Coping With Trauma.
7215 GSY (Galactic Standard Year) (Ophira's Age 39)
Ophira, having found the love of her life, lived a happily with Elairin. However, despite having this happy life the Umbrex was still haunted by her past transgressions. After all, it was impossible to forget destroying an entire universe. Despite needing to sleep only once a week, Ophira always dreaded this simple event. Every night she slept her dreams were all centered around that event. Some were simple recreations of the events, some were visions of all the people she had killed screaming in pain, and some would be more nightmarish version of the events. The worst usually involved her being absolutely merciless and continuing a path of destruction and domination. However, even Ophira wasn't prepared for the nightmare she would have mere months after marrying Elairin...
The Umbrex slept next to her wasp husband as she drifted off to sleep. This nightmare started out as the worst kind, where she was merciless and continued to take over more and more universes. But eventually her nightmare self made her way to the kingdom of Talakar where she would meet Elairin.
"Bow to me or die." her nightmare self would say in the presence of Queen Rhaim.
The queen would obviously refuse and call upon her loyal knight Elairin to fight against the nightmare Ophira. However this nightmare version of Ophira was more powerful than Elairin, and grabbed him by the throat. Ophira began to tremble in her sleep as this nightmare played out in her mind.
"Those who will not bend to my will," the nightmare Ophira says to Elairin, "cannot be allowed to live."
With an almost lucid CRACK the nightmare Ophira snapped Elairin's neck which caused Ophira to awaken in a fright. She quickly looks over to see Elairin obviously fine and unharmed. Ophira then magically removes her skull helmet, begins to cry and buries her face into Elairin's chest. Feeling and hearing this caused the wasp to awaken from his sleep.
"O-Ophira..." Elairin said looking down at her and placing his hand on the back of her head, "A-are you okay?" Elairin helps Ophira sit up as he sat up as well.
Ophira looks up at Elairin as tears ran down her face, "I... I had another terrible nightmare..."
Elairin hugged Ophira close to him as he asked, "The same kind of nightmare as usual?.."
"Y-yes..." Ophira said meekly, "But this one... was worse... It involved you..."
"I see..." Elairin said before sighing, "What happened in this nightmare?"
"I..." Ophira was trembling just thinking about it, "I was pure evil and... eventually made my way to the Talakar Kingdom... And... I... ended up killing you..." She started sobbing once more. She knew this would never happen, but she knew these nightmares would likely continue.
"Ophira..." Elairin said trying to think of anything to say. "I wish... I think..." The wasp sighed deeply and swallowed the lump in his throat. "I wish I knew what I could do to help... But... I never have the answer for anything..."
"What do you mean?" Ophira said wiping her tears away, "You've helped me so much since we met."
"You don't understand Ophira..." the wasp said sighing deeply, "Let's talk about this later. I don't want to make this about me. Especially not after your nightmare."
"O-okay Elairin." Ophira said looking over at the time, it was still 4 hours from when they usually wake up. "You can try and get back to sleep. I think I need to take a walk after that anyway."
"Okay Ophira." Elairin said in a dejected tone, "I'm sorry I cannot help you with this..."
Ophira simply hugged Ophira in response and got up to take an early morning walk.
The walk helped Ophira calm down from the nightmare she had just experienced. Once she returned home Ophira spotted Elairin sitting at a table with his face buried in his hands.
"Elairin?.." Ophira said placing a hand on the wasp's shoulder.
"Good morning Ophira..." Elairin said looking up at Ophira. His eyes seemed to be misty.
"Is everything okay?.." Ophira said taking a seat in the chair opposite Elairin.
"Yes I just..." the wasp said wiping his eyes, "I couldn't get back to sleep..."
"I'm sorry..." Ophira said looking down at the table.
"It's not your fault Ophira..." Elairin said placing his hand on Ophira's hand. "It's more so... Ever since I met you, and, when you told Queen Rhaim and Professor Rapholiam about what you had done it made me realize something about myself..."
"What is that Elairin?" she said with concern.
"It made me realize that... well..." he said fidgeting some, "That for my entire life, all the decisions I have made, have been at the behest of others. Or, well, at the very least suggestions that I simply followed. I started out life being raised as a noble and did so without questioning it. I gained power and my parents recommended I become a knight and I did so without questioning it. When Queen Rhaim suggested I learn martial arts under the training of Master Heird I did so without questioning it. My entire life has been dictated by others..."
"Elairin," Ophira said looking into Elairin's eyes, "I thought you said you wished to become a knight and your parents supported the idea."
"I have been a knight for so long I forgot why I had first become a knight." Elairin said looking down at the table. "But I do remember when I agreed to it, my parents were supportive of that decision..."
"I see..." Ophira said thinking for a moment, "Wait, but what about you training me?"
"When you told us what you had done," Elairin said looking over at Ophira, "even though what you had done was... not good... it was a decision you made on your own. When you spoke of your mother and what she had to say, she didn't tell you to become a protector. You took her words and made a decision of your own to do so. It made me realize how I have never done such a thing. And... I just... had to think of something and I just... blurted out training you. In fact... after saying I would train you, and you had left... I was having second thoughts. I debated asking my parents, the professors, Queen Rhaim, or Master Heird about this. I was... conflicted in this sudden realization of how... pathetic I have been for my entire life up to that point..."
"You are not pathetic Elairin." Ophira said hugging into him, "You have done so much good, regardless of whether or not it was directly your own conscious decision, you did still do all these good things."
"I know... It's just..." Elairin sighs deeply, "Sometimes I feel as though, maybe, my life choices could be a mistake..."
"They cerainly are not Elairin." Ophira said looking into his eyes. "Elairin, I think, well, ummm, I don't know if me saying what to do will help with your issue..."
"I think I know what you are going to say." Elairin said looking away from Ophira, "I think we BOTH need a therapist's help..."
"I agree Elairin." Ophira said with a nod, "It was Prof. Orlan that is an expert in therapy isn't he?"
"Yes," Elairin said in response, "I think it would be best to start seeing him today."
"Then we can do that whenever you are ready." Ophira said before hugging Elairin once more.
Later that day Elairin called Prof. Orlan to see if he was available for a therapy session for both Ophira and himself. Fortunately the professor was available and able to speak with both of them. Both Ophira and Elairin were nervous as they entered the room to speak with Orlan. They both hoped that he would help them through their issues. Elairin let Ophira go first as her issues were more serious than his own. Orlan did already know of Ophira's past transgressions, and because of that Ophira mostly needed to speak of the dreams and trauma she still suffers. Orlan suggested a few mental exercises to help her through this, but given the extreme nature of what she had done he wasn't sure what more could be done. Orlan was curious of Elairin's issues, and once the wasp spoke of his issues Orlan could realize the history of Elairin acting this way. Like with Ophira Orlan spoke of various things that Elairin could do to work through this, as well as some things Ophira could do to help Elairin as well. After a few hours of discussion the pair agreed to see Orlan once a week to discuss any progress with their therapy.
As the weeks progress Elairin was making some headway with his issues. He spoke to his parents of this, as well as Queen Rhaim, and was becoming slowly more comfortable being his own self. It was slow going as he would slip back into his usual self. Ophira however wasn't having much luck. Despite all of the mental activities recommended by Orlan Ophira was still haunted by the nightmares, as well as having a traumatic episode when certain events triggered it.
After six weeks of therapy Elairin was able to make suggestions for a vacation spot for he and Ophira. He would still have issues with being able to make moment to moment decisions, but he was getting better. Ophira still could not move past her trauma, but was happy to see Elairin becoming more confident. Their recent vacation was cut short however as Elairin's phone began to make a sound. After speaking for a moment he hangs up.
"Ophira there is an emergency back at the castle." Elairin said in a serious tone.
"O-okay Elairin." Ophira said in a concerned tone, "Let's go."
Ophira held Elairin's had as they teleported to Queen Rhaim's castle and hastily proceeded to the meeting room.
"Thank you for coming." Queen Rhaim said to both of them. "Elairin... we just received word from our allies in Tarik Kingdom... Master Heird has been killed..."
"He's... been killed?" Elairin said shaken by the news.
"King Rasmus informed us of a Tyl who threated the Tarik Kingdom," Queen Rhaim stated, "and by extension the entire universe neighboring ours."
"Do we have any information on this Tyl?" Elairin asked.
"king Rasmus shared with us the video communication sent to him with us." the queen said looking over at Prof. Rapholiam who was nearby, "Professor, if you could please play the recording."
"Yes your majesty." the professor said as she brought up the recording.
"Greeting citizens of the Tarik Kingdom. I am Empress Niasha. I am in control of 37 universes, and should you choose to not surrender to my dominion all I can promise you is a quick and painless death. I hope to hear of your surrender soon."
A second recording was played soon after.
"I can see your pathetic attempt at sending a lowly knight to fight me. I will let this singular transgression pass, however if you are to cross me once more, there will be consequences."
Hearing all this Ophira started to become lightheaded, which Elairin preemptively stood behind her in case she blacked out. Luckily she retained consciousness and was able to stay standing.
"If she was able to kill Master Heird," Elairin said looking at the paused image of Niasha, "what can we do about her?"
"We have been debating a course of action." Prof. Rapholiam stated, "If too many people are sent against Niasha she could view it as an act of war and use the resources at her disposal to eliminate such an army. Furthermore we are all uncertain if you and Ophira alone are enough fight Niasha considering Master Heird was stronger than even yourself Elairin."
"Would three people be too many?" Elairin asked Prof. Orlan.
"Judging from what footage we have," Professor Orlan stated, "my psychoanalytic theory of Niasha leads me to believe that she may not view 3 people as a threat. Any more than that and I cannot say for certain..."
"Ophira," Elairin says looking towards her, "do you think you could get Somaro to help with this?"
"I... I don't know..." Ophira said still shaken from her traumatic episode, "But given the situation, I think it's in everyone's best interest if I try."
"Thank you Ophira." Elairin said giving her a hug, "I will stay here as a plan of attack is discussed."
"Okay Elairin," Ophira said stepping back, "I will return as quickly as I can... Hopefully Somaro will agree to help..."
With that the Umbrex teleported to the planet Somaro resided on. Specifically Ophira teleported near Razsafin's home, Somaro's advisor, and approached him home. Ophira knocked on the door and after a moment one of Razsafin's servants answered.
"Greeting miss." the servant said, "Do you have business with Master Razsafin?"
"Yes I do." Ophria responded, "Please tell Razsafin that Ophira Namira is here to see him, and that it is urgent."
"Right away madam," he gestured for Ophira to enter, "Please come in while I request the master's presence."
Ophira heads inside and waits for Razsafin to come into the living room. After a moment the avian advisor enters the living room.
"Hello Lady Ophira." Razsafin said approaching her, "I understand you have something urgent to discuss with me."
"Yes I do." she said to Razsafin, "However it's more so something I wish to discuss with Somaro. I just wished to speak with you before hand."
"Oh yes," the avian said, "I don't think he will be happy to see you, but you haven't bothered him in all this time. Plus if this is urgent I am certain he will understand."
Razsafin then tells all of his servants what was going on, and requests for his driver to take he and Ophira to Somaro's castle. Once the transport arrived at the castle Razsafin heads off to inform Somaro of Ophira's visit. After a few minutes the avian comes back to the transport and gestures for Ophira to follow him. While traversing the halls Ophira was reminded of her first visit here, and the pain of having to admit her wrong doings to Somaro. Razsafin and Ophira soon arrived at the audience chamber and headed inside. Standing next to the table was an irritated looking Somaro. The reptilian creature was tapping his finger on the table next to him. Once he looked over seeing Ophira he sharply exhaled and turned his sight away from her.
"I appreciate that you have not felt the need to visit in all the time." Somaro said in a flat tone. "I understand you have something urgent to tell me?"
"There is a Tyl attacking a neighboring universe where I currently live." Ophira said, Somaro's eyes widened slightly as he turned to face Ophira.
"A Tyl?" he said knowing his species' history with the vile creatures.
"Yes, she controls several universes. She also killed someone close to my husband, a person who was very powerful, and this Tyl will assumedly take over even more universes. I am here to ask for you help in fighting this Tyl."
Somaro sighed deeply as he sat placed his hand on his forehead.
"How powerful was this person you spoke of, the one killed by this Tyl?" Somaro asked.
"Elairin, my husband, is stronger than me," Ophira said in response, "and the person that was killed was stronger than Elairin."
Somaro sighed deeply once more. His species was known for having an adversarial relationship with the Tyl. He had heard stories of how powerful they were. With his keen senses Somaro knew Ophira was more powerful than he was. If this ally of Elairin was even more powerful than that, this Tyl was a truly dangerous monster.
"Why exactly do you need my help?" Somaro asked, "Wouldn't an army suffice?"
"Sir Somaro..." Razsafin spoke up, "If this Tyl has control over several universes, an army would be as though an act of war. She could besiege any opposition with the resources at her disposal. If I were to make a guess, I would assume that Ophira is here to find someone else powerful to create a small squad to fight against this Tyl."
"That is correct." Ophira said in response, "The researchers that work for Elairin's queen have been debating the best course of action. They have recommended 3 people fighting against this Tyl. Elairin, myself, and you Somaro if you are willing to do so."
"I am not keen on partnering with you Ophira," Somaro says as he sighs deeply and looks over at her with disdain in his eyes, "BUT, what is at risk here is more important than my squabble with you..."
Somaro stands up and walks over to Ophira.
"Thank you Elairin." she says looking up at him.
"Razsafin," Somaro said looking over at his advisor, "would you care to come with us?"
"No sir," Razsafin said, "I am certain that the researchers Ophira spoke of already have enough information amongst themselves to have formulated enough of a plan. I am unsure how helpful I will be."
"Very well Razsafin." Somaro said reaching out for Ophira's hand, "I will hopefully return having defeated this Tyl."
Ophira grabs Somaro's hand and teleports the pair back to Queen Rhaim's castle. Once arriving the researchers informed Ophira and Somaro that Niasha was already turning her sights on this current universe. She had already broadcast her domination message across several areas of the universe, including the Talakar Kingdom. The researchers then spoke of what the general plan of attack would be.
"As useful as all that is," Somaro said, "it will only be in the moment if we even know what will work."
"We understand that Somaro." Prof. Rapholiam said, "We are merely doing all we can on our end to hopefully make your risky situation at least a safer one."
"That is correct." Queen Rhaim said, "Somaro, Elairin, Ophira, the hope of our universe, and our very freedom depends on the three of you."
"We will do what we can against Niasha." Elairin said confidently, "For myself, I do not need an order to know I wish to fight against Niasha."
"If I can stop someone who is worse than what I was in my dark period," Ophira said, "then that is something I am more than willing to do."
"If this Tyl, Niasha, wishes to commit such vile acts," Somaro said, "Then I will do everything in my power to stop this evil."
"We wish you three the best of luck." Queen Rhaim said, "May the three of you return safely."
The three of them nod and soon teleported to Niasha's planet sized ship fortress. Upon arriving one of the guard asks them what they were doing there. Elairin said they were here to see Niasha and he agreed to escort them to her. They were taken to a transport that led them to the throne room that also served at the bridge for the ship fortress. Once the large door shifted open they could see the royal Tyl sitting upon a throne. The coal black Tyl was eight feet tall and slender. Her build was similar to Ophira's, with minor differences here and there. Niasha had larger hands with long slender and sharp fingers that had a gradient from her black skin ending in pure white fingertips. Her clawed feet were adorned with tall stilettos heels. Her oval shaped head had long flowing hair atop of it with a sharp poited crown resting on top. She had a pair of blue glowing and featureless eyes. Under her eyes was a crooked grin revealing a row of sharp fangs. Her clothes were what one would expect from an 'evil queen' appearance.
"I assume you are ambassadors for your respective universes?" Niasha asked in a sly tone, "Here to surrender all control to me?"
"No, we are here to stop you." Somaro said sternly.
"I was not asking you you filthy Serdrian." she said in an irritated tone.
"It is just as he said Niasha." Elairin said, "Not just by order of my queen, but for the good of life itself, we are here to stop you from your demonic path of control. I am also fighting to avenge my master who you so callously killed just recently!"
"Oh of course." she said sighing and rolling her glowing eyes, "That fool from the other day spoke in just as pointless platitudes." Niasha then looked over at Ophira, and even leaned forward some to get a better look at her. "Hmmm, Umbrex, what is your name?"
"I... I am Ophira Valentcia." Ophira said somewhat nervous about the question."
"So it IS you!" Niasha said as she laughed, "Ophira The Grinning Eyed Demon. The controller of fourteen universes. The destroyer of an entire universe! Let me guess, they refused to bend to your will and you showed them what happens when they mess with being like us, those who are superior to them. What are you of all people doing hanging out with this riff raff? Leave them and join with me Ophira. I would happily allow you to keep your fourteen universes, and in fact, I would give you more. All I would ask is your loyalty to me!"
Ophira was shaken by everything Niasha had just said. The secret she had only told to a very few people, this complete stranger not only knew what she had done, but so many other details related to her dark period.
"I... I.... No..." Ophira said with a shaky voice, "That's not who I am any more. That was a dark part of my life that I have given up! I will NEVER repeat what I have done! I don't wish to EVER become that monster ever again!"
"I see." Niasha says as she sighed deeply. "That's really such a shame." the Tyl said as she stood up, "Here I am, face to face with THREE of the worst types of people. A loyal worker drone to their a that is not me, someone who HAD power and control and threw it all away, and a Serdrian... Well, much like that foolish master of yours, I will take no pity in killing the three of you."
With a sudden explosion of energy Niasha dashed forward leaving behind a blue sparking light trail in her wake. Her fist slammed into Somaro who managed to block the attack as he entered his fully powered state. Ophira's black body soon shined bright pink as she entered her fully powered state. Elairin followed suit as a green energy aura enveloped him. Ophira and Elairin followed Niasha and Somaro as the impact from the Tyl's punch sent them crashing through several walls of the fortress. Elairin and Ophira both began to attack Niasha as Somaro quickly flew to their assistance. Despite being outnumbered 3 to 1 Niasha was holding her own against her three attackers. Occasionally the tyl managed to score a direct blow to one of the three knocking them through several walls of the fortress. Any one of them that was knocked away managed to return to battle in a split second.
Every impactful blow from Elairin, Ophira or Somaro caused shockwaves to erupt through the fortress damaging walls all around them. Niasha fought with intense savagery, like a demonic beast dead set on decimating its prey. Many of the Tyl's attacks were accompanied by snarls and growls, her hatred seemed to be being shared between all three of her attackers. At one point Naisha tightly grasped Ophira's head and slammed it into a nearby wall causing the Umbrex's skull mask to dissipate. Luckily this did not cause any major injury to Ophira allowing her to continue fighting as hard as she had been. Niasha soon gave Somaro a powerful uppercut into his chest causing to fly through several upper floors of the fortress. She then roundhouse kicks Elairin in the back sending him flying several yards away. The devious Tyl was hoping to pick off her assailants one by one. Although being by herself Ophira stood her ground and continued to fight the immensely powerful Tyl.
Luckily Somaro and Elairin were able to quickly return to the battle. Niasha was seeming to become increasingly frustrated as her attacks were becoming more desperate and unfocused. Despite all that her power was great enough that the tides of battle were still slightly in her favor. Changing who she sends flying away Niasha swiftly kicked Ophira in her slim stomach and sent her flying. The Tyl then managed to grab Elairin and Somaro by the waists, slammed them together, and then kicked both of them away. Ophira quickly stood back up and dashed back towards Niasha. After but a moment the three were able to return to Niasha and continue the fight.
The four combatants continued to share blow after blows. Both sides becoming clearly exhausted by the ongoing battle. Clothes ripping, muscles sore, bone aching, power waning, but neither side yielded or conceded to a loss. Ophira and Elairin were knocked away at one point leaving Somaro alone to fight Niasha.
"Ophira!" Elairin says to the Umbrex, "I have come up with an idea with Somaro. Once we all weaken Niasha enough Somaro and I will immobilize her, and you can deliver the strongest blow you can muster."
"I... I WILL do that" Ophira said trusting Elairin's plan.
They quickly returned to battle along side Somaro. After several more minutes Elairin and Somaro found their opening and took it as quickly and accurately as possible. They managed to immobilize Niasha in their grasp...
"NOW OPHIRA!!!" Elairin yelled out.
In a flash of pink energy, in a fraction of a second Ophira leapt forward and punched Niasha with all the might her left arm could muster. The impact caused a tremendous shockwave of pink and blue energy at the impact point. Then with an explosive pink force being propelled forward Niasha's body began to dissipate as the surge of pink energy formed a beam shaped explosion. After the energy from Ophira's punch faded... the energy presence of Niasha... had vanished... They had done it, the evil multi-universe controlling Tyl... had been defeated. They all relaxed their energy and went back into their normal states.
"We did it." Elairin said knowing that Niasha had been defeated, "Is everyone okay?"
"I am sore and exhausted," Somaro said panting slightly, "but I am fine."
"How about you Ophira?" Elairin said looking over at Ophira who was simply looking at the ground. "Are you okay Ophira?..."
"She..." Ophira said quietly, "She knew who I was... and what I have done..."
"Ophira..." Elairin said as he thought of what else to say, "We... we knew this could happen eventually..."
"I know..." Ophira said as her voice trembled, "I just wish... that it would have never happened..."
Elairin embraces Ophira as says to her, "It will all be okay Ophira. I will always be there for you no matter what.
Somaro stood idly by before clearing his throat, "Don't you think we should be returning to your queen?" he said in a flat tone, "Let her know the good news?"
"Somaro." Elairin said sternly before sighing deeply, "Yes you are correct... We really should do that. There will after all be a lot of work reallocating all of what is under Niasha's control."
"That will not be our responsibility," Somaro said, "but the sooner we let your queen know the better."
Elairin nods as he held Ophira's hand and reached out for Somaro's. The reptilian grabs Elairin's hand as they all teleported back to the Talakar Kingdom. They head to the meeting room and speak with Prof. Rapholiam. They told her the good news as Queen Rhaim was called to come to the meeting room. After a few minutes the queen arrived.
"Thank the heavens you all survived." she said as she hugged all three of them. "Professor Rapholiam told me the good news. You three managed to defeat Niasha, I cannot thank you all enough."
"We were only doing what was right your majesty." Elairin said.
"She proved herself to be irredeemable and had to be destroyed." Somaro said.
Ophira simply stood by in silent contemplation.
"Ophira dear," the queen said approaching her, "is everything okay?"
"I'm fine..." Ophira said looking up at the queen before looking at the floor beside the queen, "I am just... thinking about something..."
"You know Professor Orlan is always available to speak with you." Rhaim said placing a hand on Ophira's shoulder, "Or even myself, I am more than willing to listen to what you have to say as well."
"Thank you..." Ophira said, "Though there seems to be more important things to do at the moment."
"Yes that is correct." Queen Rhaim said with a nod, "To begin with we must let the Talakar Kingdom know Niasha has been defeated, and spread this news across the universe. Also, if you three do not mind, since you were the ones to defeat her, I think you should be there to give a short speech."
"Given what we have done I do not mind this." Somaro said.
"I am more than willing to let to kingdom know that they can sleep easy knowing such a monster will not be able to harm them." Elairin said confidently.
"Okay..." was all Ophira said in the moment.
"As for myself," Prof. Rapholiam, "The other researches and I will begin working with neighboring universes to reallocate Niasha's controlled universes back to their proper order."
"Very good." the queen says, "I will assemble the kingdom so we may announce your victory over Niasha."
Ophira, Elairin and Somaro were soon led to a large balcony overlooking a crowd. There were also floating cameras pointed at a podium where Queen Rhaim was currently standing. The three heroes sat at a set of seats nearby as Queen Rhaim began to address the crowd as well as anyone watching the broadcast.
"To the entire kingdom of Talakar," Queen Rhaim spoke clearly into the microphone, "as you all know the Tyl by the name of Niasha was threating not only our kingdom, but the entire universe. Thankfully, our loyal knight Elairin, his wife Ophira, and this brave Serdrian Somaro managed to defeat this monster. Not only is our kingdom saved, but every universe that was under her control and every universe she wished to dominate."
The crowd was cheering knowing that Niasha, a truly dangerous threat, was now no more. As the trio sat by listening to Queen Rhaim speak, Elairin was looking over at Ophira who was still sitting in silence.
"Are you sure you are okay Ophira?" he asked as he placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Elairin..." Ophira said as she finally looked up at him, "I... I have been thinking..."
"What have you been thinking about?" he asked with genuine concern.
"I... I have been considering..." Ophira said before pausing for a moment. "I think I am going to admit what I have done."
Elairin simply looked at Ophira in silence for a moment before responding, "I understand Ophira. If you believe this will help with your trauma, I accept your decision with no reservations."
"You're absolutely certain?" she said with concern.
"Yes I am Ophira." he said with absolute certainty, "I married you knowing what you have done. I have accepted what may happen if people learn what you have done. Especially over these past few months we've been speaking with Professor Orlan I have come to be more and more accepting of that. I have chosen this risk of MY own choice, and will stick with you to the bitter end no matter what. You have more word."
"Thank you..." was all Ophira could muster to say in response.
After finishing her own speech Queen Rhaim turned to the trio. "Which of you would like to go first?"
"Somaro," Elairin said, "you may go first."
The reptilian nodded and stood up as he approached the podium.
"My species, the Serdrians," Somaro said, "have had a terrible history with the Tyl. They are ruthless, pure evil, and are irredeemable in no uncertain terms. Knowing that I could help free several universes from this monster's demonic grip is something that I realize I had to do."
As Somaro continued his speech Ophira sat, shaking and becoming increasingly nervous. The only thing helping her through her current episode of trauma was having Elairin at her side comforting her. Even Queen Rhaim was speaking kind words to the worried Umbrex. After a few minutes Somaro concluded his speech as the crowd soon applauded and cheered. He turned away from the podium and sat back down in his chair. Elairin got up next and made his way towards the podium.
"To all the people in Talakar," Elairin said, "it has been a distinct honor fighting for Queen Rhaim, the kingdom of Talakar and all of the universes outside of our own. Fighting this monster, Niasha, was something I knew I had to do. Regardless of if Queen Rhaim had ordered it or not, it was not a knightly duty, but rather knowing it was the right thing to do that drove my desire to fight her."
Elairin continued on as Ophira looked over at Somaro. He was sitting a chair apart from her and simply tapping his finger on his knee.
"Somaro," Ophira said looking over at him, "do you mind if I ask you something?"
"What is it Ophira?" he said not even bothering to look at her.
"I am considering admiting what I have done." she said quietly.
"What?" Somaro says before scoffing and turning to look at the Umbrex, "What good will that possibly do? Barely anyone knows about it, so why bother exposing it to who knows how many people?"
"If Niasha could learn what I have done," Ophira said fidgeting, "then others could learn of it as well..."
"I personally think you are insane." Somaro said flatly.
"I have lived with this secret for 8 years." she said, "it has been eating away at me this entire time. The trauma, the nightmares, I can't take it anymore..."
"And telling a massive crowd will help that?" he said with a huff, "Some secrets are better kept, especially ones as serious as this."
"I know but..." Ophira looks down at the ground, "I just want to be free of this torment..."
"Do as you will Ophira." Somaro said simply looking away from her, "I wouldn't do it, but then again I am not you."
Ophira says nothing more. A moment later Elairin finishes his speech and approaches Ophira.
"Are you ready Ophira?" Elairin asks as he held out his hand to her.
"Yes I am..." she says grabbing his hand, "Ready as I will ever be..."
Elairin helped up Ophira and embraced her. She wrapped her arms around Elairin before they let go of one another. Ophira walked up to the podium and simply looked around at the crowd of people. Ophira stood silently for a moment before making her skull helmet vanish.
"My name is Ophira Valentcia. 18 years ago, I was no different from Niasha. I had developed a god complex as I had become corrupted by the power I possessed... I... I took control over several universes as that was a desire I had at the time. In short... I was a monster... Even after gaining control over fourteen universes... I... I didn't view it as enough... I turned my sights to a fifteenth... Unbeknownst to me this universe was under the protection of someone else, and its people were loyal to this person. For several days I had attempted to coerce them... and failed..." Ophira began to tremble as tears began to well up in her eyes. "I... I was blinded by foolish rage... And... and... in a... in a terrible act... I... destroyed that entire universe..."
The entire crowd was silent aside from a few gasps and murmurs strewn throughout.
"I... I came to realize what I had done and started freeing every single universe after that. I even took it upon myself to seek out others who would head down the same dark path as myself and attempt to prevent them from doing the same thing I had done... That is why, when I learned of Niasha, I KNEW I had to stop her. She was something far worse than I was, and that is not something I can bare to allow dominion over life. The torment of holding onto this secret has been torturous both mentally and physically to me... I tell you all this not to be forgiven... but to ask for your understanding. I am not that person anymore, and I never wish to repeat what I have done. I thank you all for listening to what I had to say."
She bowed to the crowd who simply remained mostly silent aside from some scattered murmuring. Queen Rhaim soon stood up and approached the podium.
"Citizens of Talakar," the queen said, "I have known of this action Ophira has spoken of for nearly two years. I have seen first hand the mental trauma she has suffered, and I understand that she truly is no longer the evil person she was for that time. She has my absolute trust and understanding, and has displayed a true act of courage being able to admit something so dire. Furthermore, even if it does not change what she has done, I offer to her this. Ophira Valentcia, as my power as Queen of Talakar, you have my royal pardon from your past crimes. By my decree, with what you have done today, along with the help of Somara and Elairin, it is clear to me that you have done more enough to make amends for what you have done. Lastly, as requested by Ophira, all of you in the Kingdom of Talakar needn't forgive her, however at the very least understand the pain that she has suffered, and know who she is now as a person, and a hero."
With those final words some of the audience applauded and cheered, but a majority simply muttered amongst themselves and did not cheer or applaude. The ceremony ended as Queen Rhaim, Elairin and Ophira bid farewell to Somaro as he returned to his planet. The Queen thanked Ophira and Elairin for what they had done. The pair bid farewell to Queen Rhaim as they returned home to get some well deserved sleep. Once returning home they showered and changed into the clothes they would wear to bed.
"How are you feeling Ophira?" Elairin asked as they both got into bed.
"I don't really know..." Ophira said, "The secret is out there now, and I guess we'll just have to see what comes of it..."
"What's done is done." he said in response, "I am proud of you being able to admit that though."
"Thank you." she said as they both laid down to go to sleep.
As with every week Ophira needed to sleep she began to dream. The dream started in her childhood town, not an uncommon start. But she was dressed in her normal outfit and not her evil queen dress. She approached her childhood home and knocked on the door.
"Please come in." an unfamiliar male voice said from inside the house.
Ophira opened the door to see her mother's dead husband Orimin. Though having never met him, because her mother had a few black and white photos of him she knew what he looked like.
"O-Orimin?" Ophira said as she stood in the doorway looking at the male mantis.
"Come on over Ophira." he said in a warm and kind tone, "I would love to speak with you."
She nods and soon sat down on the chair opposite to him at the kitchen table.
"Thank you so much for being there for Tirima." he said with a smile, "Knowing she had someone like you after I passed has brought me joy."
"She's done so very much for me as well." Ophira said in response as she placed her hands on the table atop each other.
"I am also proud of you as well." he said placing a hand on Ophira's, "You never gave up in your darkest times, you pushed through it, and became a hero."
"I tried." she said looking up at him, "Even if destroying Niasha does not undo what I have done... it's the least I can do to make amends..."
"You have done more than most could have Ophira." he says warmly looking into her eyes, "You have a strength that not many posses, and you have used that strength to do a great good."
"Thank you..." she said as she watched him stand up. She stood up as well as Orimin soon embraced her. "Thank you... father..." she tearfully said as the dream faded away.
For the first time in eight years, hundreds of nightmares, she finally slept comfortably and peacefully. She awoke and soon sat up on the bed. She stood up and walked over to a photo that she had of her mother and father together. She picked up the photo and looked at it, specifically at Orimin. After a moment Elairin woke up and looked over at Ophira. He stood up and walked over to the Umbrex.
"Good morning Ophira." he said standing next to her, "How did you sleep?"
"Very well actually." she said looking over at Elairin, "I dreamt of my father. He told me he was thankful I was there for mother, and that he was proud of me."
"I'm glad to hear that." he said with a smile, "You certainly deserved a peaceful night free of nightmares after that ordeal."
"I agree." she said as she sat the picture back down, "I need to go tell mother about all of what has happened."
"Okay Ophira," he says with a nod, "I will be here when you return."
Ophira nods as she changes into her normal outfit. After doing so she teleports to her childhood planet and approaches Tirima's home. She knocks on the door and Timima answers it and hugs Ophira. She then escorts the Umbrex inside. Ophira talks about Niasha, as well as her admitting what she had done.
"I am so happy you survived your encounter with that Niasha person." Tirima said in a relieved tone.
"It was quite terrifying." Ophira said in response, "But with the three of us fighting toegther, we managed to defeat her."
Ophira then spoke of the dream she had involving Orimin.
"That certainly sounds like Orimin" Tirima says tearing up a little, "I wish you could have met him."
"Even if it was only within a dream," Ophira said, "meeting him in such a way did bring me joy. Especially after such an event."
"I can imagine." Tirima said, "Thank you for telling me all this Ophira."
"I was more than happy to do so." Ophira said hugging her mother, "I need to get back to Elairin."
"Okay Ophira," Tirima says with a warm smile, "thank you as always for visiting."
Ophira says goodbye and returns to Elairin. He had already gotten dressed and smiled at Ophira.
"How was Tirima?" he asked with a smile.
"She's doing well." Ophira said, "She enjoyed hearing about my dream. Said my dream of Orimin was similar to how he was when he was alive."
"Interesting coincidence," he said with a chuckle, "but if she talked enough about him then it makes sense you would dream of him being like that."
"Very true." Ophira said, "Elairin, thank you for everything. Thank you for, being so understanding about me wishing to admit what I have done."
"Ophira," he said as he placed his hands on her shoulders, "if this helps you through your trauma, that is the most important thing to me."
"Thank you." Ophira said as she wrapped her arms around him, which Elairin responds by doing the same.
