Inuyasha crossover Howl's Moving Castle
Chapter 3: Hope

"I would like you to meet my student, Kagome Higurashi," Madame Suliman introduced her student to her former student as she smiled at her kindly.

"Miss Higurashi," Benjamin Sullivan greeted gallantly as he took her hand in his, raising it to his lips to place a ghost of kiss across her knuckles in greeting, his eyes never leaving her as he watches her with interest.

The table was set for four, but their fourth was no where to be seen as Benjamin help to seat Kagome beside of Madame Suliman, dismissing the page boy that had originally went up to seat her himself.

"This is Benjamin Sullivan, a former student of mine, and a talented Wizard just like yourself," Madame Suliman introduced as one of her clone Page-boy came to Kagome side to fill her glass with a cool drink for the hot afternoon.

"This is a first to hear you complimenting anyone Madame," Benjamin muses as he eases back into his seat, a wink towards Kagome as she blushes prettily in pink.

"Behave yourself Benjamin," Madame Suliman made mention as she sipped her tea, amused at his behavior towards her current student.

"The Crown Prince Justin is here Madame," announced the Page-boy as all three around the table turned to see a young male with curled cropped hair walking into the room with a smile upon his face.

Dressed pristinely in a three-piece suit of fresh cream with a white dress shirt and gold inner lining, he came up to them, bowing politely to Madame Suliman as he turned to give a polite greeting to Benjamin and Kagome.

"You're not Prince Justin," Kagome said, startling two particular in the room as Madame Suliman looked amused, not at all surprise at this new finding in her student.

"How nice to see you again Howl," Madame Suliman greeted as Howl took the enchantment of his current illusion away to do a sweeping bow in greeting.

Again the round of introductions went as Kagome was presented to them, and Kagome kept her politeness before of them. This is not the first time that Kagome could easily see magic around her, but instead believes that it might also be due to this World being one that has a constant flow of magic which allowed her to see and use it more easily. Or perhaps it was also because of her abilities as a Priestess that is multiplied thanks to it. The possibilities and theories of things are endless as she remained silent during lunch.

"There is a reason for this lunch meeting today, Kagome comes from the same World as you, though from a place called Japan," Madame Suliman told the two other Wizard seating in the same table as she crossed her hand on her lap.

"Tokyo, Japan?" Benjamin was the first to ask as he turned towards her in surprise.

"How did you come to stumble upon this World?" he asked more curiously this time with a light frown, still wanting to know the extent of her talent in Magic.

"I'm not quite sure myself," Kagome replied, frowning as she told them of what Madame Suliman had told her, feeling a headache forming as she tried to rake her memories of coming here.

"How curious, but yet interesting," Howl replied, sitting back as he studied her with a looking of unhidden interest.

"I was told that perhaps either of you could help me in getting back," Kagome said as she looked between them hopefully, feeling for the first time that perhaps she might really be able to get back

"That is easy enough to fix," Howl said as he called for some port to drink with his meal, meeting with a disapproving look from his former teacher.

"It is?" Kagome asked excitedly at the idea of being able to return home, as she looked towards her teacher in magic who nodded her understanding.

"Yes, whenever you are free we could visit my castle and see to it, however flight ticket wise, you might have to figure a way to pay for it," Howl said as Benjamin leaned forward and sat a little straighter in his chair.

"Perhaps we could all take a little field trip together," Benjamin said as Kagome nodded with excitement, reverting to speak a little in Japanese of her thanks to him.

Their confused look made her excuse herself as Kagome thank them all again in English with a light laugh at the prospect of being a little closer to being home again and perhaps even able to go through the well to see Inuyasha and the rest of the group.

"Let's make it after this meal then if Madame Suliman permits," Howl said as he turned towards his former mentor and teacher looking at her to see on her decision.

"Of course, let of the Page Boy drive you to his castle after this lunch," Madame Suliman said as she made indication for the Page Boy nearest to her to make the arrangement.

"Thank you so much Madame Suliman," Kagome said happily in her native language as she practically threw herself onto Madame Suliman in a hug, her eyes shining brightly from the excitement and well up of tears of happiness, no doubt on the prospect of returning home for the first time.

Madame Suliman was not one to go against the propriety of things, but for Kagome she gave much leeway and overlooks all manners protocol as she too became a doting like grandmother and patted Kagome on the back gently.

"You should leave now before tea comes about," Madame Suliman urges Kagome gently, bidding them farewell as she watches them depart.


A/N:

Hello Readers
So great to see that many of you are interested in this crossover, it has been really encouraging, and I (really) hope not to disappoint as well. I'm bringing in some elements of the book version of Diana Waynne Jones's Howl's Moving Castle and the character Benjamin Sullivan as well. Please pardon me if I get his appearance wrong, as I myself am not too sure on it, which has been bugging me like hell, and I can't seem to find my book as well. Though, here's another quick update, I hope that you enjoy it. Take care now!

To Lunascorpio20
Thanks! And nope, I have not thought about the pairing choice, I had thought Howl at first, then now I'm thinking perhaps the Crown Prince Justin or even Wizard Sullivan from the book might do well being with her as well. Then again I'm totally unsure of it myself as well.

To ultimate-owner
I would say so, though I think the circumstances might be different then since it was trigger by Sophie's tears on the ring that Howl had magicked it as well. Though I hope that the next chapter will not be disappointing.

To Silversun XD
Thanks! I hope that you enjoy this new chapter update as well!

To Applejax XD
Thanks! Here's another quick update and I hope that you find your answer in this chapter!

To Lady Lucirnaga
Glad to see that you enjoy this, hope that you like this new update as well!

To Tamadream
Thanks! So glad that you find this to your interest, I hope that you enjoy this new update as well!