CHAPTER 2

CALCIFER CONSOLES

"Howl...This is terrible...I...I...Will you have to--?" Sophie couldn't speak. The shock was too overwhelming. She knew what this meant. It meant that Howl would go back to war, and leave her for long amounts of time. She remembered about six months ago, when she had to put up with that. It was too painful, not knowing if her true love would return even half-alive that day. It burned a hole into her heart.

"I—I don't know, Sophie...It all depends...It just depends on how the war is progressing...And how serious it is...It could be Suliman. Or maybe the stupid kingdoms fighting over some waste of a lady...These wars are ridiculous..." Howl said, walking around, looking for potions and various items.

"So this means you are leaving...Howl...I know what will happen! You will become that thing again, and fight for some stupid cause...What does this have to do with you, anyway? You don't even know what the war is about! Howl...I don't want to lose you..." Sophie said, at first screaming, then whispering, grasping Howl's hands. "I—I love you too much to let you go..."

"Well I love all of you, but if you want to make it out of here alive, I'm going to need some help, or all this love will be crushed into the plains of the wastes...Markl, FIREWOOD!" Calcifer interrupted.

"I promise, I won't leave you...I love you, too, Sophie. More than words could ever say." Howl whispered, then kissing Sophie on the cheek, then breaking from her hands to help Calcifer. Sophie just stood by the stairs for a minute, thinking, 'I got the best man ever, and I love him, but how's come he is the hardest thing to keep safe?' After her blank staring and deep thoughts, she started helping Calcifer, by dumping in wood, and mentally preparing him for his gigantic rush out of the swerving bombs.

A few hours later, when Howl was taking his bath, and while Markl was out practicing his magic, Sophie sat on the stool in front of the hearth and talked to Calcifer.

"Sophie, I know this is hard for you..." Calcifer began to console. "But right now, Howl needs you the most. You are the best thing he's ever had, and he's not about to give you up. You really cheer him up, and now through this war, no matter how petty it could be to us, he'll need you the most of all..."

Sophie shrugged and nodded.

"I guess so, but why is it I love him so much and it just seems he always leaves me?"

Calcifer shook his flamed head. Well, it's not his fault. He has a lot on his plate. Being a wizard...Having so much to do with the royalty...Being involved with so much isn't so peaceful. You have really calmed him down, though. It seemed as though his endless running had finally ended."

"Well...I guess you are right...Oh, Calcifer, whatever would I do without you and your great knowledge?" Sophie ran over to hug him. but realizing he was fire, she just smiled and warmed her hands near him.

"Hey, hey, hey! Don't get all mushy on me!" Calcifer said, roaring up his flames. "I'm a great...uh...FIRE DEMON! Uh...FEAR ME!"

Sophie just laughed.

"Oh, I'm, very scared! And what if the boogeyman comes out at night? Who will protect me then...Not the scary fire demon, he is very scary, as well..." Sophie laughed.

"I'm going to go talk to Howl. You just keep sparking and keep this thing moving!" Sophie said, laughing some more.

"Hey, you can't just barge in the bathroom when a guy's takin' a relaxin' bath! It's unkind! It's madness!" Calcifer said, turning his head to Sophie as she bounded up the steps.

"Oh, I'll knock..." Sophie said, and with a wink, she was gone.