Another chapter of the tale of mystery.

FAMILY SECRETS

A HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE FANFIC

Chapter 51

It took longer than I expected to open the door. Pushing my magic back in time proved much more difficult than I imagined. The first few years weren't too hard, but the further I went back the more resistance I received. It was like time itself was pushing back! I began to tire, but I kept going. I had to. The life of 'Seus' and myself rode on my success. I had to find what William was looking for. I just prayed that I had the strength to get there. Sadly, that was not to be. I could push no further. I had to stop. If I pushed any further I would risk destabilizing the link.

"This is as far back as I can go." I said while trying to catch my breath. "It's still after the time that you wanted. I cannot create a stable pathway if I go any further."

"Understood." The wizard nodded curtly. "Thank you, Sophie. This will do for now. Please, open the door."

I swallowed hard then compiled. I dropped the flower into the water then waited. A moment later the door appeared. William grabbed me then raced through the door. For a second I couldn't see anything other than a bright light. Then as my eyes adjusted I could see more. All around use shined countless stars against a royal blue background. Under us, there was a shining path of gold, leading out towards infinity. I couldn't see where it ended. I guessed that it must end at our destination. I wasn't really sure. I just kinda knew it. I just couldn't explain how. It was truly breathtaking! A part of me wished to remain here forever. That was not to be. I knew that I could not keep this path open indefinitely. We would have to leave soon or be crushed like a bug.

"We need to follow this path." I told him.

He nodded then let me go. We landed gently on the path before he bounded off towards the distance. The wizard was not willing to wait any longer. I tried to follow him but found that I could not keep up. Exhaustion started to overtake me. I realized that I couldn't keep this bridge open for much longer! I didn't know what would happen when I fell unconscious but I knew that it would not be good - for either of us! A part of me wanted to warn him. The other part held back. He was my enemy. It might be better if he was lost here with me. That way Howl's world would be safe. All it would take would the sacrifice of two people. Would that really be that bad? I knew the answer the moment I asked that question: Yes, it would. I would become a murderer along with that being dead thing. Which Howl would never forgive me for.

"Howl." I whispered as I started to collapse. I wanted to see him again. I wanted to hold our son again. I wanted to see him grow up. I wanted them both to know that I loved them. That I was very sorry for going away. "Forgive me . . ."

Suddenly, a pair of strong arms surrounded me. They supported me as I started to collapse. At first I thought that they belonged to William. I started to struggle but I was stopped by his scent. I knew his smell. I recognized this feeling. It was so familiar and warm. It could only come from one man. "For what Sophie?" He whispered. Then I knew for sure. It was Howl!

I whirled around to face him. There was the man that I loved staring back at me. I could see the mixture of love and worry on his face. "How?" I managed to get out before he hushed me.

"Don't have time for that. Your strength is giving out. You always overdue it, Sophie!" I started to interject but he stopped me again. "No time! I'm being drawn elsewhere. Some woman keeps calling me. She's quite insistent. We wouldn't know who that would be, would we?" He teased me.

At first I had no idea what he was talking about. Then I remembered. I had called to him earlier in Strangia. He must be from that time. I blushed. "Sorry."

"Don't worry about it. I will always find you. You should know that by now." I nodded. "Good, then I must be off. I'm being pulled into the future by your past self."

I looked down. "Sorry."

"I told you that it's fine already!" He snapped before catching himself. "Look, I don't know who that man is or why he is with you. Or why the hell I'm not there. But I know that it's not good. I would never leave you otherwise." I was going to tell him but he hushed me again. "Don't tell me. I don't want to know. Just know that if he hurts you then he'll have me to deal with."

"Howl!"

He kissed me. I could feel his strength pouring into me again. Suddenly, I felt much better. "That's better. You should be alright now. You still need to hurry. My magic won't support you long. Get to where you're going. I'll come after you as soon as I can."

He started to disappear. Before he could go I shouted. I'm in High Norland . . . I think. Some old house of some kind. There's a lot of magic surrounding it. It's not going to be easy to get through.

Doesn't matter. I will find you. He promised as he vanished. Suddenly things didn't seem so bad. They were still bad mind you, but I had a chance. Howl would not stop looking for me. William could not get the best of me. I had to move forward. I had to find a way to stop him. It was up to me now.

Next Chapter coming up!