“Have you got a moment? We need to talk.”
That was an odd message. Normally, whenever Tim messaged Phovos, he’d say hello first, then ask how Phovos was doing, always sympathising with her. It was always the same. The only time he’d deviated from that same introduction was whenever something exciting was going on.
“Sure, I can talk…” Phovos replied.
“I need to tell you something. Privately.”
“Sure.”
“You promise you won’t tell anyone.”
“You know I wont tell anyone.”
Tim started typing. Phovos watched as the little dots appeared on her display. She waited patiently. After five minutes of “Tim is writing something…” though, Phovos started to get bored. She idly opened up her game and logged in, fiddling around with her menus and stuff.
Eventually, Tim finished. A message appeared on Phovos’s screen.
“I’ve been lying to you. I am the Whenvern.”
Phovos smiled and typed a quick “lol really?”as a reply.
“Yes.”
“You’re pulling my tail.”
“Seriously.”
Phovos sighed. “You’re really trying to pull my tail. And failing.”
“I’m telling the truth!” Tim furiously typed.
“Then prove it to me!”
“You know, Arkadin suggested that I tell you the truth and frankly I’m regretting it. Maybe you’re not worth my attention after all…”
Phovos tutted to herself. “Well you’re the one claiming that you are Horah Himself! Any lunatic can claim that!”
“So you want me to prove myself.”
“Yes.”
“How?”
The Raptor thought to herself. “Hm… Okay, if you’re really the Whenvern, then you can teleport through space and time, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then teleport here. And bring, I don’t know, some flowers or something.”
Phovos sighed. She sat back in her chair, waiting patiently.
Suddenly, the room felt cold. A breeze picked up. A bright light blinded Phovos, forcing her to close her eyes. The light faded as soon as it arrived, and in its place was the Whenvern. Holding a bouquet of red and white flowers.
“Well, fuck…” Phovos didn’t know what to say. “I… I take it all back. You weren’t pulling my tail.”
Kairos bowed. “But I owe you an apology as well. How in heaven’s name were you supposed to believe a few lines of text?”
Phovos shrugged. “So, uh… why are you here? Wait, have you been like, stalking me or something?”
“No.”
“Why are you playing video games with me?”
“Because I like you…” Kairos hesitated. “Actually, I should be more truthful. I fancy you. I find you attractive. And I would like to ask you on a date.”
“What?” Phovos was speechless. “Wh… what, really?”
“Yes.”
“Really?”
“Yes!”
“Really?”
Kairos grunted. “Stop that.”
“I can’t help it!” Phovos gasped. “This is insane! I’m a fucking ugly Ksithan who can’t get into normal relationships and here you are, the Dragon God of Time Himself, asking me out on a date!”
“Wait what?” It was Kairos’s turn to be confused. “You struggle with relationships with other Ksithans?”
“By Ksithan standards, I am fat and ugly. I get by because I’m angry and strong and powerful.”
The Whenvern shrugged. “Well, I think you’re beautiful. On the outside and the inside.”
“T-thank you…” Phovos stuttered, before falling silent. “What… what sort of date were you considering?”
Kairos smiled. “You interested?”
“Of course I am!” Phovos exclaimed. “The fricking Whenvern wants to go on a date with me!”
“What sort of date would you like to go on then?”
Phovos fell silent again, lost in thought. “I… I don’t know…”
“How about we start small then?” Kairos replied reassuringly. “How about we go and see some silly Temthan movie then go out for dinner?”
“Sure, that works!” Phovos smiled back.