And so he was finally here in a place where it all began.

Emet could already feel unease tainting his soul, and he and Themis approached the floating isle beyond the clouds, a facility far removed from Amaurot by the name of Elpis. A place where creations would be sent from the Bureau of Architects to be perfected before getting released to fulfill their assigned duties.

The beauty of Elpis was undeniable, and few places on the star could rival it. It was an ecosystem of its own, the heart of nature where creatures unseen in the wild roamed as researchers observed them. It was a small paradise of its own, a place that every Amaurotine dreamed of visiting.

"Is this it…Elpis." Elidibus spoke quietly with awe in his voice, his gwiber flying ahead of Emet's, nearing the landing pad.

"Indeed…" The ascian spoke, still looking at the isle as it got closer to them with every second.

"I see why Azem spoke of it with such admiration. It truly is majestic!"

"I thought the same, once." Emet sighed. "But some things cannot be unseen…"

The thought of another day emerged before Emet's mind. The day when the calamity reached Elpis.

It began when the skies turned crimson and flames reigned upon the facility. There were but a few survivors that managed to escape, but they recounted the event to the Convocation. They watched with horror as some of them began to get consumed by the dark aura, twisting their magics and creating beasts that manifested their greatest fears. Maddened monsters ravaged the isle, slaughtering anyone in their path, man or animal. They fought back, of course, but it was not enough when more and more of those people were overtaken by fear and despair that spawned those monsters.

This contamination, this slaughter lasted for little less than a day. Emet remembered his parents telling him the tale about how long it took for the magicians of eld to perfect the enchantment that made the isle of Elpis arise into the air, all of it undone in an instant. The enchantment was broken, and the isle collapsed to the ground, causing an earthquake of tremendous proportions, devastating the land and multiple settlements that were within its range. Even those in Amaurot could feel the ripples of what was once a majestic place annihilated. The day when one of their pillars has fallen.

When the dust settled, some members of the Convocation were sent to witness the broken isle and to salvage what little remained. Emet was there, seeing the wreckage of what once was among Halmarut, Deudalaphon, and of course…Fandaniel. Hermes was the first to arrive at the scene, the first to witness a place he once called his home torn apart and ruined. For hours to no end did he watch the ruins, tears swelling down his eyes.

"So much lost…So many slaughtered." Hermes's voice quivered as he clenched his fist and looked down in shame. "This is not fair! We must have warned them. We must have done something. We…"

Looking back at it, Emet found himself in a misunderstanding. He remembered his agony and pain from that day, and not for a moment did he doubt that it was genuine. And yet, if it was Hermes that unleashed the cataclysm upon their world, was it not his desire to see it all burn? Even if his memories were erased, surely his heart must have felt some sense of satisfaction, of fulfillment? After all, his heart's desire has been realized…

He remembered as Deudalaphon, a silver-haired woman walked forth, putting her hand on Fandaniel's shoulder. As always, she sought to console and support her friend, as she did with every Convocation member.

"We will make this right…Together."

"It's too late, after so much was lost…How can we do right by those who have perished? Some things cannot be undone!"

This was what led him to endorse the plan of sacrifice. Hermes discovered the rotting of aether currents, leading up to Lahabrea and a few others to come up with a plan to use Zodiark to shield the world from the Final Days, but many were hesitant to agree to mass sacrifice. However, all but Azem budged in the end, and Hermes was no exception. Seeing Elpis crumble was his breaking point, having him pledge himself to the plan. Playing a key part in forestalling what he orchestrated with his own hands…A shame Amon was free of restraints that held Hermes back. Now it was time to see where it all began, from where did the madness stem.

Emet and Themis landed on one of the platforms near Propylaion, where their comrades had already expected their arrival. Loghrif, Azem, and a few unknown people were amidst the emerald grassland.

"They should be here from…" Azem said moments before turning his head and witnessing two gwibers making their descent. "Ah, impeccable timing!"

"And here I was expecting you'd be late again…" Loghrif spoke sarcastically. "Welcome to Elpis; I hope it is to your liking, Elidibus."

"Without any doubt, its beauties already amaze, and I haven't even seen much of them yet." Themis's admiration shone in his voice as he got down from his mount. Emet did the same thing.

"Those must be our guests!" The blue-haired researcher walked forth, eager to greet the newcomers. "Loghrif said that this is your first visit here, and let me tell you that I hope it will be a worthwhile experience."

"We'll make sure of it, won't we?" Gaia stood by his side. "This is Elidibus, the Emissary of the Convocation that you've no doubt heard of, and this is our guest from the settlement of Naxos, Solus." She pointed at Emet.

"A pleasure to meet you both." The researcher's voice echoed. "Don't take this the wrong way, I mean no disrespect, but to have not one but three members of the Convocation visit Elpis at the same time makes me wonder about the purpose of your visit…Is aught amiss?" He was too focused on what Elidibus would respond to him and didn't notice Emet's quiet chuckle.

"No, you've no reason to worry." Themis shook his head. "Sometimes, the most wondrous coincidences happen; you should know this as a researcher yourself. As you know, Loghrif is a common visitor in Elpis, while Azem is here to guide our new associate. As for me…I wished to see the wonders of it myself. It is unfitting that an Emissary of our people has not yet visited such an important landmark. That and I also have a matter to discuss with your chief, Hermes. Nothing too drastic, but I intend to meet him at some point during our stay."

"Ah, that explains it." The researcher sounded relieved. "Well, my colleagues and I will make sure that this is a pleasant visit for all of you. If you seek any guidance, I will gladly answer your questions."

"I appreciate it. I was wondering if you could point us towards Hermes's residence."

"Of course. The chief lives at Anagnorisis, one of our outposts to the north. It's not far from here."

"Thank you, my friend; we'll make our way there."

"I wish you the best of luck."

With those words, their welcoming party was soon off to continue their work, leaving the quartet alone, giving them time and space to figure out how to proceed.

"So, Elidibus…" Loghrif began. "I assume you have a plan."

"That I do, though I'm uncertain about the details."

"I still stand by what I said." Emet sighed. "The three of you have the authority to take Hermes into custody if you so choose. That is the quickest way to have him cooperate and neutralize that creation of his."

"And I've already explained why this cannot be our initial course of action." Themis shook his head, noticing that Azem was about to speak.

"I don't see how we will be able to get this over with in just a single visit considering how deep-seated his issues are, according to Hades. We should be cautious so as not to cause him to shut off, so how about making our introductions out of simple curiosity? Only Gaia here knows him personally, and it would only make sense that our new guests would want to get introduced."

"And how are you going to bring out the issues at hand?" Emet crossed his arms. "'Oh, by the way, do you have any opinion on the way creations are treated in Elpis?' Don't you think it's a bit too direct?" Emet asked, and Loghrif was the one to speak next.

"We could use my knowledge for that. He never told me the details, but I know he has reservations…" She spoke with doubt.

"That's a good idea." Themis continued. "We can pretend that during our travels here, you made a mild comment mentioning those reservations, which piqued my interest and, therefore, would allow us to build it up from there."

"I don't know…Feels like I'm being rather callous by mentioning something dear to him so casually."

"Remember what I told you." Emet joined in. "Remember what's the other outcome."

"Fine, fine, let's do that. Is that all, then?"

"Almost." Themis looked towards Emet. "While I cannot comment on your history with Hermes…

"Let's say I would have no shortage of 'kind' words to say to him."

"…I would ask you to afford him the courtesy he deserves. We are not here to punish him or take away his freedom. We are here to fix an issue as peacefully as possible."

"I suppose I'll stay silent while you do your little questioning…I'll only interfere if something goes very, very wrong."

"That's settled, then," Elidibus said with relief. "Time to go."

As they began to move to the north, Emet felt his soul ache once again.

"Damn…" He uttered under his breath, clutching his heart once again. The ascian felt as if something dragged him down, forced him to stay behind and separate from his beautiful world forever. Emet looked under his robe to see a horrifying picture. There were cracks of energy on his skin, much like those on Ryne's avatar, except his glowed in violet rather than white. Did this mean that his energy was coming to its limit? No, he had to go ahead, to resist those surges of pain…

"Are you alright?" Apollo looked at Emet with concern.

"Yes…I'm alright. Let's go. We have a business to attend to."

…

Their path to Anagnorisis did not take long, and a familiar place soon emerged before Emet's gaze. A town at the heart of Elpis where researchers abided, moving on with their lives, always engaged in some kind of observation and work. It was a fitting place for them, far removed from the general populace and being a place that allowed them to congregate and share ideas with each other, freely testing their theories, no matter what the potential repercussion could be. Those who visited Elpis said that the isle could get quite chaotic, but all of this was by researchers' own design.

The visitors from the Convocation wouldn't waste any time, of course, and instead move directly to Hermes's residence in the northern part of the town. Loghrif guided them carefully so they could avoid unnecessary attention and instead focus on the task at hand.

"He lives here," Loghrif announced, pointing at the brick house before them. "Now to find him…"

It didn't take long. It was almost immediately that Emet heard the echoing giggle from his side. After turning around, the ascian saw a man-made pond with a tall man in grey robes and a silver mask sitting on the stone pavement.

"Come on. You're almost there!" He exclaimed with pride. "I think the abystoma like you."

"I like them too!" A playful girl's voice echoed from beside him as a silhouette appeared from behind Hermes, making Emet pause for a moment to look at it. A child, clearly not of their kind, colored in blue as her clothing, hair, and feathers took this dark color. She had a bird's tail and legs with claws instead of toes, a hybrid between animal and those of their kind. A creature Emet saw in his distant dreams, any interactions with which were erased from his memory, yet the fleeting image remained. A faceless monster that existed on the edge of the universe, sending her song toward countless stars, including their own. She turned around moments after, and Emet witnessed her face, a childish face with a bright smile and an uncontrollable giggle as she shared her joy with Hermes. There was much that could be hidden beneath a facade of innocence…

"Hermes, we have guests!" She alerted him before rushing to her creator's side, covering behind him. Emet sensed no fear within her, nothing but regular shyness.

"Oh, do we…" Hermes looked at the quartet, causing the researcher to open his mouth in surprise. His gaze was focused on the crimson masks of two of his guests. "Loghrif? I didn't expect you to…"

"I'm glad to see you too, Hermes." Gaia waved to him, soothing Hermes and allowing him to take a deep breath.

"Forgive me; I was not expecting a visit from three members of the Convocation…You are of the Convocation, correct? I couldn't help but notice a black mask and white robe. I believe those belong to Azem and Elidibus."

"You're quite right." Elidibus smiled. "I am Elidibus, and this is my friend and colleague, Azem. I assume I have the honor of speaking with Hermes, the chief of Elpis?"

"The honor is mine; I have never met any of our emissaries in person." Hermes smiled. "And who is the man beside you?" He said, looking at Emet with curiosity. The ascian felt an impulse to throw his mask to the ground, unveiling his face. This Hermes wouldn't know who he was yet. Even the voice wouldn't be recognizable, but Emet wanted to look him in the eyes as he said his piece. Yet for the sake of Elidibus and others, he had to maintain a pretense.

"My name is Solus, a scholar from the settlement of Naxos, and I came here at the allowance of esteemed Elidibus to witness the mastery of Elpis creators myself. A pleasure to meet you…"

"It's rare that we have guests from parts of the world other than Amaurot, but they are welcome all the same," Hermes reassured him.

"Are they our friends?" Meteion's quiet voice echoed from behind.

"Yes, yes, of course…" Hermes reassured her in a warm tone, though it didn't sound confident enough for Hades. Soon, he turned back to Elidibus. "Might I ask if there is a specific purpose to your visit?"

"We come here for different reasons, but all of us are as eager to see Elpis for the beauty that it is."

"That and get acquainted, of course," Azem added. "My precious visits here were brief, mostly for the sake of coming over to check up on my old mentor, now is the perfect time to get a better gist of the isle itself."

"I see why you'd want to do that…" Hermes paused for a moment. "Would you like a tour, mayhap? I am afraid I am busy at the moment, but I have colleagues who know the place inside and out. They can be of help."

"No need to worry about that," Loghrif responded. "I know Elpis quite well myself."

"We would certainly appreciate the beauties of this place, but for now, I wanted to talk to you specifically." Themis looked at Hermes with pride. "After all, being in charge of such a facility is an extraordinary feat, and I would be honored to get to know you better. Especially with how highly Thanatos spoke of you…And it becomes especially important considering the occasion." Themis noted, causing Hermes to visibly weaken, averting his gaze to the grass.

"I heard of his decision, yes…Have you come here to assess me?"

"No, that we left to Emet-Selch, who will come here in due time. This is a much more casual occasion." Elidibus spoke those words, making it hard for Emet not to chuckle at the irony.

"And if you're considering becoming the next Fandaniel…" Loghrif added. "It'd be good for you to get to know your future colleagues."

"Yes, yes, of course…" Hermes spoke awkwardly. "I am simply surprised that such a visit would even occur, considering all the coincidences."

"Sometimes they are that which gives our life the color it so needs," Themis said. "How long is it you've been the chief overseer?"

"For almost as long as four hundred years, ever since my predecessor left to claim the seat of Fandaniel," Hermes said with a notably tired voice. There was little pride or admiration for his positions or accomplishments in his words. "It's been a long journey, the one with many…Missteps. But it is what it is."

"No need to put yourself down," Gaia interjected as she took a seat on the pavement. "I know you've been doing your best to do your best in every project."

"Well, perhaps…"

"How does the process itself go?" Themis wondered. "When it comes to testing the creations, I mean."

"Oh, that's quite a detailed story I'd have to tell." Hermes chuckled. "Countless concepts brought here from the bureau so that our researchers can test their suitability. Their ability to fly, swim, procreate, enhance their natural habitat, and coexist with other species, everything one could possibly imagine." Hermes spoke with some infatuation, although his voice grew quieter with every moment, as if there was something he wanted to speak of but would withhold himself from it. "It's always done in an attempt to reach a flawless standard…"

"Standard, you say?" Themis wondered. "And do you believe it is set too high?" He said the words that made Hermes pause surprise emerging on his face once again.

"Forgive me, but I don't see how that's…"

"It's fine, Hermes." Loghrif sighed. "Our new Elidibus is a curious fellow, nothing wrong about that. Forgive me, but I mentioned that you had reservations about the way Elpis creations are treated, and it's refreshing to hear your perspective. After all, that's the reason Elpis needs its chief in the first place, is it not?"

"I guess you're right, though I wouldn't want to get into that…" Hermes sighed before taking a look at Themis again. "It all depends on the researcher, of course, but many of them…of us are so…I don't know how to say it."

"Take your time. We're not in a rush."

"They put value, the right to live even, on arbitrary tests, and if one fails, they…" Hermes paused. "The animals are being unmade without a second thought." For the first time, Emet could feel a glint of anger coming from Hermes's voice, reminding him of what was hiding beneath his friendly exterior.

"I see…It is uncommon for most to consider it from this perspective, I'll concede." Elidibus nodded. "Thought this is not the first case of someone growing attached to a creation. Have you tried raising this concern in Amaurot? As chief overseer, I assume you have a vision of Elpis of your own."

"I thought about it, but…It never came to it, really." Hermes sighed as he looked away.

"I see…Well, the opportunity is always there if you'd need it."

As Themis, Gaia, and Hermes continued their talk, Apollo moved away, close to Hades's side.

"And he was the one that nearly destroyed mankind?"

"You can imagine my surprise when I heard of it."

They didn't stay alone for long; Meteion finally moved away from the shadows of Hermes and approached the reclusive ascian. She looked at him with surprise and intrigue.

"You're different somehow…" She spoke meekly while approaching Emet. "I don't know why, but there's something about you…May I?" She stood before him.

"Interesting…" Apollo was the first to speak. "Loghrif said you're an Entelechie, unique in its sapience and abilities."

"I can sometimes speak with my mind…Well, sometimes." Meteion looked up at Emet. "And I feel it when someone is very happy or sad, like when Hermes smiles at creating something or when he is having a bad day…I feel something within you." She looked at Emet with caution.

"Really?" Emet raised an eyebrow. She might have had the look of an innocent child, but her real nature was that of an intelligence that could be drastically influenced by the emotions and feelings of others. With the way Hermes utilized her sister, the consequences would be catastrophic. "And what is it you see, I wonder?"

"Something very dark…" Meteion's quiet voice echoed. "Darker than anything I have ever seen before as if you hide a lot…You don't want anyone to see this darkness, but it is about to break free and…" Meteion closed her eyes, trying to concentrate, but to no avail. "It is very curious, even if dangerous. I was wondering if I could get a glimpse…I want to hear your words, share your feelings, and know your thoughts." Her eyes gleamed with hope, but it wasn't enough to convince Emet.

"Whatever you have seen in me, it is not for sharing." He said sternly. "I am here only to observe and nothing more." Emet paused before taking a breath. "Regardless of what you want to believe, you do not want to share my feelings. Otherwise, I have an inkling of how it will end…"

"Meteion, where are you going?" Hermes walked towards her with worry in his voice. "Be careful not to startle our guests." He forewarned her.

"Sorry, I just feel very tired…Can we take a little break?"

"Of course, of course," Hermes reassured her before looking back at Themis. "Do you mind? We need a moment to ourselves."

"Of course, take as much as you need. We will use this time to enjoy Elpis in its full glory."

With those words, Meteion quickly rushed back to Hermes, and the two withdrew, leaving the quartet alone to ponder on their findings so far.

…

This certainly wasn't as heated as Emet expected it to be, at least subconsciously. Every time he heard of the coming meeting with Hermes, the ascian thought of Amon and the tales Hydaelyn told. Those tales overtook the memories Emet had of Fandaniel he worked with during the Final Days, a seemingly caring and well-meaning man who would do anything to protect his brethren. Now all he thought of was a monster who poisoned Amaurot, consigning their beautiful world to doom and suffering.

But who he saw was not this monster, at least not outwardly. It was Hermes, as Emet remembered him, a shy, withdrawn researcher who, despite his lacking social skills, wanted nothing more than to work on his own projects and meant no harm to anyone. If anything, the joy he experienced from spending time with Meteion was genuine. As much as he despised admitting it, Emet realized that it would not be right to accuse him of something he hadn't committed yet. Yet they had to learn more and observe him closely, as sooner or later, Hermes would have to learn the truth himself. But even if they would force him…Would it be wrong to tread upon his freedom and punish him for actions he hasn't done for the salvation of thousands? Those were the thoughts that plagued Emet as he walked across the edges of Anagnorisis.

"Emet-Selch." The ascian heard Elidibus's voice as the Emissary approached him from behind. There was some interest in his voice.

"Anything new to tell?" The ascian looked at his colleague, wondering if there was any progress made.

"Nothing that you haven't heard already." Themis shook his head. "But I meant to ask you about it. Does it correlate with what you expected? I understand that you don't remember those particular days, but you worked alongside him as Fandaniel; you have better knowledge of him than any of us."

"It was much like him…Like I remember him. Reclusive, seemingly well-meaning, but not someone I would agree with on much." Emet explained. "Paying too much attention to details that matter little in the grand scheme of things."

"He certainly has some concerns that he might share at the Hall of Rhetoric or even with his peers here, yet keeps them contained within…" Elidibus pondered, trying to analyze their subject. "Perhaps he tried to do this once and was met with disagreement."

"Or perhaps he is too arrogant to think others would understand or help him. That's certainly who his shard, Amon, was."

"That's possible, too. I would have to talk to him a couple more times when he's ready to come to a conclusion." Themis stated. "The task at hand needs a meticulous approach. That much is clear. I hope he remains open enough for another conversation. At the very least, we need him to tell us more about this Meteion."

"And if he refuses?" Emet's voice grew louder. "If he lies to us and claims she is completely safe? If he lies about being too busy just to not cross paths with us and not have to discuss the pressing topics?"

"We will have to find another way, then."

"We have it already." Emet sighed. "From what my Venat told me, Hermes didn't seem malicious during my visit either, it took some time for him to snap, but it was already too late after that! He was protecting Meteion as she transferred the message of hopelessness from the other stars that broke both of them and even as we put him in chains…It was too late to stop Meteion." Emet spoke grimly, praying for Elidibus to see reason. They were about to hesitate in a matter that could afford no hesitation and, in the process, doom their entire world. Emet closed his eyes as he felt his fist clenching. "You haven't seen what I have seen. You don't know where this path will lead…"

"I'm sorry, but I do not have enough reason to put him in chains."

"And what reasons do you need?!" Emet felt anger bursting within his soul, they were walking so close to the man that destroyed their entire world and was about to do so again, and instead of immediately stopping them, they concerned themselves with topics of justice, fairness, and balance.

"Something tangible."

"And are my stories of what he did not tangible enough? Of the untold havoc that monster wrecked upon us and all that came after? I'm trying to save everyone, including him, do you not understand?! We have no time!" They needed to act now, with or without clear memories.

"I have sympathy, and I believe in your stories, but I need you to understand me as well." Elidibus held up with dignity. "I am an Emissary who serves this star and its people, steering it upon the right course. Throwing one of our own in chains based on the accusations from someone whose claims are not only of what will happen in the future but have not been proven in any substantial way…It's a betrayal of everything my seat stands for, of what I stand for."

"No, it's you who needs to understand me." Emet retorted. "It was thousands of years ago that I was sent here to Elpis and asked to judge Hermes on his suitability for the seat of Fandaniel with my impartial eye, as others in the Convocation put their faith in me…And I failed them." A tear fell down Hades's eye as he clenched his teeth. "I was there and saw the cataclysm unravel. I knew it all this time, but not only did I fall for his mischievous ploy, but I was also blind-sighted enough to put forward a recommendation for him that allowed Hermes to take the seat. Even now, my memories are not cleansed. Even now, I don't truly remember…All I want is to undo my mistake, to make something right. Because all of my people who I failed…They're gone, and I am not." Emet's hand shook as Elidibus watched in silence. "You protect him, yet do you know how he repaid you in the present? He killed you, Themis. He and his crazed ally, to be precise, but he was the orchestrator…And he didn't just kill you. He made you suffer and corrupted your entire essence, all to undo the work you and Zodiark were done, and then…He made a mockery of you! Created a corrupted reflection of your being, forcing it against me, spending all of your soul's aether…You didn't even get a chance to reincarnate because he wanted you to be erased because you were a symbol of everything our people stood for, and he despised that! And I could've prevented it. I've been there with you…With him instead of pursuing my own selfish goals, and I will not let this happen again…Do you hear me? I will slaughter Hermes and every single Meteia myself, but I will never let it happen again!" Emet couldn't control himself anymore. He had nothing but rage left in his soul as Elidibus had to watch in silence, forcing his gaze to fall down to the ground. Emet meant every word he said, and he wanted Themis to understand this. They couldn't afford to make a mistake, not now.

"And I want you to…" Emet continued to speak, yet something stopped him as the ascian felt his body shivering. There was another, very familiar presence here, a presence that made him freeze as the flashes of the crystalline lake echoed in his mind.

Hear…

Feel…

Think…

The unmistakable presence of a white soul, the one that was shrouded in a boundless sea of light the last time Emet saw her, yet he would not mistake her for anything else.

"Elidibus, what a pleasant surprise!" A cheery woman's voice echoed from behind, causing both the Emissary and Emet to look at her. A slim figure with white robes and white hair, her eyes shining like azure crystals.

Venat.