Chapter Four

DC: I don't own HMC

"Protect everyone while I'm gone, Calcifer!"

Howl left to see Madame Suliman again, leaving Sophie and Markl to do the shopping in Kingsbury, and Calcifer sulking. They needed more vegetables and fruits. Sophie needed to also go to the doctors to see what was going on. She was having trouble again. She was either really hungry or queasy after eating.

On this day Sophie decided to wear a hat. This hat was one of her favorites, today making its use to keep the sun out of her eyes. It helped her feel better then she usually did.

Markl went around grabbing fruits, a kind of food he did like, while Sophie checked out the vegetables. She put in potatoes, to her own disgust, turnips, carrots, and other things. She stared at the turnips. One of the few things she could eat now were those things. She wondered what was going on with her body.

Markl came to her with his basket of fruits. "I saw different people, Sophie!"

"What kind of people?"

"They had hats and guns! I guess soldiers!"

Sophie looked around. She did see officers and army men all around. There were also slow moving planes above them. This war, or whatever it was, was getting serious.

"Come on, Markl. Let's not stay here much longer." Sophie guided the boy back to Jenkins Potion shop where the Moving Castle hid behind the door.

"Aren't you coming?" Markl asked.

Sophie shook her head. "I've got an appointment with Doctor Byron. Don't worry," she added after seeing Markl's face. "I will be fine."

Markl went inside with both baskets, and Sophie went down the short steps towards the heart of Kingsbury. It was true. It seemed like hundreds of officers were watching every step anyone moved, and stopped people for random checks. People couldn't trust people anymore.

Sophie moved along the streets, head bowed. She wondered if that made her more conspicuous, but didn't dare look up to see. She didn't want to start any trouble by looking someone in the eye.

She guessed it did make her look noticeable when someone decided to pull her hat off her head. She was in an alley; much like the one she met Howl in, with no one else in sight. No one was other then the soldier in green standing in front of her. "Your hair doesn't match your age."

As if that was a good pick-up line.

Sophie inwardly sighed. "That's my natural hair color," Sophie said tiredly. It wasn't really a lie. Her hair turned this way after her curse was broken. "Excuse me, sir. I'd rather have my hat back." Sophie reached up to get it. How annoying some soldiers could be. He held it over her reach.

"Where are you headed?" he asked. As if Sophie wanted a conversation right now.

The sun was beating on her uncovered head. Sophie decided then and now she hated summer. She waved her hand in her face slightly. It was hot, and she felt queasy. How improper for an officer, in the military, to flirt with a married woman! Of course he probably can't tell I'm married… "I'm going to be late for an appointment. Please give me my hat, sir."

The officer smiled. Sophie sighed. She reached for her hat, but it was still above her reach.

"Please sir—"

"I'm sure Doctor Byron won't be angry if you're late."

"Excuse me?"

"Come with me."

Sophie was being pulled away somewhere. She tried to fight back, but the soldiers' grip was too hard. It almost hurt.

She felt hot tears come to her eyes, which surprised her. In this kind of situation she always fought back, but now she was crying. Crying and following the stranger. She didn't want to cry. Of all things to do, crying was the last on her list. What was going on with me? she wondered.

Now she felt faint. The hot sun was getting to her. She tried to stay focused, but her vision wouldn't stay still. She saw double of everything in the alley.

"Let's go in here."

"No." Sophie couldn't believe her own voice. It was shaky, and weak. She gave one last pull.

Someone held onto her shoulder. She looked up, and saw double of Howl.

"Where are you taking my pretty lady?"

The soldier, who knew who Howl was, froze up, let go of her arm, and dropped her hat. It fell to the ground. "You've got her…under your spell!" the officer accused. "Are you still doing that Howl? I can have you arrested for harrasmen—"

"If you're done with your blubbering, could you excuse my wife," Howl stated, putting a lot of emphasis on wife. "She does have an appointment." Howl gave the man a glare, and the soldier stiffly ran off. He watched him go before turning a kind eye toward Sophie. His expression became worried. "What's wrong?"

"I'm feeling a little faint." Sophie picked up her hat and placed it on her head.

"Let me take you to the doctor," Howl said. Sophie didn't mind, but was worried herself.

"Shouldn't you be with Madame Suliman?"

"I'm taking my lunch break. She has a group of wizards and witches at the meeting, and we are discussing about the war. Apparently there is some guy out there doing all of it."

Sophie let herself be led to the doctors, feeling much better under the sun with her hat. She gave Howl a kiss and a thank you before walking up the steps and into the doctor's office.

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Sophie left the doctor feeling even fainter then she did when she arrived. She wasn't sick after all, but the results of the doctor's test left her speechless, and a little excited. She walked back home in a thinking silence, making sure to keep her head up higher to avoid soldiers attention.

She reached home, and sat exhaustedly on a chair. She took off her hat, and waved it in her face.

Markl came running up. "Master Howl came home and cooked lunch! Some stew is on the table for you."

Sophie then realized how hungry she had become. It was to be expected. She didn't know why it took a doctor to figure out her problem. And now she wouldn't call it a problem either. She went to the sink and washed up. Sitting at the table, with the Witch who was still eating, she grabbed her spoon and bowl and started to eat.

"The nice looking man made lunch," the Witch said.

"Howl did, did he?" Sophie shakily took a bite of her stew. She then added under her breath, "I'll have to tell him."

"Tell him what, dear?"

Sophie looked the Witch in the eye. She had a nice smile on her face, and her eyes were wide open ready for anything. Sophie took a few bites of her stew, contemplating whether or not she should tell anyone.

I mind as well, she thought, taking a glance at the Witch, and then around the room. She's the only one around…

Sophie set down her spoon. "Miss Witch, if I tell you something, do you promise not to tell anyone else? It's about me."

The Witch nodded, smiling gently at her. Sophie sighed. It was now or never. "I went to Doctor Byron today. He did some tests and asked some questions, and found out why I'm getting sick during the day."

The old witch nodded, the smile still on her face. "And what did the doctor find?"

"He found out that I…I'm pregnant. At least a month in."

The Witch couldn't smile more, but Sophie could feel a peek of excitement in her. "Well, well. The nice pretty man should feel proud."

Sophie took a shuddering breath. She didn't know if Howl was ready for this kind of thing. Suddenly becoming a father was something Sophie thought the great wizard wasn't ready for. They hadn't really discussed the option much, and she did know he mentioned he wanted children, but she had no clue when. Now wasn't a good time, either. Not a very good time at all.

But Sophie put on a smile anyway, and nodded her head. "I'm sure he will."

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Yay I've updated!

Sorry RedBrick. It is a touch bit cliché, but there is more to it. You've mentioned it in your last review too. (wink wink)

So, now that everyone knows what's wrong, what do you think? I know RedBrick's answer, and I could tell most of you probably guessed, but the story isn't over yet. Anything could happen!

I'll update soon, if I can get some reviews!

Love, LalaRue!