Legacy's Wake

Celeste carefully examined the broken artifact that Tarot had shattered earlier, turning it over in her hands as she tried to decipher its significance. The intricate design and its peculiar shape tugged at her memory, reminding her of something she had seen before. "This shape..." she murmured, her eyes narrowing in thought. "It looks familiar. It reminds me of the emblem at the royal citadel beyond the bridge. The contours match the design of the great bell that stands at its entrance, but... why? Why does an artifact like this bear the same insignia?"

She held it up, bringing it closer to Joker, who had already begun running an internal analysis, scanning for any useful information that could help them unravel its secrets. As his cybernetic systems processed the details, he gave a slight shake of his head. "I've got nothing. There's no record of an artifact like this in my collection of knowledge or data. It's either been deliberately erased from history, or it's something that was meant to remain unknown." He flipped the artifact in his hand, holding it out for the others to take a closer look. "But if its shape truly mirrors that of the citadel's emblem, then there's a good chance it has some connection to it. Perhaps it serves a purpose related to that place."

As the others continued to speculate, Nathaniel, who had been silent up until now, observed the artifact with a keen interest. His sharp gaze fixated on its design, as if he had seen something like it before.

"Celeste..." he finally spoke, his tone thoughtful. "Hollow mentioned something about the royal family, didn't he? If you really look at the shape of this thing, don't you think it resembles more than just a mere emblem? What if it's not just a relic—what if it's a key?"

Celeste blinked, taking another long, deliberate look at the artifact. The idea of it being a key hadn't crossed her mind until now, but as she traced its jagged edges with her fingertips, a realization began to form. Could it really be meant to unlock something? Perhaps a door, a chamber, or even a hidden passage?

"Not to intrude," Kou interjected, stepping forward with his arms crossed, "but think about what Hollow said. He mentioned something about a prison, didn't he?" He glanced around, making sure the others were following his train of thought. "If we assume this artifact is some kind of key, maybe it's not just a symbol of the royal citadel—maybe it's a way in."

That's when the final piece clicked into place for Kyora. Her eyes widened with sudden realization, her voice rising with urgency. "That's it!" she exclaimed. "We've been assuming the royal family members were executed, but what if that's not true? What if they were never killed at all?" She turned toward the group, the weight of her discovery pressing upon them all. "What if they were imprisoned instead? Shackled within the citadel, locked away where no one would think to look? If this artifact really is a key, then we might have just found the way to uncover the truth—and possibly save them!"

The room fell into a tense silence as the implications of her words sank in. If the royal family was still alive, then everything they thought they knew about Hollow's actions, about Phalris, and about the state of the mainland was built on a carefully orchestrated lie. And now, in their hands, they held the one object that could expose the truth.

Celeste's grip tightened around the artifact as the realization settled in, her mind racing to connect the pieces. She turned to the others, her voice measured but filled with urgency.

"Are you saying that Hollow captured the entire royal household and only made it seem like he killed them—giving the world the illusion that he's now the rightful ruler of this land?" She paused, letting the gravity of her words sink in. "That would mean the people who once lived in this very estate are still alive, locked away somewhere, completely unaware of what's happening to their homeland. If that's the case, then Hollow didn't just seize power—he manipulated the truth itself. By making everyone believe the royal bloodline was eradicated, he ensured that no one would challenge his claim."

She let out a sharp breath before continuing. "And then there's the royal guards." Her gaze flickered toward the others, searching for their reactions. "When Hollow spoke of them, something about his wording felt... off. What if the so-called 'royal guards' we've seen aren't the real ones? What if the true guards are imprisoned with the royal family, and these so-called protectors are just impostors, handpicked by Hollow to maintain his deception?"

She scanned the room, gauging how the others were processing her theory.

Nathaniel, who had been listening closely, finally spoke. "It makes sense," he admitted, arms crossed. "Think about what we saw before we even arrived in Cascade Cradle. Some of us crossed paths with high-ranking marine officials, and they weren't just here on routine patrols. They were fixated on one objective—entering that citadel and capturing Hollow. That alone tells us something isn't right."

He paused, his sharp eyes narrowing in thought. "The marines don't make moves based on rumors. They receive orders from the highest-ranking officers, people with access to knowledge we don't have. If they were so intent on getting inside the citadel, it's possible they already knew the royal family was alive. That would explain why they didn't immediately engage Hollow's forces in open warfare—because their true goal isn't just taking down Hollow, but recovering those who still rightfully rule this land."

Kou rubbed his chin, deep in thought. "So, what you're saying is that the real battle isn't just about stopping Hollow—it's about exposing the truth. If we can prove that the royal family is still alive, Hollow's entire rule crumbles. Everything he's built is founded on the lie that he 'owns' this land. But if that lie is broken..." He smirked. "Then the people will know the truth, and his hold over this place will shatter."

Kyora's expression grew serious as she added, "If all of this is correct, then that citadel isn't just Hollow's base of operations—it's a prison. And this artifact..." She gestured toward it. "Might be the only key to getting inside."

Silence filled the room as the weight of their discovery sank in. If they were right, then their next move wouldn't just determine their own fates, but the fate of Cascade Cradle itself.

Ralphie seized the moment, stepping forward to break the conversation with authority. "Tim put me in charge of operations on Geyser Island while he's away, which means I'm the one calling the shots. Here's the plan. Celeste, you're coming with me to the citadel, and I want Kou to come along too. Nathaniel, you'll stay here with Kyora and the others. If the marines show up, someone needs to keep them occupied. I have no doubt they'll spread out across the island."

Nathaniel gave a nod, fully aware that if he ignored Ralphie's orders, Temoshí wouldn't be pleased. "Got it. Just don't waste any more time. Get to that citadel and make sure you come back with good news."

Ralphie smirked, flashing a thumbs-up before motioning for Celeste and Kou to follow. "Alright, let's move. We've got a mission to complete!"

Celeste remained still for a moment, glancing back at Nathaniel with a hint of hesitation. "Are you sure you'll be okay holding things down here?"

Nathaniel met her gaze with unwavering confidence. "Don't worry about us. I'll make sure this place holds before the marines try to tear it apart. You just focus on your task—exposing Hollow's lies and bringing back the real royal family. You'll recognize them better than anyone else here."

Reassured by his words, Celeste nodded. She turned on her heel and hurried after Ralphie and Kou, keeping pace as they made their way toward the royal citadel—a place that was not only a symbol of the kingdom's rule but, quite possibly, the very heart of Hollow's deception.

To be continued...