Beauty and the Beast
All right, people who like perfect (or as near perfect as possible) grammar, spelling, etc, will be pleased to know I've reread the earlier chapters and fixed any issues I could find. If any mistakes have slipped through, please let me know 'bout it. Ta.
Oh, and DilaZirK? That is so wrong. And you have a sick mind.
I'm liking you more and more already.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter 5
Splish. Splash.
The water swirled slightly in the pail as Cassandra struggled to carry it across the room without spilling any of it. Despite her efforts, the waves caused by the unsteady journey of the bucket resulted in some of the water finding its way onto the carpeted floor.
At the far end of the room, near the cheery fire, he sat, brooding silently.
"I've managed to find some bandages." She said in as upbeat a tone as she could muster. Surprised, he glanced up.
Crouching, she dipped a towel into the transparent liquid, wringing it out as she edged closer to him. Reaching out hesitantly, she began to wash the deep wound on his shoulder.
The instant the towel touch the torn flesh, her captor- no, she couldn't think like that anymore- let out an involuntary hiss of pain.
"Ah! S-sorry!" She bit her lower lip, trying to discern his reaction. Other than the earlier hiss, there was nothing. Gingerly, she began to clean the area immediately surrounding the gash, not daring to return directly to the wound.
She dipped the towel into the pail once more, and remembered…
"Cassandra! Hurry up!"
"Coming!" She called. "What's the big hurry anyway? The horse isn't going to die if we don't clean that wound."
"Um, actually, it most probably will. Didn't you pay attention when father taught us, Cass? Lizardmen bites are among the most infectious in existence. You have to clean it up, and thoroughly, in under a day, before the infection sets in."
"Well, whatever happens, don't go taking it to Dr. Giels. He's a quack."
"Cass, that's not very nice."
"But it's true! Remember when I banged my knee? He wanted to amputate the entire leg! And when Lucius got that fever, he tried to feed him liquid gold with two pigeons tied to his feet. How on earth Lucius survived is beyond me."
"Poor thing, look at that wound on its leg."
"Do you think we can keep it?"
"Cass! You're far too old to be wishing for ponies on your birthdays!"
"Not like THAT. Look, it's going to be some time before the wounds heal completely. We're going to have to keep it a while. And we need transport too."
"You have a point there, I guess."
"And I even have the perfect name for it too! How about Archimedes?"
"Oh, look! It raised its head! It likes it!"
"Ha ha ha…"
"Thank you."
"Whuh-huh?" She sputtered, then mentally smacked herself. Real smooth, Cass. She'd gotten herself lost in a memory again. "What?" She asked, this time.
"Thank you." He repeated. "For bringing me back here, for cleansing my wounds. I would not have been strong enough to make it back to the castle without you. I owe you much, Cassandra." He shifted slightly. "And also… I would like to apologize for… overreacting in the Chapel. I am sorry."
Cassandra was dumbstruck at this statement. If she was to be absolutely honest with herself, her opinion of him up to now had been that of a monstrous brute or something akin to a wild beast. She had never in her wildest dreams imagined that he could act refined or civilized. And her he was, crediting her with saving his life. She could feel her face and neck rapidly becoming warmer, and she blushed slightly.
"T-thank you." She replied. "For saving my life also. I guess… that means we're even, huh?"
The ghost of a smile flitted across his face for a split second. "I suppose."
The wounds had all been cleaned by now, and reaching over, she rapidly unwound a long string of bandages. Coating them in a healing salve, she began to bandage the more serious wounds on his body, starting with the one on his shoulder.
"By the way," She said lightly. "I still don't know your name. Would you mine telling me?"
"Ni-" He paused slightly, as if considering something. Then his eyes became hooded, almost as if he were trying to pull back something lost in the dredges of memory.
Finally, he replied.
"Siegfried." He said softly, almost as if unsure of it himself. Then, louder, and with more confidence. "My name is Siegfried."
Outside, in the hallway, a young, dark haired girl peered through a crack in the door, face positively glowing with delight. Next to her, a redhead with what one would assume to be a permanently cocky expression on his face shook his head.
"How convenient that you would not show up when Cassandra popped by to ask if anyone knew medicinal skills. Doubly so that bandages, a towel and a pail appeared oh-so mysteriously in her room."
"Oh, shut it, Yunsung" Talim retorted. Gazing at the two of them, at her master coversing quietly with Cassandra, as she dressed his wounds, was causing hope to stir once more in her heart. "They make such a cute couple." She said softly.
She had sat, silently. Brooding.
She had almost feared to make this choice. But in truth what choice was there?
She had to do this. She had to.
If no one would help her, she would accomplish this on her own. Even Rothion had looked at her with concern and asked if she had been feeling well.
"Don't worry, Cassandra." She whispered as she stepped out into the cold night air. The bite of winter's frost could already be felt, even so early in the year.
Boots thudded on the packed earth. Glancing warily at the dark forest that lay before her, she gripped the handle of the short sword Rothion had made for her long ago, and steeled her resolve.
"I'm coming."
Siegfried stood on the balcony, looking down at the tiny figure of Cassandra, bathing her horse. It had snowed last night, the first time that winter, and the ground was covered in a blanket of gleaming white.
His attention was not fixed on the stunning landscape that stretched out before him –after all, he got to see it every year- but rather on the young girl, with a gentle smile and hair the colour of shining gold.
"I don't understand it." He mumbled to himself, feeling vaguely frustrated. "I've never felt this way before. About anything or anyone." He sighed and turned away, difficult as it was, from Cassandra. "What on earth do I do?"
"Well, you could try to stop yelling at her, you could make more nice gestures towards her, you could try writing her a romantic poem…" Yunsung ticked off options one by one on his hands.
"Uh, romantic poem?" Talim asked as she stepped through the glass doors that led to the stone platform. "I'm sorry, master, but I really, really, do not see you doing that."
"Good, because neither do I." Casting his gaze down, he continued in the same frustrated tone of voice. "I want to do something for her- but what?"
"Oh, that's easy." Yunsung chimed in again. "Flowers and chocolates!"
Talim blinked and massaged her temples. "Yunsung? Pray tell how we are going to procure flowers in the middle of winter! And chocolates? Can you bake? Can he bake?"
"Okay, forget the chocolate." Siegfried grumped. "What then?"
Talim tapped her chin. "Well…"
Lemme see… She thought to herself. What do we know about her interests?
Then, she gasped at the utter simplicity of it all, as a memory blossomed in her mind.
"What's this?"
"Oh, it fell out of my pack, I guess."
"Why'd you carry a book with you?"
"It's my favourite book." A tiny, wistful smile. "I got it the day before I came here, and… well, I put it into my pack to read later. Guess I forgot about it."
"Alright then, I'll place it on the mantel. Okay?"
"That'll be fine, Talim. Thanks."
"I know just the thing." She said to her master, a wide smile on her face.
"I'm still not sure why you're doing this…" Cassandra's voice trailed off uncertainly she took another halting step forward. Siegfried's human arm was currently placed in front of her eyes, effectively obscuring her vision. She stumbled slightly on a carpet, and instantly she felt his other arm grabbing onto her own, steadying her.
How much her perspective had changed since she first came, Cassandra thought with no small amount of amusement. His malformed arm had seemed inhumanly grotesque, as if created from the dark and twisted nightmares of a disturbed mind. And yet… now. Now it offered steadiness, protection. It felt dry and slightly hard against her skin, almost like the bark of an old tree.
"Be careful." She heard his voice. Still not trusting herself to speak, she nodded dumbly.
She heard the sound of a door creaking open, and for a second wondered where they were. Siegfried had been clever, leading her through dead ends and side tunnels until she had lost all track of where she was. The fact that she had only been through the castle once didn't help matters, of course.
"Alright, " He said. "Now."
The hand moved away, Cassandra opened her eyes – gasped.
Huge, lustrous bay windows spanned one entire side of the vast room, letting in rays of the winter sun. Rich oak tables with mahogany finish gleamed red-brown under the pale rays, and the sweeping staircases led to higher, yet unseen floors.
But that was not what held Cassandra' attention. That honour was reserved for the books. Massive bookcases held all manner of texts, the titles imprinted onto the covers with gold leaf. Some shined with a dull maroon glow, others gleamed bright blue, while others held bindings of brown felt.
She stared, mouth agape, with unashamed wonder at the vast, sweeping architecture all around her. She had seen the library, of course, on the tour, but then it had somehow seemed dull and somber. She had not noticed the books.
"Do you like it?" Siegfried prodded gently.
"Like it!" She exclaimed. "I love it!"
"Then I stand but what I said." He said softly.
"Huh?" She turned to him, slightly confused.
"This castle is your home now. Every book in this place is yours to read- and keep, should you so desire."
"Oh- oh, thank you so much!" She exclaimed. Unable to control her excitement, she turned to the nearest bookshelf, running her fingers along the spines of the books, trying to pick out one that she might find interesting.
And unseen to her, Siegfried smiled, for the first time in seven long years.
"Why couldn't we have gotten Necrid or someone to help with the cleaning?" Yunsung complained.
"Because he'd more likely than not stick that big arm of his through a window by mistake. Now stop fussing and give me a hand with this mop."
Struggling valiantly, Talim finally succeeded in pushing the mop into the side room, which held, among other things, rags, pails, and polish. All of which looked substantially dirtier than when they were first brought out.
Behind them, Charade stared at the mess with uncomprehending eyes, before disassembling and floating off somewhere else.
Lunch.
Cassandra plopped herself onto on of the hardback chairs, head still buried in one of the many books she had towed back to her room for further perusal at a more convenient moment.
She barely noticed as Talim set a plate loaded with hot food down on the table in front of her. Too engrossed in the book, she didn't look up as she reached for the fork-
And ended up planting her hand squarely in the middle of the hot mashed potatoes. With a slight cry of pain, she yanked her arm away.
"That is a rather unorthodox way of eating your food." A familiar voice remarked.
Glancing up, she was absolutely mortified to see Siegfried at the other end of the table, a cloak thrown around his body. Though she could not see it herself, she could feel her entire face turning a nice shade of pink.
"I, uh…"
"We all make mistakes, I suppose." He added, not wanting to make her dwell on her discomfort any longer. Pulling up a chair, he settled himself into it. "Would you mind if I joined you for a meal?"
"Wha- no. No, of course not." She said. Setting the book aside, she picked up her utensils, and dug in. Nightmare, slightly less nimble with his arms (for obvious reasons), picked up a spoon, and similarly began to eat.
Talim pressed her ear against the door, straining to hear snatches of the conversation, and smiled.
Dining together became a regular occurrence from that point onwards. Often, as the two ate, they would talk, sharing anecdotes of their past life and events that had transpired long ago.
Then, one night, Cassandra found herself at the entrance to Siegfried's room, staring uncertainly at the door.
Should I? She wondered to herself. Technically, what she was about to do would considered rude by many, and yet…
Raising her hand, she knocked hesitantly on the oaken door.
"Enter." Came the voice from inside.
With a creak, the door swung open, and Cassandra stepped inside. It was certainly not what she had been expecting. The entire room was sparsely furnished, save the majestic four-poster bed at the far end. Siegfried sat on a chair by the window, watching the fresh snowfall.
At her soft footsteps, he turned to regard her. "Ah, Cassandra." He said. "What can I do for you?"
Moving so she was standing beside him facing the outside, she frowned to herself as she best thought how to broach the subject. He had been acting nicer to her recently, to the point where she was prepared to call him a friend, but she was still just the slightest bit wary around him.
"Well…" She began slowly. "This is just a question, and you don't have to answer if you don't want to, but… why do you have that arm? Were you born with it or did something happen to make it… y'know, like that?"
Siegfried was silent for a long while, and Cassandra began to worry she had insulted him. Then, he glanced up and gestured towards one of the chairs.
"Please, sit down." After she had done so, he sighed, and began speaking in a low voice, while still watching the falling snow. "Was I born like this? Perhaps… depending on how you look at it. It is what was in my heart, imprinted onto my flesh. It is the physical form of my selfish, superficial pride." He paused and closed his eyes.
"Let me tell you a story, Cassandra. It's the story of a man and a monster. Perhaps you will decide for yourself who is whom when I finish…"
It was almost an hour later when he completed. He leaned back in his chair, silent and brooding.
Cassandra was silent too, her head whirling with a thousand questions. The supposed injustice of it, that he should be corrupted for one simple act- or had it only been one? By his own admission, he'd been proud and aloof for as long as he could remember.
And what of the condition the being of flame had set? When pressed, Siegfried had merely shook his head. It was obvious that he didn't wish to talk about it, and she didn't feel comfortable pressing the matter.
She knew not what to do or say. She almost wanted to leave, to get away from the awkwardness of the situation- but would that make him feel she was leaving him, now that she knew? Cassandra grimaced to herself, unsure of how to act. Her upbringing as a baker had left her completely unprepared for situations like this- and frankly, she thought with wry humor, unprepared for just about everything that had transpired in this castle.
Siegfried seemed to sense her discomfort, for he began to speak again. "I'm sorry if I'm laying any burden on you…"
"Huh? Oh, no. Not at all." She smiled reassuringly, and stood. "I'm just tired, that's all."
"Well, you should go to bed, then. It is rather late." He looked up. "Would you like me to see you to your room?"
"Thanks, but that won't be necessary." She replied as she headed for the door. He nodded in acquiescence, and return to viewing the landscape.
At the doorway, she turned to back to gaze at him, at the arm she had once thought so hideous and revolting. As he sat quietly, human arm resting on his malformed one, her heart went out to him, and she felt his pain as her own.
And so time passes…
"Compliments of the master." Talim said with a wry smile as she handed Cassandra a white envelope, sealed with the emblem of an single eye. She frowned, a puzzled smile on her face as she tried to discern the contents of the envelope.
"What's this?" She asked curiously?
"I'm afraid, Lady Cassandra, that that is none of my business. You'll have to figure out this one yourself." Talim grinned as she shut the door.
Once alone in her room, Cassandra ripped open the envelope, only to find a handwritten, unsigned note, and a single red rose. Come to the main tower. The rose is your ticket for admission.
She raised an eyebrow at this, and cracked the door open again. Talim was there, waiting. "Shall you be needing an escort?" She asked with a coy smile.
At the top of the tower, Siegfried was there, wrapped in a long robe that trailed at his feet. When he spotted her, he smiled and handed her a identical gown, which he procured gratefully and wrapped around herself. It was a cold night.
Down below, in the courtyard, she could see the figures of Necrid and Voldo, rushing back and forth. Several of what appeared to be cannons lay dotted around the plaza, all pointing upwards.
Then, abruptly, there was the sound of ignition, and night became day for an instant as dozens of fireworks shot into the frigid air, exploding far above them in dazzling colours.
"Funny, I never figured you to be the sort of person who did these sort of things." She said teasingly as she settled down next to him on the bench.
"I wasn't." He replied. Until I met you. He added silently. She had changed him, in ways and dimensions that he didn't know or understand.
And if truth be told, that wasn't half bad.
…But who would have thought…
"Where's Master Siegfried?" Yunsung called as he rounded the corner into the dining room.
"Thanks for offering to help." Talim said with a grunt as she strained from her position atop the ladder. Directly behind her, Charade was floating, his various peripherals used as hooks from which a bucket of soapy water and various rags hung. Talim was busy wiping clean the windows of the dining room, and drawing back the heavy curtains, letting pale sunlight filter into the once gloomy chamber.
"Sorry, but where's the master?" Yunsung glanced around as he leaned back on the chair.
"Out with Cassandra." Came the reply. "They decided to take a walk around the grounds. Just the two of them."
Yunsung glanced around. "D'you think that… it'll happen soon?"
Talim sighed. "I don't know." Then she gave a slightly sad smile. "You've got to admit though. The castle's become more cheerful ever since she came here."
And floating behind them, Charade's eyeball nodded in silent agreement.
…Who could have guessed…
"Cassandra?" Siegfried peered around the corner of the doorway into the study. Cassandra was there, reading another of her books. She hadn't heard him.
"Cassandra." He repeated, louder this time. She looked up, a smile forming on her face as she caught sight of him. "Siegfried? What is it?"
"Nothing much." He allowed himself a tiny smile. "I was just wondering if it'd be possible to join you."
"Of course."
He settled down next to her, keeping himself at a good distance from the roaring fire. Glancing up, he noted a well-thumbed book sitting by her side. "Do you mind if I take a look at that?"
"No, go ahead."
He picked up the book, and slowly turned it over to look at the cover. It wasn't from his library, that much he was certain of- it was faded and cracked, bound by dry leather that was of rather poor quality. But then again, the primary use of a book was to be read. As long as it was legible…
Then he blinked as he read the title. Then, placing the book down, he gave a little chuckle. "Amazing…"
"Hmm?" Cassandra glanced up from the book she was reading. "Amazing? What is?"
"This." He smiled. "It was my favourite book when I was younger."
"You're kidding!" She exclaimed. "I love this book too!"
"Oh? You've read it too?"
"Of course! Hey, did you like the chapter where…"
The fire flickered brightly, illuminating the two people animatedly discussing the tome Siegfried clutched in his hands. And for the slightest second, their shadows on the far wall seemed to merge as one in the flickering light.
…What might happen in that time?
"Does the concept of a Christmas dance seem rather strange to you when there's only going to be two people there?" Cassandra asked Talim as she combed her hair meticulously. She didn't know why she was doing this, but she just wanted to look her best tonight.
"Not so long as the two of you are comfortable being with each other." Talim smiled.
"Right. So… what should I wear?" Cassandra asked as she finished with her hair.
"Hmm… There're a few costumes I've been cleaning. Maybe a couple would fit you…"
"You look good in green, Cassandra. Maybe tie your hair in a ponytail?"
"While the costume itself is nice, I am wondering if it is appropriate to go out in a leotard, Talim. Can we at least cover up some thigh?"
"Okay… lemme see if I can find something else…"
"If you, for one second, expect me to actually wear that ridiculous helmet…"
"Alright, alright, don't get so worked up. Let's see…"
"Well, how about this one?" Talim asked as she held up a blue and white ensemble.
The outer coat was lavender blue with gold trimmings. On the sleeves, a heart-shaped emblem rested, lending an air of elegance to the outfit. A lighter blue waistcoat provided the inner garment, and a short skirt of white with blue trim completed the outfit.
Cassandra smiled as she ran a hand over the soft fabric. "It's beautiful. Thanks, Talim."
"Always glad to help." The younger girlgrinned as she replied.
"Well, master, tonight's the night!" Yunsung tried to cheer Siegfried on. By contrast, the normally stoic blonde was pretty much a bundle of nerves.
"I'm not even sure I can do this…" He sighed to himself.
"Oh, c'mon, don't act like that!" Yunsung groaned. "Look, you care for her, don't you?"
"Yes. More than anything!"
"Well then, tell her! You can do it!"
"I suppose…" He hesitated, still a little uncertain about himself. Then, mustering his resolve, he headed for the doorway. "Wish me luck." He muttered.
Cassandra paced nervously as she glanced around the ballroom. "Where is he?" She whispered softly to herself. "Did I get the time wrong? He did say seven, right? Maybe I'm in the wrong room…"
"Cassandra…" A voice interrupted her thoughts. Whirling, she caught sight of him standing in the doorway, looking slightly apprehensive. A regal cloak trailed around him, partially covering up his body. Cassandra noted, somewhere in the back of his mind, that he was still not wearing any shirt. Then again, one would find it difficult to find any tunic that fit his arm.
She noticed that he was still staring at her, which was inevitably making her feel uncomfortable. "What is it?" She asked.
"You look beautiful." He replied frankly.
Cassandra immediately blushed at this comment, and Siegfried seemed to relax slightly. Walking over, he offered her his left hand, which she took, and the two of them began to dance, slowly and hesitantly and first, then with growing confidence and grace… until they were lost in their own paradise, where only the two of them existed together, basking in the warmth and care of each other, a whirling kaleidoscope of colours and music their companions in the perfect world of their own making.
Voldo's sightless eyes still managed to follow the pair as the trailed across the ballroom, his wizened, bony fingers playing an old, classical tune whose name was out of memory.
Necrid didn't look up from playing with Charade, throwing pieces of it across the room and sending it to fetch them back again. As far as he was concerned, the whole business with his master and the girl was more or less settled- he could relax now.
Yunsung glanced nervously from his vantage point at the observation level. As the couple continued their foray across the spacious ballroom, he dimmed several of the lights, extinguishing a few altogether with help of a long poker. "I think I'm getting shortchanged in terms of equipment." He grumbled to himself. Ultimately however, he knew his goal- guide the two to the balcony, where they could be alone.
Talim's eyes were half-closed in concentration as her fingers trailed across the stringed instrument, letting the soft air fall through the cold night sky, in perfect duet with her far older colleague. She smiled as she noted Yunsung nearly overbalance, and right himself at the last second, grumbling. But then her gaze refocused on her master and Cassandra- in the end, they were the goals of the night…
At last, the two, still wrapped in the blissful oblivion of each other, retired to the balcony. Siegfried leaned forward, silently watching the stars and constellations high above him.
Cassandra, meanwhile, glanced over the treetops of the vast forest. Beyond there lay the place she had once called home… but no longer. She had given up that life.
"Cassandra?" Siegfried said softly. He seemed uncertain, somehow, as if trying to discuss a subject he knew not how to broach. "Are you happy here… with me?"
She paused for a moment, thinking. Was she? Well, yes, if she was to be honest. "Yes." She answered. And she was. She had her friends, honest, cheerful, dependant Talim, grumbling, fussy, and yet sure and true Yunsung. Even Necrid, Voldo and Charade- all had become part of her life now. And there was Siegfried. More and more, he had been on her mind lately, as she lay down at night, or ate her meals, thinking about him. He was here, with her, and that was good. How could she have ever doubted his good heart, or kind demeanour? Her worries and fears of long ago seemed utterly ridiculous now. "Yes, I am."
And yet… in all honesty, she could not forget the village either. The village, with it's quaint little library, the rustic, simple way of life, the cheerful, hardworking villagers… and Sophitia. How was she faring? Was she alright? Abruptly, thoughts and concerns she had long shoved aside rose to the fore again.
Noting her look of worry, Siegfried turned to her. "Cassandra, what's wrong?" he probed gently.
"N-nothing." She said hastily. "Only… it's Sophie. I wish… I wish I could see how she was doing. I miss her so much…"
Siegfried was silent for a long moment. Then, he sighed, as if having just made up his mind over a large decision. "There is a way." He said softly.
Soul Calibur was handed to Cassandra, and as it was, the blade shortened almost to nubs, the central eye growing wider, and the entire form losing shape as that of a weapon- signifying her status as a nonwarrior.
"Ask of it anything you wish, and it shall be shown to you." Siegfried said softly.
Steeling herself, Cassandra gazed deeply into the chartreuse eye, and spoke. "I want to see my sister."
The green light pulsed and wavered, and the eye faded, an unfamiliar image taking it's place. Cassandra's eyes widened. Where was this? Certainly not her old cottage or the bakery or even anywhere in the village. Through a blinding snowstorm trudged her sister, calling out her name ineffectually. Even as the horrified Cassandra watched, Sophitia stumbled, coughing, and fell onto the snowy banks.
"Oh- she's- Sis!" She cried, for the image had faded away. Turning to Siegfried, she spoke urgently, desperate to make him understand. "She's sick! And maybe- maybe…" No, she couldn't say it. "She's all alone." She finally whispered. "No one's there to help her."
"Then you must go to her."
She looked up startled. "What?"
Siegfried stared at the eye where the image had been a minute ago. "I release you. You are my prisoner no longer. You're free to go."
"I… I'm free?" Though in truth she had long since stopped considering herself a prisoner here.
"Yes. You may leave." Picking up Soul Calibur, he handed it to her. "Take this with you, so you will always have a way to look back- and remember."
"Thank you for understanding." She said, before turning to rush for the door, thoughts of her ailing sister already filling her mind.
Talim had arrived along with the others at the Chapel and waited outside with bated breath. After all, it seemed that tonight would be the night in which their long, long wait would finally be over. Had not the two of them spent the night in each other's arms? And now he had let her into the Chapel of his own free will. It seemed indeed as if tonight were indeed the special night.
Thus it was a dreadful blow to all when their master had walked through and announced softly that he had let her go.
The reaction was, shall we say, animated.
"WHAT?"
"HOW COULD YOU?"
"Ynchurstdznhgwa?"
He had simply shaken his head.
"I am sorry."
Then he turned and reentered.
But Talim was not one to let it go at that. Entering after him, she immediately took the fact that he did not tell her to get out as a sign that something was indeed very wrong.
"Why?" She finally asked.
"I had to."
"But why?"
Siegfried sighed and stared at the malevolent eye that pulsed and throbbed in the center of Soul Edge. And for a slightest moment, the reddish glow flickered.
"Because I love her."
Just so you know, the dress Cassandra wears for the ball is her Soul Calibur 3 costume. Looks great, in my opinion.
Right, please review!