Authors Note: I'm very sorry for the wait. I'm not even going to make an excuse as to why it took me so long. I'm just glad you all waited. This was a tough chapter for me to write, but it had to be done. Enjoy.

Chapter 32: A Binary Choice

"W-What!?" Don stuttered out, panic setting into overdrive as ever beat of his heart increased by the second.

"You have to do this Junko," Shredder spoke firmly to his student, eyes locked onto him. "This is the only way I can fully know that you are on my side."

Don's breathing started to increase, the further the task he had been given is talked about, the more panic he got. "I-But…he's my friend, I-"

"Was he your friend?" Oroku cut him off, eyes narrowing in a angered manner. "How can you be sure if he truly was, or was using that that get closer to you, in order to get at your inventions?"

"I…I'm not-"

"He only pretended to be nice so he could gain your trust, which would enable him to get closer to you and be able to look over your shoulder as you worked," Oroku cut off as he walked circles around Don as eyes bore into him as he's on the spot light.

"MMPH MPH!" Gavin shook around in his bounds, desperately trying to say something. Unfortunately the tape on his mouth held up as he couldn't be understood.

"There it is again, he's denying it all, trying to say it's not true and I'm lying," he stopped in front of Don, blocking his view of his human friend, and looking up into the man's eyes. "I would never lie to you, don't you believe me Junko?"

Don shook his head, his mind already thinking that his sensei would never do something like that. "No…you-"

"I find it hard to trust your words Junko, which is why you must do this," he placed both hands on Don's shoulders, giving him a serious look. "I've done so much for you Junko, I've protected you, I've brought you here, I've given you everything you could ever want in technology, I trained you, I've treated you like one of my own." He emphasized his point by picking up one of the tails of his black bandanna, showing it to him before dropping it.

Both sensei and student bowed to one another in respect, Don feeling honored that Oroku had presented him with a new bandanna. The now black clad turtle wasn't sure what this meant for him as he wore it, was he a part of the Foot, or not?

"Uh…may I ask a question?" Don asked, curiosity getting better of him, but for another reason what so ever.

Oroku placed both hands behind his back, and nodded, "Junko do not be afraid of asking a question, feel free to ask whatever is on your mind."

Don then took a few breaths before looking back up, "Why the headband? I mean, I was ok the way I was but…"

"I knew you would ask that," Oroku nodded, taking a few steps closer to his student. "I felt that in the beginning the hand band you original had made you comfortable, so having it once again would make you feel more at ease, plus I do have to say black is a better color for you."

The turtle remained silent after being told this, not really sure how to react to it. "Well…I didn't really mind not having it, but…I will admit," he reached up and grabbed the tail of his bandana, twirling it a bit. "It does…feel good to have something of old back."

"And that's what I wanted to hear," he nodded and turned back, about to resume going back to his work.

"But…by wearing this…what does it mean?" He asked, now asking the other question that's on his mind. He wanted to say if it made him apart of the Foot, but decided not to just so he could hear it from his sensei's mouth. He just really want to know what the true meaning behind his gift is, then he'll be at ease…maybe.

Oroku turned back and approached his student, a sincere expression on his face, almost as if it softened. "Junko, that bandanna represents the trust I have in you, something I never seemed to have in any of my other men. I have trained some but you were the only I chose to do personally and privately. So when I look upon your face and see you wearing this mask, it'll remind me of the trust I have in you and make me know that I can depend on you."

Oroku's works really sunk into Don's head as he listened to the whole thing. He wasn't sure but a sense of being honored could be felt as he heard this. Such words from his sensei rang true to him and to him it was nothing but praise. This is something he couldn't help but smile at, his actions were finally being recognized with the highest of honors.

He didn't question it, not after hearing him and knowing that his sensei was being sincere. All he did was nod, then did another bow, "Thank you for this honor…I never realized you had this much trust in me."

"I do, and wear it with pride, I never give such a gift so consider yourself the first."

The memory came and went just like that, reminding him of the trust that had been bestowed upon him. How could he question his sensei's words, and accusations at Gavin, especially after all that was given and done for him. All of it were sincere and honest.

"I…I can't betray him like that, not after all that," He thought to himself. "He never lied to me nor giving me any reason why he would. If he says Gavin wasn't really my friend then it has to be true."

Time seemed to stand still as he looked over Oroku's shoulder, looking at his bound friend, still trying to struggle and say something. Still even though he's being told of his only friend's status as a spy and his only reason befriending him was for his gain, the black clad turtle still could feel that not all of it was a lie.

During his time here Gavin had been the only true friend he had, he didn't bother making friends with the others. He wasn't sure why but it just seemed it was fine with only Gavin. And all their interactions were true to him, and Don is a really good judge of character. Their time working together, talking and even playing chess were so real and true to him.

Doubt started to fill him as he continued to think these thoughts. His mind reeling back to that one night where he found him drunk and all those newspaper articles. Plus the life story Gavin told him about, it all rang true. Still those newspapers could have been fake, but yet another piece of information came back. That night Gavin was drunk, he could tell by the smell of alcohol on his breath.

Usually when someone is inebriated they usually spit out the truth, although he wasn't given the whole story, but his words still came to him. Then came the day after Gavin's confession of his past life, a conversation that just felt real true and felt like it wasn't a lie at all.

Don kept his eyes forward as he walked about the labs, intending to head for his lab. Another day of work ahead of him and he's eager to see what he could complete today. Seeing his personal lab ahead he trekked to it and opened the closed door. Both eyes widen as he saw light coming from the room, which he remembered turning off last he was in there.

Still there wasn't any reason to feel as if there's danger, not after the last time an intruder got in they tighten security better in the labs. Still the ever curious he opened the door all the way, and wasn't all too surprised to see Gavin sitting in his chair, reading a random book he must have brought.

The sight of the turtle entering caught the human's attention as he put the book down, "Ah, there you are."

"Hey Gavin, what's going on?" Don asked as he closed the door behind him.

"Well…I was hoping we could talk," he sighed, eyes now looking at the ground, hunched over in the chair.

"About what?" the turtle walked further in until he's by the human's side. What could he want to discuss?

Gaving was silent, shaking head before taking a breath, "About last night."

"Oh," Don responded, eyes raising a bit as the memory of what his friend told him. It was a memory that's hard to forget, especially after such a tragic tale of his life he had to go through. Still it seemed like once the conversation happened that it was going to be forgotten, looks like he's wrong about that. "Are you…sure you want to talk about that?"

Finally he looked up into the turtle's eyes, an expression of seriousness now plastered on him. "Yes, I'm sure," he got up from the seat, but didn't move from the spot. "I just…I just wanted to say thanks."

"For what?" he asked, raising an eye in confusion.

"For listening…and understanding," Gavin finally responded, his expression softening some as he continued with what he's saying. "I…I guess I've been keeping that memory buried inside too long, and seemed to be dwelling in the past. I just feel a lot better after talking it over with you, it just…felt right to do so. Anyway I just wanted to say, thank you for listening."

To say that Don was surprised was an understatement, shocked was better. After the way Gavin had defended himself into not wanting to talk about his past Don wasn't sure his friend wanted to thank him for this. Sure it was personal and of course he would have respected his friend enough not to talk about it again. Still he was glad for the thanks, knowing the topic wasn't so much painful for him, maybe.

He just nodded, not really sure how else to respond, "You're welcome, I can see you're feeling better about it."

"A little bit," he then started to pace around the room, eyes looking from object to object in the lab. "I so much wanted to forget about that day…how my daughter died. I still know it wasn't fair for me, and a life was lost, but there's nothing much I can do anymore. I know she's watching me, and I also hope she's happy where she is."

"Of course she is," Don responded, following his friend with his eyes. "You're a good person Gavin, I know you have nothing but good intentions."

That seemed to strike a nerve as Gavin stopped his pacing, almost like a chill ran up his spine. If only his back wasn't turned to the turtle Don would have seen somewhat of a guilty look on his face. Quickly he replaced it and turned to him, "Thanks…that means a lot."

"Because it's true."

Gavin gave a weak smile, "You know…you've been one of the only friends I've had. Ever since I've came here I've been more of an outcast, only talking to others when it was work related. But ever since we met that first time…well I'm glad we talked. Even though you're not human, it still doesn't matter. You're a good enough friend for me to tell you of my past and for that I'm grateful."

That comment made Don smile; somewhat feeling the same way, "Thank you as well Gavin, I'm glad we're friends."

"Me too…remember I'm always here when you need me. I know you're special and that mind of yours could possibly change the world, and…" he just gave a smile. "I wish to help you with it."

The black clad turtle knew his friend was telling the truth when he said this, mainly since as he said it he was looking the turtle right in the eye. A clear indication that what is being said is truthful. He was touched by his words, and knew he would need help with various things, looking back up with a smile he nodded. "Of course, I can always use help with many of my experiments."

Gavin nodded at this, clearly pleased with the response. But then it was as if something else was on his mind as his eyes rolled back, and a look of uneasiness appeared. It was almost like there was something he wanted to say, "Look…there's something I need to tell you."

"What?" Don asked, now curious as ever what else could be on his friend's mind.

"Well…I…uh…" both eyes then looked at the floor once more, he seemed not able to say it at all. "Never mind, it wasn't anything important."

"Are you sure?" Don asked, still wanting to know what he was going to say, but also shocked that he didn't say it.

"Yeah, yeah, don't worry about it," was all he said, it seemed like he really wanted to avoid it, and like before Don had to respect it and gave an affirmative nod. "Thanks, I'll see you in a bit."

With that he turned to leave, Don sitting down in his chair and giving a wave. Boy if only Gavin would have said what was on his mind, the chain of events could have been changed for the better.

The memory still fresh in his mind as it seemed like it was yesterday. For some reason Gavin must have realized that he had been on memory lane as he seemed to calm down a bit and gave a stare, almost like he knew what he was thinking. Both eyes left the human as he focus his attention back onto Shredder, who is now looking at him with determination.

"Please Junko…Don't prove that my choices were for not," He ended with his words, emphasizing them big time so they could be instilled into his mind. "You know what you must do," And with that he moved away from the turtle, as did the other two Foot ninjas so it was only him and Gavin in the light.

Both sets of eyes locked onto one another as for some reason Don took a few steps forward until they were only feet's away. The katana still inside his hand the turtle was hesitant on what he should do, the feeling only grown as all eyes in the room were on him.

Believe sensei and kill my only friend, who could have been using me," He started to think of in his head. "Or do nothing and betray the trust sensei have given me….which would maybe spare Gavin's life."

His head started to hurt as the same decisions started to replay in his mind, his head spinning as he didn't know what to do. He couldn't do this, not like this…but if he didn't what would happen to himself? Eyes closed as he shook his head, pain hitting him like needles, memories from his year here keeping on playing.

Oroku: "you're under my watch now. There's no cell, you'll have a room like most of the people here."

"Gavin, my name's Gavin. And you must be Junko."

The first words they said when he came here, both of them so nice. Still this wasn't helping at all as he shook his head, trying to clear his mind.

"Do it Junko, you know you must," Oroku spoke to him from behind.

"MMPH!" Gavin cried out desperately, not caring if his words were muffled.

His hand squeezed the handle of the katana, his skin turned a bit pale from all the pressure, the voices swirling all around his head. He can't focus at all as his mind is full of their words. More of his sensei's words flooding back to him, which were true.

"Tell me something, as far as you can remember can you recollect us doing anything to you?"

"Besides, if your family was so important, don't you think you would remember your way back?"

Flashbacks to the night he left but ending up lost since he couldn't remember his way back home. It's true they did nothing to him and he didn't have a reason to question it. Now Gavin's words coming back to him.

"I'm not sure myself. 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."

"It's alright, but still. If you're in the lab I still would like to talk more, only if you like."

His free hand came up to clutch his aching head, the memories slowly starting to overpower him to the point where he could do anything if just one thing happened.

"Don't worry…I may not know how it feels…but I'll help you," Gavin comforting him after his first kill.

"I'm going to personally teach you so you can retain any loss skills. And also maybe increase your full capabilities," Shredder explaining to the turtle that he will be training him.

"No…No…" Don's eyes squeezed shut as the room started to spin, all the memories playing all over again.

"You made me proud Junko," Shredder smiled.

"You're a good friend," Gavin smiled.

"Do it," Oroku said.

"MMPH!" Gavin shouted.

"GYAAAA!" he shouted out loud as his body lost control, and just like that his mind blanked out for a few seconds. When he finally came back his eyes were still closed, but then he felt something wet cascading down his hands. Fear gripped him as he slowly opened his eyes, the sight before him sent a huge shock through him.

Gavin was completely stiff as his eyes were widened, a muffled gasped escaped him as his body jerked. Don's eyes widen completely as he then looked down, a gasp of his own escaping his mouth. Blood completely covered his hands as he let go of the sword, terror now plastered on the black clad turtle's face as he took a step back.

The katana's handle is sticking out of his chest, completely imbedded right where his heart would be. Sticking out through his back is the blade, covered in his blood. Time seemed to go slow as Gavin's body started to shake before he fell completely forward, the thud his body made echoing in his mind as a small pool started to form.

"N-No…No…" Don mentally said as he watched the life leave the human. He had done it, he had killed the only friend he had here, and there was no going back.

A/N: I hope you like, I tried hard on this and I thank all who waited for this. Now like before I will finish this story, it'll just take time. Still I thank all those who waited, your support helps. Till next time.