Ch.6 Asking No Questions

Yes. I know. It's getting long. Very long. But for some reason, that's how it's coming out. So for all of you that return here and read these- a big HUG ^_^ and a Thank YOU! For reading this work. IF you still haven't reviewed, please do and tell me what you think, ok?

As usual, Characters of NNfT and of Tenchi Muyo! are done by Hitoshi Okuda.

But other chars are done by me.

Of Secrets and Lies

Chapter 6

People would think that such an empty and airless thing, as space, would basically mean that nothing could live there. Obviously no one has ever been to glacial meteorite field sector 980659 in the Galean Galaxy, or for that matter, has ever reached it alive. Besides the high radiation, hydrogen gas, and icy block of minerals and ice, any other sort would call the creatures that live here ruthless. However that would only be because of their ancient orders to protect the precious gift that was given to them eons ago, but besides that; they are a very civilized species with a high sense of spirituality but low technology.

One of the many high priests, who go to the center of the icy sector they called Millu, was praying over the Iyontenshen. It was beautiful shield that swirled in shades of green and yellow, and that glowed with warmth that echoed the wondrous spirituality that lived in the hearts of the Milluken.

The priest, Vquin, was finishing the last rites of his prayer when the glow and color of the Iyontenshen began to change and the warmth began to heat up. It's gorgeous shade of lime yellow that Vquin was used to when praying in front of the Iyontenshen, had now turned into dark shades of blue and red. Vquin, couldn't deny the warning that the Iyontenshen was giving. It's companion, the stave Mourishin, was close. Their entire history, their reason for living in this sector was about to reach it epitome. Although he was young, Vquin knew that this was their stand, and perhaps their last. He began to shout to his elder and began to ring the ancient bell, which was rung only two months ago to celebrate their new year.

He tugged and pulled, giving off only light *bongs* from the bell. Then Brother Shu, a huge and strong Milluken, grabbed over Vquin's own hands and helped pull the bell while Shu's twin Hsu grabbed the opposite rope on the bell's other side; making the ancient bell move urgently back and forth in it's loud echoing *Krank-Krang*. If it wasn't the bell that made the Milluken assemble and grab their weapons, then it was the motion of the icy meteorites moving frantically away- crashing into each other in the wake of the bell's frantic call.

The priests began to order out the plan; Breedmothers and Yulings were to go deep into the center, where the meteorites swirled in the glittering glow of creation. The first and second lines of their most skilled warriors were to form up and head out towards the outer area, the rest were to use secrecy and the meteorites to take down whatever crafts the intruders were using. The priests began to head towards the shrine, those who were already there had started to chant in their light melodic language. The Iyontenshen was flickering uncontrollably when it shot out a brilliant red beam out past the clear roof towards the northwest sector. The priest continued to chant as the warriors blended into the ice and followed the beam to where the Mourishin was held. There blue reflective skin and their high slatted eyes made them indistinguishable against the floating crystals as the slits at their chests helped them breathe the hydrogen in space. A violet shockwave hit the first line, alerting the second line and secondary wave of warriors. Most couldn't survive the shock, their bodies charred and floating in space. The second line, using more caution, was able to find the source of the enemies' weapons.

Floating slowly through were clumps of purple clouds with long threads floating through the space, shoving the meteorites with ease. As the second line began it's attack, a few had gotten too close; hoping to hide among the tendrils of the enemy, and found themselves being burned alive to a crisp. As soon as the second line began to retreat, a few of the cloud creatures shot out more tendrils from underneath them, capturing most of the Milluken. They began to spread out and tell the other warriors what they were fighting against when another warrior, a female, began to tell them that she had seen it happen and that there were things moving about it inside. The news spread fast and soon the word came back to the eldest of the priests whose name was Panqvuin. He was so old it was said that he was but a youth when the Milluken received the honor of guarding the Iyontenshen. He nodded at the warrior who got away from the purple cloud creatures with the loss of only his arm being charred to the shoulder.

"They are called Shuvas." His raspy voice explained after a time of running through his memories.

"Shuvas?" The warrior asked as the younger preist, Vquin included, stopped their chanting and began to help the wounded that were able to get to the temple. The elders began to light a special incense, it was pungent but it gave the wounded the ability to breathe easier as well as ease their own worries. Meanwhile Panqvuin continued to explain.

"Shuvas belong to a planet I've long forgotten. However," Panqvuin narrowed his dim yellow eye, as if remembering and intense natural hatred instilled long ago. "I have not forgotten the beings who wrangle them, destroyed our true home, and gave us the reason to hate so much, and to protect what we have."

The Warriors who had made it back, and were still able to fight, crowded around the eldest of the Millukan to hear his wisdom.

"They are called Giten. Power hungry creatures with as many tentacles as those Shuvas do. And are just as hungry. They usually don't have such organization, not since the ancient King of Jurai killed their hideous Queen and her line, making sure they were in disarray for the rest of their species lives. When someone or something has been able to infiltrate and lead the Giten, they can be a formidable horde."

There was a tense silence before the Warriors began to plan a new attack and Vquin shook his head in dismay. If Panqvuin's relation were true, only the Breedmothers and Yulings would survive. But would the destruction of the temple and the stealing of the Iyontenshen be enough? What if their goal afterwards was to destroy his entire race?

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

The only thing that popped into Jamilah's mind as the shot of energy was heading to her was why is it that when something coming straight at you always seem to be in slow motion?

Sitting at the dining area, which was upraised, she had watched Ayeka throw water at the smoldering wall. It also caused her to soak down Ryoko, who in turn shot an energy bolt at Ayeka, she dodged in a split second and behind her was Jamilah.

Jamilah did the only logical thing she could, she laid down.

And the bolt went through the kitchen and a piercing scream along with a "MIYAA!" was heard. Tenchi ran down the stairs, missing the last three steps to the landing and looked about. The hole was still smoking, but it didn't compare to Sasami's smoking anger as she kicked the kitchen door off the hinges. Ayeka and Ryoko's jaw dropped as Sasami's face took on a look of a devil.

"I don't believe you two!" she hollered, the frame of house began to shake. "Look what you did! You ruined dinner!"

Sasami was waving her huge wok, which had a huge hole shot across the side, and it had left little of the iron. She then dropped the wok and grabbed an ear of Ryoko and Ayeka, who both winced.

"And look what you did to the kitchen!" Sasami holler at them, making them both wince since she still had their ears. Tenchi followed and made a sound that, if was in different circumstances, would have made Jamilah laugh. Instead she kept quiet and slowly sat up and followed behind Tenchi's father, who started to wail all over again at the sight of probably was a beautifully done kitchen.

The anger was replaced by sadness as Sasami caught sight of their guest and wailed. "Ryoko and Ayeka! You've ruined the dinner I prepared for specially for Jamilah!" And with that she went over to Tenchi and clung to him sobbing. Tenchi looked at the two destructive girls, with a 'look-what-done' face and led the young girl out to the dinning area. Jamilah took a step further into the kitchen, looking around.

"I know I heard something else in here" she muttered to herself. Along with the wok, it seems that the rice cooker had also received some of the bolt, along with cabinets and whatever else was on the center counter. She noticed that a cookie sheet had flipped up and had landed diagonally on something. She lifted it up and saw the cutest creature she had ever laid eyes on. It was brown and crème colored with long ears and various length of it coat, but its tiny chest didn't rise or fall.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

It had gone all wrong.

What Panqvuin had said about the Shuvas and the Giten were true. Though they were massive in numbers the Giten had the strength. The Shuvas moved, shocked, and destroyed whatever got in their way. Their Warrior class was diminished, and all that were left were the brothers, monks and priests, who fought valiantly and as well as they could.

The only ones that were protecting the shield as two Giten entered the temple were: Vquin, Panqvuin, and twin Brothers Shu and Hsu. The many tentacles threat did not expect the smell of incense wafting in the room. The scent seemed to be a narcotic to them and they were lulled into a state of hallucination. They were soon flung into the walls a sickening splat was heard as they slowly sank to the floor, never to move again.

"Damn idiotic fools." A voice growled from the shadows of the hall. The foursome gathered closer together, there back to the Iyontenshen.

"I do believe that is mine." Even though the voice wasn't growling, it was quiet, matter of fact, grated, and it made a chill run up Vquin's spine.

"Never!" The rarely used voice of Hsu shouted, "It shall never be used for evil!"

The laugh that came afterwards made Vquin's blood run cold. The being stepped into the light, making Panqvuin's eyes widen.

"Evil!" for one so ancient, the voice of Panqvuin had somehow taken to new effect. "The Iyontenshen will never obey you! Evil!"

The being, peach pale in comparison to the white blues of the Milluken, reddened into anger. Without warning, Shu and Hsu charged the pale person. Shu, armed with a huge hammer, slammed it at the being's left shoulder. Hsu, armed with a spear, went for the thigh on the opposite side. The creature stepped back, avoiding Hsu's spear, but could not avoid Shu's hammer completely. It caught the edge of his shoulder, making him grunt as he staggered. Then, with malice in his eyes, the creature shot out a dagger aimed for Hsu's chest. The skin boiled, smoldered and burned. The screams Hsu were making had started to cause his brother to go into a state of madness, and attacked the being again with his hammer and his claw like hand.

"MY BROTHER!" The roar shook the rafters. "MURDERING BASTARD!!"

Shu died quicker than his brother, a smoldering black hole, against his blue skin. His body slid against Hsu's body, although the acid was still eating the flesh, it had already dissolved the heart.

Vquin stood shocked. He had never seen such horror, never seen death this way. His mind was reeling out of control. Suddenly the voice of Panqvuin brought him to focus.

"Who are you?" It was more of a demand than a question. It caused the being to snicker, and Vquin felt a rush, a rise of an emotion he had never felt before. It had no real word, because it was beyond anger or abhorrence. It coursed through him even as the enemy- his enemy -replied.

"I am Phin Wrenik." An evil grin came to his pink face, "And that is the last thing you will know, old fool!"

Vquin saw the evil being Phin raise his hand, aiming it at Panqvuin, and he did something forbidden to all Milluken.

He whirled around..

Phin's hand glowed.

He grabbed Iyontenshen and placed it over his forearm.

Phin let loose several sharp green energies at Penqvuin.

And Vquin, who held the Iyontenshen across his arm in front of Panqvuin, blocked them. Panqvuin's eyes widened, even he had ever touched the Iyontenshen, being that it was considered a religious artifact. It was enforced so as young or misguided Warriors would not touch it or think to give them power. Being highly religious species, they never touched it, but prayed.

Iyontenshen glowed in shades of lime and yellow, the shades that it would turn when Vquin would pray.

"The Iyontenshen will never be yours Phin!" Vquin's voice seemed to have changed. It was strong, loud, and filled with determination, even his stature had changed. Phin growled as the Iyontenshen's shade of yellow brightened and flashed forewords a great light, blinding him. Panqvuin grabbed Vquin's hand and dragged him to the edge of the altar. He shoved Vquin inside just before a cold slice of a blade sliced against the elder's back. Vquin scream was loud, but no louder than when a violet tendril snaked out from behind him....

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Jamilah stared at the still cabbit. It was obviously in shock, probably when the rice cooker lost a piece of its self and shorted out. She gently picked up the poor creature and rubbed its chest vigorously, to stimulate breathing. The creatures still didn't move so she gave it a sound pat where she assumed its heart was. It made a hollow thud. Jamilah headed out to a back door and sat down, rubbing vigorously again.

"C'mon cutie, breathe from me." Jamilah whispered, and blew a sharp breath at the cabbit's nose before giving another pat.

"I know someone there is going to miss you honey. C'mon now." The patting produced the same thudding, and the cabbit coughed harshly. It began to breathe in short rapid gasps. Jamilah placed it over her shoulder, giving Ryo-oki rubs up and down her back, and was rewarded with a weak "Miya."

"Where's Ryo-oki!" The alarmed voice of Sasami came to Jamilah's ears as she stepped inside. Sasami saw the brown behind and white tuft of a tail on Jamilah's shoulder and the tears began to brim again.

"She's okay!" Jamilah assured Sasami patting Ryo-oki gently. "She just needs to relax a bit." She shifted the cabbit to rest in the crook of her arm, although she saw Sasami, she made no move towards her but strayed where she was. Sasami nodded understandingly, and then perked up instantly.

"Oh, Nobuyuki is ordering take out for tonight! I hope that will be okay." Sasami's smile wasn't as bright, but it was meaningful.

"Of course it is!" Jamilah placed her free hand on the young girls shoulder as she headed towards the dining room area.

A young girl, about Sasami's height, with a lot of wild pink hair was looking about. She was getting an explanation from Tenchi and Katsuhito as to why there was a flux in electricity, while Ryoko and Ayeka were shouting in defense.

"It's all her fault!" Ryoko shouted, pointing at Jamilah, and then staked up and got into her face.

"My fault?" Her voice was quiet and even as the anger and the urge to hit someone began to reach critical.

"If you hadn't even come here You measly little-" Ryoko sneered getting nose to nose with the Masaki's visitor as she tried to wrench Ryo-oki from her arms, but two things happened.

Ryo-oki, still groggy and disoriented, bit into Ryoko's hand. And a large wooden spoon hit her in the head at the same time, making the ex-pirate see stars and at the same time clutching her hand in pain.

"It was your fault for shooting in the house." Washu thumped the wooden spoon to her palm as if daring Ryoko to argue with her. Washu caught sight of Jamilah and Ryo-oki. She looked apprehensively as she saw the young woman rub and pat the cabbit gently to relax and help her breathe.

"May I see her?" Washu asked, "I'll need to run a full diagnostic on her to make sure nothings wrong."

Jamilah gently nudged the cabbit into Washu's open hands. Washu headed and opened the cupboard door under the stairs, "Tell me when dinner's here." She said over her shoulder and closed the door, leaving Ryoko in a daze.

The delivery came and they soon began to eat. After they had finished cleaning what they could Ryoko and Ayeka sat on either side of Tenchi, shooting evil looks at each other and at Jamilah, who sat between Sasami and Katsuhito. She was having a pleasant conversation with the young girl and old priest, talking about her home, her brother and her mother. No one was really noticing that Tenchi wasn't getting uneasy with Ryoko and Ayeka grabbing him, but rather was glowering at the American girl with extreme distaste.

"It's too bad the kitchen blew up, Sasami." Jamilah finished up her spring roll as was about to get another of the delicious rolls from one of the plates.

A pair of chopsticks met against hers over the same spring roll, and broke her sticks in half. She followed the length of her arm, glowering, and was only slightly surprised at seeing a male hand holding the offending chopsticks. A gasp sounded out as the rest of the people at the table all stared at Tenchi. Jamilah couldn't hold her anger any longer at her pen pal's attitude towards her.

"What Is Your PROBLEM?!!!!" the roar that came out of her mouth startled her hosts as she emphasized the word "problem" by slamming her fists, one still clenching the broken chopsticks, as she leaned over the table.

"Your the Problem!" Tenchi shouted, leaning over the table, scowling at her.

"What?" She couldn't believe that he could be so pigheaded, "Look you didn't have to come and get me so don't tell me that I'm the problem! You're the one who has the problem- with girls!"

As they kept arguing, Ayeka and Ryoko were staring in dumbfounded disbelief at the two.

"Have you been kidnapped?" Ryoko was the first to speak, or rather whisper, towards Ayeka.

"No." Ayeka answered slowly, still staring at Tenchi's back as the shouting match continued. "Are you on the brink of death?"

"Not unless you consider getting bitten by Ryo-oki." Ryoko replied.

"You know what? My brother was right about you! You're either a pussy whipped freak or gay!"

"That interesting coming from a little lying tomboy!"

"Okama!" Jamilah growled, as Tenchi's face got red.

"Busu! Otemba!" Tenchi shouted, making the color drain out of Nobuyuki and his grandfather's face. And made the others, Washu had entered in the middle of the verbal fight, stare in disbelief

"You wanna fight, baka?" Jamilah stabbed down her busted chopsticks and let them loose.

"Outside!" Tenchi motioned with his head towards the burnt out doorway.

"Ya damn right!" Jamilah lapsed into English slang as they headed out the door. Everyone got up and went after them as they headed to the expansive deck at the lake, where the two were standing several feet apart from each other.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Trever looked up at the clear night. It seemed that every star in the sky glittered down at the campground. Corbin had just given him the news of Jamilah's venture to Japan. It was hard to understand as to why she hadn't told anyone, especially him, but then those fools who thought they had a chance would most likely have tried to do something foolish. The wind had kicked up and chill ran through him, slightly unnoticed, as he was lost in thought.

The sound of light bells and hefty weighted feet drew his attention to the present; he turned to meet one of many interesting people in his circle. The woman was tall and hearty, her dark mocha skin made her teeth glow white in the firelight. She had long changed her hair from fashionable micro braids to more manageable thick ones.

"Whas up, Trever! Haven't seen you in awhile!" Her voice boomed out, making Trever smile.

"How ya been?" Trever replied with a Texan drawl and hugged the woman.

"We missin' someone? She gonna show?" she replied, returning his hug.

"Not now, But I hope she'll come in soon.." He replied looking past the woman at the crowd of people, when he noticed two bushes deciding to uproot themselves and scurry across the pathway and towards him.

"You go and enjoy yourself Sohn." Trever smiled at her and pointed towards a few others starting a fire, as one of the bushes got closer.

"AH_HAH!" A shadow popped up and came face to face with him, making Trever literally jump out of his skin.

"What do you-?" Trever has a murderous look as he squinted his eyes and a pair of eyeglasses came into focus.

"So that why she left!" Zach shouted, fixing his glasses on his face

"It's all you fault!" Another voice came in from the bush.

"My fault?! How could it be my fault?" Trever growled, clutching to his staff.

"You- you're a pagan! A WITCH!"

The laugh that came out was hollow, and it rung up into the wooded limbs of the old trees. Suddenly a branch snapped and the two interlopers looked around. Men and women, looking slightly curious at these intruders, surrounded them. Trever grinned as the woman he called Sohn, looked towards him.

"Wondered if they knew we were watching them." She then turned to the Latin looking one. "Do you your hiding in a bush of poison Ivy? Who are these fools anyway Bloodstrike?"

"B-b-b-b-b-Bloodstrike??!!" Emilio and Zach hollered out, even as they hopped out of the poison ivy bushes. Emilio began to scratch at his arm, even as Zach was stunned speechless.

Trever simply grinned, as dark blue energy seemed to glow out of his hands. With a flick of his wrists, the energy shot out, barely missing the two interlopers as it grounded itself into a boulder.

"Madre Dios!" Emilio's eyes widened in fear.

"Impossible!" Zach sputtered, picking up his glasses from the forest floor. He had thought Trever would be a push over, they had followed him in order to find out what he does while Jamilah was away. He had been hoping to catch Trever with another girl, but the man was either very loyal or very sneaky. When they had followed Trever to the forests to a far off campground getting into the strange garb, Emilio was sure that Jamilah had no clue that their adversary was practicing witchcraft and that she'd ditch him. However the wild thought of being caught, and now after that demonstration, and used as a sacrifice now very much did not appeal to them.

Trever simply smiled. "I'll leave you two to my Lady Écureuil."

"Eh? Who the hell is that? Your hellhound?" Emilio's voice was getting tight with panic. The surrounding people laughed as Zach frowned and then elbowed him.

"Its French for squirrel, idiot!" Zach hissed before turning to Trever. "And who the hell is Écureuil?"

"You can go home." Trever simply grinned. "Lady Écureuil shall catch up with you... when you least expect it."

The crowd began jeer, whoop and holler, causing the two to run back the main campsites, and the laughing crowd dispersed to finish preparations.

Trever frowned, he knew he shouldn't have done that but those two were getting to be nothing but trouble.

Crunching footsteps joined his as the fire began to rise. Trever turned and smiled at his friend.

"You had to choose a place nearly half a mile from the bathrooms didn't you?" The male voice had a sarcastic tilt to it.

"You're the one who ate that chili. I told you Corbin." Trever said simply. "Kitty is over at the far end, waiting for you to help her with the wine setup." He added.

** ** * * * *** * * * *

Jamilah removed her white shirt, showing a gray tank top underneath. She had gotten the shirt dirty enough with soot and animal fur, any more and she'd have a hell of a time getting the stains out.

The others inside the Masaki household were closest to the house; only Katsuhito had gotten to the floating pier before either could make a move.

"Pigheaded pussywhipped brat!" Jamilah growled as Tenchi narrowed his eyes.

"Lying Yankee bitch!" Tenchi charged at her, swinging. She dodged, smiling cynically.

She hit him squarely in the head, making him dive face first on the wooden deck.

"Learn how speak English before you try to insult Me." she growled as Tenchi first attempt at tripping her over missed.

Lord Katsuhito, shocked at his grandson's sudden turn of attitude, could only watch as the fight ensued.

*** **************************************************** ********* **

Hihi hi!! And so far we are now done at the end of chapter 6. The fight ensues in CH7.

However, I know most of you are grabbing those Japanese dictionaries to fight out what those words were. I give much thanks to the two people who had written the books I had used for the insults- Thank you Todd and Erica G.

okama-"fag"- said to a boy who acts or dresses in a feminine manner (excuse me ten, but PINK and Pistachio?)

busu-"You're ugly"- is the worst word to say to a girl. (And being American she could be considered ugly over there)

Otemba- "tomboy"- now a days (and in the reference of the char) it's not really a bad word or insult.

And we all know what baka means so there is no reason to explain it.

Bye-bye ^___^ and please review!