Chapter 4

Meanwhile, in the sewers….

Master splinter, and his four sons were in the tunnels not far from their lair scavenging for whatever they could find. Whether it was newly fresh or somewhat fresh, no matter not either way. It was still food for them to consume which, they were born of mysterious world that human citizens of new York could or may not understand of their existence.

Just as when the devoted father, grasped the small piece of disposed unwanted bread. He suddenly sensed something deep inside as his inner intuition had clenched his soul. Freezing for a few moments and lost concentration as he received a glimpse of the future that is soon coming to reveal itself.

His dark brown eyes widen, slowly shined with watery glass as he could see clearly before him. Witnessing a beautiful maiden, that slowly faced him and happily smiled with pure sincerity of hope and everlasting love which had pierced his longing heart. Not realising that his eldest son was calling his name whilst trapped in the trance of the premonition, he had witnessed of the one who will bring him joy that forever longed for.

The beautiful maiden smiled as she tenderly caressed his furred cheek and whispered softly then kissed his forehead then before, he could say a word to request her name. She floated, disappeared into the light as little Leonardo continued to tugged upon his robe and call him. Then finally, he looked down when realised something had occurred.

"Master Splinter." Little Leonardo sniffled, tightly grasped his robe as he caressed his head and finally answered. "Yes, Leonardo. What is the matter my son?"

"I wet myself." Leonardo sniffled, fearing he'd be punished. Master splinter noticed the wet lining down his legs and exhaled with a soft sigh then assured him gently. "Fear not, my son. Accidents happen sometimes. Come, let's return home and wash up."

Ten minutes or so later…

The fatherly rat and his young sons returned back to the lair, and whilst his middle sons were exhausted but as for his youngest. Hyperactive, more than he usually was but grew used to his son's hyperactivity and practiced to become patient as fathers should and must. Satisfied that, his younger sons were settled whilst he attended to his eldest. Leonardo, as he was feeling embarrassed and grew fearful if he would be punished until had realised that he was assured instead.

A warm bath was drawn and he was placed in the tub then bathe, sincerity. Once he was cleaned, then picked out of the bath then dried and his little head was held gently. His cheeks were caressed lovingly and tenderly.

"I love you daddy." Leonardo tenderly told his father. And he replied. "I know my son. I love you more."

"She will come soon, daddy." Leonardo said confidently as he hugged him. Master splinter was unsure of what he meant but had just smiled, agreeing. "We'll see my son. Time for bed." Holding his little hand as they walked out of the bathroom and to the first bedroom where his brothers were already in bed, sleeping. Except for mikey.

He was up playing with his silver sentry and superman figurines. "Alright, Michelangelo. Time for bed." Master splinter told him gently as he whined. "Oh just five more minutes, please." He pleaded with his perfect baby blue eyes that made his heart melt without fail but he had to be stern and repeated his request. "Bed time my son, playtime is over."

Michelangelo finally accepted what he was instructed and climbed into bed, with his toys. Huddling them close as he drifted to sleep. Leonardo had fallen asleep the very moment he climbed into his bed. Pulling the blankets over them, before leaving the room and looked back to them. Happily but also proudly glanced upon them.

Leaving the nightlight for the sleeping tots and went to the kitchen, made himself a fresh cup of oolong tea. Master splinter knew his sons were right, something was missing and it was greatly needed. Where to start? Where to look? How to approach the right woman that would or could ever love someone that isn't human? If there is such a woman that could.

Questions and thoughts wandered through his mind. Master splinter was a realist even though a spiritualist also a strong teacher in the arts of bushido. All but one part of his circle was fulfilled. If he could find his centre and fulfil it. He would become the happiest father, and hopefully husband that he'd ever become. Until that moment reveals itself, he would have to be patient and open to the welcoming of the forthcoming love that he will never forget.

7:52pm, the crime scene…

The apartment was filled with multiple police officers, forensics and detectives while the crowd of curious onlookers tried to see what the fuss was about within the building and reporters were requested to remain behind the line and their questions will be answered as soon as the police knew what to give publicly.

Detective Jonathan Reynolds walked in the apartment and placed both hands, upon his waist. "What do we have here, sergeant?" he asked, waiting for the sergeant to reply as he was approached by the detective.

"What we can tell, it was a calculated killing." Sergeant Brady Andrews's assembly explained. "Meaning that she was attacked after or before when the door was opened?" the detective inquired.

"We are unsure, sir."

"Hm, sergeant Andrews correct?" detective inquired, presumably. And he nodded. "That's correct."

"Sergeant Andrews, I suggest you continue looking until you find the answers and clues so we can catch this mongrel before he kills again. Is that clear."

"Crystal clear, detective."

Leaving the sergeant's side and knelt down by the corpse, unveiling and exhaled with disappointment. "Such ashame, she is a pretty one indeed." Covering her face once again as he was informed that she could have a sister or possible a daughter as the photographs were presented before him.

"May be if we find this young woman, we can figure what had happened here." Detective Reynolds took the photograph and gazed upon it as he stood up. "Possibly a sister?"

"She could be no more than 18 maybe 20 years of age at the very least." One officer implied assembly. "This victim is definitely not a mother that can be ruled out for sure. As there is no resemblance between the pair." Handing the photograph over as it was taken as evidence and he continued, giving the order. "Find her, she couldn't be far."

Elsewhere not far from the crime scene….

Miriam just exited out of the building, as she quickly changed her appearance. The once blonde is now dark brunette, hopefully this helped to protect her as she was all alone. Where to go? Who to trust? How would she know who is friend or foe?

Keeping her head low as she rushed through crowds of the street and apologised quickly when bumped into unexpected by passers. "Sorry sir." She apologised and resumed on her way then finally found her sanctuary away from whomever may be tracking her.

"I would like a room, thanks." She told the motel keep. "What are you running from, little girl?" he asked, handing the key over. Miriam signed the book and took the key as she replied. "Monsters of past."

Raised his brow as he was suspicious but intrigued to the reply he received. "Never heard of that one before."

"Always a first, right?" she answered, taking her leave as he watched and stated. "Yes, always a first."

Few moments later, Miriam entered the room and quickly checked throughout in case of any unexpected recipients that may be hiding and awaited their opportunity to pounce. When she was satisfied that no one was in the room with her, she could relax and finally read the letter that her beloved foster mother; Tracey Patterson left for her.

Dearest Miriam

My dearest Miriam, you have grown into a wonderful woman that a mother would and always will be honoured and be proud of a daughter like you. You have brought me great joy, as we have shared many memories even though some were dark and I solemnly vowed your birth mother that I would always keep you safe and protected until the day that you would have to face them. And now the day has come, it was the day I've dreaded of ever coming true.

Coming from a dead woman, to say this is what no one wishes to hear or read. But how can I sugar coat this? The answer is never easy as I have no answer to it. All I can say that, you must face the demons of your past. I know not whom they are or where they may be. Or why they are after you but I only can say that you must be ready. Ready to fight the good fight and avenge your birth parents and me, also yourself.

I know I was harsh at times, when I insisted that you learn to fight in those self defence classes but that was to help you become strong and be prepared for what may come or follow. I've done all I could and given everything I had to fulfil what you needed. I hope you can forgive me that this day was predicted long time ago when you were still a young teen as I knew that I would be taken away from you. And you will have to find a way to protect yourself.

I have faith in you Miriam, and you will find someone to be by your side. He is kind, loving, caring and gentle. You will realise that you have many things in common with him as he will have more to share. Possibly to teach also. I know not who he may be, only that he will always keep you safe and fight the good fight with you til the very end.

When the moment comes, we all shall be waiting for you on the other side but what I do hope that day don't come too soon. As I hope you will find your happiness, and live to the end of your days. Live life to the fullest, always remember my beautiful treasure.

Never ever be afraid. You are stronger than you realise and you will overcome anything that stands in your way.

Love always,

Mother …

Miriam's heart broke into two as she read the letter from tracey, her foster mother. And felt the tears fall onto her hands and the paper. Placing the letter down beside her, then went to the bathroom. Staring into the mirror, even she recently changed her hair colour but it wasn't enough. She soon realised, no matter if her hair colour was changed. She will be spotted because her hair was still long and full of locks.

Picking up the scissors, and grasped a small handful of her hair then begun to cut it short. Short as boy's haircut. After the last lot of locks were cut away, she gazed at herself for the first time as a new but reformed person. Unfamiliar to her but it was for her own benefit.

The next step was to get new clothing to transform in from the old into the new. Once that was completed, the final phrase can be completed and that was to disappear. And what a better place to disappear, that none would suspect to search.

The sewers.

Miriam decided to take refuge in the sewers, as it was her only and last option to finally disappear from those were closing on her. Packing her old life behind, and waited until it was quiet to leave the motel room and succeed her plan.

Folding the last photograph of herself, and her birth parents with the secondary photograph of her foster mother. Whispery vowed. "I swear, I will avenge you…I will avenge you all."