Howl's Moving Castle one shot.

[Cornflower MM]

I thought I'd post a one shot I wrote a few days ago for someone. *Shuffles feet* Um, this is the first I've ever showed my work to people I know. . . . . . . But any feedback's welcome. I did take out the author's notes, but not the disclaimer. *Is shutting up now*

Spoiler

DISCLAIMER: In no way do I own ANYTHING about Howl's Moving Castle, the characters, the book, or the movie. And I'm not making any money off this. Only the plot is mine.

Howl P.O.V. (Ten thirty at night)

I opened the door and walked into the castle, kicking the door shut before I walked slowly up the stairs. For once, I hadn't been out sabotaging battleships. I'd been trying to get the Witch of the Waste off my tracks tonight. Does that Witch ever give up? I thought, sinking into the chair in front of the hearth. Calcifer blinked sleepily. "Can you get me a log, please, Howl?" He asked. I sighed and put three logs within his reach. "I'm going to bed before I fall over." I told him, heading for the stairs. I was back far earlier than usual, yet trying to shake off the Witch had left me more drained than usual. "I hope Sophie doesn't wake you up. . ." Calcifer muttered, but I didn't pay any attention. I paused at the curtain to Sophie's little alcove, sure that I heard her whisper something. After a moment, I mentally shrugged and continued up the stairs.

Howl P.O.V. (Eleven thirty at night)

Someone started screaming. I shot out of bed and checked on Markl. No, not him, he was dead to the world. I knew it wasn't Calcifer, and that left Sophie. I ran down the stairs and flung open the curtain. Sophie was screaming into her pillow, still asleep, but the main thing I noticed was that she wasn't old anymore. I walked carefully over to her. "Sophie? Sophie, it's just a dream." I told her quietly, resting my hand on her shoulder. The screaming stopped, replaced by a murmured "Howl." I blinked. Why on Earth is she . . . ? I wondered, before deciding to ponder on it later. "I'm here, Sophie, it's alright, I'm here." I told her quietly. Sophie turned, still asleep, and grabbed my hand. "Ah, Sophie, can you let go of me? Please? Sophie!" I said. She didn't let go. I tried slipping my hand out of hers; she only tightened her grip with a whimper: "Don't go." I had no idea what to do. Obviously, Sophie wasn't going to let go without causing a fuss. Well, only one thing to do that's even semi-practical. I thought. Then I started to roll Sophie over carefully, until her hand that was still holding mine was about to hang off the bed. My plan was to wait until she let go, but since I was too tired to stand up all that time this way if I fell asleep, I wouldn't fall over and wake everyone else up. And just as I started to doze, Sophie turned and fell on me. I sighed. This is going to be a long night.

Sophie P.O.V. (Three in the morning)

I woke up and instantly thought, Something stopped the nightmare. What did it, and why? Every night since the Witch of the Waste turned me into an old woman, I'd had nightmares about it. Then I realized my bed seemed to be breathing, there was something warm around my waist, and I was on my stomach. I carefully opened one eye and almost screamed. My face was in somebody's neck. Then that somebody spoke in a voice that I recognized. "Sophie, I know you're awake. Would you mind getting off me now?" Howl moved his arms, and I obligingly moved. My face felt like it was on fire. He sat up and started rubbing his neck. "Sophie, before you ask, you were screaming earlier, so I came down to see what was wrong. Well, while I was trying to help you, you grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go. By that time, you had stopped screaming. So I decided I'd wait on the floor until you let go of me. And then you fell on me." He explained, yawning. I thought for a moment. It makes sense, I suppose. But why would I grab Howl's hand and not let go? I wondered. "Thank you, Howl." I said. "It's fine. What frightened you so badly, anyways?" I sighed, unsure if I could tell Howl or not, but I decided to try. "I keep having nightmares about when the Witch of the Waste put a curse on me. . ." I hesitantly said. Howl smiled sympathetically – I guess he knew. "Sometimes curses do that, frightening someone so badly that they dream about it or can't stop thinking about it. It usually fades over time." He explained with a yawn. "It'll stop? Oh, thank you, Howl!" I exclaimed. "You're welcome, Sophie. Next time, though, can you please not fall on me? I haven't gotten any sleep. . . . At all. . . In a long time. . ." Howl requested, his eyes closing as Howl fell over asleep, his head landing in my lap.
Around seven thirty that morning, Markl woke up and walked downstairs, noticing Howl's open bedroom door. He gave Calcifer a log and asked, "Where are Sophie and Howl?" Calcifer quietly giggled. "Look in the alcove, kid." He said. "Thanks, Calcifer!" Markl told him, walking over to Sophie's bedroom and peeping in. Howl and Sophie were on the floor, both asleep. Howl was on his side, his head on Sophie's stomach, while Sophie was on her back, her hands resting on the wizard's head, rather protectively. Markl smiled and retreated over near Calcifer. "Calcifer, do you think they'll live happily ever after?" The little boy asked. "I think so, kiddo. I think so.: the fire demon told him happily.

[close]

[Skyblade]

Very good! It's short but touching

[Cornflower MM]

Thanks! I was aiming for something sweet, but also funny. It didn't work out quite as expected, but I liked it.

[The Skarzs]

Nice job, Corn! You portrayed what you wanted to well.

[Cornflower MM]

Thakns, Skar! I'm glad you liked it!

[Maudie]

I like it, very nice!

[Jetthebinturong]

I'll read it once I've read the book (which admittedly will be quite a while after I finish Knife of Never Letting Go and before I start that I have to read Daughter of Smoke and Bone which I plan to read after The Iron Trial and before I can do that I need to finish Heroes of Olympus)

[The Mask]

That was really good! The style was nice. Was this the one that stupid guy was an idiot about?

[Mhera]

I know absolutely nothing about whatever it is you based this story on, and yet I never felt really "lost" when I read it. I enjoyed it. Good work, and thanks for posting it.

[Cornflower MM]

I like it, very nice!

Thank you!

I'll read it once I've read the book (which admittedly will be quite a while after I finish Knife of Never Letting Go and before I start that I have to read Daughter of Smoke and Bone which I plan to read after The Iron Trial and before I can do that I need to finish Heroes of Olympus)

*Blinks* That's a lot of books. . . . Take your time.

That was really good! The style was nice. Was this the one that stupid guy was an idiot about?

Thanks, and yes.

I know absolutely nothing about whatever it is you based this story on, and yet I never felt really "lost" when I read it. I enjoyed it. Good work, and thanks for posting it.

Thank you, and you're welcome. I think you'd like the book, as confusing as it may be at times.

[Cornflower MM]

*Bumps hopefully*

[Givanell]

Miss Cornflower. I can only try to express how truly wonderful your talent for writing is. I feel overwhelmed on how accurate your expression of the characters personalities are. It is, in my point of view. A masterpiece.
I think that you have reached a level of writing that will take me years to achieve. I congratulate you. And I implore you to continue to write stories such as this.

(And should I ever catch wind of other stories that you have written, you can be assured that I will be reading them and will always be hungry for more.)

[Cornflower MM]

T-Thank you, Givanell. *Blinks* I don't really know what to say. Thank you so much. . .

[Givanell]

Miss Cornflower,

You do not have to say anything if you cannot find the words to express yourself.

However, I feel I should correct you on one small matter. It is I who should be thanking you for presenting an opportunity to read such a work of Art...

Thank you, for allowing all of us the privilege of reading an example of your Work of Words. It is truly Wonderful.

[Blaggut]

This was rly good! I'm gunna go look up that book soon...