Shyamali Perera

The Stellarum Conflict

Prologue

​“Since childhood, my insatiable appetite for learning about the vast universe led me to the Pleiades—an open cluster star known as the seven sisters. My father, who, night after night, watched the stars in the distant night skies with me, fostered my curiosity. But what caught my eye the most was the constellation of Taurus(bull) because the Pleiades is known to be the bull’seye. My imagination of extraterrestrial beings living on the Pleiades still lives on. Maybe it’s a fantasy of mine, or maybe there is some truth to it. Who knows what secrets we will discover in the future?”

Love

​In a remote part of the universe, in a star system known to Earth as Matariki, existed an extraordinary planet named Korion. It was a truly stunning place, with tall crystal mountains, rivers of stardust that sparkled, and thick forests filled with beautiful flowers and lush green trees. Korion was home to a peaceful and advanced civilization. Living on this extraordinary planet was an alien named  Zara, and she belonged to a species called the Zorlans, renowned for their remarkable intellect and empathetic nature. They had spent many light years observing different worlds in the universe, captivated by the differences and marvels of each one. Zara was a unique Zorlan with glowing turquoise skin, long limbs, and eyes that sparkled. She had an important task ahead of her—to visit Earth to learn about humans. She waited eagerly for this moment in preparation for several light years. 

​Zara’s spaceship descended through Earth’s sky, and she was amazed by the vibrant colors and lush landscapes below. She had studied Earth from afar, but being here was overwhelming. The planet was full of life, with busy cities and a symphony of sounds everywhere. However, the Zorlans needed to be cautious and land their spaceship in a quiet spot to avoid drawing attention. They chose to land at night on the outskirts of Sedona, Arizona, in the small township of Jerome. Zara silently left the spacecraft and approached a small house at the end of a field. She turned the doorknob gently and entered. The door’s creaking blended with the nighttime chorus of crickets and frogs from the nearby marshes. The next day, Zara woke early and took in her unfamiliar surroundings. The house she stayed in intrigued and surprised her with its strange furniture and settings. Although the home was vacant, the Zorlans’ used it as one of their secretive hide-outs for their agents from time to time.

​Deciding to explore the bustling city, Zara knew she had to disguise her appearance. She used a unique device the Zorlans had given her—a temporary portal that transformed her into an Earthling. With her new appearance, nobody could tell she was an extraterrestrial. Feeling confident, Zara walked towards the city, observing the Earthlings from a distance. Their emotions, interactions, and displays of affection fascinated her. She made sure to blend in, although she couldn’t help but wonder if her disguise as an Earthling was truly convincing.

​On that particular day, amid a busy crowd, Zara’s eyes caught sight of a young Earthling, tall and handsome. The Earthling was none other than Alex Redding. She felt an instant connection, a force that pulled her closer to him. Zara watched as Alex interacted with others, witnessing acts of love and kindness that warmed her heart. Fueled by curiosity, Zara found a way to approach Alex and was not surprised when Alex welcomed the gesture of becoming friends. But she was nervous that her accent might reveal her identity while speaking in the Earthlings language.

​On the contrary, Alex Redding was a tall, handsome young man in his mid-twenties. He worked as the supervisor of a large factory in the small town of Jerome, on the outskirts of Sedona. Not only was Alex responsible for overseeing the factory’s operations, but was also a popular figure among the locals. People admired Alex for his warm smile and gentle nature, which reflected his kindness and compassion as he devoted himself to creating a positive and happy work environment for his employees. His colleagues and employees respected him very much for his management style at the factory owned by the Duke & Duke Brothers, whichmainly produces cell phone lithium batteries. Alex had worked as a supervisor in the factory for five years and loved his work. Besides his work, he found solace in the beauty of nature by hiking the canyons and capturing the scenery with his camera. Alex’s ultimate goal was to impact the lives of those around him positively. He believed in fostering a sense of community and well-being through small acts of kindness. By spreading joy and lending a helping hand to those in need, his vision was to create a better world for everyone he met in Jerome.

​As fate would have it, Zara’s decision to seek employment at the town’s factory brought her even closer to Alex. On her first day, filled with nervousness, she entered the office for her interview, unaware that the supervisor awaiting her was none other than Alex himself. His warm smile and friendly demeanor immediately made Zara feel comfortable as they sat across from each other. The interview became a pleasant conversation, and Alex recognized Zara’s potential.He offered her the job without hesitation, appreciating her talents and skills—her unusual beauty also struck him very much.

​Zara understood that her mission to develop a connection with Alex would be difficult.However, as their friendship grew, Zara discovered that Alex had a passion for nature and photography. Intrigued by this common interest, she wanted to explore their town’s beautiful landscapes. Alex, always open to new experiences, eagerly agreed, and they embarked on hikes and photography trips together, capturing the breathtaking scenery that surrounded them. ​

​Zara felt compelled to share her true identity and purpose on Earth with Alex, recognizing the importance of trust and honesty in their friendship. Although initially unsure, she mustered the courage to reveal her extraterrestrial origins to Alex. One evening, Zara found a quiet moment with Alex under a starry sky. With a mix of nervousness and determination, she began to share her story. She explained that she was not from Earth but from a distant galaxy—her home planet, Korion.

​In a gentle and soothing voice, Zara spoke about her mission to observe and learn about Earth, its people, and its incredible wonders. She described the immense size of the universe and how different civilizations exist among the stars, all interconnected in unique ways. Zara said the Zorlan elders chose her to visit Earth to study its diverse cultures, impressive technological advancements, and the breathtaking beauty of its natural landscapes. As Zara revealed her extraterrestrial identity, she observed Alex’s face transitioning from surprise to curiosity. He listened attentively, his eyes filled with amazement and understanding. Zara reassured him that her intentions were peaceful and that her time on Earth had deepened her love and respect for the planet and its people.

​But one day, Zara mustered the courage to reveal her true alien form to Alex. Uncertain of his reaction, she took a deep breath and showed him her authentic self, not knowing what to expect. Initially, when Alex saw Zara’s shimmering blue body with long limbs, he was at a loss for words. However, he soon grasped the significance of the moment. He understood the privilege of having someone from a different world confide in him and share their extraordinary experiences. As Zara and Alex spent more time together, they discovered they had much in common— enjoyed the same things, dreamed similar dreams, and shared similar values. Much of the days, they laughed together, shared captivating stories, and went on exciting tours to explore the amazing landscape of Sedona and the nearby cities. Every day, their bond grew stronger, going beyond the boundaries of their separate worlds.

​Although Zara and Alex continued their journey together, their relationship became more profound and significant. They faced the complexities that came with Zara’s extraterrestrial origins. Together, they tackled the challenges of keeping Zara’s true identity a secret from the rest of the people in Jerome while cherishing their unique bond. But Zara often yearned to introduce Alex to the wonders of her home planet, Korion. She longed to show him the breathtaking landscapes, the advanced technology, and the harmonious society that had shaped her into the person she was. In return, Alex shared with Zara the richness of Earth’s history, art, and music, opening her eyes to the beauty and diversity of her newfound home.

​When Zara pulled out a small ‘Quantroid’ from her bag to show the advanced technology of her people, Alex was astounded. The pocket-sized robot had many functions, includingspeaking in many intergalactic languages. It could also change into a walking bot at Zara’scommands. Through the Quantroid’s screens, Alex saw cities that seemed to defy gravity, with tall structures blending seamlessly with the surroundings. He witnessed the intricacies of the Korion transportation system, where vehicles floated silently through the air, and interstellar travel was the norm. However, it was more than just the impressive technology that captivated him. It was the harmonious society that Zara grew up in. She introduced him to the diverse cultures and traditions of Korion, where different species lived together in Peace, celebrating their unique qualities and fostering understanding among one another.

​As time passed, Zara and Alex’s love for each other grew stronger, going beyond the boundaries of their different worlds. Their relationship showed that love and understanding could bring beings from different species together, even across vast distances in the universe. Zara was amazed by the complex emotions humans could feel. She saw their ability to love, forgive, and stay strong in tough times and experienced these emotions herself. Zara’s love for Alex became more profound every day, and Alex felt the same way about her. Their love had no limits as they faced the challenges of being in an intergalactic relationship because it was time for Zara to return to Korion—her assignment on Earth had ended. The Zorlans wanted her back with all the information she gathered. 

​Zara and Alex were sorrowful because they realized their time together ended fast; the distance between their worlds seemed immense, and the challenges of traveling between galaxies seemed impossible. Still, they held onto their love and believed love could conquer all boundaries, even those as vast as the galaxies. But they were determined to find a way to be together, so they turned to the wise Zorlan elders for help. The elders recognized the depth of their love and devised a plan to bridge the gap between their worlds. Using their advanced technology, they created a portal, a unique gateway that allowed Zara and Alex to be together despite their distance.

​The portal was a groundbreaking invention that broke the rules of space and time. It was a sparkling archway filled with energy and decorated with intricate symbols representing the unity of two worlds. When Zara and Alex stepped through the portal, they were transported instantly to a special place between Korion and Earth. It was a realm where their love could thrive without being limited by physical distance. They could be together in this magical space, holding hands and exploring enchanting landscapes. They wandered through celestial gardens, danced among the stars, shared laughter and tender moments, and made heartfelt promises to each other that went beyond the boundaries of their separate worlds. The portal became a connection for their love, allowing them to communicate across galaxies. With the help of holographic displays and advanced communication systems, Zara and Alex could see and hear each other as if they were right there in person. They shared their successes, comforted each other in tough times, and found strength in the unwavering support they provided to one another.

​With the passing of every day, Zara and Alex became champions of unity and love across galaxies. They shared their incredible story with others using messenger’ Quantroid,’ inspiring beings from both Korion and Earth to embrace the boundless power of love. Their love became a beacon of hope, reminding the universe that connections and relationships can overcome any obstacle. With the portal bridging their worlds, Zara and Alex continued to flourish while preserving their strong bond. Zara shared her wisdom and knowledge from Korion, helping Earth progress harmoniously with nature.

​Meanwhile, Alex, drawing from their experiences together, promoted acceptance and understanding among the people of Earth. Together, they positively impacted, fostering unity and love wherever their journeys took them. Earth had evolved into a harmonious intergalactic hub in the distant future, welcoming various alien civilizations from far-flung corners of the universe. Zara, the graceful being from the mythical planet Korion, was a living enigma to Earthlings, and her union with Alex, an open-minded Earthling, fascinated many.

War

But Alex’s parents, Helmut and Marianna, strongly disapproved of their son’srelationship with an extraterrestrial being, disregarding the positive outcomes of the relationship.However, Zara’s father, the King of Korion, insisted that Zara and Alex be united in marriage, especially when Zara discovered she was pregnant with Alex’s child. Despite the opposition from Alex’s parents, They decided to have a grand marriage ceremony in Korion, where they would declare their eternal love for each other. Helmut, a scientist at NASA, believed he could stop the marriage by using the Zorlan multidimensional portal to reach Korion. Unfortunately, his attempt failed, and instead of ending up in Korion, they teleported to Astrionyx, a neighboring planet in the Matariki star system. 

​Astrionyx was home to a unique species known as Avenarthian centaurs. They were formidable creatures with silvery grey skins and horns and lived in a perpetually war-torn environment, constantly engaging in conflicts. Their planet was arid, with three suns that rose and set at different times, making it difficult to distinguish between day and night. The Avenarthians possessed advanced technologies and military strength, which they used to wage wars against their neighboring planets. Their motivations for aggression were complex, often driven by a desire for power and control over territories rich in valuable resources. They were drawn particularly to Earth’s abundant mineral resources, especially diamonds, which had captured their attention for countless light years. They utilized diamonds in their military weaponry and technology. Despite their intelligence and advanced technology, the Avenarthians’had never been able to reach Earth, their desired final destination.

​The leaders of the Avenarthians, Rumu and his brother Baku, were powerful beings known for their strength, cunning, and insatiable desire for power. They devised a plan to conquer Earth, seeing it as a valuable addition to their expanding empire. Rumu, the older brother, was a skilled fighter with a sharp intellect and a strong ambition to expand the power of the Avenarthians. He sought to exploit resources from other planets to strengthen his speciesfurther because he controlled a large army and saw Earth as a perfect place to conquer.

​Baku, on the other hand, was recognized for his strategic brilliance and charismatic charm. He had a talent for manipulating others and used his influence to persuade the Avenarthian council to rally their forces for the conquest of Earth. Baku enjoyed the chaos and destruction that accompanied conquest, enjoying the fear and submission of those they conquered. They understood that their success depended on exploiting the divisions and weaknesses among humans, strategically creating conflicts, and using existing tensions to undermine defenses. 

​When Helmut and Marianna teleported to Astrionyx accidentally, Rumu and Baku sawthis as an opportunity to exploit Helmut’s knowledge and skills. After listening to their story,Rumu and Baku offered to assist Helmut and Marianna in sabotaging the marriage ceremony of Alex and Zara—but only if Helmut fulfilled a significant request. This request was for constructing a portal capable of transforming Avenarthians into full humans for thirty-six hours because thirty-six Avenarthian hours was one year on Earth. As Helmut found himself and Marianna held captive by the Avenarthians’, he realized the gravity of the situation. Reluctantly, Helmut began working on the intricate design, knowing he needed to hasten to stop his son’smarriage to an extraterrestrial being. Helmut’s scientific expertise and determination allowed him to devise a plan swiftly. 

​Despite the difficult circumstances, he built the portal that met the Avenarthians’specifications. But unknown to the Avenarthians, Helmut secretly embedded a fail-safe mechanism into the portal’s programming—a way to control and limit the centaur beings’transformation and prevent them from causing harm on Earth. Once the portal was complete, Helmut found himself at a crucial crossroads. The Avenarthians, unaware of his true intentions, believed Helmut would help them to use the portal to wreak havoc on Earth and saw him as a potential ally in their quest for domination, unaware of the change within him during his time as their captive. Helmut struck a secret deal with the Avenarthians in a daring move. He agreed to play along with their plans in exchange for his and Marianna’s freedom to prevent Zara and Alex’s marriage. 

​The Avenarthians, seeing that Helmut had completed his project, backtracked on their promise to assist him in stopping the marriage ceremony, instead released him and granted him access to the Zorlan portal. With courage and determination, he activated the portal and navigated its complex controls. As Helmut stepped through the Zorlan portal, this time, they instantly teleported to Korion, where Zara and Alex awaited their grand marriage ceremony.

​Meanwhile, on Korion, preparations were in full swing for the grand ceremony. The entire planet buzzed with excitement as the union between Zara and Alex symbolized unity and harmony between different worlds. However, Zara’s heart was heavy with worry about the absence of Alex’s parents. Just as the ceremony was about to commence, Helmut, disheveled and weary, burst into the hall with Mariana following behind. He held out his hands, pleading for a moment to explain himself. The crowd fell into stunned silence as Helmut recounted his journey, his time as a prisoner, and the deal he had struck with the Avenarthians.

​Zara and Alex, although taken aback by the unexpected turn of events, listened intently.They understood the risk Helmut and Marianna had taken to prevent their marriage and the potential danger that loomed over Earth. Their love had taught them patience and understanding, and they realized their union should be in harmony with their respective worlds and agreed to postpone the elaborate ceremony. But their marriage was officiated by the Zorlans elders. Once the small ceremony was over, Zara, Alex, Helmut, and Marianna planned to use the portal to return to Earth and confront the Avenarthians. They hoped to negotiate a peaceful resolution to prevent harm from befalling both Korion and Earth. The stakes were high, but their determination and love for the inhabitants of Korion and Earth fueled their resolve. Zara and Alex knew that united¾they stood a chance against the formidable Avenarthians because their bond symbolized the alliance between their worlds, and they were willing to put everything on the line for the greater good.

​However, before the four teleported back to Earth, a strange event occurred on Korion.On that fateful evening, as the skies turned a celestial hue, a shadowy figure approached Zara and Alex’s home. Alex was away attending a conference on interstellar diplomacy, leaving Zara alone. The mysterious intruder, cloaked in iridescent robes, revealed itself as an ancient being, a celestial guide known as Orathion.

​“You must come with me, Zara,” Orathion’s voice echoed with a sense of urgency.

​“Who are you? And why should I go with you?” Zara questioned, her Korion powers crackling in anticipation.

​“I am Orathion, the keeper of cosmic secrets. Your destiny is intertwined with an ancient enigma that threatens not just Earth but Korion and the entire cosmos,” the guide revealed cryptically.

​Zara hesitated but sensed the gravity of the situation. “If it’s for the greater good, I will follow.”

​The duo embarked on a mysterious journey through a temporal portal that led them to a realm beyond imagination. They arrived at the Astral Niharik, an ethereal citadel floating amidst a nebula. Within its shimmering walls lay a powerful artifact—the Prism of Omnipotence, said to hold the key to unrivaled power and knowledge.

​Orathion spoke solemnly, “The Prism of Omnipotence is sought after by malevolent entities known as the Veilbreakers. If they lay their hands on it, they will wreak havoc on the universe by giving the power of darkness to their allies, the formidable Avenarthians.”

​“But how am I connected to this?” Zara inquired, her curiosity piqued.

​“You, Zara, are the Chosen Guardian, destined to protect the Prism and unlock its potential,” Orathion explained, his eyes glowing with cosmic wisdom.

​Meanwhile, back on Korion, Alex sensed the cosmic disturbance and received a transmission from the Zorlan elders, informing him of Zara’s disappearance. Determined to find his wife, he sought the help of a wise sage, an ancient Zorlan who studied various alien civilizations’ myths. The sage revealed that the key to locating Zara lay in deciphering the ancient glyphs etched on the mysterious artifacts discovered throughout Korion’s history. Together, they unraveled the enigma hidden in these artifacts—a map leading to the Astral Niharik.

​On the Astral Niharik, Zara trained with Orathion, mastering her latent Korion abilities and understanding the secrets of the Prism. As her bond with Orathion grew, he became a mentor and a fatherly figure, sharing the wisdom of eons. Just as Zara felt ready to fulfill her destiny, Alex, guided by the ancient glyphs, arrived at the Astral Niharik. He was astonished by the cosmic wonders that lay before him.

​“Zara, I knew I’d find you,” Alex said, relief and love evident in his voice.

​“I’m glad you’re here, Alex. I need your help to safeguard the Prism from the Veilbreakers,” Zara replied, her eyes sparkling with determination.

​Just at that moment, the final battle loomed as the Veilbreakers arrived, unleashing dark energies to seize the Prism. Zara and Alex fought bravely alongside Orathion, their unity as powerful as the stars themselves. In a climactic showdown, Zara channeled her Korion powers and invoked the ancient magic to protect the Prism. The skies erupted in a celestial dance as the artifact responded to her calling, shielding itself from the Veilbreakers’ malevolence. Unable tograb the Prism, the Veilbreakers retreated into the cosmic abyss. Zara and Alex emerged triumphant, the Astral Niharik rejoicing in their victory.

​“You have done well, Zara, my Chosen Guardian,” Orathion praised.

As they bid farewell to the Astral Niharik, Orathion bestowed Zara and Alex with cosmic knowledge, the Prism of Omnipotence, empowering them to defend Earth and the universe from future threats.

​Meanwhile, on Astrionyx, The Avenarthians, unaware of Helmut’s intentions, began the transformation process back on Earth, eagerly anticipating their impending dominance over the human world. But as they stepped through the portal that Helmut built, they found themselves in an unexpected state. Instead of fully becoming humans, their horse features remained, allowing them only limited time in their altered form. Luckily, Helmut’s fail-safe mechanism had successfully activated, ensuring that the Avenarthians would not pose a significant threat during their brief time on Earth. And their hopes of conquering the planet were dashed, leaving them bewildered and vulnerable—but they didn’t give up their plan easily. Panic and fear gripped the Earth as the Avenarthians made their intentions known. Governments around the globe mobilized their defenses and formed alliances to protect Earth from a possible alien invasion. International cooperation became crucial as nations set aside their differences to unite against the common enemy.

​But the Avenarthians kidnapped the United Nations Secretary-General, sending shockwaves worldwide. The abduction of such a prominent figure sparked an international crisis, with governments, intelligence agencies, and military forces scrambling to respond. The news of the U.N. Secretary’s kidnapping spread rapidly, causing panic and uncertainty among the human population. The Avenarthians, known for their aggressive nature, issued a series of demands, including territorial concessions, access to Earth’s resources, including all of the diamond production on Earth, and the cessation of all human military operations near their planet. The situation escalated tensions between humans and aliens to an unprecedented level. The United Nations held emergency meetings, and world leaders collaborated to devise a strategy to secure the Secretary’s safe release.

​In the meantime, Rumu and Baku led their Avenarthian army with ruthless efficiencyagainst the Earthlings. Their advanced technology, superior strength, and relentless determination made them formidable opponents. They unleashed devastating attacks on major cities, leaving destruction and chaos in their wake. The Earthlings faced a formidable enemy, as the Avenarthians’ utilized their mastery of warfare and insatiable hunger for power to conquer and subjugate. However, as the war escalated, the Earthlings united in the face of the common threat. Governments set aside their differences, and individuals from all walks of life banded together to resist the Avenarthians’ invasion. With a firm resolve, they fought back, using their cleverness and resourcefulness to overcome the Avenarthians’ technological advantage. The fight between the Avenarthians and Earth reached its highest point, resulting in a final and decisive battle. The people of Earth, fueled by their unbreakable determination and strengthened by their newfound togetherness, launched a well-coordinated attack against Rumu and Baku’s armies.The battle was fierce and relentless, with both sides putting forth their utmost strength and abilities.

Peace

In a dramatic turn of events, Rumu and Baku, once seemingly invincible, found themselves facing the full force of Earth’s resistance. Their arrogance and thirst for power blinded them to the resilience and determination of the human spirit. As Zara, Alex, Helmut, and Marianna returned to Earth, Earthlings greeted them with relief and concern. The Avernathian invasion was in full swing—their menacing warships darkened the skies, and the ground trembled from the devastation caused by their advanced weaponry.

​Despite the exhaustion from their previous journey, Zara and Alex knew they couldn’trest. Their experiences at the Astral Niharik had given them newfound knowledge and power to use the Prism of Omnipotence, making them Earth’s last hope against the Avenarthians.

​“We have to act quickly,” Zara said, her voice steady but filled with determination. “The Avenarthians must not be allowed to conquer Earth.”

With the guidance of the Extraterrestrial Defense Unit (EDU), they assembled a team of alien allies from various planets, united against the common threat. Each member brought unique strengths, ranging from advanced technology to mystical powers, and together, they formed an unbreakable alliance.

​Meanwhile, With her allies at her side, Zara stood at the forefront of a desolate battlefield. Smoke and dust filled the air, and the scars of the conflict were visible all around. The Avenarthian forces, adorned in their menacing armors, faced her with cold, unyielding eyes. Ignoring her exhaustion, Zara summoned her courage and stepped forward, raising her voice to address the Avenarthians.

​“Halt! I am Zara, the protector of Earth and Korion,” she declared, her voice carrying a mix of authority and compassion. “We don’t want this war. We don’t want to fight you. Earth has suffered enough, and so has yours. The cycle of violence must end!”

A murmur of surprise spread through the Avenarthian ranks, some of them lowering their weapons slightly, intrigued by Zara’s words. One of their leaders, a towering figure clad in dark armor, stepped forward to meet her gaze.

​“And what makes you think we would listen to the likes of you?” the Avenarthian leader Rumu retorted, his voice laced with disdain.

​“Because we’ve seen the destruction caused by both sides,” Zara replied firmly. “This war benefits no one. It only brings pain, suffering, and death. But it’s not too late to change that. We can find a peaceful resolution,” she continued.

Rumu scoffed, “Peace? We have fought for eons, and Peace has never been an option. Your feeble attempts to sway us with words won’t work.”

Zara took a step closer, her eyes locked with the Avenarthian leaders.

​ “You’re wrong. We’ve come into possession of the Prism of Omnipotence, a source of immense power. With it, we can create a future where both our worlds coexist without conflict,” she said in one breath.

​One of the Avenarthian soldiers sneered, “Why would we believe you? The Prism is a legendary artifact. You’re just trying to deceive us.”

​“I understand your skepticism,” Zara admitted, “but it’s true. The Prism showed us the potential for harmony. It revealed that we can find common ground, end the bloodshed, and forge a path to Peace.”

​Zara’s connection to the Prism of Omnipotence proved a pivotal advantage. With the artifact’s power, she could harness the energy even the Avenarthians could not comprehend. Not believing her, Avenarthians decided to continue the battle, and Zara became a beacon of hope, inspiring her allies and instilling fear in the invaders. Alex and Helmut also played a crucial role in devising strategic plans and coordinating the team’s efforts. They knew Earth better than anyone, and understanding human nature proved instrumental in countering the Avenarthiantactics.

​The alliance struck back with precision and determination as the Avenarthian forces closed in on Earth’s major cities. They used guerrilla tactics to exploit the invaders’ weaknesses and disrupt their communication networks. Zara’s power emanated like a cosmic storm, pushing back the Avenarthians with each wave of her energy. During a critical moment in the battle, the Avenarthian leader, the formidable Rumu, confronted Zara and Alex.

​ “You may have some cosmic tricks up your sleeves, but you can’t stop the inevitable,”Rumu sneered, his eyes glowing with malevolence.

​Zara stood tall, the Prism’s energy pulsing around her. “The power of unity and love transcends all darkness,” she replied, her voice echoing with cosmic resonance.

With a surge of power, she engaged Rumu in an otherworldly duel. The skies crackled with energy as Zara and the formidable being clashed. Meanwhile, Alex and the alliance fought valiantly against the Avernarthian hordes, never backing down.

​As the battle raged on, Rumu and Baku’s forces got pushed back, their dominance crumbling before the unified might of the Earthlings. Rumu, seeing the imminent defeat, made a desperate final stand, his desire for power consuming him. Baku, however, recognized the futility of their cause and, in a surprising act of redemption, turned against his brother. He joined forces with the Earthlings, providing vital intelligence and assistance to ensure the downfall of Rumu.Severely defeated, his dream of conquering Earth shattered, Rumu finally gave up his fight. 

​Having renounced his former allegiance, Baku was crucial in negotiating a truce between the Avenarthians and Earth. Recognizing the strength and resilience of humanity, he became an advocate for Peace and cooperation between the two worlds. However, the human response to the Avenarthians’ aggression varied over time and across different factions. Some vieweddiplomatic solutions as a way to establish Peace and understanding between the two species. Fueled by fear and a desire to protect their interests, others viewed a more aggressive approach.

​Negotiation teams comprised diplomats, extraterrestrial relations experts, and skilled hostage negotiators. Behind the scenes, intelligence agencies worked tirelessly to gather information about the Avenarthians and their motivations. They analyzed previous encounters and conducted investigations to gain insights into the horse-headed species’ behavior and decision-making processes. Meanwhile, the global community rallied to support the United Nations, expressing solidarity and offering assistance in any way possible. Protests demanding the U.N. Secretary’s release erupted across significant cities, emphasizing the universal desire for Peace and a swift resolution to the crisis. 

​Backchannel communications between Zara, Alex, Helmut, and the Avenarthian council began, with careful negotiations focused on finding common ground and a peaceful resolution.These talks addressed the underlying issues that fueled the conflict between the two species.Zara, Alex, and Helmut also used this opportunity to negotiate with the Avenarthians, emphasizing the importance of Peace and understanding between worlds. Through patient diplomacy and the recognition of shared values, they reached an agreement that allowed the Avenarthians to return to their planet, redirecting their efforts toward fostering Peace rather than conflict. Meanwhile, tensions remained high as negotiations progressed, and the world held its breath. 

​Finally, after weeks of intense discussions,  they reached a much-awaited agreement. 

The Earthlings and the Avenarthians made a pact that took care of the Avenarthians’ concerns about their planet while also protecting Earth, the cosmos, and its beings. They agreed to live peacefully together and created a special team with representatives from both humans and Avenarthians’. This team would work together to solve problems, understand each other better, and cooperate in trade, technology, and culture. Once Earthlings and the Avenarthians agreed, the Avenarthians let go of the Secretary-General, who returned to the United Nations amidst celebrations and relief. This crisis resolution significantly changed how humans and Avenarthians interacted, giving hope for a future where they work together instead of fighting.

​Amid all the dangers Korion and Earth faced, Zara and Alex became parents to a baby boy named Avolo. Avolo represents the coming of their two worlds together and gives hope for the future. During the chaos, Zara, Alex, and Avolo found themselves at the forefront of the fight against the Avenarthians’. But they managed to survive, protected by the Prism of Omnipotence.This event made humans realize the importance of communication, understanding, and peaceful relationships with beings from other planets. Nations started to rethink their policies, invest in relations with other galaxies, and create guidelines for interacting peacefully with alien civilizations. In the end, through bravery, cleverness, and determination, the resistance forces were able to defeat the Avenarthian invasion. At last, thanks to the intergalactic alliance led by Zara and Alex and the timely efforts of the Earthlings—Earth survived. As the invaders’ ships disappeared into the void, the skies cleared, and the sun bathed the world in warm light once more.

​Although the Earth emerged victorious, it was not without scars. The Avenarthians’attempt to conquer  Earth became a pivotal moment in history, reminding humanity of its resilience and the importance of standing united against external threats. This historical event created lasting alliances between countries to develop and safeguard the continued safety and prosperity of Earth and its diverse inhabitants. Surprisingly, some Avenarthians volunteer to stay back on Earth to learn more about Earthly ways and give the Earthlings much insight into Avenarthians’ advanced technology, superior intelligence, and prowess in war. But they were prisoners—glorified, and only the Earthlings shared the secret. 

​The tale of Zara, Alex, and the alliance became a legend across the universe—a story of hope, courage, love, and unity. The Prism of Omnipotence, now safeguarded on Earth, symbolized the planet’s strength and resilience. As the stars shone brightly in the night sky, Earth was a beacon of hope for all civilizations and no longer viewed as a vulnerable planet. With the Avenarthian invasion thwarted, the newfound unity among the stars would endure, serving as a testament to the power of love, friendship, and the enduring spirit of humanity.

​Back in Korion, jubilation spread like celestial fireworks as the news of the successful negotiations reached the inhabitants. Zara and Alex’s marriage, now officially recognized by both Korion and Earth, ignited a spark of hope that transcended planetary boundaries, becoming a beacon of unity throughout the cosmos. Avolo’s innocent laughter filled the air amid the celebrations, a reminder that the future held endless possibilities for him and his family. Zara and Alex dreamed of a day when Avolo would become an intergalactic peace ambassador, forging alliances and bridging divides between Korion and Earth and all sentient beings across the cosmos. 

​With love as their guiding light, Zara, Alex, and Avolo embarked on an incredible journey— that would redefine their lives and leave a mark—on the universe itself. In the vastness of space, this family, bonded by love and a shared purpose, sailed among the stars, their story becoming a part of the cosmic tapestry. It was a tale of hope, unity, and the enduring strength of love. As they danced through the cosmic night, they weaved dreams and possibilities across unknown galaxies, becoming a celestial symphony in the grand melody of the cosmos.

​Because Avolo grew up amidst the chaos and saw the bravery and sacrifices of those around him, he learned from the conflicts, realizing how important it is to work together to safeguard the much-valued Universal peace. As Avolo reached adulthood, he took on a leadership role in rebuilding and protecting Korion and Earth’s defenses. With his mixed human and extraterrestrial background, he dedicated himself to promoting cooperation between different galaxies. Likewise, Avolo tirelessly worked to form alliances with other civilizations, striving for a future where harmony triumphs over Stellrum Conflicts. 

Authors Bio

Shyamali Perera, a junior at CSUF majoring in English and minoring in Linguistics, is an aspiring writer. Her works have been published in Santiago Canyon College Talon Magazine (Vol.1 & 2), Kindle Direct Publishing, and Lightning Source. Shyamali’s academic dedication earned her the esteemed Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship from 2023-2025. Fluent in multiple languages, she engages with Sinhala literature to deepen her understanding of her culture. Inspired by 19th to 20th-century American and British literature, Shyamali’s diverse interests showcase her passion for writing, research, and cultural exploration. Some of her favorite American authors are John Steinbeck, Ralph Ellison, and Tony Morrison.