Beyond close call (part one)

LOCATION: AN UNKNOWN SOLAR SYSTEM

Tim gripped the controls of the override, a tiny spaceship designed for a single person. As he floated in the vast expanse of space, he approached an enigmatic planet in a distant solar system far from Earth.

"Sector Unit, this is Tim. I'm taking readings for the planet I've discovered. Can you hear me, Sector Unit?" Tim spoke into the radio transmitter, his voice steady despite the excitement building within him. His black and white space suit bore the Umbra Clan logo on its chest, a symbol of his affiliation with the Umbra Izigan Clan.

"We hear you loud and clear, Sir Tim. What's the status?" a voice responded from the radio receiver.

"Well, Terry, it seems my calculations and suspicions were correct, and yours were wrong after all," Tim said with a hint of triumph.

"How did you...? This is Terry speaking," Terry replied, his tone laced with surprise, still communicating with Tim from the Galaxia.

"You're the only one who would respond to me, Terry, because you always want to keep track of me. As rivals, you'd be the first to know if I made a mistake, giving you an opportunity to one-up me. It's too obvious, Terry," Tim explained, his words tinged with a hint of friendly banter.

Terry chuckled. "Alright, you got me, Tim. So, what's the present data on this mysterious planet you've been chasing for years?"

"The planet moves along the six intersecting solar systems in this area of space medium," Tim began, his eyes fixed on the data streaming across the override's console. "It seems the phenomenon of the intersecting solar systems has cursed this planet to move along these six systems. I don't fully understand how it happens, but it's the only explanation. In the last six months, this planet has been detected in four different locations, and that's not all. The planet changes form and color when it assumes a new solar system. With the amount of cosmic energy emitting from this planet, it's as if the planet is a living, cosmic entity on its own. I need to study further; I'll see what secrets lie within." Tim explained.

"Just solve your theory later, Tim. We have bigger problems now," Terry said, his tone grave.

"What is it?" Tim asked, his curiosity piqued.

"It's about The-void, and something unusual. Sir David is dead," Terry revealed, his words slow and deliberate, as if easing the blow.

Tim's face contorted in grief. "I'll be right there soon."

Meanwhile, in Japan's Japal Town, the Sun Temple bustled with activity as Sun Izigan monks trained diligently. Lang strolled along the pathways, his footsteps quiet on the sacred ground of the main temple. He stopped abruptly, sensing a presence behind him.

"You can come out now. Quit following me around, will you?" Lang said, his voice firm but controlled.

Jin emerged from behind a pillar, his towering figure and intimidating size a stark contrast to Lang's slender build.

"You think you can use ninja steps to move undetected, but you forgot I manipulate gravity, don't you?" Lang said, his eyes narrowing. "Why are you following me, Jin? What do you want?"

Jin's expression remained enigmatic. "It's not like that, Lang. I keep an eye on people I think are off. I ensure those around you are safe. You emit a negative energy I don't like."

Lang's face twisted in frustration. "You talk like you're out of your mind, Jin! Why don't you mind your own business and stay away from me? I have no bad intentions. I've been here since I was little. Ever since I displayed my powers, you've looked at me like the bad guy. Look, Jin, I'm not afraid of you. Stay away from me!"

Jin's gaze lingered on Lang before he spoke, his voice low and mysterious. "What makes you truly yourself will truly awaken someday, Lang. You will always be watched, not by me, but by the eyes around you." With that, Jin departed, leaving Lang to ponder the ominous words.

WASHINGTON DC

Dave's world was about to take a dark turn. Now that he knew his true pursuers, fear gripped him, and he avoided school for two days. But things took a stranger turn when he discovered his mom's bizarre behavior - she was hallucinating and claiming to see things. Dave had no choice but to take her to the nearest hospital for a checkup.

The next day, he planned to return to school, but he knew reporting Derek and his friends would be futile. Instead, he decided to confide in Hina, now that he knew she was an Izigan. Dave left home early, his senses on high alert, watching his back and observing everyone around him as he walked.

"Hey Dave, wait!" a voice called out. He turned to see Hina running towards him. "Is it really you or another pink sand?" Dave asked, trying to touch her to ensure she was real.

Hina explained, "Sorry about yesterday. I used my clone to come save you; it wasn't my real self. I was controlling my clone from the time my dad came to pick me up until I got home. The clone burst into pink dust because I was using too much cosmic energy and was drained."

Dave's eyes widened. "Clone? You can clone yourself? Is that one of your abilities?"

Hina nodded. "Yes, I'm a Scarlet Izigan, adorned with pink cosmic energy. Izigans are divided into eight cosmic forms, each with unique abilities. Mine is pink cosmic form. What's your color?"

Dave hesitated. "I haven't seen any color yet, just these weird tattoos on my hands, chest, and back and what da hell is cosmic energy?."

Hina's eyes sparkled with surprise. "Wait, you haven't used your powers before? That's what you're saying? And think of cosmic energy like our chakra in Naruto"

Dave shrugged. "Why are you looking at me like that? I haven't used my powers once before; maybe I don't have any."

Hina's expression turned incredulous. "You have to be kidding me! Every Izigan's powers manifest at a young age, around five or six. Then their powers only manifest a little due to their age, and over time, they increase."

Dave's confusion deepened. "Are they not supposed to be schools or academy for only Izigans, where they teach us how to use our powers? With all these cosmic form complexities, there should be guidance."

Hina's eyes locked onto his, and she nodded. "Yes, there is. We'll get to that later. First, we need to figure out what's going on with your powers and your mom's strange behaviors"

"Good, that's where Planet Galaxia comes in. It's the ultimate destination for Izigans to train and master their powers. Every Izigan, including humans, dreams of going there. It's a paradise with advanced technology, an entirely different level, an upgraded version of Earth. I've seen pictures, and I marveled at its wonders. I'm thrilled we're going there soon," Hina said.

"What do you mean we're going there soon?" Dave asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Last week, Lord Orion, the Izigan Head, announced a call-out for all Izigans. They'll be coming to pick us up in a few days' time to take us to Galaxia for training and residence," Hina explained.

Dave's face clouded with concern. "I'd love to go, but I can't leave my mom. She's in the hospital, and I don't know what's wrong with her. She's been sick and won't tell me, something feels off."

Hina's expression softened. "Sorry about that, Dave. But that's the beauty of Galaxia – they'll give your mom the best medical attention to ensure her safety."

Dave shook his head. "It's not that I don't want to go, Hina. I just want to be with my mom."

Hina's tone turned stern. "Dave, don't be a baby. If you stay here, you'll die. You haven't heard of the Peace Makers and other secret organizations kidnapping Izigans to extract their cosmic energies? We're not safe here, Dave. Yesterday, Derek and his gang attacked you, and Derek wore an armband with the Peace Makers' crest. You're being targeted, Dave. We all are. That's why we need to go up there – it's our home, not here. I want to be an Izigan, and I want you to come with me please."