Another chapter of the tale of mystery.
FAMILY SECRETS
A HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE FANFIC
Chapter 7
At first I wasn't sure whether or not I should tell Howl about what I experienced today. In the end, I thought that he might have some insights into it. Plus, I had a feeling that I wouldn't get away for long without telling him. The man was worried sick about me. Hiding it from him would only make him worry more. This was a serious matter. He needed to know. I had to tell him.
When I was finished he told me. "When your soul goes between worlds very weird things happen. People, events, and even places that never existed appear before your very eyes. You're right, I never proposed to you like that. But perhaps another version of me did." Howl sat back in his chair. "Frankly, that's a bit sappy, but I had thought of doing that. I pushed it aside for something far better."
He called that scene sappy. Like it was too melodramatic for his tastes. You're Howl Pendragon for crying out loud! That's your speciality! Hell, he renamed himself because he thought that Howell Jenkins was too ordinary. He also made a whole bathroom unusable just so he can dye his hair everyday. I had to force to create a new bathroom just for everyone else that way. I leave that mess the way he likes it. Since if he doesn't get his way then I'm in for a tantrum! The man must look perfect or it simply won't do. He has redefined the term flamboyant. And he thinks this proposal was too sappy? WHO THE HELL DOES HE THINK HE IS? Just because that Howl came up with a better idea doesn't mean that it's sappy. That's just petty! It's just means that he missed the mark that time. So what? We all do that! What's the problem here?
"Sure you did, honey. Sure you did."
Howl shot me a hurt look. "Sophie!" He cried out dramatically. "If you didn't like my proposal then why did you marry me?"
I whispered into his ear, "I felt sorry for you." Then I went over and started dinner. I knew that would enrage him, but he deserved it. He left himself open. Plus, no one calls that proposal sappy and gets away with it. It was romantic and so very sweet. Although it was also a bit weird. Just like a certain magician I know. He was just a big child. Couldn't think of anything romantic if he tried. I ignored how Howl threw himself into the furniture and made a show of how angry he was. One thing that Howl loved almost as much me was his pride. He did not appreciate it being injured like that. That was almost as fun as cutting up his suits. Oh, how did I end up with such a pretty boy? I sat down at the couch then added, "That's what you get for calling my dream sappy."
"That wasn't a dream and it was sappy." He was exacerbated. "Just because you were asleep doesn't mean that you were dreaming. You should know that by now. You had gone beyond that. You were reaching out with your soul to another place and time."
"Where?"
"I have no idea." Howl sighed. "You could have been anywhere or anytime. It could have been the future, the past, or another world entirely. It's hard to say since you were asleep. Things get easily messed up in your unconscious mind. The facts and details could have changed to fit your understanding. It could also could not be. It's hard to say."
I felt a headache coming on. "Howl Pendragon, I do believe that you're hurting my head."
"It will do that.
I shook my head, "Thanks."
He looked off towards the hearth and Calcifer. "Of course, there is a way to get a better picture."
He had my complete attention again. "What's that?"
"We could try it while you're awake."
I nearly dropped the bacon. "Huh? That's possible?"
He waved me off. "Of course it is. It's just dangerous for a newbie like you to try alone."
I couldn't believe my ears. Howl Pendragon was suggesting that I try something dangerous. Sure, the man loved to do that kind of stuff all the time, but never suggested that I try it. I wondered why he had suggested it. There was more to this than met the eye, but I went with it. I really wanted to know more about what I experienced and how it related to my father's letter. I could deal with whatever scheme Howl had up his sleeve later. For now I just wanted answers.
"Then you'll help me?"
"Sure, but I can't do this alone. This isn't my speciality, Sophie.
"You have a speciality?"
He grunted in response, "Not the point, Sophie. My point is that I only have a little experience in this. If you want to understand what this means then we need an expert. We need to go to see Ben Suliman."
Next Chapter coming up!