Jen: Sorry for the long delay. Writer’s block and other things going on are really a pain in the arse. Still, that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten about this fanfic. Here you go for everyone that was waiting for an update.

Disclaimer: I do not own Soul Calibur or the rights to the song Siúl A Rún.

Chapter 6: Starting Over

I awoke with the immediate realization of being bound in chains. My hands and feet were chained to the almost spongy feeling ship walls and floor underneath me. There was a slight rocking motion to the ship and the sound of waves crashing against the outside. Rattling chains and the familiar tone of a struggle that increased in volume as it came down to the lower deck.

“I’m telling you! I am not a mere commoner! The Kingdom of Wolfkrone needs me!”

“Even if you were, none of us have even heard of the place and we can’t set you free even if we wanted to, so hold still!”

The two men with the girl came right where I was and chained her to the wall next to me. I hadn’t seen her before, but she did look a little different than most people. Surprisingly, she was probably my age. Her hair was a dark red, darker than Chester’s that was a little longer than mine. And she had hazel eyes; this wasn’t too common, since I normally saw people with either blue or dark brown or black eyes. Green eyes weren’t uncommon, but hazel ones were. One very noticeable feature about her was the small beauty mark below the left side of her bottom lip.

Her attire was better than mine, that much was certain. That is, being compared to my leather bodysuit, leggings and long boots; her blue dress was only frayed on the bottom and the sleeves. “Hello,” I spoke.

Turning her head towards me, she didn’t say anything. Instead she examined me up and down. “Hello. What do they call you?”

I didn’t hesitate, “Melanie.” Eyebrows raised, her tone was a little brighter, “Just Melanie? Not Mel or Mellie?”

“Nein, just Melanie.”

“Ah… so you’re German?”

My cheeks felt warmer than usual. “My father was.”

“I was out searching for something far from my homeland that’s near that area,” she began, “And I was foolish to go alone. By the way, my name is Hildegard, but you can call me Hilde.”

Somehow I felt bad. She was captured for just being at the wrong place at the wrong time, possibly. I was ashamed to even to speak about my reasons for being on this ship. But this may just be penance in some form or another. Hilde’s eyes were on me as she kept looking towards me. “What is your story?”

“I was a thief that robbed just about anyone but mainly mansions. And I caught my superior assisting in a murder,” I spoke with the mentioning of the murder in a lower tone, “and he must have caught me because he was the one that got me arrested and sent on this slave ship.”

Hilde’s expression didn’t change. Her hazel eyes were still focused and I saw belief and no contempt. “You don’t look like the type of person that would be a criminal of any sort. Honestly, Melanie, you don’t.” Then she suddenly looked around and asked, “Do you per chance know where this ship is headed?” I remembered that those were the last words Chester said to me before I was knocked out and woke up here.

“France.”

She crossed her arms. I heard her mutter something under her breath. “France… not too terribly far… but…” Why did she really need to get back? What role did she have in the Kingdom of Wolfkrone? Was she a messenger? Or something more?

While I drifted off to sleep, I remembered a Celtic folksong that my mother once sang to me as a child as the waves kept time.

Siúil, siúil, siúil a rúin

Siúil go sochair agus siúil go ciúin

Siúil go doras agus ealaigh liom

Is go dtéann tú mo mhuirnín slán

Síul a rún was Gaelic for walk, my love. It was a love song that now reminded me of now… somewhat…

I wish I was on yonder hill,

‘Tis there I’d sit and cry my fill,

Till every tear would turn a mill.

I’ll sell my rock, I’ll sell my reel,

I’ll sell my only spinning wheel,

To buy my love a sword of steel…

I'll dye my petticoats, I'll dye them red

And round the world I'll beg my bread

Until my parents shall wish me dead

Is go dtí tú mo mhuirnín slán

I wish, I wish, I wish in vain

I wish I had my heart again

And vainly think I'd not complain

Is go dtéann tú mo mhuirnín slán

And now my love has gone to France

To try his fortune to advance

If he e'er comes back 'tis but a chance

Is go dtéann tú mo mhuirnín slán

Siúil, siúil, siúil a rúin

Siúil go sochair agus siúil go ciúin

Siúil go doras agus ealaigh liom

Is go dtéann tú mo mhuirnín slán

Somehow that song related to me now… as I was going to France. But I wasn’t in love with anyone. Was I…? Even in my sleep I fought over the matter, especially when a familiar face with sapphire blue eyes and that beautiful long golden hair. But why…? “Melanie, don’t give up…”

“Siegfried!”

The dark lower deck surrounded me when I sat up. Someone who was not too far from me threw something towards my head and many others moaned from lack of sleep. Hilde turned and opened her hazel eyes. “I don’t know about you, but some people need their sleep!” Yawning, I quickly apologized to her and the others.

“Who is Siegfried?”

“What are you talking about?”

She gave me a puzzled look. “You screamed his name thus waking everyone here with your sudden outburst. Who is he?”

Who is he? What a question. Not even I knew for certain. He was a zweïnhander-wielding German who was probably six years older than me at best. His true identity was a true mystery to me.

“Perhaps… someone that you love?”

My face flushed as I shook my head, “Nein! I barely even know him!” She almost looked taken aback but not too seriously stunned. Hilde then asked, “What does he look like? Is he handsome?”

I nodded as his image faded into my mind. The only thing I worried about was not being able to see him again. But if he ever went back to Germany… I might go there one day… hopefully…

“Golden blonde, his hair is almost halfway down his back and he has a scar that starts from the right side of his forehead down to his cheek and across one of his eyes... which happen to be a beautiful shade of blue. And… he wields a zweïnhander with his left hand, predominantly.” She soon smiled, as if she liked my description of him. Even I couldn’t deny the fact that Siegfried was handsome, but that was as far as it went for me.

When light finally came through the porthole, I squinted my eyes. Suddenly the men above deck were clapping their hands as if they were applauding Queen Elizabeth herself and shouting happily as if they were at the Black Tail Inn. Whether they were sober, I couldn’t tell. But then again, only a true lush would be drunk in the morning. Then the bell rang, that could have only meant one thing: they found land. Standing up to take a peek outside, I was right. “Hilde, we’ve reached France!”

…

The ship landed at a well crowded sea-port. It was humiliating when all of us were escorted in heavy chains among them. Their jeers were more towards me and Hilde than anyone else. Me, for my attire and my somewhat short and unkempt hair that I had always been cutting myself and… I don’t know why for Hilde, though. Whether her face or her clothes, she didn’t look average either.

We stood in the town square; ten of us at a time. Many men had walked up and touched my face and grabbed my arms. Although they gave me looks that other women would appreciate, they didn’t attempt to buy me. In the crowd approaching was one person that didn’t appear to be just another face. He looked to be around thirty with handsome features. Blonde hair that was slicked back in exception of one strand that hung over in his eyes. It wasn’t like Siegfried, more ash than gold. His eyes were what looked abnormal; almost crimson. A dark green jacket lined in crimson flapped in the sea breeze and brown breeches adorned his legs. He looked like a nobleman, the rapier on his belt proved it. The people around him seemed to drift away as he approached me and the other slave girls. I saw his eyes shift towards me and scrutinize every inch of my person. Not long did a vampiric smile lace his lips.

“What do you want for this young lady?”

The trader closest to me made a frown at me and told him, “I don’t recommend her, monsieur. She’s not only English, but a criminal at that. A common thief. What about this one over here? Ignore the beauty mark, but she’s quite docile once she settles in.” I saw Hilde make a sneer at the fat dealer and held my breath. But the latter’s vampiric smile only deepened, as if that was what he was looking for. “No, this girl will be fine. Any sum would suit me fine.”

“10 Franks.”

I didn’t know how much that really was, but I assumed it wasn’t very much at all. And then my chains were unlocked and the trader shoved me away saying, “Be careful with this one.”

Taken by the hand, I was led through the crowd and only looked back at Hilde, who had a look of dismay on her face. I couldn’t help her now. My life was now in a different direction and I guess I had to go along with it for now. When I turned my head to my front, I saw a horse-drawn carriage. Before I knew it, I sat inside it opposite of my new master. At first, I didn’t know what to think. I worried about Hilde. Would she eventually get to Wolfkrone? Then as the time passed, the thought left me. All my worry left me. I was now going to start a new life.

“What is your name, young lady?”

My name is Melanie, sir.”

A light chuckle rose in his throat. His demeanor was less serious than I had thought. “If you must formally address me, just call me Lord Raphael. I don’t want to seem overpowering to you.”

I started, “Lord Raphael, may I ask why you chose me other the other girls?” Raphael smiled, less vampiric, “Your criminal background intrigued me, as well as that determined look in your eyes.” He paused for a moment, and then he continued, “My adoptive daughter, Amy, needs someone to accompany her whenever she goes into town. Someone that is good with the sword as well as quick with the mind. Most criminals are always armed and know how to use a weapon. Do you, Melanie?”

“Yes, I am good with the sword, my lord.”

I had to ask about this girl, Amy. What was she like? “How old is Amy?”

“Not much older than you, maybe a three or four year difference.”

.

We eventually stopped at a lavish mansion with green shrubs that made a symmetrical pattern in the yard. It was fancier than Ivy’s, by far. But that was just my opinion. “If you think this is impressive, I have a large flower garden out back. You may go whenever you aren’t on duty.”

“What is my work here?” Other than my swordsmanship, I was only good at cleaning house. “What is your fighting style? Do you know a particular one or is it just… merely self-taught skills?” My father once trained landsknechts in Germany and when we left to go to England, he taught me how to use a sword. But I also taught myself a lot of my fighting style. “A lot of it is self-taught, but my father taught me some before he and my mother died.” He stopped in his tracks and said, “So you’re an orphan. So is Amy. But if you must ask about your job, all you need do is to protect her whenever she goes out. That is all. You are free to do anything else for you are not only her bodyguard and my servant but a new member of our family until I can tell you to leave. Understand?” With those last words he spoke, Raphael turned towards me. Then his eyes looked over me again and he smiled, “And you’ll have to get out of those as soon as possible.” It was obvious that my attire was more than just worn to shreds, but I didn’t expect him to actually say anything about it, let alone care.

The two of us walked inside an entrance I would call nothing less than ostentatious. There was a scarlet carpet that led from the front door to a flight of stairs to the very top. A golden glow gave off to the room that seemed to welcome me to my new home.

“Father?”

A girl younger than I was had rushed down the stairs to embrace Raphael. Her eyes were a pale greenish blue and lavish red hair tied in dark violet ribbons. The girl must have been in bed because she was wearing a crisp white night shift. “Amy, I have found someone that will be your bodyguard. Her name is Melanie.”

She curtsied then held out her hand, “I am pleased to meet you, Melanie.” Her smile was warm, but I could see insecurities and pain beyond it. “Melanie is to accompany you whenever you go to town alone, so I will have less to worry about now.” Amy thanked him quietly and rushed upstairs to her room on invisible fairy wings. Raphael smiled at the girl and turned towards me. “Tomorrow after breakfast I will test your swordsmanship myself. Do you think you will be up to it?”

Eventually, I knew I would be tested for his approval. But Lord Raphael was the last person I expected to spar against.

…

I had gotten a quick bath before breakfast. In a long time, I never knew how wonderful a bath was because I was lost to bathe when my parents were alive. The warm water felt marvelous against my skin and for once my hair felt some justice. Combing it through with my fingers, I didn’t want to get out.

Then I dressed in the finest clothes I could ever imagine. A short-sleeved blue dress with a rose pattern with a ruffled skirt was what I had decided to wear. My dark lace-up boots were still not unscathed and so I wore them with my dress. Then looking outside out the window, I saw the many bright colors of the flowers in the garden. I’d soon have to see them for myself.

Amy was the only one there to eat breakfast with me. On the table were croissants and fruit tarts. I ate a raspberry tart and a croissant that was filled with the best chocolate that ever touched my tongue. From being in England for so long I had developed a sweet tooth and I had to restrain from eating so many because of my match with Raphael later on today. Speaking of which, “Amy, do you know where Lord Raphael is?” I asked her. She sipped her tea and replied, “Father went to town this morning. He’ll probably be back at nine-thirty or so.” The hallway clock struck nine; it wouldn’t be long until I faced Raphael.

To pass the time, I went to the back of the estate to view the flower garden. It was more magnificent than when I had seen it through my window. The varieties and scents were alluring and absolutely beautiful in the morning sun. There was a large bed of irises and camellias to my right. Large pink, red and yellow rose bushes were scattered all throughout the garden.

A large fountain of water stood in the middle of the garden. The small pool of water that gathered at the bottom shimmered so much that my eyes were sore from the sunlight’s glare. I looked down again to see my face. Some of my hair was out of my eyes, which saw Siegfried’s face next to mine. His rough, deep, yet charismatic voice said to me, “Remember… your cause… your skills... no one can take that from you. No one.” Those intense eyes pulled me to them once again, but within flames, he completely vanished. Another figure emerged from the flames and smoke with glowing red-orange eyes. There was no visible face, just a dark blue helmet that I at first mistook for black with a red horn protruding from the forehead and what looked like a sea-horse’s fin from the top of head down towards the back of the neck. Its voice was similarly course like Siegfried’s, but was full of malice and pure evil. “Give me… your soul…”

I let out a yelp when I drew back from the fountain. Falling flat on my back, I noticed Raphael was standing above me. A single eyebrow was raised, probably out of curiosity. “Lord Raphael… you’ve returned.” His crimson eyes complimented his smirk, “And not a moment to spare. Amy had told me that you wandered into the courtyard. Was the glare from the sun too bright?” Standing up, I shook my head, “No sir. I must have been just seeing things.” He tossed me a sword almost as soon as his own was drawn. The sword I had received was a double-edged, blade as long as his, which happened to be a rapier. Mine had no hand-guard like his either, but it was no less wieldy. The blade was thick but not very flat. It had four angular sides at the point that widened, and then remained the same down to the hilt. Raphael’s rapier had a single edge and an ornate red hand-guard that I knew was for more than just decoration.

He grinned before slashing at me three times. I blocked them all and returned his gesture. Rapiers, I knew were also used to impale as well as for slashing. Once, he did attempt to at my side, but I stepped to the side. Raphael held it up to strike higher than my stomach, cutting my right arm. I switched hands and I made an almost considerable cut on his neck. It wasn’t too serious, but it drew blood nonetheless. Instead of grunting in pain, he chuckled. Especially when we clashed our blades again, “No wonder that portly slave trader worried when I took you: you’re a natural!” I twisted my wrist around which made my sword knock his out of his grip. It flew into the air and landed blade-first into the ground. “Danke,” I replied with a smile.

…

Later that day, Amy wanted to go to the marketplace. My dress suited me fine because it wasn’t too fancy nor did it place me as an average commoner. The only thing I did now that I had done under Chester was use my boots to hide my sword and the skirt concealed the hilt from where I’d draw it lest it became necessary. Amy was wearing a violet gothic style dress and her hair was in pigtails and a rose adorned one of them.

The coachman had barely entered the town when I told him to let us out. Amy told him to meet us there at three o’ clock. I didn’t know this town, so I let her lead the way. “What do you think, Melanie?” Amy asked me.

“About living here?”

“Yes. Is this any better than what you had before?” I couldn’t lie to her but I shouldn’t say too much, yet. “It is a lot better, and I feel like I’m starting anew with a clean slate. There are things I have done in the past I’m not proud of and being here must be to atone for it by protecting you, Amy.”

A faint smile crossed her lips as we walked to downtown as she spotted some black roses.

……………………………

Jen: There it is! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I’m glad I got to type this one out. Tell me what you think and don’t feel shy. Flames are welcome. Laters!