Xix sat in the Palace's Viewing Platform across from Lvaane. They sat on the floor, a pale gold crystal between them. Lvaane had explained to Xix how to channel her power into the crystal. It felt strange, like Naka's essence was leaving her, but the First Being's presence was still strong in her mind. He wasn't going anywhere.

Apparently the power of Naiu and Naka mixed with this strange crystal would summon Vivus to the God Worlds, something which hadn't been done in aeons. The Primordial had left these words a very long time ago. While the summoning process was relatively simple, gaining the attention of the Primordial was not. Vivus no longer gave them orders, not in the conventional sense anyway. Their presence hadn't been felt in a long time.

In complete honesty, Xix was uncertain about this plan working. While she knew Lvaane and respect his knowledge was well above her own when it came to matters concerning the God Worlds and the Gods, that didn't mean she agreed with it. Channelling magic into a magic crystal? It sounded a bit far-fetched. And even if it did work, what were the chances of Vivus actually showing up?

Pretty slim, Naka answered in her mind. Vivi left this realm after people started asking questions. The First Being laughed sharply. And that was after they encouraged their people to start asking questions in the first place! What an idiot.

Then why are you letting me do this? Xix asked, annoyed.

She could almost see Naka's nonchalant shrug as he answered, The Ævum thing worked. Why not this?

Xix sighed. When she opened her eyes, she found Lvaane looking at her with a knowing smile.

"Problem?" he asked teasingly.

"Of course not," she said, and returned her focus to the crystal, trying to ignore the quite laughter of both Naka and Lvaane. It didn't work. "I just don't see how this could possibly get the attention of Vivus."

They hold grudges, Naka added.

Xix gave the crystal a flat look. "Apparently they hold grudges."

"They are also understanding." Lvaane tilted his head. "Or so I have heard."

"Makes you wonder why we listen to these two," Xix said with a shake of the head. "At this rate, we'll find out we are being told different stories about this deity and we will end up in another War."

Naka scoffed. Overreacting much?

"It's not an overreaction!" Xix took a deep breath . . . and released it slowly. "Look, we all know the War first started because the two of you could not communicate and it escalated to involve all of Creation. One of the many people affected by the War was Vivus. Despite their methods, they were trying to do what was the best for everyone at the time. Did they go against orders? Sometimes. Was it ultimately for the best? Yes, had the two of you not interfered."

"Don't try to argue with her," Lvaane muttered. "You know full well she is right." At Xix's confused glance, he tapped the side of his head. She nodded in understanding.

With Amneris gone, Lvaane had a direct mental line to Naiu. Xix knew her sister had never had such a link—something about how two Gods couldn't inhabit the same mind without one of them exploding, though Xix was fairly certain that was a metaphor.

Lvaane let out a deep breath. "If Vivus wishes to help us, they will make their presence shown. If nothing happens, then we have our answer."

"We won't know until we do it, huh?" Xix shook herself loose. "Okay, let's find out."

Lvaane and Xix raised their hands, palms facing toward the pale gold crystal. They closed their eyes and focused their powers. A steady stream of blue and red came from their bodies, being absorbed by the crystal. Slowly, a light glow formed around it. The light steadily grew brighter and brighter, until it became blinding.

The light overtook the room. By the time in faded, Lvaane and Xix had vanished.