a smile as she was quickly organising the books.

Miriam was too fixated on the tattoo designs that was held on the walls for all to see as she couldn't wait to get the tattoos she wanted to be inked. "Now, how may I help you today love?" the receptionist asked, smiling welcoming her.

"I would like to have these tattooed please." Miriam answered, taking out the printed drawings that she wanted to be inked in her arms. The receptionist took the papers and looked onto them then said, continued smiling as she called for her boss.

"Dave."

"Yeah, Yasmin." Dave answered. "This young lady wants these tattoos." Yasmin informed him as he approached the desk and looked to the designs then looked to Miriam and asked.

"How soon, do you want these done love? And how big and where?" he asked. Miriam was so excited and said as she rose her arms. "Here please and as soon as possible."

"Well, you are in luck as this is the busiest day for us and having them both on her forearms will be the quickest and cheapest to be done, all in one go." Dave explained, with a kind smile. "Really? Thankyou so much. How much would it be all total?" Miriam asked.

"For both, and today we are doing a special on multiple ink designs. Say about $350 for both, including colour." Dave quoted exactly. Miriam was over the mood and said. "Ink me up, good sir."

"Right this way, love and just need to know, do you have any allergies to anything or have substance to drugs in your system?" he asked, handing a consent form to Miriam and continued. "Also are you over the age of 18?"

Miriam answered truthfully that she is clean as a whistle and in fact over the age appropriate required and expected. Dave was pleased and suggested Miriam take a seat and the tattooist will be with her shortly and begin with the designs that she has requested.

Three minutes later, two tattooist walked to her and sat on each side of her. Dave assured her quickly. "Ok, I didn't get your name dear."

"Miriam."

"Ok, Miriam. These two guys are my best tattooist." The woman cleared her throat. "My bad, this guy and young lady are my best tattooist."

"I'm ling." The woman tattooist introduced herself. "I'm chad." The other tattooist introduced himself. "Pleasure to meet you both." Miriam replied.

"Ok, you are in good hands. And they will do exactly what you have provided. When you are done, I will give you a free gift pack for tattoo care." Dave smiled then walked away as Ling and Chad begun to ink in the tattoos in Miriam's forearms. At first she felt the pain then became numb after the outline was completed as she was assured that, it is the colouring of the tattoo would hurt more then the outline.

Four hours later….

Wiping the excess ink away that didn't go in soon as both tattoos were completed. Miriam looked down to her arms and was very pleased with the results as her arms were covered with some special clear bandage to keep the healing and tattoo care gel in.

Feeling abit sore afterwards and went to pay for the fee as she was given what was promised then left the shop. Admiring her chosen tattoos, and felt happy how they turned out. Then realised, how would her foster mother feel about them?

Then, thought again. That she was an adult, and this is what she wanted to remember her parents and to have the one thing that always gave her strength, and empowerment. She also remembered, when tracey Patterson said to her once.

When she was old enough, and it would be her choice. If she chose to have something to be done as her way to remember and honour her birth family. Then would have to wait until she was the right age to do so. But also to never forget, once it was done can not be taken back.

Exhaled with pride of her choice as she knew this is exactly what she wanted. There was no room for regrets as she had none.