The story line and a few characters are my own. I do not own Howl, Sophie, and so on. They are property of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.

The war was over, Howl got his heart back, and he and Sophie haven't been happier.

Sophie was currently cleaning the small living room of the castle. The couple was expecting company, or well, Howl, was expecting company. A young witch was supposed to learn her magical trade from Howl.

Calcifer sat in his fireplace, happily munching on a piece of firewood Sophie had left for him.

Howl rushed down the stairs, "I got it!" he said excited. His first apprentice, he was excited, and nervous.

Sophie lightly laughed at him and nodded, "Alright." She said.

Howl rushed to the door and threw it open, "Welcome to my castle!" he said with his charming, cheery smile.

The girl smiled back shyly. She had beautiful, long, wavy, red hair that fell just to her waist. She was wearing a simple green dress that accented her figure wonderfully. Howl was nearly shocked when she looked up at him. Her eyes were so green!!

"Hello Master Howl, my name is Rois…I'm your new apprentice." Rois politely bowed.

Howl bowed in returned, "It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Rois." He said, "Why don't you come in?" he moved away so she could enter.

Rois entered modestly, and sat in the chair Howl had gestured to her.

Sophie smiled and continued in her own business as the two magik people conversed.

-xXx-

Months passed and Rois learned quickly. She was more powerful than Howl could have ever guessed. She had already transformed Heen into a tiger lily, a tiger, a pot, a giraffe, and a bicycle; put Calcifer under many different spells and charms…poor Calcifer….

Sophie was starting to feel unwanted. Howl had been spending most of his time with apprentice, and that was all he would talk about. Sophie would listen and act out the proper emotions at the proper times.

One night, Sophie was enduring one of Howl's tales of the day, when there was a loud 'poof' sound and a purpley smoke filled the castle.

Howl jumped out of the bed and rushed downstairs, "What happened? What's going on?" he demanded.

Rois was opening the windows to let the smoke clear out, she looked over at Howl, "I was trying to make a serum to make my hair more manageable, but something caught me off guard and I spilled it on Calcifer."

Howl helped Rois clean up, thinking things were harmless.

Something caught Howl's attention from the corner of his eye. He looked over and saw a man standing there. He had an Adonis's body, with bright red hair. His eyes were a smoldering black.

"What the hell?" he nearly shouted as he pointed to the naked man.

"Howl? What are you shouting at?" The figure asked.

Rois looked over and grinned, "Oh, my…Calcifer…" she said with a light blush.

I hope you enjoyed the story. I will try and update when I can. Thank you for reading and please review