Chapter 12: Ajix's Origin
In the far reaches of the Andromeda galaxy, on a desolate planet known as Xalum, a figure rose from the shadows to become a formidable leader. Ajix, born into a harsh world ravaged by war and scarcity, was not always the fearsome alien commander now threatening Earth. His journey from a mere survivor to a conqueror was marked by cunning, ambition, and an unyielding will.
Ajix stood on a rocky outcrop, overlooking the bleak landscape of Xalum. The sky was a perpetual storm, swirling with dark clouds that occasionally crackled with green lightning. The ground below was a wasteland of shattered buildings and scorched earth. Xalum had once been a thriving world, but centuries of conflict had reduced it to ruins.
"Ajix," a voice called out. It was Drava, his closest ally and strategist. She approached, her eyes reflecting the same determination that burned within Ajix.
"What news, Drava?" Ajix asked, his voice deep and commanding.
Drava bowed slightly.
"Our scouts have returned with information about a distant planet called Earth. It is rich in resources and energy, a perfect target for our expansion."
Ajix's eyes narrowed.
"Earth, you say? Tell me more."
Drava activated a holographic display, showing images and data collected by their scouts.
"The planet is inhabited by a species called humans. They are technologically inferior but possess a unique energy source we have not seen before. Their leaders, known as the Pope and bishops, wield significant influence over their people."
Ajix studied the holograms, his mind racing with possibilities.
"If we can control these leaders, we can control the entire planet. But why Earth? Why now?"
Drava hesitated for a moment before responding.
"There are rumors, my lord, of a prophecy. It speaks of a world that will be the key to unlocking the ultimate power in the universe. Some believe Earth is that world."
Ajix's expression hardened.
"Prophecy or not, Earth will fall under our rule. We will use their resources to rebuild Xalum and expand our empire. Prepare the fleet. We depart at once."
Drava nodded and left to carry out Ajix's orders. Alone, Ajix allowed himself a moment of reflection. His rise to power had been anything but easy. Born into a war-torn world, he had learned to fight for survival from a young age. His parents, both soldiers, had died in battle when he was just a child. Left to fend for himself, Ajix had quickly realized that strength and intelligence were his only allies.
In the underground tunnels of Xalum, where the remnants of his people had taken refuge, Ajix had honed his skills. He had become a master strategist, outsmarting rival factions and uniting the survivors under his leadership. His rise had been fueled by a single, burning desire: to restore Xalum to its former glory and to ensure that no one ever had to suffer as he had.
Ajix's memories were interrupted by a sudden commotion outside his chamber. He stepped out to find Drava waiting with urgent news.
"My lord, we have detected an anomaly near the Earth's Vatican City. It appears to be a source of immense energy," Drava reported.
Ajix's interest was piqued.
"Could it be the energy source we seek?"
Drava nodded.
"It is possible. Our scouts report that the humans are gathering for a significant event. It may be the perfect opportunity to strike."
Ajix's lips curled into a sinister smile.
"Then we will strike. Assemble the invasion force. We leave for Earth immediately."
As the alien fleet descended upon Earth, Ajix's thoughts turned to the future. He would conquer this planet, harness its energy, and use it to fulfill his vision. He would build an empire that spanned galaxies, a legacy that would endure for millennia.
The fleet entered Earth's atmosphere undetected, cloaked by advanced alien technology. They hovered above Vatican City, their presence hidden from the unsuspecting humans below. Ajix watched as the humans gathered in the grand square, their eyes fixed on the Pope and the bishops.
"Begin the operation," Ajix ordered.
A team of elite soldiers descended silently, their mission clear: capture the Pope and the bishops, replace them with shape-shifting operatives, and assume control of Earth's leadership.
Inside the Vatican, the Pope was addressing a congregation when the aliens struck. The elite soldiers moved with precision, quickly subduing the guards and capturing their targets. Ajix entered the grand chamber, his presence causing a hush to fall over the room.
"Who are you?" the Pope demanded, his voice trembling.
Ajix stepped forward, his eyes cold and unyielding.
"I am Ajix, leader of the Xalum. Your world is now under our control."
The Pope's eyes widened in fear.
"You cannot do this. The people will resist."
Ajix's smile was devoid of warmth.
"They will not know. My operatives will take your place, and by the time they realize the truth, it will be too late."
As Ajix's soldiers led the captured leaders away, he turned to Drava.
"Ensure the operatives are in position. We must maintain the illusion until our control is absolute."
Drava nodded.
"It will be done, my lord."
With the Pope and bishops imprisoned in a hidden facility, Ajix's operatives assumed their identities. The deception was seamless, and the people of Earth remained unaware of the alien threat that now loomed over them.
Ajix stood on the balcony of the Vatican, his eyes scanning the city below. "This is only the beginning," he murmured to himself. "Earth will be the cornerstone of our new empire."
Days turned into weeks, and the aliens' hold on Earth tightened. Ajix's operatives manipulated events from behind the scenes, subtly altering policies and preparing the way for a full-scale invasion. Yet, even as Ajix reveled in his success, a sense of unease gnawed at him.
He had encountered unexpected resistance from two humans—Sariah and Lyon. Their powers were unlike anything he had seen before, and they had thwarted several of his plans. Ajix could not afford to underestimate them.
"Drava," Ajix called out, summoning his strategist.
Drava entered the room, her expression serious. "Yes, my lord?"
"Tell me more about these humans, Sariah and Lyon," Ajix demanded. "What makes them so powerful?"
Drava activated the holographic display, showing images of Sariah and Lyon in action. "They possess abilities tied to sound and technology. Sariah can harness the power of music to create energy blasts and heal, while Lyon can control electronic devices and generate powerful sound waves."
Ajix studied the images, his mind racing. "Interesting. They could be a threat to our plans. We need to neutralize them."
Drava nodded. "I will gather more information and devise a strategy to eliminate them."
As Drava left to carry out his orders, Ajix stood alone, contemplating his next move. His rise to power had been marked by cunning and ruthlessness, but he knew that Earth presented unique challenges. He could not afford to fail.
The night was silent as Ajix gazed out at the city, his thoughts turning to the prophecy. If Earth truly held the key to ultimate power, then he would stop at nothing to seize it. His vision of an empire that spanned galaxies was within reach, and he would let nothing stand in his way.
"Earth will be mine," Ajix vowed, his voice echoing in the darkness. "And those who oppose me will fall."
As the alien fleet continued its silent watch over the planet, Ajix's mind was already plotting the next steps in his grand plan. The conquest of Earth was just the beginning, and with the prophecy in his grasp, the universe itself would soon bow to his will.
The storm had come out of nowhere. One moment, the sky was a brilliant blue, and the next, dark clouds had gathered, unleashing a torrential downpour. Sariah and Lyon, caught off guard while patrolling the city, sought refuge under a street awning.
They huddled together, trying to stay dry as the rain pelted down around them. The rhythm of the raindrops against the pavement created a soothing backdrop to their unexpected situation.
“Looks like we’re stuck here for a while,” Lyon said, shaking the water from his jacket. He glanced at Sariah, who was already laughing despite the rain.
Sariah wiped water from her face, her laughter infectious.
“I guess we are. But honestly, it’s kind of nice to have a break from all the chaos.”
Lyon smiled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “You know, I’ve always wanted to dance in the rain. Never thought I’d actually get the chance.”
Sariah’s eyes widened in playful surprise. “Oh, really? Well, you know what they say—when life gives you rain, dance in it!”
Without waiting for a response, she stepped out from under the awning and into the downpour. Her hair plastered to her face, she twirled around, her laughter mingling with the sound of the rain.
Lyon watched for a moment, a smile spreading across his face.
“Alright, if you insist!” he called out, joining her in the rain.
They danced together in the middle of the street, their movements carefree and full of joy. Lyon held out his hand, and Sariah took it, their fingers entwining as they spun and laughed. The rain soaked through their clothes, but neither of them seemed to mind.
Sariah looked up at Lyon, her eyes filled with delight.
“This is amazing! I haven’t had this much fun in ages.”
Lyon grinned, his eyes locked on hers.
“I know, right? It’s like everything else just fades away.”
As they danced, their playful interactions began to slow, and the atmosphere shifted from lighthearted fun to something more intimate. The world around them seemed to disappear, leaving only the two of them and the rhythm of the rain.
Lyon pulled Sariah closer, their bodies pressed together as they swayed to the sound of the storm. The rain drummed softly on their heads, creating a private symphony that only they could hear.
Sariah looked up at him, her voice soft and sincere.
“I never imagined we’d end up like this. But I’m glad we did.”
Lyon’s gaze softened, his hand gently brushing a stray lock of hair from Sariah’s face.
“Me too. This... this is perfect.”
They shared a quiet, tender moment, their foreheads touching as they looked into each other’s eyes. The rain continued to fall, but it felt like a protective shield around them, isolating them from the rest of the world.
Sariah took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Lyon, I... I really care about you. More than I ever expected.”
Lyon’s heart raced at her words. He took her hand, his voice equally soft. “I care about you too, Sariah. You’ve been my rock through all of this. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
As if sensing the weight of their emotions, the rain began to lighten, its intensity easing into a gentle drizzle. The sky started to clear, allowing the first hints of twilight to break through the clouds.
Sariah smiled, her eyes shining with affection.
“Let’s make a promise. No matter what happens, we’ll always find moments like this. Moments where we can just be ourselves.”
Lyon nodded, a smile of his own lighting up his face.
“Agreed. We’ll face whatever comes our way, together.”
They stood there for a while longer, simply enjoying the closeness and the quietude that followed the storm. The once-chaotic world had become a peaceful haven, just for them.
As they finally made their way back to the awning, Sariah leaned against Lyon, her hand still intertwined with his. “Thanks for this,” she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
Lyon squeezed her hand gently. “Anytime. Rain or shine, we’ve got each other’s backs.”
They stood under the awning, watching the last of the rain trickle away, their hearts warmed by the shared experience. The storm had passed, but the bond they had forged remained strong, a promise of many more adventures and moments together in the future.
The city lights began to flicker on as night fell, casting a soft glow on the wet streets. Sariah and Lyon walked side by side, their hearts light and their spirits renewed, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead with the same joy and love they had shared in the rain.