Chapter 1

A/N: Yay! I can't believe I got ten reviews! On a prologue, especially! Nice progress... Well, here is chapter 1. Enjoy! Rose do the disclaimer!

Rose: No

CatLover: Don't make me call Howl...

Rose: ...CatLover2032 does not own Howl's Moving Castle...

Chapter 1

It has been two years since I disappeared. Two years since I first came to this world. I had thought that this was all just a dream. But that thought soon dissipated after six months. Who would have thought that wish came true... I unconsciously placed a hand over my chest where my heart should be. I sighed in relief when I could still feel it beating with a rhythm. Yet it still ached from the pain two years tell you the truth, I didn't know where to go. i must have looked really strange when I first came. Wearing clothes that weren't what women should be wearing. I glared at a few who would stare at me. The first two months, I sat in an alley way. My mom would have disapproved of me smelling like trash. The pajamas I had worn were tattered and stain. I even had to take food from the trash. That's when I met Sophie. Just like in the movie, she was beautiful. She took me in. I was skeptical at first but soon got along with her. I tried to help in any way I could to repay her (Probably because of my pride). I even tried to help with the hats. Even though that didn't go to well...

I sat up and brush the dust off my lavender dress. I paced around my room, feeling the weird breeze go against my legs. It was still hard for me to get used to these clothes. "You really need to wear skirts more often." My mom used to say when I come home from playing soccer with my friends.

As I went down the stairs, I could tell the workers just left. They were probably gossiping about Howl. I rolled my eyes at the rumors. Eats hearts? More like jilting. I looked down at my necklace that hung around my neck. My thumb grazed over the writing of the pendant before flipping it over so that the words would go unnoticed. I soon saw Sophie standing in front of the mirror. She then started to pose. It was a bit ridiculous yet it made me excited, knowing that the story is about to start. Though with me in the way, I might send everything off-balance. Sophie soon frowned at her reflection and pulled her hat down. I sighed at her antics. I didn't understand what was her deal.

"Where are you going?" I asked her.

She looked up with a smile."Off to see Lettie. Would you like to come?" I winced a bit. I might ruin the plot if I came. A part of me is telling me to stay but the other said I need to go. It has been a long time since I saw Lettie and who would miss the chance of meeting Howl. I then nodded and went with her. It wouldn't hurt, would it?

The town was busier than usual as the soldiers get ready for the war. Sophie and I ran to catch the tram before it left. I watch the soldiers walked in hands with a woman. the fact that they might never see each other again plagued my mind. War always came with death. The towns people wished the soldiers good luck. We opted on going through the alley rather than squeezing through the large crowd. I looked at Sophie who followed the directions on the paper she pulled out. She gasped when we saw a soldier guarding the weapons while I on the other hand watch curiously. I was pulled away by Sophie when the soldier looked at us sternly.

I knew that this is when we will meet those disgusting soldiers. I looked forward while Sophie looked down at her paper.I soon forced Sophie to a stop before she could bump into the soldier. The blonde soldier leaned on his elbow against the wall as his hand held his head. I glared at him but the fact that he was towering over us, didn't make me look terrifying.

"Hey. Looks like two little mice have lost their way." He said, grinning at Sophie. He then looked at me up and down. I clenched my fist furiously, refraining myself from punching the guy right in his face. He's the kind of men that gives soldiers terrible names.

Sophie stepped away from the blonde soldier while pulling me along, protectively. "Oh, no, we're not lost." She lied, shaking her head. We tried to walk past him but he blocked our away. I fumed. Figures...

"These little mice look thirsty. We should take them for a drink." He said as a soldier with a mustache came in. These guys can't take a hint.

"No thanks, my sister is expecting us." Sophie said as she looked down in fear.

"We really should be going." I spoke up, my eyes narrowed at the soldiers.

"The soldier with the mustache leaned closer, leering at us."They're pretty cute for mice." He commented. Any moment now, Howl will come for Sophie. Unlike Sophie, I looked at them, fearlessly knowing that Howl will teach these two a lesson.

"How old are you two anyway? You live around here?" The blonde soldier asked.

"Leave us alone." Sophie said firmly, taking another step back. She tugged on my sleeve and gave me a look saying not to provoke them.

"You see? Your mustache scares all the girls." The blonde soldier teased his friend. but the soldier shrugged of the comment.

"So? I think they look even cuter when they're scared." He replied.

I smirked. This is it. Howl will come in and place a hand on Sophie's shoulder. It happened as expected, only...

"There you are, sweetheart. Sorry, I'm late. I was looking everywhere for you and your friend." A smooth voice said. I jumped in surprise when I felt a hand placed over my shoulder. This was strange. This was supposed to happen to Sophie.

"Hey we're busy here." The blonde soldier snapped as the other straightened his back.

"Are you really? It looked to me like the two of you were just leaving." Howl said, a grin in his voice.

And with the flick of his finger, the two soldiers stood straight and walked away. I laughed as I watch the predicament that fell on the poor soldiers. The things you can do with magic always amazed me. Still giggling, I looked at Sophie who stared at me as if I had grown another head. I then looked at Howl who smiled at me. That smile made me stop laughing as I looked away from him. "Don't hold it against them." I looked up at him once more. He was handsome, I had to admit. With blonde hair and blue eyes. Though there was something about those eyes that made him look less human. "They're actually not all that bad." He said with a charming smile. The fact that he still kept his arm around my shoulder and looking at me was confusing. Why is he paying attention to me?

"Where to? I'll be your escort this evening." He said.

I was caught up by the fact that he was still looking at me, that I had forgotten where we were going. I looked at Sophie for help. Howl then looked at her as well.

"Oh, we're, um, just going to the bakery." She stuttered. I mentally face palmed and kicked myself. I can't believe I forgot a simple thing after watching the movie for who knows how long!

"Don't be alarmed but I'm being followed. Act normal." He told both of us. He went to grab my hand while Sophie took his arm as she clutched her free hand to her chest.

As we walked, I thought of the things that had gone wrong. I looked up at Howl, his smile never leaving his face. I quickly looked down when he caught my gaze. That's when I heard horrible sounds from behind us. I tensed,'The Witch of the Waste's henchmen!'

"Sorry. Looks like you two are involved." Howl said quietly as the henchmen appeared before us. They were more disgusting than in the movie. They were obsidian black. Almost looking like a plump man with a hat.

I noticed how calm Howl was. Trying not to let fear get to me, I remained strong which was hard to do since the obsidian creatures looked really frightening. I glanced up at the wizard and saw the excitement in his eyes as we took a sharp turn. "This way!" Sophie and I tried to keep up with him. We were then sprinting but more henchmen blocked our way.

Howl slipped his hand out of mine and wrapped his arm around my waist. He then did the same with Sophie. We suddenly shot up into the air and took to the sky. Adrenaline filled my system as I started praying that I won't fall to my death. "Now straighten your legs and start walking." Howl instructed, moving his hands to take our's. I instinctively did as I was told and Sophie hesitantly followed. I looked over at Sophie to see her shocked expression. "See not so hard, is it?" My bright green eyes looked down as I smiled. I could see the happy townspeople below us. I soon found myself laughing at the experience. Howl laughed along with me. "You are a natural." He commented. A part of me froze at his comment yet it didn't stop me from enjoying the wonderful sight.

We soon reached to the balcony of the bakery. Howl stood on the railing, as he set Sophie and I down. "I'll make sure to draw them off." He said. I watched as he let's go of Sophie's hand before I looked down at my left hand which was still held in his grip. "But wait a bit before you head back outside." He said, glancing at Sophie.

"Kay." Sophie said, dazed.

He then looked at me if I understood. Not knowing what to say, I nodded. "That's my girl." He grinned before he flew back and float quickly down to the ground. Sophie gasped and ran over to see if he had fallen. As soon as the adrenaline had finally left, I dropped to my knees.

"What just happened?" I asked myself.

"Sophie! Rose!" I looked up to see Lettie coming our way. She held her dress up so she wouldn't trip. When she reached us, she grasped our hands.

"Lettie." Sophie greeted.

"What's going on? Someone just told me you two floated down onto our balcony." Lettie stated, worried.

Sophie and I exchanged glances. "So that did happen. It wasn't a dream." Sophie said. A man then popped into the room.

"Lettie! Would you like to use my office?" He asked.

Lettie gave an apologetic smile. "I really should get back to work. Thank you, though." She declined and waved. I smirked when the man waved, smitten by the blonde beauty.

"Looks like someone has a few admirers." I teased, "Who shall be the noble that will take this fair maiden's hand in marriage?". I acted dramatically. Bowing like a gentleman, I took Lettie's hand and place a kiss on it. Lettie and Sophie laughed at my random acting. Lettie then realized what I was trying to do.

"Hey! Don't go changing the subject! Tell me what happened", she scolded. I groaned in disappointment when my plan was foiled.

Lettie soon led us behind the kitchen and we sat on the crates. Sophie told Lettie what had happened while I continued to bounce on the crate as I sat.

"He even seemed to have been charmed by Rose." Sophie added, causing Lettie to look at me with worry.

I made an unflattering snort,"Ha! Fat chance..."

'Considering that he's in love with you, Sophie'

"Wow, he must have been a wizard then." Lettie commented. While Lettie and Sophie talked about Howl. I thought over the meeting.

He had called me sweetheart when Sophie was supposed to be sweetheart. He commented on me being a natural which Sophie was supposed to be a natural. He called me his girl. Sophie was supposed to be his girl! I looked down at my left hand. I didn't do anything that might disrupt the plot. It must have been my presence. But that still doesn't explain Howl's behavior. This thinking is giving me a headache. I was so lost in thought that I didn't notice Lettie trying to get my attention. I looked at her, confused.

"Huh?", I asked. Lettie sighed and muttered,"Not you too..."

A crate was removed from the wall and a man stuck his head through. "Lettie, the chocolate eclairs are done." He said.

Lettie smiled at him,"Kay, I'll be right there".

The man nodded,"Thanks"

I leaned toward Lettie. "If I were you, I'd pick the chocolate eclair guy." I suggest with a teasing smile. Lettie rolled her eyes at my matchmaker act.

"Alright, we better get going then." Sophie said as she stood up. I sighed in disappointment and hopped off the crate. I walked over to her.

"I just wanted to make sure that you were doing ok." Sophie told Lettie.

The three of us then walked out through the back door. Lettie greeted a man as he walked in, carrying a bag of flour.

"Now Sophie, do you really want to spent your life in that hat shop?" She asked seriously.

"The shop was so important to father. And I'm the eldest so I don't mind." Sophie replied with a smile.

Lettie shook her head,"I'm not asking what father would've wanted. I want to know what you want."

Lettie and I stared at Sophie for an answer. "Well..." The brunette started but was cut off by the delivery man.

"We'd better be going." Sophie said after Lettie and the man exchanged farewells.

"It's your life, Sophie. Do something for yourself for once, will you!" Lettie exclaimed.

"Bye, Lettie." Sophie said

She looked at me, "Aren't you coming?"

"You go on ahead. It'll just be a moment. I'll catch up." I assured and so she walked off. I could tell that Lettie wanted to tell me something. "What's wrong?"

Lettie looked at me in the eye. "Will you do me a favor?"

I chuckled. "It depends what kind of favor it is." I joked.

"Promise me that you'll stay by Sophie's side"

I did not expect that. For how long? When the plot ends I might be able to go home and be with my friends and family. But was it worth it to leave my new friends?

I hesitated but Lettie needed an answer. I smiled, "I promise"

A/N: OMG! What have you gotten yourself into, Rose?! How will Rose be able to keep that promise? And how will she get back home? And what's with the attention from Howl? We'll find out later in the story. See ya!