Author's Note: I'm very sorry for the long wait. It has just been a hard month for me and again i'm sorry for the wait. Anyway here's the long awaited chapter. But I promise something, I'll upload the next chapter within the next couple of days, I promise that. Well, here it is, enjoy.

Chapter 10: Settling In

Things were silent as the limo entered the garage of Foot HQ, the black stretch heading for its usually parking spot. After failing to remember his way back to the lair Donatello had willingly gone into the vehicle with Shredder and headed back. All the way he didn't say anything, currently filled with many emotions as he just stared out the window. He was afraid of what he would say if he were to talk about what just happened.

He was surprised Shredder kept quiet as well during their ride, the olive green turtle thought he would be asking all sorts of questions but he didn't. He was fine with this, shell he was glad there wasn't any questions. He wanted to be alone right now and sort through these thoughts he was having.

"We're here," Oroku announced as he got out of the limo but then waited for Don to get out.

Donny took a couple of deep breaths before moving over and getting out, entering the garage.

"Come, I'll walk you back to your room," Shredder spoke as he turned and headed to the elevator that was there. The turtle only followed since he could do nothing else.

A few minutes later Shredder and Don entered the elevator that lead up to the officer's rooms. Nothing was said as the olive turtle leaned against the wall of the elevator as Shredder pressed the designated button. Once the door closed and the hum of the machine starting up, the elevator started to ascend. Once again nothing else had been said as they waited till they got to their desired floor.

After half a minute Oroku Saki then turned to the turtle, a kind look on his face. "I know after having a night like this you are an emotional wreck. But know this, I'm willing to listen to any problems you want to express, only when you're up to it."

This surprised Don a lot, this wasn't what he was expecting. The genius turtle expected to have him talk about what had happened, but his enemy wasn't prying into his thoughts. More shocking he was willing to listen to anything he wished to talk about, but only when he felt like it. He wanted to nod or remained silent but his mouth opened before his mind caught up. "Thank you…"

Nothing else was said after that and the ding indicated that they reached their floor. Stepping out they walked down the same hallway as before until they stopped in front of Don's room. Shredder reached out and opened it for him as the turtle walked in.

"Why don't you go ahead and rest, after tonight I know it will do you good."

"Maybe in a minute," Donny responded softly, almost above a whisper.

"Once again, don't leave the room. And also sleep as long as you like, you deserve it."

"Thanks…for the ride," Don responded as he looked down at the floor.

Oroku nodded at the appreciation, "You are welcome, now rest well Junko." With that he closed the door and his footsteps could be heard walking down the hall.

Don remained where he was, in the center of the room, lost in thought. Alone now his emotions went wild as thoughts of earlier returned. He walked over to the table he had and pulled a chair out to sit. He didn't want to be on his feet right now and this was the first spot he thought of. "Why couldn't I remember?" he started to speak to himself, the chess set in front of him. "Did Shredder really have something to do with this? But that's not possible…I mean he wouldn't…or could he? I don't know anymore."

His mind kept drifting, sadness, anger, despair and…confusion. Those are the emotions that were floating around in his head. Sadness came from the fact that he couldn't remember his way back home, even after having the only chance to return was presented to him. Anger because he couldn't remember, this was something that he should have kept stuck in his head but didn't, even though he felt like there was another cause for this. Despair since he wasn't sure there wasn't going to be another chance try to get back home again, even though he couldn't remember. And lastly confusion because he wasn't sure if Shredder was behind this or not. He knew this had to be a part of the plan his enemy had but for some reason he didn't want to believe it.

The Shredder had shown so much kindness towards him for the past year and for some reason knew in a way he wouldn't do anything without his consent. For some reason he trusted him, which was strange.

He wasn't sure how long he was thinking but he heard a knock coming from his door. Without hearing a response the door slid open and to his surprise Gavin walked in. "Hey there."

"What are you doing here?" Don asked as he remained seated in his chair.

The male closed the door as he walked in, "I uh…heard that you left and…there were people saying that you were trying to uh…"

"I don't want to talk about it," the olive green turtle sat back as he looked at the floor.

"Ok…but I just came by to see if you were ok," he stood next to the adjacent chair. "Do you mind?"

"Not at all," Don responded, not caring what he did. "Why would you want to check on me anyway?"

Gavin then pulled the chair out and sat down in it, "I don't know…just did." He then looked down at the chess board before him, then at the turtle across from him. A thought came to his mind as he responded, "Mind playing a game?"

Don raised a confused eye, "Why?"

"Maybe it'll help get your mind off of what's troubling you."

"Believe me, after what I've been through nothing would help."

"Then why not try this now and see?" Gavin leaned forward, awaiting the answer.

Don started to think about this, he didn't know what Gavin was getting at and is confused. Why would a stranger he just met want to know if he's alright or not? Also why the game of chess even though he might not be in the right mood for it. He sighed as he thought, what else could he lose right now. "Fine…what more could this night give me."

Gavin nodded as he decided himself he would go first. He grabbed one of the middle pawns and moved it ahead two spaces. "So, how are you feeling?"

"Not good," Don responded in a low voice as he did the same move.

Gavin decided to hold off asking all the immediate questions he wanted to know. The way the turtle was feeling like he wouldn't want to answer. "Must of have been a rough night then."

"You have no idea," Don shook his head.

"Try me?" Gavin moved another middle pawn ahead two spaces.

Don sighed as he moved his left knight ahead, "have you ever been confused beyond your own belief?"

That raised an eye on the human, "depending on what you mean." He moved his left bishop three spaces.

"Like you've known something for so long and all of a sudden you forgotten it," Don responded as he moved his next piece.

"What could be important that you would suddenly forget?" Gavin asked, curious as to what he was talking about.

"Look, I don't know why you're asking me this, why would you be interested in knowing," Don covered up, not sure why he would be talking to this guy he hardly knew.

"I'm not sure myself," Gavin admitted as he moved his next piece. This surprised Donny some. "Something just told me to talk to you, and I did. I see that something's bothering you and I wanted to see what was wrong."

Don then moved a piece and took a pawn, "Look, I know you mean well but I'm just don't want to open up right now. It's personal."

"I can understand that, I mean we just met a couple of hours ago. I'd do the same thing." He moved his bishop and captured a pawn. "But know this, I'm always available if you have something you want to talk about."

Don froze as that was said, a bit of a flashback from not so long ago appeared in his head. From what the Shredder told him the same thing. His hand started to slowly shake as he moved it away from the chess board, head looking at the table.

"You alright?" Gavin asked.

"Just…just feeling tired right now," Don somewhat lied. He was feeling low on energy but also he didn't really want to continue this conversation. Something inside him just told him not to continue right now.

"Maybe we can pick this up later on, if you want to," Gavin sighed as he rose up out of the chair. He could tell something was wrong and decided it would be right to go.

"Sorry," the olive green turtle responded in a low voice.

"It's alright, but still. If you're in the lab I still would like to talk more, only if you like," The human responded as he walked to the door and slid it open.

"Gavin," Don spoke up, catching the guy before he could leave.

"Yes?" he answered, turning and looking at the turtle.

"Thanks…for coming, it helped some."

Gavin smiled at the response, "You're welcome, sleep tight." With that he left and slid the door closed, leaving Don alone in the room.

Sighing after the guy's departure both of the olive green turtle's eyes looked upon the chess board, the unfinished game before him. Part of him found it a shame that they didn't get to finish, it's never good to leave things unfinished.

"Maybe we can continue some other time," Don spoke out loud as he stood up. Once up a yawn escaped his mouth as the fatigue in his body suddenly made itself known. "Going to bed is a great idea."

He turned but once both eyes locked onto his bed his whole body froze. Just the sight of it again nearly brought a tear to his eye. Memories of all those months flashed before his eyes, the cold floor and nearly soft bed roll he had to sleep on. All the unpleasantness when it came to sleeping because of that and now he has a bed again.

Moving over to the bed he placed his hands on the comforter again, feeling the softness of it. "A bed…finally and…no one is here to take it away…"

If someone were to ask him what was the only upside to the whole situation the turtle was in, he would say the bed is the only positive. He folded the blankets back and climbed in. laying on his plastron he immediately felt the softness of the mattress as his body sank in. Pulling the blankets over his shell he was encased by warmth, a much longed for feeling that had been denied to him for so long. His head rested on the soft pillows, something that nearly made him cry out in relief. This is something that he missed so much and longed for. Almost like that his eyes drooped down till they closed and like that he fell asleep. For the first time in nearly a year he had a pleasant and undisturbed slumber.

Outside of town under the veil of night the Battle Shell quietly drove through the forest, the headlights currently off. They've been out here for almost an hour as the turtles followed Casey's instructions. The drive over had been a quiet one, no talks of any kind except for directions being exchanged. Nothing but seriousness filled the air inside the vehicle since this was the moment they had been waiting for.

"Stop here," Splinter's voice called out as the driver, Raph, stopped the vehicle.

"What is it?" April asked from the passenger's seat, everyone looking at him now.

"We should continue on foot, don't want to risk spooking our enemies," The age rat told them, which started to make scene to them. This was the big break they were looking for and they didn't want to ruin it.

"Alright, lets go then," Leo spoke for everyone as they moved to the back and jumped out from the doors.

Moving quietly they all kept low and proceeded forward, using the trees as cover as they further moved away from the Battle Shell. Soon a clearing came into view as their destination approached. They hid behind the trees as Leo peeked around the truck and saw into the clearing. He could see the building straight ahead but there wasn't anybody there. No cars, no Foot present. Chances are they could be hidden and the Foot could be inside.

Moving back Leo faced his group, "I don't see anyone or anything."

"Could they be hidden?" Raph asked, crouched as were Mikey and Casey.

"Don't know, can't tell from here."

"We must approach with caution," Splinter's low voice spoke. Nodding they then walked out from the forest and into the clearing, making sure to keep low. After a couple of minutes they reached the building and lined up against the wall. Leo, who had point, moved to the door and checked the knob but an eye rose in surprise. "It's unlocked."

"What?" Mikey spoke from behind his brother.

"That's weird," Casey spoke up next. "Wouldn't they want to keep a place like this locked up?"

"We must proceed with caution, something is not right here," Splinter announced to everyone. This prompted his sons to take out their weapons as they watched the leaf green turtle open the door before peeking in. All he saw was a long grey hall, with a few doors on either side. And once again there wasn't anyone there.

He pulled back and looked at the others, "Long hall, with many doors, check the rooms."

One by one they all filed inside the building and each took a door once they were inside. Leo turned the knob on his door and slowly opened it a crack, keeping an ear out for any kind of sound. When silence hit him he opened more till he was finally able to look inside. It appears to be a break room of some kind. There were a few tables and chairs inside, plus on the wall were some cables. It appears something was there before but then removed.

If Leo had to guess he would have to say this was cleared out, but when is what he didn't know. Deeming it safe he then turned and exited, leaving the door open to mark that the room had been cleared.

"Uh…guys over here!" Mikey's voice rang out in the hall, which caught everyone's attention. Everyone rushed down the hall and turned the corner where Mikey was standing, door opened in front of him. Once there they all looked inside and were surprised at what they saw.

It was a cell, a small one. They knew that because on the walls were shackles that were welded to the wall. They all stood there in silence as their eyes stayed on the inside of the room. This was a sign they didn't want to see.

"This must have been…" April started to say but didn't finish.

Splinter then walked into the center of the room and kneeled down touching the floor.

"Master what are-" Raph began to ask but was quieted by Leo.

They watched as their father continued to run his hand over the cold floor of the cell in silence. They weren't sure what he was doing but they let him be.

Both of Splinter's eyes were closed as he felt around, searching for any sign of his child. Just then his body froze as he felt something, a familiar presence which caused both of his eyes to shoot open. "He was here."

"What?" Leo asked.

Splinter rose up and turned to his group, a look of sadness on his face, "I can feel it. Your brother was here but is not anymore."

"So this place has been abandoned?" Casey asked.

"Possibly," Leo responded, a bit of hope dying down inside of him. This was the only lead they had, they were hoping that Don was here but now this piece of news dishearten them.

"So…this is a dead end then?" Mikey asked out loud, looking at everyone's faces.

"We don't want to say that," Leo responded, looking at his little brother. "We should at least check out the area some more, maybe there's clue or something that'll tell us something.

"But it's dark, we won't be able to see as good now," Raph argued, which was a valid point. If they looked around outside for a clue there wouldn't be that much visibility to help them.

"Then we should wait till morning to continue our search," Splinter suggested as he left the cell.

"You mean come back later?" April asked.

"No…we should stay out here, just in case something happens," the aged rat responded. "Even if this place were to be abandoned there might be a slim chance someone might come back. It may be too much to hope for but it's all we can hold onto."

Everyone considered the words Splinter said and thought about it. It was true that something could happen and leaving wouldn't be a good idea. But yet the fear of that hope being crushed was also a factor to make them reconsider. Still this building was the only lead they had and they needed to check the area out while there's still light.

"Let's check out what's left around here before heading back to the Battle Shell," Leo instructed. There was a silent agreement as the group split back up and searched the rest of the building. Splinter took one last look of the cell before joining back in. This was going to be a long night.

A sudden brightness hit Donatello's as both of his eyes squeezed shut as his head turned to escape the sun's rays. Wait, sun's rays? The olive green turtle rose up as his eyes opened, and the first thing he saw was the morning rays of the sun coming in from the window in his room. "How did I miss that?" he thought to himself, he didn't know how he didn't see the window in the first place.

Getting out of bed he walked closer to the window, transfixed by what he saw. The rising sun, a sight he hadn't seen in nearly a year, a sight that was…beautiful. It caused a tear to fall from his eye as he was able to experience something like this again. He just kept staring at it, transfixed by the sight as the sun continued to rise above the buildings, an unknown amount of time passing.

"You're awake?" A voice startled the turtle. Don turned and saw Shredder at his doorway, a surprised look on his face as an awkward silence filled the room. "I thought you'd still be asleep."

"I uh…was woken up by the sun," Don truthfully responded, watching as Shredder walked in and slid the door closed. "I…it's just…" he was truly a loss for words for making a response.

"You're transfixed by the sight of it, aren't you?" Oroku moved forward as both hands were clasped behind his back.

"Y-Yeah…" he admitted, looking at the ground. "Not seeing it for so long…I just focused all my attention on it."

"That's nothing with it I guess, you've been through a lot, you should enjoy the little things in life," Shredder nodded at what he heard.

"Right," he responded, nodding. "I fully awake right now."

"Good, then why don't I give you that tour of the places you're able to access."

"Yeah…I would, thank you."

"Come," Shredder said as he turned and slid the door open. Don followed behind, part of him happy to finally be able to leave the room now.

The elevator dinged as the door of the elevator opened, revealing a hall way that split in two directions. Oroku walked out and turned to face his companion. "To your left is a small locker room, chances are you might not be using that. But to your right is the floor's dojo." He then started to walk to his left, being followed by Don.

"Is this whole floor dedicated to the dojo?" Don asked in curiosity.

"Yes, this floor is only for head officers only, and obviously you'll have access to this floor anytime," Shredder announced as they approached an opened room where there was another sliding door. It was opened and Don saw what was behind it.

Shredder must of like the Japanese style because that's what he saw. Wooden covered floors with rice walls. There was plenty of open space so many others can fit and practice without any problems.

"There's also an adjoin room on the far side, in case if anyone wants even more room," Shredder spoke as they walked to the center of the room, the olive green turtle looking around his surroundings.

As Don looked around his eyes couldn't help but stick to the edges of the room, where weapon racks were. The shocker was that it was loaded with all sorts of weapons, ranging from swords and to even pole arms. "Why…why are there weapons here?" He asked in confusion. All the time at the small dojos at the buildings he was imprisoned at there was no weapons at all, so this was a shocker.

"To practice with of course," Shredder responded, before turning to him. "Unlike the troops that were previously watching you, I'll allow you to practice with weapons. You need to train with more than your hands and feet."

Donny was silent once hearing that, taken back at what he was being allowed to have access to. "Why would he allow me to use these? Doesn't he know that…no…I couldn't use them against him…no…I wouldn't…or would I?" He thought to himself, now more confused as ever.

"Like I said Junko, you'll be allowed to have access to here anytime you want, I want you to be able to exercise when you need it, I don't want you to get out of shape."

"Thanks…this will do fine," Don gave a nod as he took one more look around his surroundings.

"Come I'll show you the next place," Oroku turned and headed back out the way they came, heading for the elevator.

Once again there was a ding before the doors open, revealing the outside garden that Don was at last night. They both walked out as Don took in the place again, noticing how different it was during the day time. There were actual trees planted and grass on the ground. There was even a coy pond surrounding the garden. The daylight made the place look a lot larger than it did last night.

They walked to the center of the place before any words were exchanged, "This is a relaxing place that everyone has access to, it's a nice spot where some like to come and meditate."

"Meditate?" Don questioned. Mainly because before he wasn't allowed to, but for some reason he wasn't why anymore. He couldn't remember what had happened that made them stop him from doing so.

"Yes," Shredder responded with a nod. "I want you to have a clear head from time to time and it's relaxing and helps."

"Why am I being allowed to meditate again? I wasn't allowed to do it before, I wonder why?" Don wanted to ask so many things but the only he said was, "Ok, that sounds good."

It was then an audible grow came from Don's stomach, causing both of his eyes to raise, but also caused an eye to raise on Oroku Saki's face, "Hungry?"

"Uh…yeah, I guess I am," Donny responded as he looked at the ground. He was kind of embarrassed at this, he wanted to ask for food but for some reason he felt that it would be rude doing so.

"The tour can wait for now, let's go to the cafeteria for breakfast."

"Thank you," the olive green turtle ended up saying again, smiling on the inside. He watched as his escort turned and headed to the doors nears the garden and followed.

A few minutes later Donatello found himself sitting down by himself at a long table inside an empty cafeteria. Apparently none of the other foot ninjas hadn't come yet and Don could enjoy the time to himself. He didn't want to admit it but he didn't feel like being around anyone else but Shredder right now. Said guy told the turtle to take a seat while he got his food for him.

A couple of minutes passed before Oroku came back with a tray in hand. He placed it down in front of Don and took a seat in the chair across from him. The olive green turtle looked down at the contents of the food that was given to him. On the plate there were scrambled eggs, a couple strips of bacon and hash browns, and also he had a glass of orange juice to drink. Smiling he began to eat, "Thank you."

"You are welcome," those were the last words to be said before silence overtook them for a t least a couple of minutes. No other sounds were made except for Don eating his food. "I presume the rest of your night was ok, right?"

That stopped the turtle as he was caught off guard at the sudden question. He wasn't expecting any kind of talk right now. Yet he decided to answer honestly, "Good, although it was…different since I had a bed to sleep in."

"I'm still going to deal with those men who disobeyed my orders. They weren't supposed to do that to you," Shredder leaned forward in his seat, a scowl on his face. "It was a good thing I took over your care instead of them."

"It…was also…it felt good…seeing the sun rise again," Don stopped eating completely as he gave that bit of truth.

"After being denied a look of the outside I made sure the room you got had a view."

"Once again…I thank you for that….and for the room…it's been…so long since I had anything to consider mine."

"You've been mistreated long enough, you're under my care now. It won't happen again," he rested his head on his folded hands.

"Why is he being so nice? Does he really care about my wellbeing? I mean he's allowing me all sorts of things and is not asking for anything in return," Don thought to himself as all this information ran through his head. He wasn't sure what to think anymore.

"Just to let you know I informed all of my staff and troops. They know of your presences here and know of all of the areas you're allowed in."

"What for?" Don looked up at Shredder's face, confused as to why he was being told this.

"I don't want any of them to stop you from going into an area you're allowed in."

That was true, the last thing Donny wanted was to be stopped by someone, and he still didn't feel comfortable around anyone else. Well not exactly everyone. He didn't know why but he started to feel ok with Gavin, from last night. The guy seemed friendly and even invited him to join him in the labs if he were ever there.

"The…labs?" Don thought about in his mind, which brought back something from before.

"Remember this offer is still available if you happen to change your mind," Shredder's voice from so long ago echoed in his mind.

He remember back in day one that Shredder made him an offer, a chance to work in his labs. Being able to use all the up to date tech today. Of course he refused but Shredder told him that the offer would still be there if he changed his mind. But the more he thought about it, now it started to be a bit intriguing. It had been nearly a year since then but Don wasn't sure if the offer would still exist. Just seeing the labs might be nice to see. And hey maybe it could give him something to do if he got bored.

"Something wrong Junko?" Shredder's voice rang out, knocking Don out of his train of thought.

"No, but…uh…" Don recovered, being surprised at the sudden voice. He decided to just say it and see. "Remember way back. You gave me an offer?"

Shredder pretended to think about this before grinning and giving a nod. "Yes, I asked if you would like to work in the labs I have here."

"You said that the offer would still be allowed…if I changed my mind," Don slowly started to say, food completely forgotten.

"And?" he asked, chuckling evilly on the inside. This is what he was waiting for and now it was going to happen.

"I'm considering it…but I would like to see the labs first," Don finally said with a nod. Partially glad to hear the offer was still good, and now was waiting for an answer.

Shredder gave a nod, finally after so long all that had been done had worked, "Of course Junko."

A/N: Hope you like. Once again i'm sorry for the wait. I thank you all for waiting and your patience. I tried hard and I'll make sure there's no other long delays. Like I said I'll upload the next chapter within the next couple of days. Till next time.