Another chapter of the tale of mystery.

FAMILY SECRETS

A HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE FANFIC

Chapter 23

For a few tense moments I wasn't sure if it worked or not. Then I knew. He was here! Howl was alive! He seemed a bit confused but that was understandable. I had just dragged him here after all. He blocked an attack aimed at me then demanded. "Sophie, what in the world is going on?"

"What makes you think that it's my fault?" I shot back. I couldn't help it. I was so happy to see him that I couldn't help but fall into our old pattern.

"It's always your fault." I shot him a dirty look. He laughed at me afterwards. "When I was fighting earlier this door showed up and dragged me in. I could sense your magic coming from it. So, I didn't fight it. Next time though you could just ask."

I looked away. I didn't mean for it to just up and grab him. I just wanted to see him again. I needed him. I missed him so much. I couldn't do this alone. "Sorry." I managed to get out.

He faced the Earl who was currently attacking Suliman. "You know you're going to have to explain how you and Benjamin Suliman ended up in Strangia. Last time I checked I sent you to his care. How long ago was that?"

"A week ago or two ago."

"A WEEK OR TWO?" He yelled. "Sophie, you've really done it this time! You really can't hold back, can you?"

I blushed. It never my intent to bungle things up. "Sorry." I said again.

He finally picked up on my mood. He added in hastily, "It's alright. No real harm done." We were attacked again. Which he deflected. "We can go into explanations later. Right now, I need you to do it again."

I couldn't believe me ears, "Do it again? Howl, I barely did it last time!"

He smiled, "Yeah, but this time you have more practice!"

"Gee thanks."

Howl took my hand. "Sophie, don't worry about it. You'll do fine. You're a natural!" He teased me. "All you need to do is open a few doors and get me some help."

"How many doors do you want me to open?!" I screamed.

Another attack came my way. Which he deflected again. "Oh, just enough for us to get rid of us this guy."

"How many is that?"

"As many as you can." He laughed. "This guy is strong. It's going to take a lot more than me and Suliman to stop him." He grimaced. "I'm hurt. I'm not at full strength, remember? We need help. You can get us that. I know you can."

I gave in. He was right as always. God how I hated that. "I'll do my best."

He kissed me. "That's my Sophie! I know you can do it!"

He started to run off before I stopped him. "Wait!' I whispered. "I need some help."

He seemed surprised. "Oh?"

"Could you please create some flowers? It seems that I need them to open doors." I blushed. I so did not want to ask for this. He would never let me forget that I asked for flowers. I didn't have a choice. I need a flower and there were no more flowers around anymore. I couldn't create flowers. Howl could. I needed his help. I had to ask. I had no choice.

He smiled then used his magic. The area around us bloomed. "All you needed to do was ask." He stated before running off to join the battle. God, how I hated that man sometimes.

I tried to think about who to summon. At first I drew a blank. Then I had an idea. I summoned the Sophie, Howl, and Calcifer from the other world in my dreams. If the Earl was real then they must be as well! I reached out with my power and called them. They answered and appeared within had no idea what was going on, but I was able to get them up to speed enough. They agreed to help and even suggested pulling from other worlds. I tried that, but I found that I couldn't. I had no idea where they were or what they looked like. Apparently, this was an important detail. I must know where I am pulling from in order for this to work. That meant that I couldn't just pull my counterparts from other worlds. I had to be smart about it.

I changed gears. There were a few people that I could summon easily. Michael was one. Mrs. Penstemmon was another. They did not have to be alive today to summon them. I just had to know where they were at some point before they died. She was no match for Howl, but she could definitely help. I was building an army. Numbers were more important than raw strength. The more friends that I summoned the better our chances got.

I was getting tired, yet I was not done. The tide was starting to turn, but they still needed help. I needed to keep going. Howl needed more help. The only other people that I could think of was my parents. This was going to be painful, but I had little choice. I had to bring them here.

I picked up one more flower, turned it gold then tossed it in the water. As expected, the door threw open to reveal my parents as they appeared when I was young. I was completely out of breath now. I noticed the attack heading my way, but I couldn't make my legs move. I was exhausted! I was on the verge of passing out. I completely helpless. I heard someone call out my name. Then the attack the was deflected. I realized that my mother used her power to protect me. I was shocked. I hadn't even explained what was going on yet! How did recognize me? I wondered as they entered the fight.

Next Chapter coming up!