A/N: Hey guys! Heres the next update! At 2 am...
Its pretty obvious what will happen in this chapter. The title gives it all away. Lol, oh wellz.
Oh and I forgot to say last chapter, Sophie's job is pretty much based off mine. Cleaning stalls, leading horses, feeding, sweeping, all that fun stuff. Everything she does is what I have to do every weekend. Yeah, not fun. At least we're both getting paid! ^_^
Thanks to all the reviews so far. They are really encouraging me to keep going!
Oh and I almost forgot; Merry Christmas to all who celebrate it! Tomorrow (since its currently 2 am for me) is Christmas and I hope you all have lots of fun with your families and get everything (or mostly everything) you wanted. Eat lots, sleep lots, and have a fantastic holiday! (Whole two weeks off, YESH!) Chapter 3 is written and ready to be typed, so look forward to that.
Anyways, enjoy this chapter! Hopefully its better than the last one! ;D
Disclaimer: If I owned HMC, Howl and Sophie would be eating eachothers faces most of the movie.
Chapter 2: The Blonde Stranger
An uneventful week passed for the eighteen year old Sophie. Each day was the same, except for the weekend, where she lazed about for the majority of her free time. It was now Thursday. Just two more days before she could sit around and act like a couch potato again. Thats all Sophie ever really does on her days off. The weeks were just so exhausting for the poor girl. And she wasn't even making that much! Sophie was starting to think this whole second job idea was pointless and she should just go home. All the money she did make was just going towards the rent for her apartment anyways.
The brown-haired girl now stood outside the great doors to the royal stable. She sighed. Another boring day cleaning up horse manure. With a swish of her dull grey dress, she headed around the back to the employee entrance. She reached the door and opened it, peeking inside. She was greeted by darkness and quiet; nobody was there yet. Sophie groaned.
I bet nobody even decided to show up today, she seethed in her head.
Walking inside, she took her hat off and turned on the lights. She set her hat down on a desk in the corner and signed in for the day. Looking at the sign up card, she searched for other names. None.
"Figures." Sophie hung her hat on the hat rack and tightened her boots. Just as she turned to leave, however, a white piece of parchment on the wall caught her eye. She walked over to it and read it. Phoenix stays in today. Sophie made a mental note of the message and tried to remember which of the thirty-nine horses was Phoenix. She walked into the main barn and grabbed some leadropes. Seeing as she was by herself, taking the horses out to the pastures would take a while. She put halters on and got started.
Thirty-six horses and two colts later, Sophie came back into the barn. Her normally beautiful brown hair now resembled that of an old rat's nest and her work dress was stained with dirt. Taking out that many horses alone isn't easy.
Tired and fairly flustered, the brunette made her way to the tack shelf and hung up the lead ropes. She looked down the stall rows, checking to make sure she got everyone, except for Phoenix. She had remembered to leave him in. The stunning black arabian was in the first stall on the far left. She gazed at him, awed by his beautiful shining coat and well groomed mane. His owner must be very picky about the appearance of his steed.
Tearing her gaze away from the elegant stallion, Sophie walked over to the supplies closet and pulled out a pitchfork and muck bucket. She dragged them over to the stall opposite Phoenix's and got started. The curious horse's eyes followed her as she moved back and forth, dumping foul-smelling waste into the bucket.
When she was finished, she stepped out of the stall and leaned against the door. She was already exhausted.
Sophie's eyes caught Phoenix's and they watched eachother curiously. After a few minutes, Phoenix whinnied and swished his tail. Sophie smiled and crossed over to his door. She reached her hand through the bars and stroked his forehead. The young stallion snorted and leaned into her touch. Sophie giggled and rubbed his nose.
"My, your gentle. And so pretty too." Phoenix whinnied, as if he understood her. Sophie pulled her hand back and slid the door open. She stepped into the stall and patted his neck. Moving her hand to his back, she rubbed his shiny black fur. Sophie was really starting to like this horse.
"You know, I think your becoming my favorite horse in the whole barn," she commented. Phoenix tossed his head around to nip her shoulder lightly. Sophie giggled again and returned her hands to his long face. He made a soft sort of purring noise at her touch. Sophie was tempted to wrap her arms around his soft neck and just forget about all her troubles. After a few more minutes of petting and rubbing his face, she did just that. She buried her face in his neck and tangled her fingers in his mane. Phoenix didn't seem to mind at all. She stayed like this for a few minutes, not noticing the quiet footsteps walking towards them. Phoenix heard though, for he pinned his ears and snorted at the newcomer. The footsteps stopped at the stall door. Sophie remained oblivious, too deep in her thoughts.
"I see you like my horse."
Sophie's eyes snapped open and she whirled around to face the stall door. She gasped as her gaze fell upon a very handsome man with a scarlet and grey jacket and long flaxen hair. Two very blue eyes stared amusedly at her from behind golden bangs.
Sophie gulped and looked at the ground. "I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't b-be in here-"
The man held up a hand, silencing her. "It's quite alright. You seem like a nice young woman." He grinned.
Sophie blushed and twiddled her thumbs.
The stranger moved to stand beside her, facing Phoenix. He lifted his hand to pet the stallion's nose, but quickly jerked it back when big teeth snapped at his fingers. Phoenix narrowed his eyes and pinned his ears.
"Easy now," the man cooed in a smooth, relaxed voice.
Sophie watched, slightly amused.
"He doesn't seem to like you."
"He's just upset because I haven't visited him in a while." The man flashed her a grin. "You're a stablegirl, I presume?"
Sophie nodded shakily. "Y-yes..."
"Hmm." The stranger reached into his pocket and pulled out a bright orange carrot. Phoenix's eyes lit up and his ears perked. He rumbled and stamped his hoof in anticipation. The man held the carrot in front of him and Phoenix snatched it away greedily. He snorted happily as he munched on the treat. He didn't mind when the man reached to pet him a second time. "That's better."
Sophie watched in silence. She rather enjoyed watching this handsome stranger interact with his horse.
The man eventually turned back to her, smirking at her dazed expression.
"See something you like?"
Sophie jolted out of her dream-like state, cheeks reddening. "No," she responded quickly. The man's eyebrows rose but he didn't say anything. Instead, he walked around Phoenix and inspected the horse's flank. He ran his hand through the air beside the horse, but never touched him. Sophie stared, confused.
What is he doing? she thought incredulously.
"What's your name?" the man asked suddenly, still facing the horse's side.
"Sophie."
He turned to her and smiled. "Okay Sophie. You seem trustworthy enough. Come here." He beckoned to her with his finger. Sophie hesitated before walking slowly over to him. She stopped next to him and breathed deeply. The smell of hyacinths filled her nostrils.
The man leaned over to speak gently in her ear, "Since you're such a nice young woman, and Phoenix accepts you as a friend, I'd like to show you something." He took her hand in his. Sophie's breath hitched. "Feel this." He gently guided her hand to the space between them and Phoenix. Sophie furrowed her brows together in confusion.
It's just air- wait... What is that? Sophie gasped when her fingers came in contact with something that felt soft and feathery. She squinted at her hand, trying to see what it was she was touching, but all she saw was thin air.
"...What? Is this some kind of joke?" The man laughed, much to Sophie's annoyance.
"It is not a joke, my dear Sophie." He grinned at her. "What do you feel?"
"Something soft... Feathers maybe?"
"Precisely." He reached both arms out to grasp the invisible, feathery... thing. With a gentle tug, a large black wing materialized in front of them. It was connected to the base of Phoenix's shoulder, small black feathers mixing into the horse's equally black fur. Sophie gasped. To say she was surprised was a severe understatement. The girl was shocked beyond words.
The man continued grinning and lifted the wing up. Large black feathers shined silver in the sunlight coming through the window. He inspected them, then dropped the wing gently and moved to Phoenix's other side. Another wing materialized and he repeated the process. Sophie looked on, speechless.
"Normally others aren't allowed to touch Phoenix except for putting his halter on, lest they get in trouble with me. Wouldn't want everyone knowing the great Wizard Howl was in posession of a rare pegasus, now would we?" He dropped the second wing, still grinning.
Sophie gasped a third time. This was the horrible heart-eating Howl? Pegasi were real? Why hadn't he stolen her heart yet? Pegasi were real?
The wizard walked back over to Sophie. Her face had gone pale and she was swaying a bit. His eyes widened in alarm and he grabbed her shoulders, steadying her. She shook her head.
"What...? How..?" she murmured, dazed.
"Phoenix is a pegasus. I found him as a colt four years ago. Poor thing lost his parents to a couple of greedy savages who wanted them for their wings. I've been caring for him ever since," Howl explained. He smiled at her. "And yes, I am the 'Horrible Howl' that the townspeople gossip about." There was nothing horrible about his smile, Sophie noted.
She nodded her head slowly, taking it all in. "So.. Pegasi are real?" she managed to choke out. Howl nodded.
"Yes. Pegasi are real."
"What about unicorns and dragons? Are they real?"
Howl laughed. "If only I knew, Sophie," he chuckled.
Sophie looked to the ground. It was a lot to think about. Pegasi were real, there was one in the barn, Howl the heart-eater was standing right in front of her- Wait. Howl. The Heart-eater. Was standing. In front. Of her.
Sophie jerked her head up and shrieked, backing out of his grip. Her back hit the wall, and she breathed heavily, trembling in fear. Howl stared at her, confused.
"What-"
"Your Howl the heart-eater!" she squealed.
Howl stared at her for a second, as if she'd grown wings. Then he sighed and rolled his eyes towards the ceiling. "Don't tell me you believe that nonsense too," he groaned.
"As a matter of fact, I do," Sophie hissed.
Howl walked up to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. Sophie shivered. His blue, glass-like eyes peered into hers.
"Sophie. Its not true. I honestly have no idea where and how that rumor came about." He gave her a handsome grin. "I mean really. Who would literally eat another's heart?"
"You."
Howl removed his hand from her shoulder and settled it on his hip, almost in a womanly fashion. He looked at her with amusement. "My my, you're a stubborn little mouse."
Sophie huffed and crossed her arms, more irritated than scared by this point. Were heart-devouring wizards always this arrogant?
The wizard smirked. Judging by the look on her face, he'd won this fight. He decided he might as well keep egging her on, seeing as it was quite amusing and she looked rather cute when she was pouting. Howl crossed his arms as well, mimicking her.
"Do you believe me yet?"
"No."
Howl put on his most mock hurt face he could manage.
Sophie scowled. But his effect was working on her. Staring into those hurt blue eyes, (little did she know he was faking) she lost her resolve and sighed. How could he be lying?
"Fine! I'm sure you would've eaten my heart by now anyways if the rumor was true." Howl smiled in triumph.
Phoenix suddenly nudged him from behind. Howl jumped a bit, totally forgetting that he was there. Turning towards the antsy horse slightly, he patted his nose. "Easy now. We'll go out soon."
Sophie looked at him quizzically. "If Phoenix is supposed to be kept a secret, then why do you keep him here of all places?" she asked.
"Well I can't keep him at my castle, can I? I don't have a stable." Howl smiled sheepishly.
Sophie scoffed. What an answer.
"I'm serious! Besides, the disguise spell keeps his wings pretty well hidden."
"But it doesn't make them disappear completely?" It was more of a statement than a question.
"Er... that is correct."
"What if some nosy stableworker decides to come in here and pet him or something?"
"Like you?"
Sophie's mouth opened in protest, but found she had nothing to say to that. He was right, afterall. She closed it again and glared at him.
Howl waved his hand at her. "It doesn't matter anyways. Everyone knows not to go out of his sight range. Phoenix is a pretty good kicker." Phoenix whickered in agreement.
Sophie glanced at the horse. He almost looked... smug. She raised a questioning eyebrow.
"Does he-"
"Yes, he can understand us."
The words died on her tongue. So thats why he seemed to acknowledge her compliments! Sophie's irritated frown fell and was replaced with awe for the pegasus.
"Wow... He's amazing.." she murmured.
Howl chuckled and rubbed Phoenix's forehead. "I guess he is."
A few moments of silence followed, with the wizard petting his horse and Sophie watching intently. Howl snapped his fingers and suddenly a blue velvet halter conjured over Phoenix's head. Sophie gasped for what must've been the millionth time that day. She had never witnessed magic first-hand before.
Howl turned his head to look at her, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"Never seen magic before, I take it?" he asked. Sophie shook her head. "Well you better get used to it."
"Why?" she asked as he led the pegasus to the stall door.
Howl paused and smirked at the rather confused girl.
"Because this isn't the last time you'll see me." With a wink, he was out the door and walking down the aisle, Phoenix following closely behind.
Sophie scuttled out of the stall after him. She watched the two retreat down the long hall, heading for the pastures outside.
Tearing her gaze away after a minute, she looked around the barn at the stalls and floor, which seemed much cleaner than when she had come in.
Howl stopped in front of the door that led outside and turned around to see Sophie staring wide-eyed at the spotless stalls. He grinned.
"I cleaned the barn for you so you wouldn't have to do it alone. You deserve a day off with all the work I'm sure you've been doing here," he called. A little bit quieter, he added, "And remember, this is our little secret." Sophie smiled at him, relief showing on her pretty face.
Howl smiled back. A faint, fluttering sensation rose in his chest, but he thought nothing of it. He turned back towards the door and led Phoenix out and away from Sophie's sight. Casting an invisibility spell over the two of them, Howl jumped onto Phoenix's back and grabbed a handful of mane.
"To the castle," he ordered. Phoenix spread his long black wings and took off running towards the pasture. He jumped into the air right before reaching the fence and spiraled away into the sky, disappearing in the white puffy clouds.
Sophie was left standing in the aisle, looking dazed. That last smile was genuine, and breathtaking. And to think he did such a big favor for such a poor, lowly hat maker! Despite all the horrid things she's heard about Wizard Howl, Sophie truely like him. He was arrogant, but kind and caring all the same. Or so she picked up from the ten minutes of talking to him.
For some reason, Sophie just couldn't believe any of the gossip. How could it be true? Surely heart-eater Howl wouldn't magic a whole barn clean for a poor stablegirl? And his pegasus! Why did he reveal such a big secret to her, a girl he's only known for less than an hour? Judging by the last thing he said to her, Sophie assumed she was the only one he had told. The thought warmed her heart. Howl trusted her. But why? It's not like she'd tell anyone, because she wouldn't, but why her?
Sophie was left to ponder these questions for the rest of the day and late into the night.
So how was it? Great? Average? Terrible? I'll only know if you review!
Lots of dialogue, this chapter. But I like dialogue, so its okay! I think.. XD
And before you ask, Pegasi is plural for pegasus. Just thought Id throw that out there..
Do either of them seem out of character? Please tell me if they do! Im trying my best to keep them in character. Howls pretty easy but Sophies kind of all over the place. Ill work on that. ;P
Oh and sorry if things seem to be going too fast. I just want to get to the fluff! XD
More familar characters will show up in the next chapter, so stay with me!
Wow, it is now 2:30 am. Time for bed!
Night all and Merry christmas!
~SillyLeaf