I was awakened late that night by a figure who was whispering to me as it stood in my room.
"WHAT?!" I groaned out in shock and frustration from being awakened... I was not a morning person... or frankly, I wasn't any time of day or night person... I hated being woken up...
"SHHHhhhhHHhh!!! You'll wake the crew... Come on Nicole! You have to see this!" whispered the voice who cupped my mouth with its wet hands.
"Melissa?" I murmured half asleep as I lazily sat up out of my bed.
"Yes! Now hush!!! The crew may be drunk but they aren't deaf... Now put on yer boots and clothes I laid out for ye. Ye won't need that dress anytime soon." She whispered as she pointed to a pile clothes that lay on the table next to my bed.
"Melissa... I..." I began but was stopped.
"When you are done come up on deck." She stated and then dashed out the door.
As my cool feet touched the floor, the smell of the fresh sea air fluttered about my face, waking me from my half drowsy state. I wearily slipped off my dress and then quickly put on the shirt which Melissa had laid out for me. It was a deep sea blue that buttoned down the front.
I then slipped on the red vest that went with it. It was a blood red that had a few pockets inside it, one pocket held a wonderful item in it... An item I had been accustomed to making and using... A weapon I had killed with before... A dagger.
After slipping on the shirt and vest that fit me surprisingly perfect, I reached for the pants. They were tan and had many assortments of pockets and loops to hang swords and pouches from. After putting on the pants and awing in how well they fit, I slipped on the pair of boots. After tying the laces and half tripping as I tried to stand I noticed one more piece of clothing that Melissa had left for me.
I looked over to the table to see a piece of blue cloth. I picked it up and held it in front of the dim lantern light and soon realized what it was...
A bandanna... My own bandanna... Oh bless Mellissa... Bless Mockingbird...
I slipped it over my snow-white hair and tied it in the back, pulling out the few pieces of arguing hair that ended up getting caught in the knot.
After making sure I had everything on, I folded up my dress and put it and my shoes in the chest at the foot of my bed that kept my flute hidden... for the time being anyways... I then, after making sure everything was in order, walked out my door, shutting it behind me, and slowly made my way towards the deck. As I stepped out into the fresh sea air that floated along in the slight breeze, I was met by Melissa, or formally known as Mockingbird.
"So does it all fit?" She asked excitedly as she looked me over.
"Shockingly yes... How did you know what sizes?" I inquired as she walked around behind me.
"Well you looked about the size I was when I first came here... So I used that knowledge, washed me old clothes and brought them up just for ye..." She said, smiling as she stopped circling me.
"Thank you." I replied smiling a bit, "Why did you bring me up here?"
"Well since you are to be one of us, you must learn about weaponry and how to fight." She stated.
"Melissa, umm Mockingbird, you know very well that I can fight." I replied smiling slyly.
"Well... Yes... But! Do you know how to use one of these?" She asked as she unsheathed her sword.
She held up in the moonlight; it glittered and sparkled as she gently caressed the handle. I stared in awe at it which sent her face sparkling with smiles.
"I see you haven't... Well, it is my duty and honor... To teach you." She stated as she walked over to a door and motioned for me to follow, "here be you a sword to start with... When you can best me then I shall give ye a better one... Savvy?"
"Yes..." I replied as I took the sword that glittered in her hands.
It was a bit rusty at the handle but in mint condition. Its blade was about two and a half feet in length and it glimmered in the moonlight.
"Shall our training begin?" she inquired, smiling ever so slyly...
"It shall..." I replied returning the smile...
She came at me thrusting as I blocked her every attack.
"Not bad for a beginner. Now come at me." She stated as she back away from me.
"I shall." I replied as I thrust at her, barely missing her side.
Soon we were running all over the ship smiles and laughs were lost within the clanking of our swords. I thrust and she blocked, then she returned it to me. The thrill of this battle sent my blood raging and my heart racing as our swords clashed. We trained till sunrise and by that point a few of the crew members had come out on deck to watch.
As the sun flittered over the horizon, I began to drive harder and harder at Melissa, sending her swords flying from her hands. She stood in shock and in exhaustion as I pointed my sword to her throat.
"Amazing..." she breathed as applause echoed from the deck.
"What is all this now?" bellowed the captain as he stepped from his room.
"Captain, the new one... She has bested ol' Mockingbird... I'd never think I'd live to see the day that this would happen and by the hands of new blood." One of the crewmen spoke.
"My word..." the captain breathed, barely audible as he saw my sword aimed at her throat.
"Well done!" he called to me as I lowered my blade and shook hand with Melissa who had a huge smile on her face.
As she and I walked down the steps towards the deck which was filled with the many cheering crew members, I felt for the first time in my life...
That I was not alone...
I am not alone... I am not alone...
