Another chapter of the tale of mystery.
FAMILY SECRETS
A HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE FANFIC
Chapter 24
It didn't take long for me to get confirmation that my parents recognized me. Mother went over to check on me. "Sophie, honey, are you alright?"
I nodded. "I'm fine mother. Just a little worn out that's all." She gave me a warm smile that relaxed me a bit. Still, I had to know. "Mother, how do you know it's me?"
She laughed. "I will always recognize you, Sophie. Your sister too. Just as you will recognize your own children. Mothers just know."
"Oh." I didn't think that I had that ability. I could always sense Arthur, but I don't think I could truly recognize him as an adult. I could guess that he would kind of look like Howl, but that wouldn't enough. He should look somewhat like me too. I have no idea what form he would take. How could I do that? I wondered as she continued.
"It also doesn't hurt that the young man over there called out your name." I looked to where she was gesturing. My Howl was in thick of it. "He seemed real worried about you. A boyfriend, perhaps?" She teased. I looked away. "Ohhh, more than that. Fiancee then?"
"Howl is my husband."
She smiled. "I see." Mother deflected another attack. "What's this young man like?"
"Howl is most vain and petty man that I have ever met. He spends at least two hours each day in the bathroom. He's stubborn, opinionated, and messy. Plus, he's complete coward. He uses me all the time to do things that he doesn't want to do. He . . ."
Mother cut me off. "Sophie, Sophie, enough! If he's so bad then why did you marry him?"
I looked at her blankly. "Bad? Howl isn't bad. I was just describing him, that's all."
"He sure seems like it to me."
I blushed again. "Sorry, if I gave you that impression. I didn't mean to. I love him, I really do. He's taken care of me whenever I needed him. He has always put my needs first. He's a good man and an even better father. I couldn't see myself with anyone else!"
"Good." Mother chuckled. "I'm glad that I don't have to punish him then." I looked away for a moment. I only looked back at her when her tone shifted. "I'm sorry, dear. I have to leave you for a bit. Your grandfather and I need to have a little talk. Will you be alright here?"
I had recovered somewhat. I couldn't really use magic anymore, but I could movet. I nodded. It wasn't much but I took it. "I think so."
"Good. Then I'll be back as soon as I can."
Mother then ran off to join the fighting. Meanwhile, I forced myself to get off the ground. I was tired but I needed to stay alert. While no one was attacking me directly anymore I could still get hit. I had to be ready to move. After a minute or two I managed to gather up enough strength to move around. I hoped that it would be enough to keep me out of the fray.
The battle wasn't over yet. Mother was arguing with grandfather about something. I couldn't really tell what it was. I was too far away to hear and too exhausted to use magic to eavesdrop. My best guess is that it was about me in someway. Grandfather was obsessed with me. I couldn't really see why. Was opening doors into time and space that important to him? It was exhausting! I couldn't do that consistently ever! Surely, he would rather get a hold of a wizard like Howl or Ben. They are more powerful than I am. I can just open doors and talk life into things. Not that special if you ask me. I'm not even that trained!
Howl has taught me some magic, but I don't know that much. He said that my magic is best left raw and natural. Sometimes I think that he just scared of what I could do. To be fair I am not all that comfortable with being a witch. So maybe it's for the best. I'd rather be a wife and a mother than a witch. Somebody has got to make sure that the chores are done! It's never going to be Howl. He's just plain bad at it. That will never change.
Another attack flew in my direction. I managed to dodge, but just barely. This was not going to last forever. It had to end soon. This couldn't keep going this way! It had to end. That man could not ever get a hold of this power. Even if it wasn't as useful as he first thought. No one should ever use this power. This had to stop. I had to do something. I sat down for a moment to collected what was left of my power. It wasn't much, but it was enough to turn a flower gold. Then I told the flower to "Please, send grandfather away to place where he can't harm anyone again." I trust the flower into the water then a door whipped open before him. It sucked him in before disappearing once again. Grandfather was gone. I could finally rest. Which was great since I was completely exhausted.
"Thank goodness" I whispered before passing out.
Next Chapter coming up!