Hello everyone!!! Thank you for the reviews

Finally, I know as you start reading you'll think I must have posted the wrong chapter, but don't worry, I'm just introducing a character in…a strange way?

If anyone wants a character of theirs to be in this story just give his/her name, age, description, and their personality…..

Another note: I wont be talking about things that Sylvia and James do, unless they're with the main characters or I change my mind, because I'm starting to get confused!

On with the story!!!!

And Enjoy

Chapter 7

A little girl raced around a cottage, while other children were chatting loudly, but Griffith was the exception. He sneered at the little girl, stupid child. 15-year-old Griffith Max, though he sometimes was referred to by his middle name, Vincent, or his nickname Griffin, was busy sitting on his porch angrily cutting a chunk of wood with his gleaming knife. Griffith was a tall teenager with wavy brown hair and almond shaped brown eyes. He was not one to be messed with, and you could tell by the way he dressed and acted, a gray warrior helmet, a simple white t-shirt, and long black pants. The thing that stood out the most was definitely his broad sword, which was attached to his belt. Griffith was a knight under the king's rule and he lived in the village. He had no family to call his own, and he was alone in the world. That was why he was feared. He was cold, icy, and cruel to others, he made friends extremely slowly, and tried to keep away from others. That was why he was feared. The most important thing about Griffith was that he NEVER asked for help even when he really needed it, and that was why, when his famous head popped in Queen Primia's castle, all were surprised.

Griffith stormed into the castle; he could not believe how rude the guard had been. Several servants scuttled past him, but Griffith simply glared coldly at them. He hated having to see Queen Primia, but he had no choice. Lord Duken, his master as a knight, had been furious that Griffith had disobeyed his orders and split from the group in a fight against some thieves. Griffith did not understand why, after all, only three had been killed on their side and all thieves captured. As punishment for doing so, Duken had picked the WORST punishment for Griffith, making him even angrier than usual. He was being forced to teach some sniveling kid the art of fighting. Griffith disliked kids as much as…well, he hadn't decided yet. Griffith knew that it would take years to teach the stupid kid to get halfway through the training. In other words, he was doomed. Even worse, he was being forced to find a kid in this crowd of 'nobility'.

Griffith threw open the entrance door and stormed in. All heads turned as his footsteps echoed throughout the entrance hall. He knelt in front of Primia and spoke, "Griffith Max, knight under Lord Dukon. You have received my message." It was not a question.

Queen Primia looked him over warily then announced, "A servant will bring you to your room. Outside classes last all day, for the nobles." She turned away from him and Griffith stood quickly, not wanting to stay near the lady any longer than he had to.

Griffith pulled his leather bag on to his shoulder and looked around for a servant. Queen Primia lazily snapped her fingers and stared pointedly at the servant next to her. The servant grimaced when Queen Primia turned her back on him and bowed politely to Griffith. Queen Primia relaxed on her throne, while Griffith quickly followed the servant out of the hall. Griffith tried to remember every corridor and staircase they took; he was not planning to lose his way around the enormous castle. A bell rang and a door burst open in front of him. A group of students rushed out, snickering about something…childish, most likely. A child and a woman, the teacher Griffith was sure, calmly walked outside the class and Griffith noticed the Royal features on their faces. Queen Ella of Kyrria, what a surprise. Griffith bowed deeply and spoke, "Your highness, Prince."

The little boy scowled at being called Prince, while Queen Ella smiled gracefully, "It's a pleasure to meet you sir…?"

Griffith spoke shortly, "Griffith Max, knight to Lord Dukon of Gutswa."

Queen Ella smiled warmly, "I've heard a lot about you and it is indeed a pleasure. Please let us talk later, As for now I have some important matters to take care of." Griffith nodded his head again then continued after the angry servant, who was tired of waiting. Griffith was pleased to finally arrive at his room. The servant gave him a strange look, then fled back to the Queen. Meanwhile, Griffith was already inspecting his new room. It was a little small, but living in an enormous, lonely house could make things look quite small in comparison. Griffith threw his leather bag on the available bed before sighing angrily and heading outside to watch the available apprentices. Hopefully he would never find one!

(A/N: By the way this is a little after lunch)

Ceaon woke slowly, but did not open his eyes. He felt so comfortable in this unknown bed. Ceaon tried to move his arm to rub his eyes but a jolt of pain ran through his wrist. Ouch! That's when he opened his eyes, confused at where he was. The room was small and white, although it felt very homey. Ceaon looked at his arm, it was a little bruised, and his wrist had been wrapped in a strong bandage. Ceaon looked around once more before, with a sudden burst of painful memories, he remembered what had happened the day before.

--- ---- ---

Ceaon had nearly reached the tall doors before he heard a voice behind him, "Well, well well. What do we have here? A pitiful servant, at this time of night?" Ceaon shivered at the sound of that voice, and slowly he turned around. To face….Jacobe and his gang who were already starting to surround him. Ceaon scratched his elbow slowly, thinking of ways to escape this fight, for it was sure to come. Jacobe arrogantly stepped forward, "Ya little pipsqueak. You're gonna pay for what you did to my shoe." Ceaon stepped back and squeezed his hands together. What am I going to do? Ceaon remembered the stance he had been working on with his dad. He slid into it and put his fists in front of his face. Jacobe and his friends started laughing. "He's actually going to fight us?" Ceaon squeezed his hands tighter, could he really fight all of them? No, but I can try Jacobe stepped forward and told his friends, "I'll fight him. Don't intervene." The other boys chuckled. Jacobe stepped into a different stance, Ceaon couldn't recognize it, but it didn't matter at that point. Jacobe circled Ceaon slowly while throwing insults rapidly trying to provoke him. Ceaon may have been inexperienced, but he knew to never blindly charge at Jacobe. Ceaon threw in a quick threat, "Too fat to be able to fight me without your cronies, huh?", but quickly regretted it. Jacobe furiously stepped forward several times, and at the same time someone behind Ceaon pushed him towards Jacobe and he stumbled. Ceaon looked down to regain his footing and knew his mistake as soon as he felt a sharp pain on his shoulder. Ceaon ducked down as he saw Jacobe's punch coming. Out of instinct, Ceaon swung his leg around and knocked Jacobe to the ground. He then jumped on Jacobe and started punching as hard as he could. Soon the two were rolling on the ground hitting each other. Ceaon managed to twist Jacobe's arm around and stop him from attacking. After all, Ceaon had always been trained in close fighting. Ceaon had no time to breathe as he was roughly pulled off of Jacobe and flung to the ground. The rest of the nobles were angry. Ceaon quickly picked himself up and backed away from the five nobles that were ready to fight. "You'll regret hurting our leader, you filthy scum" one yelled. That was the last Ceaon heard before he was engulfed by the nobles.

--- --- ---

Ceaon frowned, but that doesn't explain why I'm here… Then in another smaller burst of memories he remembered seeing his savior. He vaguely remembered the nobles getting off of him when a lady came. Then he was told to go to the nurse. Ceaon remembered stumbling up several stairs then- nothing-. Ceaon looked around again, where was he? This certainly wasn't the servants' nurse room, home, or anything else he recognized. The handle of the room turned and Ceaon looked piercingly at the door…

--- --- ---

Edward was angrily skipping stones in a small river. How dare his own sister turn on him! They had always gotten along well and would laugh about the arguments that came between them. But now she had gone too far. Edward took a heavy stone and threw it as hard as he could. It sunk like, well…a stone They had always gone and played with servants, but now when he offered to help save the kingdom, she turned herself against him. How could this be? He understood that she would be hurt about James and stay away from him, but she would still love to help fight the people attacking them…But maybe she really liked dresses and gossip better, like most noble girls. Edward shook his head; he was confused out of his mind, and now he could no longer tell who Melissa really was…I'll get her to tell me whose side she's really on.

--- --- ---

The door opened slowly and Mandy stepped inside, smiling happily when she saw that Ceaon was awake. Ceaon rubbed his eyes tiredly and asked, "Why am I here? What happened?"Mandy set a plate of food on his bedside table and frowned, "You know, young man, I should be the one asking the questions. You are here because I found you lying on the ground, nearly beaten to death. Care to explain?"

Ceaon gulped and shook his head. The lady was crazy. Unfortunately, Ceaon started to feel the usual pain, Ceaon bit his lip hard, but finally sighed, oh well. "I got in a fight."

Mandy raised both her eyebrows, "With who?"

Ceaon held the pain inside a little longer, then blurted out the haziest answer he could manage. "Some nobles."

Mandy frowned, but didn't question him any longer, instead handing him a steaming mug and commanding, "Drink this."

Ceaon held the mug with his left hand and threw the liquid down his throat as fast as he could. Ugh! Not fast enough, apparently. Mandy smiled and set the tray on his lap. "Eat."

Ceaon took the fork with his left hand again (his right hand was bandaged) and started throwing food down his throat, although due to his hurt limbs and using his left hand, most of the food ended up on him. The pain was growing a little, but not too much. Mandy shook her head, "Not so fast, boy. You don't want to choke yourself!"

Ceaon slowed down and was glad that the tiny pain left him when he had finished. Mandy patted Ceaon's head and smiled, "You're a very good patient." Ceaon huffed unhappily and grumbled quietly about not having a choice. Mandy continued, "Stay in bed and rest. I'll be back to make sure my medicine is working on you." Ceaon sighed as he felt the strange and magical sleepiness fall over him. Why me?

--- --- ---

Griffith was lying on a tree branch, bored out of his mind. He had been watching those useless nobles for two hours! TWO BLOODY HOURS! Griffith took a leaf and savagely tore it in half. No one seemed to be a good pick. One boy was weak, the other was crazy, too fat, too dumb, wrong hair color, too small, flinched all the time, walked like a girl, screamed when a bee came flying at him, dropped the sword, talked strangely, wrong footwork, hair was too long or too short, didn't laugh at the girl who walked by. No one was good.

"BOO!" Griffith's reflexes jumped into action and he flipped around and stood on guard, as he took out his sword and held it near the person's throat. Griffith scowled as the girl gave him a terrified look. Griffith slung his sword back into its holder and sat down roughly. The girl moved back a little and stumbled.

Griffith's scowl darkened and he growled, "What do you want, little girl?"

The girl shook slightly but still spoke, "I'm sorry, sir." At this Griffith sniffed. She continued "Sir, I'm Melissa, I mean, Princess Melissa and I thought you were a friend of mine."

Griffith growled, "So just because you're the Princess you think your better then me? Stupid little girl."

Melissa blinked, when had she ever said that? Melissa bristled angrily, anyway and interrupted, "Sir, it was an accident, and I apologized. You have no right to treat me like this."

If Melissa had thought this would calm Griffith, she was mistaken. Griffith angrily glared at her, then coldly spoke, "There is a reason why men are thought of more highly than women, little girl."

"Stop calling me that!" Melissa burst out, before she could stop herself. Griffith was about to hiss back at her, but Melissa continued, "I'm nearly 13, and I can tell that you're around 15. Hardly a big difference!"

Griffith squatted on the branch and looked piercingly at her. "I suppose I must admire your spunk, little girl. But shouldn't you be wearing your little dresses and talking with your little friends?" Melissa glared viciously at Griffith, no longer intimidated, how dare he judge me without knowing me! "You have gone too far," Melissa shook angrily, "Sir, my mother-"

Griffith snorted, "Going to your mummy instead of dealing with your own problems?" Melissa opened her mouth to yell back at the stupid boy, when he back flipped off the tree branch and smartly walked off. Melissa turned around and punched the tree angrily. The worst part about what he had said was that she knew he was right…she needed to learn to stand alone. Melissa ignored her bleeding hand and crumpled on the branch, stupid boy.

--- --- ---

(two hours later)

Ceaon felt as if he had been drugged, but he knew it was the command that Mandy had given him, so he wasn't afraid. But now he had a problem, a big problem… thirty minutes later, Mandy came into the room and greeted him. Ceaon spoke tiredly, "Can I stop resting now?" Mandy thought his question over and spoke, "All right you can stop resting, but don't get out of bed."

Ceaon winced and moved under the covers, he waited a while before asking, "I really need to get out of bed."

Mandy frowned at him and curtly spoke, "You will not get out of bed until you're better."

Ceaon wriggled again and pleaded, "Please! I really need to get out." Mandy huffed and put her hands on her hips, "Why?" Ceaon didn't want to tell her, but he had to, "I need to go to the bathroom, badly." Mandy chuckled, "Why didn't you say so earlier? Of course you can go. It's outside this room to your right," Mandy paused, then asked, "Do you need some help?" Ceaon shook his head and slowly pulled himself out of the bed, glad that the rope like magic had released him. Ceaon took several painful and slow steps before pausing and resting. It took him several minutes to get to the bathroom, but he finally made it. Ceaon was glad to settle on the bed once more, as his sore limbs stopped complaining. Mandy put some more cream on him, then gave him a medicine that put him to sleep.

--- --- ---

Melissa had been waiting near the servant's kitchen, waiting for Ceaon and Dammion. She had started to get a little worried when she didn't see Ceaon all day, but knew she would see him or Dammion soon. Dammion exited alone and stumbled into Melissa. "Er…hi Melissa. What are you doing here?"

Melissa looked around for Ceaon, then asked quietly, "Where's Ceaon? I haven't seen him all day." Dammion seemed to struggle with what to say and Melissa noticed. She angrily grasped Dammion's shirt and pulled him closer, then she threatened him, "Tell me the truth, Dammion. Where is Ceaon? You'll regret it if you don't."

Dammion gulped and spoke quickly, he had seen what this girl could do, and he didn't want to be on the receiving end, "I saw him at Mandy's place."

Melissa released Dammion and shrugged, "I never knew he was taking lessons from her. Did you?"

Dammion replied quietly, "I don't think he was there for lessons, he looked a little beat up." Melissa remembered seeing Ceaon yesterday as her brother had dragged her in the closet, poor Ceaon. Melissa sighed, but knew she couldn't do anything, she lightly said, "At least he's with Mandy."

Dammion shrugged and took out a piece of string for Melissa. She looked at him strangely. Dammion gave her the string and told her, "You don't want your hair getting in your view while you use your sword, do you?"

Understanding blossomed on Melissa's face. "Oh, thanks. I forgot that we had to go train with Ceaon's dad." Dammion and Melissa hurriedly took off so that they weren't late to the training grounds.

When they arrived of the spot, Melissa was angry to find that her brother had beaten her to getting there; she was usually the one on time. Ceaon's dad looked sad and weary, but they presumed that it was because of Ceaon's state.

--- --- ---

about forty minutes later, Melissa found herself feeling quite tired. Her arm ached from having to hold the wooden sword above her head. She yawned, and suddenly jumped when the same boy she had run into earlier today slid in her line of vision. The boy lazily walked up to Judean, (he had asked them to call him that). Melissa was the only one close enough to hear what they said. Judean bowed to the dumb boy and asked, "Sir?"

"Sir Griffith."

Griffith leaned on a rack and spoke, "Do you know who you are teaching?"

Judean frowned at his question, while Melissa's features darkened. Judean spotted Melissa's relaxed position and yelled, "Melissa, back into position, and hold your sword above your head." Judean turned back to Griffith who was smirking at Melissa and answered slowly, "Prince Edward, Princess Melissa, and a boy named Dammion."

Griffith flicked at a fly near the rack and asked, "And don't you see something wrong with those people?"

Judean straightened as if he had been insulted and spoke shortly, "No." Griffith laughed and spoke, "Your teaching a girl, who has no right to be learning such an art." Melissa angrily swished her sword through the air, but to her surprise Judean simply laughed and shook his head. Griffith narrowed his eyes at being laughed at, but waited for an explanation.

"Really, Sir Griffith. I have heard many things about you. You look to be a 15-year-old, but you act like a man with nothing to lose, you seem so wise and brave. But I can see you still hold some of your childish-" Before Griffith could reply, or Judean could finish his sentence, a wooden sword came whizzing through the air, straight for Griffith's head. Melissa had been insulted by what Griffith had said, and she could not laugh at it the way Judean had. Griffith ducked easily as he scowled at Melissa. She was glad it had not hit its target; she would never tell Griffith, but she knew she would have felt VERY guilty if she had hit him. Both Edward and Dammion where both staring at her, as if she was crazy. Griffith looked at the wooden sword that was now embedded deep in a tree.

Judean shook his head and spoke a little angrily, "Really, Melissa, you shouldn't let your anger get the better of you. Now get your sword from that tree and practice that block." Griffith slunk past Judean and followed Melissa wordlessly. She came to the tree and tugged at the sword. To her surprise, it didn't come out. Melissa pulled harder, leaning back as far as she could. On Griffith's face, a small mocking grin appeared. Melissa noticed it and spoke angrily at him, guessing exactly what he was thinking about, "I am not weak! Anyway, who threw the sword in the first place, huh?" Melissa rubbed her hands together and put her foot up on the tree, then she pulled hard. Griffith stopped grinning for a while as he realized what would have happened if he hadn't ducked the throw. Meanwhile, Melissa seemed to be having bad luck. The sword finally came out of the tree, making Melissa fly to the ground. Griffith found it absolutely amusing and grinned wildly.

Judean smiled at his immaturity, "What a child!" Griffith frowned as he heard Judean's words. He was no child, no after what had happened to his…

(A/N: this is a flashback from when he was 7)

"Mum? Dad? Where are you? Help me." Griffith stumbled out from his room, the tiny light coming from the candle showing the long passage ahead of him. "Mummy, who screamed? Why is it so silent here?" Griffith pushed his parent's door open and froze when he saw his mother, lying on the ground, surrounded by her own blood.

Griffith gritted his teeth and shook his head, they're gone, just forget it, they're gone. Melissa inturrupted angrily, pulling Griffith out of his nighmare, "You could at least help me, you pig!" Griffith ignored her and walked back to Judean. Melissa huffed and pulled herself up, stupid boys. Judean eyed Griffith strangely, but what can I do anyway?Griffith nodded at Judean and spoke coldly, "I'll be back here tomorrow to help you, train them." Griffith didn't hide the disgust in his face when he said 'them'. Melissa huffed and was about to take another swing at him when Judean blocked the sword with his foot, as he was quite flexible, and shook his head. Griffith stalked off, head held high. After all, he loved ordering people around.

When Griffith was out of hearing, Melissa dropped her sword and burst out, "How dare he decide to teach us. That…that…that…grouch!"

Dammion raised an eyebrow and whispered something to Edward who burst out laughing. Judean ignored them and smiled sympathetically, before quietly speaking, "Even if you don't get along well, he has every right to do so. He is a knight in a very high status."

Melissa opened and closed her mouth several times before speaking, "But I should be of higher rank than him!" Judean nodded and sighed, "It's complicated, but I'll try to say it simply. You are a girl, not 14 yet, although you are a princess. He is a very high knight, a man, and thought of as a 15-year-old adult."

Melissa sighed, "But that's so unfair!"

Judean nodded and pushed Melissa back in line and spoke to all of them, "Let's enjoy our last easy session. Good, now everyone, I want to see a high block, and make sure the sword is above your head."

--- --- ---

Melissa trudged behind Edward and Dammion as they headed back to the castle. She could see them sniggering at something and elbowing each other. Melissa sighed, she was absolutely sure they were laughing about her! Dammion slowed down and slung his arm around Melissa. "Me and your brother got the perfect name for that knight guy. Wanna hear?"

Melissa shifted out from his arm and on his other side, so that she wouldn't have to stand next to her brother, who was stiff and silent. She turned on her act and spoke cheerfully, "Sure! I'd love to hear it."

Dammion sniggered and elbowed Edward again, who remained silent. "We nicknamed him Sir Griffith the Grouch." Melissa grinned; it was a good name for him. Edward shrugged and put his hands in his pockets. Dammion raised an eyebrow at his posture, then continued merrily, "By the way, that was an amazing throw, remember, when you got mad at him and it hit that tree. Then, you couldn't get it out! That was real funny…you're strong, and you have a good aim. You should try some archery, some time."

Melissa sighed and jealously thought of her afternoons staring and learning everything that Edward was being to taught about archery. She spoke quietly, "I wish I could."

Dammion bit his lip and spoke softly, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought up about you being err…not noble." Melissa blinked and patted Dammion's arm.

She was about to respond when Edward burst out loudly, "It's also because she's a girl, and wouldn't even be allowed if she tried joining us men."

Melissa gasped and grabbed Edward's shirt firmly, glaring at him angrily. Dammion looked back and forth at Edward and Melissa, wondering what was going on. Melissa pulled Edward even closer and hissed angrily, "You will regret those words, Mr. Dumb. You will regret the day you uttered that sentence, because now you should start counting the days until you die." Melissa pulled back her fist and punched Edward with all her might. He stumbled back into Dammion, moaning in pain as he gingerly held his eye. Melissa gritted her teeth as she reached for him again. Dammion pushed her back a gently and defended Edward, "Whoa, whoa, Melissa, be nice, he's your brother."

Melissa cracked her knuckle angrily, "Say that again and I'll punch you, too."

Edward stood straight and pushed Dammion out of the way, "That was pathetic, you hit like a girl."

Melissa laughed sarcastically as she nodded, "Want another bruise to go with that lovely one?" Edward moved back a step and scrunched his nose. Melissa threw back her hand, closed her eyes, and let her hand fly.

–crunch- Melissa's hand hit another. She snapped her eyes open and stared in shock at Griffith's solid palm, blocking the way to her brother's face.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here? Your highness, fighting? Really."

Melissa raised her other hand, preparing to scratch Edward's face. But again, a hand snaked around her wrist and stopped her. Edward sniggered at her and brought his face to hers, "You…you…I'll tell you what you are when I think of a good enough insult fit for you. Look Girl, you're the biggest nuisance in the world, why don't you leave and go as far away as you can, it would do all of us favor." Edward pulled a baffled Dammion into the castle, leaving Melissa stuck at the mercies of Griffith. Melissa angrily pulled her fist away from his hand and glared at him as she tugged at her other hand. Griffith let go of her wrist and stood, towering over her. "You shouldn't be fighting, little princess."

Melissa, growled angrily at him, "You should watch your back too, fella. You aren't on my good side." Griffith raised both eyebrows as he silently laughed at her. Melissa scrunched her nose angrily and stormed off. As soon as she was out of sight, Griffith turned around as he winced quietly and shook his hand. He rubbed his palm slowly and winced again as it throbbed painfully.

A treacherous voice in the back of his mind spoke, "Boy can she punch,"

The right part of his mind added "for a girl."

The annoying and stubborn voice laughed, "It was a decent punch, and you know it."

The first voice spoke happily, "good thing I blocked that punch from reaching her brothers nose. It would have been a broken nose for sure."

Griffith paused a moment, then headed back to his favorite tree. He didn't want to meet any more nobles today.

--- --- ---

Meanwhile Melissa slowly trudged back to the castle still fuming at Griffith's annoying face. I'm going get them back good! They'll see I'm not someone to be messed with. Melissa paused on her way through the hall and leaned against the wall, Griffith was right, I need to learn to fight for myself. If he continues teaching our lessons, I'll listen and do it correctly. Maybe Mother will allow me to start archery class. Melissa's eyes hardened as she mentally started the list of things she had to do. She then slumped against the wall and sighed, I'll visit Ceaon first, I'm sure he needs some company.Melissa followed the path to Mandy's office, unaware that two sets of eyes were following her.

Edward angrily sat down in the hallway as he glared at the wall. Stupid girl. Dammion scratched some dirt of his arm and sat down, too, "Er…why did you get mad at your sister?"

Edward's head snapped up and he calculated Dammion's qualities. He rubbed his eye again and spoke in a whisper, "My sister and I met some…thieves," he waited for Dammion's reaction, but when no violent yelling started, he continued again, "I offered to help them protect the castle, they agreed, and now I have to meet them in a couple days to tell them about any suspicious people. Sounds exciting, huh? That's what I thought, too. Then my so-called-sister yells at me for 'joining the enemy side'." Dammion's eyes opened and he whispered back, "How could she not want to help? It could be an exciting adventure and those thieves are trying to help us, most of the time, when they aren't stealing our stuff." Edward shrugged and the two started chatting about who could be part of the scheme to kill everyone, or so they thought.

--- --- ---

That concludes my chapter……

This is what Sylvia and James look like:

James: he has short spiky hair. Always wears sunglasses, tall just like his sister, but 2 years older (he's 15)…intelligent, handsome, greedy, great with a short sword and probably mediocre with daggers. He is very bold and likes to burst into things, causing lots of problems.

Sylvia: she is pretty with waist long dark brown, black hair. Tall, slim, intelligent, a little shy, great with daggers, and she is 13. She's very emotional but not to a scary point, and is quick to judge people

Extra note: As you might have figured out, my story is set a while ago, though some of the things will be modern. For example, sunglasses, modern-ish castle, and other small things.