Well, the leaves on this vine are wine-colored, so maybe it is just leeching because it's part of the embryo.

You have the red variety and some of the dry pulp was still on the seeds when you soaked them. There's nothing wrong with them. When picking the fresh berries I wear gloves because the pulp stains your fingers. There's also a green variety but I think the red is a more attractive plant.

Thanks. Why does it take so long for them to germinate?
Should I nick the seeds?

I've started malabar seeds a number of times and have never nicked them but honestly can't recall how long it took for germination. I doubt it was unusually long because that I'd remember. I'm guessing between 2-3 weeks.