Ophira's Meeting With Elairin
7213 GSY (Galactic Standard Year) (Ophira's Age 37)
Nearly a year had passed since Ophira had met Somaro. She had kept her promise to him and had not once visited him again, not that she had any reason to. One thing had come to Ophira's mind during the events surrounding Somaro, she had met his parents as well as reunited Somaro with his wife. These events made Ophira realize that she had no significant other, however given various factors in her life she may never find a true love. This was a painful thought, but given what she had done in the past she deemed it as acceptable that she may never find anyone...
It was a quiet day as Ophira relaxed in her current home, the sound of the phonograph playing orchestral music filled the room. This peaceful moment was interrupted by Ophira first sensing a powerful being appearing outside of her home, soon followed by the sound of a knocking on the door. The Umbrex stood up from the chair and slowly opened the door.
"H-hello?" Ophira said lightly, "Who is it?"
As the door was opened Ophira spotted a male wasp like creature standing a little taller than her standing outside her door.
"Hello miss," the wasp said calmly, "My name is Elairin Valentcia. First I would like to inquire, are you Ophira Namira?"
"Yes I am," Ophira said quietly, "why do you ask?"
"I have been sent here by my Queen to request your presence in order to discuss a few matters." Elairin stated.
"O-oh, I see." Ophira said nervously, "W-what matters are these?"
"Well ma'am," Elairin said softly clearing his throat, "the researchers under our Queen's orders found several universes under the control of yourself, as well as saveral universes controlled by a Serdrian by the name of Somaro. Our concern is to prevent any form of hostility developing between the two of you. So our hopes is that we are able to have a discussion with one of you."
"Oh, I see." Ophira said feeling uneasy at the mention of her controlling universes, "I, I suppose I have no reason to refuse."
"Very good." the wasp said with a nod, "Now then Ophira, if you do not mind do you perchance have anything more formal to wear before visiting with my Queen?"
"Oh yes," Ophira said with a nod, "I can change into a dress I have for such occasions. Would you like to come in as I get dressed?"
"If you are welcoming me ma'am I accept the offer." Elairin said as he followed Ophira inside.
Once inside Ophira offered the wasp a seat to which he expressed he is okay standing. The Umbrex then made her way into her bedroom and began to change into her formal dress. Ophira was becoming increasingly anxious as the moments passed, what if there were more questions? What if this is more serious than just attempting to quell a conflict? What if... what if these researchers knew what she has done? Once Ophira and finished putting on her dress she stood in front of the door leading to her living room. A feeling of dread and fear was overtaking her as she slowly opened the door. Looking around she spotted Elairin near the music playing phonograph.
"Ummm, Elairin sir?" Ophira said nervously.
"Yes? What is it ma'am?" the wasp said looking over at Ophira.
"I... I'm ready." she says walking over to the phonograph and switching it off.
"Very good." Elairin says with a nod, "Do you need to lock your front door first?"
"No, it is okay." she says looking at the door then back towards Elairin, "We can go whenever you are ready."
Elairin nods and holds out his hand towards Ophira. Nervously the Umbrex reaches out her trembling hand and grabs the wasp's outstretched hand. A moment later Elairin teleports Ophira and himself back to the kingdom he calls home. Elairin then lets go of Ophira's hand and tells her to follow him. The castle they had teleported within was white with a slight purple hue and was adorned with gold trim as accents. The planet as a whole was more advanced than what Ophira was used to, but the castle itself had a familiar and comforting despite its opulent appearance. As the pair walked through the halls they only stopped for a moment to allow Elairin to have a guard inform the Queen the he had Ophira with him. The guard nodded and walked off to summon the Queen to a location where this meeting was sure to occur. After a few minutes Elairin and Ophira arrive in a room with four wasp people which appeared to be high ranking officials in Ophira's eyes.
"Professors," Elairin said to the wasps, "This is Lady Ophira."
"Thank you for coming." a short female wasp said, "I am Prof. Rapholiam."
"Greeting Lady Ophira," a heavy set male wasp said, "I am Prof. Orlan."
"It is a pleasure to meet you." a tall lanky male wasp said, "I am Prof. Halar."
"We appreciate you taking the time to come here." a female wasp taller even than Elairin said, "I am Prof. Elo."
"N-nice to meet all." Ophira said nervously, "So I understand you all wished to speak with me?"
"We certainly do Ophira." Prof. Rapholiam said, "However we would like to await the arrival of Queen Rhiam. So in the mean time please have a seat while we await Her arival."
Ophira nodded and as she sat down Elairin pulled out the chair for the Umbrex and pushed it back in as the she sat down. It only took a few minutes before a tall slightly muscular female wasp entered the room. Her regal appearance made it obvious that this was the queen, however the Queen's attire wasn't as flamboyant as one might expect. The Queen smiles as she approached Ophira, once close she looked down at the seated Umbrex and looks warmly into her eyes.
"Greetings miss." the Queen said in a light, delicate and yet confident voice, "I am Queen Rhaim, I am happy that you were willing to take the time to speak with us."
"Oh, well, you're welcome." Ophira said breaking eye contact for a moment before looking back, "You seem to already know my name but I am Ophira Namira."
"It is a distinct pleasure to meet you Lady Ophira." the Queen said with a joyful smile, "I presume Elairin has informed you why you have been summoned?"
"Yes," Ophira said with a nod, "this is about Somaro and myself is that correct?"
"Yes Ophira," the Queen said taking a seat at the end of the long table, "there is much we would like to discuss in regards to the two of you. So without further ado, Prof. Rapholiam, you have the floor."
"Thank you you're majesty." the female wasp said before clearing her throat, "Now then Lady Ophira. Through our research we have discovered a number of universes that are currently under the control of a Serdrian by the name of Somaro. Equally so there are a number of universes under your control, can you confirm the validity of both of these assessments?"
"Yes." Ophira said, "Somaro controls about twenty-six universes, and I, well controlled fourteen."
"You controlled?" the professor said in a curious tone, "Do you no longer control them?"
"No I do not." Ophira said looking down at the table, "I have given up that part of my life and am freeing them in a way to avoid any power vacuums..."
"I see I see." Rapholiam said nodding, "Have you at any point met with Somaro?"
"Yes I have." the Umbrex responded.
"Is there any hostility between the two of you?" the professor asked, "For example anything that could trigger a possible conflict?"
"Not really." Ophira said shaking her head no, "He may not like me, but there is no intense hostility between the two of us."
"That is a relief to hear." the professor said placing a hand on her chin and began to think quietly. At this moment the Queen stood up and walked over to the professor. The queen and professor spoke for a moment, which Ophira was unable to hear what was being discussed. After finishing the Queen then turns to face Ophira.
"Lady Ophira," the Queen said, "the reason we have summoned you here today was of genuine concern. For you see, according to the research of the professors here they have discovered a universe that has gone missing."
The queen pressed a screen on the wall which displayed a multiversal chart showing the universes that the professors had confirmed Ophira controlled, the ones Somaro controlled and the one that Ophira had destroyed. A fear began to well up in Ophira at the sight of this chart.
"Once they had discovered this," the Queen continued, "the professors here began to research the cause of this. They were unable to deduce the precise cause however further research showed us that this universe was situated bewteen a cluster of universes that were controller by yourself and Somaro. Our primary concern was indeed that the two of you had started an inter-universal war and if that was the case we would have used available resources here in the Talakar Kingdom to quell the war between the two of you. However, if what you have told us is indeed true that is positive knowledge to possess. The primary concern now is discovering what exactly happened to this universe. Be it natural or unnatural we wish to know in order to prevent such disasters from happening in the future. So as for what we need to ask of you Lady Ophira, is if you happen to have any information in regards to this missing universe."
Upon being asked this the Umbrex's vision began to blur, the sound of a high pitched tone was all she could hear. Soon enough she began to fall back in her chair which began to fall backwards, luckily Elairin near instantaneously flashed behind the Umbrex to catch her before she fell to the ground. It was soon discovered that Ophira had blacked out...
Half an hour later Ophira opened her eyes, she was laying in a bed a few rooms away from the room where the meeting had been occurring. Queen Rhaim was the first person the Umbrex spotted.
"How are you feeling Ophira?" the Queen asked with genuine concern in her voice.
"I... I'm okay." Ophira said looking away from the queen.
"Lady Ophira?" Prof. Rapholiam said as she was in the room as well, "Are you okay? Are these black outs common? And do you happen to know what caused it?"
"Yes I am fine." Ophira said, "No they are not that common... and... I do believe I know what caused it..." looking around she noticed Elairin was in the room as well.
"Do you wish to talk about it?" the Queen said sitting on the foot of the bed looking at Ophira with concern.
The Umbrex was silent as she sat up and then shifted to the side edge of the bed, "It's... it's a lot to talk about, and very difficult for me to discuss..."
"If you don't wish to talk about it Ophira," the Queen says shifting closer to Ophira and placing a hand on the Umbrex's knee, "we wouldn't judge you for not speaking of it."
"N-no..." Ophira says looking down, "If... if I don't speak of this... and just keep it to myself... I will never get past it... First, I must ask, how many people will know about what I will say here."
"Just us Lady Ophira." Prof. Rapholiam said assuredly, "Queen Rhaim, Elairin, myself and most likely the three other professors you met prior. We are not recording this and have no reason to speak of these matters to anyone else. We can guarantee that this will be confidential to the six of us."
"Okay..." the Umbrex said before recounting her life's story, her particular flaw as an Umbrex, her corruption, the controlling of the fourteen universes... as well as...
"And then..." Ophira says trembling slightly as she magically removes her skull helmet. Tears the well up in her eyes before she continues, "in a blind rage... I destroyed that entire universe."
The room was quiet aside from the sounds of Ophira crying. After a moment the Queen places her hand on Ophira's shoulder. "What happened afterwards Ophira?" the Queen said in a caring tone.
The Umbrex the speaks of the guilt and grief she experienced, her blacking out, hallucinating a vision of herself, as well as speaking with her mother.
"And then my mother told me something that has stuck with me." Ophira said looking at Elairin, the professor and then the Queen, "She said to me 'Ophira, you have the strength to make sure this never happens again.' When she said that, I realized what I can do with these powers I have, I can prevent others who are corrupted like I was from going down that same dark path. That has become my life's work."
"That is indeed a noble thing to do after such a tragic event Ophira." the Queen says, "The fact that you didn't simply give up is a testament to you as a person."
The Queen then stood up and asked Ophira to stand up as well. Upon doing so the Queen held Ophira close and embraced the Umbrex, "Ophira, you are such a brave person for admitting what you have done." the Queen said in a comforting tone, "The courage you have shown is immeasurable."
"Th-thank you..." Ophira says wrapping her arms around the Queen. She felt a motherly comfort in the wasp Queen's embrace.
"You are most welcome." the Queen says letting go of Ophira and stepping back.
"Thank you for telling us all of this Ophira," Prof. Rapholiam said, "Although what happened to that universe and its people is tragic, it is fortunate to know that it's not an ongoing occurrance."
"That is for certain." Ophira said looking over at the professor as she makes her skull helmet reappear, "I don't ever wish to repeat that dreaded event."
"Even though we have only just met," the Queen says with a warm smile, "I can certainly say that I trust your words with no uncertainty. Now then, is there anything else you wish to share Ophira?"
"There's nothing that I can really think of." Ophira said in response.
"And how about you Prof. Rapholiam?" the Queen asked.
"There is nothing more that I believe we need to know." the professor responded, "We know what happened to the universe, we've gathered enough evidence to presume Ophira is giving up control of the universes under her control, and most importantly there is no conflict occurring between her and Somaro."
"I have a question for Lady Ophira." Elairin said as he approached the Umbrex, "Lady Ophira, do you happen to have any form of martial arts training?"
"No, I can't say that I have." Ophira said looking over at him. "I've never felt any reason to train in any such way."
"That is understandable. However," Elairing said, "if you are serious about confronting beings that are corrupted as you once were it may be wise to learn. I says this because you can never know what training the other person possesses. If you were encounter someone weaker than you, but far more skilled they may be able to defeat you. At the same time you may encounter someone much more powerful than yourself, having greater skills than they possess could turn the tide of battle in your favor. Given your presumed power it would be difficult to find someone to train you that would be on a level suited to your strength. On account of this I am willing to offer my services with Queen Rhaim's permission of course."
"Elairin," the Queen says with a smile, "if Ophira wishes to you have my blessing to train her."
"Thank you your Majesty." Elairin says bowing to her, "Well then Ophira, what is your answer?"
"With the points you made," Ophira said turning to face him, "I am willing to train under you."
"Very good." Elairin said "Now then, if you will excuse me your Majesty, I will take my leave."
"Of course Elairin." the Queen said happily, "Ophira, I wish you the best of luck with the training. You are good hands under the tutelage of Elairin."
With everything said Elairin held out his hand to Ophira which she slowly grabs ahold of. He then teleported Ophira and himself to his home some miles away from the castle.
"Today is not a good day to begin training," Elairin said letting go of Ophira's hand, "but starting tomorrow at this time you will meet me here. From here I will take you to a place where I can train you. Is that okay with you?"
"Yes it is Elairin." Ophira said with a nod, "Are you okay with me wearing the clothes I had on when you came to my house?"
"If that is what you wish to wear during training I have no issues with it." the wasp responded.
"Okay thank you." Ophira said looking at Elairin's large home, "I suppose I will see you tomorrow then?"
"Yes." Elairin said with a nod, "Have a good day Lady Ophira."
"Thank you and you too." Ophira said before teleporting back home.
The next Day Ophira teleported outside of Elairin's home. The Umbrex was slightly stressed about the upcoming training, fortunately the stress wasn't as intense as with the events the day before. The Umbrex knocks on the door of Elairin's home, then a moment later the door opened.
"Hello Ophira," Elairin said welcoming Ophira inside, "thank you for coming."
"No problem." The Umbrex said entering the wasp's home.
"Now then Lady Ophira," Elairin said closing the front door, "are you still willing to partake in my training?"
"Yes I am Elairin." she says with a nod, "We may start anytime."
"Very good." the wasp says holding out his hand to Ophira. Once she grabs ahold of it Elairin teleports the pair to a deserted planet. "This is where we will be training. There are no people or living creatures on this planet, so there is no worry of harm befalling anyone once the training intensifies. Before I begin the training, I would like to have a quick sparring match with you Ophira. The reason being is I would like to assess your existing skills."
"Oh, alright." Ophira said fidgeting a little.
"You needn't worry Ophira." Elairin says placing a hand on Ophira's shoulder, "I assume you wish not to harm me, nor do I wish to harm you. Be that as it may I would still prefer if you attempt to fight me as though the fight actually matters. Treat it as though you would be fighting against a corrupted being with a god complex whom you wish to subdue."
"I... I will try Elairin." she said nervously. During her time of corruption Ophira hadn't done much serious fighting as she was able to overpower anyone she came across. Furthermore even now as she is preventing other corrupted beings she hadn't had much need for fighting. As Elairin had said the day prior, knowing how to properly fight would be a boon to Ophira. "I... I think I am ready Elairin."
"Very good," the wasp says with a nod as he takes a few steps away from Ophira, "we will spar until I say for us to stop." The wasp then takes a stance, holds up his arms and asks Ophira to begin.
The Umbrex rushes forward closing the several meter distance in a fraction of a second and then attempts a roundhouse kick. Elairin spotted how easily telegraphed the kick was and blocked it with ease. The wasp countered by punching at her exposed side, Ophira however blocked this attack, not skillfully but very quickly and then hopped back away from Elairin. The wasp rushed towards Ophira and attempts to distract the Umbrex with one attack only to then perform a sweeping kick, once more he noted that the Umbrex did not skillfully dodge, block or counter any of these attacks, however noticed that she reacted to these attacks VERY quickly. The exchange of attacks lasted for several minutes until Elairin hopped back from Ophira and told her to stop.
"That is enough Ophira." Elairin said as he relaxed his posture, "I will be blunt Ophira, your form and strikes I can see are sloppy. Furthermore I provided you with several openings that you did not take advantage of. Furthermore I attacked in ways that could be easily countered however you did not. In all of this however I can see that your reflexes are keen and you can visually see what is happening and react to it. That alone will make the training much easier, but there is much work to be done to teach you the basics and how to apply them with your power and speed."
"O-okay..." the Umbrex said looking away from Elairin, "So I am trainable at least?"
"I never said you weren't Ophira." he said approaching her, "I merely wished to assess your skills to know where I would need to begin. There is no shame in not knowing how to fight properly, you said just yesterday you have never felt a reason to train after all."
"That is true." Ophira said looking back up at the wasp, "Are we still going to start training?"
"Yes we will Ophira." Elairin said before clearing his throat, "To begin with I have a question about you being an Umbrex. Are you the type of Umbrex that does not need to breathe?"
"That is correct." Ophira confirmed, "I have no organs so therefore I do not breathe."
"Very good." the wasp says with a nod, "Because of that there is no need to do any deep breathing exercises and skip right to the training on stance and form. Are you ready?"
"Yes I am Elairin." Ophira says.
With that the wasp begins to teach Ophira the basics of proper stance, and proper form in regards to punching, kicking, and general body movements to maximize impact. This first day of training lasted for nearly two hours. Neither Ophira or Elairin could tire easily so the constant repetition of kicks, punches and movements were not taxing on either of them. With the day's training concluded the wasp stepped back from Ophira.
"You did well on your first day of training Ophira." Elairin said.
"Thank you." Ophira responded, "I hope you do not feel that training me is a waste of time."
"I certainly do not Ophira." he says placing a hand on her shoulder to affirm his statement, "After your visit to Talakar Kingdom Queen Rhaim and the professors spoke about you. Prof. Orlan specifically is an expert in psychology and deduced that your blacking out was likely triggered by intense PTSD. Based on their deduction you have intense guilt over your actions, which is likely part of the the reason you have turned to preventing other beings from doing what you have done. Because of all of this I am willing to help make this undertaking a safer task for you."
"It's not just that Elairin." the Umbrex said looking away, "I just don't want to think of another universe being destroyed by anyone else. If I can prevent further death, to lessen the suffering of others, it's the least I can do..."
"That shows you have compassion and a purpose." Elairin said confidently, "Is there anything else you wish to say?"
"Nothing that I can think of." the Umbrex responded.
"Very good." Elairin said with a nod, "Now then, will you be okay with training three times a week?"
"That is fine." Ophira said with a nod.
"Very good," Elairin responded, "for the first week I will come to your home so you can learn the which days I will train you, afterwards you can simply come to my home. Is that alright?"
"Yes it is Elairin." the umbrex responded.
"Very good." the wasp said, "With that I will see you a couple days from now."
With the day's training concluded Ophira teleported back to her home to relax. She consider if she wished to explore more universes to attempt to locate any corrupted beings but opted instead to practice more of what she had just learned.
Days of training turned into weeks, Ophira was quickly becoming more proficient in Elairin's teachings even as the training advanced in complexity. After a few months of training Ophira noticed that she began to eagerly anticipate the coming day's training session. What was unusual to the Umbrex was that it was less about the training and more so simply getting to see Elairin. Despite being in no danger around the wasp, after six months Ophira started to feel unusual around Elairin, a slight feeling of anxiety would overcome her. These feelings were foreign to Ophira so she decided to talk to her mother about them. The Umbrex teleported back to her birth home and knocked on her mother's door. A moment later the door was opened by her mother Tirima whom smiled upon seeing Ophira.
"Hello Ophira," the mantis said in a happy tone, "please come on in."
"Thank you mother." Ophira said walking inside.
"I'm always happy to have you visit Ophira." Tirima said as the pair sat down in the living room, "How is your training going with that Elairin fellow?"
"Oh it's going very well." the Umbrex said happily, "In fact I wanted to talk to you about Elairin specifically."
"As always you know I am happy to listen Ophira." Tirima says with a warm smile.
"Well mother," Ophira said, "lately I have been feeling... unusual around Elairin. I've been diligently training with him and everything is remaining professional... but... I've been feeling more and more eager to see him, but at the same time I feel anxious around him. At times I want to, I don't know, talk about things other than training but I just... don't. I... well... do you think that, I am falling in love with him?"
"Ophira," Tirima says placing a hand on Ophira's knee, "what you just described is how I felt around Orimin when I met him."
"So, it's likely that I AM falling in love with Elairin." Ophira said fidgeting, "It's just that... I don't know if he would even like me, and even if he did there are so many problems with being in a relationship with me... I cannot have children, and worst of all, he would have to share the burden of my terrible past with me... Even beyond that, I don't even know if he is married... I know surprisingly little about him..."
"Well Ophira," the mantis said, "having children isn't the most important thing, just look at the Somaro fellow and his wife you have talked about before. Secondly it's clear Elairin knows what you have done and yet he still wishes to help you, I'd say there is a level of compassion there regardless of your past actions. Lastly, there is no harm in talking with him. I am sure if you showed up on a training day as requested instead of training that the two of you simply talk he wouldn't mind."
"I... I guess you're right." Ophira said in a nervous tone, "I guess I am just worried is all..."
"I can understand that Ophira." Tirima said giving Ophira a hug before sitting back down, "I will say though, simply having a casual conversation with Elairin will be a lot less terrifying than having to admit your past transgressions."
"That... That is very true mother." Ophira said looking at her mother, "I think... I think the next training day I will... I will ask Elairin if we can talk."
"Wonderful to hear Ophira." the mantis said happily, "I'm sure the conversation will go well with him Ophira.
"Thank you mother." Ophira said standing up and lovingly hugging Tirima, "I think, I will spend the next few days to think about what I want to say to him."
"Sounds nice." Tirima said standing up, "I wish you the best of luck."
Ophira nodded and headed out of Tirima's home and back to her current home. As the weekend passed Ophira felt both anxious and excited about the upcoming training day. Once the day had arrived her mind was entirely made up that she WOULD ask Elairin to simply have a conversation. The Umbrex teleported to Elairin's home and confidently knocked upon his door. A moment later the wasp answers.
"Good afternoon Ophira." Elairin said, "Are you ready for today's training?"
"Well, Elairin. A... actually." Ophira stammered and began to fidget, "I was wondering if... maybe we could... take today off and... well... simply talk?"
"Oh, that's unexpected." the wasp said taken aback, "I have no issues with that Ophira. Would you like to come inside then?"
"Yes please." the Umbrex said nervously following Elairin into his home. Despite not being the first time inside the large house this visit was starkly different than all prior times.
"Please take a seat." the wasp said before the pair sat down, "So then Ophira, what is it you would like to talk about?"
"Well... Elairin..." Ophira said as she looked at the wasp only to break eye contact with him, "Could you tell me about yourself? Maybe, umm, well about your upbringing?"
"Oh, well, there's not much excitement to it." the wasp said leaning back into his chair, "I was born into a family of nobles, tenth generation in fact. I was raised to carry on this family tradition, was taught manners, etiquette and the basic duties befitting a noble. However as I aged my strength and power began to grow, it became great enough that I felt it would be a waste to keep myself held up in a castle. Because of this I decided to become a knight in service to Queen Rhaim. Fortunately for me my parents welcomed my decision and blessed my desire to become a knight. Queen Rhaim saw my potential and knew of someone who could train me to be a better fighter. The Talakar Kingdom is allied with a kingdom in a neighboring universe and there was a knight working for their king whom was requested to train me. Master Heird, he was like a second father to me. He trained me much in the way I am training you and I am grateful to his teachings. During the training my power and strength reached its peak which is what I assume you are able to sense now. After the training I have been basically doing what you speak of doing yourself. My duty is finding beings that could pose harm to life itself. That is of course why I was sent to find you or Somaro. If there was conflict between the two of you we wished to stifle that, luckily for all involved that was not the case."
"I see. It's very nice of your parents to be so accepting." Ophira said, "And, Master Heird sounds like a wonderful person."
"Yes, all very fortunate to have such kind people in my life." Elairin said with a nod, "With what little you have said of your mother, it seems as though you too are fortunate. She seems like a very wonderful person. So on that subject, what about you Ophira? What was your upbringing like?"
"It was basic I suppose." Ophira said, "As an Umbrex I... simply came to be from a puddle of dark matter material and..." Elairin held out to hand to stop Ophira.
"Sorry for interrupting but a moment Ophira," Elairin said, "why do you say 'came to be?"'
"Well, it's not as though I was born..." the Umbrex answered.
"That doesn't really matter though." the wasp asserted, "You were given life, you have a mind and soul, there is no reason to demeen yourself in such a way."
"I... I suppose you are right." the Umbrex said looking down at the floor, "Well, I was... born... in a cavern and the rest of my... siblings... all made our way our of the cavern and onto the surface. We all went our own separate ways and that is when I happened to find the small town with my soon to be mother."
"What was she like Ophira?" Elairin said.
"She was gentle and kind." Ophira said sounding happy to speak about her mother, "I was very fortunate that she raised me."
"Was there a father or father in your life?" the wasp asked.
"No." Ophira answered, "From what mother told me he had passed away three months before I ca... before I was born."
"I'm sorry to hear that..." Elairin said, "If he was anything like your mother I imagine he would have been a great person."
"From what mother has told me, he certainly was." Ophira said happily, "As for the rest of my childhood, well, it was mostly uneventful. My home planet isn't as advanced as yours, we don't really have much advanced technology. Not many motorized vehicles, mostly locomotives, and electricity was only discovered a short time before I was born. I did watch some small orchestras perform as I like that kind of music."
"It seems as though you had a happy childhood none the less." Elairin said.
"Yes, I was happy." the Umbrex said with a nod. "And well... after that was... I suppose you already know."
"Then there is no reason to discuss that part of your life." Elairin said, "What is important is that you are turning your life around and now doing what others cannot. Preventing dangerously powerful or corrupt beings from committing atrocities is something to be proud of."
"Yes, I suppose you are correct." the Umbrex said becoming slightly less anxious about talking to Elairin, "Ummm, do you, have any hobbies?"
"Just a few." the wasp responded, "I play piano which I have in another room. I do not write any music but I do enjoy playing various pieces that I enjoy. I also enjoy reading about various cosmic phenomena as it fascinates me."
"Oh, you play piano?" Ophira's eyes almost glimmered at the idea, "I've never realy thought of playing any instruments, I don't know if I could..."
"You don't know until you try Ophira." Elairin said, "Before training did you think you would ever be able to fight with the martial arts I have taught you?"
"Not really." the Umbrex responded.
"Well then," Elairin said with a light chuckle, "who's to say you wouldn't be able to learn to play an instrument? Perhaps a stringed instrument would work for you."
"I, I will actually think about that." Ophira said happily.
"How about you Ophira?" Elairin said, "Do you have any hobbies?"
"Not much." Ophira said, "I listen to symphony music as mentioned before, and I have been sculpting some."
"Sculpting?" the wasp said curiously, "Do you use clay or carve from stone?"
"Oh, the latter." Ophira responded, "I don't really need tools as I can simply carve using my hands. Either scraping with my fingers or using quick strikes. I've noticed that thanks to the martial arts training I am able to sculpt with more accuracy."
"That's quite interesting." Elairin said with a chuckle, "I had no idea that this training could be used for such a practice. I wouldn't mind seeing some of your sculptures some time."
"Oh, well it's turning dark soon on my current home planet." Ophira said.
"Some other time would be good then," the wasp responded, "provided you are okay with that."
"I don't mind at all." Ophira said "Perhaps next week so I don't miss out on yet more training?"
"That would be perfect Ophira." Elairin said with a nod.
"Okay~" Ophira said gleefully, "Would six hours earlier than this time next week be fine?"
"Perfectly fine Ophira." the wasp responded.
Afterwards the two continued to talk about various subjects. It was clear that Ophira was becoming more and more comfortable talking with Elairin. Furthermore Ophira could see that she was indeed falling in love with Elairin. She eventually asked Elairin if he was married. He said that he was not and that the reason why is given his occupation. Elairin worries about any evil person taking advantage of his significant other. So Elairin states that he has made peace with the fact that he may never marry. After talking for a little over an hour Ophira says her goodbyes to Elairin and returns home.
More months of training passed, every few weeks the pair would take breaks to have conversations, visit each others homes and so on. Ophira would show Elairin her collection of sculptures she had carved, and Elairin would perform on piano for Ophira. Elairin's idea to learn a stringed instrument was something Ophira took thought of as well. So during these months Ophira also returned to her birth planet and took viola lessons from a performer she knew of growing up. After a full year of training, as well getting to know one another, both Elairin and Ophira introduced each other to their respective parents. Elairin's parents were more dignified than even Elairin was, however they were certainly not pompous. Elairin meeting with Ophira's mother Tirima went very well. Tirima even mentioning how certain aspects of Elairin reminded her of her late husband. Soon enough, eighteen months of training had passed. Elairin could see that it was time to move onto another level of the training.
Ophira knocked on Elairin's door which was answered but a moment later.
"Come on in Ophira, I need to talk to you about something." Elairin said escorting the Umbrex inside.
"Very well." Ophira said happily heading inside. "What do you need to talk about?"
"Well Ophira," the wasp says facing Ophira, "in these eighteen months I feel as though you have learned enough to go into the next phase of training. First I must ask, in all of our training have you ever used your full power or strength?"
"Oh." she says in a surprised tone, "I can't say that I have. In fact I only have entered that state once, and that was... well... just before I became corrupted by it."
"I see." the wasp says with a nod, "Well the reason why I ask is because I wish to train you while you are in your full powered state. This is something that would be useful to know as well."
"Yes I do agree." Ophira says looking at Elairin, "If this was asked a year ago... I don't think I would have be willing to do this. But... since you have been so helpful towards me, I feel that I will... well... not lose myself again."
"You've come too far to lose yourself again Ophira." Elairin affirms as he places his hands on her shoulders.
"Thank you." Ophira says wrapping her arms around the wasp hugging him close to her, "I may... have to train in the nude however."
"W-why is that?" Elairin asks coming out of the embrace.
"When I first entered my full powered state," Ophira said, "the energy my body was producing destroyed my clothing."
"I... do not feel comfortable with you exposing yourself for the sake of training." the wasp said firmly.
"It's no matter Elairin," Ophira responded, "it's not as though I have anything to expose."
Elairin sighs, "Be that as it may, I would still rather you did not have to expose yourself. Luckily there is a simple solution to this issue. It may possibly mean no training today, but I can get you an outfit made of the same material my clothing is made of. I assume it should be able to withstand your full powered state without disintegrating."
"Oh!" Ophira exclaimed, "That would work perfectly then."
"Very good." the wasp says chuckling and rubbing the back of his head, "The tailor is a thirty minute walk away, would you like to teleport or simply walk?"
"I'd love to walk Elairin." Ophira responded holding out her hand to Elairin.
"Very well Ophira." Elairin says holding the Umbrex's hand and escorting her out of his home.
The pair walked alond the sidewalks leading to the tailors. Ophira looked around at the now familiar sights of the city where Elairin lived. The sun was slowly setting making the lights of the buildings more visible. During the walk the pair talked about various subjects, some points being that Ophira had created more sculptures as well making progress with her viola lessons. The thirty minute time it took to arrive at the tailors passed quickly thanks to the conversation. Elairin held the door open for Ophira as she entered and was promptly followed by the wasp.
"Hello and welcome to Gemoirs." the female wasp behind the counter said, "How may we be of service today?"
"Lady Ophira here," Elairin said gesturing towards the Umbrex, "would like an outfit matching what she is currently wearing. It needs to be made of Calesia please."
"Of course Mr. Valentcia." the female wasp said, "Right this way ma'am."
Ophira followed the female wasp and was told to step on a small pedastal and place her hands on two pillar like objects at her sides. After doing so a machine scanned Ophira's body as well as the outfit to acquire accurate measurements.
"All done ma'am," the wasp lady said with a smile, "You may step down." Ophira does so. "Would you also like the bow in your horn to be made as well ma'am?"
"Yes please." Ophira responded.
"Very well~ One moment while we make an estimate." the wasp lady said with a smile as she pulled out a hand held device. After pushing a few buttons she then looks up, "The outfit should be able to be done in approximately two hours and will cost one hundred and sixty-three Tarak. Is that okay?"
Ophira looks over at Elairin.
"Yes that is fine." Elairin responded, "You still have my information on file?"
"Of course we do Mr. Valentcia," the wasp lady said with a smile, "we will contact you when the outfit is finished."
"Thank you very much." Elairin said.
"Yes thank you." Ophira said soon after.
With that business taken care of the pair leaves the tailors. Ophira asks Elairin how they will spend the next couple hours, to which Elairin decides to walk her to a location he always enjoyed. There was a cliff outside of the city, which Elairin pointed towards saying that was their destination. The distance would take over an hour to walk to, so the pair began to walk and talk about more subject. The arrived at a set of stair leading up the side and back of the cliff. As they walked up the stairs they soon arrived at this clifftop. Ophira could soon see the city appearing within view and once they were in the right spot the entire city could be seen. The lights, the vehicles, it could all be seen from this perfect vantage point.
"Wow, it's lovely up here!" Ophira said in wonder at the glorious view.
"It certainly is Ophira." he said looking over the view, "Even having seen this hundreds of times it never gets old."
"I can see why Elairin" the Umbrex said sitting down near the edge of the cliff. Elairin sat down next to her as well.
The pair simply sat for a few minutes just basking in the scenery as the sun slowly sat over the horizon.
"Ophira." Elairin said looking over at the Umbrex.
"What is it Elairin?" Ophira said looking back at him.
"Over this past year and a half," he says placing a hand on her knee, "I have come to love you. Your personality, your voice, you, you mean a lot to me Ophira."
"I..." Ophira says placing her hand on Elairin's, "I have loved you for some time as well Elairin. You have been so kind, so welcoming, so understanding."
"It's simply how I am Ophira." the wasp says gazing into Ophira's eyes.
Ophira gazes back into Elairin's eyes as she then leans into his side. The wasp lovingly wraps an arm around Ophira as the pair watched the sun set. The loving moment was only interrupted by Elairin's phone making a sound. The wasp takes his arm from around Ophira to see a message on the phone informing him that Ophira's outfit was ready. Seeing this they both stood up and teleported back to the tailors. Once inside Ophira was asked to try on the outfit in the changing room. It fit perfectly with no issues. Elairin paid for the outfit and soon after the pair exited the tailors.
"So then Ophira," Elairin said looking over at the Umbrex, "would you still like to do any training or skip today?"
"I would like to train." Ophira said, "It would be better to know that this outfit works sooner than later after all."
"That is true." the wasp said as he held Ophira's hand and teleported the pair to the training planet. "Now then Ophira, if you are okay with it you may enter your fully powered state." Elairin then steps away a couple of meters and turns his back to Ophira.
Ophira nodded before the wasp turned around and soon relaxed. She focused as she had done the very first time and with a sound that was a combination of a loud gust of wind and electricity crackling her solid black body turned glowing pink exactly like her glowing pink eyes. Ophira then examined the outfit, even tugging on various sections of it and sure enough it was not disintegrating or even degrading in any way shape or form.
"Okay Elairin," Ophira said, "the outfit works perfectly."
"Very good." The wasp says as he turns around, "How are you feeling Ophira? Are you in complete control over your body and mind?"
"Yes I am Elairin." the Umbrex says looking down at her glowing pink body, "This isn't a power to abuse, this is simply the power I possess that, when needed, I can use it to prevent catastrophic events from occurring."
"That is correct." Elairin said as a sound similar to Ophira entering her fully powered state erupted from Elairin. An energetic blue aura surrounded the wasp and any loose clothing the wasp was wearing was fluttering about from the energy his body was producing. "Now then Ophira, I want you to start by doing all of what I taught you at the beginning of your training."
Ophira nods and steps close to the wasp and begins doing the simple jabs and kicks from the start of training. Since Ophira didn't use this state much she wasn't as prepared for the intense speed and strength increase. Elairin was able to block the jabs and kicks easily enough, but the impacts caused immense shockwaves resulting in craters to appear on the ground. Ophira was shocked by this, but Elairin reassured the Umbrex that this planet had absolutely no life on it, and furthermore this is why they are training. She nods in agreement and resumes the beginner level moves. After five minutes Elairin stops Ophira for a moment.
"How are you feeling right now Ophira?" Elairin asked, "Is being in this state exhausting you in any way?"
"No" Ophira says moving her arms, legs and leaning her upper body to the left and right, "I feel completely fine."
"Good." the wasp says, "Just making sure this state was not taxing on your body."
The Umbrex nods as Elairin asks Ophira to resume the training. It took Ophira several minutes to become accustomed to her new speed and strength, but soon enough any sloppiness began to fade and was replaced with the precision she had learned over eighteen months. Elairin asked again at ten minutes of training if Ophira was still fine, which she was. After this point the wasp started asking every ten minutes. It took the full two hours of a typical training session, however Ophira was coming to grips with this full powered state of hers. Elairin congratulated the Umbrex on the day's training as the pair reverted back to their normal states. The wasp once more asked Ophira how she was feeling, which she responded by confirming that she felt no issues.
After a few months the training advanced further into the prior teachings as Ophira was making use of the attacks, counters and guards she had learned. Every passing day it was feeling more natural to the Umbrex. The training soon led to using the energy her body produces to propel herself through the air, simply put she was learning how to fly using this energy. During this particular training Elairin also taught Ophira how to fly even outside of her fully powered state. This was accomplished by simply focusing her energy around her hands and "feet" without entering her fully powered state. This took some time to learn but eventually Ophira attained relative mastery over it. This of course led to training with fighting while flying as well, then flying while fighting in her fully powered state. As more months passed Ophira was becoming very adept at the martial arts being taught to her. Though not near Elairin's nearly two decades of experience the Umbrex was holding her own against the wasp when their sparring matches became a little more serious. Elairin was certainly more skilled than Ophira, but their strength was fairly close to one another with Elairin being a small percentage more powerful than Ophira.
A little over twenty-three months of training had passed. Ophira had become more confident about her strength and skills, and was even more comfortable with herself as a person. The Umbrex was unsure how much more training there was to be had, but she eagerly awaited the appointed time to visit Elairin to proceed to training. However as she waited for the appointed time at home, she sensed the wasp appearing outside of her home. Ophira awaited the knock before opening the door.
"Hello Elairin~" the Umbrex said gleefully, "Have you decided to come to get me for training instead of the other way around?"
"No that is not it Ophira." Elairin said with a chuckle, "My I come inside?"
"Of course you may." the Umbrex said eagerly inviting the wasp inside.
"Ophira," Elairin said turning to face the Umbrex once they were inside, "I have come to let you know that I believe that you are skilled enough to mark the end of your training with me."
"OH!" the Umbrex exclaimed, "So no more training sessions then?"
"No." the wasp responded, "I feel that there is nothing new that I can teach you and we would simply be retreading old ground. Obviously it would be desired for you to continue to train in your free time so you do not forget what you have learned, and to fully master what you have learned."
"Worry not Elairin," Ophira said looking at the wasp, "I planned on doing that anyway."
"Very good~" the wasp said with a smile, "There was also something else I wished to ask. I was wondering if you would like to accompany me to an orchesrta performance on my home planet?"
"That, that would be wonderful!~" the Umbrex exclaimed excitedly, "What time does it start?"
"In roughly an hour." Elairin responded, "It is a formal event by the way."
"Oh yes, I expected as much." the Umbrex said with a light giggle, "I will change into my dress then." Elairin nodded as Ophira walked into her bedroom and began to change. As Ophira changed her thoughts turned to the first time she met Elairin, she remembered how anxious and fearful she was of what could happen. Now any time the Umbrex sees Elairin she is elated and excited to be with him. Once dressed Ophira makes her way out into the living room, "Okay Elairin, I am ready~"
"Very good." Elairin says with a smile as he looks over the Umbrex in her dress, "You always looked lovely in that outfit."
"Thank you Elairin." Ophira says as she approached the wasp and held out her hand, "I am ready whenever you are Elairin."
Elairin eagerly takes Ophira's hand and teleports the pair a distance away from the auditorium. The wasp had chosen to never show Ophira this auditorium. Elairin did this because ever since he knew how much the Umbrex loved orchestral music he wanted to save this auditorium as a surprise for the right moment. The distance he teleported them made for a grand reveal as they drew close to the auditorium, and once Ophira could see the massive building she was astounded by its shear size. As the pair drew closer to the building Ophira's excitement grew. There were several people entering the building, most of which were dressed as formally as one would expect. Once inside the female wasp usher welcomed the pair.
"Greetings Mr. Valentcia." the usher said happily, "Do you and your guest need an escort to your private balcony?"
"No ma'am." Elairin responded, "Thank you for asking none the less."
"Very well." the usher said, "I hope you enjoy the performance."
They both nodded as they made their way up the stairs leading the Elairin's private balcony. A male wasp was standing outside of Elairin's balcony room and opened the door for Elairin and Ophira. The Umbrex entered first and was followed by Elairin. As the Umbrex entered she was able to see the massive audience inside of the auditorium. Despite its massive size the auditorium was nearly filled to capacity.
"There are so many people here!" Ophira exclaimed, "There must be more people here than in my home town."
"This auditorium has a seating capacity of around 57,000 people." Elairin confirmed.
"That's incredible!" the Umbrex exclaimed looking over the audience. It wasn't just wasps, there were creatures from other planets, Umbrexes, Serdrians and even Queen Rhaim was in a private balcony of her own as well.
Ophira watched as the performers sat up their instruments, as well as the chorus lining up as well. As the time ticked by the auditorium was filled and the orchestra was entirely set up. What Ophira found most interesting was the lack of modern technology inside the building, in fact the only technology that was to be seen was a microphone being used as an official introduced the audience to the orchestra, chorus as well as the conductor. Furthermore the official spoke of the pieces which will be performed as well as the abridged history of the composers who wrote the pieces, some of which were said to be locals to the planet. The auditorium's silence there after was only broken by the orchestra which began to perform. Ophira was awe struck at the sound of the orchestra, she had never experience something to this level. Any orchestra's the Umbrex had seen prior were back on her home planet and were barely even one eighth the size of this one. The string section, the woodwind, the brass, the percussion, they all performed expertly.
After 3 pieces the next piece would feature the chorus as well. It was the most beautiful piece Ophira had ever heard. At one point in the piece there was an intense build up with one female in the chorus hitting the most perfect and beautiful high note the Umbrex had ever heard. Ophira became so emotional she had the remove her skull helmet as tears began to trickle down her cheeks. Seeing this Elairin pulls a handkerchief out of his pocket and offers it to Ophira. The Umbrex graciously takes it and wipes the joyful tears from her face.
One hour and ten minutes of musical bliss had finally passed, which marked the end of the performance. The entire audience, including Ophira and Elairin, clapped in thunderous applause at the conclusion of the immaculate performance. With the conclusion of the performance Ophira and Elairin exited the wasp's private balcony and made their way out of the auditorium.
"That was incredible Elairin!" Ophira exclaimed as she hugged the Elairin close to her.
"I'm elated that you enjoyed it Ophira." Elairin said as he wrapped his arms around the Umbrex.
"I don't think I will ever forget that experience for as long as I live." Ophira said gazing into Elairin's eyes.
"I'm glad I could take you then Ophira." the wasp says as he lets go of Ophira's embrace, "I'd like to show you one last thing."
Ophira nods before Elairin teleports the pair to a nearby cliff. The vantage point provided an exquisite view of the auditorium and surrounding city.
"It's so massive," Ophira said absorbing the view, "but from up here it looks surprisingly small."
"It is quite a perspective from up here." the wasp says holding Ophira close to him.
"I could attend one of those performances every week and never grow tired of them." Ophira said.
"As could I." the Elairin responded before stepping beside the Umbrex. "Ophira."
"What is it?" the Umbrex said turning to face Elairin.
"We have known each other for nearly two years." Elairin says gazing into Ophira's eyes, "Despite being different in many ways, I feel I have more in common with you than anyone I have ever met. I am deeply in love with you and want to be with you for as long as I live... Ophira... Will you marry me?"
Ophira was shocked by the question, "I... Of course I will!" Ophira exclaimed before removing her skull helmet and began to cry once more. Elairin pulls her in close and lovingly embraces his future wife. This embrace was not foreign to Ophira, but in this particular moment, in Elairin's loving arms, she had never felt more happy and more safe than she had in that single moment...
