Intergalactic Football.

Throughout Heaven and Earth, I alone am the honored one. I am God's Princess. I am the daughter of a King.

Prologue: King Norman, Supreme Leader Ptolemy, and Zenia. A happy family.

The Imperium Palace was a marvel of ancient craftsmanship and cosmic grandeur. Its gleaming marble-white walls stretched high into the heavens, adorned with intricate gold accents that shimmered like captured starlight. Tall, sleek columns lined the grand hall, each one carved from a single piece of smooth, flawless stone. The floor was polished to a mirror shine, reflecting the golden glimmers of light from the chandeliers that hung above, each one casting an ethereal glow across the vast, regal space.

At the center of the palace's royal chamber, seated upon a gleaming golden throne, was King Norman. The embodiment of power and desire. He was a vision of masculine beauty, his form tall and commanding, wrapped in the immaculate folds of his all-white royal suit, which hugged his muscular frame perfectly. Golden highlights shimmered against the fabric, outlining every sharp line and curve of his body. His long, golden blonde hair cascaded in waves down his broad shoulders, catching the light like strands of pure sunlight. His piercing blue eyes, cold and yet impossibly magnetic, surveyed the room with a knowing intensity, drawing attention to him without effort.

Every maiden who crossed his path was helpless under the weight of his gaze, their hearts fluttering and their breaths quickening. They moved through the hall as if caught in a trance, their eyes flickering toward him, hoping to catch just a glance from the sovereign they adored. Their faces flushed, their knees weakened, and their minds raced with fantasies of being the one to stand by his side. His presence was overwhelming, a mix of regal authority and undeniable sensuality. Every movement he made was slow, deliberate, as though time itself obeyed his every gesture.

And yet, for all their longing, King Norman’s desire was reserved for only one Supreme Leader Ptolemy, ruler of the Milky Way and Andromeda Galaxies. The women in his palace, no matter how beautiful or devoted, could never capture his heart, for it was already claimed. His thoughts lingered on her constantly, even as the maidens swooned in his presence. She was his equal in power, his match in every way, and when he thought of her, his gaze darkened with a hunger that no other woman could ever hope to satisfy.

He sat back in his throne, a small, knowing smile tugging at the corner of his lips as the maidens passed by, their flustered, stolen glances not unnoticed by him. They could feel the heat of his attention when it drifted their way, their cheeks flushing deeper, their breaths quickening. But his mind, his soul, was elsewhere. Focused entirely on Ptolemy. She was the only one who could stir the fire within him. The thought of her alone ignited a passion he could barely contain, a longing that stretched across galaxies.

For all his charm, for all his allure, King Norman’s heart was bound to a single woman. His queen of the stars. And though every maiden in the palace desired him, he remained untouchable, a vision of perfect beauty and seductive power.

Ptolemy. He whispered. I miss you. He closed his eyes and began to reminisce certain memories shared between him and Supreme Leader Ptolemy. He ran his finger over his lip and clenched his fist. When you finally get back here, I'll have you in every way possible.

Suddenly his thoughts were interrupted by someone barging into his headquarters. King Norman opened his eyes and frowned, angry that his passionate daydream about Supreme Leader Ptolemy had been interrupted.

"What do you want, Augustus?" King Norman asked.

"You have to come see this! It's an emergency!" Augustus, head of Imperium's Royal Guard said in a panic frenzy.

King Norman sighed. "Is it Zenia again?"

"Yes, your majesty. She's gone completely mad!" Augustus replied.

In the heart of Imperium, beneath a brilliant blue sky, the towering white marble statue of King Norman, a symbol of authority and grace, stood at the center of the bustling city. It had been a symbol of pride for the citizens, a depiction of their ruler’s flawless reign. But on that day, the streets were filled with gasps and stifled laughter as the statue came crashing down, its head snapping off and rolling across the immaculate marble plaza.

High above the scene, Zenia Bizunesh-Norman was swinging wildly from the electric wires that crisscrossed the city’s skyline. The hum of energy pulsed through her hands as she swung from one line to the next, her curly dark hair flying in every direction. Her laughter echoed through the streets, bold and unrestrained, mixing with the electric buzz and the distant murmurs of the crowd below. She let out a triumphant scream, completely caught up in the moment of rebellion.

Zenia’s lithe frame moved with effortless grace as she swung higher and higher, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous light. Her father’s statue, now reduced to a pile of shattered stone, was far beneath her, but her defiant grin made it clear that she didn’t care. The city’s citizens watched in awe, torn between fear and admiration for the fearless princess.

Suddenly, a brilliant glimmer caught her eye, and when she looked up, she saw King Norman himself approaching on a sleek, marble-white saucer. The craft moved through the air with silent grace, a technological marvel befitting the ruler of the cosmos. His long, golden blonde hair shimmered in the sunlight, catching the beams and scattering them like stars across the sky. His piercing blue eyes were wide, a mixture of shock, amusement, and disbelief dancing within them.

As the saucer hovered near her, Zenia swung dangerously close, laughing all the while. King Norman’s expression shifted, unable to suppress a small smile as he raised an eyebrow at his rebellious daughter. His voice, deep and smooth, carried easily over the distance between them.

"What are you doing, Zenia?" He asked, his tone both amused and exasperated.

Zenia swung herself toward a nearby building, landing with a catlike grace on a ledge before spinning around to face him, her chest rising and falling with exhilaration.

"I'm certifying my dominance over you, father. I'm going to be the next ruler of The Cosmos!" She called back with a grin, clearly enjoying herself. Her eyes gleamed with playful defiance, daring him to chastise her.

King Norman couldn’t help but shake his head, his blue eyes twinkling as he floated closer on his saucer. He looked down at the remains of his once-regal statue, now lying in pieces on the ground. For a brief moment, he sighed, but then his eyes flicked back to Zenia, the sparkle of amusement not entirely hidden.

He crossed his arms, watching her with an indulgent smile, still hovering above the plaza. “Swinging across the city like some rogue acrobat? What has gotten into you?”

Zenia shrugged, completely unfazed. “You're too busy working and not giving me any attention. I got bored!"

Norman’s smile deepened, despite himself. He could never stay mad at her for long, and part of him admired her spirit. So much like her mother, Ptolemy. He steered the saucer closer to her perch and extended his hand. “Well, if you’re done ‘shaking things up,’ care to come down from there before you cause more chaos?”

Zenia raised an eyebrow, considering the offer for a moment before giving a playful salute. “As you wish, Your Majesty!” With a final swing, she leaped toward her father’s saucer, landing lightly beside him.

As the two of them soared back toward the palace, King Norman couldn’t help but chuckle under his breath. His daughter was reckless, yes, but she was also courageous, brave, and fearless. And for that, he was proud.

Zenia and King Norman flew silently above the city of Imperium, the royal saucer gliding through the sky with effortless grace. Below them, the city stretched out in a sea of white marble, gleaming under the soft, golden glow of the late afternoon sun. The buildings, each more elegant and meticulously designed than the next, were adorned with intricate details, their smooth surfaces reflecting the light like mirrors. Gardens filled with white flowers and lush greenery punctuated the city's pristine landscape, adding splashes of life to the otherwise ethereal, pure expanse.

The air was cool and refreshing as the saucer cut through it, carrying father and daughter on a peaceful journey high above their kingdom. Everything about this moment felt calm, royal, and magnificent. An unspoken understanding of power and grace that seemed to flow through the very heart of Imperium.

As they soared past the tallest structures, Zenia looked down in awe. Her curly hair fluttered gently in the breeze as her brown eyes caught sight of something extraordinary. An even taller statue of her father, King Norman, standing proudly in the center of a large plaza. The statue was flawless, its white marble form towering over the rest of the city. It depicted him in his full regal glory, with his long golden hair cascading down his back and his sharp blue eyes staring out over the city with a commanding presence. His marble form seemed alive, glowing in the light, as if watching over his people with love and protection.

Zenia’s eyes widened, her breath caught in her chest as she took in the sight. Even after everything, seeing her father like this, larger than life and so perfectly honored, made her feel a sense of pride and warmth. She leaned closer to the edge of the saucer, gazing at the statue in wonder.

"Wow, Dad," Zenia breathed, her voice soft and full of admiration. "You're the coolest."

King Norman, who had been silently guiding the saucer through the skies, turned his head toward her. His golden hair caught the light, shimmering like spun gold as his blue eyes softened with affection. He couldn’t help but smile. A genuine, warm smile that was reserved only for her.

"Thanks, Zenia," he replied, his voice gentle but filled with pride. "That means a lot, especially coming from you."

The bond between them was unspoken but deeply felt in that moment. As they flew higher, leaving the statue behind, Zenia glanced up at her father. In that instant, he wasn’t just the ruler of the cosmos or the symbol of authority that everyone looked up to. He was also Dad. And for Zenia, that was the most comforting thought in the world.

The saucer floated on, moving gracefully across the white skyline, casting long shadows as the sun began to dip below the horizon. The world felt quiet, still, and perfect. For just a little while longer, everything was at peace.

Zenia leaned her head against her father’s shoulder, a contented smile playing on her lips. King Norman glanced down at her, his heart swelling with a sense of joy that went beyond his royal duties. For all his responsibilities, this moment, flying peacefully above the city with his daughter, was the one he cherished the most.

"You're the coolest, too," he said softly, ruffling her hair affectionately.

Zenia giggled, her eyes gleaming. The city of Imperium stretched out endlessly below them, but up here, above it all, it was just the two of them, father and daughter, sharing a simple, beautiful moment.

In no time, they returned to King Norman's royal office.

In King Norman’s royal office, an exquisite statue of a giant dragon-like sea serpent dominated the room. It was massive yet graceful, carved entirely from smooth, white marble that seemed to glow with an ethereal light. The Leviathan's powerful form coiled around the center of the room, its long body exuding both strength and elegance. Every detail was crafted with immaculate precision. The creature’s muscular limbs appeared as though they could spring to life at any moment, each muscle fiber and scale meticulously chiseled to perfection.

Its enormous reptilian head was turned slightly, with piercing eyes that seemed to gaze out into eternity. The Leviathan’s mouth was slightly open, revealing rows of sharp teeth, and its tongue was sculpted in such a way that it seemed to writhe with latent power. The statue's sinuous body twisted gracefully, coiling and unfurling in an endless loop around itself, with fins and tendrils extending outward in flowing, intricate patterns. Every inch of the Leviathan was covered in glistening, scaled plates. Each scale reflecting the light in a way that made the creature seem almost alive, as if it were a being of pure energy trapped within marble.

The royal office was grand, but the Leviathan made it feel even more sacred, as though this magnificent creature were guarding the very heart of the Imperium. Its presence infused the room with a palpable energy. An ancient, electrifying force.

Zenia, standing before the statue, was mesmerized. Slowly, almost instinctively, she reached out her hand, her fingers hovering over the marble scales for a brief moment. Then, with a gentle touch, she ran her fingers along the Leviathan's cold, reptilian scales. The texture was smooth, yet there was an underlying power beneath the surface, as if something stirred deep within the stone.

Suddenly, she felt a jolt. An electric current coursing through her body. It wasn’t painful, but it was strong enough to make her breath hitch. The energy surged up her arm, spreading through her veins, filling her with a strange, overwhelming sensation. It was as if the statue held more than just artistic grandeur, it carried a living essence, an ancient force waiting to be awakened.

Startled, Zenia pulled her hand away, her wide brown eyes staring at her fingers. They tingled, still buzzing from the electric energy that had passed through her. She turned her hand over, studying her palm with an inquisitive frown, as if expecting to see sparks dancing across her skin.

"What was that?" she murmured to herself, half in awe and half in confusion. The Leviathan loomed above her, silent and imposing, as if it were watching her, knowing more than it revealed.

The room fell quiet once again, the only sound the faint hum of energy in the air, as Zenia stood before the magnificent statue, pondering the strange connection she had just experienced.

King Norman watched her intently. "What do you feel?" He asked.

"I sensed something within my body. But the sensation is gone now." Zenia replied.

As Zenia ran her fingers across the intricate scales of the Leviathan statue, her father, King Norman, sat back in his gleaming golden throne. His mind wasn’t in the present. He had a flashback to a curious event sixteen years prior. 

It was the biggest day in the history of intergalactic sports. The finals of the Grand Arena in the Ice Galaxy. The entire universe watched as the top two teams, Kepler and Cyber Planet XYZ, prepared for the most anticipated Intergalactic Football match of the century.

The opening ceremony was spectacular, a visual masterpiece. The stadium, entirely crafted from pristine white ice, gleamed under the light of the distant stars. White comets streaked across the sky, forming complex patterns that seemed almost alive. A burst of fireworks, formed from ice crystals, exploded in the night, painting the galaxy’s canvas with shimmering light. Snow fell gently, its sparkle adding to the grandeur of the event. Everything was white. The uniforms, the banners, the field and the crowd buzzed with anticipation, their cheers echoing across the frozen expanse. 

In the VIP booth, Prince Norman, in his prime, sat with an aura of authority that demanded attention. His long, golden hair, neatly tied, shimmered in the soft light, and his blue eyes were focused on the field. He was dressed in an immaculate white ensemble, a gleaming white crown atop his head. His handsome face was expressionless, his legs spread comfortably, his posture commanding and relaxed. Though the cold wind whipped through the arena, leaving others shivering, Norman sat still, unaffected, his cheeks pale and unflinching.

The match commenced, and the crowd roared as the teams rushed across the ice field. It was fast, intense. Each move executed with precision and power. But as Norman watched, a ripple in the air caught his attention. It was subtle, a faint tremor that made him sit up slightly. Something was wrong.

Without warning, the field flickered, and in the blink of an eye, everything disappeared. The ice field, the roaring fans, the players. They all faded into a blank, white mist. Norman’s expression didn’t change, but his senses sharpened. A disturbance in the space-time continuum. He’d felt it before, but never this strong. 

And then, through the white haze, she appeared.

A young girl, no older than a teenager, stood in the center of the now-empty field. Her platinum hair shimmered under the ethereal light, and she was dressed in an all-white football uniform, the Earthian emblem on her chest. She looked up, her brown eyes wide with shock as they locked onto his.

“Dad?” she gasped, her voice faint but filled with disbelief.

Prince Norman’s piercing blue eyes didn’t waver. He didn’t react, but his mind was racing, analyzing every detail. This girl was not a hallucination, not an anomaly born from the freezing conditions. This was a glimpse of the future. He could feel it in his bones.

The girl reached out, as if trying to close the distance between them, but before she could take a step, everything snapped back. The white mist dissolved, and the roar of the crowd returned, the players moving as if nothing had happened. The match continued, unbroken, but Norman’s mind was already dissecting the strange encounter.

Cyber Planet XYZ won the game, their victory celebrated across the galaxy, but Prince Norman remained silent, his expression unchanged. As he rose to leave the VIP booth, he processed the information with cool efficiency. 

Walking toward his royal spaceship, Norman finally spoke, his voice a low murmur to himself. “I see. I have a daughter in the future rubbing shoulders with Quantum Leapers and Soul Transcenders.” He stopped before boarding, glancing back at the vibrant stadium, his mind already turning over the implications. “But why did the glitch appear here, of all places? What does this arena have to do with her?”

He entered his ship, his blue eyes narrowed in thought. "I guess I'll find out in 16 years or so."

“Zenia.” King Norman said as he looked outside his office window.

“Yeah?” Zenia replied.

“You are to join Earth’s Intergalactic Football Team and compete in the Ice Galaxy this year. You are to win the Intergalactic Cup as well.” King Norman said.

“Why me? Plus, Earth's never won the Intergalactic Football Cup.” Zenia asked.

"I'm sure you can." King Norman said. "I'll order the Intergalactic Football council to hold auditions at your school."

"I won't let you down, Dad." Zenia said.

Chapter 1: The Call from the Stars

Zenia stood on the balcony of her father’s palace in Imperium, her sharp brown eyes fixed on the vast, swirling expanse of space above. The twin moons of Imperium hung like pale sentinels in the sky, casting a soft, silvery glow over the gleaming buildings below. Even here, in the most advanced Nebula in the Cosmos, Zenia Bizunesh-Norman could feel the pull of something greater. Something far beyond the shimmering lights of the palace. But tonight, that feeling was different. Stronger. Urgent.

She leaned against the railing, the cool wind whipping through her long, braided hair. Her mind was restless, filled with half-formed thoughts and the sense that something monumental was about to happen. She didn’t know what it was, but Zenia had lived her entire life preparing for the unexpected. She recently found out she was the daughter of King Norman, ruler of the Cosmic Empire. Therefore, she was no stranger to power, responsibility, and secrets that were too dangerous to speak aloud.

The sound of footsteps echoed behind her, and Zenia turned to see her father stepping onto the balcony, his silhouette framed by the golden light of the palace interior. King Norman’s presence was as commanding as ever, his tall frame draped in the royal robes of the Cosmos, his silver crown gleaming in the moonlight. His face, however, was not the serene mask he usually wore. It was clouded with something far more ominous.

“Zenia,” he said, his voice calm yet weighted with the gravity of what he was about to say. “There will come a time when I will no longer be here.”

“When that time comes, you should be able to inherit my crown.” King Norman said.

Zenia nodded, a determined expression on her face. 

“How's your training going?” King Norman asked. 

“I'm getting stronger.” Zenia replied. 

“Good.” King Norman replied.

Above them, a purple comet flew by.

“You are going to do great things, Zenia.” King Norman said. “Believe it.”

“I believe it.” Zenia said as she looked up at the stars.

“By the way. The warrant on Aethelwulf has been lifted.” King Norman said.

"Thanks Dad." Zenia said.

"Your majesty." A royal guard called as he stepped onto the royal balcony. Zenia and King Norman turned around.

"It is time for your Cosmic Meeting." The Royal Guard said.

"Right." King Norman said. "See to it that Zenia returns to the Intergalactic Kaizen School safely."

Zenia stood on the edge of her balcony, her brown eyes gazing out into the vast night sky of Imperium. The city was alive, vibrant with a pulse that hummed in harmony with the stars. Above her, the sky shimmered with hues of deep violet and indigo, a celestial tapestry dusted with clusters of radiant stars. Neon lights from the city below reflected upward, casting a gentle, colorful glow onto the dark canvas of space.

Imperium’s skyline was a blend of futuristic skyscrapers and organic shapes, towering structures that seemed to reach out to the stars themselves. But what took Zenia’s breath away were the flying cars that darted through the sky like shooting stars. They left trails of luminescent light in their wake. Bright streaks of blue, gold, and silver crisscrossing the heavens in graceful arcs. The vehicles moved effortlessly, dancing between the stars as if the city’s sky was a canvas, and they were painting it anew each night.

Her brown eyes sparkled in the starlight, reflecting the dazzling scene. The air was crisp, filled with the soft hum of engines and the distant murmur of the city's nightlife far below. From up here, it felt as if Imperium was suspended in time, cradled between the cosmos and the earth, a place where the line between reality and dream blurred. The stars seemed closer than ever, almost tangible.

Zenia’s heart swelled as she took it all in, realizing just how beautiful this city truly was. Imperium wasn’t just a place of innovation and progress. It was a living, breathing entity, a perfect union of nature and technology. And as the cars danced across the sky like fireflies, Zenia whispered to herself, "This is what dreams are made of."

In that moment, surrounded by such enchanting beauty, she felt deeply connected to the universe, as though the very stars were watching her in return.

Part 2. Tryouts.

The day of tryouts reached. Zenia was back at the Intergalactic Kaizen School.

From above, the futuristic buildings of the Intergalactic Kaizen School gleamed like polished jewels, their smooth, reflective surfaces catching the light from distant stars. The sleek structures stretched toward the sky, radiating advanced nanotechnology that hummed with energy, each building alive with a faint, silvery glow. Their edges were impossibly sharp, and their surfaces rippled with a metallic sheen, constantly shifting and adjusting to the environment, as if breathing with the rhythm of the cosmos.

At the center of the campus, the main castle stood in stark contrast. A magnificent medieval fortress that seemed to have emerged from an ancient dream. Despite its classic architecture, it shimmered with the same advanced technology that powered the rest of the school. The towering spires and turrets of the castle were crafted from a material that looked like marble but radiated the unmistakable energy of nanobots, repairing, adjusting, and enhancing the structure continuously.

Bridges and walkways connected the futuristic buildings to the medieval castle, all seamlessly integrated into the sleek design. From the top, the entire complex appeared as a shining beacon of knowledge, where the old and the new, the magical and the technological, coexisted in perfect harmony. The view was breathtaking. A vision of a future where tradition and innovation fused into something far greater than the sum of its parts.

Zenia stood in the middle of the Intergalactic Kaizen School's sleek training field, her heart pounding in her chest as she stared at the Earth Intergalactic Football Team’s coach. The open-air dome above her revealed a clear, ice-blue sky and bright sun. She was about to take her shot, literally.

“Alright, Zenia Bizunesh-Norman, show us what you’ve got,” the coach said, his voice echoing across the vast field. Coach Reagan was intimidating, his reputation known across the galaxy as the toughest football strategist. He was the one who could determine whether Zenia would make the cut for the Intergalactic Championship, and Zenia couldn’t afford to fail.

Zenia glanced at the ball in front of her, a high-tech, glowing sphere that pulsed with energy. Around her, a small crowd of other hopefuls watched, each of them eager to see if she could live up to the challenge. Among them were Kazan, Olly, and Lilith, her friends who had already passed their tryouts. They waved encouragingly at her from the sidelines.

“You’ve got this, Zenia!” Kazan called out, giving her a thumbs-up. His smile was as steady as ever, giving her a boost of confidence. Lilith nodded in agreement, her brown eyes catching Zenia’s as if to say, Trust your instincts. Zenia nodded back.

The entire atmosphere went silent. Coach Reagan remained stoic as she looked at Zenia intently.

“So, this is Zenia. The golden child of King Norman, Ruler of the Cosmic Empire. The Princess. I've heard about her. Let's see if the rumors are true. Let's see if she really is as strong as everyone says she is.” Coach Reagan thought to himself.

Zenia took a deep breath and focused. This was her moment. She had trained for this, practiced day and night. Her fingers flexed as she felt the cool breeze whip across the field.

For her first test, the Power Shot. She needed to prove she could deliver enough force to send the ball flying at a speed that could rival a comet’s velocity. 

“Whenever you’re ready,” Coach Reagan prompted, his tone neutral but expectant.

Zenia squared her shoulders, positioning herself to strike. She envisioned the ball soaring through the air, smashing into the goal with unstoppable force. The countdown began in her mind.

Three… two… one.

She sprinted forward, her long legs carrying her across the field in a flash. Her muscles coiled with energy as she pulled back her foot and unleashed a ferocious kick. The ball lit up, streaking across the field like a bolt of lightning.

Boom!

It hit the target dead center.

Zenia's heart swelled with pride. She had done it. Or so she thought.

But then the ball kept going. It flew through the net, ripping it apart, and crashed into the stands, causing a metallic pillar to collapse in a shower of sparks and completely destroying the seats on the other end of the arena. The crowd gasped, ducking for cover as debris flew. The ball went on at intense speed into the forest in the distance, clearing a pathway amongst the tall trees by completely obliterating them before eventually crashing into the largest tree in the canopy. A few engineers nearby scrambled to shut down the damaged section of the arena.

Zenia’s eyes widened in horror. She hadn’t just hit the target. She had obliterated it.

“Woah,” Kazan muttered, eyes wide as he watched the chaos unfold. “That’s… that’s intense.”

Celeste raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a small smile of disbelief. “She’s definitely strong. That's our Zenia.”

The coach, however, was less impressed. “Zenia, that’s enough!” Coach Reagan’s sharp voice snapped Zenia out of her stunned state.

Zenia ran up to the coach.

The coach held up his hand. “Zenia, you have power, no doubt. But you’re too heavy-handed. In this game, it’s not just about strength. It’s about control.”

“You can’t just obliterate the field every time you kick the ball,” Coach Reagan continued, folding his arms. “If this were a battle, you’d win. But this is football, and precision matters as much as power. You need to learn restraint.”

Zenia’s heart dropped into her stomach. She had failed. The coach’s words stung like frostbite. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go.

“I can do better!” Zenia protested, desperation creeping into her voice. “I just need another shot. I won’t mess up again.”

Coach Reagan shook his head. “I don’t doubt your determination, Zenia, but you’re not ready. You’re off the team. At least for now.”

Zenia’s stomach twisted. She could feel the eyes of her friends on her, their sympathetic gazes adding weight to her disappointment. 

Kazan walked up to Zenia, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Don't worry, Zenia. You're awesome. You're the strongest. You’ll get another chance.”

“How do you know?” Zenia asked Kazan.

“The old geezer is mean, but he's not necessarily evil hearted. I bet he'll email you tomorrow morning with a schedule for a second tryout.” Kazan replied as he, Zenia, Lilith, and Olly walked off into the sunset to Atlas’ Compound, the dorm rooms for second year students.

“Everything will be alright.” Olly said in a comforting manner.

“Hang in there.” Lilith added.

But Zenia couldn’t shake the feeling of failure. She had wanted to impress everyone, to prove that she belonged on this intergalactic stage. Instead, she had shattered more than just the net. She had shattered her own confidence.

She knew she was strong. Too strong, maybe, but she needed to find the balance between power and control. And if she wanted to be part of the team, if she wanted to prove herself, she’d have to learn how to channel that strength without destroying everything in her path.

She clenched her fists, determination rising within her. She’d be back. She’d prove herself to the coach, to the team, and to herself.

The next day, Zenia received an email from Coach Reagan stating the time for her second tryout. She put on her football uniform labelled Intergalactic Kaizen School and ran to the arena as the crimson evening sun illuminated her glistening blonde skin and angelic platinum hair. Her luscious hair bounced back and forth as it was tied in a ponytail. Her form was slim and toned. Her face was symmetrical in the most perfect way.

Kazan and Olly stood at the top of the Tower of Time as they watched Zenia running.

“You know, from this angle, she looks astronomically beautiful. When she's just being a normal human being and not an absolute catastrophic experience. I mean that in the nicest way.” Kazan said to Olly as they watched Zenia running.

“I reckon she's one of the most beautiful girls in our class.” Olly replied.

“She and Lilith.” Kazan said.

“Yeah. She and Lilith. And everybody gets jealous of us because we hang out with them.” Olly replied.

“Oh, come on.” Kazan remarked. “It's not our fault that we're the most handsome and the strongest.” 

Olly let out a sigh of disbelief as he walked to the stairs of the tower.

“Huh? What? What did you make that sound for? I mean, am I wrong? We are the most handsome and the most talented.” Kazan ran after Olly.

“You know, I think you should date Zenia. You're both utterly rambunctious.” Olly said.

“Rambunctious? What's that supposed to mean? Is that some kind of insult?” Kazan protested.

Olly chuckled and ran speedily ahead.

“Hey, get back here!” Kazan said as he chased after Olly. “Well, if I’m rambunctious then you're incredulous!”

“That does not make any sense bro.” Olly said as they both burst into laughter.

The two reached the arena and found a large crowd of students ready to spectate. Some had their phones in their hands, ready to film everything, and some even had popcorn buckets.

Olly frowned. “They heard about Zenia’s catastrophe the other day. Now they're all gathered here to see it happen again with their own eyes. I hate teenagers.” 

“Umm. Earth to bro. In case you haven't realized it, you're a teenager too.” Kazan said.

“Yeah, so what? I still hate them.” Olly crossed his fingers as a disdainful look spread across his face.

“Guys!” Celeste shouted from the VIP area of the arena. “We're over here!” 

Olly and Kazan walked to the VIP area, joining Lilith, Elizabeth, and Celeste. Kazan hugged Lilith and the two cozied up together. Celeste held up her binoculars so she could see the bottom of the arena clearly and not need to look at the large screen in front of them.

Elizabeth, nervous as ever, trembled with anticipation. “I sure hope that Zenia gets in. She gives me strength and courage because of her own bravery. It surely would be really hard to be on a team without her.” She spoke in a soft, barely audible voice.

“Hey, what’s that supposed to mean? I'm just as courageous and brave as Zenia!” Celeste protested.

“Yes but, you're unbearable.” Elizabeth replied softly.

“Huh? What did you say?” Celeste exclaimed in anger. Elizabeth chuckled.

Suddenly, the entire arena went quiet. Celeste, Olly, Kazan, Lilith, and Elizabeth watched as Zenia walked onto the field. 

She had a stoic and unreadable look on her face. It had been a few weeks since her disastrous first attempt to join Earth’s Intergalactic Football Team, and now she was back for another shot. She’d spent countless hours training, not just physically, but mentally. Learning how to control her raw strength and balance it with precision. This time, she was determined to show the coach that she could handle the responsibility.

“You can laugh at me all you want, but I'll continue to humble you through my continuous improvement. I am the greatest Kaizen after all.” Zenia whispered as she took a stand at the center of the field.

The field hummed with energy as other players practiced nearby, the soft glow of their training spheres casting a neon light across the sleek turf. The air was crisp, the sky above the dome filled with twinkling stars from distant galaxies.

“You got this, Zenia.” Lilith said from the VIP booth. 

Everybody watched intently.

“Just stay focused.” She said to herself.

Zenia nodded, clenching her fists. This was her moment.

“Zenia Bizunesh-Norman,” Coach Reagan’s voice rang out across the field, calling her name. Zenia stepped forward, her stomach flipping with anticipation. The coach’s sharp eyes watched her carefully, waiting to see if she had learned from her past mistakes.

Zenia grinned and clenched her fist before yelling, “bring it on, you old geezer, I'm not scared of anything!”

Coach Reagan sighed, muttering under his breath, “I've had enough of this kid.”

“Whenever you’re ready,” Coach Reagan spoke into a microphone, gesturing toward the glowing sphere in front of her. It shimmered, the high-tech ball pulsing with contained energy, as if daring her to overdo it again.

Zenia took a deep breath, her muscles tense but controlled. This time, she wouldn’t let her strength overpower her precision. She approached the ball slowly, measuring her movements. She could feel the weight of the moment. The silence of the field, the eyes of her teammates on her, the memories of her past failure.

She focused on the ball, her vision narrowing in as she pulled back her leg. With a controlled exhale, she kicked.

The sphere launched forward, a streak of light across the field. But this time, it didn’t crash through the net or obliterate the goalpost. Instead, it curved perfectly through the air, swerving past the automated defenders and straight into the top corner of the net with a satisfying swish.

The crowd erupted into cheers, her teammates clapping and shouting encouragement. Even Coach Reagan’s stony expression cracked into a small nod of approval.

“Well done,” the coach said. “You’ve learned control. That’s what we need on this team.”

Zenia’s heart soared. She had done it. The failure that had haunted her was now replaced with triumph. She turned to her friends, their grins as wide as hers. Celeste pulled her into a quick hug, laughing in her ear. “I knew you could do it!”

Lilith smiled knowingly. “Precision and power. I knew she had it in her.”

But as she soaked in the moment, Coach Reagan raised his hand, calling for silence. “Alright, now that we’ve completed the tryouts, it’s time to choose our team captain.”

The team began to murmur, glancing at each other. Zenia hadn’t even thought about the captaincy. She had been so focused on getting in, she hadn’t considered leading. Coach Reagan continued, “I want this to be a team decision. So, who do you think should lead Earth’s Intergalactic Football Team into the Championship?”

There was a moment of quiet as the players looked around, considering their options. Zenia’s stomach knotted. She was sure that no one would choose her. After all, she had nearly destroyed the field during her first tryout. Surely, they would want someone calmer and more composed. Someone like Olly.

But then Kazan spoke up. “Zenia should be captain.”

Zenia blinked, startled. She turned to him, but he just grinned back. “She’s got the strength, the skill, and she learned from her mistakes. That’s what makes a great leader.”

Lilith nodded in agreement. “I second that. Zenia has vision, too. She sees the bigger picture. And we need that if we’re going to win this thing.”

Olly nodded too.

One by one, the rest of the team began to chime in, their voices overlapping as they supported Kazan’s nomination.

“She’s got what it takes.”

“She’s focused.”

“She’ll lead us to victory.”

Zenia’s heart raced as she looked around at her teammates, all of them nodding in agreement. Even Elizabeth, who was usually quiet and timid, raised her hand. “I vote Zenia.”

Coach Reagan raised an eyebrow, glancing at the rest of the team. “Seems like the choice is unanimous.”

Coach Reagan stepped forward, placing a hand on her shoulder. “You’ve earned it, Zenia. You’ve proven yourself, and your team believes in you. Now it’s time to lead them.”

Zenia swallowed, her throat tight with emotion. She looked around at her friends, her teammates, and nodded. “Thank you,” she said as she dramatically bowed to her teammates, her voice steady. “I won’t let you down.”

The team cheered, gathering around her in a huddle. As they pulled her into the center, their energy buzzing with excitement, Zenia couldn’t help but smile. She had gone from almost breaking the field to becoming the team’s leader. Now, she had to prove that she could lead them all the way to victory.

And she would. She was ready.

Zenia stood tall, a weightlifting from her shoulders. “So, how do we celebrate?” She asked.

“I know how. Ramen eating competition! You and me, at the Smaug Dungeon!" Celeste yelled.

“I accept the challenge!” Zenia yelled.

“You might have triumphed over me in becoming team captain but you sure as heck cannot eat more ramen than me!” Celeste said as she stood on top of a table.

“Oh yeah?” Zenia yelled and jumped onto a table as well. “We'll see about that.”

“Seriously, what's with those two? Always fighting for dominance over something stupid.” Their iron necromancy professor, Dr. Ironside, muttered to himself.

Kazan had an incredulous look on his face, like he could not believe Zenia and Celeste were competing over who could eat the most ramen. Lilith giggled. Olly looked at the two girls in a stoic but fond manner. He smiled endearingly.

The place where Zenia and her team went to celebrate hummed with an electric pulse. The Smaug Dungeon was a different world altogether. Unlike the other perfect parts of Mandulis City, it was a dodgy place, filled with cyborgs and underground markets. 

“If the school finds out we're here, we'll be in big trouble.” Elizabeth Maryellen said as she fiddled with her fingers.

“Oh, come on! Quit being a big coward, will ya? Now, forward, forward we march. Everybody, follow me!” Zenia said as she walked ahead of the group. Elizabeth, Celeste and Lilith followed closely behind her while Kazan and Olly walked behind them to make sure they were protected.

Towering skyscrapers seemed to scrape the starry sky, their surfaces coated in flickering holograms advertising everything from cybernetic enhancements to virtual reality escapades. The streets below buzzed with the chatter of hover bikes and the deep hum of anti-gravity transports gliding through the murky, layered air.

This place thrived on energy. Neon lights flickered like artificial stars, bathing everything in hues of electric pinks, blues, and greens. Digital rain cascaded down in sheets, falling not from the sky, but from malfunctioning billboards and holographic signs that sputtered intermittently. The air was thick with a mix of ozone and spicy street food, as noodle stalls lined the streets, steam rising in plumes that mingled with the ever-present fog.

Skylanes buzzed with the controlled chaos of traffic overhead, while pedestrians below weaved through the narrow alleyways. The district was a labyrinth of stacked walkways, connected by floating bridges and narrow streets that disappeared into deep shadows. Everywhere, there was something chaotic and vibrant happening. Augmented street vendors called out, offering upgrades for limbs, eyes, or even the mind, while synth music boomed from the glowing clubs that lined the district’s edge.

The neon lights flickered as Zenia and Celeste sat across from each other, bowls of ramen stacked high on their table. Around them, the vibrant chaos of the cyberpunk district buzzed with activity. Their teammates cheered them on, shouting encouragement as both girls prepared for the ultimate ramen showdown.

Zenia cracked her knuckles, eyeing the steaming pile of noodles in front of her. “You ready for this, Celeste?” she grinned, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

Celeste smirked, picking up her chopsticks. “I was born ready, Zen. But try not to pass out like last time.”

The whistle blew, and they dove in, slurping up the noodles with lightning speed. Zenia’s hands moved like a blur, chopsticks darting back and forth as ramen vanished from her bowl. She was a machine. No, a noodle-consuming beast. Her teammates hollered in amazement.

"Zenia! Zenia! Zenia!" They chanted in unison.

Meanwhile, Celeste was putting up a solid fight, her pace steady, her focus sharp. But it was clear she was struggling to keep up with Zenia’s voracious appetite.

"Too slow, Celeste!" Zenia teased between slurps, barely pausing to breathe.

Just as the final strands of ramen disappeared into Zenia’s mouth, she slammed her chopsticks down triumphantly. “I win!” she declared, raising her arms in victory.

Celeste slumped back, defeated but laughing. “Alright, you got me. I have no idea how you do it.”

But before Zenia could revel in her victory, her eyelids began to droop. The sound of celebration faded as Zenia’s head bobbed, then slowly slumped onto the table. Within seconds, she was out cold, snoring loudly. A massive snot bubble inflated and deflated with each breath, rising and falling in rhythm with her snores.

Everyone around the table froze for a moment, then burst out laughing.

“She actually passed out!” Kazan chuckled, wiping away tears.

“Classic Zenia,” Olly added, shaking his head.

Celeste stood up, tapping Zenia’s shoulder, but Zenia didn’t budge. “And this is our team captain?” Celeste joked, poking the snot bubble. It wobbled, almost in protest, before expanding again.

As the group laughed, Zenia snored on, oblivious to the chaos around her, thoroughly enjoying her ramen-induced slumber.

Dr. Ironside walked through the corridors of the Intergalactic Kaizen School main castle.

The interior of the Intergalactic Kaizen School Main Castle was nothing short of breathtaking. Upon entering, a grand, vaulted hallway stretched endlessly before Zenia and her friends, illuminated by floating orbs of light that hovered like miniature suns and moons, casting soft, golden hues across the towering stone walls. The castle exuded a mixture of futuristic brilliance and medieval grandeur, an intersection of two vastly different times that somehow melded together perfectly.

The floor beneath their feet was a mosaic of sleek, polished marble, patterned with intricate celestial designs: spirals of galaxies, clusters of stars, and ancient solar symbols that seemed to shift and move when one looked at them closely. Above, the arched ceiling soared high, adorned with medieval-style tapestries depicting the cosmos in all its glory. There were scenes of distant planets, colossal Leviathans swimming through the stars, and ancient figures that represented the Sun and Moon, both drawn with a sense of mysticism and power.

In the Great Hall, long, sleek tables lined the space, set beneath an enchanting ceiling that mimicked the view of space outside. Stars twinkled, meteors shot across the sky, and occasionally, planets drifted into view. The walls were lined with glowing tapestries, each depicting intergalactic legends of old. Epic battles, otherworldly creatures, and the founding of the Kaizen School itself. Ancient knights with solar symbols emblazoned on their shields stood proudly next to futuristic warriors clad in sleek, nano-tech armor.

At the far end of the hall stood the Cosmic Throne, a massive chair carved from obsidian and etched with glowing, intricate runes. It was reserved for the head of the school, and though no one sat in it now, it commanded respect from all who entered. The windows on either side of the throne were made of stained glass, but not the kind you’d see in an ordinary castle. These depicted nebulae and swirling galaxies, their vibrant colors reflecting onto the stone floor below in a cascade of blues, purples, and fiery reds.

As they moved deeper into the castle, they passed corridors lined with animated portraits. Instead of the typical human knights or royals, these paintings featured ancient cosmic beings, their eyes following every student who walked past. Some were of the Sun and Moon. Giant, robed figures with glowing eyes, their hands raised as if holding the balance of day and night. Others were of distant civilizations, long gone but remembered here in the sacred halls of the Kaizen School.

In the Library of Stars, tall, gothic bookshelves stretched as high as the eye could see, filled with ancient scrolls and data tablets. Every corner of the library was illuminated by candle-like lights that floated in mid-air, flickering with a soft glow. Massive sun and moon carvings adorned the walls, their edges gleaming with traces of gold. It was said that in this library, one could find the secret to navigating the stars, or perhaps even the key to interdimensional travel.

Throughout the castle, the Sun and Moon motif persisted, carved into every doorway and etched into the stone archways. The deeper chambers of the castle were reserved for the most elite students, where holographic knights guarded the entryways, their shields emblazoned with solar crests that glowed in the dim light.

The castle, with its mix of ancient and futuristic, was more than just a school. It was a living, breathing tribute to the mysteries of the universe, with every corner whispering of cosmic secrets waiting to be uncovered.

"Zenia Bizunesh-Norman." Dr. Ironside said with a sigh as he rubbed his forehead. "Undoubtedly one of the most annoying students I have. But not as bad as Lilith Neith or Elizabeth Maryellen. And don't get me started on that chatterbox Celeste Warrenheimer. Or that idiot prankster Kazan Ratna. I can't stand these kids. I can only tolerate Olly Cunobellinus. Still, I'm not sure why they all signed up to audition for the Intergalactic Football Team, or even why I got assigned to be their patron."

He entered the Intergalactic Team room and found Zenia casually sitting, laying back in a chair, and playing the racing video game, Sigma Space Racers, on her phone. She chuckled and grinned as she passed the leading racing car to gain first place.

“What are you doing here, Zenia? This isn't for dropouts. You can't be here.” Dr. Ironside said in a grumpy tone.

“Oh yeah? You see this, you see this? Open your eyes Dr. Ironside, it's a regulation hairband.” Zenia replied as she pointed at a metallic silver hairband in her hair that had a coding device t track her heartrate and muscle health.

“So, I see you made the team.” Dr. Ironside said in a sarcastic and displeased manner. “More headache for me.” He muttered. “Why do I always end up babysitting the most chaotic and idiotic students?”

“Huh, what's that supposed to mean?” Zenia asked as Dr. Ironside walked out of the room waving dismissively at her.

“Be ready at 6am sharp tomorrow morning. We're heading to the Ice Galaxy at dawn." Dr. Ironside said.

Zenia frowned. "I'll show him." She said.

Chapter two

Part One. First Match.

Zenia stood at the edge of the icy Grand Arena, her breath visible in the crisp air as she took in the sight before her. The stadium, unlike anything she had ever seen, was a marvel of futuristic design. Its towering, sleek walls gleamed under the cold, artificial lights, each surface covered in glistening ice crystals that refracted the colors of the distant nebulae. Overhead, glowing holographic depictions of enormous Leviathans, ancient cosmic creatures said to have originated from the frozen depths of Earth, swam silently through the sky. Their shimmering forms moved gracefully, their massive bodies twisting and turning as if alive, giving the arena a surreal, almost ethereal atmosphere.

A chill ran down Zenia's spine, but it wasn’t from the cold. She felt an inexplicable connection to the Leviathans, their glowing forms speaking to something deep inside her, something ancient and powerful. She had always been drawn to these creatures, their immense size and mysterious presence resonating with her. As she gazed up at them, a wave of determination surged through her. This was her moment. She was ready.

The stadium buzzed with life as teams from across the galaxy gathered, each one representing their homeworld with pride. The stands were filled with fans of all species, their cheers blending into a chaotic symphony of excitement. The air hummed with the anticipation of the Intergalactic Football Championship, the ultimate event where only the strongest, most skilled players would triumph.

Zenia turned to her teammates, who were already getting into the rhythm of preparation. Lilith Neith stretched her arms, her eyes glowing faintly as her enhanced senses took in every detail of the arena. Celeste Warrenheimer practiced her footwork, her movements fluid and precise, while Azura Okkotsu was busy adjusting her high-tech boots that allowed her to sprint across any terrain, even ice. Kazan Ratna flashed Zenia a quick smile, his usual confidence in full display, while Olly Cunobellinus joked with Gael Faolan, the two of them lightening the mood with their usual banter. Zephyrus Favonius was testing the wind conditions. His uncanny ability to manipulate air currents could give them an edge in any match. Elizabeth Maryellen, with her sharp intellect, analysed the stats of their competition on her wristpad, and Kaneda Williams and Ragnar Lothbrock were already discussing team tactics, their voices a mix of focus and excitement.

Zenia took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest as she looked around at her team. They were ready. She was ready. Her failure during the first audition seemed like a distant memory now, and the thought of being chosen as captain still gave her chills. She had worked for this, earned this. Now, it was time to prove herself.

Suddenly, the hum of the crowd grew louder. Zenia turned her head toward the entrance of the arena, and there he was, Kael, the captain of the rival team from the Sigma Galaxy. He walked in with the kind of swagger that only someone supremely confident could pull off. His sleek uniform shimmered with blue and silver, reflecting the icy surroundings. His smile was as sharp as the edge of a blade, and the crowd seemed to part for him as he made his way to the field. 

As Zenia played through the game, she scored more and more goals. Indeed, she was the star of the match. The number one goal scorer. With every goal she scored, the cameras of the grand arena zoomed into her as she celebrated.

"That's Zenia Norman for you!" Undoubtedly the most talented teenager in The Cosmos!" The commentator spoke as the match went on. Half time reached, and Zenia hunched over, hands on knees. She breathed heavily, each breath letting out a misty fog due to the cold air.

"Aethelwulf." She whispered. "Do you love me now?"

Zenia's eyes narrowed as she watched him. Kael was known across the galaxies not just for his incredible skills but for his charisma and ability to get under his opponents' skin. He thrived on competition, and Zenia could already feel his energy sparking something within her. This wasn’t just about football anymore; it was about proving that she and her team could stand against the best, against him.

Kael caught her gaze, his smile growing wider as he gave her a small nod. It wasn’t a greeting. It was a challenge.

Zenia felt the competitive fire ignite in her chest. She turned to her team, her voice steady and commanding. "Alright, guys. This is it. We’ve trained for this moment. Let’s show them who we are.”

Her teammates nodded, their faces determined, the easy camaraderie from earlier replaced with fierce focus. They knew what was at stake. 

As they huddled together, the lights in the arena dimmed, and a low, resonant hum filled the air. The holograms of Leviathans overhead glowed brighter, their ethereal forms shifting in response to the start of the championship. A massive holographic display appeared in the sky, showcasing the teams from various galaxies, each waiting for their chance to take the field.

But first, it was Zenia’s team against Kael’s.

The arena’s icy surface shimmered, revealing the playing field beneath. The intergalactic football match would be unlike anything Zenia had ever played before, gravity fluctuating, the terrain constantly shifting, and the ball itself a pulsating, energy-infused sphere that reacted to the environment. Every move, every kick, every strategy would have to be perfect.

Zenia stood at the center of her team, her eyes locked on Kael’s as they took their positions. The electronic Leviathans watched from above, their glowing forms casting long shadows on the ice. The entire galaxy seemed to hold its breath as the whistle blew, signaling the start of the match.

Zenia grinned. This was going to be fun. 

The whistle blew, echoing through the icy expanse of the arena, and the match began with an electrifying rush. Zenia’s heart raced as she charged forward, her eyes sharp and focused on the pulsating energy sphere—the ball. The gravity shifted unpredictably beneath their feet, but her team had trained for this. They moved as one, a coordinated force ready to take on whatever Kael’s team from the Sigma Galaxy could throw at them.

Kael’s team was fast. Faster than any Zenia had faced before. Their movements were almost too smooth, their passes nearly flawless. But Zenia's team had heart, grit, and the kind of unity that couldn’t be broken by sheer skill alone.

Zenia ducked under a high pass from one of Kael’s strikers, her instincts guiding her as she slid across the icy surface with perfect precision. Gael was on her left, already anticipating her move. With a quick flick of her foot, she sent the ball flying toward him, watching as he leapt into the air, defying the fluctuating gravity to send a powerful kick back toward Lilith, who was perfectly positioned near the goal.

Lilith, with her enhanced reflexes, caught the ball with a graceful arc, weaving through two Sigma defenders as if they were standing still. She kicked the ball high into the air, sending it into a dazzling spin. Kael himself moved to intercept it, his face set with determination. But Kazan, ever the opportunist, was already on him, blocking his path with a deft slide.

Kael staggered, momentarily losing his balance, and that was all the opening Zenia needed.

With a burst of speed, Zenia sprinted across the icy field, her boots gripping the slick surface like a second skin. Her eyes were locked on the ball as it descended from its high arc, glowing brighter with each second. She could hear the roar of the crowd, feel the weight of the moment pressing down on her, but she didn’t waver.

This was her chance.

Zenia leapt into the air, twisting her body mid-jump to meet the ball with her foot. Time seemed to slow as she made contact, the energy sphere pulsing with raw power as it flew from her foot like a comet.

Kael’s goalie lunged for it, but it was too late. The ball-streaked past, hitting the back of the goal with a flash of light, and the stadium erupted in cheers. The scoreboard flashed brilliantly as Zenia’s team took the lead with only seconds left on the clock.

Zenia landed on the ice with a triumphant grin, her teammates rushing to her side in a chorus of cheers and laughter. Gael threw his arm around her, and Kazan pulled her into a tight embrace, lifting her off her feet as the crowd chanted her name.

"Zenia! Zenia! Zenia!"

The final whistle blew, and the arena exploded in celebration. The Leviathans above shimmered brighter, their ghostly forms swirling in approval as Zenia’s team claimed victory over the Sigma Galaxy. The lights of the stadium pulsed in time with the cheers of the spectators, creating a dazzling display that reflected off the ice, bathing the players in a kaleidoscope of colors.

Kael, ever the sportsman, approached Zenia with a grin. He extended his hand. "You got me this time, Zenia," he said, his voice filled with respect.

Zenia shook his hand, her heart still pounding from the rush of the match. "Next time, I’ll get you even faster," she teased, her competitive spirit already rekindling.

Kael laughed, nodding. "I wouldn’t expect anything less."

As the celebrations continued, Zenia felt a strange calm settle over her. She had done it. Her team had done it. But the night wasn’t over yet.

A sudden hush fell over the crowd as a shimmering figure descended from the highest platform of the arena. It was the High Emissary, a towering figure clad in flowing, silver robes that seemed to shimmer like the Leviathans themselves. In his hands, he held a crown made of pure starlight, its ethereal glow casting a soft light over the ice.

The crowd parted as the High Emissary approached Zenia. Her teammates fell back, allowing her to step forward. The weight of the moment pressed down on her as the emissary stood before her, his eyes gleaming with approval.

"For your extraordinary skill, leadership, and heart," the High Emissary said, his voice deep and resonant, "you, Zenia Bizunesh-Norman, are crowned Queen of the Match."

He lowered the crown onto her head, and Zenia felt a warm surge of energy course through her. The crown pulsed with the same starlight that had guided the Leviathans, as if the universe itself was celebrating her victory. The crowd roared once again, chanting her name even louder than before.

Zenia turned to her team, her heart swelling with pride. This wasn’t just her victory. It was theirs. Together, they had defied the odds and proven themselves on the intergalactic stage.

As the lights of the Icy Arena glittered around them and the Leviathans swirled in celebration above, Zenia knew that this was only the beginning. There were more challenges to come, more victories to claim, but for now, she was Queen of the Match, and nothing could take that away from her.

Part Two: Earth vs. Sigma Galaxy

The atmosphere in the CryoDome was electric. It was the opening match of the Intergalactic Football Championship, and Earth’s team, led by Zenia Bizunesh-Norman, stood at the threshold of their first game against the team from the Sigma Galaxy. The stakes were high. The stadium, built into a sprawling glacier, sparkled with frozen crystals, reflecting the lights from hundreds of alien spectators packed into the stands. The temperature was freezing, but the intensity in the air was palpable.

Zenia, with her platinum curls cascading down the back of her icy-white football gear, stood in the centre of the pitch, the sharp wind stinging her face. She could feel her team’s excitement and nervous energy. To her left, Kazan Ratna flashed her a confident grin, his arm draped around Lilith Neith, who was focused and calm, her eyes slightly glowing as her extrasensory abilities tuned into the game ahead. Olly Cunobellinus was stretching, trying to look casual, though Zenia could feel his eyes on her every few moments.

Across the field, the Sigma Galaxy team looked imposing. Their captain, Leon Neon, a towering figure covered in gleaming blue armor, smirked arrogantly. His team of Sigma warriors were known for their brute strength and powerful long-distance kicks, but Zenia wasn’t intimidated.

“Alright team,” Zenia said, rallying her players as the game countdown began. “We’ve trained for this. Stick to the strategy. Play smart. Lilith, keep your senses sharp. Kazan, no showing off. Play as part of the team.”

“Who, me?” Kazan quipped, flashing his trademark grin. “I never show off.”

Olly chuckled, throwing a teasing jab, “Just make sure you don’t slip on the ice.”

As the whistle blew, signaling the start of the game, the ice field beneath their feet shimmered and shifted. It was a dynamic, constantly moving terrain, designed to challenge the players' balance and coordination. The ball, a sleek, metallic sphere, launched into the air. Immediately, Leon leaped high, gaining possession for his team with a powerful header.

"Defense!" Zenia shouted as the Sigma Galaxy team surged forward. Kazan and Olly moved into position, blocking the Sigma forwards, but the speed and force of the Sigma team were formidable. Leon powered down the field, barreling toward Earth’s goal like a comet.

Azura Okkotsu, Earth’s fearless goalkeeper, was ready. As Leon unleashed a blindingly fast kick, Azura leapt into the air, her hands glowing with kinetic energy as she barely managed to deflect the shot. The crowd erupted in gasps, but the ball ricocheted off the ice and spun back toward the Sigma midfielders.

“Close one,” Azura called, shaking her hands from the force of the impact. "Let's not let that happen again!"

Zenia saw her opening. “Olly! Lilith! Now!”

With perfect timing, Lilith intercepted a Sigma player’s pass with her signature grace, gliding across the ice as if she could anticipate the next move before it happened. In one swift motion, she sent the ball flying toward Olly. Olly, flashing a confident smile, dashed forward at full speed, expertly weaving between the Sigma Galaxy players as the ice beneath him shifted dangerously. His agility was unmatched, and even Leon's bruisers couldn’t catch him.

As Olly closed in on the Sigma goal, Leon appeared out of nowhere, aiming to tackle him. Olly quickly flicked the ball backward with his heel, sending it straight to Zenia, who was trailing just behind him.

With the perfect setup, Zenia squared her shoulders, eyes locked on the goal. The Sigma goalkeeper, a tall athletic young lad, braced for impact. But Zenia was faster. She unleashed a powerful, precise kick that sent the ball soaring, cutting through the icy air like a missile.

Time seemed to slow as the ball flew toward the goal. The Sigma keeper lunged, all four arms outstretched, but Zenia’s kick was too fast, too accurate. The ball zipped past his fingers and into the back of the net.

“GOOOAAALLL!!!” the announcer's voice boomed through the stadium, and the crowd erupted into cheers.

Zenia’s team exploded with excitement. Gael, grinning from ear to ear, rushed over to Zenia, pulling her into a celebratory embrace. Kazan clapped her on the back, while Olly jumped up and down, yelling, “That’s how we do it, Earth style!”

But the game was far from over. Sigma wasn't about to go down without a fight.

For the next hour, it was an all-out battle on the ice. The Sigma team used their brute strength to overpower Earth's players at times, but Earth’s quick footwork, teamwork, and unexpected strategies kept them in the game. Celeste Warrenheimer’s brilliant plays from the sidelines helped the team outmaneuver their opponents, with Elizabeth Maryellen and Zephyrus Favonius using their speed to keep the Sigma defense on their toes.

As the final minutes of the game ticked down, the score was tied 2-2. Both teams were exhausted, but Zenia knew they couldn’t let this chance slip away. Earth needed the victory to prove they belonged in the Intergalactic Championship.

“Final push!” Zenia called out to her team, her voice filled with determination. “This is it. We win or go home.”

In the last play, Lilith, using her extrasensory abilities, saw the perfect opportunity. She read the subtle shifts in Sigma’s defense and, with a pinpoint pass, sent the ball straight to Olly.

Olly nodded, catching Zenia’s eye for just a moment before launching himself forward.

He dodged one defender, then another. With Leon closing in on him again, Olly feigned left, pulling off a breathtaking spin before launching the ball directly toward the goal.

Zenia watched as the ball soared through the air, everyone holding their breath. The Sigma goalkeeper reached out, but once again, the ball slipped past his fingers, slamming into the net.

“GOAL!!!” The arena shook with the roar of the crowd as Earth’s team secured the victory in the final seconds of the match.

Zenia raised her fist in triumph, her heart pounding with exhilaration. Her team rushed to her, surrounding her in a massive group hug as the scoreboard flashed: Earth 3 – Sigma Galaxy 2.

Kazan grinned, throwing an arm around Zenia’s shoulders. “Not bad, Captain. Not bad at all.”

Zenia laughed, feeling the weight of the first win settle in. But as she looked at her teammates—Lilith, Kazan, Azura, Olly, and the rest—she knew this was just the beginning. They had won their first match, but there were many more challenges ahead. And for the first time, she felt the thrill of what it meant to represent Earth in the cosmos.

“Next stop, the finals,” she said, her eyes gleaming with determination.

Part Three. Final Match.

The final match of the Intergalactic Football Championship was in full swing, the Ice Galaxy team proving to be the most formidable opponents Zenia's team had ever faced. The icy stadium Grand Arena hummed with energy, the temperature dropping with every pulse of the glowing ball. Thousands of spectators from across the galaxy watched in anticipation as Zenia, Kazan, Lilith, Gael, and the rest of the team fought with everything they had.

The Ice Galaxy team was brutal, their movements quick and deliberate as they slid across the slick field with a precision that seemed unnatural. They used the shifting gravity and icy terrain to their advantage, exploiting every moment of hesitation from Zenia’s team. The ball whizzed through the air like a comet, charged with radiant energy that left trails of frost in its wake.

Zenia's breath came out in quick, visible puffs as she tightened her grip on the energy sphere. With a swift glance at Lilith, who was positioned at the far side of the field, she kicked the ball toward her teammate. Lilith caught it effortlessly, her enhanced reflexes guiding her through the galaxy’s most intense match.

But something was off.

The air around them grew colder. Not just because of the ice but something deeper, something that made the hairs on the back of Zenia’s neck stand on end. She glanced up at the darkened sky above the stadium, her eyes narrowing as she noticed strange movements among the distant stars. Before she could react, a violent tremor shook the entire arena.

An enormous, chilling explosion erupted from the center of the field, ice shards flying in every direction. The force of the blast sent Zenia and her teammates sprawling, their bodies slamming into the icy ground. A deafening silence followed as the explosion expanded outward, consuming everything in its path.

Zenia tried to rise to her feet, but the ground beneath her seemed to vanish. The cold sensation that once pierced her skin was now replaced by an overwhelming sense of weightlessness. The stadium, the cheering crowds, the Ice Galaxy players. Everything dissolved into a blinding white light.

Then, silence.

Zenia gasped as she felt herself falling. Falling through endless whiteness, through an ethereal space that seemed to stretch infinitely in all directions. She wasn’t alone; Kazan, Lilith, Olly, Celeste, Elizabeth, and Azura floated alongside her, their expressions filled with confusion and awe. The cold, artificial ice of the stadium had been replaced by something entirely different. A quiet, serene realm bathed in pure white light.

They landed softly on a cloud-like surface, surrounded by thick white mist that seemed to stretch on forever. The air was different here, softer, warmer, yet completely still. No wind, no sound, only the faint hum of existence itself.

Zenia blinked, taking in the vast, unending nebula around them. The whiteness was disorienting, the lack of landmarks or any sense of direction unnerving. White clouds floated lazily in the distance, swirling like gentle smoke, and the horizon seemed to curve in ways that defied logic. It was peaceful, almost too peaceful, like the calm before some cosmic storm.

Zenia’s heart pounded in her chest, and she pushed herself to her feet, her boots making soft impressions on the cloud-like surface. She looked around at her teammates, each of them speechless, their eyes wide with wonder. There was no stadium, no frozen world, just an endless, otherworldly nebula.

"Where the hell are we?" Zenia’s voice broke the silence, her words echoing softly through the whiteness.

Lilith stood next to her, her eyes scanning the serene landscape as though searching for something familiar. Everyone remained silent, gazing at the eerie, celestial space around them.

Zenia narrowed her eyes, her mind racing. The explosion, the sudden shift in reality, none of it made sense. And yet, there was something about this place, something that felt strangely... familiar. The shimmering white clouds, the soft hum of energy in the air. It was as if they had been transported to a space between worlds, a realm untouched by time.

Zenia shook her head. “I don’t think so. This feels... different. Like we’ve been taken somewhere far from the stadium, far from anything we know.”

As they stood there, lost in the vast expanse of whiteness, a soft light began to glow from above, descending slowly toward them. It wasn’t threatening, but rather gentle, as if it had come to guide them. Zenia’s breath caught in her throat as the light enveloped them, filling the space with warmth and familiarity. It was as though the nebula itself was alive, watching them, waiting for something.

Lilith tilted her head back, her eyes narrowing as the light grew closer. “This nebula,” she whispered, “it’s alive. We’re inside something ancient.”

"You've been transported back 100 billion years before the creation of Earth." A voice said.

"One hundred billion years? What in God's Name? Hey, does this have anything to do with you, Elizabeth?" Zenia asked in a chaotic manner as she pointed at Elizabeth.

"Huh, me? This doesn't even have anything to do with my powers." Elizabeth, flustered, replied.

"Silence." A voice said, causing the girls to jump in fright.

"We are the seven Pleiades." The voice replied.

"What the hell is a Pleiades?" Zenia yelled. "That's not even a real word!"

"Yes it is." Zenia replied.

"Do you know the truth?" The voice asked.

"What truth?" Zenia asked.

"The truth about eternal life. Immortality. That is currently the greatest desire of mankind, right?" The voice replied.

"And what's that got to do with us?" Zenia yelled impatiently. "Listen, I haven't got all day! Do you understand me? I've got an Intergalactic Football match to win! Now, stop being all vague and cut right to the chase!" She waved a fist in the air.

Lilith placed arm on Zenia's shoulder.

"Calm down, Zenia." Lilith said. "Where we are right now, time does not run. This is a glitch in the space time continuum. Maybe we should give them a listening ear."

Zenia and her friends stood in awe as the cosmic entities known as the Pleiades revealed a shimmering vision before them. The scene stretched across the void of space, flickering like a cosmic tapestry. As the Pleiades spoke in soft, melodic voices, the group saw Mars as it once had been. An emerald and sapphire jewel, teeming with life, oceans sparkling under two suns, its atmosphere warm and rich. This was the Mars that had existed before time had worn it down to dust and ruin.

In the midst of this paradise, they saw the first prototype of mankind. Tall and radiant, these beings moved with grace, their features striking and perfect, with skin shimmering like starlight. The Pleiades explained that these were the children of Adam and Eve, cosmic deities who had once walked in paradise. But Adam and Eve had been tricked by the reptilian race, beings not of the cosmos but of the anti-cosmos, a force that thrived on chaos and destruction. The reptilians had deceived them, leading to their banishment from paradise, and in their exile, Adam and Eve had created these offsprings to populate the cosmos and protect humanity from the looming threat of the reptilian race.

Zenia watched as these first humans flourished on Mars. They had been crafted with the knowledge of the stars, their minds connected to the cosmic weave, capable of great power and insight. The Pleiades showed them building vast cities made of gold and crystal, temples that reached into the sky, and spacecraft that soared effortlessly through the galaxy. But despite their brilliance, there was an undercurrent of sorrow in their existence, a burden inherited from their ancestors’ fall.

For 300 billion years, these early humans thrived, spreading their influence across Mars and beyond, safeguarding the stars from the reptilian menace. But as time passed, the vision shifted. Mars began to fade. Its oceans dried up, its atmosphere grew thin and cold, and the once-vibrant cities crumbled into dust. The Pleiades explained that the cosmic balance had shifted. Mars, no longer able to sustain life, became a desolate wasteland, forcing mankind to seek a new home.

Zenia and her friends saw mankind’s exodus from Mars. Hundreds of gleaming ships, glowing with the last remnants of Martian technology, broke through the atmosphere, their engines powered by cosmic energy. The vision followed the fleet as it journeyed across the galaxy, passing stars and nebulae, until finally, they arrived at Earth. The planet was a young, untouched paradise, full of life and potential, waiting for its new inhabitants.

As the vision of Mars faded, Zenia felt a sudden tug, as if the very fabric of space had shifted beneath her feet. The air around her grew cold, and in an instant, she was no longer standing beneath the stars with her friends. Instead, she found herself in a massive, open stadium, the grand arena.

Snowfall blanketed everything in white, thick flakes swirling in the air, shimmering under the arena’s bright lights. She could hear the muffled roar of a crowd, though no sound reached her fully, as if she were standing behind a veil. The vast field in the center was slick with ice, and two teams—Kepler and Cyber Planet XYZ—were locked in the final moments of an intergalactic match. Their movements were impossibly fast, blurs of light and energy racing across the frozen surface. The players skated with ease, their sleek, silver uniforms glinting in the snowstorm, leaving trails of frost in their wake. Yet no matter how intense the game, everything felt distant, like a memory caught in the wind.

Zenia realized she was invisible to them all. She could see the crowd cheering, feel the energy of the moment, but no one acknowledged her. It was as if she were a ghost, merely observing a world long past.

Her breath caught in her throat as she looked up at the VIP booth, high above the arena. There, seated in a place of honor, was a man she recognized instantly. Her father. He sat tall, his eyes focused on the game, unaware of the snow swirling around him. Zenia's heart raced. He looked younger, his face untouched by the years she knew him by, his gaze sharp with concentration. For a moment, she could only stare, disbelief filling her.

"Dad?" she called, her voice barely above a whisper.

However, she was instantly transported back to the present moment, back in the Grand Arena with her teammates. The teenagers had no tie to recap about what had happened, for the match was going on. Zenia quickly ran to the ball and scored the winning goal for Earth's team.

As the celebrations erupted around her, the stadium roared with the joy of Zenia's team securing the Intergalactic Football Cup. Laughter and cheers filled the icy air of the Ice Galaxy's Grand Arena, while fireworks burst into dazzling spirals above. Zenia’s teammates lifted her in triumph, but as her smile reached its peak, a strange feeling washed over her. A pulse of energy that she could not ignore. Her gaze drifted away from the joyous crowd, and her expression shifted from elation to something much deeper, something ancient.

In that fleeting moment, Zenia felt the presence of Frost, the Ice Dragon. His mind touched hers, like a whisper of cold wind sweeping across the frozen tundra. Her heart skipped a beat as their thoughts synced through some unexplainable bio-hack between her biological cells and his ancient essence.

“Zenia,” Frost’s deep, rumbling voice echoed in her mind. “Come with me to the past.”

And suddenly, she was no longer in the Grand Arena. Her consciousness was pulled back billions of years, transported through time itself. 

The world around her transformed into an alien landscape. A desolate, rocky terrain stretching endlessly under a bleak sky. Towering, reptilian-human hybrid beings marched across the land, their massive armored bodies casting long shadows. Overhead, gigantic military spaceships hovered, armed with weapons more destructive than anything Zenia had ever imagined. The skies themselves seemed to tremble under their presence. 

The reptilian-humanoids stopped abruptly. Then, with perfect synchrony, they dropped to one knee and bowed. The war chant they let out was a deafening roar that sent chills rippling through Zenia's body. The sound was primal, filled with fury, power, and a terrifying devotion. Their chant was like the rumble of a mountain breaking apart. A call for war, destruction, and dominance. At first, it seemed as though they were bowing to her, their fierce, yellow eyes locked on her as they chanted.

But then, Zenia sensed something behind her.

Turning slowly, her heart pounding, she saw it. An immense, floating marble statue that drifted across the stars, white and magnificent. It depicted a powerful figure, and atop it, floating effortlessly in the vacuum of space, was a much younger Prince Norman. His long, platinum hair flowed around him like a celestial halo, his piercing blue eyes glowing with an intensity she had never seen before.

The war cries of the reptilian beings grew even louder, more terrifying, reverberating through space and time. It was a sound that spoke of the obliteration of worlds, the breaking of civilizations. Zenia’s skin prickled as she watched them rise to their feet, awaiting orders from Prince Norman, the one they truly revered.

Prince Norman raised his hand, his expression cold and unyielding. He spoke, his voice echoing across the cosmos.

"Kill them all," he commanded. "Every last one of them."

The army saluted him with a synchronized crash of fists against their armored chests. Without hesitation, they turned toward the Milky Way Galaxy, their massive warships shifting into formation. Zenia watched as they set their course for Mars, the planet still lush and vibrant. Almost identical to Earth in its prime, not yet the barren wasteland it would become.

In an instant, the reptilian armies descended on Mars. What followed was sheer devastation. The first civilization of humans, in their infancy, was obliterated, unable to defend themselves against the advanced weaponry. The very ground burned beneath the army's feet, and the sky turned dark with smoke and fire. Young Frost, an infant dragon of ice, attempted to shield the planet with his icy breath, but even he was no match. His body, along with the planet, was scorched, and Mars was reduced to an inhospitable desert, its surface cracked and lifeless.

Just as quickly as the vision came, it was gone.

Zenia gasped, blinking as her surroundings shifted back to the Grand Arena. The roar of celebration was still echoing around her, and her team was hoisting the cup in victory. But her mind was elsewhere, still lingering in the ancient memory shared with Frost.

“Zenia.” Frost’s voice rang once more in her mind, deep and sorrowful. “I have shown you the truth. Many civilizations of mankind have existed before. All have been wiped out in a bid to cleanse the cosmos of mankind.”

Zenia clenched her fists, her heart racing. “Why?” she whispered in her mind. “Why all this turmoil? Why destroy so much life?”

Frost’s answer was cold and final. “It is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. The cycle repeats, and humanity has never learned. I can only hope that this time. It will be different.”

Zenia stood silently amid the celebration, her smile long gone. She looked out over the crowd, feeling the weight of a truth too vast to comprehend. The cup they had just won felt insignificant compared to the ancient war and the destruction of entire civilizations.

“Zenia.” A voice called.

“Jarvien?” Zenia asked.

“The Ice Galaxy is about to be destroyed. Everyone needs to evacuate, immediately.”

The ground beneath Zenia’s feet began to tremble. At first, it was a subtle vibration, but within seconds, the glacier they stood on shook violently. The air, once cool and still, filled with the deafening sound of cracking ice. Zenia's heart raced as massive fissures opened around her, splitting the frozen surface of the arena. The distant stars above flickered wildly, and the once-still expanse of the Ice Galaxy began to unravel in a storm of energy and light. It was as if the entire galaxy was collapsing in on itself, doomed to a self-destructive end.

“Run!” Kazan shouted, grabbing Zenia’s arm as they sprinted across the fracturing glacier. Behind them, pillars of ice erupted into the air, shattered by the cosmic forces tearing the galaxy apart. Zenia, Kazan, and their friends, Olly and Jarvien, darted between the falling ice and the widening chasms, their breath visible in the frigid air as panic surged through them. The sky above them warped, black holes flickering into existence as the Ice Galaxy spiraled toward oblivion.

Just as a wall of ice erupted in their path, a blinding light illuminated the sky above them. Zenia looked up and gasped. A sleek spaceship hovered overhead, its surface smooth and metallic, but not of any material she recognized. Tendrils of shimmering nanotechnology unfurled from its underside, gliding through the air like liquid silver. Before Zenia could react, the nanotech wrapped around her and her friends, lifting them effortlessly off the glacier just as it shattered completely beneath them.

In a heartbeat, they were pulled into the ship, the cold of the galaxy replaced by the warmth of the interior. The tendrils retracted, setting them gently on their feet inside the glowing, metallic vessel. Zenia’s pulse was still racing, her mind struggling to catch up with what had just happened. But when she turned to see who was navigating the ship, her breath caught in her throat.

Standing at the helm was Aethelwulf.

He was as striking as she remembered—tall, muscular, his pale skin contrasting sharply with his long, flowing blonde hair. His piercing blue eyes, like ice themselves, locked onto hers the moment she entered. For a second, time seemed to freeze, the chaos of the collapsing galaxy vanishing from her mind. Nothing else mattered. Not the destruction outside, nor the danger they had just escaped. It was as if the universe had narrowed to this one, perfect moment between them.

Zenia smiled, a warmth spreading through her chest, instantly calming her. Her eyes softened as she took in his handsome face, feeling safe, knowing that she was with him. Aethelwulf’s lips curved into a smile of his own, his gaze never leaving hers, a quiet, unspoken connection passing between them.

"You're safe now," he said softly, his voice a deep, soothing balm in the stillness of the ship.

The space around them seemed to glow brighter, as if the ship itself responded to their emotions. The gentle hum of the engine grew louder as Aethelwulf turned back to the controls. With a swift, graceful motion, the spaceship soared out of the collapsing Ice Galaxy, navigating through the crumbling stars and debris with ease.

As they left the galaxy behind, the once violent and chaotic scene dissolved into a peaceful, starry expanse. Zenia’s friends were safe, the danger had passed, and the ship glided smoothly through the endless cosmos. Yet all she could think about was Aethelwulf. How he had saved them, how he had looked at her as though she were the only person in the universe.

Zenia leaned back into the soft, glowing seat, her heart light and full. She glanced over at Aethelwulf once more, and he caught her eye, smiling again, as if sharing a private moment amidst the vastness of space. Everything felt right. The stars beyond the window shimmered enchantingly, as if dancing just for them.

All was well.