Chapter 9: Difficult Peacemaking – Part 1

Hell finally broke through for both Tommy and Ibuki since they met. Sasha received sources from serial rapist Govi, who happened to be the one who raped Ibuki not too long ago. After hearing that he was in the same facility as Tommy's Mother, Ibuki grew nauseous and ran for her life to the bathroom in her and Tommy's dorm to vomit her suffering into the toilet. Tommy followed her shortly after, just to give her as much comfort as he could while she continued to throw up. Don sprung up just seconds after hearing that it was indeed his owner who was sick and dashed into the bathroom and just sat there with concern right at Tommy's feet.

As the gentle giant continued to watch his sick girlfriend, he began to think deeply about what made Ibuki so nervous every time he mentioned Govi to her. Now, he sees why.

"Damn, baby." Tommy spoke, gently rubbing Ibuki's back for comfort while she was still vomiting. "The experience with Govi must've been extremely horrifying, now that I think about it. You said it was five minutes, right? Shit, I can't even imagine how he managed to torture you like that in just five minutes! I wonder if my Mom can get some answers out of him somehow. Don!" The tanuki stood on his hind legs at attention upon hearing his name. "Go fetch me my phone real quick, man." Don squealed in response before he obeyed the linebacker and brought back the phone in his mouth and gently dropped it in Tommy's huge hand. "I gotta call her back and see what she can do."

Meanwhile, at the Tokyo Criminal Facility in Downtown Tokyo…

Karthaji was just lying on her back in her bed in deep thought. She just couldn't sleep because she knew that poor Ibuki was sickened from hearing about Govi being not too far apart. Three minutes went by and a security guard approached her bars with a wireless phone in his hand.

"Karthaji, it's your son." He called out, handing the phone to her in between bars. The mother of Tommy sighed as she reluctantly got up and took the phone. "Wanna keep the phone in there with ya?"

"Yes, if I may…" Karthaji replied politely. The guard nodded in response before he went back to his post, but quickly turned back around to head for the chamber Govi was being held in just to check on him. Karthaji watched him with curiosity before she spoke into the phone, heading back to her bed as well. "Tommy, what is it?"

"Did you talk to Govi yet?" He asked briefly. Karthaji shook her head.

"No, I didn't. I was a little fearful of that possessed smile he did every time I approached him and didn't want to speak to him about any crimes he's done in the past."

"Damn!"

"Why, honey?"

"Mom, I think Ibuki needs to handle him herself."

"TOMMY!"

"Look, Ma. It's for the best. I care about my Sexy-buki, a'ight? I have Sasha to deal with while Ibuki has Govi and we both agreed to keep it that way until all of this Hell has blown over. Ibuki has to handle it. She said so herself that she could."

"No! Why must you do this to her? I thought you loved her!"

"I do… and I'm provin' that by letting her go."

"Hmmm… you sound just like your Father."

"I do?"

"Yes. Johnnie told me the same thing when he saw that I was involved with a huge debate between both sides of Korea. I'm on North Korea's side and dealing with the South wasn't easy. They were hard to make peace with and I was getting shot as a result. Even though your Father desperately wanted to save me, he didn't… he couldn't… because he loved me… because he knew I could handle it."

"Wow."

"You see… you take your bravery from your Father and your loving instincts from both of us. So, actually, I'll take back everything I said. Ibuki should handle Govi herself… alone… once she heals up. Sasha is your problem and you must deal with her alone. Understand?"

"Completely. Thank you, Mom. Tomorrow, all of that's gonna happen… after our classes."

"Good boy. Now, have a good night, sweetie. I love you."

"I love you, too." After that, Tommy hung up the smart phone and gently laid it on the floor right in between his feet and Don's paws. Just seconds afterwards, Ibuki finally stopped vomiting and was just coughing for a few seconds before Tommy quickly grabbed a towel and allowed her to wipe her mouth on it as he flushed the toilet. "Feelin' better, baby?"

"Much better." Ibuki replied as she gathered the strength to stand and continued to wipe her mouth. "Awww, man. I can't believe Govi is in the same prison as your Mom. What are the odds of that, huh?"

"Well, you had it coming. How long has he been in prison since he raped you?"

"Three years so far. He actually has a lifetime sentence because he was mentally insane at that point. He is a danger to society now and there's nothing Govi can do about it. Serves him right!"

"I figured he would be on Death Row for it, but I was really shocked about the fact that he was still alive."

"Well, he's about to get some peace talk from me tomorrow. Besides, it's Ninjitsu Day and all students that are studying the fighting style or is currently a ninja has the day off."

"From training or from school overall?"

"Both."

"…oh."

"Sorry, I didn't tell you about it earlier."

"That's a'ight. I needed to know about it anyway. Now that I heard this, how are you gonna get to the prison? It's in Downtown Tokyo."

"I have a way…"

The next morning…

"Tommy, can I borrow your car?" Ibuki asked from the bathroom as she was styling her long brown hair into her signature ponytail. Tommy did a double-take on the question as he looked up from his notes with a shocked look on his face.

"Say-what-now?" He asked with sarcasm. "Did you just… ask me… if-"

"I could borrow your car? Yeah."

"Can you even drive? I have yet to see a driver's license on you since I met you."

"Yeah, I have a license! Want me to prove it?"

"That would be just dandy, baby."

"Right…" Ibuki muttered as she searched into her small shoulder bag that was laid right next to her on the sink. After about five seconds, she finally pulled it out and held it up for Tommy to see. The linebacker stood up and took a closer look at it and hummed in deep thought. "Well?"

"You ain't got no last name, huh?"

"Never came up with one since I was born. My name has just been Ibuki for practically my entire life. Personally, I don't even need a last name."

"I can tell. Let me take a closer look at the license…" Tommy leaned closer to the small card in Ibuki's hand and read it to himself. "…hmmm. Five feet and four inches tall, huh? You didn't look this short when I first ran into you."

"That's because I was wearing small heals that day."

"…oh. I still love you, though."

"I know ya do." Ibuki placed her license back in her shoulder bag safely before she continued fixing up her hair. "But, that doesn't excuse you from gaining your permission to borrowing your car. Just for today. Pleeeeeeeease?"

"Well, it is a safe car… and not to mention fuel efficient. I just refilled the tank and it's full, so I'm sure you won't have a problem drivin' it. Sure, baby. I'll let you borrow it… but just for today, like you said."

"Thanks, Tommy!" Ibuki finished her ponytail just in time to give her boyfriend a loving embrace in thanks. "I promise to take good care of it. There won't be as much as a scratch on it when I come back."

"I trust you, Sexy-buki." Tommy walked back to the bed and pulled out his car keys in his nightstand before he handed them to Ibuki. She took them and placed them away in her shoulder bag. "Please be careful. Govi does sound like he's one insane bastard."

"Don't worry about me, Tommy. If I can face an egocentric maniac like Adon, then I can face Govi. It has been so long since I've seen him. Hopefully, he won't remember too much about me."

"I love you, Ibuki-chan."

"I love you, too, Tommy-chan." After that was said, Ibuki gently wrapped her slender, but muscular arms around her gentle giant boyfriend's neck and gave him the most passionate lip lock they have ever shared since their first meeting. The kiss lasted for a good five minutes before they finally parted with Ibuki's adorable brown eyes looking deeply into Tommy's beautiful neon green ones for about ten seconds before she turned towards the exit and walked out with a brave look on her face, which was unseen to Tommy. The linebacker just smiled with tears of hope as he headed back to the bed to continue studying.

Meanwhile, in Bobby and Kendra's room…

Kendra was already up and ready for her day. When she was about to head for the bathroom to clean up her mess, she saw Ibuki walking down the hallway in a short white tank top, blue skinny jeans, and black and white sneakers with her signature tanuki tail attachment on her left back pocket and a kunai chain attached to one belt loop in the front and one in the back. The only thing she noticed on the casual looking kunoichi was the look of determination on her cute face. She grew concerned as she went out to check up on her. Ibuki sensed her coming without even looking behind her and stopped just before the stairs, making Kendra stop just three feet away.

"Ibuki, where are you going?" She asked with concern. Ibuki never looked back as she bowed her head while closing her eyes, still keeping a look of bravery rather than a smile.

"I'm gonna try to make peace with Govi." Ibuki replied, her adorable voice sounding even more serious than ever. This made Kendra extremely shocked and horrified, but before she could speak out in protest, Ibuki finished off by saying: "If you need me, I will find you." This left Kendra completely speechless as she continued to stand there with a look of terror. She couldn't believe that Ibuki would take this one day off she has from her classes to risk her life making peace with the one man who violated her. Knowing she was a tough-as-nails kind of a ninja, Kendra wasn't too worried, but it was mostly Govi she was worried about.

What if he takes it too far? The albino sister of Karmayah asked in her head. This question continued to haunt her as Ibuki made her way down the stairs and into the parking lot of the campus. All Kendra could do was sigh with worry as she headed back to her and Bobby's room to see that Bobby has already awakened and was in the bathroom, giving himself a good shave. She was planning on telling him about Ibuki's bravest move she's ever seen since the two ladies became good friends, but decided to save it until the right moment.

Meanwhile, in the lobby of the campus…

Sasha just came into the visitor registration booth and kindly requested a name tag indicating that she was a visitor, so she wouldn't get into trouble again. When she just turned away from the booth, she spotted Ibuki just heading out the door. She humphed with a cocky attitude as she followed her without her being noticed, but again, Ibuki's ninja senses she's had since birth kicked in and she froze in her path with her serious look still in check. This made Sasha stop in her tracks with a confident smile.

"Where do you think you're goin', bitch?" She asked Ibuki as she crossed her arms.

"None of your damn business." Ibuki replied smoothly as she reached into her bag for the car keys and pressed the unlock button to hear a clicking sound right before her. "I suggest you back the hell off while you still can."

"Why? Are you gonna cut me?"

"That would be stupid of me."

"Wha-! Okay, girl. Your smart-ass talk stops now! I'll leave you alone if you tell me… right now… where you're going."

"No."

"No? NO? Nobody says 'no' to me!"

"Humph! Too bad. This is my business and you have no right to get into it with your futile manipulation. So, you can beg and beg and beg all you want… I won't break as much as a sweat trying to tell you."

"Grrrr! Now you're really startin' to piss me off!"

"Oh, boo-hoo! I feel sorry for you." Ibuki never looked at the angry ex-girlfriend of Tommy as she got in the car's passenger side before she scooted over to the driver's side. She smiled slightly as she saw her pet tanuki was already in the car, wide awake and ready to help any way he could. She wondered how he made it to the vehicle before her, but that didn't matter. She was just happy that Don kept his childhood promise to stick by her side at every chance he had.

Outside the car, Sasha was furious. She ran up to the vehicle and tapped on the passenger window, trying to get some attention, but Ibuki ignored her as she used the push-button start and all of the doors locked automatically after the engine revved twice. The windows blocked out the sound of Sasha cussing the kunoichi out as she continued to bang on the indestructible glass. Ibuki just watched her with her brave look still in check, not making as much as a chuckle for her misery as Don moved up to the front and secured himself in his seatbelt. Sasha was still inaudible, but it looked like she was begging the tanuki to open the window. Ibuki and Don stared at her for the next silent fifteen seconds before they both gave her the middle finger simultaneously for five seconds, making Sasha freeze with wide shocked eyes, and Ibuki drove off just milliseconds afterward.

Sasha couldn't believe it. She tried so hard to make peace with the ninja, but it only ended up in her getting flipped off by her and her pet at the same time! She just stood there in the parking lot, looking at the path Ibuki just rolled out of with crossed arms and a red face of anger before she headed back to the campus to check up on Tommy.

Fifteen minutes later, in Chemistry…

"Okay, everyone." Professor Jarlina started with a smile. Tommy was sitting next to Bobby this time while Kendra and Snow sat next to each other, having Snow amazingly sit in a chair like a person. "First of all, I'd like to announce that today is officially Ninjitsu Day for all of our so-called 'ninjas' of the campus. They all have this day off, so there might be a few students missing, including Ibuki. Speaking of, Tommy… where is she, if I may ask?"

"She's dealing with something very personal." Tommy replied.

"Oh?"

"Yeah. Sorry, but I can't explain it."

"It's alright. I just wanted to know. Anyway, the second announcement is that today… I have cancelled the idea of creating a genetic experiment."

"WHAT?" All of the students, except Tommy, exclaimed in shock. The linebacker just crossed his arms with confidence.

"I'm sorry to say this to you all, but Tommy's astounding pet Albino Komodo Dragon here just stole my heart and my project idea… in a good way no less. So, instead, we'll just give this beautiful lizard the ability to talk and get on with our exam. It is a free question exam today, so Snow and I will be asking questions alternatively."

"Awwww."

"I like where this is going." Tommy said to himself. Bobby groaned as he leaned on the table with a frown.

"Easy for you ta say, man!" He muttered.

"I'm sure you'll be fine."

"Tommy?" Professor Jarlina came in.

"Yes, ma'am?"

"Do you mind if I borrow Snow just for this exam? I promise I won't hurt him. Giving him the ability to talk will be a harmless procedure."

"I don't mind. Snow, go to Jarlina!" Snow growled in response before he slowly got out of the chair and approached the professor with a smile of sincerity before he got up on a stool like a good pet.

"Awww, he's so obedient and polite. I'm practically jealous. Anyway, as soon as Snow is able to talk, our exam will begin. So, everyone, take out a pencil and paper now while you can and prepare for the test."

Every student did so and, as Tommy did, he had deep thoughts about both Ibuki and Sasha. With his thoughts about Ibuki, he was internally praying for her safety. After hearing how terrible Govi was to her, he was extremely worried about the whole confrontation. Hopefully, his Mother will help her, if needed. As for Sasha, he is hoping that making peace with her won't be harder than getting enrolled into his football team during his freshman year in high school. Knowing her all too well, he knows she's too hard-headed and he's not going to surrender to her famous manipulation acts. No matter what happens, he will step up and be a man… even if it meant that he had to hurt a woman for the first time in his entire life.

Meanwhile, with Ibuki and Don…

Ibuki just stopped at her fourth stoplight and continued to finish up an apple she happened to obtain at a supermarket on the way. Don was busy eating his baby carrots out of a bag as he sat there like a good pet. After a silent ten seconds of eating, Ibuki's smart phone rang and she used the wireless headset on her right ear to answer it, safely keeping both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road as the light just turned green.

"Hello?" She answered.

"Ibuki, Johnnie and I just saw you drive by the pet shop." Karmayah's deep voice said over the phone. "Shouldn't you be in class?"

"Not today. It's Ninjitsu Day and all ninjas of the campus takes this day off, including me."

"That makes sense. So, where are you going?"

"Do you remember Govi Tavo?"

"…oh, no. Ibuki, don't go there! What if he tries to violate you again?"

"I'll take that risk. I never told him I was a ninja and he's gonna find out."

"Does Tommy know about this?"

"Yeah, and he's fine with it."

"Now, that's love. Well, please do be on your guard, Ibuki. I hear he's dubbed as critically insane."

"I know and I can handle it. Besides, I have Don-chan with me. He'll have my back."

"Heh, heh… I know he will. Well, good luck to both of you and take your time. If there's anything more you can do during this situation, taking your time and being patient are the best things to do."

"Thanks, Karmayah. I'll keep that in mind. Bye."

"Good-bye, Ibuki-chan." After that was said, Ibuki pressed the button on her headset and the phone hung up just in time to hear the GPS tell her that the jail was only three miles away on her next left turn. Upon hearing this, Don squealed with determination as he just finished his baby carrots and looked up at his owner with a brave smile. Ibuki chuckled at his squealing, translating his tanuki language.

"That was funny how we both flipped Sasha off back there. How did you know how to… never mind. That's not important right now. Now, Don… pay attention. Govi is a dangerous criminal and he's been a serial rapist for a while before he met me. Now, I don't know how he'll be towards you, but just keep your head down and your eyes open until I need your help. If you can't help me at all, then you know who to call. Okay?" Don squealed in response with a nod. Ibuki nodded in response. "Good boy… oh! And if Tommy's mom happens to be there, rely on her first before you make that very important call." Again, Don nodded and squealed in response. After that short pep talk, the GPS announced in a female voice:

"We have arrived."

That was enough to tell Ibuki that it was now or never to settle a peace treaty with Govi. She grabbed her smart phone and slipped it into her shoulder bag as she got out of the car with Don coming from around it seconds later. She stood there at the gates of the prison with determination as Don just leaped onto her back, ready to help. After about five seconds, Ibuki used her professional ninja skills to gracefully leap over the gates and make her way to the visitor's entrance. Two minutes later, she arrived and a security guard greeted her with a nod.

"Well, howdy, Ibuki." He greeted in a heavy country voice. "What brangs ya here?"

"I'm here to see Govi." Ibuki said in a brave tone of her cute voice. The guard nodded again as he allowed her inside.

"Go on ahead. He's been waitin' fo ya all dis time since we caught 'im three years ago. Just walk straight down dis here hallway and that big metal door at the very end is where you'll find 'im. I'll inform da guard dere dat you are on yo' way and let you in."

"Thanks, Horace." Those were the young kunoichi's final words before she headed into the prison, keeping her game face on the entire time with Don hanging on to her with the same exact game face she made.

Five minutes later, back at Sarusuberi…

Dean Morris just made a school-wide announcement that Ibuki just got into the prison where Govi was being held and ordered that every single student and staff member should watch the international news report on it right now. Professor Jarlina immediately placed the exam on cancel mode and decided to give the entire class a 100 percent passing grade for their efforts as she turned on the television hung in the far left corner of the room. Tommy was already focused on the screen with Snow just sitting down next to him by his feet as the female reporter just got on screen.

"I'm Valina Kayvos, live at the Tokyo Criminal Facility main gates, where upperclassmen, Ibuki, of Sarusuberi University, has just made landfall here to make peace with the criminally insane Govi Tavo, who has been arrested on tons of raping charges." The American reporter started. "Many of the guards here are both ecstatic and worried about the whole confrontation and I even managed to get a short talk with Ibuki herself about it."

Seconds after that was said, the screen cut to Ibuki and Don on the screen and this made Tommy smile on the inside while he remained serious and determined on the outside.

"Ibuki, what made you decide to finally make peace with this extremely dangerous criminal?" Valina asked off-camera as a microphone appeared on screen with the kunoichi and her pet tanuki.

"I figured I could just let him forget he's even raped me and just start over from the top peacefully." Ibuki replied with honesty. "I do have a boyfriend right now and I know he's praying for my safety."

"Such brave words for such a young warrior. Who is your boyfriend and will he aid you in your journey?"

"My boyfriend is Tommy Jaymes Jones. He has a pretty harsh past and it kinda reminded me of my terrible past with Govi as well as other boys."

"I see, so he's an inspiration to you as well as devoted lover?"

"Yeah, pretty much. As far as assistance goes, though, I'll only call him if I need him. He promised me to let me handle Govi by myself while he deals with his ex-girlfriend, who's been stalking him since he moved out."

"Ugh!" Sasha groaned behind the Chemistry door window. "She is such a liar. I ain't stalkin' shit!"

Back on the television…

"Oh, my." Valina started with worry. "That's awful. Do you think he's handling it well? I've seen him at his football games back in his high school days and he is a pretty big man… not to mention cute and handsome as well."

"Yeah, but he is handling it well. I know he is." Ibuki replied. "It's not in his nature to harm women, since he shows much respect to his Mother, who's imprisoned here as well, but since Sasha, that's his ex's name, won't leave him alone, he'll probably have to use brute force, which I know he'll hate to do."

"Awww, the poor man. He's a gentle giant, huh?"

"Yeah."

"I know it must be tough for him. So, how about Don here? Will he help?"

"Of course. He didn't come with me just to keep me company."

"Heh, heh. Enough said. Well, do be careful and good luck."

"Thanks, Valina."

The screen cut back to the reporter immediately after that. Tommy kept his determined face in tact as he continued to watch. Sasha was turning red with anger outside the door.

"Humph! Bitch! I hope you die." She muttered as she continued to watch the news.

Back on the TV…

"Ibuki really means much when it comes to this confrontation and we will continue the coverage on this exclusive story. Now on to the weather-"

CLICK!

Professor Jarlina muted the TV for a while as she spoke to the class.

"Well, everyone." She started. "Let's all hope and pray that it ends well for our best student. Tommy, do you have anything to say about this?"

"Actually, I do." Tommy replied as he stood up and turned towards his classmates with a brave smile. "My friends, ya'll know I love Ibuki, right?"

"Yeah!" The class replied.

"Well, letting her go for it alone was the international symbol of that and until she needs my help, I'm staying here and tending to my ex, like she said just now. If ya'll happen to see Sasha, let me handle her. I don't want to endanger all of you."

"You got it!"

"Awww, yeah, that is some sweet bullshit, Tommy!" Sasha came in with her rudest attitude to date! Tommy immediately became angry as he faced her while he silently motioned for the class and Professor Jarlina to get back, but commanded Snow to stay by his side, just in case.

"Sasha…" Tommy started. "…it's time we settle this like civilized people."

"Oooooh, I'm scared."

"Hmmmm…" Tommy partially growled with annoyance as he crossed his diesel arms with concentration.

Back at the Tokyo Criminal Facility…

Ibuki and Don still kept their fearless faces on as they continued on their way down the hall, straight towards a heavy-looking metal door that was even taller than Tommy by a couple of inches. Many of the inmates were doing a combination of cheering, cat-calling, and just plain wailing in fear as they watched her just stroll down the hall, her face of courage never leaving the path before her, as if she was temporarily deaf. Don was her ears as he heard the many comments and threats about her coming from the extreme number of male inmates. He heard such lines as:

Dead ninja walking!

Yeah, you'll be in Heaven's scene before you know it!

Let me deal with him!

Govi's gone mad and so has Ibuki!

Are you crazy, you rookie kunoichi?

Don't go in there! He will eat your cute ass alive, girl!

And the tanuki even heard:

He raped ya once… he'll do it again!

Hearing that last statement made Ibuki freeze in her tracks when she still had about fifteen more feet to walk before she made it to the door. She turned towards the owner of that latter statement in a split second and this taunted the nervous midget before her behind bars. Don showed a look of humor, holding in his laugh as he watched this scene from her shoulders.

"What did you just say to me?" Ibuki asked in a cold tone of her adorable voice.

"Uh… I didn't say anything." The same nervous mid-20s male midget said in the typical voice of a comedian. Ibuki didn't buy it as she got closer to him and managed to point a kunai right at his face in a threatening gesture. He started to make even more sweat as he looked right at the point. "Gulp… I mean, uh… I said… uh… Govi raped ya once and he'll do it again… when he sees ya, ya know… heh, heh… heeeeehh…"

"Mm-hm. And tell me why do you think so? Hmm?"

"Be-be-be-because… we all know him. We know he raped ya and we know how dangerous he is towards the females of this city. He thinks every woman is a vile creature and must be tortured to death through their glory holes, if you get what I mean."

"Is that really his motivation?"

"I dunno!"

"DON'T LIE TO ME!" Ibuki drew out another kunai and it was closer to his nose this time. This made the midget shake like a leaf in extreme horror as he tried to beg for mercy.

"I-hai-really don't know-ho-ho-ho!"

Don squealed in agreement as he calmed down Ibuki's temper, saying that the short man before her was indeed telling the honest truth. She sighed as she bowed her head in apology before she placed away her weapons and stood up straight, looking down at him with her fearless look for about five seconds before she turned like a solider at attention and continued on her way to Govi's chamber. The short man looked on from his cell and kept his mouth shut this time. He mentally took back that statement he said about Govi raping Ibuki twice and was immediately on her side from this point on.

Back at Sarusuberi…

Tommy and Sasha were still standing there in the middle of the classroom with serious and angry faces on them as they continued to stare at each other in silence. Five silent minutes went by and it was broken by Snow's snarling of vengeance. Tommy whistled for him to get quiet and let him handle this until it was his time to shine. Sasha took one step forward afterwards and started the debate.

"Tommy, why don't you love me anymore? I thought we had somethin'." She started. Tommy kept his strict face glued on as he spoke.

"Because you're a melodramatic cheater who gets her way through brute force." He replied, not showing a sign of backing away. "You keep lying about you and Donovan… and it's gotta stop now."

"I'm not lying! Donovan and I are just friends. Nothing more and nothing less!"

"Keep lyin' to me, Sasha! I don't wanna hurt you."

"Then, don't, damn it! Baby, I love you… more than anythang. Please come back to me… please…"

"I'm sorry, Sasha… but our love has come and gone. Ibuki is in my heart now… and there's nothing you can do about it."

"You… you really mean it?"

"Do I look like I mean it? Are you that stupid to see that my heart belongs to a woman who is far more devoted to me than you?"

"…what?"

Tommy remained quiet as he slowly approached his ex with his strict face still pasted on as he gently grabbed her shoulders.

"I can see that you still need some time to take it all in. I'll give you ten minutes. When you think you've gotten the hint, you come and meet me outside on the parking lot by then. I'll be waiting." After that, Tommy and Snow wasted no time in making their way outside towards the parking lot. Sasha still stood there with shock and sadness all at once as she thought about it in silence in front of the rest of the class. Bobby and Kendra were the most concerned out of all of the students. They both could tell that Sasha was thinking long and hard about it by that sad look on her face.

As for Tommy and Snow…

They both just made it outside to the parking lot and saw the empty space where his car used to be and Tommy just got thoughts racing through his mind and spirit about how Ibuki was doing. He looked into the sky with even more determination than ever while he internally kept praying to himself for her safety.

Back at the prison…

Ibuki was still walking down the hall with Don walking by her feet this time. They were five feet away from destiny and fate's door and the young kunoichi just magically changed into her signature ninja dogi, minus the over shirt and head wrap. Her casual outfit was safely transported to Karthaji's cell and she held those clothes in her arms with her life as she continued to watch the scene from where she stood.

Back to Ibuki…

At approximately two feet away, Ibuki stopped and slowly started forming tears of happiness into her chocolate brown eyes. She refused to wipe them away as she took another step. She couldn't believe she was about to do this. Not only for herself, but for Tommy and his family. If she didn't make it out alive, she'll, at least, be honored for her efforts. When she finally reached the door after ten more extremely slow steps, her tears stopped with her and she looked down at Don as the guard on the door's right side started turning the huge dial. On her face, she showed a smile… her first since she took her first step into the prison gates. Don smiled in return and nodded with sincerity before she spoke.

"Well, Don… this is it." Ibuki started. "Remember what I said in the car, okay? Just hang tight until I need you." Again, Don nodded in response before the door finally clicked open and Ibuki stepped inside and what she saw made her feel sorry on one half and angry on the other half.

She saw a grown man at his approximate age of 27 sitting on the floor in a pure white straightjacket and his skin of the typical Caucasian American male was pale in the only one light in the room. His head was clean-shaven of his blonde hair and his baby blue eyes looked up at her with a possessed smile. This never intimidated Ibuki as she just stood there looking at him with her fearless look back online as Don just walked in and sat down like a good tanuki before the heavy metal door closed shut.

"Hey, Govi." Ibuki greeted coldly. "Long time no see."

"Hmmmmm…" Govi hummed in response, bowing his head down in deep thought after looking at her for ten seconds. Ibuki slowly got a few steps closer before she kneeled down on her knees and tried to see his eyes as she continued to speak.

"I came here to make peace with you, Govi… and I won't leave until I succeed. We can do this your way or my way. The choice is yours." Govi was still silent as he kept his maniacal smile hidden in the shadows. "You didn't lose your voice, did you?" Govi's head shook in response. "I thought so. Just hear me out, okay?"

Meanwhile, back at Sarusuberi…

Tommy and Snow were still waiting for Sasha out on the parking lot. Snow was this close to falling asleep while Tommy still managed to say on his feet, waiting patiently for his ex to arrive. After about five more minutes...

"Okay, Tommy…" Sasha finally came out with tears of sadness all over her face. "…I think I get it now… and I'll finally admit the truth…" Tommy turned towards her before she finished off by saying: "…I am cheatin' on you with Donovan and we got laid ten times since I met him."

"Uh, huh." Tommy replied, keeping his cool. "I knew you were lyin'. Why keep it to yourself for so long?"

"Because I love you, baby… and I didn't want to upset you."

"Well, my heart is already broken because of you and Ibuki just finished her repairs on it. It's fixed and she's my new love. Try to break me free from her gentle clutches… it won't work."

"I figured you'd say that, so how about we do make some peace around here, huh? I'll leave you alone if you can tell me all about Ibuki. What makes her better than me and why do you love her so much?"

"You really wanna know?"

"Yeah. I'm all ears, Tommy."

"A'ight, but I'm only gonna say all of this one time…"

There was a long pause as Sasha got a little closer to her ex-boyfriend and sat down in a bench across from him, keeping her full attention on him the entire time. As for Tommy, he cleared his throat as he took his seat right before her with Snow remaining defensive, but calm next to his feet on his right.

"…Now, Sasha… ya gotta understand that Ibuki means everything to me. Ever since I first ran into her by accident not too long ago, something about her pierced my heart, but my mind was still on you. Honestly, at first, I didn't know it was her because she had her hair down that day and she was completely anonymous… until my Coach guessed her name correctly. I didn't know what she was thinking when she found out I had you as my love, but I guessed that she wanted me because of how gentle she sensed me to be. Pretty soon, our friendship grew into a relationship and I never looked back at you since. Now, since you already heard about Ibuki and I having sex after our first game, I might as well tell you who started it: Ibuki."

"I figured she'd start it." Sasha muttered. "What? You wanted to see her naked?"

"I'll have to admit… seeing her in a sexy two-piece pajama set wasn't enough to satisfy my taste for her… but that doesn't mean that I only loved her for her looks. I love her because she appreciates me, she sees who I am and I see who she is in return, and she's also the cutest thing I have ever seen. After telling her all about you, she swore to let me handle it alone… even though she desperately wanted to help me. Now, that's… what true love is, Sasha… and if you can't imitate this true meaning of love, then maybe you just don't deserve to be loved by anyone other than your family."

"…" This left Sasha completely speechless after that entire speech and there was applause of appreciation echoing through the main halls of the campus as well as the circle of spectators surrounding them, who just happened to watch the entire moment. Bobby, Kendra, and the rest of the Sarusuberi Tanuki football team, including Coach Broderick, happened to be in the thick circle of people, cheering on for his fellow teammate, who made the most touching speech in his lifetime. Despite all of the respectful cheering, Tommy still remained serious, cool, calm, and reserved as he kept his intimidating neon green eyes staring at the speechless, shocked, and pissed off Sasha before him with no sign of sympathy. Snow remained serious as well, but he too also smiled within his soul, feeling appreciated by the applause and cheers.

Back at the prison…

"…and once you were arrested, I knew you weren't finished, even though you were locked up." Ibuki continued, having a slender hand on Govi's cold face this time. He still didn't react to the touch as he kept his head bowed down, hiding his sinister smile. He was still listening to Ibuki's words. "I knew you wanted me just for my body and I'm wondering, even after that horrific event… what's the motive behind all of this raping business you call fun?"

"…" Govi still remained quiet, only replying to the question with a possessed chuckle. This never scared the brave young kunoichi at all, but she still kept her guard up in her mind as she continued.

"I see. You laugh… and it's probably because your only motive… is revenge."

"…ahhh, you seem like quite da smart one, cutie." He finally spoke in a mobster type of male voice. "You would neva undastand the pain that's been caused by a woman's vile behavior. You… all women… are just disgusting."

"That's what you say… and oddly enough… that bullshit doesn't matter to us in this day and age, oldie. You may be only 27 years old, but you're still acting like it's the age of the dinosaurs. Get over it!"

"Watch it, cuteness!" Govi finally raised his head to look directly at Ibuki's adorable face, still keeping that fearless painting on her face. "Still, you're quite intimidatin' fo' a young blood ninja."

"Yeah, ya got that right, dude."

"So… ya wanna make peace wit me, eh? Dat's why ya came ta see me, eh?"

"More than anything… except Tommy, of course."

"And just who is Tommy? Ya new boyfriend?"

"Yes… and it's been finalized… the relationship with him, that is."

"Well… congrats to ya."

"Thanks, but don't let that take you away from our peace treaty I'm about to write down. I want you to put the past behind you and pretend the raping never happened between you and me."

"Heh, heh, heh, heh… I can't say yes to your command, Ibuki."

"What? Why?"

"Because… you can't erase what I've done. You may have survived that rape, but that will never fly away from my brain's cage and neither will it leave yours."

"…But… why do you think women are nasty creatures then?"

"Oh, there's a reasonable explanation for dat…"

Meanwhile, back at Sarusuberi's parking lot…

"I… can't believe you would… say that about me." Sasha finally spoke after a good ten minutes of cheering and applause, making it all become quiet again as they listened in again. Tommy never let down his calm look mixed in with the anger that is brewing inside of him as he spoke.

"Well, it's about time some emotion about yourself finally came into full bloom since I first dated you back in high school." Tommy quoted professionally while he bowed his head with determination. "All of this time, you've done nothing but manipulate me into being your lover and you never touched me along the way. Did you ever notice that?"

"Yeah, I noticed… but that's only because you were never in the mood."

"That's because I really never loved you, but deep down, I still did because I respect you as a woman."

"Ugh! Funny how you failed to mention that before."

"Well, now you know… and now, let's see if all of this will allow us to make peace and remain good friends, or at least, good acquaintances."

"Man, afta hearin' all of this bullshit, I'll have to say no to that."

"WHAT?"

"Look, Tommy… no matter what you say, I'll never just be a friend or whatever the hell you want me to be towards you. You may be dating Ibuki, but she's not gonna keep us separated spiritually."

"You just won't take the hint, will you?"

"I never have and I never will."

"Damn!"

"Ha! I still win this round!"

"Humph! Maybe you and Govi should date each other, then."

"Speakin' of him, why don't we check back on Ibuki and see how that bitch is doing? Now that we see that your peace-makin' shit isn't working, how about we see if she died, huh?"

"YOU should die, Sasha!"

"Oooooh, I'm scared." Sasha wasted no time in getting up from her bench and walked back inside the campus with a sly smile on her face, unbeknownst to Tommy as he just sat there with his face within his hands in defeat and agony. Snow gave him a pat on his ankle for the effort and the solemn linebacker smiled slightly in appreciation as he gave the Komodo Dragon a quick pat on the head before followed Sasha back inside.

Back in the prison…

"…That's it?" Ibuki asked with confusion. "That's why you think all women are vile? Because of their constant desire for pure pleasure?"

"Yep. Exactly!" Govi replied. "Ya gots a problem wit dat, cutie?"

"Uh, fuck yeah! We women are not sexy life-sized dolls that are out for some dick all the time! That's a lie!"

"Tee, hee, hee, hee! Niiiice! I love that attitude ya got there, sweetie. Keep it comin'."

"You're gross."

"And you're misleadin'."

"Ugh! I'm trying to make peace here and you spit a horrible lie right in my face?"

"It's all for da sake of my life. Ya wanted ta know da truth and ya found out… and by da way, this peace-makin' shit's not happenin'… not on my watch at least."

"…Govi… I don't wanna hurt you."

"No, I guess ya don't…" Govi made a very uncomfortable three minute pause as he slowly stood up with Ibuki standing up with him and, right when they both stood up completely straight, he finished off by saying in his coldest tone: "…but I can hurt you!" And right at that last word, he gave Ibuki a very quick and unexpected head butt right at her nose and she was knocked to the floor unconscious with a bloody nose. This sent Don into panic mode as he squealed with horror before he checked on his owner, who was out cold. Govi chuckled with evil in his heart at his loudest before he shockingly broke free from the straightjacket and this sent the alarm blaring all through the prison, sending the guards on high alert as they busted through the door and saw Govi pointing two loaded .45 caliber pistols at them. How he had the guns was beyond belief to the guards, but they had no time to think about that now. "Heh, heh, heh, heh… I own her dis time. Any false moves from any of ya and she gets anodder round from me."

"Holy shit." One of the guards muttered as he spoke into the PA on his shirt. "Tokyo News, I got a code red in here! Repeat, code red! Ibuki's been knocked out by Govi and he has all of us at gunpoint!"

Back at Sarusuberi…

"This is Valina Kayvos, reporting live from the Tokyo Criminal Facility." Valina started as the TV's sound was restored by Jarlina. Tommy and Sasha just walked back in the room and Tommy remained standing as he focused on the TV while Sasha took a seat right behind him. "I have just received a shocking update from inside the prison! Apparently, Ibuki's peace treaty didn't go so well and Govi has just knocked her out with a strong disagreement! At this point, Govi has the guards and even poor little Don-chan at gunpoint while Ibuki still remains unconscious!"

"Oh, FUCK NO!" Tommy screamed with horror. "Her's didn't work neither!"

"HA! Serves her right!" Sasha cheered. Tommy remained calm, but angry as he tried to avoid making eye contact with his ex as the reporter continued.

"This situation is getting intense in there and, at this point, only Tommy can do something about it. Stay tuned as we continue this coverage of a courageous act gone horribly wrong…"

"No!" Tommy screamed again as he dashed for Bobby and tapped him on his shoulder. "Bobby, we need to get to the prison!"

"That's exactly what I was thinkin', man! Let's go!" Bobby agreed as he hopped up on his feet and dashed out to the parking lot with Tommy and Snow not too far behind. Sasha scoffed at the three boys before she reluctantly followed them outside.

In the parking lot…

Bobby and Tommy just busted through the double doors and approached Bobby's cool blue convertible, having Bobby professionally slide across the hood of the car to the driver's seat while Tommy just hopped in the passenger seat and quickly fastened his seatbelt. Bobby did the same before he started up the car and revved the engine twice, but right at his step on the gas petal after taking off the brake, Sasha managed to sneak a dive right into the back seat, completely undetected to the boys as the car sped off towards the prison.

Back at the prison…

"Easy, buddy." Horace pleaded softly as he just pulled out his gun and took one step forward. "Just… put down da guns and we'll all be cool."

"No!" Govi replied, still keeping his guns aimed at the police. "You all don't scare me in the least and I don't deserve to be here! I treat women right."

"No, ya don't! Ya violate 'em so violently and sexually that you practically kill 'em. So far, ya killed ova fifty women! Dat does let you have a permanent invitation to-"

"SILENCE! I don't need ta hear all dat weepy shit. Once I rape Ibuki again, she'll never wanna get back ta dat Tommy bastard. Ya hears me, punks? Now, stand back!"

On the cold tile floor, Don was still trying as hard as he can to bring Ibuki back to life. He checked her chest for a heartbeat and he heard one. She was still alive, but barely. He tried to give her his distinctive scent by simply wagging his fluffy tail right in her face to see if she'll respond, but before he could receive the results, Govi looked down at the action and cocked his gun as he pointed it at the tanuki, who froze with wide eyes of fear.

"LEAVE HER ALONE!" He demanded at his loudest as he stepped towards the unconscious Ibuki and her shivering pet tanuki as he slowly stood back with caution. "If she wakes up and sees me rapin' her, it's gonna be yo' fur on my jacket, ya hear? Now, get away from her!" At that last word, he gave Don a very hard kick to his side and that sent him flying over the guards' heads and head first onto the concrete floor, sending him squealing in extreme pain at his loudest. Karthaji saw the landing right before her and she panicked, realizing that there was nothing she could do for him.

Back in Govi's cell…

The violent man chuckled with satisfaction as he slowly got down on his hands and knees right before Ibuki's unconscious body and was just about to strip her of her pants, but Don's blood-curdling screeches of severe pain finally reached her live ears and her brown eyes popped open with a gasp of horror as she quickly reacted by using her feet to launch Govi back towards a wall and she flipped up to her feet before she pointed a kunai at his face.

"WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO TO DON?" She screamed at the top of her lungs as she just grabbed the collar of his shirt and laid her kunai dagger to his Adam's apple. Govi chuckled for about ten seconds as a response before he forced Ibuki off of him by elbowing her in her stomach, knocking some wind out of her before she curled up in pain, holding her stomach for about a minute before she looked up and saw a gun right at her face.

"If you want him back so badly, how about I let ya join 'im, eh?" Govi taunted before the sound of a door busting open was heard and that made everyone get quiet, except Don, who was still screeching. Ibuki made this her chance to escape and tend to Don.

On her way there, she smiled when she saw Bobby and Tommy already beat her to the tanuki and Tommy just picked him up and cuddled him in his extremely diesel arms as gently as he could, making his Mother and Ibuki smile before him as well as making the audience of inmates jeer out:

"Awwwwwww!"

"Shhh, shh, shhhh!" Tommy shushed to the tanuki, who immediately calmed down his wailing on command. "It's okay, Don. Calm down, man. You're gonna be a'ight."

"Tommy!" Ibuki called out as she just approached him. "You made it… and just in time, too!"

"Yeah, baby." Tommy replied. "I just saw you unconscious on TV and I got worried."

"Aww, Tommy. You really do care about me and Don, huh?"

"Of course. I love you too much to let you die and Don should be like a brotha from another mother to me. Besides, my peace negotiation didn't work out neither."

"Are you freakin' serious?"

"I'm afraid so, Sexy-buki. Sasha's still hard-headed and she still won't accept the break-up. She still thinks I love her."

"Bitch! I can't wait until she's finally out of your life. Personally, I want her ass dead!"

"Same here."

"Boom! There's the Tommy I know! Looks like you've gotten tougher than ever."

"At this point, I want her dead. I don't care how she dies, but I just don't want her to be alive anymore."

"YES! You're finally becoming a real man, Tommy. You do still respect women, though, right?"

"From now on, I'll only respect women who deserve the respect. If a woman should treat me like Sasha does, then she should be treated in the same disrespectful way."

"Are ya'll done?" Sasha screamed in the distance, shocking everyone as they all turned towards her. Snow growled behind her as he just got in and prepared to pounce on her, but as he took his steps, Karthaji whistled for him to calm down and silently commanded him to sit next to her cell, allowing Tommy and Ibuki to deal with all of this. Tommy took a few steps closer to Sasha, handing Don to Ibuki on his way and balled up a fist in anger as Sasha continued. "Tommy, ya better be jokin' about all dat shit!"

"No, Sasha." Tommy replied with bravery. "I mean it… every last bit of it… and there's nothing you can do to make me take it all back."

"Ha! I'm sure there some way to make you take it back…" After that last word, Govi cocked his gun right behind Ibuki's head, making the kunoichi stand perfectly still as she kept her adorable face in cool, calm, and collected mode, still holding her tanuki in her arms. "...if you don't want a bullet lodged in Ibuki's thick-ass head."

"You're the one who's thick-headed, bitch!" Ibuki yelled. Govi slightly tapped the back of her head with his gun as a warning when she moved during her statement.

"Shaddup, ninja cutie. Sasha and I are callin' da shots 'round here." Govi warned as he just aimed his other pistol at her head. "Want me to nail 'er?"

"Naw, Govi." Sasha replied. "Not yet. Tommy, you are coming back to me, no matter what you say."

"I won't let you control me." Tommy protested bravely, balling up his left fist this time. "Why don't you go back to Donovan and maintain your relationship with him?"

"Because I'd rather get into a threesome. That's why."

"Ewww." Ibuki muttered. Tommy nodded in agreement.

"My sentiments exactly, Ibuki-chan." He agreed. Sasha gasped at that nickname as she got in Tommy's face.

"What did you just call her?" She exclaimed.

"Ya heard me. I called her 'Ibuki-chan', the official Japanese symbol of respect… and the sign that Ibuki and I will always be a couple, no matter what you say."

"Ugh! I can't stand you! Well, fine then! If I can't have you, then she can't. Govi, finish her!"

"What? Oh, no… don't finish her!" Ibuki pleaded with shock and partial humor before she was viciously pushed to the ground, knocking Don out of her arms in a state of panic before Govi aimed a pistol at Ibuki's chest and cocked the gun before he said:

"My pleasure."

"IBUKI! NOOOOOO!" Tommy screamed before…

BANG! BANG! BANG!

It got too quiet after that gunshot and everyone, except Govi, was shocked to see what just happened…

To be continued…

(Oooooh, massive cliffhanger here. That's all I've got to say… oh! And please do review and tell me what ya'll think so far. Thanx!)