“Oops.”
Istoria sighed as she bent down to pick up the pen she had dropped. But as she got back up, everything felt weird. She felt as if something catastrophic had happened in the space between her pen hitting the ground and her reaching down to grab it.
Whatever the feeling was, Istoria could investigate it later. She had work to do.
“ISTORIA!”
Or maybe she’d go and investigate it now. Although oddly that shout sounded like it belonged to one of the older Veth. Istoria put the pen away, grabbed her ever trusty Quilled Axe, and left her study. If she was being summoned, then something bad was going on.
The voice turned out to belong to Arkay. Like Istoria, he was one of the ancient Veth that still roamed Kinigi. A nice guy, even if he was always rather moody. He was actually one of the last Veth made before Kinisis changed her systems and started creating Veth in a much more… reliable way.
“What is it?” Istoria asked as she reached the bottom of the stairs from her home. Arkay had been waiting for her. He knew better than to interrupt.
“Something is wrong with Kinisis. She passed out.”
Istoria blinked. “Passed out?”
“Yes, she collapsed and she hasn’t woken up yet. The Primes are with her now, tending to her.” Arkay grabbed Istoria by the hand and pulled her away, towards the Main Dome where Kinisis normally resided. On the way, Istoria noticed that the Rivers were remarkably still. Maybe that was why Arkay was more worried than expected.
As they reached the Dome, Istoria noticed far more Veth were around than usual. Normally everyone kept away and minded their own business, but clearly news had spread. Arkay growled as he pushed passed the lower Veth and through the main entrance, dragging Istoria with him.
In the middle of the room, Kinisis was lying still, surrounded by a pool of inky black tentacles. Within the goo were swirls of stars and galaxies, all as still as Kinisis was. Around her were some of her favourite Veth, including Arkay’s best friend Teekay. Most importantly her general servants Kayel and Retvik, both dressed in pretty, flowing gold robes and equally golden armour, were present. They were always present. It would have been a really bad situation if they weren’t around.
“Ah, Istoria, you are here!” Retvik smiled. “Everyone seems to be in a bit of a tizz. We think Kinisis just needs a small push and she’ll be back on her feet, but Arkay is insisting that Kinisis needs a reset!”
Istoria waved at Retvik to shut up as she inspected Kinisis, being careful not to get too close. Retvik was wrong, Istoria knew he was, but she couldn’t quite explain why. She was the oldest Veth around these days, she knew a lot of things. She knew there was a problem. After a moment of thought, she stepped back and clapped her hands.
“Arkay, how is the activity with Kenos and Kairos?”
“There is fuck all activity with both of them. Stasis has been quiet for a while but Kairos dropped off the charts about two hundred minutes ago.” Arkay was on point. Istoria smiled slightly. She could remember when he was the new Veth around.
“And there is no sign of foreign activity?”
“None.”
Kinisis needs a reset then!” Istoria proclaimed. “This is universe-wide. A reset is the cleanest way to fix it and restore Kinisis.”
“Are you sure?” Kayel asked.”
“Yes!” Istoria growled. “Arkay, come with me. Rest of you stay here.”
Teekay raised his hand as if he was some sort of child. “Can I come?”
“No.”
“Aw.”
Arkay shrugged and followed Istoria as she crossed the room and climbed the stairs to Kinisis’s sleeping quarters.
“Is there any reason why you need me here? Teekay nor-” Arkay grunted.
“Not really!” Istoria interrupted. “But us ancient Veth need to stick together sometimes. You spend too much time tied down to Teekay. I know he’s stronger than us, most younger Veth are. But really you should be treated with more respect. You know what’s up…” Istoria paused as she reached Kinisis’s bed. It was covered in white sheets, with two glowing orbs on the small tables by each side.
“You want me to do this one?” the ancient Veth asked as he headed towards the second orb.
“Yeah. I’ll count down from three and we can bash the orbs at the same time.”
Arkay sighed as he did as he was told. The two Veth patted their respective orbs, then gently sat them down on the tables. For a brief moment, everything went dark, before chugging back to life again.
“How long?”
“About eighty seven thousand, six hundred hours…” Istoria muttered as she counted on her fingers.
“So ten years of… nothing?”
“Ten years of chilling out and doing whatever the fuck we want! Which means, Arkay, we need to do a little… ancient get-together.”
“We do?” Arkay looked confused.
“Yes. You need some time away from those bossy fucks.”
“We do?” Arkay repeated.
“Yes. I’m going to plan something. It’ll be great!”
Istoria cheered as she rushed downstairs to tell the other Veth the good news. Arkay shrugged, then followed her. Would make a change, having a nice, long holiday…
Note: This story is set in the far future.