UNEDITED BUT THIS IS BECAUSE I LOVE YOU ALL! You better freakin' comment on this one…

Got the book, and I am so – oh so – terribly back.

This will be one of the more finer, more infamous of the Verdantian Chronicles. The beginning of a grand apocalypse.

That's right, dears, I said apocalypse.

I'm also thinking about posting an original work online. I'm going to post the synopsis below, and I want you guys to tell me what you think and if you'd read it or not. I'd probably crank out those chapters, and I think you guys would get really into it.

~ THEMESONGS ~

Where You're Coming From ~ Matt & Kim

.M.I.W.

12. In Which Peace is Found and Lost

I watched as Sophie tied a simple white rag around her head, a determined look on her wrinkled face. She had an old tablecloth as an apron, and was geared with brooms, mops, and scrubbing brushes. She seemed quite ready to take on the world – or at least the pigsty which was the moving castle at this time.

I was curled up next to the fireplace in a more comfortable chair Howl had come in with a few hours ago before leaving again. It was a rich red, and had puffy cushions that sunk low when you sat down. It was a great contrast compared to that wooden stool. I passively followed Sophie's movements as she wandered through the house, then took to flicking through a book of magic that I'd found in Howl's room. It had caught my interest because of its small size and its antique look.

So far, it seemed like it was an advanced person's manual to magic. There was something about transfiguration, and then creating portals to go to different places, potions to heal wounds –

Wait, what?

I turned the pages back to the portal creating, reading with interest. It explained the details of portal making, how difficult it was, only experienced witches and wizards could create and hold them…

What about a girl who had been cursed by a Greater Demon? Did that classify me as a witch in these parts?

"You can call on them." Belial had said. "Make them come to you, take you where you want to go."

Was that really true? Could I really harness that kind of magic? Did that make me more powerful? Did that make everything worse? Would trying it cause worse side effects than the adrenaline enhancer I'd gotten from Maximum Ride a year ago?

Had it really been a year?

Almost –

"What are you doing?" Calcifer suddenly snarled, making me jump. I turned to see Sophie quickly scooping out the ash mountain from the fireplace, causing the fire demon to become seriously disgruntled. I arched an eyebrow.

"Stop being such a baby." Sophie crooned in response, soon after having that task done, moving on to another upstairs.

"Hey!" I heard Michael holler from the other side of the house. "Don't go in there!"

I laughed quietly, turning back to the spell book.

Michael trumped down the stairs only a few moments later, an angry scowl on his face. I laughed at the look on his face. He whipped around and glowered at me.

"This is all your fault!" He pointed at me. "If you'd just kicked her out –!"

"If I'd just kicked her out, a lot of things that should happen won't." I stated plainly. "So get over it."

He didn't say anything else, instead stomping towards the table to sit down, and work on another spell, grumbling about 'stupid future-seeing witches with lightning swords'.

Not even ten minutes passed when Sophie was back downstairs, on a rampage for cleanliness. So far, there'd already been a huge improvement.

Rrriiinnngg! Rrriinnngg!

That was the door?

I looked over, seeing Michael working furiously, leaping up from the table and rummaging through the cupboards. He wasn't going to answer that any time soon. I passively put down my book, and walked to the door.

I grasped the brass knob, my other hand resting protectively on the hilt of Sandalphon, now leaning against the wall next to the door with Metatron. I opened the door.

Looking up at me with wide, frightened eyes, was a girl. She was probably nine, at the most, her bright brown eyes looking like they were holding stars. She wore a lovely, yet simple pastel yellow dress, her light brown hair tied in lace ribbons.

"Yes?" I asked.

She gazed at me like I was about to be hit by a flaming comet, or like some serial killer from one of those stupid, scary movies was right behind me with a knife poised. I glanced back just to make sure, then down at my outfit. Was it what I was wearing?

A simple brown dress from Howl – very soft and pleasant to the touch, which was now feeling kind of stupid to wear – didn't seem entirely dangerous. My hair was pinned up as best I could fashion what Victorian Era casual hairstyles were like (a.k.a. messy bun). The only piece of jewelry I wore was Meliorn's ring on my right ring finger.

"Uh –"

"I've come for that spell for me mum." She said quickly.

I turned to look at Michael, seeing him nod and look for what must've been the spell.

"Safety spell for your dad's boat, wasn't it?" He asked casually, and I took a step back as the girl peered in at me further. "Won't be a moment."

The girl looked over me – practically scrutinizing me – and I raised an eyebrow. She then looked around me to see Sophie cleaning.

"Has the Sorcerer got witches working for him too now?" She finally asked Michael, completely ignoring me.

"No." Michael and I said at the same time.

Sophie glanced towards us, seeing Michael pour some powder into a bag and twisting the top. "Who, me?" She asked, then smiled evilly at the child, making her shrink back. "Oh yes, my child. I'm the best and cleanest witch in Ingary."

The girl looked at me expectantly, as if waiting for my explanation. I sighed. "I'm not a witch."

She frowned, then reached for the bag Michael was handing her. She gave him a gold coin in return. "Tell your mum to sprinkle it right along the boat. It'll last out and back, even if there's a storm."

The girl then left, and Michael pushed past me to close the door, glaring at Sophie. "That will be all around Porthaven now. Howl may not like that."

"But it was funny." I admitted.

.M.I.W.

A few days had passed, and there had been no sign of Howl throughout them all. No one seemed to pay that any mind, though I was somewhat worried. I was supposed to be his guard, and as stupid as that sounded, I'd made a promise to take care of him. Or try my best to.

Right now, sitting in a chair, reading about portal creating (there turned out to be more books on this certain practice) or at least skimming, I didn't feel like I was doing my best.

"He's probably off with some girl." Michael said after I'd asked. He was currently working on some new spell for someone, more concentrated on his task than me. "He's always like this when he's off with some girl."

"Uh huh…" I noted dryly, turning back to flipping through the book.

Sophie had just stomped down the stairs, a bucket and mop in her readied hands. Michael and I exchanged a very long look.

"You'd best get everything out that needn't be mopped!" Sophie warned, scurrying back up the stairs once more.

Just as she was halfway there, though, the door changed its sides, the black end up first. Everyone paused as the door handle turned, and then burst open.

Howl stormed in, and I glared at him and his obnoxious entrance. "Typical." I muttered as I dropped the twin sword that's hilt had practically jumped into my hand when the door opened.

He glanced around the living room, arching an eyebrow. "I see Sophie has gone on quite the rampage." He noted.

"Where have you been?" I demanded, standing up from my chair, throwing his spell book behind me and on the chair. "You've been gone for three days."

Howl ignored me, instead turning to the fireplace. "Move the castle twenty miles to the west, Calcifer." He said, then turned to the stairs. "And while you're at it, make some water for my bath."

"Hey!" I snapped, hot on his heels as he was walking up the stairs. "I'm talking you. Where were you?"

"So the little fox hasn't left yet?" Howl asked to no one in particular. "She must've deviled you quite well, Calcifer."

"Yes, yes, I'm foxy, can we please get back on topic now?" I asked as I followed him up the rest of the stairs and onto the second landing. "Howl, I'm supposed to be your – and as much as I shudder to say it – bodyguard. So far, you're running around hasn't helped that much –"

"Contrary to popular belief, Miss Verdantia, I am not a child." Howl replied as he tore off his suit jacket, throwing it on the floor. It was then followed by his shirt, his shoes, socks, and belt. I followed him still as he made his way to the bathroom.

"And because I am not a child –" Howl turned around to face me, leaning against the doorway of the bathroom, once again putting us in a very familiar situation. He looked me up and down, seeming to realize it as soon as I did, a lopsided smile on his face. I folded my arms across my chest, making him meet my eyes once more. "I do not need a chaperone, nor do I intend to utilize one. And though it pains me to say it – seeing as how lovely you look in your battle armor – I believe you should seek a new profession."

My mouth dropped open in an 'o'.

Just as Howl was closing the door in my face once again, I quickly wedged my boot between the door and the wall before it could close. Howl's eyes widened as I forced the door open, pushing him back. I stepped into the bathroom, accidently kicking the door shut behind me in the process. I didn't notice, too focused on crowding Howl back towards his bathtub, making him end up sitting on the lip of the porcelain, his legs sprawling out across the floor on either side of me. An amused smile crossed his face, though anxiety flickered through his pale blue eyes. I leaned forward, resting my hands on either side of his waist on the bathtub, my eyes meeting his.

"Obviously, you don't get it," I said calmly, "so let me put this in terms and ways that will get your attention and keep it focused on me."

Howl's eyes widened, the smile slowly fading when he saw I wasn't smiling in return.

"You are in danger, Howell Jenkins." I told him. "No matter how fast you think you'll run, the Witch of the Waste is going to be hard on your heels with every step you take. She wants Calcifer, I know that. I know about you, your family in Wales, Calcifer, your contract with him, everything."

The smile was definitely gone now.

I leaned closer to him to the point where he leaned back, straining to stay upright. "And I'm involved now. Somehow, I know I am. And don't act so different like you think we're completely different, because we aren't. In fact, we're one in the same. Both working for the same goal. Our personal freedoms and interests. So you'd better get used to the fact that, whether you like it or not, you have yourself a chaperone. And if you don't think I'm… qualified, we can test that. Okay?"

His eyes flickered across my face, reading me. I noticed his knuckles turning white as he gripped the tub. I slowly leaned back, hooking my thumbs in the pockets of my pants, rocking back and forth on my heels as I watched Howl slowly sit up.

"Do we have a better understanding of each other now?" I asked.

He frowned. "Are you American?"

I slapped the heel of my hand against my forehead and sighed in exasperation. "Yes, Howl, I'm American."

I left the bathroom and walked down the stairs, seeing Michael begin to take various potions down the stairs and through the Porthaven exit, Sophie furiously working on pushing away all of the furniture to mop the floor.

"Madi," Michael said when I was in the living room, "can you keep an eye out for customers? There's this spell –"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah." I waved him off. "Say no more."

I grabbed my swords and my copy of City of Fallen Angels before leaving the moving castle.

Porthaven was a lovely seaside town. The ever-constant, comfortable breeze that whispered past carried the light scent of the ocean, which could be seen a few blocks away from the castle's current portal position, seen past the bright, cheerily colored buildings. Today, it was clear, not a cloud in sight, the town painted in orange as the sun was beginning to set. The streets were nearly empty, only four or five people walking about them, but seeming like they were on their way home.

I sat on the chair near a table full of the moving castle's magic books and other possessions, propping my feet on the table. I set my swords down on the cobblestone street next to my chair, then cracked open the book and settling to reading.

It wasn't that long, though, before I was interrupted.

"Ex – Excuse me. Miss?"

I looked up from the workings of Cassandra Clare to see a tired looking woman. She was young, yet seemed aged. Her hair was dull and tied back in a messy style that seemed askew, her large brown eyes having dark circles beneath them. At her side was an equally tired looking boy, who was currently coughing into his sleeve. He looked the worst.

"Yes?" I answered, looking at the woman.

"Is Jenkins' shop open?" She asked hesitantly, nervously, like a mouse. I furrowed my brows, glancing at the boy whose coughing had gotten progressively louder.

"Um… there's a witch on a rampage inside." I admitted. "We closed early."

The boy gave another despairingly pathetic cough, and I frowned.

"Please." The woman said, holding the boy's shoulders, trying to support him. "He's very sick."

I frowned, then stood up, setting my book on the seat of my chair. "Come with me." I said as I got up.

I walked through the shop door, pausing to make sure the woman was waiting just outside. She was, the little boy looking up at me with a curious expression on his face. I turned back to the moving castle. "Michael!" I called.

He was in front of me in the next instant, looking past me at the woman. "Her son is really sick." I whispered. "Can we just give them a potion?"

Michael studied the mother for a minute, then shrugged and nodded. "Come with me, ma'am." He said to the woman, then looked at me. "Watch the boy."

I shrugged, stepping outside to the boy as the woman ran past me. "Thank you." She breathed before running up into the castle.

I looked down at the boy who was now sitting on the steps of the shop, looking back up at me. We stared at each other for a long time, and I was beginning to feel awkward.

"Do you want to see something cool?" I finally asked.

The boy coughed, but nodded.

"'Kay." I said, grabbing my swords and stepping back in front of him, but a little ways back into the street.

He looked at my swords in awe as they glinted in the evening light. "These are seraph blades." I told him as I examined them myself. "Swords blessed with powerful magic. Light as feathers, and tougher than diamonds."

I looked at the boy, who was transfixed on my movements. I flipped my swords again, and the boy coughed again into his sleeve, but his large eyes were still on me.

"So powerful," I went on, "that they are even alive."

"Sandalphon." I called calmly as I threw Metatron in the air, catching its hilt behind my back. "Metatron."

Both swords erupted into light, making the boy gasp. I launched myself into fighting combinations, flipping the swords and taking time to make it actually seem artistic. My muscles stretched and contracted in all of the familiar ways that I'd missed. I felt the swords – glowing brightly in the failing light – become extensions of myself, comrades in a battle that seemed almost endless.

They were the perfect tools that created a feeling of finality in every move, of satisfaction that filled an empty place that was always there – always at the back of my mind and nagging. The calming of a restlessness, a feeling of a world that had been tilted would be leveled again. All by extending my arm and creating the perfect arc.

I curled Sandalphon back, and then thrust it forward in the perfect parry. "This is Sandalphon." I said as I let my left arm and Metatron stay stationary at my side, showcasing the sword in my right hand. "Cold, calculative, the more finite of the twins."

I then dropped Sandalphon by my side, holding out Metatron. I flipped him steadily. "And this is Metatron. While it seems like Sandalphon is the brains, he's the brawns. Like a wrecking ball."

Thrusting both swords out again, I became the artist, making my air the canvas and my swords the brushes. I smiled at the peace it caused. The boy clapped in awe while clapping, smiling all the while.

In the back of my mind, I couldn't help but feel the joy of just practicing with my swords, and not having to slice through some person or thing's flesh. It was… a nice alternative to what had been the 'norm' for such a long time.

.M.I.W. ~ one month later ~ .M.I.W.

A month had passed since I'd been in the world of Howl's Moving Castle, and I'd been here since. There had been no signs of portals in the four weeks, which was good and bad. Bad because I was beginning to wonder if I was stranded in another dimension, and good because I had more peace than a month in my own world.

I sat in the comfortable red chair next to Calcifer, looking out the window to see pale morning light stream in from the castle's current physical position in the Wastes, seeing nothing but green fields and purple mountains for scenery, the stars fading in the morning light.

The castle was terribly quiet, everyone was asleep. It was very clean as well, the only thing that seemed out of place was the suit Sophie was mending, sitting on a wooden chair.

She had been doing well since she'd been here. The word of her being a witch did get around. In Porthaven, she was known as Mrs. Witch, and in Kingsbury she was known as Madam Sorceress. She seemed happier with her job, even though she was cursed to be in an old woman's body.

"What are you doing up so early?" Calcifer asked.

"Thinking." I replied.

"Not reading?" He crackled. "You used to read that book all the time."

City of Fallen Angels. I'd stopped reading it a couple of weeks ago. "I don't want to mix myself up in the affairs of another world again." I replied. "I've never felt so safe in a world. When I'm here… everything else just melts away."

I even stopped having the dreams. I didn't know how. One night, I slept without any dreams at all, and when I woke up, I had never felt so… light. Carefree. I didn't wake up without feeling my heart practically racing out of my chest, without feeling a pure instinct to run or pull out my swords and swipe at the air. Here I felt home.

Calcifer didn't say anything, burning in his hearth as he began to take another log. That was because Michael was hopping down the stairs, making his way into the kitchen.

"Good morning." He called politely as he already began to start the day.

Michael was usually the first one up, preparing for the shops' daily business. He was already organizing potions and powders, logging in the inventory in a large book with a quill pen that never seemed to need an inkwell.

"Good morning." I replied, slowly pushing myself off of the chair. I smoothed out the soft, light gray dress that supposedly brought out my eyes (explained by Howl, of course). My swords hung back, leaned against Calcifer's hearth.

There was already a knock on the door, and I took the cue to answer it. "Who could it be this early?" I sighed.

"Porthaven, apparently." Calcifer answered.

"Could be your little fans." Michael noted.

I rolled my eyes, switching the knob to the Porthaven color, and opening it.

There, just as expected, were about five children assembled, peering up at me. They let out cries of excitement at the sight, some of them shouting out, "Light Fighter!" as well. I smiled slightly.

Yes, yes, sue me, I was the Light Fighter (copyrighted since… two seconds ago). Apparently after that stunt with the sick boy, word had gotten around from here to Kingsbury that the Master Sorcerer had found himself an acrobat assistant. And as stupid as it sounded, I was actually kind of enjoying it.

Yeah, me, the bloodthirsty sadistic freak, now as kickass as your typical Power Ranger. Maybe I could my gear out for something… lime green?

"Hey, guys, maybe not today." I said.

"Please, Miss Light Fighter!" One of the girls pleaded.

"Miss Light Fighter is busy." A voice came from behind me. I turned around to see Howl leaning over me and looking at the children with a kind smile on his face. "Perhaps later, when the store actually opens."

"Do you promise, Mister Jenkins?" A boy said, giving Howl a cold expression.

Howl merely shrugged, stepping back into the house, grabbing my shoulder and pulling me back as he shut the door behind us. I rolled my eyes. Typical Howl, not able to make promises to anyone.

"So… what was that all about?" I asked. "Just out of curiosity."

Howl didn't answer, instead focusing on Michael. "I'm afraid that Suliman has been lost in the Wastes. The King will surely come for me next."

"Oh," I said, "That's what it's all about."

I flopped on the red chair, grabbing a log next to me and handing it to Calcifer who'd been intent on reaching it for the past couple of minutes.

"Surely he isn't missing, maybe just out of range." Michael suggested helplessly as Howl was already pacing.

"I don't want anyone to leave the castle unless it's absolutely necessary. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go on a walk. My feet itch."

My eyes widened at the hypocrisy of the situation as Howl was already walking out of the castle. "Hey, shouldn't I be going with you?" I asked feebly, already knowing the answer.

Howl closing the door behind him.

I rolled my eyes, settling further into the chair, and closing my eyes. "What an ass." I muttered.

"Of course he is." Calcifer replied. "But he's got a bit of a point."

"A bit, mind you." I said. "A bit."

There was only blackness.

Only black…

Oh God…

I whipped around, seeing nothing but an expanse of darkness and shadow, my heart sinking further and further into my chest. No! I hadn't dreamt of this in so long! I couldn't go back now! I couldn't! I just –

A loud cackle came from above. I looked up, reaching behind my back for my seraph blades. Only to realize they weren't there.

I dropped my hands to my hips, not feeling the hilts there either.

I looked down to see I was wearing some white cotton dress and nothing else. My eyes widened. No!

The clawed hands grasped at my arm, and I tried to jump back. It was weird, I hadn't had this dream in such a long time, but I never remembered it going down like this.

"Come with us, Madi." That familiar voice pleaded. "Come…"

"No." I said, trying to step away. It didn't work. The claws gripped my arm, pulling me back in place where I'd been only seconds before. Acute pain radiated up my arm at the contact.

"You must…" The voice rasped, desperately. "Please…"

I tried to pull away, willing myself to ignore the pain, but finally stopped when it became too much. I didn't realize we had even continued to move until I felt myself back on an invisible ledge. My heart dropped into my stomach.

No!

"No!" A voice moaned, filled with a deep anguish and rage.

I sprang up from the red chair, pulling out Metatron in the process from his scabbard.

Sophie and Michael were frozen in place in the living room. I surged past them, Metatron already beginning to glow. Weird. I hadn't even called his name.

"Sophie!" The voice yowled again, and I realized it was Howl.

"What the fuck is this?" I snapped, looking from Michael to Sophie.

Before either could respond, footsteps began to thunder down the stairs. I tensed up, raising an already glowing Metatron, ready to race forward and collide with the threat.

My readiness was unneeded, though, as it was only Howl running down the stairs. He was only wearing a towel tied around his waist, his hair disheveled and having an odd pink glow, his pale blue eyes glinting with a crazed passion.

As soon as he saw Sophie, the glint turned into a glow. "What have you done to my potions?" He cried, storming up to her.

"What do you mean?" Sophie asked, "I was only tidying up –"

"I told you not to get carried away!" Howl seethed. "Look at my hair –!"

I quickly jumped in his way, holding Metatron defensively in front of me and Sophie, unsure of how to deal with what I was seeing. A shirtless Howl is always pleasant, but a shirtless, insane looking Howl isn't. More like looking at an unpredictable animal with rabies. In fact, I was quite sure he was just beginning to foam at the mouth.

Sophie peered over my shoulder, inspecting Howl's hair for herself. She had an almost scientific look on her face when I glanced back to see what she was doing, and her eyes immediately brightened. "It's only slightly pink. In fact, it's quite becoming –"

"No!" Howl snapped, Sophie flinching behind me. I quickly rose Metatron again.

"Howl, quit it." I said warningly. "I mean it. You're freaking us out."

"Oh, what's the point?" He moaned, dragging himself towards a small wooden stool that surprisingly wasn't bearing the weight of magic books and potions. He sat down in the chair, burying his face in his hands. "What's the point of living when you can't be beautiful? How could anyone in their right mind accept me in this state? Lettie will never love me like this!"

The house was beginning to grow dark at his lamenting, and I quickly crossed the room to get Sandalphon, who had also began to glow in my hand. I stared at Howl as his alabaster skin began to grow even paler, having a slight tint of green to it. I gripped the hilts of my swords tighter.

Calcifer shrunk back into his hearth to the point where I could only see the top of his flickering head. "Howl…" he said warningly in a small voice, "Don't do it Howl…"

"The fuck is he doing?" I demanded, my tone gravelly. I was growing even more and more on edge as the house started shaking, my first and foremost thought was whether to decapitate Howl or not.

"Calling the dark spirits." Michael answered. "I've only seen him do it after some girl broke up with him."

Green slime began to ooze from Howl's body, covering him in it. My eyes widened, and I slowly dropped my swords to my sides. "Jesus –"

"Stop it, Howl!" Sophie snapped. "You are behaving just like a baby!"

Of course, Howl didn't do anything. He just sat there, his head in his hands, not moving or speaking. I looked over his form from a distance.

"Is he going to die?" I asked slowly.

"Don't be ridiculous." Sophie said. "He's just throwing a tantrum. Michael, open the bathroom door."

It was then that the rest of the evening was spent on taking Howl up to the bathroom, making sure the pooling slime that was only growing in quantity drown Calcifer, and cleaning up the mess Howl left behind.

And in the midst of it all, I felt the steady, deep pain that my time of solace had come and gone. Now there was work to be done.

.M.I.W.

Not a lot of Sophie interaction, but I'm getting to it. This chapter threw me off with its length.

Synopsis:

Patience. The long, drawn out silence before the happening. The calm before a storm. Patience. For three years, Natalianna Delacroix had experienced this patience, waiting for a war that had ravaged her world to explode onto the peaceful realm of this one, for the blood to spatter this landscape, and for each side of the war to reach for Antoine Ignazio Sylvestre, crowned prince of her world. One side wants him to be the rightful ruler once more, the other wants him dead.

For Natalianna, it's only a race against the world and her heart. Antoine (in this world, known as Anthony) knows nothing of the world he is supposed to rule except for one thing. His ex-girlfriend, Natalie, is part of it. Convincing him she isn't crazy is the first step. Teaching him the ways of their world is the second. Third is protecting him from countless assassins and getting them to their world in one piece. The last would be not to want to shoot him herself.

Interested?

ShoutOuts ~

BookNinja15: Heat? Bring some here! It's freezing! Wild bottled water, eh? That would be quite concerning, yet quite marketable…

AnimeVamp1997: Lol, so how was the library?

Nyx's Pinky Girl: And the future is here! Whatcha think? ;)