As Tobi promised, he asked Sarah and Saphyra to come up with a plan to help feed the new population. They went to work earnestly, happy to gain more allies. The rest of the Novas, including the world, had an awkward time adjusting to Sarah's change and Saphyra's takeover. Some had newfound trust issues, but as time went on, it was quickly brushed off. Life became slightly better than it was before, as the Federation teamed up with Azurian specialists, to help raise the quality of life on all pla

However, some people were left unhappy with the events that had transpired on Dargan and Earth. Talks concerning life and safety on Earth became prominent on social media.

Before long, a high-priority case was taken up at the Republic of Rennaya's Supreme Court. Between dozens of world leaders and the Beyond's Board.

World leaders argued that they were not as equipped to protect their own planet or countries and asked Beyond to share patents of their space tech and innovations. They felt they had grown past the boundaries set by each other and wanted to participate or at least have a voice in any events in space. Their argument was agreeable with the masses, as they had started to feel as though Beyond could not protect them.

Sarah was furious. "They're just trying to take, all of my hard work."

Her mood was felt across the whole headquarters, but Tobi knew there was little he could do, to remedy the situation. Especially since he knew how the people felt. Before he knew it, he had begun to hope for lessening the burden on himself.

A fortnight after the events on Dargan, a new Bill was passed and added to the Beyond Constitution. Allowing the distribution of Nova gear to countries for reinnervation, replication, and use in space defence against all alien threats.

Only countries and allies with the Beyond Constitution were permitted to acquire Nova suits, Nova Lite suits, high-speed rovers, shuttles, and aircrafts. Lastly, each country was promised a fully equipped spaceship for use to pioneer and combat in space. Sarah reluctantly made digital courses in all languages on how to remodel and use each of the new technologies, she was giving for free.

After about a week, Tobi, Osei, and the Novas were invited to the Rahmanaka Clan's, home planet, Azuria. Some of the Novas turned down the invite, however, Kalista and Osei chose to participate. Hoping to see traces of their people in Azuria.

Hovering near Azuria's Stratosphere...

Their shuttles exited out of the Prometheus, descending into the atmosphere.

"Whoa! They're just like the cities, in the desert." Kayed yelled excitedly, looking out the window, as the shuttle flew over the Royal Capital, of Jadarn.

Carina wasn't happy. She was pressured to come by Norah and Runa at the last minute. "I hope it's not too hot."

Runa let out light giggles, looking at her. "You can't back out now." They had started to get closer with all they'd been through, including several talk shows, interviews, and photoshoots around the world.

"I'm so glad I came. I could use a break from all the drama." Norah said, grinning and observing the sights out of the window. "I'm not sure what we're in for and they asked us all to come battle-ready... But this place looks beautiful. Let's try and sneak out later." She looked back, as the shuttle jostled, touching down behind a palace, surrounded by alien palm trees and artificial grass.

"Welcome, welcome. So glad of you to come!" A man with black hair and warm eyes, looking in his mid-thirties, bowed and waved excitedly to see his guests.

The group exited out of two shuttles, greeted by a procession of guards, with light brown and green headcloths matching their outfits and protecting them from the heat. They carried matching royal swords, sheathed at their waist.

Tobi walked up, leading their group. "My name is Tobi of the Beyond-"

The man cut him off and hurried over placing one arm around him while gesturing the others forward. "Yes, yes. I've heard about you from my father. My name is Kaieda, son of Akio. Let's get you guys to the Greeting Hall shall we? We have water, snacks, and many other refreshments there."

Tobi looked back at the others, who just left him with sheepish smiles, as he got carried up ahead. They entered through large intricately crafted doors, to a large hall, with tables of snacks and local delicacies. Tobi eyed, some of the cookies and treats, but he was ripped away by Kaieda to a beautiful woman, around his age.

"My daughter, Yori Rahmanaka, beloved princess of Azuria. She may act high and mighty, but she's still a kid, be gentle." Kaieda laughed, as he introduced the both of them.

Yori was embarrassed. "Dad! Stop it!"

He quickly raised his hands up backing away. "Just teasing."

She turned to face Tobi, still flushed, but regaining her composure. "You must be Tobi. I've been told, a lot about you. You have my utmost gratitude, for aiding my people in our time of need."

She put one hand out towards him, and he gently received it and kissed it, just, as his group walked in. "The pleasure is all mine. It's an honour to meet you, princess."

She gave him a heartfelt smile, then turned around to greet the others coming in. The guys instantly started making fun of him, seeing Tobi act differently in front of a princess. The girls murmured among themselves, some looking over at Norah, who didn't seem all too pleased.

"It seems you have all acquainted yourselves."

Akio and several, guards that Tobi could tell, were his secret service, followed behind him through another set of doors on the opposite side of the hall. The Elder walked in high spirits, with both arms behind his back, and adorned with a different, light green, robe outfit.

He gave his guests a welcoming smile. "I suppose you're all wondering, why I have gathered you all here today."

Tobi nodded and the rest followed suit.

Akio smiled and continued. "You're here because you are weak. However, each of you has the potential, to become something great, akin to a star." He shook his head, as they were a little taken back by his words. "You've acquired strength, yet have not worked on the foundation to maintain it, or to acquire new heights safely. I can only blame the people of Rennaya, for not preserving this knowledge, with the next generations."

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Osei stepped forward, clutching his fist in front of him. "They had no chance to preserve anything. It's cruel that you consider them any blame."

Akio's dim green eyes glanced towards him. "Warrior, you must have been pretty young when it happened. How old were you?"

Osei felt uneasy with all of the attention. "Seven."

Akio nodded. "Traumatizing indeed. However, they were corrupted well before then. Had they preserved their ancient knowledge and powers, of the universe, Atlas would have never been able to defeat them. They did not learn the lesson of the Messians."

Akio sighed. "Now, now. I'm not here to bore you, with stories. I've brought you all here today so that you can train here."

Several of them were a bit shocked, but others were confused. "For how long?" Tobi asked, knowing Sarah had not set up the StarNet Galactic service for Azuria yet. Which integrated media and a network with the other planets in the Solar System. Which meant he wouldn't get an update if a new chapter of his favourite series was out.

"Until you're no longer weak. Which is why time is of the essence. Did you forget who declared war on you? His forces can contest with Atlas's, which is why even that emperor avoids all conflicts with them. They are as smart and even more violent than the Messians while being blessed with more strength than the Rennayans, due to living in the Dark Sector."

He looked around the room and took a few steps forward. "Do you all feel, you're ready, to take on both of those monstrous forces? As you are right now?"

They went quiet, knowing deep within their hearts, that they were not ready. He scratched his chin. "Maybe, or maybe not, however, once we drill it into you, and you're able to harness it. I think you will be more prepared."

Jacira blurted out, unable to help herself. "Harness what?"

He looked at her, then gave her a large grin. "The power of Iko."

Moments later...

They gathered plates of snacks and had some more light talks with the princess about their worlds. Then their group was chaperoned off to the suites, where they would be staying. They were separated into two groups and given separate dorms, then they were led off, by several maids, through the estate.

"I guess they're giving us the royal treatment, eh?" Tobi gestured at his brother, impressed with their suite.

However, Osei wasn't as excited. "I'm fine with just the minimum. They're doing too much."

On the other hand, Kayed was ecstatic, flipping over channels on a holographic TV. "We did help them out. If they want to treat us, let them."

Tai rolled his eyes. "You mean Sarah helped them."

Kayed looked back over to Tai. "She's one of us, right? No 'I' in team, remember." He looked back at the channels, finally finding an interesting show, and sat back.

Tai shook his head and left, to set his stuff up in his room. Tobi chuckled, as he and his brother followed after Tai. "Kayed remember, we gotta head out in an hour." He called back.

Kayed waved back at them from the couch. "Got it!" He replied back as Tobi and Osei continued down the hall to choose their rooms.

An hour later...

Palace guards came to pick them up and escort them, to the training grounds. They flew at jet speeds in a private Azurian aircraft, for 30 minutes, to a ridiculously large, training grounds, outside of the city. Dozens of large outdoor arenas the size of two football fields were positioned distantly from each other with wired walls enclosing them.

Akio was waiting for them at the entrance. At his sides, his son, and granddaughter stood, greeting them with smiles. Beside Kaieda, was a large man, with a darker complexion. He had a large nose, and a scar over his eye, adding to his fierce gaze, which made some of the Novas uncomfortable.

Akio stepped forward. "I hope you've had some time, to relax and eat up, because you will be training here, until sundown."

He noticed some of the Novas looking dismayed, but he continued anyway. "This is General Roku, Chief Commander of the Azurian Army and a leader of the Azurian Hashin. Our strongest elite force, which deals with planetary intelligence and operations."

Kiala raised her hand, quickly and he responded by nodding. "Are they the ones who saved us that day?"

He smiled and nodded once more. "That's right, however at the time, only the ones at the forefront. All thirty-two Hashin, train here every day, to expand and perfect their Iko."

He turned to look at the rest of the group, then settled his eyes on Tobi. "I'm sure you've heard of this word before. Iko is a fundamental of life. Your enemies know this."

Sarah had tried finding more info about it but was only able to give them a moderately satisfying explanation. Akio continued, raising his right hand towards the training grounds. "Here, each of us will train you in the three basics of iko. Sani iko, Sila iko and Roho iko... Once you have mastered these techniques, you'll become far more powerful than you are now."

Kalista was skeptical, speaking up, once he had stopped. "How is it supposed to make us stronger?"

Yori and Kaieda raised their eyebrows in alarm. That was the worst question she could have asked. They caught a glimpse of the sinister smile crawling over Akio's face.

"In many ways... For example, have you ever felt something like this?" His facial expression turned deadly serious, as the breeze around them began to pick up. All of them felt pressure unlike, they'd ever felt before. It wasn't sinister and somehow calming, but requested them to submit immediately, to the will of the monster before them.

Jacira dropped to her knees, holding her chest, then fell over, unconscious. By instinct, Kalista, Carina, and Tai immediately went into first gear, however, it remained difficult for them to breathe and stay standing, as foam started to form at the sides of their mouths.

"What... is... this?" Tai tried to say, before dropping to his knees, the other two followed suit, seconds later, as their side effects started to kick in. Their hands were the only thing stopping a faceplant to the floor. The rest of them had just as much difficulty but remained standing and unable to move in second gear.

"I've felt this before, but not on this scale," Norah said, momentarily lurching and feeling her stamina drain away, by the second.

Osei tried taking a step forward but quit halfway. "So this is the gap, we have to cross." He whispered to himself.

Tobi looked around, noticing everyone else having just as much difficulty, but were moments from collapsing. However, Kiala was calm, standing with her hair glowing full silver and exerting back an equal amount of pressure.

Akio, stroked his beard while watching them struggle. "Ho, ho, look Roku, this one has ascended far, while so young."

The Commander had his eyebrows slightly raised in shock. "Yes, it would seem... She may be the one."

Kaieda looked at his father with concern. "Father, don't you think this is a little-"

He was cut off by an intense release of dangerous pressure coming from Yori, startling the both of them. "Grandpa, are you trying to kill our guests?" She asked, in a lethal tone.

Akio scratched his head. "My bad, I guess I went a little too far."

He lowered the amount of pressure he was releasing and allowed the Novas to regain their composure, as their transformations flickered off. Norah and Amaara ran to check on Jacira, who woke up quickly.

Tobi glared at Akio, seeing the stress his people went through, however, the elder did not flinch. "That's the fire you need! A leader should at least be able to protect his people, in an event, when someone with incredible iko appears."

Kaieda shook his head while scratching the side of his beard. "A normal civilian might have entered into a coma, from the amount, you released." He then cleared his throat and stepped up. "Each of you will be training with one of us until you master iko. Jacira and Runa, you will be training with Yori."

He turned his attention towards the rest. "Kalista, Tai, Carina, you'll be with me."

He looked back at Roku, as the Commander stepped forward, looking over the group. "I'll train the Rennayan warrior, the girl, and the boy."

His cold eyes flickered across each of them, then he turned and began to lift off. "Let's go." He said plainly, as he raised up a stone platform, high above them and jumped up on it, then jetted towards a training ground on the far end. Osei looked at Kayed and Norah, all realizing he was talking about them. They shrugged it off and flew off after him.

Akio jumped up onto a platform made of metals and gold, with his hands behind his back. "Tobi, Kiala, let's see how fast you two are." Leaving them with a wide grin, before he took off. They didn't hesitate to go after him.

Kaieda looked over at his trainees. "Unlike them, I don't want you using your abilities for a bit. We'll be running to our training grounds."

Tai and Carina sighed, then groaned, however, Kalista began stretching for the run.

Yori smiled at Runa and Jacira, who had just gotten back to a hundred percent. "Well... shall we?"