Howls Moving Castle
Chapter 2 - Retribution
It was a beautiful sunny day and Sophie Pendragon was bright as bright could be. Washing the dishes, Sophie stared dreamily out over the horizon as the flying castle passed over Star Lake. She couldn't believe it had been two months since Howl had asked her to marry him. And oh what a day that was. Chuckling, she stacked the plate and reached to grab another. She could still remember the look on his face when she'd caught him practicing how to propose, and in the bathroom of all places. It had been the happiest day of her life as Howl had swept them away to be married that very same day. It had been a private ceremony, with just the five of them. She'd been upset when the Witch of the Waist had moved out afterwards, Markl more so. He'd grown so attached to the Witch, having someone to talk to all the time. A grandmother figure so to speak. But it was her choice and she would never hold people against their will.
Raising her hand, she reached for the gold locket, which hung between her breasts. Markl had given it to her as wedding present. It was a delicate little thing, oval in shape, which hung on a thin gold chain. Drying her hands, she opened the locket and a smile spread to her face as the loving picture of Markl, Howl and herself stared back. It had been taken a couple of days before the wedding in the flower fields. She remembered that Markl had been particularly excited those past few days. Howl had obviously told him of his plan in asking her the big question. But no one knew it she hadn't sulked to Calcifer as to why Howl was yet to ask her to marry him, knowing only full well he'd tell Markl and then Howl. A small chuckle rose to her throat and she looked back out the window. But no one would ever know. It was her own little secret, and a good one at that. Sighing, she looked back down at the tiny photo. Oh Markl looked so happy as he played in the green fields surrounded by wild flowers and with the biggest smile on his face. She loved that boy, with all her heart and would do anything for him. Both of them would. Closing the locket and letting it swing back onto her chest, she slid her hands back into the warm water to finish the rest of the dishes. Though Howl never admitted his words of love to Markl, it was very much so there. An unspoken love, after all now that her and Howl had tied the knot, they were technically his adoptive parents.
The thought of being a parent made Sophie's stomach dance with butterflies and her heart race with anticipation. A huge smile spread to her lips as she remembered the exciting news of this morning's discovery. She was pregnant! A month or so along she figured. Oh she was so thrilled; she couldn't wait to tell Howl. They had talked about having kids, but just not so soon. Would he be ok with it? It wasn't like it was all her fault…he had to take some part in the process. Oops! She mentally kicked herself for thinking such thoughts. She could feel her cheeks growing hot, and not doubt turning red as well. She still had to remind herself she was allowed to think like that. She was married after all and it wasn't like she was thinking of someone else's body. Oh and what a body it was. She'd never figured Howl to have so much...stamina! Oh but after what happened last night…. just thinking about it sent shivers of pleasure down her spine.
Stacking the dishes, she began to hum her favourite lullaby. She could never remember where it was from. It was such a beautiful tune, sometimes she wouldn't even realise she was doing it. But it didn't worry her, she'd remember sooner or later.
Dragging her hand over the base of the sink until she found the plug and pulled, releasing all the water and leaving behind a clean sink. Oh well, she guessed she have to tell him bout the pregnancy sooner or later. Sooner more likely than later, after all it is a little hard to hide such things.
Reaching for the hand towel she began to dry her hands when the little hairs on the back of her neck stood straight. A huge smile spread to her face. Three…two…one…
"Hello Howl".
Behind his wife, Howl groaned in defeat as he dropped from his attack stance to scare her. His woman never missed a thing did she. Was she sure she wasn't a witch?
"How did you know it was me?" He asked as he leaned against the kitchen counter. He knew the answer, but just had to ask. He loved a little mystery in the people he loved, especially from the love of his life. She was beautiful. Even in her granny clothes, which she liked to wear even when she wasn't cleaning. Most guys would be turned off by such weirdness, but he wasn't. It just made him love her even more. She was his life and his saviour.
Finishing, Sophie turned into her husband and wrapped her arms around his neck, letting his wild black hair drape over her delicate arms. Feeling his response prodding her stomach, a small chuckle rose in the back of her throat as a small blush worked its way up her slender neck. Pressing herself up against him made her knees go weak at the thought that she was the cause for that iron bar digging into her stomach, even with the slightest touch or steaming glance. She had to be the luckiest women in the world.
"Oh I have my ways," she whispered with a devilish smile.
"I'd love for you to show me some time my love," he whispered as he lowered his head an inch away from her lips.
But before she could answer, Howl captured her lips with his. His tongue sweeping into her mouth. Sophie groaned and pulled Howl closer, fusing him to her. She felt like she could devour him, be inside him, like she couldn't get close enough. Well she'd rather him be inside her. But before she could rectify the matter; they were suddenly interrupted.
"Oh please, get a room!"
Startled Sophie tore her lips away from Howls in frantic search of the voice when her eyes landed on the hearth. Calcipher had transferred himself into the living room and was now rolling his eyes in disgust. Now that he's free from the curse, Calcifer had free range of the castle, which was why Howl had installed multiple hearths throughout their home. He could also leave when he likes, which was rare, but whenever he does, the protection was always up and running, though not as strong.
Howl still treats him the same of course. It's an unspoken friendship between them. She could see it every time they exchanged words…which would be about now.
Howl smiled at his life long friend. "Calcifer shouldn't you be off running a bath or something?" he ended with a murmur and turned back into his wife's embrace for another kiss.
"Oh sure pick on the fire demon. You know, just because I choose to stay doesn't mean I'm still your slave!" Calcifer ranted as he glared up at the lovesick puppy.
In a huff, Howl reluctantly released his wife and stuck up his nose.
"I don't know what you're talking about and if you'll excuse me". Grabbing her hand, Howl gently kissed it, silently promising a 'to be continued'. Howl momentarily fiddled with her wedding ring before heading towards the stairs.
"Calcifer, make hot water for my bath" he asked and on that last note disappeared up them.
Outraged, Calcifer threw his hands up in defeat and turned to Sophie.
"See what I mean. Calcifer do this, Calcifer do that. I get no respect around here. None!" And with a small pop, Calcifer disappeared into another hearth.
Chuckling, Sophie stared into the empty hearth. Yep, definitely unspoken friendship there.
Turning on her heel with the haunting melody still in her mind, Sophie rummaged through the cupboard in search for dinner, but only turned up empty. She would just have to go out. Oh well, maybe…
"Markl, Markl!" She yelled and moved to collect her hat and shopping basket.
The pitter-patter of little feet told her Markl had heard her and was on his way.
Running as fast as he could, Markl skidded to a halt behind Sophie.
"Are we going out, are we are we are we?" he babbled in delight, his face lit up like the sun.
Heen poked his head out from under the corner chair at the sound of Markl's excited voice and plodded over to see what the fuss was about.
Sophie turned and smiled lovingly down at Markl. She had always thought of him as a son. Oh she couldn't wait until he found out he was going to have a baby brother or sister. He will be so excited. They all will be. And her heart melted at the thought of it.
"Yes Markl we are. We're off to the market place. Some people have obviously been forgetting to mention the fact we are almost out of food again. Any idea who?"
Avoiding Sophie's narrowing eyes for a moment, Markl fidgeted with his jacket before 'innocently' answering and grinning foolishly.
"Nope, no idea".
Chuckling, Sophie headed towards the door with Markl hot on her tail.
"That's what I thought," she muttered to herself.
"Bye Heen. I'll bring you back something good, ok?" Markl reassured his best friend and was happy to see his face pick up at the sound of the treat.
Flipping the dial to blue, Sophie ushered Markl through the door.
It was a beautiful sunny morning in the bay side town or Port Haven. Since the war was over, it had picked up in population again and was now buzzing with people. The street was filled with markets, corner stores and little boutiques anxiously waiting for customers to make their début appearance.
Walking down the main street, Sophie smiled as she was hailed and greeted by a familiar shopkeeper.
"Good morning to you to ma'am. We got some fresh ones in today. Anything in particular you'd like?"
Juggling the basket in her hands, Sophie made her way over to the stall and peered over the variety of fish.
"Ummm… Let's see…What do you think Markl?"
Glancing down, she wasn't surprised to find Markl in his cape and beard, practicing his concealment charm.
"I hate fish" he grumbled and just stared ahead.
"Oh just pay the man. We'll take this one please", she said and pointed to the large snapper.
Fifteen minutes later, the basket was overflowing with fresh food and they were on their way home.
Yawning, Sophie stretched her sore arms above her head. Markl had refused to let her carry the basket any longer, insisting they share the load. Dear little thing she thought.
"Oh that was fun. Wasn't it Markl? Nothing like a walk and a bit of shopping to clear your head and get the blood pumping".
Markl grunted and shrugged his shoulders. "I hate shopping".
Sophie chuckled and pulled him to her side for a brief hug. She guessed she wouldn't mention there last little trip. It took her almost twenty minutes to pry him away from the toy shop and then every other along the way. Boys will be boys and they just love their toys.
As they moved closer to home, the crowd slowly began to thin.
Out of the corner of her eye, Sophie noticed the same group of men following them from the market place. They weren't too far behind, or beside now that she thought about it, still watching them…and gaining.
Nervous, Sophie gained speed. But the men kept up, still closing in and now from all three sides. She felt Markl stiffed in response and move closer to her side, now aware of the terrible threat they faced. They were being followed and they weren't going to stop.
But Sophie knew more, they weren't going to make it home in time.
Acting casual, Sophie swiftly took the heavy basket off Markl and lowered her voice. "Markl I want you to quickly and quietly run back home".
Markl, afraid to even move, whispered back.
"Sophie no. I can't. What about you?"
"Markl, listen to me…if both of us get kidnapped, how will Howl know? You must go…I will be fine", she ushered.
Reluctant, Markl saw the logic, but still hesitated. "But Sophie…".
"Go, now before it's too late. Go!" she urged more forcefully and on that last note turned into an ally way as casually as though she had no care in the world.
Markl gasped after her. Skilfully, he slipped into the crowed as the men began close in on the mouth of the ally. Hidden behind old storage crates, Markl watched the men from across the street gather. It seemed that only he could see them as everyone else just walked past without any notice. But why he thought. Oh yes, mortals tend to be blind to magic…but then how could Sophie…
His thoughts suddenly wavered as he watched the men rushed into the alleyway after Sophie before disappearing into an eerie black smoke.
Whoa, Markl thought…just who and what are they?
Sophie looked calm, but inside she was a nervous wreck. Sharply turning another corner, she gripped the basket more firmly as the roar of surrounding streets faded. All but for the eco of her shuffling feet kept her company now. She knew she'd done the right thing by urging Markl to make the escape back home. Poor thing, he had looked so scared…. oh she hoped he would forgive her. But no harm would come to those whom she loved if she could do anything about it.
She was about to step into the next alleyway when suddenly a man stepped out in front of her and blocked her path. Sophie recognised him instantly as one of the men from the market place and froze and stared wide-eyed up at the towering figure. Dressed in black, circular glasses covering his cold grey eyes and a moustache over his top lip, the beefy figure loomed over the mouse.
"Sophie Pendragon" he sneered, his voice deep and gravely.
Swallowing hard, Sophie strut her chin up into the air at the intruding man.
"Can I help you? She asked a little too politely. A small pop behind her had her jumping ever so slightly, however not giving away and inch of ground.
The man smirked and glanced over the top of her head to his two counter parts.
"Yes, yes I think you can."
Sophie carefully began to back up but before too long, her back collided with something…hard. Startled, she turned and stared up into the face of two exact replicas of the man who was in front of her.
She was in deep trouble…but she wasn't going to go with out a fight.
On impulse, Sophie swung the basket into the stomachs of two men behind her.
Stunned, the men fumbled with the basket as everything in it toppled to the ground.
The man in front tried to make a grab but she was fast and quickly dodged his hands.
"You little wench, come back here!" One of them growled and lunged towards her, tripping over the spoilt food and landing smack dab of his face.
Not waiting a moment longer, Sophie dashed off in the other direction, her thoughts running wild. Just who were these men and what made her so important? She could feel her limbs straining to keep up the pace as her heart raced in her chest. The little flutter in her stomach reminded her she couldn't keep it up much longer, but damn if she was going to give up now. She had a distinct feeling she'd seen them somewhere before, if only she could remember why.
Sophie skidded to a halt as black smoke suddenly surrounded her. Shaken to the bone, Sophie stood motionless in the eerie black fog anxiously waiting, but for what she did not know.
She started helplessly into her surroundings as a shadowy figure slowly began to move toward her, the black fog melting into pools of oil and muck before him.
Shrouded in darkness, the mysterious figure stared aimlessly at Sophie, his cold dead eyes burning holes into hers. Fear pooled in the pit of her stomach and rapidly spread throughout her frozen body.
"Who are you?" she shouted in an attempt to at least sound brave in the face of who appeared to be her capture.
With what little light was available, Sophie could make out the gleam of a silver mask covering half of the figure's face. A hooded cape covered his head and body; it's long and black shape billowing out and around.
"No one of consequence." He told calmly then only shrugged as if he changed his mind. "Well, not yet at least".
"But why? I'm…"
"No one?" he finished for her and grinned when she looked confused.
"Well that's what you think. Ta ta for now".
Sophie watched in horror as his arm suddenly lashed out and a silvery stream of magic shot straight for her and encompassed her body.
She tried to scream, to move, but as the magic consumed her, she could feel her body beginning to constrict.
She couldn't breathe.
Choking and coughing like crazy, Sophie could hear the man laughing as consciousness began to slip away.
Tears spilled down her checks as she desperately fought to hold on.
But it was no use and as the darkness crept in, her mind screamed for Howl.
So what ya think? Thoughts? Questions? Please let me know people, Every bit helps =D