~ THEMESONGS ~

Wait it Out ~ Imogen Heap

Going Away ~ Meg & Dia

.M.I.W.

21. In Which New Adventures Await

I slowly stuffed my meager belongings into my rucksack, methodically. I was still weak from the blood loss (and loss of lunch), but living. The burns from Agorian's blood were now gone, Sandalphon and Metatron polished and sharpened accordingly, my gear cleaned of dirt, grass stains, and bloodstains. The perfect way to present myself to the Brooklyn Institute, and not look like I'd experienced some odd six months of hell.

The castle was now back to its new normal. Apparently Angorian had been slain or vanquished or conquered or whatever else you want to call it while I'd been writhing in pain. Everything had been taken care of, and everyone was living their happily ever after.

"There's no way we can make you stay?" Calcifer asked from the fireplace. "You're pretty useful."

"Thanks, Cal, but no." I smiled. "I've got to go."

"Why?" He floated out from the hearth, looking over my shoulder and illuminating what I was packing in the dim light of the castle. It was now almost four in the morning. "You still look horrible. You should rest first."

"Trust me, I'd love to." I replied as I buckled the belts of my seraph blades' scabbards around my waist. "But I can't. I have my own contracts that need terminating. You of all… beings know how it is."

I closed my rucksack and secured it before slinging it over my shoulders, adjusting the straps accordingly so the pack fit snugly against my back. I rolled my shoulders back to make sure I was comfortable, and straightened out my jacket, then flicked up the collar as a finishing touch.

I looked down at the table, picking up my half-empty carton of cigarettes and lighter before stuffing them into the pocket of my jacket.

"I suppose." He noted flatly. "But what about Howl and Sophie and Michael? Don't you want to say goodbye?"

"At four in the morning?" I smiled. "I don't think they'd appreciate that. It's better this way."

"You really don't want to go, do you?" He asked as I moved towards the door.

I paused, my hand just grasping the doorknob. I smiled slightly, and shook my head. "You have no idea."

I then opened the door to the meadow, and stepped outside. And knowing Calcifer, he followed me out, acting like my own personal lantern in the deep darkness of the night.

I stepped out further into the field, and stopped, clicking my heels together. "Do you think you could help me?" I asked him. "I know I'm about a seven right now, but I don't want to show up looking like the ninth circle of Hell."

"Not at all." He said, drifting towards me.

I held out my hand, focused on the space in front of me, the expanse of the flower field, and the indigo sky smattered with stars. I breathed in and out, closing my eyes as I pictured the alley where I'd first landed in the Mortal Instruments. A slightly chilly wind breezed by, ruffling my hair, and made Calcifer's flame snap quietly.

It was the first time I would be able to do this without having to rush it. And I had to say, the feeling of using this magic at such a calm pace was relieving. Instead of the power ringing through my skull and veins like razor blades, it was slow, cool, and languid. Instead of the powerful disorienting snap, there was only the minute click that made everything fall into place.

"What do you want me to do?" Calcifer asked.

"Just hold it." I said quietly, opening my eyes just as the portal obediently spiraled out from the air.

When I heard a melodious laughter not too far off, I paused, and looked up to the monstrous moving castle. I could see the balcony from where I was, and then saw two familiar figures dancing on the deck. The two embraced, holding one another, before leaning in for a tender, romantic kiss.

I smiled. My job here was done.

"Will you come back?" Calcifer murmured, seeing what I was.

I shrugged, looking back at him. "Don't make me make promises I don't know if I can keep, Calcifer."

He bobbed up and down, acting as a nod, and I turned back to the portal, taking a hesitant step forward.

Sparing one last long look at Ingary, I fell through.

And when I say fell, I mean fell.

Like, from the sky, fell.

.M.I.W.

This is actually my favorite chapter, for it being so short.

ShoutOuts ~

SoccerGirl4Life30: No, it's not bad at all. I really missed it myself, to be honest haha. And, yeah she was. She's been out of practice, as it were. Plus, she let her emotions get in the way when fighting Miss Angorian.

Acid-Veins: Yes, yes it was. Just for you haha. And, please, SHUSH! You're giving my plot away! Lol. Anyways, I agree. Howl was a dick in the book, but I have to say that I love it a lot more than the movie. And a lot of stuff is different because Madi's there, and yeah.

April Marciano: Lol, aww, thank you so much! I appreciate it! But stop guessing books! You'll give away my plot! :P But I'm not tired of hearing it! Thank you!

BookNinja15: Lmao, good. You should've! What did you see, again? And thank you so much! Hope you liked this chapter!

Nyx's Pinky Girl: Yeah, I know, I didn't mean to but it was needed. And yes, everyone's drama senses should be tingling by now lol. And you will see Belial. Soon.