Chapter 5-The Hex of a Dream
Camilla and Elise come over to give me a hug. Xander standing back like usual. But their compliments fly by me, in the ear, out the other. My mind still blurry from the battle, has made it difficult for understanding, Thankfully the bloodlust is gone. I wonder why that happened. I honestly don't care about anything but Leo, and what he has to say.
After Camilla hands me a container of water to drink. I thank them, but decline their company, telling them I will talk with them later. I signal Jakob to follow me, and he presents me with a note.
"Lord Leo gave this to me before the match, while we were descending down the stairs. I am sorry for not notifying you sooner." he says. His suit is neither dirty nor damaged. That's Jakob for you, always prepared.
I take the note in my hands to view the details. It appears to describe a nearby location,
"It is all right, Jakob. Take me to this location."
"Will do, but milady..."
"Yes, Jakob?"
"I am, because…"
"What is it milady? You can tell me anything you like."
"You were such a dork in the test earlier!" I saw while laughing allowed.
"Whatever do you mean?" he replies, surprised and embarrassed.
"You were trying so hard to be cool with the "I'm late for making Lady Corrin's tea." was so adorable."
"Re-regardless." Jakob says, regaining composure." I Wanted to know why you brushed off your sibling like that. Especially after an achievement as grand as this. It is rather, perplexing.:
"I know." I respond. "Everything feels weird now. However, I feel like I need to hear what Leo wants to tell me. He normally distances himself from us. So, if he if he wants to talk in private, then it must be something he doesn't want to share with even Xander, Camilla, or Elise."
"You think he might know more about the dragon?" Jakob asks, whispering.
I nod.
"Then right this way, milady. And please let me know if you begin to feel similar to how you were towards the end of the last battle."
I try to remember the latter events of the test but am only able to remember a few tidbits.
"I'll do my best. Let's go."
Jakob and I follow the directions described in the note. However, the unique paths and construction of Windmire confused us greatly; devouring more time. I can barely stand the cold, even with my coat on. Jakob grabbed my coat from earlier before we left. If he hadn't, I may have gotten frostbite.
After traversing Windmire for about half an hour, we arrive at our destination; a seemingly abandoned clock tower. I guess Nohr is really a mostly underground city as I barely see any people, or buildings for that matter. Still, it is seemingly patched up so no cold can get in.
"This is the place, milady."
I knock on the door.
It soon is opened by Leo.
"Ah, you've made it." Please enter quickly. Time is of the essence." He says as he opens the doors. Jakob and I enter, closing the door behind us.
The place seems like a mix between a garden, library, and living quarters.
"Unfortunately, I don't have time to explain this place." Leo says.
He then raises his hand and a secret passage from below appears with magic.
"This way please. Your results may be finished any moment now. Father may have sent soldiers looking for you if you become late. We'll have to walk and talk. I have two important pieces of information to share."
We proceed down into a dark, underground cellar, dimly lit by candles.
"So, what is the first thing?" I ask.
"I have found more information on your "hex" as I had previously put it."
"You did!?" I ask with emotion. My voice echoes through the dark hallway.
"Do tell, Lord Leo."
"Unfortunately, I need to test my theory first. Luckily, the second thing will suffice." Leo responds.
After a bit of walking, we get to a cell containing Rinkah and Kaze. They seem to be wearing Nohrian outfits.
"I tested out my new transportation spell on them. It did not fully succeed, but ultimately accomplished its job."
"Why would you save us?" asks Kaze.
"Because Princess Corrin did not truly wish to end your miserable lives. Her hand was forced by the king. I also do not see the purpose in mindless slaughter."
Rinkah remains silent.
"So, you are not savages like most Nohrian warriors. I am glad, Kamui-sama still lives." Kaze says to himself. But my sensitive hearing makes it clear. I begin to shake and feel dizzy like before.
Jakob catches me and shows me the blanket Kirin. I manage to regain control over myself before the attack comes.
"Will you be letting us go?" Rinkah asks.
"Yes." Leo says.
"How do you know we won't attack you the moment you free us?" Rinkah asks.
"Simple. You are weakened and exhausted. I, however, am at full strength." Leo makes a sphere of black magic in his hand. I can tell it is powerful without even looking at it. Rinkah seems to back away slightly. "Besides, even if you do win the guards will come running. If you get captured again, your execution will be inevitable."
Kaze chuckles.
"You are smarter than you look, Prince Leo of Nohr. But now I know an infiltration route into your castle. Once I arrive home, I could return with more assassins."
"The castle halls are regularly altered." Leo replies.
"I assume every day must be a very busy then." Kaze responds.
"Would you really trust the word of your enemy?" Leo answers.
"Hehehe, you are as smart as the intel says, Prince Leo."
Leo uses his magic to unlock the gates from afar.
"Follow this underground passage. At the end will be one of our Nohrian Golems, tell it "when the grass looks greener" and it will lead you to an exit where those Nohrian clothes will help blend in to take a ship, or whatever method you prefer."
"I thank you for your kindness, Lord Leo. I will remember it on the battlefield." Kaze says.
"Hmmph, goodbye." Says Rinkah
And the two run off.
"Now then, it seems my theory is correct. I believe I have discovered a stimulus which triggers these nightmares."
"What is it?" I ask; eager to know more.
"Do tell, Lord Leo."
Leo starts explaining "I am more than 90% certain of what sort of curse or hex is placed on you, and how we can potentially deal with, and hopefully cure. Now I have a strong theory as to what triggers attack. But I would like to double-check first. Corrin, you prepared to get a scare?"
He wants to figure out what impulses cause the dragon to attack. It's Leo so, he is safe. I just hope he is safe if the dragon doesn't listen." Only one way to find out.
I take Kirin and look at the family picture on the blanket, wrapped on the guard.
"Ready." I say.
"Kamui." He says.
Nothing happens.
"One more time; Hinoka."
Nothing happens.
"Seeing as this caused no reaction, I conclude this nightmare is like a puzzle. When a piece is correctly placed, the dragon attacks. The pieces are whatever facts are in the dream you don't know in reality. Since you heard about Hinoka already, her piece has been added, and thus you no longer react when she is mentioned."
I hug Leo. "Thank you so much!"
"Big sis, please calm down. I am not done yet either." Leo replies, surprised.
"Oh, sorry." I release him.
"Moving on; the keys are the other unknown factors, mainly Hoshido. The dragon is most likely the cause of all this, making them the caster
"So, you are saying a dragon is the cause of all this?" Jakob asks. "Not to be rude, Lord Leo, but dragons have been extinct for centuries."
"I am aware. However, it is the most likely possibility. Dragons are known for their powerful magic. But it is still possible it is just a caster taking the form of one. My I please finish?"
Jakob and I nod.
"Now then; It is most likely the dragon is directly connected to this dream. While it is not the best method, I think we should allow the dream to piece itself together, so we get a better idea who or what the dragon is. When it comes to curses like these, the more the caster reveals themselves, the easier to purge. For now, when you feel a trigger coming, try to catch it before the dragon does, and hold onto reality, us. It should help you keep control of the other factors. Then, when the dragon has finally reveals itself, I will purge it with my magic."
When I think about it, he isn't wrong. Still, I can't help but feel we overlooked something.
"Wow, it makes a lot of sense." I respond. "But brother, this seems risky, even for you. I mean, the more the puzzle is completed, the more it fights take me over, fuse with me, y'know make it harder to separate us. Furthermore, we don't know how powerful the dragon is. It's weird to keep discussing a long dead species, but dragons are very powerful, and had some dangerous magic too."
After a brief silence, Leo says "You're right. This is a very peculiar case, with a lot of unknown factors involved. I feel like I am almost wrong about everything and scared of being completely right. Call me crazy, but I am certain this is no ordinary magic. Please be careful. You should be going now. Goodbye.
"Goodbye, Leo." I say.
Jakob and I begin our return to Windmire, while I keep mulling over Leo's words.