During their long rest, the sound of torrential rain and thunder can be heard. As they rouse the next "morning," Dihada visits them. They question them about their goals, learning that their goal is to instill hope in the people of Hullbreach in hopes of weakening Casitus so they can beat him and leave. They offer a test to the party: face their greatest fears manifested, and they will assist the group with their knowledge of Casitus' lair and explain their own angle in the whole matter. The group agrees, and Dihada unstoppers a bottle.

The room is consumed by a purple, disspating to reveal flames on the deck of the Velvet Amphithere, staring down the uncontrolled dragon form of Vera. Though it hits incredibly hard, the party survives easily enough. Upon defeat, the dragon cracks, unleashing a bright white light. The party is returned to the ship as Dihada stoppers the bottle. The party informs Vera that the dragon form was their own, which Vera decides to think about later.

Their trial passed, Dihada settles in to explain things. Dihada explains that Casitus is an upstart and a usurper, not a primal fear—he usurped Dihada. Casitus is the fear of drowning in the darkness alone; Dihada was the fear of isolation. His influence on the realm is limited. He was able to claim the Heart of Fear, a powerful "object" that represents the center of the realm, thus taking control from them. He would give anything to get the Heart back if it stolen from him, as he did with Cecily before. The party bargains that if they give the Heart back to Dihada, the residents of the realm would be returned to where they belong, somewhere safe and not immediately drowning. Dihada's realm simply is something that exists as a result of the experiences of people. Casitus has become interested in the fights and will likely be in attendance that day. They offer to arrange their first fights early and their second fights late, giving them time to teleport the group as close to the Spire as possible so they can seek out the Heart. All sides agree to the arrangement, and Dihada leaves the group to prepare for the day.

The party discusses whether they intend to trust Dihada or if they want to try a different plan. They discuss the potential of using a Nightmare to reach the Nightmare realm; this involves being swallowed whole by a nightmare creature, severely limiting most of the party's willingness to go that route. Vera suggests taking the Heart themself, becoming master of the fear of stepping in a puddle in your socks, which the group similarly rejects, though some do prefer that over being eaten by a nightmare creature. Ward, speaking with Uncounted Shadows, determines that a nightmare creature to their specifications could be summoned if requested.

The group heads to the arena, and their fights are announced. The Shards of Elpis Part One will be facing against The Wanderer, the Gentleman, and Bestie. The Stargayzers will be facing Narci and Thea, the Figures of Fable.

Returning

• Dihada
• Uncounted Shadows

Mentioned

• Casitus Jerrick
• Narci
• Thea
• Hotha