Author's Notes: Please don't kill me for starting (yet another) new story prior to finishing (many many) of my unfinished stories. Like my previous HMC fic, this will be posted under the name of Chibi-no-oneesan of and DemonSaya on mediaminer. Hopefully I'll be able to keep this down to a PG-13 rating. I'd rather it didn't exceed R...but who knows...Also, make note, this is a 'Divergence' fic. In case you don't know what that is, it'll start the way the movie did, then I'll go off on a tangent. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: Howl's Moving Castle and it's characters belong to Diana Wynn Jones, and a bunch of others. Not me. See, so don't sue me. This is just a randomized product of my imagination. Who knows how it will turn out.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

A Tale of Two Hearts

By: Chibi-no-oneesan

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Chapter One

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

In the land of Ingary, it is considered most unfortunate to be born a girl, and worse yet to be born the first of three. No one is truly certain why this is such a bad thing, or when this became common knowledge that the first of three would not only fail first, but also worst, but it had become such long before Sophie Hatter was born.

Sophie Hatter was unfortunate enough to not only be born a girl, but to be born the first girl of three.

To add insult to what most considered grievous enough injury, she was the first daughter of a hat shop owner. It wouldn't have been so bad if she'd been born first of three to a miller or smith, because at least then, she could have had some marriage prospects.

That is not to say that Miss Sophie Hatter wasn't pretty. In fact, most men would have considered her an option if she had been second of three. Her hair was a lovely shade of ginger-gold, her eyes were blue-green. She had a sparse sprinkling of freckles across her narrow nose. She had a shy kind of smile that wasn't often shared.

Sophie was the oldest, the practical daughter.

Her sister's had long since gone off to seek the fortunes their mother, Fanny had set upon them, Lettie off to work at the Bakery, Cesari's, Martha off to train with the witch, Mrs. Fairfax. Since then, Lettie had at least four marriage offers a week, and they really hadn't heard from Martha much. And Sophie...

She had taken to decorating the hats in the families hat shop. She'd sit in a little corner at the back of the store, while Fanny encouraged the patrons to buy various hats and speak softly to the hats she made, telling them what she thought of the patrons, and whispering words of encouragement to them.

Sophie didn't mind being tucked away in the corner. It gave her time to think, yet, the position in the store also allowed her to get tidbits of gossip going around. She heard that the Witch of the Waste had surfaced again, despite the fact that she was technically still exiled to the Waste.

It was from this vantage point, part of, yet apart from the rest of the store that she heard little tidbits of knowledge about the people around town. How she learned about a week before May Day, that the Wizard Howl's castle had appeared on the Hills outside Market Chipping.

The tales of the Wizard always had a certain allure, because of the mystery of them. Rumors went around that he consumed the hearts of young girls, some that he was a horrible monster. The castle itself was intriguing because sometimes it would be a bare black blot in the distance, and other times, it would be right near the base of the hills.

"Sometimes I think they're more afraid of Wizard Howl than the Witch of the Waste..." Sophie said in a matter of fact way to the black velvet hat she was trimming with red satin ribbon and little crimson rosettes. "Personally, I think I wouldn't want to meet either."

May Day seemed to roll around much sooner than she'd planned, and she found herself hip deep in work in the days prior. People coming in trying to buy hats, garlands, and such. She found herself so busy each day that despite a deep desire to see her sister Lettie, she couldn't get away. Before she knew it, May Day arrived, and she closed the shop early, in hopes of enjoying some of the festivities herself.

It seemed, however, that all that time in her corner, not dealing with anyone had been more of a detriment than a benefit. She found herself so petrified as she moved through the streets, that in an attempt to escape the throngs of people crowding every vendor and corner, she took to the back streets, attempting to navigate her way to Cesari's.

It didn't help any when Howl's Castle started shooting off brightly colored explosions, as though attempting to celebrate the holiday in it's own way.

Then, as if the fates were mocking her, in her rush, she managed to run headlong into a rather elegant, and attractive man. His hands wrapped around her biceps, steadying her, preventing her from toppling over. She looked up, about to stammer an apology, when her blue-green eyes met vivid blue. The hair framing his face was like pale gold, and looked quite soft and very fine. His skin was pale and smooth, no freckle graced his face. His lips were turned upwards in a devastatingly handsome smile.

The apology died in her throat, and she felt her lungs seize. She'd never been particularly good at dealing with men, and this one was extremely attractive, and she could feel her heart start attempting great feats of gymnastic ability in her chest. "I...I'm...so-s-sorry..." She managed to squeak out.

"It's no problem miss..." He looked past her and something in his eyes darkened a bit and he turned, slipping an arm around her shoulder. He guided Sophie down the alley and she felt her cheeks become an ugly red. "You seem frightened, care for an escort?"

It didn't really seem to her that she was getting an option.

He guided her up the alley, a faint smile on his face. "So, where are you headed?"

"C-cesari's..." She stammered. She reached the conclusion that the faster she got there, the faster she got away...

There was an odd sound behind them. Kind of a gurgling, almost sludgy sound.

She glanced back and wished she hadn't. A strangled whimper escaped her throat.

"Don't panic...I'm being followed." He kept his pace leisurely, his index finger wrapping around a piece of ginger-colored hair that had stubbornly refused to remain in it's braid. "We'll enter the crowds in a moment and loose them."

Her breathing increased in pace and she felt herself trembling. If not for the arm around her shoulders, propelling her forward, she would have frozen in fear. When they reached the crowded streets, he guided her out among the people without hesitation, spinning her easily, and putting an arm at her waist, a charming smile on his face, while he spun her around among the other dancers.

"Is that Sophie Hatter?"

"Who's that dancing with her?"

She heard the whispers start and Sophie desperately wanted to sink into the ground and disappear. Soon, however, they were across the street, and in front of Cesari's. He scooped up her hand, kissing the air above it, flashed her a dashing smile and then disappeared among the crowds of people. She was left, standing there, completely stunned, her eyes wide, her heart fluttering in her chest.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

It seemed good fortune had smiled on him after all, when he'd taken the risk and darted down that back alley. The little mouse of a girl had been a good distraction, and had assisted him in shaking the Witch's goons.

Howell Jenkins left the town of Market Chipping behind him, heading towards his castle. His head actually hurt from trying to sort out the new issues regarding the witch. He wasn't really certain why he'd had the wild hair to date the psychopathic woman anyways. Okay, sure, she was a very attractive woman, as long as you didn't look too far past the enchantments and make up and other ridiculous charms, but...

He thought about what had just run through his head and paused mid-step. Since when were charms to improve one's personal appearance ridiculous?

He'd been using them himself for ages.

In all honesty, there were one or two ones that she used that were actually pretty clever, as well...

He shook his head. All the free beautification charms in the world weren't worth dealing with that woman and her temper. Besides, he enjoyed playing the field too much. Taking sweet little girls, showing them a small piece of the world, and then walking away before he got personally attached, those were the things he enjoyed.

The Witch of the Waste was really only intended to be another proverbial notch in his belt.

Too bad she had other plans.

Then all that nasty business with her fire demon...

He shuddered a bit.

At least learning that little tidbit had clued him into the Witch's real interest with his heart. She needed one of her own.

Too bad for her that he didn't have a heart, either.

With a broad smile, he pushed the door to his castle open and walked in, finding Calcifer in the fireplace and Michael dozing lightly on a stack of papers.

It was the boy's birthday, he figured it couldn't hurt, letting him sleep. He patted the boy on the shoulder, then looked towards the fireplace. "Good evening, Calcifer."

"Did you enjoy eating more hearts, Howl?" Calcifer teased easily, his blue face turned up into a broad, rather frightening grin.

A wistful smile. "I'm afraid my meal was quite interrupted by a certain Witch we love to hate." He quipped, sitting down in a chair and looking out the window. He could see the sea, as that window overlooked Porthaven.

He loved the sea.

"The Witch was in Market Chipping?!"

Howl hummed in agreement, smiling faintly. The girl's hands had been small and warm. He could remember the feel of her heart beating against his chest. No names had been exchanged, which was fine with him. She wasn't an exceptional beauty, but she had a kind of earthy charm that most beautiful girls lacked. Oh, and she was shy. Her blush was rather sweet, and kind of peach-colored, rather than the red most girls turned.

"Um, Earth to Howl?"

He blinked, looking towards the fire demon and jumped to his feet. "Heat some water, Calcifer, and move the castle seventy miles east by north east."

"What?! Howl, at least answer my question! Hey! HEY! Are you listening to me?!" Calcifer objected. "HOWL!!!"

But he was already in the bathroom, quite tuning out his friend's complaints. He hummed tunelessly, a faint smile on his face. He could scarcely remember what it felt like to have his own heart. Perhaps that was why he enjoyed going from woman to woman. The feeling of a heart beating against his chest could almost make it feel like his own heart was still there.

He'd always thought it was odd that he'd never felt that sensation with the Witch. She'd always been a little bit cold.

Howl shed his clothing, letting them drop in the floor, and climbed into the deep tub. He closed his eyes, settling in for a little mindless relaxation.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

It seemed to her that everyone had made their own decisions in life except her.

Sophie Hatter locked the door to the hat shop,leaning against the door. Martha and Lettie had switched places, and more importantly, were happy with the switch. All around her, it seemed that people were going out to seek their fortunes.

If everyone else could, why couldn't she?

The thought caused her heart to burn in her chest and she smiled slightly. Yes, she could. She would! She would get the small wage she'd been paid the past year, that she'd saved, she'd pack what little clothes she had and she'd leave. Maybe go to Porthaven, or Kingsbury, and leave this small town where all she would ever be was Sophie Hatter, eldest of three.

As quickly as the passion had grabbed her, it fled, and reason settled into place.

The truth was, she really didn't have any skills besides making hats. She wasn't really good at anything except that. This was where she belonged...

She closed her eyes, a sense of overwhelming grief settling over her. It wasn't fair. She looked around the small hat shop, then walked towards the small lamp, preparing to put out the light.

The sound of the bell jingling by the front door stopped her.

She turned, looking back, frowning in confusion. A tall, lovely woman stood there. Her hair was the color of honey, but her eyes were like ice. Without meaning to, Sophie shivered.

"I'm in the market for a new hat..." The woman said, eying the hats with a haughty air that caused Sophie to viciously bite her lip. "And I hear the hats here are simply scrumptious..." That slight smirk caused Sophie's temper to rise fully to the surface.

Sophie beat her temper back, making an attempt to be courteous. "I'm sorry, but it's past closing. I'd be happy to show you some if you come back tomorrow..."

Temper flashed in the woman's eyes, and something told her that this wasn't a woman anyone really wanted to cross. "My time is precious, little girl."

Meekly, Sophie nodded. She displayed a few of the choicer hats, hoping the woman would find one she liked and just leave. She failed to notice that the woman kept her gaze on her the entire time, not even glancing at the hats.

"Such a young heart, but barely used..." The woman mused, a wicked smirk turning up the corners of her lips.

Sophie's head whipped up and she stared at the woman.

"I see what Howl found so interesting..." The woman's form seemed to swell, and Sophie dropped the hat's startled. "Too bad for him though...He should have taken it when he had the chance..."

Sophie backed away from the woman, fear grasping her. Howl? Wizard Howl? She was quite certain she'd never met him...

A brief memory from May Day flashed through her mind, of a shared dance, cool hands, one holding her hand, the other at her waist, and an ominous emptiness in his chest. No heartbeat...Realization flashed through her and her heart jumped into her throat, threatening to choke her.

"Ah, so you didn't know it was him..." The woman smirked at her, moving ever closer.

Sophie squeaked softly when she finally backed into a table.

"Yours will make a nice replacement..."

Then, the woman spoke a word that sounded like the darkness and thunder, and Sophie felt pain in her chest. It felt like something that was intrinsically part of her was being torn away. Something that had always been hers, should have always belonged to her. Finally, the pain caused her to retreat into herself and she passed out on the floor.

The Witch of the Waste straightened, smiling wickedly. "Finally, I have another heart...but dear Howl, I still need yours..."

Then, she vanished from the store in a puff of smoke.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Sophie woke in her bed, Fanny leaning over her, a concerned expression on her face. "Fanny...?" She asked, feeling an odd sensation in her chest. An emptiness.

"I was so worried about you! I came in and you'd passed out on the floor!" Fanny fussed over the pillows, her brow creased with worry. "I had no idea you needed a break! You should tell me next time!!"

Sophie knew she should feel something, but instead, there was that odd emptiness. She shivered, a sensation of cold sweeping through her. She looked up at her step-mother, her brow creased. "Wh...what happened?"

"That's what I was going to ask you!"

Sophie sat slowly, putting a hand to her head. Why did she feel so chilled? She was under a mountain of blankets! She looked towards Fanny and opened her mouth. "I...I don't remember..." She lied quietly. "I'm feeling much better, I'll get to work-"

"No, dear. I want you to stay in bed today." Fanny said firmly.

Why did she feel so empty?! She should feel grateful, happy, anything! Why couldn't she feel? Why was it like her emotions were running through a filter, why was everything so muted?! She wanted to cry. She watched Fanny stand, and get ready to leave the room.

When her step-mother spoke again, it was gently. "Stay in bed today, Sophie. Rest. We'll make due without you for a day...It's more important that you get better..."

Sophie nodded, knowing she should feel despair in her heart-

Her heart?

When Fanny was gone, Sophie rested her hands on her chest and waited to feel the steady beat of her pulse beneath her hand.

There was nothing.

Tears started falling down her face, but she couldn't understand why. She didn't hurt, she wasn't sad. She didn't feel anything at all.

It was slowly that she rose from bed, finding a small bag in which she packed two or three practical dresses, and her only other pair of shoes. Then, she left the room, creeping down the back stairs into the kitchen, where she added a loaf of bread and wedge of cheese to it. She closed her eyes tightly, taking a deep, steadying breath.

Funny, passion hadn't been enough to get her out of here.

Necessity, however, seemed to propel her forward.

She needed her heart back.

That meant going to the only other person she knew who knew magic.

She left through the back door, and looked towards the edge of town. She could see the black speck that was Howl's Castle in the distance.

The way she figured, he owed her a favor regardless.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

AN: Anyways, you know the drill, let me know what you think. Hope everyone enjoys! LOL I hope this hasn't been done before...