Lumari

I stand on the balcony of my family's private quarters, overlooking the sprawling city of Lumari. I take a deep breath of the crisp, clean air of Xenovia, trying to savour every last moment before my journey to Earth. The city of Lumari sprawls out before me, a gleaming metropolis of glass and metal. I can hear the distant clang of metal from the city's industrial district, mingling with the gentle tinkling of silver wind chimes in the palace gardens. The contrast of these sounds represents the two sides of Lumari - the bustling, hardworking city and the tranquil, opulent palace. As the Aurorix, our planet's Sun, begins to set, the sky transforms from a soft baby blue to a stunning array of vibrant pinks, oranges, and purples. The clouds reflect the sun's radiance, creating a breathtaking tapestry of colours. In front of me lies the Argentium, a pool of liquid silver that is the lifeblood of our planet. It's located in the heart of Lumari, and its shimmering surface seems to stretch out as far as the eye can see. The sun reflects off its surface, casting an ethereal glow over everything around it. I know that this is the last time I will be seeing my true form for a long time. I run my fingers along the delicate lavender scales that adorn my body, trying to recall the sensation of human skin. It's been so long since I've felt it, and I wonder if I'll even recognize it when I return to Earth. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. The transformation after leaving the Aurorium is always uncomfortable. There's a sharp tingling feeling that runs through my body, and sometimes it's even accompanied by pain. It's not a pleasant experience, but it's necessary for our survival on Earth. As I touch the tip of my pointed ear and feel the faint etch of the Lumari symbol tattooed behind it. I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation at the thought of this transformation. It will be a physical manifestation of my new life on Earth, but it also means leaving behind everything I've ever known. I turn away from the reflection, my heart heavy with the weight of leaving everything I've ever known behind. Xenovia had been my home for as long as I could remember, but I knew I couldn't stay there any longer. My purpose lay beyond the bounds of my home planet. I check my bag for the thousandth time, making sure I have everything I need. My father, Remi, stands by the shuttle, watching me with a heavy expression. "Anele, are you sure about this?" he asks, his voice laced with concern. I nod, trying to hide the fear that grips my heart. "I have to go, Father. I can't stay here and do nothing while my people suffer." Remi steps forward, his hand reaching out to touch my face. "You're brave, my daughter. Braver than I could ever be." I lean into his touch, taking comfort in his warmth. "Tran would be proud of you," he says softly. The mention of my mother, Tran, brings back a rush of painful memories. She had disappeared without a trace when I was just a child, leaving me with nothing but questions and an unquenchable desire for answers. I take a deep breath, pushing the memories aside. "I'll be back, Father. I promise." Remi nods, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I know you will, my child. Just be careful out there. Bonum iter." I give him a small smile before turning towards the shuttle. It's time to start my journey, to find the answers I've been searching for and to make a difference in the world beyond Xenovia. "Remember who you are, Anele," he says, his voice steady. "Remember where you come from, and what you stand for. Trillium may be gone, but its legacy lives on in you." he reminds me, as I look over at him one last time. I take a deep breath and feel a shiver run down my spine at the mention of Trillium. It's a wound that never fully healed, a scar that still aches after all these years. Trillium was located in the Zephyr Galaxy, a sprawling collection of star systems and planets. The planet was once a hub of innovation and creativity, a place where ideas flowed freely and anything was possible. But all that changed when the Malum Lumaris arrived. The Malum Lumaris are a ruthless and dangerous sect of the Lumaris, known for their love of war and destruction. After being banished from their home planet, Xenovia, they have caused trouble across numerous galaxies and been the reason behind many wars. They seek to conquer and control all the planets in the galaxy, using any means necessary to achieve their goals. They are feared and hated by many, and their arrival on Trillium spelt doom for the peaceful planet. On the other hand, Verus Lumaris are a noble and virtuous sect of the Lumaris race, known for their compassion, wisdom, and strong moral values. They prioritize justice and equality above all else and strive to use their advanced technology and resources to make the galaxy a better place for all beings. Unlike the Malums, who are known for their aggression and tendency to wage wars, the Verus Lumaris prefer diplomacy and peaceful solutions to conflicts. They work closely with other races and civilizations to promote harmony and cooperation and are often sought out as mediators or advisors in times of crisis. For years, the Malum Lumaris exploited Trillium's resources, draining the planet of its precious metals and using its people as a source of cheap labour. My mother, a part of the ruling Verus Lumari dynasty of Xenovia, was sent on a royal mission to Trillium to investigate the ongoing situation, and find a way to help the Trilumis. She was impressed by Trillium's culture and innovation and was struck by the kindness and warmth of its people. As she worked alongside them, she realized the extent of the exploitation and abuse they had suffered at the hands of the Lumaris. Since she was a compassionate and empathetic person, she knew she had to do something to help them. She secretly began to organize the Trilumis, encouraging them to stand up for their rights and fight against their oppressors. She worked tirelessly to create a sense of unity and purpose among the people, even as the Malums grew increasingly suspicious of her activities. It was during this time that she met Remi, a young Trilumi who had been forced to flee his home after the Malums discovered that his body secreted an unusually high amount of Trilum. Remi's family had been killed in the attack, and he had been living on the run ever since. Tran saw in him a kindred spirit and took him under her wing, teaching him how to survive in the harsh and unforgiving galaxy. As the situation on Trillium grew more tense, Tran knew that she had to act quickly. She and a group of Trilumis began to plan a rebellion against the Malums, hoping to take back their planet and restore it to its former glory. Unfortunately, their plans were discovered, and the Malums launched a brutal attack on Trillium, killing many of its inhabitants and leaving the planet a barren wasteland. Tran and Remi were two of the lucky ones. They managed to escape in a stolen spacecraft and landed safely on Xenovia. Since Malums have been banished from Xenovia for years, it was the safest place in the galaxy for both of them. Tran has continued to fight for justice, using her skills as a negotiator and diplomat to help other oppressed peoples in the galaxy. Remi's true identity was kept hidden, as the bodies of Trilumis secreted a precious element known as Trilum, a precious element that was highly sought after. The Malums would stop at nothing to get their hands on it, even if it meant destroying an entire planet. Being a Trilumi in the galaxy is a dangerous thing. Since the demand for Trilum is so high, many would stop at nothing to obtain it. My father has always warned me to be careful, to keep my identity hidden from those who might seek to harm me. I have always been against hiding who I am, and would rather accept the consequences of my identity fearlessly. As I step onto the shuttle, I can't help but feel a sense of unease. I'm leaving behind everything I've ever known, venturing into the unknown of the galaxy. But I know that I have to do this. I have to find the answers I seek, and I have to make a difference. I turn to my father one last time, my heart heavy with emotion. "I will remember, Papa," I say softly. "I will remember who I am, and where I come from." With a final nod, I step onto the shuttle, ready to begin my journey. The engines roar to life, and I feel the familiar pull of acceleration as we leave the planet behind. I don't know what the future holds, but I know that I'm ready to face it.