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Chapter Text

The tears flooding from her eyes raged of a violent pain that he had never known and wished to never be familiar with.

Dark clouds covered an even darker sky, while light posts failed to brighten her surroundings. The city was a ghost town, a shattered memory of what once was pristine. Everyone abandoned this wreckage save for one person. She didn't know where she was or where she was going.

All she knew was that she needed to run.

Her heart raced against the speed of the pouring rain as they splattered like bullets onto the stone pavement. The sky roared in anger and the droplets pelted harder. Puddles formed in the low dips of the street and she tried to avoid them at all costs. She didn't need anything slowing her down, though her racing thoughts were already doing so.

Get out, now.

Leave before they find you.

Save yourself.

These words would haunt her dreams and nightmares.

"Wait!" That man's voice again. It sent pangs of fear throughout her body, pulsating with every beat of her heart. How he continued to find her everywhere she turned was still a mystery. She couldn't be safe as long as he was trailing her.

Be stronger, she thought to herself. Be stronger, faster, braver.

The sound of his heavy footsteps against the puddles increased. She turned a corner, but there was nowhere left to run. In the middle of a dark alley, she was trapped.

She turned around, only to find the man mere inches from her. She jolted back and fell to the cold, wet ground, pushing herself back away from him. He knelt to her level, his vibrant hair nearly glowing underneath the darkness of his hood. He reached one hand forward, but she pushed him away.

"No!"

"Please." He begged. "You know me."

She widened her eyes, wondering if it could be true, but immediately shook her head. People lie, and he would be no different. "I don't remember you, so how can I know you?"

"Before this. Before I was like this." He removed the hood from his head, revealing his true self. His features were a beautiful reminder. It was like seeing color in a black-and-white film for the first time - all she could do was stare. "Remember me."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

Calcifer blazed proudly in the rounded fireplace, his strength at full power. He warmed the tiny cottage in the town of Magnol with love and fire. No ashes surrounded him, though he was accompanied by a fresh set of logs to choose from. Days like today were his favorites, as Sophie spent her time cleaning the cottage and organizing things. She always spent too much time on his fireplace, determined to give him the most comfortable sitting.

Calcifer's view of their home consisted of the main living area. The kitchen was open to the living room with a long dining table for the family between the two rooms. A pot filled with water started to boil steadily. Family portraits lined the walls and side tables, showing any who entered how the beauty of the Jenkins family. Of course, photographs of Calcifer were sealed in the bedrooms. If they showed any proof of magic, they would be banished.

It seemed odd that a family of magicians would live in a land where magic was at the brink of criminal action, but what a better place to hide from the wicked ones than a country without magic. Calcifer sensed that they weren't the only magicians in Magnol, but he assumed they were there for the same reasons as the Pendragons. Anyone who could escape the Royal Sorceress was deemed lucky, even if you were hiding in a land that despised you for such miraculous gifts.

A little old lady hobbled like a penguin to the dark brown couch. Her wrinkled hands shook as they held a thin book. The Witch of the Wastes had become a simple soul, now that her ways were less selfish and her values more familial. She spent most of her time at the local library or bringing the books home to read next to Calcifer. With a faint smile on her face, the elderly woman enjoyed the last few pages of her story.

Calcifer’s log broke in half and he dropped in an instantaneous motion. He clutched onto the grates as a momentary fear jolted him. The Witch looked up at the fire demon, though shrugged her shoulders and returned to her book. Calcifer breathed heavily for a moment, assessing the quick alteration of his situation. His uneasiness quickly subsided. Though this was rather a common occurrence, he would never get used to the feeling of falling.

"Here, let me help you with that." As Calcifer reached for the nearby logs, he saw two smooth hands grab one first. She struggled to bend forward, yet pushed forward to place the log atop Calcifer. It took quite a bit more effort for her to stand straight up after bending down. She pushed the small of her back forward to adjust for her extended middle. Her silver hair covered her face and she blew the stray hairs away. Her weary eyes fell to her pregnant belly, and her smile was painful for the demon watch.

"Better?" she asked.

"Yes. Thank you, Sophie."

The boiling pot in the kitchen began to excessively bubble, so she hurried back to diffuse the heat. She turned off the stove immediately and the bubbles gradually disappeared. The table was naturally set with four place settings and silverware in perfect alignment with one another. Sophie had been cooking dinner since just after lunchtime, as was the case with some of her meals that took hours of preparation.

Sophie sighed with a heavy exhaustion. "Today has been a long day. I think the house gets dirtier and dirtier every time I try to clean it."

Calcifer chuckled. "That's what happens when you're expecting a child."

Sophie blushed as her eyes darted to her stomach. Six months ago, none of them had expected things to turn out how they did. Moving to a new country, shielding their identities - or pregnant with a wizard's child. She and Howl were to be parents in only a few short months. Life transitioned from the mundane to exhilaration in a split second.

Sophie jolted forward in a sudden motion, the feeling of internal movement frightening her for a moment. The baby kicked and moved around quite often lately, and everyone kept itching for a chance to feel her stomach. She was usually on display, since she was the only one in town this heavily pregnant.

"Baby's kicking again?" Calcifer said.

"Yeah." Sophie lightly laughed. "For some reason, I don't think I'll ever get used to that feeling."

"How does it feel?" Sophie looked up at Calcifer, her eyes wide. He stared at her, longing for an honest answer. "How does it feel when the baby kicks?"

Sophie swallowed hard. "Weird. I don't really know how else to say it. It's just the strangest thing I've ever felt."

Calcifer nodded, his eyes downcast. He didn’t say it, but he was the only one who hadn't touched her stomach; and for good reason. His flames could burn her stomach and cause damage to the baby, which was one thing she and Howl agreed on. Keep the baby safe at all costs - even from their friends and family if necessary.

She knew Calcifer wanted to, though, and that killed her.

The front door swung open as young Markl pushed hard on the handle just to get it open. Heen wheezed loudly as he plummeted to the hardwood ground, panting as he fell. Markl was in high spirits, despite the sweat that lined his forehead.

"Pay day!" Markl shouted. He pushed hard against the door to close it and met Sophie in the kitchen. He handed her the coins earned for the week and Sophie nodded proudly. They didn't need the money, but it looked suspicious for a family not to work and still be able to pay rent. Since Howl didn't make much working in the fields, Sophie would lie to their landlord, Donna, asking for a slight extension. Donna was always happy to allow it, which made Sophie feel a little more guilty each time.

"Mr. Bowen gave me a raise." Markl said as Sophie counted the coins. Four gold and three silver. It was nice for Mr. Bowen to help out even when it was unnecessary. She saw how Markl lit up, appreciating the reward for his hard work.

"That's wonderful." She placed the coins in her apron and returned to the kitchen. Markl ran off to his room, his steps too boisterous for the sleeping dog. Heen wheezed strenuous breaths and stood up on shaky legs, instinctively wobbling to the kitchen where his food and drink bowls lay. Sophie looked over her shoulders and noticed the poor dog licking the bowl dry, hardly any left for him. She took his drink bowl, filled it with chilling water, and returned it. Heen drank with a refreshed visage.

Sophie skimmed her fingers down Heen's back, watching his contentment grow. Every morning, bright and early, he would run into Howl's and Sophie's bedroom and wake him up so he wouldn't be late for work. Then, he would move to Markl's room, though Markl had a not-so surprisingly harder time getting out of bed than Howl.

Sophie rested her hands on her knees and - once again - made the rigorous effort to stand straight. All the up and down movements were tiring, and she wished she didn't have to finish preparing a meal. Her stomach felt heavier each day, especially after meals. Even though she still had three more months to go, she worried if she would have to deliver early.

The front door opened again, creaking louder than before. Sophie turned around with a ladle in her hand, her eyes softening when she saw Howl step through the doorway. Even in his drained and fatigued state, she was simply glad to see him home.

"Hi sweetie." Sophie said as she placed the ladle on the counter. She walked over to him as he shut the door, his arms so burned out that he had to push three times for the door to finally close. He sighed into her embrace, unwillingly putting his weight against her. She held him up and slid the sweaty strands of dark hair from his face, revealing his amorous gaze. Even on laborious days like these, Howl still shone like a graceful light.

"Long day?" Calcifer asked, adjusting the broken wood pieces from earlier. Howl nodded dramatically, causing Sophie to chuckle. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, his other hand reaching for her stomach.

"More kicking I assume?" He asked.

"Very much so." Sophie said, "It's almost like he or she wants to come out right now."

Howl waved his hand in a slow motion, gesturing toward the unborn baby. "Not quite yet. You can stay in there for a little while longer."

Sophie smiled wide when he spoke to her stomach. She had never seen him express so much love for someone who wasn't even born yet.

Howl sniffed and turned his head toward the kitchen. "Lentil soup again?"

Sophie shrugged. "Not like we have much else. But I also have chicken pot pie. I could try and switch it up for tomorrow."

Howl shook his head. "I'll eat whatever you cook."

"You better eat what she cooks." The Witch chimed in as she turned the page. "She doesn't give you much of a choice."

Howl breathed a hard laugh. He pushed off of Sophie's shoulders and trudged through the main room toward the hallway. "I better wash up before dinner. Maybe a warm bath would help my tired muscles."

Calcifer continued adjusting his fireplace, not listening to Howl in the slightest bit. Howl cleared his throat emphatically, which then sparked the fire demon's attention. "I should probably take a nice hot bath, shouldn't I?"

Calcifer rolled his eyes. "I should've never connected myself to this house. I'm still used to heat the baths."

Howl smirked. "At least you don't have a castle to move." He walked down the hallway to the bathroom. Calcifer's fire sparked and grew larger in preparation for his task. He sighed as he performed the repetitive spell that gave him access to the house. Other than keeping the house warm, it was all he really did for them.

Sophie stirred the pot, using the wooden spoon to taste a sample before she served it for dinner. She tapped her tongue to the roof of her mouth, nodding with satisfaction. As she took the oven mittens from the counter, Markl ran down the hallway wearing his cloak, his grin reaching across his face. Sophie darted her eyes to the young boy, watching his excitement grow.

"Master Howl said he would teach me a couple new spells after dinner." Markl said, his wand already in hand.

Sophie turned to the wide open windows, only a couple residents walking around this late in the evening. Markl turned to the windows as well, and in a flash vanished his cloak and wand. Calcifer shook his head at the boy. They had been through this so many times before, and he still hadn't learned to conceal magic properly.

Sophie slammed the mittens on the counter and raised her hand, but didn't have the heart to shame him. Instead, she walked over to close the windows. “Markl, I know you're excited for training. But you can't just wear the fact that you're a wizard when anyone could be watching us."

“I know, Sophie. I'm sorry." Markl said, his eyes dropping to his feet. He was twelve years old, and while still young, he was living in a more dangerous situation than most kids his age. He and Sophie hardly had any time to practice magic themselves, and it became more pressing the closer her due date came.

Sophie lowered her shoulders. From time to time, she also felt the urge to do something with her newfound powers. She tried to contain it while cleaning, knowing that some of the spells that Howl had taught her would make the tasks go faster. Yet the risk was too great - even the slightest change could be detrimental for the life they so carefully made in Ovela.

One wrong move and they would be back in Ingary, Suliman breathing down their necks.

Markl strode somberly to the living room and sat in the brown armchair. He tapped his foot against the chair, his feet only a few inches off the ground. When Heen followed him and jumped up, Markl scooted over so the corpulent dog could lie next to him. As he rubbed his fingers against the dog's floppy ears, he wished it wasn’t so dangerous to do the one thing he absolutely loved.

"Let's do it." Markl looked up at Sophie. She closed the draperies over the windows, blocking the sliver of sunlight and remaining residents from their view. "It's been a few days and I think we're both dying to cast a spell or two."

Calcifer raised his eyebrows. "You sure, Sophie? You haven't had the easiest time controlling your powers."

The Witch chuckled, her eyes glued to the book in her hands. "Let the girl have a little fun. It's all she gets with a baby on the way."

Calcifer narrowed his eyes at the old woman. "All I'm saying is when Sophie tries to use magic, something always explodes."

Sophie laughed. "Not every time."

Calcifer dragged his eyes to her. "Name one time that hasn't happened."

Sophie breathed a laugh, thinking she could remember a time when she knew how to control her powers. Her mind went blank, and her mouth was silent.

Calcifer smirked. "Exactly."

"Okay." Sophie said, still trying to defend herself. "But that's because I don't have enough practice. Maybe if I could use magic around the house, I could control it better."

Sophie raised her hands, her eyes set on the broomstick in the corner. She lowered her chin, her arms shaking with either fear or power. Maybe both. Calcifer couldn't tell the difference.

The broomstick started to come alive, its bristles moving like a centipede's legs. Sophie opened her mouth, her eyes glistening like a child on Christmas morning. It started sweeping back and forth, crossing into the living room. Markl watched with excited eyes while Calcifer nodded, somewhat impressed. The Witch looked over for a moment, but found no real interest in a simple sweeping spell. She had done far greater in her time.

Sophie stretched her fingers and attempted to add some spark to the spell, hoping the broomstick would brush the ceiling for her. Contrary to Sophie's plan, the only spark she created was disintegrating the bristles into ash from the bottom up. Sophie drew her arms back, curling her fingers into frightened fists. Calcifer and Markl yelped, their eyes bursting wide. Heen shivered next to Markl, backing down further and further into the chair.

They each stared in shock as the wooden pole fell to the ground, rolling toward them. All eyes turned to Sophie, though her apologetic smile was all she could muster. "Uh, whoops?"

"And that's why we don't practice magic in the house." Calcifer said.

"At least it didn't explode." Sophie sighed and went to pick up the wooden pole. "I thought I could handle a simple spell."

"And you did." Calcifer said. "Until you got greedy and tried more than you could handle."

"But shouldn't I be able to do something a little more than simple?” Sophie retorted. “It wasn't even that impressive." The Witch nodded in agreement - it wasn’t.

Calcifer shrugged. “Well, Howl works all day and you're usually cleaning or reading or socializing with the neighbors. Neither you nor Howl have the time to practice as much as you would like to."

Markl stood up and walked to Sophie's side. "It's okay. I never have time to practice either. It's like I'll be a novice forever."

"Don't say that, Markl." Sophie said, resting a hand on his shoulder. "You and Howl will-"

At the sound of a booming knock on the door, Sophie dropped into silence. The knocking was roaring and ceaseless against their heavy door. Sophie tensed and Markl hugged her around the waist, trying to hide from the deafening sound.

Calcifer sucked in an anxious breath. No one was expected tonight. Everyone had gone home for the most part.

And no one knocked this urgently.

Howl entered the living room with only his work slacks on. He held a hand towel, but other than that he was bone dry. He turned to Sophie, then to everyone else to check their safety. The knocking boomed repetitively with no sign of an end unless someone answered.

He threw the towel onto the couch and walked toward the door, stepping carefully so as not to make a sound. He turned to the others and raised his index finger to his mouth. They nodded in unison.

Howl opened the heavy door, his other hand ready to attack. Slowly, he dropped his hand and shoulders, not moving a muscle. He instead stared in awe.

"Howl, who is it?" Sophie rushed to the door and stood next to him, her hand covering her mouth when she saw their unexpected guests.

A woman with a disheveled blonde braid stood at their entrance. She heaved painful breaths as she held up a man resting on her shoulder, so worn out he could have been dead for all they knew.

Sophie's voice trembled. "Gwenda..."

Her eyes held desperate tears. "Please, help us."

Chapter Text

He was not powerful.

He was not strong.

He was not feared.

But he yearned to be these things. And she could teach him.

Kenta Itō watched as the clang of sharp heels echoed through the long assembly room in a perfect beat. The other students who lined up on his right and left stood tall and proper with their hands held behind their backs like little statues. Kenta mimicked their actions and stood rooted, though his balance was slightly divergent from the homogenous group.

Their esteemed headmaster stood several steps in front of the line, perfectly placed where the farthest left and right could still see her. She clicked her heels together and raised her chin, smiling with satisfaction. "Good morning, scholars."

"Good morning, Madame Suliman." The group said in unison. Kenta kept his mouth shut, frightened that he would say the wrong thing at the wrong time. He didn't want to be singled out by Madame Suliman, the greatest sorceress of their time, on his first day in the Royal Sorcerer's Academy.

"You are very lucky." Madame Suliman began. "You were chosen out of thousands who wished to enter my school. This group of fifty bright students of many ages and talents will learn not only what it is to be a great magician, but how to be a powerful one."

Kenta smiled brightly. This was what his parents wanted for him - the most prestigious school for magic and sorcery in Ingary. He was the first of his siblings to receive his family's line of magic, and his parents were determined to give him as much training as he needed to pursue the same dream his father and grandmother sought at his age. This was his chance to prove himself to them.

This was his chance to prove himself to himself.

As he listened carefully to the Madame's speech, the boy next to him started fidgeting in his place. He tapped his foot on the ground, groaning obnoxiously and rolling his eyes. Kenta creased his eyebrows at the boy, but shook his head and returned to listening.

Kenta then felt a push on his arm and stumbled to the left, almost knocking into a girl with pretty red pigtails.

He gaped at the boy, crossing his arms. The boy looked forward, for the first time following the group of still statues. His long black hair reached just below his ear, much longer than Kenta's nearly shaved head. He took a deep breath in and joined the group once more.

"Now, how many of you are familiar with the Wastes and its connection to magicians?" Madame Suliman asked. A significant number of students raised their hands high, including Kenta. He had lived near the Wastes almost his whole life, and his grandmother was one of the many witches who lived there and trained her own apprentices.

He then felt a smack on the back of his head as the boy next to him raised his hand, so casually whacking him in the process. Kenta raised his eyebrows at the boy, watching him attempt to contain his laughter.

Madame Suliman nodded. "Good. The rest of you will soon discover how special the Land of the Wastes is to us." The group dropped their hands, Kenta extending his arm wide, making a fist as his hand hit the boy's head. Kenta smirked as he brought his hand to his side, watching from the corner of his eye as the boy rubbed his wound.

The boy fumed and snapped his fingers. Kenta's hand formed a fist again, only this time he wasn't in control of his own actions. He smacked himself in the head, stepping back from the blow. The boy chuckled softly, only increasing Kenta's anger toward him. Without a second thought, Kenta lunged for him.

“Hey, what's going on?" The students next to them diverted their attention from Madame Suliman to the two youngsters caught in a brawl. Kenta held the boy's arms back, using most of his strength to keep him from moving. The boy struggled at first, but eventually used a spell that turned him into green slime. He dissolved to the ground, only to reappear in his natural form moments later.

Kenta growled. "Why don't you fight like a real man? No magic."

The boy laughed. "Now where's the fun in that?"

Kenta clenched his fists and lunged for his fiend yet again, their fellow students now chanting for the fight to continue. The girl with the pretty red pigtails clapped and smiled at the fight, though a boy next to her twiddled his fingers in a nervous fit.

"They're going to hurt each other." He said softly.

The girl turned to him and laughed. "Be quiet, Xarx. Who cares if they hurt each other? It's a fight, that’s what should happen."

Xarx tensed. "But, Noe... they can't..." He turned to his new headmaster, hoping she would take control of the situation at hand. "Madame Suliman, aren't you going to stop them?"

Madame Suliman held her hands behind her back, her attention focused on the two quarrelsome wizards as she watched the fight play out. The girl with the red pigtails laughed heartily as Kenta was caught by a left hook, and a few of the students whistled for the one apprentice who was by far stronger and more experienced.

Kenta held the boy by his long, mangy hair, listening to his cries of pain. He felt a few strains pull out before the boy switched the advantage, pushing Kenta to the ground with a kick to the face. He slid across the polished floor, blood dripping from his nose. The boy stood with his arms crossed over his chest, wearing the look of triumph Kenta so desperately hoped to achieve. Now, he had just humiliated himself in front of his idol.

Madame Suliman walked slowly toward the two boys, Kenta standing up next to his enemy. Both of them lowered their gaze, afraid of what she would do to them for their actions. She stood in front of the victor, her hands held behind her back and her shoulders straight. "Your name, young man?"

The boy coughed. "Um, Howl Pendragon, Madame."

Kenta seethed. Howl Pendragon. He would not forget that name. He would always hate that name. From that moment on, his goal was to defeat him - no matter the cost.

Madame Suliman smiled. "Well done, Howl Pendragon."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

Howl relieved Gwenda of carrying Kenta on her back and brought him to the main room. Sophie gestured for her distressed friend to enter and she slammed the door shut after they were all safely inside. Sophie went to the window and peered through the curtain to see if anyone was still out. The sun was nearly gone, and so was the rest of Magnol. Hopefully, no one saw them enter, either.

Gwenda sighed and fell into the nearest chair at the kitchen table. Heen wheezed and jumped by her side in the hopes of grabbing her attention. She smiled softly and reached for him, but he was too short and her arms were too weak. He jumped onto her lap, licking her face and wagging his tail.

"I need to look inside." Howl said as he gently lay Kenta on the couch. The Witch stayed put until Howl nudged her to give their friend the full couch. She groaned and stood up, resting in the armchair instead. Markl hid behind Howl, looking around him to see the damages done to Kenta. He was bleeding from his head and his white shirt was stained a bright red. His chest slowly rose with each breath, though those breaths were gradually decreasing by the minute.

Howl knelt beside the couch and placed his hand on Kenta's head, repeating a spell. He ran his hand over the lifeless body, a visual of his interior appearing in his mind. He could see where the injuries were and how detrimental they were to his health.

He would not let Kenta die - not after everything they had been through.

"What happened?" Calcifer said. He sat in his fireplace agape at the unconscious Kenta, though his interests soon directed to the very much alive Gwenda. It had been months since they had last seen each other, and this was not how he pictured their reunion.

Sophie took the seat next to Gwenda, who immediately was drawn to her stomach. "Well, you two have been busy."

Sophie rolled her eyes and smiled slightly. "I missed you so much."

"We did, too." Gwenda said. She turned to the brightly lit fire staring at her. His smile widened, and hers didn't look as painful anymore.

"It's great to see you again." Calcifer said. "B-both of you."

"Sophie, Gwenda. I need your help." Gwenda darted her eyes between Howl and Calcifer, soon following behind Sophie. "I need Gwenda to get a bucket of water to wash the blood from his face so I can actually see the wound. Sophie... you're going to assist me."

Sophie bobbed her head. "You mean... with magic?"

Howl nodded. Sophie had never used her powers on another being - only inanimate objects to bring them to life for a brief moment. Kenta was injured. He was slowly dying. One wrong move and the list of consequences were endless.

"Wait." Gwenda pushed the air and took a step back. "You have magic?"

Sophie turned to her and nodded. "Ever since the baby, yes."

Gwenda tilted her head to the side, her eyebrows creased upward. "Huh. I didn't know it worked that way."

"That's why we need to practice as often as possible so she doesn't lose control in the last few months of the pregnancy." Howl said as he started to rip open Kenta's shirt, revealing his blood-stained chest. "The closer she gets to the due date, the more power she has. She needs to learn how to channel her magic."

"Which I'm working on." Sophie snapped.

Howl looked at Gwenda. "Please. I need that bucket with a few towels. Bucket is under the sink and there's a well behind the cottage. Don't let anyone see you." She nodded and left.

Sophie knelt next to Howl, watching as he pulled Kenta's shirt to his sides to open his center more. Howl smoothly reached for Sophie's hands, bringing them to the open wound on his chest. She did not fight with him; he moved her hands like a puppet master, guiding her to where the spell should take place.

"Howl, are you sure about this?" Calcifer asked with a strong hint of apprehension. "This is Kenta's life. Sophie has never healed anyone before."

Howl cringed, his eyes staring only at his dying friend. "I just want to see if she can do it. Now, repeat the healing spell I taught you."

Sophie gulped and joggled her head before accepting the task. Markl leaned over Howl's shoulder to watch the events take place, curious to see Sophie’s magic in action. The Witch sat in her chair, her book finally finished but a dying man in her favorite seat.

With one hand over the other atop Kenta's wound, Sophie whispered the spell word for word. Her fingers began to light up, like sundrops raining down into his body. It was calm; she was calm. Until her mind drifted away.

Kenta dying. Her responsibility. Her fault.

Howl grabbed her wrist as lightning struck from her fingers, hitting the chandelier above the kitchen table. The light fixture cracked and the room turned black. It barely clung onto the ceiling, tilted to nearly a ninety degree angle.

Sophie gasped in shock. She almost electrocuted Kenta - and she just ruined her favorite part of the kitchen.

Gwenda rushed back in, grunting from the weight. She dropped the bucket in order to close to the door, a few droplets falling from the sides to the ground. "What happened? I heard a loud crash from outside."

Sophie ground her teeth and shakily pointed to the broken chandelier. Gwenda raised her eyebrows. She groaned and rubbed her temple. "Today has been such a weird day."

Sophie turned to Howl, his hands already on Kenta's wound. He looked at her with apologetic eyes. "I'll take over."

Howl repeated the healing spell, the droplets of sun now falling from his fingertips into Kenta's wound the proper way. Gwenda carried the bucket of water with both arms, holding it as close to her chest as possible. Heen followed her from the door to the living room as she gradually lowered it to the ground next to Howl.

Sophie pushed herself up and dusted off her apron. "I'll get the towels."

As Howl moved his hand to Kenta's head wound, the fallen wizard gagged and spat at Howl's face, still unconscious. Markl ducked behind Howl and missed the blow. Gwenda raised her hands to cover her mouth, her eyes wide as she noticed the goopy splatters of blood covering Howl's face. He sat still, his mouth closed and eyes shut.

Sophie returned with three hand towels around her arm, noticing Howl's freshly bloodied face. "Here you go, honey."

He nodded in gratitude and dipped the towel in the bucket, then raised it to wash his face clean. He adjusted his jaw and threw the towel into the bucket, taking another from Sophie and dipping it as well. He squeezed out the excess water and rubbed the towel against Kenta's side wound first, uncovering the adjustment Howl made. A line of stitches closed his side, like sewing pieces of cloth together.

He washed Kenta's face and repeated the healing spell on his head wound, the line of stitches threading through his skin and hiding his uncovered skull. He placed his hand over Kenta's heart and whispered something entirely different. Soon enough, Kenta was breathing normally and appeared as if he was merely sleeping.

Howl stood up with an exhaustive sigh. "He'll be fine. With a little bit of rest, he should wake up in the morning."

Gwenda scrunched her eyes closed. "We weren't even close."

Sophie held her shoulder in comfort. "To finding your sister?"

Gwenda nodded. Howl turned to Markl and whispered something to him, and the little boy scurried away to the hallway. He motioned for everyone to move to the kitchen table and sit.

Sophie sighed as she spotted the pot of soup on the stove. "Our dinner is cold."

"And the table's a mess." Howl snapped his fingers and the bits of chandelier and dust floated to the dust pan in the corner. He fitted the shattered pieces of dishes and silverware back together. The chandelier returned to its sturdy position on the ceiling as Howl raised his hands. This time, he made sure it was cemented in place.

Once cleared, he along with Gwenda and the Witch sat down. Sophie relit the stove, waiting for the minuscule fire to warm their meal. She opened the oven door, put on her oven mitts, and pulled the chicken pot pie out. She placed the meal on the table, thankful that the crust was the only part that seemed charred from overcooking.

Markl returned with one of Howl's shirts. He thanked the boy and pulled it over his head, forgetting about the shower he wanted to take before their visitors' unannounced arrival. Sophie stirred the pot until it seemed hot enough to serve again. She took the bowls on the table and filled each about three-quarters full.

Gwenda assumed that having two extra mouths in the house may be difficult for a while, but she didn't know where else to turn to at a time like this.

"Sure, I'll just hang out here while you all talk over there." Calcifer hollered. Howl rolled his eyes while Sophie and Gwenda chuckled. The fire demon sighed and rested his arms on the molten wood, watching everyone gather at the table. Even Heen left the warmth of his fire to beg for some scraps someone might throw to him.

Howl waited until everyone had taken a place at the dining table and had something to eat before asking questions. "What happened out there?"

Gwenda slurped her soup before speaking. “We thought she was near the Wastes, where she and Kenta moved a while back. When we got there, the neighbors said Lona left a long time ago and never came back.”

Sophie wrinkled her nose. “It’s odd that she would just leave their house without a word.”

Gwenda shivered from her next thought. “They said a witch stopped by one day and then she was gone.” Everyone perked up at that comment. There were dozens of witches and wizards who roamed the Wastes in a series of tyrannical plots - even the most notable of them sitting at their table.

Yet Howl spoke the name who was on all of their minds. “Do you think Suliman got to her because of her relationship with you and Kenta?” It wouldn’t be the first time that sorceress had used loved ones as a catalyst for her sick games, and it would make sense that she would target the one person in connection with a disobedient student and servant.

Gwenda shook her head. “I don’t know. It definitely crossed my mind, but there’s no way to know for sure. We thought to look farther into the Wastes for that reason, but Suliman had so many of her brainwashed creatures that we couldn't get ten miles into the area."

Sophie widened her eyes. "Suliman found you?"

"We evaded them for some time, but it was just too much of a risk. About a month ago, we decided to find you, so we could regroup and have a safe place to hide." Gwenda swallowed hard and straightened her back as shivers sparked through her spine. "Right as we crossed the border into Ovela, they found us again."

Howl sat still with his arms crossed. "And that's how he was injured."

Gwenda's eyes began to glisten, but she blinked away the subtle tint of weakness. "His own kind attacked him."

"That's how I felt during the war." Howl picked at the crumbled pot pie on his plate. "I remember an instance when Kenta was one of them and I was his target. I couldn't bear to hurt him, so I fled."

Sophie held Howl's hand. "At least he's no longer under her control."

"Yes, but what about the others still under her control?" Gwenda asked. “They’re like programmed little lackeys for that horrible woman. How are we going to save them before they do something completely unforgivable?"

"First, let's worry about healing Kenta." Howl said. "Then we can worry about the others."

"He gave me this ring." Gwenda raised her right index finger, showing a blue stone ring that Sophie and Howl were all too familiar with. “Right before he fell unconscious. He told me that I only needed to think of where to go, and the light would point me in the right direction. It pointed to you."

Howl smiled. “I was wondering how you were able to find us."

Gwenda smirked. "It was a miracle I even made it to Magnol with him on my shoulders. I probably carried him for five miles before I found this town. The light increased and pointed to your cottage, so I knocked."

"You're here now; that's all that matters." Sophie reached her hand across the table and held hers in an effort to comfort Gwenda. They had been through so much in such a short amount of time. She needed to know that this was a safe home.

Once dinner was finished, Gwenda helped Sophie clear the table. Howl left to finally take his shower so he could get some rest before work in the morning - to which Gwenda replied, "Howl and work actually go in a sentence together?"

Markl offered to give up his room for Gwenda and sleep on the ground, but Gwenda insisted on sleeping in the living room. "You've done so much for us already. I don't mind. This way, Calcifer and I can gossip about you guys now."

Calcifer laughed. "You bet we will."

Sophie rolled her eyes as she placed the last dry bowl in the cupboard. "Hopefully you don't stay up too late. We have to come up with a story for why two strangers came to town late last night." Sophie wiped her hands on her apron and embraced Gwenda. "I'm heading off to bed. You get some well-earned rest."

Gwenda nodded. "Will do."

Markl brought out a few blankets and pillows for her and she thanked the young boy. He helped the Witch to her bedroom, though she was certain she didn't need anyone's help. Gwenda wrapped one of the blankets around Kenta to keep him warm through the night. She gently lifted his head, stuffing the soft pillow underneath and releasing him.

He was still breathing; he was still alive. And as she fixated on his weakened state, Gwenda made it her goal to reunite her sister with Kenta, if it was the last thing she did.

Gwenda exhaled a deep breath. "What a day. I hardly expected to get any sleep, let alone have a pillow to rest on."

“You're safe now." Calcifer said. Gwenda smiled as she curled underneath the blanket, basking in Calcifer's warmth. Heen wheezed as he hurried his tiny body to her. He spun around a couple times before dropping his legs and curling next to her stomach. She laughed softly and scratched behind his ears as he drifted into a deep sleep.

Calcifer coughed softly, trying to spark up a casual conversation. "Well, it looks like you and Kenta get along now."

Gwenda looked up at him. "Oh, yeah. I almost forgot about that."

Calcifer laughed. "You forgot how much you hated him when you were in Howl's castle? That wasn’t so long ago, mind you."

Gwenda joined in his laughter. "I really did hate him for a while. I think I was just projecting my anger at him for taking my sister away from me, really.”

“What changed?”

Gwenda shrugged. “The only thing we really had in common was Lona - and how stubborn we are. I don't know; I guess I finally accepted the fact that not all magicians are bad."

"Did you ever think that I was bad?"

Gwenda paused. "Surprisingly... no."

Calcifer raised his eyebrows. "Really? You weren't scared of an extremely powerful fire demon named Calcifer?" He exhaled a line of fire from his mouth, the flames dispersing quickly. Gwenda chuckled, but Heen curled closer to her in fear.

She ran her fingers down the poor dog's back in comfort, although she was still entertained by Calcifer's title. "Is that something you just came up with?"

"Eh, I just like to do that sometimes." He watched closely as she hummed a soft tune, gradually soothing Heen back into a quiet slumber. He flapped his long ears and took prolonged breaths before dropping his head on his tiny legs. Calcifer fixated on her pure smile as the dog nodded off into his dreams, the only thought racing through his mind was how she continued to smile when life had been so uncaring to her.

He almost forgot that he was staring until she matched his gaze, tilting her head in confusion. "Something wrong?"

Calcifer paused, then shook his head. "No, just a little tired. We should get some rest."

Gwenda nodded. "Yeah, I could use a break from life at the moment." Calcifer managed a half-laugh, his eyes begging to capture one last glimpse before she turned around and sleepily whispered the words, "Good night, Cal."

Cal. No one had ever given him a nickname. Or perhaps she was so tired she couldn't fully say his name. Either way, he kind of liked it.

Chapter Text

She never liked magic. Moreover, she loathed it with a fiery passion, for she had a tenacious disdain toward those who possessed such abilities. They always looked at themselves so highly above humans and used their powers for purely selfish reasons. All in all, they were the lowest of scam artists and thieves.

She never liked magic - which made her reasons for riding on the back of a gryphon as he flew through the sky so logical.

"I cannot believe you convinced me to get on!" Gwenda screeched as she pulled at his raven black mane. Kenta growled in annoyance, though she didn't lighten her grip. He waved his head side to side, causing Gwenda to reach and hold as far down his neck as she could. "Stop moving so much. Just fly faster!"

Kenta kicked his large paws through the air as his majestic wings flapped with a robust momentum. They flew higher in the air, which did not ease Gwenda in the slightest. She much preferred the bus system and trolleys to move between towns. Even the train would have been a fine alternative. However, a flying gryphon in the main cities when the majority of magical creatures were under Suliman's keep would be too obvious. They would have been spotted and taken for questioning or brainwashing or whatever that evil sorceress planned to do. It was safer to blend into those areas.

Now that they were in magic's territory, all bets were off.

Kenta nodded toward the clouds below them, but Gwenda couldn't understand his cryptic signals. Hopefully, he was pointing toward the ground so she could finally get off of him, yet that would only mean they had arrived at his cottage right outside the Wastes. She’d never been to his home before, and it only reminded her of the last time she saw her sister.

Yelling, screaming, but at least no one threw anything at each other that time. It was a permanent decision - Lona was to either choose the conceited wizard or the only family she had left. Gwenda always hoped she would apologize and come back, but Lona was probably hoping for the same thing. They were completely different - except for their shared pride.

Gwenda tightened her grip on Kenta's mane and pulled harder. He yelped slightly and she released, though it wasn't entirely an accident. He flew in a swift motion toward the clouds below and they passed through like a bubble popping without a sound.

"Where are we going?" she shrieked, though her voice was lost in the harsh winds gusting from their descent. He kicked faster until the ground was in sight. They had flown straight above the Wastes unharmed. Everyone knew that the Wastes began and ended with the little neighborhood of farming cottages at the edge of the Folding Valley, and Kenta's was one of them. He was as close to the Wastes as they could be without actually being there - and as far away from Kingsbury as he felt comfortable.

Kenta landed hard in one of the grainfields, shaking the ground with his might. A flight of doves fled from the fields, cooing as they exalted into the air - a perfect symphony. Gwenda didn't waste any time getting off of him. She let go of his mane and slid down the side of his back, tumbling atop the tall strands of wheat. She stood up fast and dusted herself off, sighing with relief that she didn't have to get back on there.

She turned around as Kenta glowed, his animalistic features slowly transitioning into his human form. His talons turned to hands; his mane shortened into his hair and beard; his large wings disappeared; and his beak pushed in, revealing the face Gwenda remembered.

Especially his scowling look. "Seriously? Pulling on my mane won't make me go faster."

Gwenda smirked and crossed her arms. "Actually, I think it did."

Kenta narrowed his eyes. "Well, it's not very nice."

"Let's just do what we came here for." Gwenda said and turned to the line of small homes. "Now, which one is yours?"

“All the way at the end." Kenta pointed. She nodded and walked carefully through the fields of grain until the grass was not the same height as her. The dirt path led to the many small cottages that separated the Wastes from civilization. Kenta's was the nearest to the invisible border, secluded from the others.

Gwenda raised her eyebrows. "So, you isolated my sister?"

Kenta sighed. "No, I did not. She was very social with the women in this neighborhood. We even hosted a neighborhood party when she first moved-"

"Fine. Whatever. I don't care." Gwenda walked faster and left Kenta trudging behind her. She tightened her braid and pushed the fallen strands when they fell over her face. The path ended at his front door, while the grass and rocks led the way up the mountain they had just come from.

Gwenda stopped dead in her tracks, and Kenta almost ran into her from behind. Her eyes grew watery and her vision was blurry, but she could still see it: the windows were broken, the door barely hung on its hinges, and there was no sign of life anywhere in the house.

"No..." Gwenda rushed forward and slammed the door to the side, weakening the hinges even further. Kenta held the door before it fell completely, dropping it gently to the ground. He watched as Gwenda darted her eyes through the destruction of the house, the dusty furniture and brokenness of the home a ghastly sight. Picture frames were scattered on the ground, cracked and shattered into crippled pieces. A delicate ticking echoed from a cat clock in the kitchen, it’s broad smile bizarrely plastered to its face.

The only light that illuminated the dim room was from the fleeting sun, and soon there would be darkness again.

Gwenda picked up one of the frames from the floor and picked off the broken glass. It was of Kenta and Lona. She nuzzled next to him, Kenta's arm wrapped firmly around her shoulders. Her hair was an uncanny resemblance to Gwenda's, although Lona let hers run free rather than in the constraint of a braid. Their real difference was in Lona’s violently fierce eyes, the red-orange color glowing in joy.

Gwenda recognized the location immediately. She was even in the background working. It was Lettie's bakery.

Kenta cleared his throat. His memories were starting to return, and this picture reminded him all too well. "We didn't know when we went."

She kept her eyes focused on the photo. “So this was when I worked at the bakery."

“Lona didn't want things to be awkward."

"She could have at least faced me." Gwenda whispered.

Kenta raised his hand to rest on her shoulder, but advised against it at the last second and dropped his arm at his side. Gwenda's shoulders began to shake, and Kenta heard her sniffle. As much as he wanted to comfort her, he knew she didn't want anything from him.

"I’ll go talk to the neighbors," Kenta said, “See if they noticed anything while I was gone. We will find her. If we have to search the entire Wastes, I promise you we will find her."

Gwenda stopped her trembling as she wiped her nose with the back of her hand. She turned around to face Kenta, her eyes showing a light shade of red and a vehement glare at the one wizard who allowed this to happen.

She bit her lip hard, remembering why she hated magic so much. “You better believe we will. Because if we don't, I'm holding you accountable."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

Sleep was a beautiful thing. Sophie loved resting her eyes after a long day, and they did not resist. The soft pillows surrounded her and the warmth from the large, fluffy quilt made the bed a slumber haven. She usually slept on her side, her feet kicked out to as far as they could reach. She cradled one of the pillows while the others were there for support.

Sleep was just so beautiful - her alarm, however, was not.

Sophie widened her eyes at the sound of Heen's wheezing and scratching. Their bed was too high for him to jump onto, so he sat on the wooden floor and scratched at the bed frame, his wheezes attempting to awaken the sleeping couple. Sophie sat up on her elbow and looked down at Heen, his tail wagging with excitement. She sighed and turned to Howl, who was still curled up under the warmth. She pushed Howl's shoulder lightly, but he moaned and covered himself further with the blanket.

"Come on, Howl." Sophie whispered into his ear. "Today is your meeting with Gerald."

"Later. It's too early." Howl said, his voice muffled by the multitude of pillows. Their room wasn't nearly as extravagant as it was in Howl's castle, but they had to leave most of those treasures behind. They had to keep their living style to a minimum, to something of a normal standard. If someone happened to walk by and noticed Howl's array of magical items, word would spread quickly.

Sophie turned on the hanging lamp, causing Howl to curl away from the light. She pulled the covers off, but he snapped his fingers and the covers returned to him. She narrowed her eyes at him, but admitted defeat. He would just use his magic to stay in bed, anyway.

While Heen moved on to the other bedrooms, Sophie moved into the main living area. Kenta was still asleep on the couch, and Gwenda lay on the ground next to Calcifer's flame. She almost forgot about the previous night's events and Kenta's near death experience. Even with everything that had happened, though, she was just glad they were safe and all reunited once more.

Sophie walked over to the living room, careful not to step on Gwenda's hair. It was so much longer than Sophie's used to be, and much thicker. Her braid was at least twice her size when she used to confine her lengthy hair to a braid. Even in its greasy state, it was still quite a beautiful sight.

Sophie turned to Calcifer, though he was blind to her presence. He rested on the ashen log, his arms crossing over his front as he stared at their sleeping guests. His gaze focused on Gwenda, looking rather suspicious of the girl.

Her breathing was slow, but stable. She breathed through her mouth in her sleep, since it was wide open with a line of drool creeping at the corner. At least she didn't snore, Calcifer thought. One of Gwenda's arms reached under the pillow while the other reached over, neither touching the other. She looked comfortably at rest.

"Here you go." Calcifer jumped slightly at the appearance of another log atop the small pile of ashes. He nodded at Sophie's kind gesture and thanked her, returning his gaze to its previous state.

Sophie stood straight, running her hand over her stomach. "Are you all right, Calcifer?"

"Hmm?" he asked, dragging his eyes toward her. He smiled and nodded. "I'm fine."

She raised one eyebrow, still skeptical of him. However, she moved to the kitchen to start breakfast. She opened the cabinet filled with plates and bowls to set the table. As she reached for one, she hesitated and held her hand at bay. Howl said she needed to practice as often as possible, and this was such a simple task. Realistically, any beginning magician should have the skill to accomplish it.

She hoped.

She took a couple steps back and held her shoulders firm. She raised her arms and cleared her throat, focusing on the plates. She flipped her hands so the palms faced the ceiling, whispering a levitation spell. She could hear the quaking plates as they were now under her control. She didn't break concentration as she raised her hands further.

Six plates raised in unison with her hands. They floated out of the cupboard and toward her, closer to the table. One by one, they set themselves at the proper place settings. By the fourth plate, however, she felt an eerily familiar spark.

Sophie gasped as bolts flew from her fingertips and hit the remaining plates, breaking them in midair and landing on the ground in pieces. The sound of the crash was loud and awoke Gwenda instantly.

Calcifer jumped and held onto the grate with a tight grip. "Geez, Soph!"

"Ah, what the hell?" Gwenda said as she sat up quickly. She rested her hand on her forehead and scrunched her eyes tightly - too much swift movement this early in the morning was not good for her.

"Good morning, sunshine." Calcifer said with a smirk.

Gwenda shook her head. "I feel like I'm having a hangover."

"I'm sorry to wake you, Gwenda." Sophie said. "I was testing my magic again. Not very successfully, as you can tell."

"At least you're practicing." Gwenda said with a shrug. "That's all that matters, I guess."

Sophie sighed. "I wish that was all it was."

Once Gwenda felt her headache vanish, she removed the blanket and stood up. "Let me help you clean those up."

“Thank you,” Sophie said, “I actually need to make sure Howl gets out of bed. He has a meeting with his boss soon."

Sophie walked down the hallway as Gwenda carefully walked past the broken plates to the broom and pan. The broom was only a stick, however, confusing Gwenda on how Sophie usually swept the floor. Next to the pan, however, was a smaller broom, meaning she had to kneel to sweep the broken dishes.

The crunch of the tableware made Gwenda cringe. She hated broken objects; she was always afraid of that one piece destined to pop out of nowhere and pinch her foot. Nevertheless, she swept the pieces into the pan, carefully checking for those nasty, smaller bits she may have missed under the couch and dining table.

As she poured the broken pieces into the trash, she let out a long yawn. “I didn’t sleep very well. It feels like I only got a couple hours."

"You slept for a while."

Gwenda turned to Calcifer, watching as he dusted the ashes to the back of the fireplace. He cleared the front of the smooth concrete over the mix of bright and dull red bricks so casually, like it was a morning ritual of his.

She blinked. "Did you sleep at all?"

Calcifer looked up at her. "I don't need sleep. Being a fire demon, there are a few different physical requirements I need to survive than you humans.”

“Really?"

“Yup," he replied, “Sleep is kind of a luxury if I want it.”

"Doesn't that sound nice. I wish I was a fire demon." She returned the small broom and pan to its rightful place on the wall hook. When she returned to the living room, she jolted at Calcifer's icy and cold gaze.

"No you don't." His voice was low. "Don't ever say that."

Gwenda bobbed her head. "Say what?"

"That you wish you were a fire demon. It's not funny."

"I wasn't trying to be funny." Gwenda sat on the coffee table, gesturing her hands toward him. "I mean, I guess I don't really want to be a fire demon, but you have so many perks. No sleep, the power to control an entire castle, and you're eternal. What else do you need?’

Calcifer shook his head. "Humans don't realize how lucky they are."

Gwenda chuckled. "Huh, magical life or dull life. Seems like an easy decision to me." Even though she loathed magic, she saw how tempting it was to control. She had seen it in the eyes of so many magicians, and the look was always the same. Yet for some reason, she rarely had seen that look in Calcifer when he used magic.

“You're right,” Calcifer finally said with a heavy sigh, “Silly me."

Gwenda raised her eyebrows, watching as he returned to clearing the ashes away. She leaned closer to him. "No, please tell me, Calcifer. I'm sorry if I offended you. I actually wanted to ask you last night. It looked like something was on your mind."

"It's not worth explaining."

"But Cal-" Before she could ask, Sophie and Howl walked into the main room, Markl and Heen not too far behind. Gwenda looked back at Calcifer, though he had no intention of finishing that conversation.

Sophie and Gwenda cooked eggs and bacon for the family, a favorite of theirs. Markl loved it more than anything, and Heen was more a fan of human food than dog food. The Witch came to breakfast late, though she said she was in her room deciding what her next reading challenge should be.

Markl and Heen rushed to make it to work on time. Sophie walked Howl to the door, wishing him luck on his meeting with Gerald. He kissed her goodbye, and her working men were gone.

After Gwenda washed up - not having a shower for a few days really did a number on her - she and Sophie spent the majority of their time talking in the kitchen and catching up on what they've missed in the last six months. Calcifer watched everyone go about their business. He flicked the ashes as they appeared from the logs, watching as its lifespan shortened with each passing second.

The Witch sat in the armchair, every so often glancing at Kenta. She narrowed her eyes, watching him take up her special reading space. What a nuisance, she thought, coming into their home without a care in the world of the routines they so carefully built. Disgraceful.

Time passed, and she grew more irritated and impatient by the minute. Around midday, the Witch had had enough; she slammed her book shut and stood up with fists at her side. Sophie and Gwenda turned to her, watching as she repeatedly poked at Kenta's face.

Sophie stood up. "What are you doing?"

As she continued this treatment, Kenta scrunched his nose and bobbed his head back and forth. He slowly opened his eyes, startled to see an angry witch hovering over him.

"Someone's awake." Calcifer said.

"Good." The Witch narrowed her eyes once more at the sleepy wizard. "Now you can move over. You're in my seat."

She shooed at his face, pushing him to move. Kenta struggled to sit up - what with two major wounds having only been closed the night before - so Sophie helped steady him. The Witch dramatically sat in the corner of the couch and harrumphed. She turned the lamp on, rested her arm on the side, and continued reading her book.

"Gwenda, bring him some water." Sophie felt his forehead; his fever was not as present as before and his wounds healed faster than normal. With the spells that Howl cast, it was expected. "How are you feeling? Are you lightheaded?"

"I'm uh... I think I'm okay." Kenta rubbed his temple and shook his head, trying to focus his eyesight. He turned to Sophie, his eyes immediately dropping to her extended stomach. "Oh, uh... wow."

Sophie laughed nervously. "Yeah. Howl and I are expecting."

He cleared his throat and nodded. "Congratulations." Gwenda handed him the glass of water and he thanked her. He took his time swallowing until the cup was barren. He moved his limbs around to regain control of them after resting for so long.

"How do you feel?" Gwenda asked.

"Fine. I-I'm fine." Kenta said. He looked at her, his eyes filled with worry and confusion. "What happened?"

"Suliman's henchmen attacked us right as we crossed into Ovela. They knocked you out. Do you remember anything?"

Kenta nodded. "Yes, vaguely." He turned to the blue jewel on her right index finger. "You used the ring, I see."

Gwenda shrugged with a smile. “Wasn't too hard to find them."

“Thank you,” Kenta said as he patted her shoulder, “You did good.”

He attempted to stand, but his legs wobbled and he fell right back onto the couch. Sophie eased his fall, but Kenta grunted and clenched his teeth. The Witch paid little mind to his struggles, her mind wrapped around the story before her. Sophie wondered how she could be engrossed in some adventure when their own lives were practically a story yet to be told.

As Sophie returned to the kitchen to refill the glass, they heard a knock at the door. Gwenda and Kenta turned to Sophie, who simply stared at the door. The knock was familiar, even typical for this time of day. Calcifer nodded and vanished from sight. Gwenda turned to the lifeless fire, wondering if he was in hiding or had transported somewhere else.

Sophie went to the door and whispered, "Follow my lead." On the other side was an elderly woman. Not quite the age of the Witch of the Wastes, but still older than everyone else in the room. She wore a simple blue dress, similar to the one Gwenda and the other employees were assigned to wear in the Palace. However, the woman's was much more traditional. She wore a straw hat that covered a portion of her short grey curls.

"Donna, how are you?" Sophie smiled and hugged the woman tightly. Donna stepped through, making herself at home. Gwenda stood by Kenta, both darting their eyes between Sophie, Donna, and each other.

"I'm doing all right, sweet pea." She said with a wide smile. Donna placed her hat on the dining room table. "Hello, Irma. Tackling another book I see?"

The Witch chuckled. "This is my third one in a week. I think that's a new record."

"You always surprise me." Donna bent her knees slightly and touched Sophie's stomach. "And hello to you, little one. You're getting so big in there."

Sophie laughed as she watched Donna act like a grandmother. It was something she had always wanted, but didn't have children of her own. Sophie was glad to be there to bring such joy to her face.

Donna grunted as she stood straight. "I wanted to drop in and tell you about something you might not be aware of yet..."

Her eyes travelled across the room, first to Irma reading silently and then to the two strangers. Gwenda and Kenta froze in their positions, Gwenda nervously raising her hand and waving.

Donna smiled. "Oh, hello there."

"Oh, right um... this is my sister, Gwenda." Sophie walked over to introduce them. She paused when she saw Kenta, trying to think quickly on her feet. "And her husband, Kenta."

Kenta and Gwenda widened their eyes and turned to each other - the disgust of being a couple entered their minds and caused them to mentally vomit. However, Donna bought the idea, which was all that mattered.

Sophie smiled at Donna. "They're just visiting for the week."

"Oh, how lovely." Donna said. She gave Gwenda a squeeze on her shoulder. "You seem like a wonderful couple."

Gwenda laughed lightly, turning to Kenta with a wide smile. "Yup, that's us. Aren't we wonderful, honey?"

Kenta shook his head, but smiled for the act. There was a peal of soft laughter that only Gwenda could hear coming from the far side of the room. Only Calcifer.

"Would you like some tea?" Sophie said, walking toward the kitchen. "I was just going to heat up some water, actually."

"Oh, that's quite all right, dear." Donna followed her. "I wasn't planning on staying long today. I just wanted to warn you of some intruders that flew in last night."

Sophie dropped the ladle with a loud thud, cursing under her breath. She bent slowly to pick it up, but Donna gently moved her aside to help. Sophie thanked her and dropped the ladle in the sink, reaching for another.

She gulped before clearing her dry throat. "Someone flew in?"

"I know, something we don't usually hear around here." Donna sat at the dining room table and rested her head in her palm. "Since you're originally from Ingary, you might be more familiar with wizards and magicians than we are. We haven't had any in this country for well over a century before I was even born."

"Well, yes. Ingary was known for having quite amazing magicians." Sophie said as she turned on the stove. Her gaze fell to Gwenda and Kenta, their nervous eyes and biting lips causing her more anxiety. "Are you saying there are some in Ovela now?"

"I hope not," Donna said. "We've always seen trouble with magic; wizards and sorcerers are always taking advantage of their powers and using them against helpless humans."

Kenta exhaled a bitter breath and tried to stand, but grunted from his weak and feeble legs. Gwenda helped him rest, whispering something softly to him that Sophie couldn't hear. She could tell that Donna's comments were killing him inside, though.

Donna turned to Gwenda and Kenta with sympathetic eyes. "I'm sorry, I'm afraid you've come at a bad time. This normally doesn't happen in our parts."

Gwenda shook her head. "I'm sure we'll be fine."

Sophie agreed. "I bet things will blow over shortly."

Donna shrugged. "I hope so. Anyway, I just came to warn you, sweet pea. I wouldn't want anything happening to you and that baby. With the due date coming so soon, I want to make sure you're safe."

Sophie smiled. "Thank you."

Donna stood up and walked herself to the door, Sophie following suit. She turned around and waved to the seemingly happy couple. "It was wonderful to meet you. I hope you enjoy your week in Magnol."

They said their goodbyes and Donna departed. Sophie shut the door swiftly, which was Calcifer's cue to return to the group. Kenta glared at the door with a clenched jaw.

"I'm sorry." Sophie said. "Ovela is not a country where magic is accepted."

"So, I'm guessing no one here knows that you all have magic then, huh?" Kenta seethed.

Sophie nodded. "And I intend for it to stay that way. I don't have to like that my friends here despise magic. As long as we're away from Suliman, I can handle the silent criticism."

Kenta shook his head in a bow. "It's not enough."

"What was that?" Sophie asked.

Kenta brushed it off. "Nothing."

Sophie shrugged. "I guess Donna saw you two coming in last night then, right? That's where she saw the wizards."

Gwenda paused for a moment, looking to Kenta for confirmation. "We weren't flying. He was unconscious, so I carried him here. I was pretty confident that no one saw us."

Sophie raised an eyebrow. "Then, how would she have seen wizards?"

Gwenda started to speak, but caught her own words in a snare. She deterred away from Sophie and in turn faced Calcifer, her shoulders shaking and her foot tapping the floor. When he met her gaze, his eyes widened. He could read her fears like an open book.

Kenta cleared his throat. "King Roland has declared war on Ovela. He, Justin, and Madame Suliman know you're here."

Chapter Text

She had always seen the Palace from afar, always dreamed of the beauty and magnificence inside. In her dreams, she imagined walking through the extravagant hallways and dancing with royalty and wearing the most beautiful gown. She even imagined finding her true love. It was an unreachable dream, something she never thought would become true.

Yet somehow, the Hatter family was important enough to come to the Royal Banquet.

Little Sophie stared in awe as they walked through the Palace doors into the main foyer, greeted by so many guards in static lines. She held her stepmother's hand and her little sister's, Lettie. Martha had just turned two and was still fussy, so their father held the baby in his arms.

All three girls wore beautiful gowns, just as Sophie imagined. Lettie's dress was pink - her favorite color. Sophie never liked pink. She wore a blue dress instead that sparkled from the light, and donned her long, brown hair in dazzling curls to compliment the look. Martha wore a white dress, which was typical for most infants to wear at such a gathering.

As the Hatter family walked down the hallway, a pair of guards held a large door open for them to enter. Honey and Ellis nodded with respect, while the two older daughters rushed ahead in amazement, their eyes glistening with excitement.

Chandeliers of the most exquisite diamonds and jewels lit the space and decorated the large ballroom. The room was an extension of the night sky, the stars above shining transparently from the glass ceiling and walls. The wooden floor was a dark, seamless pattern throughout the entire space. Men in suits and women in ball gowns danced along to the symphony on the center stage.

Sophie and Lettie tightened their grips as they squealed with a passionate thrill. Their dreams had come true tonight.

"Girls, why don't you talk to those three boys over there?" Sophie and Lettie turned around, Honey's hand resting on their shoulders. "I think it would be lovely if you socialized with the other children."

"But Mother," Sophie whispered, "they look so much older than us."

"Only by a few years, but you'll get along."

She walked them toward the boys dressed in highly mature fashion. Two of the boys wore suits with gold ties and handkerchiefs. One was extremely tall and handsome, and Sophie guessed he was over twice her age. The other who matched him in style didn't appear as old, but still seemed to be in his teens. The third - also in his teens, she assumed - wore a more unusual style. No suit, but rather a colorful, exotic shirt and black slacks.

When the three noticed them, Honey smiled wide. "Hello there, boys. These are my daughters, Sophie and Lettie. I would much appreciate it if you made them feel welcome. They're so very nervous to be here and don't have anyone else to talk to."

The boys looked back and forth to each other, the oldest of the three rolling his eyes and whispering something inaudible to the others.

The one with the colorful shirt smiled and shrugged his shoulders. "I guess so."

Lettie and Sophie looked at each other, hoping Honey wouldn't leave them.

"See girls? They'd love to play with you." She pushed them lightly toward the boys and sighed with relief. "Enjoy, my little princesses."

As she scurried off, Lettie and Sophie spent the next few moments darting their eyes between each other, the boys, and the floor. Sophie only had a couple friends in school, and they had approached her, not the other way around. She was too skittish to start up a conversation with someone she didn't already know.

"So, are you both really princesses?" The teenager in gold asked. Sophie darted her eyes between the three pairs of eyes staring at them, her fingers shaking and her foot tapping rapidly. The older boy seemed indifferent about the idea of talking to two little girls. He yawned and searched the room for something of interest, and when he did, his eyes lit up.

Sophie gulped. "Um... no, we're-"

"Hey, Justin." The older boy elbowed his counterpart, a smile creeping on his face. "I say we sneak up on Miss Dafina and lift her skirt to expose her pantyhose. That'll get a rise out of these people."

Justin raised his eyebrow. "Aren't you a little old for stuff like that, Ro?"

"Nah, not at all." Ro said, brushing off Justin's response. "If anything, you and Owen here should be the ones causing a riot. I'm next in line for the throne, so if people saw me-"

"Wait, you're the Prince?" Lettie gasped. Ro and Justin glanced at each other, but Sophie and Lettie were glued to the boys in gold who were uncovered as the Princes of Ingary.

Ro laughed. "You didn't know that when your mom dumped you on us?"

"No." Sophie said, though his use of the word 'dumped' made his opinion of the situation much clearer. "So, you're Prince Roland and you're Prince Justin?"

Roland bowed dramatically. "I aim to please the citizens of Ingary as your new king in... well, whenever that happens, I guess."

Justin took a moment to ponder Sophie, then rolled his eyes at his brother’s words. "You make it sound like you're just waiting for father to die."

"I'm not waiting for the old man to kick the boot, I'm just preparing for when it happens."

"Wait, then who are you?" Lettie asked, ignoring their argument. Justin and Roland stopped their bickering and turned to the third boy, Owen, though his relation to the princes was unknown. Everyone in Ingary knew there were only two princes, and they didn't have cousins or other relatives. In all honesty, Sophie had almost forgotten he was there.

Owen widened his smile and gestured toward the group of high officials. "You see where your wonderful King and Queen stand?"

Lettie and Sophie nodded quickly. He pointed to a woman in a long, green gown, her blonde hair so magnificent and proper. "My mother is the most powerful magician in the world. They call her the Royal Sorceress, Madame Suliman."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

Justin. Roland. Suliman. They all knew they were here. They discovered their hideout. And Sophie had been completely blind.

"Th-they know... that we're here?"

Gwenda and Kenta lowered their gaze. Sophie took in short breaths, her knees failing to work and almost collapsing to the ground. Gwenda quickly rushed to her side and helped her stand straight, walking her slowly to the armchair. However, Sophie's thoughts were running wild. They could be at the border or at the capital or even Magnol. Suliman must have somehow predicted this.

And with her abilities, she could probably sense Sophie's pregnancy and her magic.

"Suliman knew this would happen." Sophie whispered. "She knew it all. She's always one step ahead of us. She knew I'd end up giving in to the marriage and putting Howl in jail and my pregnancy..." Her jaw began to tremble before she could finish her sentence and her sight blurred from the tears. They were in danger. They always had been; she just thought that maybe this one time, they had outsmarted her.

"Hey." Gwenda knelt beside Sophie and held her hand. "She didn't know you would say no at the altar. She didn't know you would skip town and bolt. And she doesn't know how hard we are going to fight this."

Sophie shook her head. "It doesn't matter. We're practically caught as it is. She's probably been planning this war for months. Probably before Howl and I left."

"You don't know that." Gwenda turned to Kenta, but he just shrugged his shoulders. The Witch of the Wastes was no help, either. Gwenda would have been surprised if she was even paying attention. She turned to Calcifer, who had been sitting silently in his fireplace, contemplating this groundbreaking story. She stared at him until he realized and met her gaze, though he appeared as frightened as everyone else.

Gwenda breathed in deeply. "Sophie, you need to take in deep breaths. You don't want to scare the baby."

"I can't..." Sophie whispered. "This is all too much, all these things are just popping into my head and I don't know what to do or think or-"

Out of nowhere, a bolt of lightning sparked from Sophie's fingers, hitting the log next to Calcifer and lighting a fire next to him. He jostled from the sudden presence of another fire and leaned farther away from it. After he calmed down, he added the fire to his own.

Kenta widened his eyes. "How did you... do that?"

"You didn't know this could happen?" Gwenda creased her eyebrows.

Kenta shook his head. "I mean... I know it happens, but how did you produce lightning? That's far beyond the skills my mother had during her pregnancy with me."

Sophie shrugged. "It's pretty much all I've been doing, ever since we found out I was pregnant. Most of the time when I use magic, something goes wrong and I zap everything."

Kenta pursed his lips. "Well, you learned your source quite early, much earlier than even amateur wizards."

"My source?"

Kenta nodded. "Your source of magic. It is what drives your inner abilities to use magic."

"What's your source?" Sophie asked.

"I'm driven by the natural elements - a Verdant, as many call us. It's a very common one, actually, and a lot of the magicians in my family derive from this source."

Sophie nodded. "And Howl's?"

Kenta raised his eyebrows. "Um... that's not really for me to say. I'm surprised he hasn't told you." He attempted to stand up once more, this time his strength returning much quicker than before. Gwenda stepped out of the way as he took her place next to Sophie. "I'll teach you a spell for beginning magicians. It will help you learn to channel your source."

He held his hands out to Sophie, and she gradually placed hers on top. He whispered a few lines and her heart rate slowed down. Her breathing regulated to a normal, calmer speed. She closed her eyes and relaxed her muscles. For the first time since she started using magic, she finally felt in control.

"Now." Kenta whispered. "Turn the lamp on."

Sophie opened her eyes and snapped her fingers, the words to the spell naturally speaking in her mind. In an instant, the light turned on.

She widened her eyes. Nothing exploded. Nothing sparked. Her fingers felt the familiar sting, but it was less sporadic and more centered. Confidence exuded out of her.

"How... how did you do that?" Sophie turned to Kenta, his smirk the happiest she had seen him in a while.

"That wasn't me." Kenta said. "You used your ability to its highest advantage. Electrokinesis is the ability to control electrical currents. It's not unpopular, but not very common, either. My father's source was electrokinesis, so I learned a few tricks from him."

"So... I can only control things like lamps and power switches?"

Kenta shook his head. "You have the power to do other things, but you need to learn how to use your source in situations where it would normally be a disadvantage." Sophie crinkled her eyebrows together, and he sighed. "That may have been confusing. But Howl and I will teach you as best as we can."

With her due date approaching faster than he would have preferred, there wasn't much time for slow learning. She would have to pick things up faster than most. He was surprised that Howl hadn't taken much time to go through the trials with her, but hiding in a land with a unanimous hatred for magic had its disadvantages to a learning human.

"What if I can't control myself and I hurt someone?" Sophie asked. She didn't have the skills that masters like Howl and Kenta had, and she certainly didn't have the time, either. She loved this gift, even if it was only for a few short months. She wished she had known more and been able to control it sooner, but maybe this time her abilities would improve.

Kenta winked. "That's why you're training with the best."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

It was quite risky to come to the fields, even if all the workers had gone home for the weekend. Howl didn't know if anyone would come back if they had forgotten something or if Gerald checked the fields at night. Yet as the sun set beyond the fields and the residence of Magnol prepared for the night, the magicians planned for another lesson.

"It's not that hard, Sophie." Kenta said. He moved his arms like the wind back and forth, repeating a spell meant to change the wind's pattern. "Try it."

Sophie nodded and shook her arms to release the tension building up. She was still in the learning phase, even if she had been practicing with Howl and Kenta every night for the past two weeks. She was definitely gaining more control over her powers, but she hadn't mastered the more difficult spells yet.

Howl and Kenta watched as she swayed her arms like Kenta did, repeating the spell slowly and articulating every syllable. Howl nodded with approval as the wind switched from blowing against his face to nearly pulling him toward Sophie.

"She's doing a wonderful job." Kenta said.

"As are you." Howl replied. "You look much better than you did two weeks ago."

"All those healing spells. And Sophie's stellar cooking, of course." Howl and Kenta chuckled as they watched her dance with the wind as she controlled its movement. She twirled around, spinning the air in a mini tornado around her, though the spinning soon grew too far out of her control.

Howl gritted his teeth and inched closer, but Kenta held him back. "Let her handle it."

Sophie noticed the tornado reaching higher speeds, spinning wildly around her. She appeared frightened, her arms tightening closer to her chest. Sophie turned to Howl and Kenta, both of them nodding in assurance. She pushed her arms out and the wind stopped its motion, quickly shifting from rapid to calm. It returned to its regular patterns, blowing against Howl's face.

The anxious wizard exhaled in relief. "You were right."

"You can trust her with magic. She's actually quite good."

"I know." Howl closed his eyes. "I know."

"I was wondering why she was so far behind in her knowledge of magic to the point where she didn't even know what her own source was.” Kenta said. “Of all people, I imagined that you would have trained her from the moment you found out about the pregnancy."

Kenta crossed his arms and raised his eyebrows, as if he were reading Howl's mind. Howl opened his eyes, looking slightly downward at his friend's feet. He returned his gaze to Sophie, watching her as she rubbed her stomach and spoke softly to the baby. Their baby.

Their soon-to-be magical child with powers used for good or evil.

"I know you're scared."

"Wouldn't you be?" Howl said with a shaky voice. “The love of my life is pregnant with a child of magic and Suliman has been planning to have our baby since the moment we met. It’s sickening just to fathom that she would be this sadistic."

Howl clenched his teeth. The thought of Sulimna ruining everything they loved had poisoned his mind for too long. She was a nuisance, a troublesome maniac who found pleasure in the suffering of others. She may have been gifted, but she was utterly insane.

Howl inhaled a deep breath. "I don't know if Suliman will get what she wants or if we may somehow be able to evade her again. And then for what? To keep running and hiding? That's not the life I want for this baby."

"Shielding Sophie from learning these abilities will hinder the baby's ability as well. You know that."

Howl turned to Kenta. "I also don't want Suliman to complete this endless battle to control every ounce of magic we have in this world."

Kenta creased his eyebrows. "Keeping Sophie from learning magic won't stop the baby from becoming a magician. Even if she never used her powers, that child will still be born with powers like you and me."

Howl held fists at his side. "But maybe not as powerful as Suliman is looking for. Maybe she won't come after us if the baby isn't extraordinary."

Kenta frowned. "And you think that's why she wants your child."

Howl shook his head. "I don't want it to be true... but what if our child is more powerful than Suliman, and she knows that already?"

"Then you fight." Kenta said, his voice low with unwavering confidence. "You fight like you've never fought before. You can't allow her to think she is in control of everything. You have to show her that you can outsmart her."

Howl's teeth shivered, even though the autumn weather hadn't turned cold yet. He looked up to his comrade with glossy, tear-stricken eyes. "How can I be a father if I can't protect my family from Suliman?"

Kenta lowered his shoulders. He had seen the devastation Madame Suliman caused. She separated families, forced magicians into a mindless battle, and so many other cruelties he couldn’t name. It was no wonder that any magician would be frightened to bring life into this world, one with unforeseen power. It was a gamble knowing she would be there to snatch away anything or anyone stronger than herself.

Kenta stood up straight, giving the only answer he knew. “You just can't be afraid. Because once she sees that, Suliman has everything she needs to control you."

"Um, Howl?" Howl and Kenta turned to Sophie, her eyes wide as she looked at the sky. "I don't think we're alone."

Chapter Text

Too many spells. Too many variations. Too many words to memorize. They ran in circles around his brain until his mind was a whirlpool. He would never be good enough if he couldn't keep up. Kenta already felt farther behind than the others in his class, but he wasn't going to let that stop him from reaching the top.

"And why would we use one of the Elven traditional spells in this case?" Wizard Mogno searched the room for an apprentice to answer, but was disappointed to see the girl with the crazy red pigtails offering a response - the only one to ever offer a response. Wizard Mogno rolled his eyes and waved her arm down. She slowly dropped her arm as she watched her classmates shake their heads in annoyance of the teacher's pet.

Wizard Mogno tapped his hands along the podium, one student catching his eye. He was searching in his textbook for the answer, flipping through pages and skimming lines to find the best answer for this situation. "Kenta Itō, is it?"

Kenta looked up from his book. His hands began to sweat. His mouth dried up like the desert. And he so desperately wanted to make a good impression this time. "Um, yes Wizard Mogno?"

"You are surrounded by an army. Whether they are magicians or not is up to your imagination. However, it is clear that you are outnumbered. There are only a few spells from the Elven traditionals that can help you in this situation, but which is the prime solution?"

Kenta swallowed hard. "Um... well, there is the one that grants you invisibility."

Wizard Mogno shook his head. "One of them would find you eventually. An army this large, you wouldn't make it two steps in the opposite direction."

Kenta licked his lips, trying to think of another answer. He knew more about the Kotodama spells than anything because of his family, yet Wizard Mogno never asked about Japanese magic - only Elven or Celtic. In fact, Kenta was one of two Japanese wizards in their apprenticeship. At times, he truly felt like he was on his own in a foreign world.

Everyone was staring at him now. Even the pretty girl with the red pigtails, though she humphed and turned around, whispering loudly to her black cat how she knew the answer. A couple of classmates in the corner giggled, and Kenta's cheeks burned a rosy shade.

"Um..." He was speechless. His voice was lost in the thousands of spells and codes and inscriptions. His mind whirled in a never-ending hurricane from the embarrassment and lack of intelligence he felt in that moment.

"Howl Pendragon." Kenta looked up only to find that Wizard Mogno had moved on. He stood in front of Howl's table, though Howl hardly seemed ready for class. His book wasn't even opened to their chapter, his feet were on the table in his neighbor's space, and he looked about ready for a nap rather than class. "Can you name the Elven traditional I am looking for?"

Wizard Mogno waved his feet to the ground, the young wizard promptly disturbed by the change in position. Howl cleared his throat and searched the ceiling for the answer, snapping his fingers when he had it. "The one where everyone falls asleep."

Everyone in the class laughed, though the girl with the red pigtails sighed and groaned. Wizard Mogno turned to the class with a smile. "He is correct."

The class fell silent, watching Howl nod his head with triumph. Kenta seethed through his teeth, unable to bear that wretched wizard beat him at yet another skill. Their fight had been less than a month earlier, and he still felt that wicked sense of vengeance.

"Explain your reasoning."

Howl sat up straight and folded his hands on the table. "Well, if your enemies are asleep, they can't attack you. Therefore, you can go about your business and when they wake up, you're already gone."

"Excellent." Wizard Mogno nodded approvingly. He turned to Kenta, the young wizard feeling more humiliated than ever. "You could learn a lesson or two from your classmate, if you wish to master the art of magic."

Kenta clenched his fists under the table as Wizard Mogno continued with the lesson. When class ended, Kenta was the first to leave. He ran down the Palace halls as the tears begged to flow, but Kenta refused to allow them. He only wanted to hide away in his room and pray his roommates wouldn't come back until later.

He hated being away from home. He hated not knowing the answers. But most of all, he hated Howl Pendragon.

"Hey." Kenta felt a hand on his shoulder and turned around. He breathed heavily at the sight of Howl. "You want to get dinner or something? I heard the cooks were planning something special tonight."

"No." Kenta replied. He walked forward, only to find Howl floating next to him and land right in his path. "I said no."

Howl crossed his arms. "I won't accept that."

"Well, deal with it."

"Dude, why can't we be friends?"

Kenta laughed sarcastically. "You want to be my friend? Good one."

"But I really do."

"What's your problem?" Kenta said. "Isn't it enough that you showed me up on the first day, and just now in class?"

Howl shrugged. "I didn't mean to do that. Mogno wanted the answer and I guessed."

Kenta raised his eyebrows. "You guessed?"

Howl nodded. "It seemed good enough. And I didn't really care if I was wrong."

"Well, maybe to you it doesn't matter why you're here, but for me..." Kenta closed his eyes, thinking of all the sacrifices his parents and grandmother made to send him to Suliman's apprenticeship. All the days training with his father and grandmother, working up the courage to audition before the Royal Sorceress herself - only to be humiliated by someone who guesses in class.

Kenta walked past him, pushing his shoulder on the way. "Just leave me alone."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

Sophie was right - they were not alone. Three magicians soared in the night sky, dark clouds rumbling in the distance. One witch sat on her broomstick while the two wizards floated on either side of her. Howl and Kenta stood in front of Sophie, protecting her at all costs. They were very familiar with these three, to say the least.

The witch descended slowly toward them, her red pigtails swaying in the wind. "Well, well, well. If it isn't Howl Pendragon and Kenta... hmm, what was your last name again?"

She laughed with her high-pitched voice that made Kenta cringe. He couldn't believe he had a crush on her during their apprenticeship. Her voice was annoying even then.

"Nice to see you as well, Noe." Kenta growled, his sarcasm quite evident in his tone.

She smirked and landed on the ground, holding her broomstick upright. She had traded in her violet dress from their apprenticeship for a pitch-black one. Then, the two wizards landed hard on the ground next to her. Nade was tall and bulky, his brute as strong as his magic. Xarx was a similar height to Noe, his golden eyes shining through the dark strands that covered them. Their eerie smiles reminded Howl and Kenta of their younger years together, and not the better of their memories.

Nade ran his fingers through his greasy hair. "Wow, I never thought I'd see you two working together. Howl, weren't you always making Kenta look like a complete dope in class?"

Howl cracked his knuckles together, prepping for whichever attack he threw at them first. “We've matured. Something I obviously cannot say about you three."

"Oh, now that's hurtful," Nade said, wiping away false tears with dramatic exaggeration. "We had some good times back in the apprenticeship, though. Remember?"

"I'll never work for Suliman again if that's what you're getting at." Howl snapped.

Nade turned to Noe and shrugged. "It was worth a shot."

Noe nudged Nade's arm. "We're not here to bring him to our side, you moron."

"What do they want, then?" Sophie whispered to Howl, his arms still blocking her from their sight. Sophie could hardly see past her bodyguards, though she was intently listening to their conversation.

She felt a hand creep behind her and wrap around her stomach. "We want your baby."

Sophie jolted around, Kenta being the first to fling Noe away with a large gust. She blew away until she gained control of her broomstick. The venomous witch snickered in her high voice. "If you won't come willingly, we'll just have to take you by force."

Nade and Xarx positioned themselves for an attack, as did Howl and Kenta. Noe floated in the air, everyone waiting for the right moment to strike. Sophie darted her eyes between her protectors and her enemies. She was too inexperienced to fight them, but Howl and Kenta couldn't fight against three, even with their skills. They were outnumbered.

The clouds rolled above them, darkening the sky further. A low rumble thundered across the sky, signaling the start of battle.

Nade and Xarx charged forward, both repeating a spell Kenta knew all too well - earthquake. The ground began to shake and crack open, hence Kenta dropped to a runner's lunge, filling in the cracks faster than they broke apart. While he knew how to counter his signature move, he was still enraged how they used other source magic so casually.

Nade was the first to approach them and immediately aimed for Howl. He dodged naturally and slid underneath Nade, extending his foot until the troublesome wizard fell to the ground. When Kenta noticed his fall, he secured him to the ground by hardening rocks around his wrists and ankles.

Nade grunted as he tried breaking the rock, though Kenta enjoyed watching his struggle.

Sparks of fire shot from the sky, nearly hitting Howl. He turned to Noe up in the sky, her wand shooting bolts of fire like bullets. Howl lifted into the air and dove straight for her, though she flew around him in circles. Howl couldn't tell where she was from her speed. He stayed in the center, trying to catch up with her infinite velocity, yet she moved like an electrical current. When he thought he caught up to her, she appeared on the side and blasted him with fire.

Howl groaned in pain, repeating a spell to stop the fire from spreading around his shirt. He felt an open area on his back, a charred circle surrounding the burned area. Then, he looked at Noe in disgust. "You can't have Sophie."

Noe floated on her broomstick, very relaxed. "Suliman also said that if her very cute boyfriend somehow died in the process, it wouldn't be an issue."

As Howl continued to fall for Noe's tricks, Kenta dealt with Xarx. Though he was far behind Nade, he finally caught up and didn't waste time casting spells left and right. For Kenta, this was child's play. He slowly worked his way up to Xarx and restricted his wrists in a similar rock hold. He tried fighting back, but Kenta was a strong match.

Xarx grunted as his muscles shook. "Don't make this harder than it has to be."

Kenta breathed a laugh. "You were always weak, Xarx."

Sophie clamped her hands over her mouth as she watched the battle ensue. Howl and Kenta were both matched quite evenly, though their previous trouble had finally freed himself from Kenta's temporary restraint. Nade's eyes were glued to Sophie, his demoniac smile frightening to witness. He pulled out his wand and took large steps toward her.

Sophie stepped backward, raising her arms in a pitiful defense. She felt so weak, so minuscule. So powerless in comparison to these master magicians.

Then, the storm clouds rumbled louder and Sophie paused. The sky spoke to her, breathing life into her terrified limbs. A rush of electricity sparked throughout her entire body - inside every vein, every bone, every muscle. The familiar flicker encompassed Sophie fully, and no longer did she feel weak. She raised up her hands; her beautiful, powerful hands.

Before Nade could take another step closer, she whipped her arms forward and struck him with a quick bolt of lightning. He fell to the ground instantly, Sophie gasping in awe. Her fingers vibrated from the aftershock, and she felt more in control than ever before. She was able to bring a full-fledged wizard to the ground.

Nade took a second to jump back to a standing position. He wiped his mouth clean of the blood stain and realigned his jaw. Sophie turned to the storm clouds that revolved around her, sensing her core strength. Sophie held her hands open, electricity generating within herself and emitting through her fingertips.

Nade bobbed his head back, surprised by this human's abilities. Noe and Howl floated in the sky, watching the clouds obey Sophie’s commands. The witch seethed at the sight of a human with prodigious power, and she refused to let her triumph. Noe ignored Howl and dove straight down.

"Sophie!" Howl tried to catch up, but Sophie was already preparing for her next attack. She noticed the witch closing in and commanded the sky to strike her down. A bolt of lightning carved the sky and knocked Noe off of her broomstick, sending her tumbling onto the ground unconscious.

Nade immediately rushed to her side, smacking her face repeatedly to help her regain consciousness. Kenta held Xarx on the ground, attempting the same spell he performed on Nade earlier. Rather than fall victim like his comrade, Xarx melted into the ground and appeared behind Kenta, kicking him down without warning.

When Noe awoke, Nade helped her to her broomstick. He and Xarx flew into the sky behind her, the three of them turning around to the unlikely victors. She narrowed her beady eyes down to them. "Enjoy your freedom while it lasts. Suliman won't stop until that child is hers."

Howl stood close to Sophie, staring at the three until they flew away. Kenta stood up and dusted the dirt from his pants. Sophie exhaled a shaky and unnerving breath, one hand reaching across her stomach. Her knees tattered in frailty and Howl embraced her.

"Who are they?" Sophie asked.

Howl sighed. "We all trained in Suliman's apprenticeship. They're the few who offered to work for her rather than be forced to."

"I always expected something like this from Nade and Noe." Kenta said. "Xarx is just following them, like he always does. He probably doesn't even know what he's gotten into."

"They willingly work for that woman?" Sophie said, her teeth chattering.

"We're safe now." Howl said, tightening his grip on Sophie. "I won't let them hurt you."

"You won't let them hurt her?" Kenta said, a light laugh creeping up. "She's the reason they fled in the first place. I saw Nade's face; he was terrified by your skill."

Sophie blushed. "You told me to channel my source and use it to my highest advantage."

Kenta smiled. "A lightning storm is your new best friend."

A light trickle of rain fell from the sky and increased in speed until it became a full downpour. Howl shielded Sophie by creating an invisible barrier between her and the rain. They unanimously started walking back to town, hoping to make it home without a cold. Magnol wasn't far, but with the dark rain, it made the small town seem like a distant dream.

Sophie frowned. There couldn't have been more than two thousand residents, and the capital was miles away. It would take at least four hours by train to get there. Magnol was too far from the heart of the nation to be a spot for a sorcery attack.

Sophie widened her eyes. How did they know where they were?

"Howl." Sophie stopped in her tracks. Howl and Kenta turned around, but their attention was immediately diverted by the far-off screams. Lights burst from casted spells and the cries of their friends and neighbors sent chills down their spines. Homes erupted into flames while the thunder roared from above, drowning out the chilling cries from Magnol.

In a town where magic was forbidden came the worst attack Ovela had seen in a century.

Chapter Text

Dreams were better than reality. Dreams took her to unimaginable places and made the surreal seem attainable. She controlled what happened; she was the determiner. She could do anything and everything. But most of all, dreams made reality look like a nightmare.

Sophie sat at one of the round tables meant for the guests, though very few were seated. Most were still dancing to the orchestra, including Lettie and a few of the younger girls who arrived later in the evening. It was a relief to see girls their age to talk to. Sophie couldn't speak for her sister, but she felt so uncomfortable around the Princes and Owen; their age difference, their snarky comments, and especially their royalty.

Sophie had never seen the Royal Family before - not in person nor through photographs. She didn't even know why they were invited to their banquet.

Honey and Ellis stood next to a couple dressed in exquisite attire. The man's tie alone had blue diamonds crested along the edges. His partner's gown was so dark it reminded Sophie of the night sky. While most people wore something highly expensive and sophisticated, it seemed obvious that Sophie's parents weren't of high class. Honey's yellow gown was a piece she sewed weeks before the banquet. She added flowers and beads from the hat shop to alter the look, hoping to appear more extravagant and wealthy than they actually were.

A woman approached Honey and Ellis, her stunning green gown accentuating her curvy figure. She was gorgeous; her golden hair lay perfectly on her shoulders, while her back straightened to a poised stance and her visage was highly proper.

Honey had prepared Sophie and Lettie to appear this way at the ball. She ingrained the proper positions and stances to ensure that they conformed to the wealthy.

"Good evening." The woman said. "I hope you are enjoying the banquet."

Honey smiled wide. "Yes, thank you. It is truly a lovely gathering."

Sophie stood up and walked closer to them, hiding behind a group of elites much taller than she was. The woman was familiar. She was Owen's mother, one of the boys Honey forced them to converse with. She was, in his words, the most powerful sorceress in the land of Ingary.

"This is my husband, Ellis, and our daughter-"

"Martha, yes. I am very aware of your family, Ellis Hatter." Suliman smiled as baby Martha reached toward her with nimble fingers, an innocent aura surrounding the child. "I am Madame Suliman, the Royal Sorceress and founder of the Royal Sorcerer's Academy. I also know that you have two other daughters, Sophie and Lettie."

Ellis held Martha closer to himself and nodded. "Yes, they are my elder daughters from my first marriage."

"I noticed them talking to my son and the Princes." Madame Suliman turned to the three boys standing in the corner, Roland causing a ruckus as usual. "My son is wearing the traditional attire of the Mongurus, a nation of magicians who train their magic to adapt to the rainforest for survival. Owen recently spent a month living and learning from their prestigious masters."

Honey gasped. "My, that is certainly an amazing experience."

Madame Suliman nodded. "He will become a great magician, but with that he will need someone to carry his legacy."

"Where are you getting at with this?" Ellis asked sternly. Sophie leaned in closer, their voices muffled and murky from the conversations around her.

Madame Suliman turned to him. "Has anyone yet courted your daughter, Sophie? I noticed she and Owen were getting along quite well earlier, and come the right time, I think-"

"You want our Sophie to marry Owen?" Honey widened her eyes, the thought of marrying her daughter to a powerful wizard so tempting.

"Why our daughter?" Ellis asked with a curious tone. "There are many elite officials here with daughters who would continue your family legacy. Why ours?"

"Darling, don't ask such a question." Honey snapped. She returned her smile to Madame Suliman. "I'm sure she has perfectly fair reasons for finding Sophie to be the best fit."

"Your daughter would receive the finest living arrangements in the Kingsbury Palace and she will ask for nothing. By her eighteenth birthday, we should begin arrangements for marriage. If you agree to this proposal, of course."

Honey whispered something into Ellis' ear. He bit his lip and nodded, though the pain on his face was unbearable as Sophie watched from afar. Her parents were already thinking years into the future - her future. They were planning her life down to the person she would wed. She was to marry someone she had only met moments earlier. Owen, the prestige wizard Madame Suliman raved over. Owen, the boy nearly twice her age.

Owen, her future husband.

Honey clapped rapidly, a wide smile on her face. "We would be honored."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

Sophie held her stomach as they ran toward the destruction. It was difficult to keep up with Howl and Kenta, especially with her heavy pregnancy. Howl slowed down and reached his hand out for her, but she only pressed them to keep going. She would rather them stop the battle than waste time helping her.

Sophie held back tears as they heard the people’s desperate cries. Fires appeared from nothing. Magicians flew in from all directions. No, not magicians. Monsters. They had become the monsters Suliman trained them to be.

Sophie didn't know how Magnol would come back from this. Most, if not all, had never seen magic before. Some believed Ovela would never see magic like this ever again.

Sophie felt an aching pain in her heart. Because of them, now they had.

"If we work together I think we can stop them." Kenta shouted over the commotion. "They have numbers, but we can outsmart them."

"Sophie, do you think you can start a storm like you did before?" Howl asked.

"I... I don't know." Sophie's breaths were short. "I was angry then, that's why I think it happened. Right now, I'm just devastated."

"We believe in you, Sophie." Howl held her shoulders. "We need-"

"Howl, Sophie! Watch out!" Howl shielded Sophie as Kenta used a gust attack to send the monsters flying toward them back in the direction they came. Sophie and Howl heaved loudly. Kenta kept his guard up, narrowing his eyes to the sky for any more attackers. He dropped his shoulders at the sight of a swarm coming their way.

The sound of wings vibrating and shrieks crying out was calamitous to Sophie's ears. Some were still in the monstrous forms that Suliman transformed them into while others led the pack in their magician forms. The clouds were blocked by the swarms headed for Magnol.

"Um, Kenta?" Sophie gulped. "What was that about outsmarting their numbers?"

"There must be thousands." Howl whispered.

"That's impossible." Kenta shook his head. "How could she have brainwashed so many? That's nearly every magician in Ingary and the surrounding areas."

"Her magic is strong, and she likes to show people the measure of that strength." Howl seethed. As impressive as Madame Suliman’s magic was, this was beyond madness.

They continued down the dirt road until it transitioned into stone. Howl pushed Sophie along as they rushed to the center of town. The water fountain was filled with black ash; the main buildings filled with fire; and the courthouse fell to the ground, spilling debris on the beautiful stone street. People ran in all directions, some with a suitcase or two as they fled in cars or to the train station. Magnol wouldn't exist after today.

"Howl, they're destroying everything." Sophie turned to him, but Howl was more concerned with the royal carriage moving in their direction. Howl enacted an invisibility spell on them, similar to the one he and Markl used in the train as they fled Ingary.

Sophie gasped as she realized the spell was used for the same person.

The driver opened the door, two royal subjects departing from the small compartment. The first wore a tacky crown and green military uniform. His red mustache was so obnoxious and flamboyant, anyone could see he was King Roland of Ingary. Then, his counterpart departed after him - Prince Justin.

Months had gone by since Sophie last laid eyes on him. She never thought he would discover their hiding place, yet there he was in plain sight. His blonde curls were suitable for his royal attire, and his eyes were filled with an optimistic wonder she knew all too well.

"You see, brother?" Roland said, lightly hitting his arm. "War can be so sweet, especially when you're winning."

Justin nodded in agreement. He darted his eyes between the running civilians and their army flying above. Sophie had never seen him so content.

She shook her head - wrong. The last time he wore that look on his face was watching her walk down the aisle.

Sophie couldn't remember the Justin she befriended, the Justin who was so happy and optimistic about everything. He returned home to stop the war; now, he was aiding the next. She knew this wasn't just about marrying her anymore - if it ever really was. Justin and Roland and Suliman had been planning this for a long time.

This was about power.

"Let's go." Howl said. They disappeared into the shadows of the alleyways. Their window of opportunity had departed. Magnol was far from recovery. If they attempted to fight back now, they would also perish.

Sophie turned to Howl. His eyes were drooped and defeated, as if he thought for a brief moment that they actually had a chance.

Howl and Sophie knew every path and every shortcut to get to their neighborhood, so Kenta followed their lead. The buildings gradually decreased in size and numbers, a clear indication that they were close. After a few quick turns and close calls, the little cottage was in sight. As was Donna's and Gerald's - and they weren't alone.

"Gerald!"

"Stay away from us, you disgusting creatures!" Sophie stopped in awe as she watched Gerald wave a broomstick at a trio of deformed creatures attempting to attack their home. Donna stood a few steps behind him, tears falling like raindrops. One of the monsters flew around him, preparing an attack on Donna.

"No!" In an instant, Howl's hand grew dark feathers as he harnessed his inner strength to render the monster powerless. The monster jolted as if his body had been possessed. He convulsed repeatedly until falling to the ground in a comatose state. Donna cupped her mouth in fear - fear of all the wizards present.

"Donna, are you hurt?" Sophie took a couple steps forward, but the elder woman stumbled back to the front door, begging Sophie not to come any closer. Sophie froze as she watched her dear friend stare at her like she was one of them.

Gerald continually thrashed the broomstick at the remaining two, unaware of the events behind him. Kenta waved his hands in a rotating motion, aiming a minuscule tornado at the monsters. They were caught in the gust and pushed into the sky away from the old couple.

Gerald bobbed his head back, slowly dropping the broom to the ground. He turned to the neighbors he thought he knew, whom he trusted. Howl stood tall, though the disgrace on Gerald' face was a clear answer.

"Donna, Gerald-" They hurried inside and slammed the door, the click of the lock sending shivers down Sophie's spine. They perceived them the same way they perceived Suliman's army. Sophie wanted to beg Donna to see the difference, to realize that not all magicians were evil and used their powers for selfish reasons.

But she had her beliefs, and not even Sophie could change them.

"They're coming back." Kenta held Sophie's shoulder. "We have to go." They ran for the cottage and saw a swarm flying in a ring above their home. Sophie swallowed hard, watching and waiting for them to do their bidding.

Howl pushed against the door, but it didn't budge. He slammed into it with his body, but nothing changed. He touched his index fingers and middle fingers together and separated them, the lock on the inside clicking open. He pushed the door open and they flooded in.

Gwenda sat crouched behind the armchair screaming until her vocal cords strained. Markl and Heen stood strong, wand in hand for the young apprentice. He smiled when he saw his master, but Calcifer turned offensive the second he heard the door open.

A ball of fire spun in their direction, so Kenta moved quickly to defuse the heat bomb. Calcifer attempted another, but held his fire once he recognized the intruders. Howl held Sophie close, gritting his teeth at the fire demon. "Calcifer! You could have hit Sophie."

"Howl." Calcifer widened his eyes. "I-I'm so sorry. I thought you were those monsters. They're all over town, terrorizing everyone!"

Howl breathed heavily for a moment, then relaxed in a sigh. "Thank you for protecting our home, Calcifer."

Kenta locked the door as Howl led Sophie to the couch. Gwenda slowly peered her head above the armchair, still awry from the events she'd seen outside. Markl's first instinct was to embrace Sophie. She held him close, his arms never loosening their grip.

Kenta closed the drapes and moved next to Howl. "We need to get out of here."

"Where to?" Howl said, tapping his foot. "We can't go to Ingary, Suliman will know instantly. And with this war, eventually Roland and Justin will find us if we stay in Ovela."

Sophie couldn't think of anywhere else. They had no allies outside of their intimate group. Her mother would reject her the minute she saw her pregnant, let alone with a wizard who wasn't deemed royal. Donna and Gerald had rejected them after their revelation, leaving them entirely desperate.

"What about your castle?" Howl darted his eyes to Kenta, his option startling. "We saw him while visiting my cottage, walking through the Wastes."

"Howl, I thought you destroyed the castle." Sophie said.

"I never said destroyed." Howl raised his shoulders. "I said he was gone. I placed a spell for him to wander through the Wastes, hoping Suliman would chase that instead of us."

Howl shook his head. It was risky going back to the Wastes. Suliman couldn't control the atmosphere of the Wastes, but she might predict that they would retreat to his castle.

Kenta exhaled a heavy weight. "It's our only option."

Howl continued tapping his foot. "We can't stay long. Suliman may have placed her own spells in the chance that we would return."

Gwenda crossed her arms. "It's better than being captured by her army of brainwashed lackeys right now."

Howl turned to Calcifer, looking for his opinion. He hesitated to answer, but eventually nodded in agreement. It would be different from moving, since Calcifer separated from Howl and the castle. They would need to create a portal to transport their party rather than a simple scenery change.

Howl and Kenta stood arms' length away from each other, murmuring a transportation spell. Gwenda went to the Witch's room and brought her to the group, sitting her next to Sophie. She clapped her hands with excitement. "Oh, are we going on a trip?"

Markl turned out the lamps to make their home appear empty, their only source of light now emitting from Calcifer's flames. The young apprentice watched Howl and Kenta enact the portal. He had never created anything of that magnitude, since Howl said he wasn't ready for such a heavy spell. He listened closely to their words and their actions, taking in every ounce of knowledge possible.

Calcifer took short breaths, hoping no one noticed his fear. He was planted in the fireplace, only able to move with certain limitations. If necessary, he could transport through his own medium in the chance that their plan took a different turn. He would be safe, though he didn't know how his friends would fare.

Sophie ran her fingers down Heen's back, his trembling body adding to her panic. Tonight was too similar to the night they bombed her home. She knew it would take months, if not years, for Ovela to recover from these attacks; Ingary was still recovering from the aftermath. Yet there was nothing they could do to make things better.

The ground rumbled like the beginning of an earthquake. Markl crouched closer to Sophie and she held onto him, her motherly instincts already kicking in. Howl and Kenta stayed focused on the task, though their words seemed to move quicker from their lips. No matter their speed or strength of the spell, it was too late.

Their panic heightened as the rustling grew louder, and no one could stop the breaking of glass or screeching of monsters as they flooded in like dozens of vultures, aiming for the kill.

Sophie shielded Markl and Heen from the flying glass, a quick yelp escaping her lips from a shard slicing the side of her cheek. She touched the warm blood, trembling from its sight. Howl and Kenta paused momentarily as their attackers surrounded them, walking cleanly over the broken glass on the floor. Their wings vibrated in a strange faintness, too many to focus on in too many directions. Their beady eyes were blank, emotionless. They were void of any real thought.

Gwenda immediately grabbed the nearest weapon she could - the fire iron. She pointed its sharp curve at the monsters who approached her. They landed with a loud thud, hissing and drawing their claws. Her shoulders quivered as she held the fire iron in defense, though her mind kept repeating that this might very well be the end.

One of the monsters jumped toward Gwenda and she slashed the beast across his deformed face. It was exhilarating; she had never wielded a weapon before, and certainly never hit a direct target. She gripped the fire iron with both hands, waiting for her next victim, but she hadn’t expected to be surrounded on all sides.

Gwenda retreated back in fear, pushing herself further into the corner. One of the beasts clawed her arm, sending her to the ground with a shrill cry. She dropped her weapon, the hard metal clanging against the brick fireplace. She held her open wounds, putting pressure on the three marks that spilled blood and stained her dress.

Calcifer immediately turned to her as she fell, watching her kneel helplessly at the feet of her attackers. She was vulnerable by their numbers, and he couldn't let this happen. He couldn't watch them rip her apart.

"No!" Calcifer exploded with bursts of fire, pushing himself higher from the fireplace. He grew larger and larger in size until his fiery muscles encompassed his brick home.

"Calcifer!" Sophie gasped as he grabbed two of the monsters and sent flames inside of them, their high-pitched screams drowning the room. He threw them across the floor and turned to the remaining monsters, his eyes burning with anger and rage like none had seen before. The monsters didn't back down, but neither did Calcifer.

Kenta added to his fire, producing more flames to strengthen his power. Howl continued with the transportation spell, immediately drawing Kenta back to their escape plan. Gwenda raised her head, her braid no longer secure due to the turmoil. She widened her eyes at the fire demon breathing flames at their enemies, protecting them from these monsters. She had never seen him exert so much power.

"Oh, this is exciting." The Witch said, her eyes gleaming as the battle ensued.

Markl stood in front of Sophie and the Witch in a protective mode, his wand in hand ready for action. Sophie begged Markl to step down, though the young apprentice only obeyed when she forcibly removed him from the scene. She held the boy and the wheezing dog in her arms, keeping them safe behind the furniture. Most of the monsters had fled the scene, yet the few that remained were locked in Calcifer's grip, struggling to break free.

"We got it!" A black and blue portal opened in the ground between the two wizards, both separating to make room for their transportation. Calcifer removed the remaining monsters, watching as they flew out through the broken windows, attempting to blow out the fire on their wings. The demon returned to his normal fire, his breaths heavy and loud. He darted his eyes to each person who stared at him, their eyes a mixture of fear and confusion.

Gwenda stared at him, her mouth agape. Calcifer shrugged. "What's the big deal?"

"It's just..." Gwenda couldn't find the words. She was so mesmerized by his ability. Before tonight, she had actually forgotten he was a demon of immense sorcery.

"No time to question things." Howl grabbed the small shovel and held it to the fire demon. "Calcifer, climb on."

Calcifer followed his command and they rushed to the portal. Markl helped the Witch walk while Sophie grabbed Kenta's arm as he lifted her from the ground. Heen jumped out of Sophie's grip and followed them to the portal. Kenta glanced at Gwenda, her hand still covering the part of her arm that the monster slashed. He raised his eyebrows, but she shook her head and joined the others.

They took one final glance at the turmoil outside, the citizens of Magnol running and screaming and hiding. Howl shut his eyes, the sight too familiar to the last war. He couldn't imagine how a King would allow such devastation to happen simply for the joy of winning.

"Let's go." Howl and Calcifer were the first to fall into the labyrinth of dark colors. Sophie's screams echoed through the seemingly endless hole, however their fall only lasted a few seconds before they landed safely on a hard wooden floor.

Sophie counted everyone she saw, making sure they had all crossed over. The screams were gone; the destruction had vanished. They were safe.

Sophie stood up slowly, pressing into her knees for support. She sniffed repeatedly, surprised at the lack of dust entering her lungs. Everyone looked around as if Howl's castle should have been a complete dump - yet it was extensively clean and sterile.

Sophie turned to the empty fireplace as Howl cautiously placed Calcifer in his old position. Two logs were already in place for him. Howl ran his index finger along the concrete, bringing it close to his face.

He narrowed his eyes. "Not even a fleck of dust."

Through the faint glimmer of Calcifer’s flames, Sophie glanced around the familiar room with a nervous tick in her gaze. It was as if someone had been living in Howl’s castle and kept up its maintenance. Moreover, the prepared logs in Calcifer’s fireplace gave the strange indication that this person was expecting them to arrive.

A light turned on from behind them and all eyes darted to the source, their defenses raised instantly. A young girl with long, black hair sat cross-legged in a wooden chair, her childish smile plastered so naturally. It was like a wave of amnesia spontaneously vanishing as Sophie witnessed such childlike ambiance. She knew exactly who this was.

The girl tilted her head to the side, her eyes beaming only at Sophie. "Hey, older sis. How've you been?"

Chapter Text

He didn't dream often, nor were his dreams this hazy and muddled, but this was a rare occasion. Maybe it was the way she screamed or the way he cried for mercy, but everything seemed far from normal.

The sound resonated like an echo repeating for miles with no end. Her voice was a sharp-edged sword piercing through a quiet night. It was painful to hear, painful to encounter. This innocent girl, a soft beauty with silver hair, desperate for a remedy to end her torture. The sound of terrifying shrieks as she wept in agony was too much to bear.

The man lay on the floor, pleading for mercy and begging for an end. His own torture mixed with hers was enough to fracture him and leave him vulnerable. This scene of a million broken pieces continued to shatter and snap until those little pieces had grown smaller than imaginable.

The multitude of cries molded into an innocent laughter, as consciousness took over once more. The sleeping dog heard a loud thud, and immediately opened his eyes with panic. He recognized the lively room with the talking fire and energetic boy.

He darted his eyes between the two, trying to remain calm. He remembered his dream, and recognized many of those faces, as well.

"You're going to break something if you keep jumping like that." Calcifer said after he released an irritated sigh.

"No I won't." Markl prepared to jump once more.

"Yes, you will."

"No I won't."

Heen wheezed short breaths, the bickering between the two hardly anything he was concerned with. He had never seen a dream like that. The faces were familiar, their pain as real as they were.

But this was no ordinary dream - it was a vision.

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

"Oh my..." Sophie couldn't form the words she wanted to say. She hardly recognized her baby sister after not seeing her in nearly five years.

She wasn't the little girl who cried as their mother forced her onto the train to Wessex Boarding School. Not anymore, at least. Martha sat tall and poised, though her adolescent features appeared through her cross-legged seating and tilt of her head. Her long, black hair flowed like a dark rain to her lower back. Her smile, though blissful, was timid and concealed her teeth.

Sophie always loved how Martha would try fitting every last tooth into her smile when they were younger. Her sister had changed over the years.

Martha uncrossed her legs and jumped off the chair in a graceful charm. "I missed you."

"I can't believe you're here." Sophie extended her arms and Martha tiptoed into her embrace, careful not to push against her stomach. Sophie sniffled as she wrapped her arms tighter around Martha.

"Sophie." Howl said softly. "You know her?"

The girls turned to the crowd watching the sisters' reunion. Heen rushed to the pair and sniffed Martha's ankles. Markl held the Witch's hand as her attention turned to Calcifer in the fire pit, amazed yet again at his brilliant flames. Gwenda looked confused at the scene, but was more preoccupied by the three gashes on her arm. Kenta noticed her pain, so he began a healing spell to close the wounds.

Sophie nodded. "This is Martha, my little sister."

"The littlest of the little." Martha said with a bow.

Gwenda seethed through her teeth as Kenta's spell felt like alcohol seeping into the gashes. Even still, she was more shocked by this girl’s revelation. "I'm sorry, what? You have another sister?"

Sophie nodded. Howl raised her eyebrows and turned to Martha. "Wow. Um... it's so nice to meet someone from Sophie's family."

"I'm sure you are, Wizard Howl Pendragon." Martha crossed her arms. "Our family has never really been a fan of magic, but I'm a little more lenient toward magicians."

Kenta finished the healing spell and nodded toward Martha. "I can tell, being as you are one yourself."

Sophie stared at her sister in awe. Martha lowered her gaze and tucked her hair behind her ear. She slowly moved her eyes up to Sophie, her sister's shocked visage nothing short of what she had expected.

"You... you're a..." Sophie stuttered her words as they once again failed to come out.

Martha waved her hand in Calcifer's direction. One of the logs sitting next to him levitated and wobbled gently to his fire. Calcifer extended his flames to the new addition, and nodded with gratitude toward Martha.

She smiled. "Yes, I'm a witch. And I assume you have a lot of questions."

"Well... yes, actually." Sophie pulled a chair from the table and sat down, Martha returning to her original seat while the others followed in suit. Howl, Kenta, and Gwenda joined the sisters at the dining table while Markl helped the Witch to a more comfortable seat on the couch. Markl pointed to each of the lamps in the room and they sparked with a low light, clarifying the features of the castle. It was magnificent how familiar everything looked. The castle had remained in the same state as it was before they moved. Same furniture, same layout - everything they had left behind during their rushed escape to Ovela.

Martha crossed her legs again and gestured to the table. "Ask away."

Sophie cleared her throat. "For one, I thought you were still in boarding school."

Martha snorted at that, leaning her arm on the back of the chair. "Please, don't remind me of that awful place. Mother just wanted me to marry rich or royalty. It was terrible; all the other students were snotty or stuck up. I probably stayed for two months before booking it."

Sophie widened her eyes. "You left that long ago?"

"But I wasn't alone." Martha said. "I found Mrs. Fairfax."

"Mrs. Fairfax?"

"She trained me in the ways of magic and witchcraft. She was an excellent teacher."

"I've heard of her." Howl said. "She likes to keep to herself, but every once in a while she'll take on an apprentice or two."

"I was her last." Martha bowed her head. "I trained with her for about three years before she was summoned to the Palace by Madame Suliman. I waited for her, but after some time I was too frightened to discover what had become of her."

Sophie gently placed her hand over Martha's, her sniffles reminding her of all the loss they have felt since this ordeal began. "Where did you go then?"

Martha shook her head and blinked rapidly before continuing. "I travelled through the Wastes for about a year meeting all kinds of witches and wizards. Some were nice and taught me new spells and potions, but others were cruel. I never expected so many to be like Madame Suliman."

"You'd be surprised." Kenta growled.

"Anyway, I somehow survived on my own. It wasn't until a few months ago that I found Howl's castle and set up camp."

"So you just decided to make yourself at home, huh then?" Howl remarked, his tone playful and sarcastic.

Martha giggled, her cheeks blushing a light pink. "I hope you didn't mind my intrusion, but I knew you would be okay with this."

"Oh really?" Howl asked. "And how's that?"

Martha tapped her middle finger to the side of her skull, right above her ear. Her smile creeped wider as Howl's eyes deepened. Kenta raised his eyebrows in shock as well.

Kenta turned to Howl. "She can't be serious."

Howl stared into Martha's eyes. "She is."

"A Seer?" Kenta said. "There are only a handful of people who can actually do that through their own skill."

Gwenda rubbed her temple. "I am so lost."

"As am I." Sophie turned to Martha. "A Seer?"

"My magical source is through premonition." Martha said, her voice stolid and still. "I receive visions of the future."

Sophie dropped her shoulders. "Really?"

Martha laughed. "Yes, really. That's how I knew to come here; I received one that showed me you would return to Howl's castle."

"You received this months ago?"

Martha nodded. "I have seen premonitions from events that will happen a hundred years from now. Not that those matter right now, but the world will see some interesting things come about."

"What else have you seen?" Sophie asked, her body naturally leaning closer to the table. She was amazed by her sister's ability and the temptation to learn more grew immensely.

Martha tilted her head. "Curiosity is a dangerous thing to have, Soph."

Howl rested a hand on Sophie's shoulder. "There's a reason why magicians like Kenta and I don't have an ability like this. Only certain people are responsible for seeing future events."

Sophie lowered her gaze. This was new; she couldn't think of another magician with this power. Well, other than Madame Suliman, who always seemed to know their exact movements before they did. She was still getting comfortable with the fact that her baby sister was a magician herself. If only Lettie could see this.

"Lettie." Sophie whispered. Gwenda tensed, as that name that still haunted her nightmares. Howl cleared his throat. Hearing Lettie's name brought some painful memories back from the grave. He never met her, but he knew how devastated Sophie was after discovering her untimely death.

“I know.” Sophie lifted teary eyes to Martha, but the girl sat in solemn. “I saw."

Sophie bobbed her head. "You... you saw? You were there?"

"I received a vision." Martha said, her voice struggling to stay strong. "It was only a few days before it happened, but there was nothing I could do about it."

"You didn't try to stop it?"

"Sophie, knowing these events doesn't give me the power to stop them."

Sophie's hands began to tremble. "But you knew. You could have told someone. You could have come to me!"

Howl grasped her hands and tried to calm her. "Sophie, listen to her."

Her breaths were short and shaky. Her thoughts ran wild through all the possibilities and alternatives to change the past. She couldn't imagine watching Lettie die and not think of stopping it.

A hand reached across the table. Sophie looked up, Martha's melancholy eyes sharing a hint of remorse. "I wish I could have done something, but it wouldn't have changed the result."

Sophie swallowed hard. Lettie didn't deserve to die. She was beautiful and happy with her life and had so much ahead of her. She had a future, one that was brutally taken away from her. There might have been a chance she could have accepted Howl had she known Martha was a magician herself.

Martha's eyes were weary. She seemed so young to have so much knowledge and power within herself. Sophie couldn't imagine having this ability. She would want to change everything she could.

Maybe that was why Martha was gifted with this - she knew when to hold back.

"But I can tell you I saw the moment you and Howl met." Sophie looked up, Martha's smile beginning to calm her. "I saw how excited you were and how much you enjoyed being around him. It was like an impromptu adventure for you."

Sophie turned to Howl, remembering that moment as well. He was so narcissistic at the time, but he was daring and bold and she loved that. It was different; he was different. He was exactly what she needed.

Martha continued. "Magicians don't choose a source. They form through our identities and grow from our strengths."

Sophie ran her hand down her stomach. "I've been using electrokinesis since the baby. That's what Kenta and Howl told me."

"I don't know what my source is." All eyes turned to Markl, who had been sitting quietly in the armchair listening to their conversation. He slumped into the chair, one arm dangling off the side swinging back and forth.

Howl stood up and walked over to the boy, kneeling to his height. "I didn't learn my source until I was years older than you. You'll get there, Markl. I promise."

"Howl." He turned to Sophie. "What is your source?"

Howl knelt for quite some time, his legs refusing to stand. He stared at the ground, hoping the answer was somewhere down there. Sophie stood up, her footsteps lightly pounding against the hardwood floor toward Howl. He still wouldn't move.

She placed a hand on his shoulder. "Please, Howl."

He cleared his throat and clenched his fists. "You don't want to know."

"Howl." Sophie leaned in, but her body refused to join him on the ground. "Why are you hiding this from me?"

"Because I hate it. I hate that I come from it."

"Come from what?"

"I said you don't want to know."

"But I do." Howl seethed through his teeth, though Sophie wouldn't give up. "Where does your source come from?"

"From darkness." Sophie released her grip on his shoulder. His eyes wouldn't meet hers. "Suliman trained me in the ways of darkness. It’s a dangerous source, and can easily be manipulated. She saw that it was in me and knew how to extract it."

The room fell silent, the only sound coming from the crackle of the firewood under Calcifer. Howl bowed his head to Sophie, one knee on the ground and his hands gripping hers. She sat against the couch and held onto him. She had already assumed what he said - it was only a matter of him saying the words.

"I'm sorry."

"Why are you sorry?" Sophie asked, one hand reaching to cup his cheek. "This is a part of you, a part that you can't change. No matter whether it's good or bad, I still love you."

"But how?" Howl looked up, his eyes glossy. "How can you love someone who carries darkness inside?"

Sophie smiled and leaned closer. "Because you're more than that."

Howl exhaled heavily, his hand pressing into his chest. His heart felt the way it did when Sophie returned it to his body. This heavy burden returned to remind him of all the things he couldn't change and all the things he desperately wanted to.

The Witch turned to them and smiled. "I like being at home."

Howl nodded. "Me too."

"Maybe we should all prepare for the night." Kenta said as he stood up. "We've had a long day and should rest."

"Agreed." Howl pushed against his knee and stood straight, looking back to Martha. Before he could ask, she already answered.

"Your old bedroom is already prepared for you and Sophie. I've been sleeping in the Witch of the Waste's bedroom, but I don't mind giving it back and letting Gwenda take the spare."

Gwenda shrugged her shoulders. "I don't mind sleeping out here."

Martha raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? You don't have to do that."

"It's no problem." Gwenda smiled. "I'm used to it already."

"Well, it's your wish."

Martha helped the Witch to her bedroom while Markl allowed Kenta to share his room. Sophie checked the storage closet, and sure enough there were extra pillows and blankets for them all. Sophie couldn't help but smile; her sister prepared for every little detail.

Gwenda took a pillow and blanket from Sophie. "I didn't know you and Lettie had another sister."

"Neither did I." Calcifer chimed in.

Sophie sighed. "I haven't seen her in nearly five years. I just assumed she had stayed at the boarding school. Martha never really liked our mother, especially when she sent her away."

"Do you trust her?" Calcifer asked, his flames shying away. Gwenda breathed heavily, her nerves shaken by the fire demon's comment.

Sophie nodded with confidence. "Of course I do."

Calcifer relaxed, but his mind was still cautious of anyone unfamiliar to him.

Gwenda set up her sleeping arrangements and bid Sophie goodnight. When Gwenda turned her head and yawned, Calcifer lightened his flames and curled away as well. Sophie trudged up the stairs, unfamiliar to the struggle since their cottage was only one floor. Somehow, she felt relieved. They were home again.

She headed for the bedroom when a shadowy figure appeared in the corner. "Martha."

"Can we talk?" Martha whispered. Her eyes darted to the screen door that led to the porch.

Sophie raised her eyebrows. "Is something wrong?"

"Yes and no." Martha sighed. "In the premonition that I received of your arrival, I'm noticing something different. Someone in the vision hadn't come with you."

Chapter Text

Once a week, Madame Suliman met with each of her prestigious students and trained with them personally. Within the first month, four students had withdrawn their admittance into her academy, though this was not a surprise. She usually had a number of beginning magicians discover they couldn't handle her methods and eventually abandon her training.

By the end of each apprenticeship period, she only allotted royal status to three magicians.

"Do it again."

The boy breathed heavily. Though the task wasn't overbearing physically, she could see that his mentality was breaking with each repetition of the spell. He wiped his shirt over his forehead, leaving a large sweaty stain. She didn't care about how her students dressed or how much knowledge they knew prior to her training. She determined their worth based on how well they obeyed her.

"I don't like repeating myself." Madame Suliman said, her voice sharp.

The boy tried calming his breath. "We've been doing this for hours. I thought individual training only lasted one at most."

Suliman narrowed her eyes. She saw so much potential in this student, yet he was too lazy to see his own worth. She walked with pride toward the young wizard, his eyes staring at her with trepidation.

She bent down to his level, a smile slithering on her face. "We're focusing on your source. This means we practice until it is released."

The boy swallowed hard, his feet begging to step back but a force reeled him closer. He couldn't control himself.

"Howl." Suliman said. "Do it again."

Howl instinctively turned to the dove in the cage, her pristine white feathers glowing in the sun's rays from the large windows. The dove cooed softly as her gaze met Howl's. He watched her with dead eyes as he enacted the spell Madame Suliman had taught him.

The bird convulsed in the cage, the rattling of metal sending shivers down his spine. Howl twisted his hand, the bird following like a voodoo doll. The beautiful white feathers darkened and eventually her purity was entirely tainted. No longer an innocent dove, a raven cawed and flew around the cage, attacking the bars that confined her.

"Well done." Madame Suliman clapped her hands. "Your source is becoming more prominent. You will soon be able to control it with ease."

"Mother." Howl and Madame Suliman turned to a boy with the fairest blonde hair Howl had seen. He dressed in the typical casual attire for the royals, wearing a white collar shirt and tan trousers. The center of his shirt ruffled, like a crumpled flower. Though he wasn't a student, she spent an equal amount of time training her son, Owen, as she did the others.

However, Howl seemed to take up more and more of his training.

Suliman forced a smile. "Owen, darling. What are you doing here? We're training."

"We were supposed to train two hours ago." Owen glared at Howl, who immediately frowned at the sight.

Madame Suliman held Owen's shoulders. "We'll train when I'm done with Howl."

Owen groaned and shook his shoulders to release his mother's grip. "That's what you always say. You love your prime students more than me."

"Owen, we will train when I say so."

"But it's true!" Owen shouted. He glared up to his mother, though her visage was unmoving. He switched to Howl, his eyes boiling. Owen turned around and stormed out of the glass room, never turning back. A moment later, they heard a door slam shut.

For a minute or so, the room was quiet. Neither Madame Suliman nor her precious student spoke. Howl was the first to break the silence. "I don't mind if we end training today."

"No." She responded quickly. "He'll get what he wants soon enough."

Howl questioned her, though knew better than to say the words aloud.

Madame Suliman straightened her back, and with a wave of her fingers, transformed the raven back into a dove. "Do it again."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

The Wastes were exceptionally quiet at this hour. Martha remembered years ago when she would wake up in tears from the sound of rampant magicians and creatures taking advantage of the full moon or the present darkness or whatever channelled their magic. She remembered rushing to Mrs. Fairfax's room, embarrassed that in her teenage years she still needed someone to comfort her in the night. Mrs. Fairfax was her mentor, her mother even - she always helped her through the scary nights.

Martha hadn't seen nights like those since the magicians reported to Suliman. Even with the absence of the frightening sounds, Martha still felt restless.

Sophie stared out to the Wastes admiring the beautiful landscape and the shimmering night sky. The castle walked a slow trail along the side of several mountains. She remembered when she first discovered that it was Calcifer who moved the castle, how impressive he was with his strength and spark. She was still amazed even now.

"It's incredible watching the castle move through a demon." Sophie turned to her sister, watching her dreamily gaze out to the Wastes. "Calcifer does a wonderful job now that he's attached again."

Sophie bowed her head. "Yes, he does. He still surprises me with how it's even possible."

Martha sighed softly, her eyes locked on the nighttime atmosphere. The moon and stars reflected against the scattered lakes, dancing along the tiny ripples. The trees were dark, but their branches rustled in the harsh wind, reminding those around that they still existed. The only true fright of the Wastes now was Seren Saethu, the tallest and most capricious mountain in all of Ingary.

Sophie exhaled slowly. "You wanted to talk about the vision you saw."

Martha continued her spacy staring. The wind blew her long hair away from her face, though she didn't attempt to retrieve it or restrain the strands.

Sophie leaned closer to her. "You said someone didn't come with us when we arrived."

"Yes." Martha replied, her voice as soft as a ripple in the water. "The vision revealed a very similar event to what we witnessed. The portal opened and everyone came through."

"But not everyone."

Martha looked up to Sophie. "I didn't recognize the girl. I have never seen her before nor has she ever appeared in a vision."

Sophie rested her arm on the metal ledge. "What did she look like?"

"I'm not sure if you know anyone who has obnoxiously red pigtails and flies on a broomstick, like the witches of olden days."

Sophie crinkled his eyebrows. "You mean Noe?"

Martha smiled. "So you do know this girl."

"Yes, but she's nothing to be excited about." Sophie said. Martha dropped the corners of her mouth. "She works for Suliman along with two other wizards, Nade and Xarx. If you saw her, I'm surprised those two weren't there as well."

Martha shook her head. "No. It was just her along with all of you."

"They ambushed us when Howl and Kenta were training me, but we defeated them and they left." Sophie's ankles were swollen and ached from standing. She bent her knees and sat on the floating porch, letting her legs dangle over the edge. Martha soon joined her.

"Is it possible for your premonitions to be wrong?" Sophie asked.

“Rarely." Martha said. "Sometimes, I don't even receive premonitions before events occur. However, with the events I have seen, they are destined to occur. There have been cases where not everything in the premonition was exactly as I saw it, though."

"So it's happened before?"

Martha nodded, her eyes dreary and dismal. "A few times. Such as with Lettie's."

Sophie breathed in heavily. Her anger toward her sister's negligence arose earlier, but seeing Martha's sorrow helped Sophie realize that maybe these visions were truly something out of her control.

Martha sniffled and rubbed her forearm across her eyes. "I wish I could have stopped it, but I can't change the future simply because I don't want something to happen."

"I know." Sophie said. "I'm sorry I yelled at you earlier. I didn't realize... I didn't understand what this ability meant."

Martha held Sophie's hand, her tears still present but now with a hopeful smile on her face. "If I had, you wouldn't have come here. You wouldn't be having this child with Howl, the child that will end Suliman."

"What?" Sophie released her hands from Martha's grip. She didn't know this. She shouldn't have known this.

Martha took a long breath in and exhaled slowly. "I won't tell you what you shall name your child or whether you will have a boy or girl, but I will say that you and Howl have created a powerful creature. This child is the answer."

"Why are you telling me this?" Sophie thought - especially after their previous discussion - that only Seers were allowed to see and know future events. This was going against Martha's limits.

She sighed. "If I don't, you may not be cautious enough. Suliman has eyes and ears everywhere and she will take advantage of whatever information she can get her hands on."

Sophie tensed. "Even here?"

Martha shook her head. "Howl put so many spells on this castle, it's a wonder I even got in. It was the only place safe enough for me to hide from her."

Sophie bobbed her head back. "Why would Suliman be after you?"

Martha gazed out to the Wastes, admiring the changing scenery. She was so calm, so relaxed and controlled. Sophie assumed she would still be her childish, innocent self when they were reunited. She was torn between feeling happy that her baby sister had grown up and sad because her innocence had diminished.

Martha finally looked over. "She isn't yet. But once she discovers that I have an ability she lacks, I fear she might."

"Suliman can't see the future?" Sophie asked. Martha shook her head. "I always thought that was how she kept up with us. She was always one step ahead."

"Suliman needs magical orbs and crystal balls in order to see things; I was gifted with them in my mind. There's a powerful difference between having a natural ability and using an instrument."

"Are you more powerful than she is?" Sophie whispered, cautious of those who may be eavesdropping. Her paranoia had increased over time after being manipulated and abused so many times before. She wouldn't let that happen again.

Martha turned to her anxious sister, apologetic for the exaggerated laugh that escaped from her. She knew where Sophie was coming from, but the idea was simply too absurd.

"Oh Sophie, I'm sorry." Martha tried to conceal her laughter as she wiped the tears from her eyes. "I couldn't compare to her. She's had over half a century of experience and I've barely trained for five years."

"But she doesn't have premonition," Sophie pleaded, "She's weak against you."

Martha shook her head. "If only. I would have put her in her place a long time ago. She never would’ve gotten away with half of the things she's done since the start of the war."

Sophie shivered in the cool breeze as the wind quickly picked up speed. As beautiful as the Wastes were, they were highly unpredictable and in constant change. One day the mountains could be at the edge of Market Chipping and the next, Sophie couldn't even see them out the window. The land was as stunning as it was terrifying.

Martha scooted closer to Sophie and wrapped her arms around her, rubbing her arms to keep Sophie warm. She accepted her sister's generosity, finding comfort in their old familial ways. However, nothing could stop the fear that crept into Sophie every time that woman came to mind. She was an insect poisoning her and filling her with frightening thoughts, causing her to doubt herself and those around her.

"I'm scared of her." Sophie whispered.

Martha nodded. "So am I."

"She always finds a way to catch up." Sophie continued. "It doesn't matter if our plans even have the slightest chance of working. Suliman figures it out and defuses any opportunity we have. She has no weakness."

"Of course she does." Martha released her embrace and sat up tall. "Not every witch or wizard or sorceress has every known ability, not even Suliman. That's why magicians rely on objects to do the things they naturally cannot."

Sophie nodded, though her worries were still existent. She was vulnerable due to the pregnancy, and with the due date closing in, she was more afraid than ever of Suliman.

Sophie felt a soft hand squeeze her shoulder, her gaze peering up to her baby sister. "Everyone has a weakness, Sophie - even she does. You just have to find it."

Chapter Text

The castle had been strangely quiet since their impromptu arrival. Aside from the crackling fire and creaking stairs, the exterior of Howl's castle appeared as abandoned as it was before. After nearly a month in hiding, somehow they found normalcy.

Calcifer rested his arms against the deteriorating wood. He stared blankly at the room, watching the typical routine in action. Howl and Markl trained at least twice a day. It was mostly all they could do during this time. Howl didn't have to work at the farm day in and day out, so he spent his time training Markl again.

Calcifer couldn't remember the last time the boy used his magic to play a joke or mess around. The only time he even used his magic was when Howl or Kenta trained him.

"All right, Markl." Howl said. He lifted his palms facing the boy, waiting for Markl to mimic his movements. "Repeat after me. Salfod kiphe esto..."

Calcifer had seen long hours of training, since the living room was the main area of practice. They had just begun the mage's spells, and Markl was learning much faster since he started taking magic more seriously. Howl seemed proud of his achievements, and Markl didn't want to let him down. Kenta would teach him a few things here and there, but only when Howl focused his time on Sophie's magic. As the days went by, however, Sophie became less and less interested in her training.

The stairs creaked as Sophie walked down. She held tightly onto the railing with one hand while the other held her back straight. Her steps were gradual and cautious. Calcifer couldn't track Sophie's afternoon naps, since they were so irregular and infrequent. Sometimes she would lie down for a half hour or so, but lately she had begun sleeping for two to three hours, largely cutting into her training period.

Howl told Markl to continue with the spell as he went to the bottom of the staircase, his hand waiting for Sophie. Her stomach had grown larger by a couple inches and her dresses from before were not fitting her properly at this point. She tried stretching them out, but had torn a couple. Her nightgown was nearly all she had left.

"How was your nap?" Howl asked as she grasped his hand.

"Fine." She replied. "I'm sorry I missed training again."

Howl shook his head. "We can train later tonight." He led Sophie to the couch. She eased into a sitting position, though she did not sit still. She continually adjusted herself, but nothing seemed to satisfy her.

Howl sighed and returned to Markl's training. He had done everything he could to accommodate Sophie's increasing discomfort, but with few resources it was difficult to soothe her. He remembered when she was so lively and energetic. Now, he could barely get her out of bed. He just wanted this pregnancy to end.

The Witch of the Wastes usually kept to the same routine. Without the books she loved to read, she spent her days mostly sitting and thinking. Sometimes she'd whisper things to herself, though if someone asked what she had said she wouldn't tell. Calcifer was unsure if she was senile or just clever.

"Here you are." Martha walked in from the kitchen, a cup of hot tea in her hand. Calcifer had preferred not to heat water yet again. With so many people in the house, he heated water more times a day than he could wrap his mind around. His only relaxing moments were typically at night, when he and Gwenda spent hours talking before sleep prevailed.

Martha was considerate to his wishes and used her magic to heat the water. She walked carefully over to the Witch and placed the cup on the coffee table.

"Oh, thank you dear." The Witch's eyes lit up and her frail hands reached for the cup.

"Sophie, you're awake." Martha said. "I can make you a cup if you'd like."

Sophie smiled. "That'd be wonderful."

Martha nodded. As she walked back to the kitchen, she heard a small voice in her head. She, Howl, and Kenta had learned how to communicate without speaking and were able to pass messages between one another, especially if they were frightened of what the others might think. Howl had simply asked her to place a strengthening spell in Sophie's tea, hoping that she might have more energy to train later.

Markl raised his palms forward while quietly whispering the spell Howl taught him. He closed his eyes during the spell and in an instant, he vanished and appeared on the other side of the room.

"Amazing, Markl!" Howl said, his eyes gleaming. Markl jumped with excitement throwing fists in the air - his first mini transportation spell was a success.

"You're moving along nicely with the mage's spells." Howl said. "You're learning much faster than I did."

Markl rushed back to Howl and stood the same way he was before. He closed his eyes and repeated the spell, doing the same movements and repeating the same words until it happened again. He returned to Howl's side and repeated the spell.

Calcifer turned to the door. He could hear the wind echoing against the wooden frame, the weather turning colder and more hostile. He stared at the door, waiting for them to return.

"Calcifer, are you all right?" Sophie asked.

The demon exhaled an irritated flame. “When will Gwenda and Kenta be back, you think?"

"In due time." The Witch said, a peculiar smile on her face. "It takes a while to get back from Market Chipping. Especially with Suliman’s henchmen around."

"I hope they're safe." Sophie's gaze dropped to the floor, the witch’s words hitting her deeply with extreme worry.

Calcifer sighed. They had been gone for a few hours now, and looking up into the chimney, he saw the sky darkening. The worst thing that could happen was usually the first thought that came to mind. He had become more anxious, scared even of their routine. Anything could trip them up and no one would expect it. He didn't enjoy waiting like sitting ducks for Suliman to finally catch up to them. Having ties to Ingary once more was already too much of a risk. And he couldn't fathom how Howl blinded himself to their vulnerability.

Martha returned from the kitchen with two more cups of tea and sat down next to Sophie. Sophie thanked her and smelled the flavor emitting from the steam. She blew softly into the cup to cool down the burning tea and took quick sips. Martha nuzzled close to her sister, her head resting on her shoulder. The warm tea, the warm fire, and a warm family - it was everything she needed.

A loud clang hit the front door and it swung open, a large gust of wind pushing the wizard and the girl into the castle. Gwenda held two bags and rushed up the quick staircase. Kenta stood up and pushed hard against the door to close it, locking it once it was secure. The two huffed loudly, slowly adjusting to the indoor atmosphere.

Calcifer exhaled a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness you're back."

"We were so worried about you two." Sophie said. Heen jumped off of the Witch's lap and wheezed until he reached Gwenda, reveling at the fact that his best friend had returned. Kenta took one of the bags so she could pet his back for a moment.

"No need to worry." Gwenda said with an overarching confidence. "Our disguises seemed to throw people off."

"But knowing Suliman, anything could have happened out there." Calcifer said.

Gwenda shrugged. "We know how to take care of ourselves. If any of Suliman's freaks showed up, we would have taken them down. Right, Kenta?"

The bearded wizard rolled his eyes. "I would have done all the work and she would have taken all the glory, anyway."

Gwenda punched his arm and they both laughed. Gwenda snorted in her laugh and the room grew quiet. Watching their friendly banter was strange after remembering when they stood in that very living room listening to Gwenda yell at Kenta and smack him for abandoning her sister.

Markl noticed their source of heat grew stronger. "Calcifer, your fire's really red."

Everyone turned to the fire demon, watching Calcifer's eyes widen and slowly alter his fire from a deep red to a soothing orange. He looked around the room, trying to find something of interest, but nothing caught his attention until he noticed Gwenda's attire.

"You look different." Calcifer said. Gwenda raised her eyebrows as she looked at her new clothes. There were no remnants of the servant's dress she used to wear, as a pair of tan pants took its place. She wore a white shirt underneath a light brown jacket and kept her old boots from before. It was very uncommon to see women without dresses or skirts, but then again Gwenda was no ordinary woman.

Gwenda sighed. "I couldn't stand it anymore. That dress was a terrible reminder of working at the Palace. I should have gotten rid of it months ago."

Howl cleared his throat loudly, taking long steps toward her. He crossed his arms. "And how did you pay for those things?"

Gwenda smiled wide. "Don't worry, I wasn't just thinking of myself." She knelt by Sophie and Martha and dropped her bag. Heen sniffed the bag as Gwenda shared the abundance of dresses. "I bought you some maternity dresses. I figured you would need some."

Sophie gasped softly as she looked at the dresses in the bag, her eyes beginning to water. Her voice reached a higher pitch. "That's so sweet of you."

She reached to embrace Gwenda, but the tears poured out like she was crying over something more serious. Gwenda raised her eyebrows as she turned to the others in the room. Calcifer and Markl shook their heads while Martha simply looked away. The Witch cackled as she sipped her tea, but Gwenda was still confused. She hadn't seen Sophie this emotional over a few dresses.

Howl covered his mouth so only Gwenda could hear. "Mood swings. Just go with it."

Gwenda nodded and patted Sophie on the back. "I'll go put these in your room."

She took the bag and ran up the stairs in a hurry, Heen right behind her. She was up the stairs and out of sight before Sophie finished clearing her eyes of the tears.

"Kenta." The wizard turned to Sophie as she spoke to him. "When you were in town, did you hear anything about Ovela? Or Magnol?"

Kenta bit his lip. He straightened his jacket, clearing his throat before speaking. "The war has begun. King Roland and his army have moved for the capital, Bellion, and it doesn't look to be in their favor."

Sophie dropped her gaze. Howl rubbed her back, though no amount of comfort would change the facts. Roland would continue his greed for occupying territory. Justin would always follow his brother's orders. And Suliman would never stop searching for them.

The room fell silent. Calcifer looked around to the solemn faces in the room, none wishing to speak up on the situation. The fire demon took in a deep breath. "So what’s the plan?”

Howl shook his head. "Nothing we can do for now. All we can do is wait."

Calcifer frowned. Before he could speak again, Kenta placed his bag on the coffee table. "I hope Calcifer is fine with cooking. We brought fish."

Howl nodded, appreciating Kenta's change in topic. Calcifer rolled his eyes. "Sure, why not? It's not like I'm doing anything else right now."

He shook his head as he reached for another log, the last in his pile. He almost wished Gwenda and Kenta had brought more firewood with them as well.

"But you aren't doing anything else." Markl said. Calcifer narrowed his eyes at the boy, stinging him to his core with such a terrifying look.

Sophie took another sip of her tea before her eyes shot open. Her eyelids were lighter and her back didn't ache as much as it was before. She was nearly done with the hot drink, and her body felt a sense of rejuvenation. Howl noticed this change in her immediately. He turned to Martha and whispered a thank you.

"How are you feeling?" Howl asked her. He ran his fingers through her hair, breaking the knots he came upon with little effort.

"Great, actually." Sophie said, her eyebrows creased in. "I just got this burst of energy."

Howl smiled. "How about we train for a bit while Kenta cooks dinner?"

Kenta coughed loudly. "Martha, you know how to cook, right?" Howl turned to him, disappointment written on his face.

Martha stood up. "Sure, why not?" She walked to the fireplace with the bag, Calcifer groaning before reverting to a cooking fire.

Howl was pleased with their training. The more Sophie practiced, the more she wielded control over her magic and strength. This was her first training session in over a week, and Howl was afraid that would set her back. However, he was mostly concerned with her lack of concentration.

"I don't know, Howl." Sophie said. "It was easier just using all my strength on one spell."

"Yes, but you can conserve your energy by focusing a small amount on multiple spells." Howl turned to the lamp on the side table and motioned her to follow him.

"A lamp? Again?"

Howl turned the lamp on and off a few times. "Your source comes from electrokinesis. Your greatest power is the ability to absorb and manipulate electricity and electrical currents."

Kenta snorted. "He took that from our beginner's manual."

Howl shot him a glare, though Kenta was unmoved. Martha quietly laughed as she flipped the fish onto their other side. She took a slice of lemon and squeezed the sour juices onto the fish before searing the slice in the pan. Calcifer's fire remained steady and he was very quiet. He had not said a single comment against Howl nor laughed.

Howl pressed his palms into his forehead. "So what if I did? It's accurate. Now can we please move on with this?"

Kenta chuckled before closing his eyes and resting the spell book on his chest. Sophie sighed. "All right. Tell me what to do."

“Thank you. Now, raise your arms like this." Howl held her hands gently, her eyes closing as he guided her moves. Then, all at once, his heartbeat quickened. For a while, he had forgotten how soft her skin was as he grazed his fingers over hers, or the way her hair glistened in the dancing lights. With all the fighting and running, they hardly had a moment to feel close to one another.

There was something unexplainable how she could relieved his anxiety with a simple touch. A graze against his cheek or their hands intertwined was all it took for him to be at ease.

Sophie creased her eyebrows. "Howl?"

He cleared his throat. "Sorry." He lifted her hands and spread out her fingers, holding them over the dismal lamp. Sophie stared at the yellow light bulb and swallowed hard. As Howl released her hand, her fingers began to tremble.

"Now, you're going to fade the light." Howl said. "Connect your mind to the lightbulb and concentrate on using only a portion of your strength to keep it lit."

Sophie nodded. She adjusted her body to stand straight, holding her back upright and proper. Her fingers stopped trembling, but instead felt a surge of power. She jolted her fingers as they struck the lightbulb with a spark of electricity. The light shone at high power for a second before bursting the lightbulb into pieces.

Calcifer looked over from Martha's cooking. "You need to tone it down a bit."

Sophie humphed. "Really? That's what I need to do? Thank you for your input."

Calcifer shrugged. "Fine. I don't need to help you. I have so many other things I could be doing right now."

"Like cooking our dinner?" Martha said with a smile.

Howl crossed his arms. "Calcifer, she's trying."

"Well, tell her how serious this is." Calcifer's fire intensified and Martha removed the skillet for fear of burning their dinner. She checked the fish to see if they were cooked all the way through, but Calcifer wasn't finished yet. "She needs to crack this down or else your child may suffer from her lack of skill."

Sophie dropped her jaw. "Hey, I'm trying here."

"Are you?" Calcifer said. Martha walked to the dining table and placed the fish on the plate in the center, avoiding any confrontation. Kenta opened his eyes, having been listening vaguely to their conversation. The Witch of the Wastes sat with wide eyes and her ever-present smile. She patted Heen's back as they watched the tension ensue. She had been waiting for some excitement in this castle for some time.

Calcifer took a deep breath. "You've become lazy, Sophie. And before you defend yourself, I know you're pregnant. I know this is a difficult time and the baby is making you this way. I know it's hard to get up in the morning and want to practice magic, but you need to realize how important this is for your child's future."

Howl took a step toward the fire demon. "Calcifer, she's making progress."

Calcifer narrowed his eyes at Howl. "Whenever she feels like it. I'm not trying to bully her, but you need to push her more than you are. Suliman could be on our trail without us even knowing it."

Howl pressed an aggravated breath through his teeth. "We're on the run from that mad woman. We can't risk leaving and exposing ourselves."

"So are we just going to spend the rest of our lives running from her?"

"Well, for now it's best that we stay on guard and do our best to avoid her."

Calcifer snorted. “Yeah, until she or one of her lackeys comes to attack us again."

“Calcifer-"

"No, I'm serious." Calcifer's eyes locked on Howl. "Are we really going to just sit here waiting? We're still in Ingary. We've been in Ingary for a month! I'm surprised she hasn't figured out we're hiding in this old castle again."

Markl and Gwenda walked up the front stairs with the firewood, barely audible against the argument. Kenta noticed the two and held his finger to his lips. Sophie shook her head as she sat next to Kenta, leaning next to him with one arm pulling her close. She rubbed her stomach slowly, her eyes locked on the unborn child inside.

"That's enough, Calcifer." Howl pointed his finger at the fire demon. "I am doing what is best for my family, for all of us! We are trying to stay alive, and that's all we can manage right now. Once this baby is born, we can start thinking about leaving again."

Calcifer's flames grew higher and turned bloody. "Sophie is vulnerable. You know that more than anyone! She is carrying your child, and Suliman has proven time and time again that she is willing to go to great lengths just to have this baby. Are you sure you want to wait until he or she is born before trying to get out of here?"

Howl sniffed and pinched his nose, hiding his face from Calcifer. "I don't know where else to go. Ovela has just entered a war with Ingary, and Suliman will simply attack any country in this realm that she assumes we're in."

"What about your sister in Wales?" Calcifer said. "That's not in this realm."

Sophie looked at Howl. She had heard of his sister before, Meghan Parry, but they had never met. In fact, Howl hadn't seen his sister in well over a decade. Apparently, their relationship was not the friendliest of sorts.

Howl shook his head. "I don't think my sister wants to see me. And I'd really prefer not to put her in danger."

"We're running out of time, Howl."

"You think I don't know that?" Howl's voice increased in volume. He stood mere inches from Calcifer, whose flames moved sporadically as his anger increased. "I wish I didn't have to worry about Sophie giving birth in a hospital or a bedroom or a prison cell. Because if Suliman gets her, that last option is probably what she's already planning."

Gwenda stepped forward, dropping the firewood to the floor. "Howl, how could you say something like that right in front of her?"

Howl turned to Gwenda, his hands raised. "Why try and hide it? Now that we're all apparently speaking what's on our minds, we may as well go all out."

Howl looked to Sophie, and his heart nearly stopped. She leaned into Kenta's shoulder, her muffled cries tearing into his soul. Kenta stared blankly at Howl, wondering why he was the one running his hands up and down her back in comfort.

Howl took slow steps over to the couch, bending down to meet Sophie at eye level. She didn't notice his presence until he brushed her hair with his fingers, watching the silver twinkle between his fingertips. Sophie turned to him, her head still pressed against Kenta's shoulder. Her eyes were red and glossy. He remembered seeing her look this way when Suliman's guards had him locked in chains at the wedding - the wedding Sophie stopped because of him. Because she loved him.

And he couldn't protect her even now.

Howl swallowed hard, resting his hand against Sophie's stomach. His eyes couldn't fight back the tears as hard as he tried. "I wish I didn't have to worry about seeing our child grow up. I wish I didn't have to worry about losing everyone I've grown to love and care for. I wish we could all be safe."

Sophie nodded, her lips mouthing the words "I know" as she cleared her weary eyes. Howl reached for her hands, intertwining his fingers with hers. He pressed his lips against her forehead, kissing her gently.

Calcifer's flames returned to normal. He turned to the others, though the only one who dared to look at him was Gwenda. Her eyes bore an anxious confusion, wondering what had sparked this ordeal. He didn't want to believe that he forced Howl to reveal his vulnerability, to share how scared he really was of Suliman. Calcifer and Howl were connected to one another, like sewn threads, yet this was the most terrified he’d seen him.

Martha held Markl's hand, the boy simply staring at his feet with dead eyes. She couldn't read into his mind - that wasn't her specialty - but by the look on his face, she could see how frightened he was. Martha never experienced the things he was going through at his age, even though she wasn't that much older.

Markl was a different story. He had a lot more training before he could stand up to the forces they would see in the future. He had no idea how great his potential was yet.

The Witch of the Wastes raised an eyebrow, her eyes glued to Howl. "So then, what is your plan, Howl Pendragon? Are you going to let Suliman control you, or will you take action?"

Howl breathed in, taking in as much as his lungs would allow. He stood up straight, turning to the group. "For now, this is our safe house. I can't take any chances right now. We can't take any chances right now."

The others nodded in agreement, but Calcifer simply stared at him with indifference. Howl returned the gaze. "Because one wrong move and she wins. And I will not let her win."

Chapter Text

As sisters, they had their fair share of fights. Both held the same stubborn qualities when an argument commenced, and neither backed down lightly. It seemed as though the older they got, the longer the fights lasted and the more painful they became. While most arguments ended with a hug and an apology, Gwenda feared this one had gone too far.

"Why does it have to be him?" She said, her arm outstretched to the man leaning against the wall. Lona stood between Kenta and her sister, protecting him from whatever Gwenda might throw at him. Luckily, the plates were all put away, but their bookcase wasn't too far from where she stood. And it wouldn't have been the first time she threw something at him.

Kenta crossed his arms. "You know I'm in the room."

Gwenda smirked. "Yes, I can see."

"Gwenda, we've been dating for nearly eight months." Lona said, her fiery red eyes pleading with her. They used to get along so well, but since Kenta had entered her life they now disagreed on just about everything. "Is it that hard to accept that I love him?"

Gwenda scoffed. "It's hard to accept that you've let a wizard take advantage of you."

Kenta pushed off the wall, stomping with his finger pointed at her. Lona stopped him from moving any farther, but his eyes glared at Gwenda with rage. "I have never taken advantage of Lona. I would never do that to her or anyone else for that matter."

Gwenda rolled her eyes. "Like I would believe you anyway."

Lona dropped her jaw. "Gwenda! How can you say that?"

"Oh come on, Lona!" Gwenda raised her voice. "Magical creatures are all the same. They abuse humans to get what they want and when they're done, they throw us away."

"I refuse to believe that."

Gwenda narrowed her eyes. "You really need a refresher?"

Lona frowned, her lips trembling. "This is not like that."

"How do you know?"

"Because Kenta isn't splitting up our family, you are!" Lona said, her own volume shocking her core. Kenta held her shoulders as she took in calming breaths. He rubbed her shoulders to relax her, but couldn't relax his own anger toward Gwenda. He knew she had a disdain for magicians, though her insults had become more hostile and ignorant. She judged the entire race of magicians by the acts of a few terrorizers.

Lona inhaled deeply. "If you don't want him around, then you don't want me around."

Gwenda's face dropped. "Lona, that's not what I said. You're my sister."

"And I love Kenta." Lona took a step forward. "If you loved someone other than yourself, we wouldn't be having this conversation."

Gwenda slumped her shoulders. That was it; that was what Lona chose to believe. In her mind, she envisioned the two hugging and apologizing for saying the things they did. She envisioned them sitting on the couch next to a fire, talking and laughing through the night. She envisioned her sister far away from the magical world.

It was a nice thought, but Gwenda knew there was no coming back from this one.

Lona held shaking fists by her side, shutting her eyes tightly. "I'm leaving. I'm moving in with Kenta and that's final."

The small apartment fell silent. Lona held back the oncoming tears as best as she could while Kenta stood right behind her, holding her arms in comfort.

Gwenda glared at him. It was his fault. Kenta was separating her from the only family she had left. She hated him; she would always hate him for this.

"Fine." Gwenda said. Lona opened her eyes, only to see her sister grab her purse from the table and head for the door. Lona watched with wide eyes as her sister passed her without a second glance. She turned around as she opened the door. "You think I care if you throw your life away? Go ahead. Leave like mother did."

"Gwenda, this is not like when mother left." Lona said.

Gwenda turned away. "You can pack your things while I'm gone. But trust me, you'll see it eventually." She slammed the door behind her, leaving with the hopes that Lona would realize the corruption inside of those who possessed magic.

She could never trust a magician, not after the way they had destroyed her family.

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

Dinner had been quiet that night. After the argument between Howl and Calcifer, everyone slowly made their way to the table and ate in silence. Even Markl, who hardly tried anything new, ate his fish without complaints. Sophie enjoyed this new side to the boy, though resented the events leading to his early maturity. Had he been raised by the family who gave him up, maybe he would have had a little while longer to act like a child.

Sophie and Martha snuck out of the castle to walk around the silver lake at night. Sophie recognized what Calcifer had said about the baby causing her lethargic behavior, and a nice walk by the lake seemed to keep her energized.

Martha held her hands behind her back, smiling up to the clouds hovering over the moon. "The Wastes are so peaceful at night."

Sophie nodded. "I never really thought about it too much."

"It's hard to." Sophie turned to Martha, though her gaze stayed high. "You get so caught up in the stories and myths of the land and it frightens you from appreciating its beauty."

"Were you scared of the Wastes when you first came here?"

Martha laughed. "I was terrified. But Mrs. Fairfax was such a wonderful teacher."

Sophie stood still, so Martha tilted her head back. Sophie exhaled slowly. "I never asked why you chose magic."

Martha raised her eyebrows. "Why I chose magic?"

Sophie nodded. "I mean, I know not everyone possesses magic in their genes, but somehow it factored into our family. I just have so many questions about it."

Martha held Sophie's hands. "I didn't choose magic; it is a part of me that I chose not to ignore. Now, are you really asking why I have magic on my own rather than you or Lettie?"

Sophie dropped her head. "I'm not mad, I'm honestly just curious."

The cool air sent chills down Sophie's back. Martha waved her hand over Sophie's body, sending a wave of heat over her. Sophie smiled and whispered a thank you. Martha gestured for them to continue their walk.

"I understand your curiosity." Martha said. "I had the same questions during the first few weeks of my training. I kept asking Mrs. Fairfax why she chose me as her apprentice and then how I was able to possess magic with non-magician parents or grandparents. She helped me see back through our family tree and point out the magicians in our family."

"Really?"

Martha nodded. "We had more farther down the line, but somehow our family lost magic for a while. I was the first to show signs of magic in four generations."

Sophie stared off into the distance. "That's... I mean, in a way that's amazing that it was you after all that time with no magic."

"But also quite sad." Martha continued. "I kind of wished we had cousins with magic. I also kind of wished we saw our cousins more often than we did."

"Did we have magicians on father's side or mother's side?" Sophie asked. "I'm wondering just because... well because we do have different mothers and I'm curious if that-"

"Both, actually." Martha interrupted. "But Mrs. Fairfax said my source resides more with father's side."

Sophie smiled. Knowing that there was magic in their father's family excited her. All of her life she felt normal - boring, even. It wasn't until she met Howl that she explored her adventurous self and aimed for the extraordinary. Magic had brought so much amazement into her life. It had become a part of her, the most important part.

"You speak very highly of Mrs. Fairfax. She must have been special."

Martha nodded. "She taught me more than just magic. I learned how to be free of my fears."

Sophie dropped her gaze. "I wish I could do the same."

"It's harder with a child." Martha said. "I wouldn't have the same mindset that I do now if I were expecting."

Sophie rested her hand over her stomach. She didn't know how the feeling of safety and terror clouded her daily. She feared for her child's future more than anything else, but knowing her family was there alongside her gave her the courage to keep her hope alive.

Sophie stopped Martha and embraced her. "I'm so glad I have you back in my life."

Martha blinked a couple times before fully embracing her sister. She almost lost her breath. The familial love she knew as a child had become foreign to Martha the longer she spent her life in isolation. Waiting for Sophie to return to the castle seemed like ages, but the reward was worth the wait.

Then, Martha widened her eyes. A vision.

She pulled away and stared at the lake, though her eyes were seeing something entirely different. A woman with long, blonde hair struggling against a shadowy figure. Martha could see the same lake in the vision. The woman was fighting back, but completely overpowered. The attacker used magic - magician against human. The vision ended with the blonde woman falling unconscious. Based on the urgency that the vision occurred, the event would happen very soon or was currently in progress.

"Martha, what is it?" Sophie held her shoulder, bringing her back to reality. Martha breathed heavily before pulling Sophie back the way they came.

"We have to go back." Martha said. Sophie ran with her, but her pregnancy slowed her down to where Martha couldn't sprint at full speed. She wouldn't leave her pregnant sister behind, but she was determined to warn the others of her vision.

"Why?" Sophie asked. "What did you see?"

"I think Gwenda's in danger." Sophie widened her eyes, though her body couldn't push forward. She pulled her sister back, gasping for air.

"Gwenda's in danger?" Sophie said, her breaths short and heavy. "She's in the castle talking to Calcifer. She wouldn't leave for anything this late."

Martha shook her head. "In my vision, I saw a girl with long blonde hair struggling in a fight. I couldn't see the attacker, but I'm certain Gwenda was the victim."

Sophie rested her hands on her knees. She shot her eyes at Martha. "Gwenda's sister looks nearly identical to her."

"Excuse me?"

"I've never seen a picture, but the only main differences between them are their eyes and height. That's what Gwenda told me. Her sister's hair is just as long and blonde. You may have seen Lona."

Martha searched the ground for an answer, but to no avail. She used a system for each vision she received: see the events, gather as many facts as possible, then make conclusions based on time and place. Never interfere. If anything, warn someone else.

But under no circumstances, as much as she wanted to on occasion, may she stop the event from happening.

Yet to Martha, this was most certainly Gwenda, a new friend of hers. Could she interfere without altering the event or facing the consequences?

Martha snapped at Sophie, casting a strengthening spell over her. Sophie immediately stood up straight, shocked by the change in posture. If they were to rule out Gwenda as the victim, they needed to hurry.

Martha took her sister's hand and bolted. Sophie had never run this fast where one leg picked up before the other hit the ground. The only time she felt this exhilarated was when Howl flung her through the sky to avoid the bombing plane and she ran on air back to the castle. This time, she saw the lake turning at a quicker pace than she ever imagined, as if they were in orbit. This was the most she’d seen her sister use magic, and it was enchanting.

The castle wasn't too far away, and with their lightning speed it took mere seconds to return to its vicinity. And there by the lake stood the woman with blonde hair.

Sophie approached her cautiously. After touching her shoulder, the woman turned around. Sophie shuddered. "Gwenda, it is you."

Gwenda smiled. "Why wouldn't it be?"

Sophie turned to Martha, who took gradual steps toward them. "Martha had a vision about you. She thought you were in danger."

Gwenda shrugged her shoulders. "I don't think I'm in danger."

Sophie tilted her head, her skepticism rising. "What are you doing outside of the castle?"

Gwenda turned to Martha, then back to Sophie with a sly smirk. "I'm following orders."

“What?"

Gwenda's hair curled into a vibrant red and formed long pigtails, a broomstick appearing in her hand. Noe quickly stunned Sophie, now unable to move. "Suliman wants that child."

"No!" Martha placed a thin shield around Sophie, keeping her out of reach from the witch. She cast a reversal spell on Sophie to give her access to her limbs once more. Martha instinctively rushed through the shield and attempted a mind conjuring, but the witch was too hasty. Noe disappeared and reappeared behind Martha, locking her mind with her own conjuring spell, rendering her unconscious.

"Martha!" Sophie shouted. Noe turned to her with a prideful stance. Sophie took a few steps back, but the witch was already in the process of deteriorating the shield. Sophie watched Martha lying in the grass, completely helpless against Noe's expertise.

Sophie raised her hands, the familiar vibrations running through her fingertips. She looked to the sky, allowing her emotions to alter the weather patterns and darken the clouds above. Her fingers lit with excitement and electricity as her mind focused on the red-headed target. She thought back to Howl’s practice - control the amount of power and center the attack.

Noe vanquished Martha's protective shield and immediately Sophie struck.

"Whoa!" Noe quickly grabbed the lightning strike and forced it back to the sky. It clashed with the clouds, causing the sky to rumble like an earthquake. It was perfectly formulated until the witch redirected the attack. “Not this time, you little human."

Noe spun around like a tornado pointing her broomstick to the sky. The clouds dispersed and the last bit of lightning struck her, absorbing into her own power. Sophie had not seen magic like this before. She had not seen a magician take advantage of another's source.

Sophie stared in awe. “Y-your source isn’t electrokinesis, is it?”

“Only weak magicians limit themselves to one source.” Noe locked her eyes onto Sophie. "Now you're mine."

"Over my dead body!" Noe prepared herself for Martha's possible attack, but rather was surprised by a furious human pinning her to the ground. Noe fought to remove the girl, but she held her grip with a burning rage.

"Gwenda!"

Rather than lying trapped in the spell she had casted earlier, Gwenda held Noe's wrists to the stale dirt, using strength that had previously lay dormant inside. Her braid had completely fallen out and sticks and leaves embedded between her strands, but she didn’t care. She held resolute against the witch's dominance.

"I will never let you hurt my friends." Gwenda said, her voice low and coarse.

Noe grunted. "I thought I got rid of you."

Gwenda blew the fallen hairs away from her face. "Try again. I'm more stubborn than that."

Noe clenched her teeth as she focused on Gwenda's mind, attempting to distort her mind and command her thoughts. This was her exact move from before when Gwenda so carelessly fell into her trap, only this time she fought against the magic and struggled to keep control. She gritted her teeth and screamed, refusing to give in to the invasive magic.

Even Noe was surprised by this human’s strength, as she did not expect needing to add more power into the spell. Eventually, Gwenda had no choice but to release autonomy of herself. All her strength was spent and her mind was no longer her own. She swayed left and right, everything around her blackening and turning into a blank void.

Noe stood up and grunted in annoyance at how long it took to manipulate a simple human. Who knew a fighting spirit had the power to resist ancient sorcery.

"Sophie!" Three wizards ran from the stagnant castle, closing in on the women. Noe seethed from the sight of Howl and Kenta once again interrupting her methodical plans. The little unnamed boy stood next to Sophie, his wand wielded and ready to attack. Such a child should have shivered at the presence of Suliman’s top student, yet he put himself in danger for the sake of a human.

Kenta and Howl stood on either side of Noe, neither aware of how she discovered their hiding place. Sophie, Martha, and Gwenda were in a tight situation with an expert witch on the prowl, especially knowing her ruthless actions were nearly matched with the royal sorceress. Noe’s magic was masterly and unpredictable, and she demonstrated well the lengths she’d go to please Madame Suliman.

Noe cursed herself under her breath. She wanted Sophie - rather, she needed Sophie, but that wasn't an option anymore with more magicians crowding her triumph. Martha may have been unconscious, but her powers were too difficult to control. The fact that a Seer like herself had gone unnoticed by the Madame was beyond her. Knowing very little of her skill level, Martha was too formidable to bring to Suliman as a prisoner.

There was only one person Noe knew she could take with little confrontation.

The pigtailed witch tilted her head with a smile. "Catch me if you can." She stunned the already confused Gwenda and in one quick move, mounted her on the broomstick and bolted through the sky.

“No!" Howl and Kenta joined her in flight, following the witch's high ascent. She flew in a strange formation that neither Howl nor Kenta could map. She was barely in sight.

“If you want your friend back, you'll give us that baby." Noe said, her voice carrying in the wind. "Until then, we won't play so nicely with her."

Her laughter mixed with Kenta's cries, and then there was silence.

Chapter Text

As a fire demon, Calcifer always saw himself as a creature of limited purpose. He was constrained to fireplaces and steel boxes, unable to move freely on his own. Heating baths and moving a junky castle were not what he expected to be doing in his second life, yet he knew he shouldn't complain. If it weren't for the Wizard Howl, he wouldn't even be alive.

Calcifer sat in the fireplace, his eyelids weighing down and begging for rest. Though it was not a necessity for him to survive, sometimes a little sleep helped him focus better. He dozed off atop the growing pile of ashes and the fragile heart that kept him alive, giving in to the tempting slumber.

Their relationship was one of high complexity. Calcifer kept Howl's heart hidden and protected while it fed into his own life. Howl avoided most, if not all, human emotions and focused more on magic. They kept this balance for nearly a decade. Howl wanted to avoid any human connection, and Calcifer feared what would happen if he lost Howl's heart - as long as Calcifer carried his heart, their curse stayed active.

"Peekaboo!" Calcifer shot his eyes open only to find a small child standing in front of him. Calcifer blinked a couple times, taking in the sight of the boy. He had short ginger hair and dark brown eyes. He wasn't very tall, only a few inches above the height of the fireplace. He couldn't have been more than four or five years old. The boy had torn clothing in his arms and over the knees, and his face was scuffed with dirt marks and a few cuts.

He laughed. "You're a fire."

Calcifer rolled his eyes. "No, I'm a fire demon. They are two completely different things."

The boy covered his mouth as he continued his laughter. "Can I touch you?"

Calcifer widened his eyes. "No you cannot. I'm not a toy!" Howl walked down the staircase, his eccentric attire too peculiar to miss. His blonde hair swayed back and forth, long enough to cover his eyes. He held a stack of clothes fit for the small boy.

"Howl." Calcifer breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh thank goodness. Would you tell me why you let a child in here?"

"He was sitting on our doorstep in Porthaven." Howl said. He waved his hands over the dining table, closing a spell book he had been studying earlier that day. "He told me he had no home to go to, so I allowed him to stay with us."

The boy reached onto the cement fireplace. Calcifer backed away as far as he could. "Well, would you tell him not to touch me? I'm a fire demon."

The boy climbed onto the fireplace and dropped his hand on Calcifer. Not a second later did the boy fall back on the floor, crying with a burned hand. The tears flooded as he held his hand close. "Bad fire, you burn me."

Calcifer gawked. "I told him not to touch me! It's always the same; I only hurt people."

Howl waved his hand to Calcifer and bent down next to the boy. "Does it hurt, Markl?"

He nodded, using his other hand to wipe the tears from his face. Howl set the clothes on the floor and held Markl's burned hand with one hand, waving over it with his other. With a whisper of ancient words, the mark on his hand faded away and returned to a healthy color.

Markl smiled wide and held his hand up. "It doesn't hurt!"

Howl nodded. "You will learn these things as well. I will train you to be a great wizard."

Calcifer frowned - that's why he brought the child in. He wanted an apprentice. They had been acquaintances for a decade, and Calcifer knew Howl's motives for almost every decision he made. This was of no surprise to him.

Howl picked up the clothes and handed them to the boy. "Why don't you settle in? Make yourself at home."

Markl smiled and rushed to the staircase, tripping on every other stair he encountered. Howl chuckled softly before making his way upstairs as well.

He turned to Calcifer before he was out of sight. "While you're moving the castle, why don't you heat up my bath? Markl will take one after me, I assume."

Calcifer seethed through his fiery teeth as Howl departed from the room, leaving the demon alone again. Heat the bath, move the castle. This was his life - sitting on a pile of ashes weighed down by the heart of a child. He wasn't a powerful fire demon; he was a servant.

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

Calcifer enjoyed his nightly conversations with Gwenda. It was a nice change from when he used to spend his nights alone. It helped him forget about the other responsibilities he had to do as a fire demon, and he enjoyed the fact that someone wanted to spend time with him.

Every night since Magnol and now back in Howl’s castle, they spent hours talking about whatever came to mind until Gwenda's body couldn't stay up any longer. Sometimes she would officially end the conversation and turn over, but other times she’d fall asleep in the middle of a sentence, lying her head on the pillow without so much as a goodnight. Calcifer didn't mind; his fire glowed a little brighter from their conversations, no matter what.

"So, that was a little intense earlier, wasn't it?" Gwenda said. She brushed Heen's back with her fingers, his soft wheezing a good indication of his pleasure. "Are you okay?"

Calcifer sighed. "I think we'll be fine. We've had our fair share of arguments in the past and were able to get through them."

"Any arguments of this magnitude?" Gwenda asked. She stared at Calcifer, trying to read his mind through his expressions. People were easy to decipher, but it was hard to read a fire demon. Though she trusted him more than anyone, she knew he could fool her with a smooth glance or a simple smile.

But he had not done that to her so far - not that she was aware of, at least.

Calcifer shrugged. "Maybe. I can't really remember. We've had so many fights, it would be like trying to count the number of stars in the sky."

Gwenda nodded. "And those numbers change every year."

Calcifer's face dropped, his memories flooding back as if they occurred yesterday: the Night of Falling Stars, his refusal to accept death, and the one wizard who was as selfish as the star he saved to give him a final chance. It was so long ago, yet Calcifer still looked upon that night wondering if he had made the right decision.

Gwenda widened her eyes after noticing Calcifer's expression. “I am so sorry, I completely forgot. Ugh, I'm so stupid."

Calcifer shook his head. "No you're not. You just forgot."

"But you literally told me what... two nights ago?" Gwenda sighed. She didn't want to insult him, but with all the information they had shared over the last month or so, she was surprised she hadn't forgotten more. His life was so complex, it kept her awake at night just itching to hear the ending to a moment in his life - a moment she wasn't a part of.

All those years as a star and then a fire demon - she couldn't begin to imagine the amazing things he had seen or done. In the short time that they had become friends, it was hard to believe there was a time where they hadn't known of the other's existence. Even still, that kept her clinging to his words just to learn more about him.

Gwenda looked up. His smile lit up the room as much as his fire did. She rested her elbows on the pillow, leaving Heen to curl up next to her side. "I wonder what it would be like to live two lives. It must be liberating."

Calcifer held closely onto the molten wood underneath him, his flames at a healthy spark. Liberating was the last word he would have used to describe himself, freedom not even in his dictionary. The only amount of liberation he could remember was when Sophie had broken the curse between him and Howl, which he then willingly chose to go back.

He sometimes wondered if that was the right decision as well.

Calcifer smiled weakly. "It can be."

Gwenda lifted her legs into the air, like a girl would when she was gossiping. "So, other than heating water and moving the castle and... well, and being a fire, what else can you do?"

"You've pretty much seen the basis of my abilities." Calcifer said, until one special quirk popped into his memory. "I can also transport myself as long as there's a fireplace in that location, but I don't use that one save for drastic measures."

"What do you consider a drastic measure?"

Calcifer lowered his gaze. "When Sophie was trapped in the Palace, I used my teleportation to find her. I haven't needed to use it since."

Gwenda nodded. "Yeah, I would say that falls into the 'drastic measures' category. You have some really interesting powers."

"Most of my strength comes from others, actually." Calcifer continued. "From the day I met Howl, I was in control of his heart. It connected us in ways no one could truly understand. If I died, Howl would have died, too."

Gwenda widened her eyes, as if she witnessed a revelation. "So that's why he was so heartless before?"

Calcifer chuckled. "In a way, I guess I contributed to the rumors of Howl's heartless behavior by concealing it from him."

"Why his heart, though?"

Calcifer took a long, deep breath. "It was his idea. Howl didn't want his emotions to interfere with his training, and by giving up his heart to me he essentially saved my life."

Gwenda tilted her head. "Well that's a good thing. I should thank him. I wouldn't have anyone to talk to if you weren't here. That, or I'd be talking to myself."

Calcifer winked. “Or some other handsome fire demon.”

Gwenda rolled her eyes with a light smile, her cheeks showing the faintest hint of a dimple. "Have you ever gotten your strength from anything else?"

Calcifer nodded. "When we were hiding during the first war, I needed another source to move the castle. I asked Sophie to give me her eyes, but instead she gave me her hair."

"Really?"

Calcifer smirked. "I could always take yours. Give you a haircut and a new look."

Gwenda laughed softly. Calcifer's fiery hands reached for her, moving closer to her braid but stopping before cutting anything. She could feel the heat emitting from his flames, so strange the way he could extend himself that way. It was like a human hand engulfed in a burning fire, yet he didn’t take advantage of the situation. In a moment, he had the opportunity to cut off the hair she loved so much, but he restrained his power. He was nothing like the magicians she had come to know in the past.

Calcifer glistened brighter. Just watching her laugh made him smile. His arms were so close to her, so close to embracing a person. He would be lying if he said he wasn't tempted, especially with Gwenda. Yet she sat so calm, so trusting of him. Even with all the power that he held inside, she wasn’t afraid.

Gwenda held her braid fondly as he retreated his arms. "I think for now I'll stick with the braid, but maybe I'll take you up on that offer another time."

Heen wheezed as he stole Gwenda's attention. Her playful attitude sparked excitement in the little dog. He rolled on his back, begging for her to scratch his belly and behind the ears. Gwenda spoke in a high-pitched voice to Heen and he responded joyfully.

Calcifer stared at her, as if his eyes were recording her every motion for remembrance: the way she spoke to Heen that made him feel elated and loved; the way she wrapped the stray hairs behind her ear to keep them out of sight; and the way she continually asked questions about his life, yearning for an honest answer. He committed it all to memory.

Calcifer's fire kindled a golden light for a moment, though no substances were added. Even with the little amount of firewood left, he felt his flames becoming stronger now than when he had a fresh set of logs. Something about these nightly conversations kept him alive more than just the mere notion of survival. There was a greater feeling, something stronger than wishing to live another day. An urgent desire had somehow rooted in him.

Gwenda held her gaze on the dog as Heen rested against her gentle strokes. He stretched his legs and yawned before closing his eyes, preparing for sleep. Calcifer didn't know what to say anymore, so he simply said the first thing that popped into his head. "Tell me one thing you would never admit to."

Gwenda looked at him and blinked. "Wouldn't I be admitting it then?"

Calcifer gave a relaxed smile. "C'mon, tell me one thing you've never told anyone before."

Gwenda cleared her throat as she adjusted her body. She moved the blanket over her feet more and then flipped the pillow over. She stared at the ground floor, her tongue poking at the corner of her mouth. Calcifer sat patiently in his fireplace, waiting for her answer.

Gwenda released a heavy sigh, her eyes rolling back. "I... I sort of had a..." She stopped herself, looking to the side and whispering something inaudible, then returned. "I used to have a crush on the Prince."

Calcifer sat frozen in the fireplace. Gwenda laughed, her eyes staring at almost everything she could find in the living room except him. She wrapped a few stray hairs behind her ear, but Calcifer was too preoccupied with her answer to even register her movements.

Calcifer swallowed hard. "Prince Justin?"

Gwenda shrugged. "It was a silly crush. Long time ago. I didn't have actual feelings for him." She rested her chin in her palm and stared off to the side. "I don't know, I liked the way he looked at me and the compliments he gave me..."

Calcifer didn't move. He watched Gwenda's actions from her casual shrug to her wandering eyes staring off into the distance. A distant memory clicked in his mind, as he thought about Gwenda’s persistence to stop Sophie’s wedding to Justin. There was a more urgent desire hidden within the depths of her core.

He dropped his gaze, listening to her every word.

Gwenda coughed roughly. "Then he started dating Lettie and I... I forgot about it. Thank God I did. He ruined more than just my friendship with Lettie."

"What did he do?" Calcifer asked, his voice so faint it was hardly audible.

Gwenda narrowed her eyes to the corner. "He made me live it every single day. Justin made me his personal servant, probably because he knew I had taken a liking to him. I couldn't stand seeing him and Lettie flirt and be romantic all the time, and Suliman wouldn't let me quit on my own. She reeled everyone in and it was rare that anyone could get out unless fired. I watched them together every day for three months… and it was torture."

The silence between them was louder than anything either could have said. He had so many questions, all of which relating to Justin and how it was possible for Gwenda, this girl who always stood up for herself and defied the norm, could fall for an inconsiderate, maniacal human being such as him. The Prince of Ingary, the man who attempted to marry Sophie while she loved Howl, the man who apparently stole the hearts of so many without so much as a second glance.

Calcifer needed to know. "Did you love him?"

Gwenda shot her eyes back at him. He had never seen such fear in her eyes mixed with extreme hostility. "I told you, it was just a silly crush."

Calcifer kept his eyes on her. "That doesn't sound like just a silly crush."

"How would you know?" Gwenda scoffed. "It's not like you've ever loved anyone before."

Calcifer widened his eyes. If he could feel pain, if he knew what a sharp knife in the heart felt like, this was it. The way she casually let the words roll off her tongue - as if she had stopped herself from saying it before - pierced him like a million thorns.

And it hurt especially coming from her.

Gwenda breathed in a sharp breath, completely appalled by her own words. "I... I'm so sorry, Calcifer. I don't know why I said that. I wasn't thinking."

"No." She watched his fire darken into the growing pile of ash, his eyes cold and defeated. "You're right. I'm just a fire demon. I can never feel what a human can, right?"

Gwenda opened her mouth to speak, but she was at a loss of words. She was angry; she unearthed everything she had felt from her past and lashed out at Calcifer for no reason. Nothing would reverse what she had said, and that tore at her like a dagger slashing wildly inside of her.

"Calcifer that's not-" A hard pounding on the door interrupted Gwenda's plea and startled the entire room. The knocking persisted, waking Heen from his calm slumber. He stood on shaky legs and wheezed toward the door.

"Heen, wait." Gwenda followed him, Calcifer watching from his place. She opened the door, her curiosity tempting her. "Sophie? Martha?"

It was only a second. One moment she stood in the doorway and the next she was flung out, leaving behind a slamming door and a chilling scream. Heen scratched the door, wheezing his loudest to sound an alarm.

"No!" Calcifer stared shell shocked, his mind trying to wrap around what he had just seen. Gwenda was taken; she was pulled right out of the castle and taken away. Right in front of him. "Help! Someone, anyone! Help!"

Calcifer pulled his fiery being as far out of the fireplace as he could, but his center was grounded in its place. He couldn't move; he was useless. He couldn't do anything to save her or bring her back or reverse this twisting tragedy. He took in quick breaths, but his mind only thought of the worst thing that could happen.

He didn't want to lose her. He couldn't. He felt so warm when he was around her, so much different than how he felt around anyone else in his life. He was hurt; more than that, his heart was lacerated and torn to shreds when she said he had never loved anyone before.

Because for a moment, he thought he was in love with her.

"Calcifer!" Hasty footsteps tumbled down the staircase as Howl, Kenta, and Markl rushed to the main room. Heen approached them, his wheezes gesturing toward the front door. "Calcifer, what’s going on?"

"Gw-Gwenda opened the door when she heard a knock. She thought it was Sophie and Martha." Calcifer's voice was shaky. "Someone just took her and she was gone."

Howl seethed. "You let Sophie leave the castle?"

Calcifer's fire burned red and extended outward in a deranged, sporadic rage. "She's been out of the castle for over an hour! Gwenda's the one in danger right now!"

From inside the castle, they could hear muffled screams and yelling. Kenta pulled Howl's arm as he rushed for the door. "C'mon, Howl. We need to help her." Kenta opened the door and rushed out, Markl and Howl close behind.

Calcifer stayed put, as did Heen. They could faintly hear the cries from the battle ensuing outside. His fire raged on with terror and wrath and feebleness. He hated not being able to help people. He loathed not being able to touch people without burning them or fight off enemies or hold someone in his arms. All he wanted was connection, a true connection with someone he loved - someone who could love him back.

To embrace a living person was his impossible hope.

"I hate being a fire demon." Calcifer whispered under his breath. He lessened his flames, gradually returning to his original color and size. There was nothing he could do but wait. Time had ceased and this was all he knew. He could move the castle; he could teleport miles away; but he couldn't save the one person he needed most in his life.

Calcifer turned when he noticed a shadowy figure appear from the hallway. The Witch of the Wastes had woken up. She stared at Calcifer, her eyes never parting from his. The demon sighed and shook his head.

Finally, the door opened. Heen rushed over and greeted their friends one by one as they entered. Calcifer looked at everyone who returned, keen on not missing a single face. Howl held Sophie as she panted and struggled to stand. He walked her to the couch and sat her down gently, his eyes glaring at Calcifer. Markl then entered, his head low and his movements sluggish. He stood in the corner, no words spoken.

Kenta walked in and shut the door. He carried Martha unconscious, lying her on the couch next to Sophie. She ran her fingers through her sister's hair, begging her to wake up. No one else entered the castle.

Calcifer panicked. "Where is Gwenda?"

Kenta cleared his throat. He bit his lip, only daring to stare at the floor. "That witch who attacked us before, Noe... she took her. We were too late to bring her back."

Calcifer dropped his jaw. Gwenda was gone. And while he continued to exist in the constraints of the fireplace, he remained a creature of limited purpose.

Chapter Text

The castle's atmosphere was uncomfortable and confining. Sophie thought the walls were closing in on them, shrinking the space they had and pushing everyone closer. She thought eventually, they would all diminish into nothingness, free from the distress and anxiety in the room. Her mind wrapped around what they had just witnessed, wishing things had turned out differently.

When they returned, Calcifer was a frantic mess. "Why didn't you stop her?"

He looked around the room, not one person daring to look him in the eye. Kenta swallowed hard before answering, a cloud of guilt waving over the grim wizard. "Noe had already disappeared before we could get to her. We followed them as far as we could, but she’s a very skilled witch and knew exactly how to evade us."

Kenta pressed two fingers against his lips, staring off into the distance and internally beating himself for such careless mistakes. The Witch of the Wastes held Heen in her lap, both gazing at the floor with melancholic eyes. Markl dropped to the ground, curling his arms around his knees and hiding his face. They could hear soft whimpers and sniffles, despite his attempt to conceal his sadness.

Howl held Sophie's shoulders as he stood behind the couch. Martha lay unconscious, her head resting on Sophie's lap. She ran her fingers through her sister's hair, yet she kept watch over Calcifer. Sophie was the only one brave enough to look him in the eye.

Calcifer looked at their wandering and hidden faces and his fire boiled. His flames sparked out sporadically in an unfamiliar rage. His anger had never reached this point where his flames burned so red he was a bloody rainstorm. He screamed and extended his flames outward, watching them spread across the room and burst into sparks of fire.

"Calcifer!" Howl shielded Sophie from the falling sparks, the others adjusting their position to avoid the tiny bits. A few sparks landed on Martha's cheek, the short bursts of extreme heat instantly waking her in shock. She slapped her face, attempting to wipe the pain away. She looked around the room, her mind racing.

Howl growled at the demon. "Calcifer, Sophie is too close. If your sparks fly out of control again, you could hit her or the baby."

"Well then maybe you don't need me!" Calcifer shouted. "Maybe I'm just a burden for you and for everyone else here. Maybe if I was a human, I could have saved Gwenda!" He held the grates tightly, his muscles flaming colors of reds and yellows and oranges. He wanted to throw something, anything. He wanted to scream and yell and punch himself for not being able to do anything to stop that wretched witch from taking the one person who was able to steal his heart.

Gwenda, the girl with the long, beautiful blonde hair that she always held back in a perfect braid. Gwenda, the girl who spent her nights talking to him and only him, who matched his humor and sarcasm in every word she spoke.

Gwenda, the girl who said he couldn't love anyone.

Calcifer desperately yearned to cry, to burst into a stream of tears and drown himself in sorrow. He had no tears; he was fire. He was made of flames and powered by firewood that he burned into ashes. Instead, his fire turned blue and his flames slowly retreated. He was consumed by grief and loss.

Sophie immediately recognized this state from when she poured water on him. At the time, she thought she had killed him with what she believed was his only weakness. However, this was not a result of dousing water. This was a heartbreaking torture.

She slowly stood up. Howl held her shoulder, but she gently removed his hand and walked over to Calcifer. She carefully brought her knees to the floor in front of him. He gazed at the floor, noticing her hand reach forward. "Calcifer, you've become very close to Gwenda, haven't you? You care a lot about her."

Calcifer shivered at the sound of her name, but he nodded. "If anything happens to her, it's my fault. It’s all my fault."

"You can't blame yourself, Calcifer." Sophie said. "There was nothing you could do."

Calcifer's color returned and he glared up. "Exactly!" Sophie bent backwards as his flames sparked once more, though she was unharmed. Howl moved around the couch, but Kenta waved his hand, holding him back with a restraining spell. Howl glared at the wizard from across the room as Kenta sent him a telepathic message to stay calm. Martha sat motionless, observing the events play out before her mind slipped away to a vision.

Calcifer sighed. "I'm just a simple fire demon. I can't do things like humans or other magicians. Move the castle, heat the baths, obey the commands of my master's every wish..."

Howl relaxed his muscles, and Kenta followed by relaxing his restraint. His anger subsided as he watched Calcifer and, for the first time, truly heard grief in his voice. "I'm a slave and I always will be. For once, I just wanted to touch someone without the fear of hurting them."

The castle was dead inside. Not a single sound disturbed the uncomfortable peace between the residents. This revelation of Calcifer's concealed feelings toward a human girl, whom he had only met a few months prior, was quite shocking to those whose minds had only perceived him as an uptight, sarcastic fire demon.

Kenta took a step forward. He cleared his throat. "We'll bring her back, Calcifer. I promise."

Calcifer nodded, continuously staring at everything but the human souls in the room. The log beneath him cracked in half, though with the amount of ashes built over time, it hardly made a difference. He reached for the next log, a pair of hands already there. Sophie offered the fresh firewood to him, and his fire grew from the new power source.

Howl took short steps toward Calcifer, bending down next to Sophie. His eyes exposed a vulnerability Calcifer remembered from a different time. When he chose to show them, Howl's emotions were still that of his childlike innocence to which he abandoned years ago. Calcifer knew Howl's heart more than anyone - probably more than Howl did. However, he had not expected Howl to show a cognizance of Calcifer's heart.

"I'm sorry I've been so hard on you." Howl pulled the corner of his lips upward, a light smile present. "Calcifer, you know that you've been my best friend for years now."

Kenta coughed with exaggeration against Howl's labeling of best friend. Howl turned to him, Kenta's gaze now roaming around. Howl rolled his eyes and continued. "I never thought of you as a slave. You were my companion when I needed guidance or support or just a friend to talk to. You've always had a special place in my heart."

Calcifer chuckled, a brief sign of contentment. "Probably because I was in control of your heart for years, huh?"

Howl laughed. "Maybe."

Martha stood up abruptly, all eyes turning to her. She rubbed her temple on both sides as she paced the floor, walking circles around the couch. Markl looked up from his crouched position. Heen raised his head to watch the little witch girl pace while the older witch stroked the back of his neck. Howl helped Sophie rise, both staring at Martha with concern.

"Martha?" Sophie asked. "What's wrong?"

Martha shot up to the group, slowly dropping her hands. "I just received a vision."

Calcifer widened his eyes. "Did you see Gwenda?"

Martha sighed. "No, I'm sorry. But I did see the witch who took her."

"Where was she?" Kenta asked.

Martha closed her eyes, reliving the vision. "She was flying alone. I could see the Wastes in the background, part of the mountains. I don't know where she was going, but she said something about making Suliman proud for taking Gwenda."

Calcifer seethed. "This is all a game to them. As if her life doesn't matter."

Martha walked around the couch, stopping in front of Calcifer. She held the concrete fireplace firmly, her eyes set on his. "We will find her and bring her back. We will not let them get away with this."

Howl and Kenta nodded, moving to stand next to Martha. Sophie helped Markl stand up, their hands intertwined. Heen jumped off of the Witch's lap and ran between Martha's legs, wagging his tail. The Witch rolled her eyes and pushed against the chair's arms, making her way to the fireplace. Calcifer smiled, the support of his family encouraging him not to give up on Gwenda.

He closed his eyes. I will find you. I will not rest until I find you again.

Chapter Text

She thought it would be easy to forget. She thought it would be simple to move on from her sister's betrayal. It wasn’t the first time someone had abandoned her, and she guaranteed it wouldn’t be the last. Yet every night, when she begged for peaceful dreams or a restful sleep, nightmares of Lona disturbed her each time.

Gwenda had heard wonderful things about Market Chipping. Their economy was on the rise and the people were energetic with optimism. She had heard from dozens of people that this was the pinnacle city to follow your passions.

While she didn't know what her passion was, Gwenda at least needed a change in scenery. The apartment she shared with Lona had become too empty and melancholic to stay. After Lona left her to live with that horrid wizard, Gwenda cried nearly every night wishing she had changed her mind.

Lona was literally the only person in her life. Her own sister abandoned her for blind love. She couldn't imagine loving someone enough to walk away from family. Then again, her mother had gone through the exact same scenario years prior.

Two months later, when the lease ended, she was gone. Gwenda hopped on the earliest train heading out of Porthaven and rode until she couldn't see the waterfront. The train went through the Coast and into the Folding Valley. When the conductor announced their arrival to Market Chipping, Gwenda felt an impulse to get off.

She smiled like a child in a candy store as she stepped off the platform with her one large suitcase. The city was bustling with so many people, even this late in the evening. The sun hung just above the tallest buildings, which reminded her of Porthaven. One thing Gwenda enjoyed about the Coast was that most of the markets were outside by the piers, overlooking the vast ocean as the light from the sun danced over the waves.

Gwenda shook her head. Porthaven was in the past; this was a new and exciting adventure.

"Hurry! Lettie's about to close the bakery!" Gwenda turned to a group of young men in formal suits running toward one of the buildings. A few men wearing aprons began closing the umbrellas over the outdoor seating. She turned to the sign: Good Cooking Pan Bakery.

She then saw the sign underneath: Now Hiring.

Gwenda raised her eyebrows. "Well, no time like the present to look for work."

She trotted over, suitcase in hand, passing by extravagant ladies in eccentric hats. Gwenda hadn't seen hats like these in Porthaven; they were tacky and peculiar, something she would see her mother's friends wearing when they used to live in Kingsbury. Their flashy purses and ornamented gowns were a cheap trick.

Gwenda knew faulty riches when she saw them. She witnessed the fraudulent lifestyle of her own mother, and these women appeared in just the same way - hiding behind the facade of sophistication.

Gwenda pushed through the crowd of suitors as they congested the entrance to the bakery, all holding flowers or whistling loudly. She was cramped inside the crowd, bodies leaning forward, pushing and pulling her in all different directions. She groaned loudly, wishing she was shorter. She would have crawled through if she could. Most of the men were close to her height, but many were a few inches shorter. Anytime she met someone new, especially men, they were always intimidated by her height.

"We're closed." A bulky man wearing a bakery apron and hat said, attempting to close the doors on the eager customers. His voice was deep and crass. "Come back tomorrow."

A disappointed sigh exhaled from the crowd. Gwenda was so close to the door, with only one person blocking her way. He tried pleading with the baker. "But we want to see Lettie."

The baker narrowed his eyes. "She will still be here tomorrow. We are closed for the night."

As he shut the door, Gwenda slipped past the suitor and landed in the baker's arms, holding him for balance. He was definitely taller than she was, and certainly not intimidated by her.

He frowned. "I assume you're not here to gawk at our favored employee."

Gwenda panted loudly, dropping her suitcase and resting a hand on the baker's shoulder. "No. I just came to Market Chipping today. I saw your sign and wanted to apply for the job."

The baker raised his eyebrows in suspicion, then removed her hand from his shoulder. Gwenda stood straight, noticing the baker's pessimism. He crossed his arms, looking down at her. "You'll need to talk with Lettie about that. I don't hire staff outside of the kitchen."

Gwenda chuckled. "Who, the girl all those guys were drooling over? She's in charge?"

The baker stared emotionless. "She's our hardest worker. She runs the main floor, just promoted last month."

Gwenda continued laughing, but after seeing the baker's stern face she slowly died it into a loud cough. "Oh, um, well... I guess I'll go talk to her then."

The baker turned and walked away. Gwenda picked up her suitcase and followed him until the swinging door that led into the kitchen.

He stopped her with his hand. "Only employees are allowed in the back."

Gwenda crossed her arms and huffed. Maybe it was a long day or the customers were more demanding than usual, but his attitude was more negative than Gwenda's on a typical day. Questions flooded into her mind about the job - the long hours, the rude customers, the cheap tips. She had worked in the food industry before, and it never excited her. She almost reconsidered applying for the job.

Gwenda placed her suitcase on the floor and rested against a dining table with two chairs folded upside-down on the tabletop. This was a fresh start; a chance to put the past in the past and never look back. Everyone she had ever known had already done the same to her - now it was her chance to leave them behind.

Gwenda heard someone push the swinging door and enter the room. A short, pretty girl stood before her. Lettie, the baker had said. Her hair was curled into a long bun, and her eyes were a light blue, like the sky in the morning. Gwenda's eyes were blue, but not to that caliber. She wore a long pink dress with an apron that only she could make stylish. The ruffles on the sides added a dramatic flair to the outfit.

She looked ready to work for a design studio over a quaint bakery.

"Hi, I'm Lettie. It's so nice to meet you." Lettie held Gwenda's hand with both of hers, shaking them up and down rapidly. "Greg said you were interested in a job here. I've had that sign up for weeks and you're the first to ask about it."

Gwenda raised an eyebrow. "Really? You get a lot of customers, I'm surprised no one bothered to apply."

Lettie giggled softly. "Well, people like to buy things from us - not many are interested in working here." She took the chairs down from the table and gestured for Gwenda to sit. "So, why don't you begin with telling me a bit about yourself, huh?"

That question always frightened her. It was a trick question - sure, the employers wanted to know about her but they secretly wanted to know the things that would improve their business. To them, she was disposable.

Gwenda cleared her throat. "Well, my name is Gwendolyn, but I prefer to be called Gwenda. Before moving to Market Chipping, I worked in Porthaven on the docks."

Lettie smiled. "Really? What type of work?"

"I worked in the fish market. Taking the fresh catches off the boat, cleaning them, and making them ready to sell that morning."

Lettie nodded. "Fascinating. That's very hard work. Do you have any experience in customer service?"

Gwenda froze. She was not a people person; that was a fact. But she needed a job. She didn't want to lie, but she really needed a job. However, the way Lettie's face lit up during their interview made Gwenda feel guilty for wanting to stretch the truth. She seemed like a nice girl, a little young and innocent. Gwenda remembered those days before things changed. Before people walked away.

Gwenda sighed. "Well, I worked there for about three years and then... well, then I moved here. I haven't really had much experience anywhere else."

Lettie's face dropped. Gwenda shrugged her shoulders, the results of this interview looking quite dim. It was worth a shot to try, at least.

"We don't mind training you." Gwenda darted her eyes to Lettie, her soft smile back in its place. "We need the help and I can train you myself. It's not as hard as it looks."

Gwenda's hands started to shake, her legs wobbly. She would have fallen if she stood up. "You... you mean you'll hire me? Without the experience you're looking for?"

Lettie waved her off. "We just ask that to see if we need to train someone or if they're okay with jumping right into things. It only takes about a couple weeks and then you can start doing things on your own."

Gwenda sat in her chair for a while, the news quite shocking to her. Lettie stood up, her hand held for a handshake, but Gwenda bolted out of her seat and embraced her. Lettie stood motionless, but quickly warmed up to her.

Gwenda took in long, deep breaths. "I honestly can’t thank you enough. You have no idea how much this means to me. I promise, I won't let you down. I promise."

Lettie laughed. “I know you’ll do great.” Yet as quickly as the delight shone on her face, it diminished into a flustered agitation. “Also, I don’t mean to worry you or anything, but it’s important for you to know - especially if you’re new in town. We’ve had some run-ins with magicians recently in Market Chipping.”

Gwenda dropped her smile. "Really?"

Lettie scoffed. "They're terrible. I've only ever seen them do terrible things. My sister just ran into one the other day, and now she's disappeared."

"I'm so sorry."

Lettie shook her head, holding back tears. "I just wished she had been more careful. Sophie is just too nice, and wizards are nothing but trouble."

Gwenda nodded. "My sister ran off with a wizard recently, claiming he loved her.”

Lettie frowned. "The way they can manipulate us is frightening. I'll never trust a wizard."

Gwenda agreed. Wizards, witches, demons - they were all the same. They abused their power over humans and each other. If Gwenda ever found an honest, decent magician, he would probably be manipulating her to believe it.

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

Her eyes shot open. The room was blurred, the lights flickering to the beat of her racing heart. She felt nauseous as her stomach curled inside. How long was she out? Where was she?

Gwenda blinked a few times to clear her vision. She raised her hands to rub her temple, the chilling shackles around her wrists catching her by surprise. She shivered from the touch of icy metal on her skin. Gwenda followed the chain to where it rooted at the end of a bed. She pushed on her feet to stand, but her legs dropped to the floor in weakness. She landed on her palms, right before hitting a broken glass frame. She lifted the photograph, her eyes widening from seeing who was pictured.

"No." Gwenda whispered, the highest volume she could reach. She dropped the picture of Kenta and Lona with the mountains from the Wastes in the background, letting it fall to the ground. She looked around the room again: bed, fireplace, and a large window outlooking the countryside. And in the distance, the mountains moving in the Wastes.

"Why would I be in Kenta's home?" Gwenda remembered when they came here while looking for her sister, though the place was just as destroyed as she remembered. Her last memories were a bit foggy, and she couldn't remember how she got there.

"Good morning, sunshine." Gwenda turned to the fireplace, an image of Calcifer appearing and disappearing all in one second. She was hoping for a friendly face, but instead was greeted by a young witch with a broomstick. The sight of her brought back the memories she had forgotten.

Gwenda seethed through her teeth. "You."

Noe smirked. "Looks like you had a nasty fall."

"Yeah, well that's what happens when a snobby witch kidnaps you." Gwenda moved her arms, noticing a large cut on her right sleeve. "And you ruined my new jacket, too."

Noe giggled like a child. "Oh sweetheart, that's not all I'm going to do to you." She set her broomstick against the doorway and waltzed toward Gwenda. She knelt in front of her and, with quick fingers, snatched her messy braid and pulled down. Gwenda yelped as her chin reached upward, slowly inching farther up as Noe pulled harder.

Noe sneered at her. "From this point until your friends bargain with Madame Suliman - if they do - you are her prisoner, and I'm under no obligation to make you feel at home."

Gwenda grabbed Noe's collar with her shackled hands and slammed her head against hers, sending Noe backwards in a disoriented state. Gwenda's head throbbed, as if she had just thrown a rock at herself. She rubbed her temple before noticing that her hair was unraveling and flowed to the ground.

Noe shook her head to return back to normal. Gwenda stood up, feeling more strength than before. Her arms pulled straight from the chains as she glared at Noe. "What do you mean if my friends come? Of course they will."

Gwenda lowered her gaze. At least, she hoped they would. She thought they were all close enough at this point. She would have risked her life for them; technically, she had on multiple occasions already.

She hadn't realized before how much she had given to them. She disobeyed Suliman to save Sophie, this girl she had only just met. She only saved her because of Lettie, who knew much earlier that Suliman was up to no good. She remembered one of their last conversations ended with her asking Gwenda to make sure Suliman stayed away from her family. It was the last promise she fulfilled for Lettie.

People had a habit of leaving her, yet Gwenda found herself doing everything she could to keep them from following the same pattern. She didn't want to lose this new family.

Noe pushed against the brick fireplace and waved her hands over Gwenda, forcing her back onto the ground. Noe sneered at her. "You'd think they would, but it's a pretty high bargain. You, in exchange for that baby."

"Why do you want Sophie's child? What can Suliman gain from Sophie and Howl-" Gwenda looked up, paralyzed. A wizard's child, a new line of magic ready to be born in only a month now. And not just any wizard - Howl. Suliman could do a lot of damage with that.

Noe flipped one of her pigtails and giggled. "Figuring it out, huh? Suliman's been plotting this since before Howl and Sophie even met."

Gwenda stared at the ground, her eyes fixed on the specks of dirt surrounding her. "How could she have known they would fall in love?"

"She has her ways." Noe twirled around back to the doorway, the edge of her dress hitting Gwenda across the cheek. She turned one last time, her smile wide. "As do I. Like your friend who was too weak to attack me, my skill is fortune telling."

Gwenda glared at Noe. "Martha is a Seer. I don't know what the hell you are."

"I'm the person you should be afraid of." She raised her hand, Gwenda mimicking her motions; she was a blind puppet. When Noe jolted her hand, Gwenda's hand twisted around itself and immediately snapped like a twig. Gwenda shrieked from the pain. She held her fractured hand with the other, biting her lip to hold back the tears.

Noe giggled with her high-pitched voice and waved before leaving. "Ciao."

When she shut the door, Gwenda burst into tears. She could barely move her hand. Her fingers stuck out in ways she never thought was possible. Noe was evil; she was worse than most magicians Gwenda had known or heard of. She was nothing compared to the rumors of Howl or the beliefs she had of Kenta. Noe was a true follower of Suliman.

The harsh winds blew against the window, the clinking glass sending chills down Gwenda's spine. She remembered when Markl held her captive, when he was under the impression that she was there to steal Howl's secrets or expose the castle. He wasn't nearly this harsh with her. And, she at least had a warm fire by her.

Gwenda widened her eyes. Calcifer. She cupped her mouth as she remembered the horrible things she said to him right before she was taken. She could visualize the look on his face after she had spoken, his broken gaze turning cold and he became agonizing to look at. She repeated the words in her head over and over again, each time sending another pang of guilt through her body.

How would you know? It's not like you've ever loved anyone before.

Her lips trembled. How could she have said that? She was just angry; she couldn't recall another time she was that enraged by something Calcifer had said. He kept pressing her about long-forgotten feelings for Prince Justin, and the memories only boiled her blood further. Justin was arrogant and rude, yet somehow his mere presence reeled her back.

She turned to the fireplace, wishing she saw the sweet, quirky fire demon she had grown close to instead of this desolate, ashen void. She didn't mean to say those things to him, but he spoke the truth - a truth she had avoided for far too long. She loved Justin; as much as she hated him now for the cruelties against her friends, there was once a time when she was so blindly in love with the man.

And she took out her anger on the one person who cared so deeply about her. "I'm sorry, Calcifer. You were right."

She wished he was there with her, comforting her during this. She was afraid of what Noe would do to her. She could starve her or use her as a human puppet for her magic tricks. Noe was the very magician she had been afraid of for years, and the magicians she assimilated into that group were the ones she should have trusted from the beginning.

She turned to the window, the clouds hovering over the moon. The sky was dark and the Wastes seemed farther away than ever. She clenched her fists with feeble fingers, shivering from the frigid room. "Please come for me."

Chapter Text

There was something about him that she couldn't help but find deeply unappealing. Every time her mother sent her on the carriage to the Kingsbury Palace to spend time with Owen, Sophie felt a queasy feeling in her stomach. She loathed the days that they spent together. It wasn't hard to pinpoint his flaws; in fact, it was much more difficult to find something that she actually liked about him.

"And after lessons with mother, I usually spend time in the library to improve my skills." Owen gestured Sophie into the Grand Library, the number of books surpassing the amount she expected there to be in the world. Shelves lined from the floor to the ceiling on each wall except the one with the windows encasing the whole.

There were tables and desks and couches, where she noticed one of the princes sitting and reading. She hadn't talked to the princes much after the ball they attended - her time in the last four years was spent with Owen, getting to know her future husband.

"Justin, nice to see you again." Owen bowed to the Prince, Sophie following with a curtsy.

Justin nodded, then focused his attention on Sophie. He raised his eyebrows at her, for it had been quite a while since their initial meeting. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance again, Miss Hatter."

Sophie's lips trembled. She remembered her mother's words on how to reply when approached by a royal figure. She forced a smile. "The pleasure is all mine, Your Highness."

Justin smiled and gradually carried his eyes away from her to continue his book. Owen stretched his hand out for Sophie, who hesitated before lightly accepting his gesture. He led her to the large window and motioned for her to sit on the red armchair. She obeyed.

The windows revealed the whole of the capital city. Kingsbury was magnificent; Sophie felt lucky to be able to visit simply because of her endearment for the capital. It was much busier than Market Chipping, people bustling around and active from the moment she arrived at the Palace to the moment when she would leave. It was spectacular.

"Kingsbury is beautiful." Sophie said, her voice so soft she thought he may not have heard.

Owen coughed. "It's all right. I've been to places much greater than here. The mountains of Fiyaj, the rainforests of Monguru... those are the places you want to see. Once you've been there a while, though, they kind of bore you."

Sophie nodded, though she didn't quite understand how anyone could live in a city this grand and become bored of it. She couldn't understand how those faraway places with mountains and rainforests could ever seem dull. Every time she entered the capital city, she felt a certain enchantment and wonder that could not be found in Market Chipping.

And here was Owen, given everything he had asked for since the day he was born, and still never satisfied.

Sophie gulped. "I wonder what it would be like to visit those places."

Owen titled his head, a sharp smile on his face. "Maybe someday you will."

As Sophie saw his smile, she froze. She imagined her future with him - going to exotic places and watching him increase his skills; bearing his children to become as powerful as him; becoming a palace housewife.

She didn't want this. She didn't want a life dictated by the will of others, a puppet in the hands of those with more power. Her mother. Owen.

Madame Suliman.

As if on cue, the Royal Sorceress stood proudly in the doorway, wearing an exquisite blue gown. Her attire always dressed like she was attending a royal ball or special occasion. She leaned against the door, her eyes fixed on the two sitting by the window.

Prince Justin had left. Sophie didn't know when or how she hadn't noticed, but she now found herself alone with those she feared the most.

"Good afternoon, Sophie." She said, slowly walking toward them. "So nice of you to visit."

Sophie nodded rapidly. "Of course. It's my pleasure...er, the pleasure is all mine."

Madame Suliman laughed lightly. "Your mother must have taught you a few phrases to say during your time here." Sophie's cheeks turned red, though Madame Suliman had turned away, Sophie hoping she hadn't taken notice. "Owen, darling. Would you be a dear and bring Sophie and me some refreshments? I'm sure she could use a bite to eat."

Owen stood up and bowed before departing from the room. Sophie felt tense as Madame Suliman walked toward the large window, her hands held behind her back as she stared at the vast city. She wasn't sure whom she feared more - Owen or his mother.

"You like it here, don't you?" Madame Suliman said, her gaze still focused on the city. "You've been visiting quite often."

Sophie twiddled with her fingers. "Well, my mother thinks I need to spend more time with Owen... to get to know him better."

Suliman inhaled a long breath. "I enjoy you two spending so much time together."

Sophie nodded, forgetting that the Royal Sorceress couldn't see her. Madame Suliman turned around, her smile soft and caring, yet Sophie couldn't help the chills that scurried up her arms and around her entire body.

She stopped in front of her, bending down to Sophie's height in the chair. She tilted her head, similar to Owen. "You like my son, do you not?"

Sophie clenched her fists, though forced a contented smile on her face. She knew exactly what to say. "Owen is a very nice boy."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

Noe slammed the door shut behind her, a vicious grin clearly present. She was pleased with how she made that human girl feel weak and vulnerable. There was a certain satisfaction that came with exhibiting even the basis of her abilities and watching her opponents cower in fear. She was in control; she was leading the pack.

Noe set her broomstick against the line of bricks that stuck out of the wall for the living room fireplace. What was the point of having two fireplaces in one home, she thought. There wasn’t much she remembered about her old classmate Kenta, but she highly judged his housing choices - he wasn’t the sharpest wizard in the apprenticeship.

She rubbed her temple, wishing she had blocked that attack before Gwenda had made her move. She saw a stubbornness inside that insolent human. She didn't know how she let her slide with that one blow. Noe hadn't expected her to fight back; she had underestimated her. Gwenda was tough, and it would take a while before she’d break, but Noe was willing to do whatever it took to please the Madame.

Noe heard laughter and a clinking of glasses. Nade and Xarx sat at the round table, enjoying their drinks with a deck of cards. Noe fumed at them. "You know, it would be nice if you two would help me with some of the work. I was the one who found this dump to hide the girl and actually kidnapped her. All you two have done is gotten comfortable with your drinks and laziness."

Nade looked up, his cool smile perked at one side of his face. "C'mon, sweetheart. We're doing the best we can."

Noe groaned. "Nade, you have done literally nothing since we were assigned this mission."

Xarx shuffled the deck. "Again, remind me why we can't just stash the girl at the Palace? There is way more security there."

"Don't you dimwits listen to the Royal Sorceress? Ever?" Nade and Xarx shook their heads. Noe rolled her eyes. "Madame Suliman knows they'll look there first. They were able to get that Sophie girl out the first time and she doesn't want to risk that happening again."

Noe wondered why Madame Suliman had placed her with these two idiots for something as crucial as this. Nade, while physically strong, had the mental capacity of a chipmunk. He could cast a hundred spells that utilized his strength, yet couldn’t manage a deceptive strategy to save his life. It was a miracle the Royal Sorceress found worth in him.

Xarx was a strangely different story. Noe always wondered how he even graduated the apprenticeship, let alone made it on Madame Suliman’s secret operatives. As she recalled, he had a hard time even discovering his source - she wasn’t even sure he had one, in all honesty. As she observed him closer, though, she could have sworn his eyes were changing colors beneath the shield of his scraggly hair.

She brushed it off. It was probably just a weird reflection of the lights.

Both of these idiots knew Noe was determined to be at the Madame's highest ranking and would do anything to achieve that goal, so when it came time for important missions she was left to do the majority of the work while they took partial credit. They didn't deserve working under someone as prestigious as Madame Suliman.

Xarx set the deck of cards on the table and pushed himself to stand up. "I'm going to take a leak." He entered the restroom and shut the door, leaving Nade and Noe alone.

Nade turned to the door where Gwenda was held captive. He cracked his knuckles and puffed his chest. "She's kind of cute, that little human girl."

Noe glared at him. She pointed her finger. "Don't touch her. She's a prisoner, not a prostitute."

Nade chuckled and threw his hands up. "C'mon, sweetheart. Can't I just flirt around?"

"Not with prisoners."

Nade narrowed his eyes at the bedroom door and shook his head. He took a quick sip of his drink. "That pregnant one should have just listened to the Madame when she proposed a marriage with Prince Justin. I was fine chilling out in my little cage. I hate having to actually do something."

Noe turned to him in disbelief. "God, you are so lazy. And lucky for me, I was never caged like an animal."

Nade snorted. "Oh yeah? What made you so special?"

Noe smiled wide, her back naturally straightening. "Madame Suliman put me on reconnaissance. Due to my stellar abilities, we were able to track everything in Howl Pendragon's household since Justin's final proposal."

Just as Nade prepared a snide response, they both felt the ground rumble. The furniture vibrated and the light fixtures wobbled in their places. Noe prepared a fighting stance in the instance that Howl and his friends had somehow discovered their hiding place. Nade stood behind her, his eyes scanning the room for any intruders. Xarx exited the restroom, his senses heightened and searching for anything out of the ordinary.

The three magicians slowly walked toward the front window, expecting to see Howl and Kenta on the offensive.

"Good evening." Nade and Xarx jumped from the sound of the Madame's voice coming from behind them, their pulses racing against each other. Noe turned on her toes, her dress flowing in a twirling circle. She was not surprised in the slightest that Madame Suliman paid them a visit. She had foreseen her visitation moments before it occurred.

"Madame Suliman." Xarx fell to one knee, resting his arm over and bowing. Nade and Noe soon followed. "It is an honor to be in your presence."

Madame Suliman held a straight posture, her red gown flowing down to her ankles. Her hair was manicured so firmly and exquisitely - only one hair out of place hovering between her eyes. Noe was always impressed by her beauty. She wanted to be like her in so many ways.

However, the Madame was not there to receive praise. She wanted results.

"I assume the mission went as planned, yes?" Madame Suliman turned her eyes to Noe. Somehow, she appeared proud and intimidating from the same view. "Seeing as you were top of your class, dearest Noe, I expect great accomplishments from you."

Noe cleared her throat and stood up. "Madame, even though we couldn't capture Sophie, as would have been the preferred target, we were able to take a close acquaintance of hers. A girl named Gwenda."

Suliman frowned at the sound of the girl's name. "Yes, one of my previous servants." She walked up to Noe, holding her chin softly. "You are my prize witch for a reason, dearest Noe. You will be rewarded wonderfully for your deeds."

Nade shot his head up, appalled by her words. He stood up next to Noe, Xarx quickly following suit. Nade gestured to himself and Xarx. "What about us? We fought against Howl and Kenta, too!"

Suliman gracefully turned her head to the wizards, her adoration transitioning into disappointment. "It seems to me that locking you in those cages has made you both very... lethargic. And if you will act as such, I have no purpose to keep you."

Madame Suliman raised her arm, sending Xarx and Nade to their knees by their own free will. Not because she forced them, but simply because they were absolutely terrified of how she would dispose of them.

"Please, Madame." Xarx said, his voice trembling. "We have failed you; we understand. Give us one last chance to prove our worth to you and we will not disappoint."

Xarx heard a short laugh escape from Noe, nothing short of what he expected. Nade clenched his teeth, though he hid his emotions well from the Madame. He knew his submission to failure on both of their accounts was far from what Nade believed, but Xarx knew it to be true. They had failed her.

Madame Suliman stared at them for ages. The cottage was quiet, no sound coming from the wizards or the proud witch or the helpless human girl locked in the next room. Not even a whisper of sound from the Madame herself. The silence was punishment enough. Their fate was unknown, hanging on the balance of Madame Suliman's decision.

She sighed exhaustively. "I will grant you one last opportunity." Nade and Xarx breathed sighs of relief. Xarx looked up to Noe as she rolled her eyes, turning away from them. The Madame continued. "I have another task for you both to complete. Noe will not take any part in this; I want to see dedication from both of you."

Nade nodded. "Of course, Madame. What is it that you wish from us?"

Madame Suliman paced toward the front window, her eyes gazing over the fields of grain. So much farmland in this part of the country, she noticed. She rarely came to this area, and was now discovering how much she had pushed aside to focus on more important issues. She had wondered why the doves of Kingsbury had flocked away, why they hadn't stayed close to their home. Yet here they were, pecking into the dirt of a lowly farm town.

She turned to the boys. "Capture each and every one of the doves that reside in this area. Not a single one will be forgotten. If you are short by even one, the punishment will not be pleasurable."

Xarx looked up, his eyes black as night. "What for?"

Madame Suliman crooked her smile. "That is my business." And with that, a smoky cloud erupted from her feet and covered her entirely. As the smoke disappeared, they noticed that she had gone with it.

Noe crossed her arms. "Well, better get to it."

Nade stretched his arms, waving his hands toward the fireplace. A warm flame appeared, bringing heat to the desolate room. He snapped his fingers and a cot appeared near the fire, a pillow and cotton blanket perfectly set atop.

He jumped on the cot, the springs squeaking from his weight. "Ah, we can wait until morning. The Madame knows we need strength."

Noe turned to Xarx, who merely shrugged and snapped his fingers, producing the same cot and falling onto the soft mattress. Nade chuckled at Noe's temper before turning over and drifting into a gentle slumber.

Noe stood at the windowsill, watching the doves flock and fly and peck at the ground. She rested her chin in the palm of her hand, wondering what plan Madame Suliman had up her sleeve this time. Though premonition was her source, there were many enigmas about the Royal Sorceress that were locked safely in the Madame’s mind.

Doves - what an odd request. They were such peaceful creatures, wielding a pure innocence that Noe had left behind years ago. She couldn't remember exactly when she lost it, but she knew the defining moment that diminished it entirely. The feeling was so far gone, she didn't want to remember the word's meaning.

She jostled as one of the doves landed on the windowsill. While her instincts told her to capture the white-feathered bird, she held herself back due to Madame Suliman's direct instructions.

Noe will not take any part in this; I want to see dedication from both of you.

She pushed the window up enough for the dove to be within arm's reach. She slowly reached her hand forward, surprised that the bird was willing to let a person pet her. Her feathers were gorgeous, a white so clean she shined like the moon.

But what really stood out to Noe was the oddity of her eye color. Since when did birds' eyes burn a fiery red?

Chapter Text

My dearest Lona,

You mean the world to me...

...There is nothing I can do...

...I must report to the Palace when summoned....

...This will not be forever, I promise...

She must have read the letter a million times since coming home. His beautiful handwriting was covered in her teardrops, the words smearing and becoming harder to read. It had to be this way; she knew that. Somehow, though, she thought he would have stayed.

Lona wiped her eyes. How could she act this way? She needed to be strong. Though the tears had stopped, the redness under her eyes wouldn't go away for a while. Madame Suliman had requested his services in the war, and while Lona was against war entirely, she understood that he had no authority to deny her. It was the price of apprenticing under such a prestigious teacher, Kenta had said before.

She read the last line once more: This will not be forever, I promise. The ring he had left on the table with the note was the only solace she had of him ever returning to her. The hints of diamond crested into the ring were the type of simplistic beauty Lona adored. She had already placed it on her finger, admiring the glistening stones. They weren't very rich, but she assumed this ring had taken a large amount of the money they had saved.

She laughed lightly. She was talking as if they were already married. It seemed that way, though. Everyone in their town called them Mr. and Mrs. Itō. She had been asked why there wasn't a ring on her finger before by their traditional neighbors, and she would merely say that they couldn't afford one at the time.

Now, he had proposed to her. Indirectly, of course, but he had meant to do so.

Lona shook her leg up and down, the thought of Kenta fighting in a war terrifying to her. Madame Suliman must have known he was special, otherwise she wouldn't have chosen him to join her army. He would survive this; he would come back to her.

She only had this beautiful ring as hope for his return.

All of a sudden, a knocking broke Lona from her imagination. She darted her gaze to the door, limbs shaking. She was still in shock of Kenta's hasty departure.

She wiped her eyes again, hoping her emotions wouldn't burst through. "I'll be right there." She walked toward the door, primping her dress and flipping her long hair back. She opened the door.

Lona expected her friends Zedda and Ann to arrive for their social, though neither stood on the other side. A large woman in a lingering, violet gown smiled eerily, her fur hat covering half of her face and her auburn red hair. Her jewelry was enchanting, something Lona could never dream of owning. Her complexion was stunning and intimidating all the same.

Lona raised her eyebrows. "Oh, hello."

The woman looked around the interior, like she was scanning the room, yet she avoided any eye contact with the young woman. "Is this the home of Kenta Itō?"

Lona opened the door wider - she knew Kenta. "Yes. I'm his... his wife." It felt nice to say that. His wife. Kenta's wife. She could wait for him to return; she would wait a million years.

The woman caught her gaze. Her eerie smile dropped. "Sorry, darling."

Lona wrinkled her brow. "For what?"

The woman raised her hand, and the cottage began to shake. "For getting involved."

Lona turned around, noticing the furniture and decorations fidgeting in their places. The picture frames on the fireplace mantel vibrated toward the edge, a couple smashing to the ground, the glass cracking into puzzle pieces. Lona gaped at the commotion. "What's happening? What are you doing? I thought you were a friend of Kenta’s."

Lona turned back to the woman and thought her mind was playing tricks on her. She was transparent, the shadow of a body yet the exterior was clearly visible through her. She extended her gown outward, her body reaching forward and passing directly through her. Lona screeched, feeling her body reacting oddly. She was shaking, her body forcibly moving her limbs to curl down.

The woman sighed. "I'm just following orders."

Lona looked down, white feathers appearing and covering her fingers, her hands, her arms. She was shrinking. She caught one last glimpse of the woman in violet, her eyes pleading with her. "Who are you?"

With her chin raised and eyes glaring down at the poor human girl now transformed, the woman’s visage was completely emotionless. "They call me the Witch of the Wastes."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

"I saw her."

Calcifer's eyes beamed to the teenage witch, who had been concentrating her mind on their missing companion for the last two weeks straight. Martha had not received a premonition regarding Gwenda during that time, only a couple from future events that were too far away to worry about. She had focused all of her energy on finding Gwenda, yet no natural premonitions occurred until this very moment.

Now, they were ready to take action.

Calcifer halted the castle abruptly, having been on a constant motion since Gwenda's kidnapping. Howl held Sophie, keeping her grounded on the couch. Markl instinctively cast a spell, making his feet cling to the floor like sticky glue. Kenta was caught off guard and fell backwards against Martha, knocking them both to the floor. Heen clawed at the Witch's leg, his wheezing more rapid than normal.

The Witch held a cigar in her mouth, her typical smile plastered permanently to her face. "Well, that was exciting, now wasn't it?" She breathed a long inhale of the cigar, exhaling a cloud of smoke with a graceful charm.

Heen jumped off of her as she exhaled, running toward Markl as he unglued his feet. The smoke travelled to Sophie, who coughed away from the stench. Howl looked between her and the Witch, not questioning his motives when he snatched the cigar from her mouth. The Witch pursed her lips, her eyes narrowed at Howl.

"You can use these in your room." Howl folded the cigar, transporting the smoky object there. Howl wanted to make Sophie feel comfortable, especially during her pregnancy.

The Witch humphed. "You're not as fun as I remember."

Kenta turned to Calcifer with irritation. "Care to explain what that was for?" Martha pushed herself out from under Kenta, jogging her head from the unexpected fall.

Calcifer ignored Kenta and held his gaze on Martha. "What did you see exactly?"

Martha stood up, eyes closed. "Gwenda and a man in a dark room. One of the wizards who attacked you all, I assume."

Calcifer clenched his teeth, the mere thought of that scene already unappealing to him. Martha noticed his tension and continued. "He gave her a plate of food and left. The vision followed him instead of her. He entered a living room. Fireplace, dining table, kitchen. The place was really run down, picture frames and glasses broken on the floor. I could see out the front window, and it looked like a farm town."

Kenta raised his eyebrows. "A farm town?" Martha nodded. Kenta gambled with his next response. "Did you notice a clock that looked like a cat in the kitchen? Kinda had a weird smile on its face below the numbers?"

Martha creased her brow. "Yeah, how did you know that?"

Kenta formed fists at his side. "Because they're using my home as a hideout."

"Kenta, are you positive?" Howl asked. "I mean, how many people do you think own cat clocks that… bizarre?"

"Not many that are as rundown as Gwenda and I saw my home to be. They have to be there. If they were smart, at least. And understanding how Noe's mind works, she wouldn't go back to the Palace - she wouldn't have control over the situation."

"Kenta, what are your home's coordinates?"Calcifer said in a desperate tone.

"87 east and 24 south, but I don't see how-" Before he finished speaking, Calcifer whispered a spell and vanished from the fireplace, a line of smoke arising from his previous spot. The room silenced itself as they stared in disbelief at the hastiness of the fire demon.

Howl scratched his head. "I never thought Calcifer could... you know..."

"Love?" Sophie smiled at Howl, tapping his arm. "It's not just a human thing."

Howl raised an eyebrow. "And how do you know?"

"Where there is a heart, there is love."

Howl turned to his side. He had known Calcifer for years, though he had forgotten how oblivious he was to him at the same time. There was a heart in him, he now understood. Even without the heart he gave him, Howl believed Calcifer always had his own.

"I'll watch him." Martha sat in front of the fireplace, quietly casting a spell.

"How?" Sophie asked.

She continued the spell until her eyes viewed the room she had seen in the beginning of her vision. Gwenda, chained to a bedpost in a cold room. A light fire sparked in the fireplace before her. At least she was aware that they were coming for her.

"This spell allows me to choose a time and place in the present to observe.” Martha explained. “Now that we know exactly where she is, I can observe the scene and determine the best time for us to intervene."

Kenta sat cross-legged next to Martha. "We may as well prepare, then. I can move the castle in Calcifer's place." He spoke to himself softly, repeating the words over and over again before the castle picked up his feet and started moving once more.

Markl stood next to Howl, tugging gently on his coat. "What are we going to do against those magicians who attacked you?"

Howl lowered his gaze. There were many things Howl remembered from their apprenticeship, and one was how strong Nade and Noe were. Kenta had confided in him years later that after Howl's disappearance from the apprenticeship, Noe graduated top of their class. Nade was within the top ten, but Noe was truly the one to fear.

He was surprised to see Xarx within their trio. Exie or Nolan would have been a better match for them. Xarx had struggled for years to prove himself to Madame Suliman, and anything he did never satisfied her.

Maybe she was giving him another chance.

"I wonder if they expect us to come after Gwenda," Sophie said. “What if they called for more of her soldiers to ambush us there?”

Howl bit his lip - that was a concern he didn’t want to think about. "We can't fight off more than those three. Martha, Kenta, Markl, and I are the only ones who can fight."

Sophie sighed. She knew he left her out for a reason, that he didn't want to put her in danger due to the baby. She wished she was given these powers before - maybe she would have been more useful in battles or defense.

Martha chimed in, her mind still focused on the vision. "Technically, I don't specialize in battle. My powers are concentrated on protection and premonition."

Howl huffed. "So then we only have three offensive wizards."

The Witch of the Wastes sat in her chair, crossing her arms in a fit. "If I had my powers still, I would be able to fight as well."

Sophie turned to her, overcome by sympathy. There was a time when Sophie feared this woman; now she was the one caring for her. There was a time when she was known as the Witch of the Wastes, the one humans cautioned over whenever she was around. Now, people had forgotten her very existence.

She remembered the moment Suliman took her powers away - one moment a great and fearful witch, the next a trembling old woman.

Sophie rested a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry Suliman stripped you of your powers."

The Witch batted her eyes to Sophie, holding her hand with smooth, wrinkled fingers. "It's not your fault, darling. I just thought that if I pleased her with all of her missions and schemes, she would finally reward me."

Howl raised an eyebrow. "What kinds of missions did you do for Suliman?"

The Witch sighed, her neck curling as she slumped back further into the armchair. "I did a great deal of her dirty work. And I'm not proud of it, but... I thought it was the only way to finally be recognized for my talents."

Sophie swallowed hard. "Is that why you cursed me to be an elderly woman?"

The Witch shook her head. "No, Sophie. I apologize, but that was for my own selfish reasons. However, I know I ruined many poor souls on my own account and on account of that Suliman. I transformed good people into nothing. Coal, mice, the old... even doves."

"Doves?"

"Another one of Suliman's jobs before the first war began." The Witch said. Martha and Kenta listened quietly, though Martha focused on her vision with more concentration than Kenta. "She wanted all magicians under her control to have no reason to return home. So..."

Kenta turned to her. The castle began to slow down. "So, what?"

"She told me to transform their loved ones into anything that would hinder them from returning home."

Kenta stopped his spell completely. The house halted as it did before, the residents once again holding onto anything to keep themselves grounded. Kenta stood up. "Every single one she brainwashed? You went to their homes and transformed their families into birds?"

Martha whipped her head around. "Kenta, you need to keep chanting."

His eyes locked on the Witch's. "Answer the question."

The Witch creased her eyebrows, a slow nod following. "Essentially, yes. Suliman gave me the choice of the transformations, and I chose doves."

Kenta held fists at his side, though he restrained himself from moving just yet. He jittered his teeth, his breath rough and ragged through the small openings between them. "Did you happen upon a cottage right before the Wastes? Did you ever meet a young woman with blonde hair and red eyes?"

Howl moved his eyes between the Witch and Kenta, watching them cautiously. The Witch pondered this for a moment. She shrugged. "I feel like I would remember someone like that... I-I don't know."

Kenta took two steps toward her, Sophie gasping. "Kenta, what are you doing?"

He placed the fingers from his right hand against her temple, sending an image of his cottage and Lona into her mind. If she couldn't remember herself, he would force her to it.

The Witch widened her eyes. The girl with beautiful hair and sparkling eyes. The one who started it all. "That's her! She was my first victim!"

Kenta dropped his arms. All this time, it was her. The Witch of the Wastes was the reason for Lona's disappearance. She was responsible for whatever happened to her. She single-handedly gave his love to Suliman.

Kenta growled, his animalistic qualities arising. "You evil witch!"

"Kenta!" As he took out his wand, Howl snatched it away. He glared at Howl, but moved to use his hands for a spell. Martha broke her vision and used her mind to hold his hands behind his back. He thrashed from her invisible grip, unable to move closer to the Witch. Sophie stood in front of her, keeping the Witch safe from his temper.

"Kenta, she made a mistake!" Martha pleaded. Kenta's eyes raged, his body using every ounce of strength to break Martha's hold on him. His arms grew hair from his gryphon form, his hands turning to claws. Markl hid behind the couch as Heen hid underneath it, watching the events take place.

"She's the reason Lona is gone. She took away the only person I loved!" Kenta used his heightened strength and flung his arms back, breaking Martha's grip and sending her toward the fireplace. She landed on the hot ashes, jumping and falling to the ground from the sparks. Howl leapt over the couch and pushed the furniture pieces away, keeping the Witch farther from Kenta's rage. Sophie backed up to her and calmed her fears.

Kenta attempted a strangle, but Howl grabbed his arms and thrust him to the ground. Kenta brought up one foot before Howl knocked him back down, harder than the first time. Quickly, his arms grew raven wings, his source of darkness taking over. With all the emotions he carried, Howl covered Kenta in a frightening void of emptiness.

Instead of submitting, Kenta rumbled the ground, his signature earthquake spell distorting Howl's balance. Martha rushed between them, her hands extending toward the two wizards. She had planned a slumber spell, hoping they would awaken with contentment rather than anger. However, her plans changed the moment the fire demon returned home.

"Go, now!"

All eyes turned to Calcifer, his breaths short and his eyes bulging. "What?"

Calcifer was frantic with fear. "They're taking her away! They're taking all of them away!"

Chapter Text

There he was. So calm, so professional even by his lonesome. The way he was immersed in the book, his eyes darting back and forth and quickly turning the next page, was fascinating to her. His hand moved to his creamy hair, casually brushing through the manicured curls, and her eyes followed his every movement. It was hard not to stare and dream.

Eventually, Prince Justin noticed her from the corner of his eye and immediately smiled. "What a nice surprise, Gwenda."

She jostled the laundry basket in her grip, her lips creasing upward in an awkward state. "Oh, um... yes. I was sent to pick up the laundry, Your Highness."

Prince Justin closed his book with one motion, gently laying it on the desk next to a bouquet of white roses. His smile was still firmly intact. She couldn't pin down what it was about that smile, but every time she saw it her spirit lifted with a rare sense of joy.

He waved her to follow him, so she did. A few steps behind him, they entered the massive closet meant for someone of his status. She gawked at the multitude of colors and rows of hanging suits. His shoes lined next to each other at the far end of the closet, shades of brown and grey and black all perfectly coordinated. Everything looked so perfect.

She didn't think he heard her as a 'wow' escaped her lips. He nodded proudly. "It is kind of impressive, isn't it?"

"I barely have enough room for the three maids' dresses they give us." She had said it before her mind comprehended the words. She covered her mouth in an instant, hoping that would reverse the effect. However, Justin had clearly heard her.

He shook his head. "You look beautiful even in those."

Gwenda stole a glance, unaware of the goosebumps running up her arms as he lightly touched her hand. Their touch was electricity that sparked throughout her entire being. His eyes glistened like crystals in the daylight. She tried fighting the impulsive thoughts that rushed through her mind - He belongs with you. Kiss him right now. He loves only you.

"Your Highness." Gwenda jolted around. Beth widened her eyes as she noticed the two from afar, but it wasn't her coworker of whom Gwenda was frightened. Her mind flooded with a stream of new, more terrorizing thoughts.

Lettie is going to kill me.

"Darling!" Lettie rushed over to them with pure excitement and no condemnation for Gwenda almost holding Justin’s hand. Her beautiful pink dress floated with each step, like she was walking on the air. Gwenda curled the hairs that fell from her braid; her blue maid's dress was nothing to be proud of compared to Lettie's pristine beauty.

"Gwenda, I've missed you so much dear." Lettie wrapped her arms around her dear friend, needing to stand on tiptoes in order to fully embrace her. Gwenda shakily moved her arms around her, though her eyes focused on Beth, who only stared with disbelief.

Gwenda sighed. "I've missed you, too."

Lettie held her arms, a side smirk planted on her face. "We need to have a girl's day soon. Just you and me."

"Now, I don't know if I would necessarily enjoy that." Justin's hand fell onto Gwenda's shoulder, instantly jerking from the feeling. His touch wasn't electricity anymore - it was more like a knife slicing her repeatedly on the inside.

Lettie touched his nose. "You can give me one day without you to spend time with my friend, can't you darling?"

Justin leaned toward her and winked. "Anything for you, love." His hand fell from Gwenda's shoulder and cupped Lettie's cheeks, the two of them leaning in for a kiss.

Gwenda's teeth chattered, her hands fumbling and holding each other back from decking him from behind. He always did this; one moment she was the center of his attention and the next, he was flaunting his relationship in front of her. Not like she should be surprised - Lettie was far prettier and easily blended into his fanciful world.

Lettie pulled away, her cheeks flushing bright red. "Um, Gwenda? Is there any way we could be alone right now?"

Gwenda raised her eyebrows, the laundry basket still in her grip. "Of course. Right after I get Your Highness' laundry."

Justin hardly turned around to point toward the corner of disheveled clothes. Gwenda hadn't seen the mess amidst the glorious wonder of the closet. "Right over there."

The two lovebirds were too preoccupied with kisses and whispered affections as she collected the dirty laundry and hurried past them. Neither noticed that she had left.

She slammed the door shut, her vision blurring. Every time. Every single time she fell for his little tricks. He made her feel wanted; he made her feel like someone actually loved her. And the second Lettie walked in, she didn't exist anymore.

Gwenda cursed herself. How could she do that to Lettie? Have feelings for her boyfriend? She was betraying the one person who gave her a chance, gave her everything when she had nothing. She was her friend first - Justin was her boss.

"Gwenda, what were you thinking?" She turned around, Beth standing right behind her. Her gaze was sympathetic, but her words were harsh and true. "He's the Prince and he's in a relationship."

Gwenda wiped her eyes, her voice muffled. "I don't know, okay? I honestly don't know."

Beth approached her slowly, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Lettie is your friend."

"You think I don't know that?" Gwenda said, louder than she had hoped. She held the basket of laundry closer to her. She still had two more rooms to collect dirty laundry from. "I have to finish this before kitchen duty."

"Gwenda." Beth called out to her, but she was ignored. The devastated maid rushed down the hall to King Roland's and Queen Johanna's room, all the while holding back the tears she shed every time Justin played with her emotions. He was cruel; he was deceitful; and she wouldn't fall for his tricks anymore.

Gwenda scoffed. "Love is so stupid."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

As the days went by, her hope for rescue lessened and faded until she had only a sliver of desperation left. She had lost track of the days it had been since her capture, and wondered if anyone would ever come. She worried if any of them were even looking.

Gwenda shivered on the wooden floor, the room growing colder by the minute. Noe thought one day that it would be fun to see how she would fare with the window opened, and the added wind chill escalated the frost in her prison.

Noe was her least favorite, the next one being her little puppy who always followed her around calling her sweetheart. The third captor was quiet; he never really spoke much to her or his fellow tyrants. Nevertheless, they both let Noe take charge, and she abused that power entirely.

Gwenda lifted a shriveled hand to her ratty hair, her blonde locks mostly brown and dirty from the lack of maintenance. Her braid was nonexistent, the long hairs falling to the ground in a heaping mess. They wrapped around her body, blanketing her shivering arms. Her chains were icicles around her wrists, and the metal blades left scarring bruises. Blue and black and red marks circled around her wrists. If she were ever to get out of this alive, they would be a reminder of this unbearable torture.

She craned her neck toward the open window, the sun barely hanging in the sky above the mountains. No sign of wizards or a walking castle or her friends - yet no matter how many times she glanced out the window, there was still that glimmer of hope inside that they were out searching for her.

It could only be a dream, since there was no way to know for sure. Maybe this was how her life was going to end. Maybe she was supposed to rot away and disintegrate and vanish. Maybe everyone was destined to leave her.

Gwenda choked up. "Maybe I'm not as important to them as I thought I was."

Her eyes flitted to the fluttering doves that landed on the windowsill. She tilted her head and thought she was imagining things. The doves gazed at her until one perched onto the ground, jumping toward her until she reached Gwenda's limp body. She lifted her fallen hand, the one Noe had twisted when she was first taken. Her hand hadn't fully recovered and small movements had become a struggle.

The dove rubbed her beak against Gwenda's index finger, the light gesture brightening her spirits ever so slightly. She sighed with a smile, staring at the dove with shining white feathers and sparkling red eyes. "You're beautiful."

The dove directed her gaze toward her counterparts and, in one quick motion, leapt into the air and flew out the window. Gwenda pushed against the bedpost, watching the magnificent flight of doves as they soared into the sky. They were majestic; they were free.

Her smile quickly frowned as she saw three of those doves caught in a net. She pushed herself up farther until she saw the two wizards holding the net secure. Nade enclosed the doves, ignoring their struggles to escape, while Xarx waved his hand over the net, the doves soon disappearing. After they had vanished, the wizards sought out the rest.

Gwenda felt her legs wobble and she fell to the floor in one motion, her knee landing first. They had taken every ounce of her strength and will to keep going. Part of her wished they would just stop this misery, destroy the last bit of hope she had left of her friends and just finally end her life.

Anything was better than eternal persecution.

From the corner of her eye, she felt a glowing light appear. It must have been a dream, she thought, since nothing beautiful existed in this depressing room. Nothing shone in this darkness; nothing warm ever emitted from the desolate fireplace. She tried convincing herself this was only in her imagination.

However, as she turned a cold eye to the grey cement, the face of her dear companion rested in the blazing fire, his eyes wide and torn. "Gwenda."

She shivered from the breeze. "I feel so weak, Calcifer."

He immediately took action. "Stay with me. Don't give up."

Calcifer reached forward as far as possible, sending clouds of warmth toward Gwenda. She rubbed her hands over the heat, then watched as they entered through her heart and warmed her on the inside. She convulsed, her renewed muscle strength unfamiliar.

She saw Calcifer clearly now. He came for her. He used the teleportation that he said he rarely used. A light laugh escaped her lips. "I guess this applies to you drastic measures, otherwise you wouldn't have come."

"What are you talking about?” Calcifer said, “We've been looking for you for weeks."

Gwenda raised her eyebrows. They were looking for her; they did care. She doubted their loyalty, and yet she was still rewarded with their friendship. "You were?"

"I was going crazy not knowing where you were or how to bring you back." Calcifer's voice cracked, his eyes wishing to produce tears but his existence restricting such ability. Here she was, lying in a bone-chilling room with nothing but the clothes on her back and metal chains holding her to a bedpost. He noticed her wrists and how deadly they looked - how unlike human skin they appeared.

His fiery arms reached for her once more, only this time they turned to her hands. He wrapped his fiery fingers around her wrists, his heat casting a healing spell over the bruises and cuts, along with her broken hand. Gwenda felt her right hand - she could move it again.

Gwenda shivered from his kindness. "Thank you."

Calcifer slouched in the hearth, afraid of the answer to his next question. "Gwenda, what have they done to you?"

She turned to the empty plates on the ground, some still with bits of food and others licked clean. She kicked one of them away. "Two meals a day, but it's nothing enjoyable. I think they just throw whatever they find onto a plate and pass it off as food."

Calcifer trembled. Not from the freezing temperature, but from discovering their heinous treatment of someone he cared about. "You're chained up like an animal."

Calcifer was surprised to see a smile on her face - a smile meant only for him. "It doesn't matter. You came for me."

The words left before he contemplated saying them. "I'd do anything for you."

And he would; he knew that. She was the reason why he still kept going. She was the one keeping him alive. She helped him see that life didn't have to be just a string of surviving years, but that there were things and people worth living for. She was his purpose.

Calcifer heard a whimper, her eyes welling up and reddening. She gasped, "I'm so sorry."

Calcifer wrinkled his fiery eyebrows. "For what? I'm the one who should be sorry."

Gwenda shook her head, her hand covering her mouth as she spoke. "I said you didn't know how to love." Calcifer held his breath. That was the last thing she said before she was taken; that was the one thing she needed to say to break his heart and soul all at once.

Gwenda continued. "Which even at the time I said it I knew was wrong. I mean, you have a family. You love Sophie and Howl and Markl, even the crazy Witch of the Wastes, I guess."

Calcifer opened his mouth to speak, but she was too focused to stop. "And you were right. All this time, I was just hiding my feelings for Justin because I thought love was wrong. I thought anyone who fell in love was bound to live a miserable life. And that's exactly what happened to me - I was in love with a manipulative, horrible excuse of a man. But I could never love him that way, not ever again.”

Calcifer lowered his gaze. He thought that admitting she loved another would break him even further, but for some reason it was a heavy weight off of his fragile self. Maybe it was that she no longer felt that affection for him or that she would finally be able to love someone else. Maybe he was just optimistic that she would feel the same about him.

The room was quiet. Calcifer wasn't sure if she wanted to keep going, but she seemed to have made her peace with the situation. There were so many things he wanted to say to her - actually, there was really only one, but there were so many different ways to say it. He didn't want to ruin the relationship they already had, but he didn't want to hide this feeling, never knowing if they could have been something more.

Calcifer's breath was shaky. "Love comes with the biggest price, more than the price of magic. By loving someone, you give that person everything they could possibly use against you. You become more trusting, more vulnerable, willing to share things with that person because you want them to notice you or love you in return." Calcifer locked onto Gwenda's gaze, watching her eyes wander to the chains around her. "And the more you love someone who doesn't love you back, the more it will hurt and the more life will be misery."

Gwenda smiled, her eyes glistening from the light of his fire. "You sound like an expert on this kind of stuff."

Calcifer's visage remained neutral. "I wasn't hurt that you said I didn't know how to love. I was hurt that you didn't think I understood romantic love."

Gwenda dropped her smile. She reached his gaze, regret written everywhere. "I just never expected it. For the longest time, I thought magicians and creatures were incapable of romantic love and that they only fed on humans with lustful wishes."

"Maybe some, but not all. And you know even some humans are like that."

Gwenda bit her lower lip and closed her eyes to hold the tears back. "My own mother left my father for a wizard who only took advantage of her." Calcifer widened his eyes. She had never told him that; he couldn't recall a moment that she spoke of her family except for her sister. This was the stem of her hatred, a stem that had grown and flourished for years.

Her lips trembled as she forced herself to continue. "It broke my father's heart and he drank himself to death. Then when Lona ran away with Kenta, I just... I didn't want the same thing to happen to her."

Calcifer swallowed hard. "Do you still feel that way?"

She shook her head. "Seeing Sophie and Howl and how far they will go to protect each other - even Kenta during our search for Lona - they all helped me realize that love might not be all that bad."

Calcifer's flames rose and his pigment reddened ever so softly. He looked at Gwenda with newfound confidence. "Love is beautiful. It can be tragic and it can be heart-wrenching, but above all it is beautiful."

Gwenda nodded, though her gaze wandered around the room once more. He sucked in a courageously deep breath. "And I may be a fool for finally admitting this, but Gwenda... I think I've been in love with you for a really long time."

Gwenda slowly turned her head to face him, her wide eyes filled with a mixture of emotions. Calcifer sat in the fireplace, his confidence still intact but the lack of response from her was gradually taking that confidence away. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. No words, no mumbles, just dead air.

Gwenda's lips quivered. "Calcifer-"

"Hey!" The door flung open, hitting the wall with a bang. Gwenda tensed with a frightening look toward Noe while Calcifer seethed from her presence. She was the reason Gwenda was in this dump; she was the culprit.

Her hair was perfectly braided into two pigtails, her broomstick in hand. She first took notice of Calcifer, her eyes gleaming. "Oh, how cute. Your little savior is a fire demon."

Noe walked toward the fireplace, though Calcifer blew hot flames toward her to keep her away. Noe retreated and waved the flames away with the end of her broomstick.

Calcifer fumed. "Leave her alone. She's done nothing to you."

Noe clenched her teeth and turned to Gwenda, resuming her composure. "Madame Suliman wants you. Those dimwits actually did something she asked them to do. You and your other human friends are going on a little trip."

"What do you mean?" Calcifer said, his flames boiling and raging. He couldn't lose her again; he couldn't let them just take her away right in front of him. Not again.

Noe knelt across from him, her smirk as nasty as her personality. "Suliman has better ways of getting your friends to give up that baby." She reached into her satchel and held a white powder. She threw the powder over Calcifer, his fire sucking through a portal back to the castle. His last glimpse was of Gwenda reaching for him, the chains holding her back and the evil witch girl knocking her unconscious.

"Gwenda, no!" Calcifer flung through a portal not of his own creation, spinning through it until he landed back in the fireplace of Howl's castle. He panted harshly until he noticed where he was.

Howl and Kenta were both in their animalistic forms to a certain extent while the others watched them fight. Calcifer didn't waste another second. "Go, now!"

They all turned to him, his breaths short and his eyes bulging. They weren't there; they didn't see what he saw. They didn't know what Suliman was planning.

Sophie stood agape. "What?"

Calcifer was frantic with fear. "They're taking her away! They're taking all of them away!"

Kenta and Howl reverted back to their human forms, completely ignoring their argument from before. Kenta whispered a spell and a swirling portal appeared below their feet. Howl and Kenta jumped below, vanishing into the labyrinth.

Chapter Text

The Kingsbury Palace always felt eerie this late at night, even during a normal period. It was unusual for him to walk through the dim halls at this hour, passing by the repetitive trend of glass windows that exposed the capital's skyline in the night. He walked by grieving servants and guards, a few handkerchiefs in hand to dab their tears away.

It was a mournful time, indeed.

Howl held his composure. Though he was saddened by the death of their beloved King Edward, he had other matters to attend to. His apprenticeship with the Royal Sorceress Madame Suliman was coming to an end, and in less than a month he and everyone in the apprenticeship would graduate and move on with their skills. Many would scatter to the cities in Ingary and open shops to sell potions and spells to common humans, and possibly other magicians.

Many of his classmates already mentioned their plans to move to the Wastes, using the Wastes' properties to their own advantage. However, the real prize lay within the Palace.

Howl knew that Madame Suliman was optimistic that at least one of her students would show interest in her work, and he had taken full notice. To become next in line for Royal Sorcerer was everything that he had dreamed of since joining her apprenticeship. He would become a legend; he would be famous.

But even greater than these would be the power.

Howl was sure she favored him over the majority of his class. She always wanted to train privately with him for long hours. Even her own son had grown envious of this special treatment. That never bothered him; he never saw Owen as a challenge. And while he had first rights to follow in his mother's footsteps to become the Royal Sorcerer, Howl had a few tricks up his sleeve to make his case more convincing.

He assumed Madame Suliman would be in her quarters, but an open door in the main halls proved to find her in an alternative spot. Howl held the side of the door, ready to waltz in and make his claim, though he restrained himself after Prince Roland came into sight.

Correction - after tomorrow's coronation, he would be referred to as King Roland.

He stood proudly before Suliman in the Royal Office, his shoulders straight and his hands at his hips. His bright mustache curled up at the ends, something Howl found tacky and too dramatic. However, this was Roland - nothing was too dramatic for him.

Suliman crossed her arms over her chest, her smile very reserved. Roland gestured widely with his arms as he spoke. "And as my first order as King of Ingary, I believe I shall propose a marriage to Johanna Marvel."

Suliman raised an eyebrow. "That's your first order? You're not going to mention anything of your father's recent passing?"

Roland waved a hand, suggesting idiocy from Suliman's words. "Of course I will. He was my father for crying out loud. I'll even have Justin say a few words, maybe spark a few tears from him for sympathy. But now that dad’s finally kicked the bucket, it's time for me to step up. And that also means keeping the family line going. A wife would be a great way to start out my new kingship, wouldn't you think Suliman?"

Suliman nodded, though she still appeared confused. "Of course, Your Majesty. Though I don't understand your reasoning. Johanna Marvel is the daughter of our leading contributor for the militia. What could you possibly gain from that marriage?"

Roland rested a hand on the writing desk. "For one, she's gorgeous. With her beauty and my killer looks, our children would be genetically perfect."

Howl rolled his eyes. Roland was nothing compared to Howl's own stellar looks, but he was right about Johanna Marvel. She had visited Kingsbury quite often with her father and the wizards in the apprenticeship always itched for the chance to stare at her beauty.

Roland leaned closer to Suliman, like he was waiting to unravel a confidential secret. "Also, a marriage with Ash Marvel's daughter would secure my plans for an upcoming war."

Howl took a step back, hoping neither had heard his gasp. He panted with fear in each breath. A war. He wasn't even the King yet and he was already planning a war. Howl wondered how long he strategized this and whether King Edward had the same thoughts. He wondered where he would attack or his reasons for enacting such a treacherous notion.

He wondered who would fight for him.

Suliman cackled. "Already planning a war before your coronation. You do dream big."

Roland rested firm fists against his hips, staring proudly at the sorceress. "Dad always said if you don't dream big, you're not dreaming hard enough."

Suliman clasped her hands together, her typical smirk planted firmly on her face. "However, I'm going to ask you kindly to postpone this war you have in mind, as well as the marriage."

Howl released a breath of relief. At least she had her senses still intact.

Roland dropped his jaw. "Suliman, I don't think you realize what a war would do. We could expand our borders, we could exploit the riches of our neighboring lands, we-"

"I said postpone, Roland." Suliman enunciated. "I have an army that will be ready to serve their Royal Sorceress given the proper incentive."

Howl inched closer to the door, hoping his ears were deceiving him. She wasn't persuading him to change his position at all - she was encouraging it.

Roland tapped his chin. "You mean your apprentices?" Suliman nodded, much to the future king’s excitement. "An army of magical creatures would definitely fare well for our side."

"And with their loyalty to me, they should have no reason to disobey." Suliman held her gaze to Roland. "I just need time."

"How much time?"

"The apprenticeship ends in a month." Suliman said. "Then my students will run off across Ingary and use what I've taught them to do wonderful and magnificent things. After some time, according to the agreement they signed, when their Royal Sorceress asks them to return for an important mission, they will have no choice but to report when summoned."

Roland pursed his lips. "That still doesn't give me a timeframe."

Suliman nodded. "I estimate three to four years. I want to earn their trust so they will return to me with pride. And if they don't, I'll persuade them my way."

Howl stepped back, his mind struggling to comprehend everything he had just heard. He didn't think - he just ran.

He rushed by more saddened servants and loyal guards. He kept running up the long flights of stairs until he reached the floor meant for the apprenticing magicians. He stopped when he saw them in the common area. His classmates, his friends, and even those he didn't like very much, were all being tricked. This was all fool’s gold. Instead of magic and power beyond their dreams, Suliman had far worse plans for them.

"Howl." He jolted when a hand patted his shoulder. His comrade Kenta smiled at him. "Nolan, Exie, and I are going to play a few card games. Care to join us?"

Howl quickly shook his head. "No, I'm fine." He couldn't pretend everything was all right, but he feared Suliman's suspicion of him even more. How could he tell his closest friend the truth without one of her guards listening to their conversation? One minute he was confident enough to approach the Royal Sorceress and convince her that he was the most suitable successor to her position, and in an instant his entire future shattered.

Howl turned to Kenta, hoping he'd think to read his mind. I'm leaving this place. I'm leaving and I'm never coming back. You must do the same.

"Everything okay?" Kenta frowned. He stared with worrisome eyes, but he didn't understand why.

Howl took in a shaky breath, forcing a rough smile. Eventually, his friend would know the truth; he just hoped it wouldn't be too late. "Yeah. I just need some rest."

He pushed by Kenta, hearing the others laugh and socialize as if everything was fine. Howl refused to take part. He couldn't be there to watch Suliman abuse their wonderful gifts. Yet he knew even if he had warned them of her plans, no one would believe him.

She had already gained their trust - why wouldn't they fight for her?

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

It was hard not to hope. It was hard not to expect something so inconceivable. Yet they still thought that maybe Gwenda would be there. Had Kenta moved the castle faster or enacted the portal quicker, their chances of bringing her home may have seemed favorable.

It was hard not to hope, but it was worse seeing that their hope had deceived them.

In a lonely cottage, Howl and Kenta scoured the place, looking for answers. There were definite signs of usage. Misshapen cots in the living room, two glasses half empty on the dining table, and the front door was actually hinged. Last time Kenta was here, not even the door hung straight.

"Let's check the bedrooms." Kenta said with caution. "Make sure no one stayed behind to ambush us."

Howl and Kenta approached two separate rooms with caution. Howl tapped the door open, hearing the shrill creaks of the door until it hit the wall. Broken shackles chained to the bed, the smoke of a recent fire still steaming on hot ashes, and a window clanking against the side of the house with the force of the wind. Gwenda had been there.

Howl inhaled a long, deep breath. He couldn't imagine how Calcifer was able to look at her chained to the ground in this desolate space and not come back sooner. Had they acquired more information, he and Kenta would have been able to bring her back to the castle and out of Suliman's hands. What did he have to say that was so important?

Howl shook his head; nothing could change the events that occured. They were written in history, and all that was left was to start from scratch.

Back in the main room, Kenta sat at the dining table, raising one of the glasses. He stared at the rim, twisting it slowly to see all around. He rubbed the thick beard around his chin, his mind deep in thought and absent to his surroundings. So, when Howl shut the bedroom door Kenta shook with fear and raised his arms in a quick defense. He held his breath for a few seconds before closing his eyes and releasing the air through his mouth.

"You scared me." Kenta said.

"Sorry." Kenta returned his gaze to the glass. "Gwenda was definitely here. The room looked like a provisional prison."

Kenta nodded. "No sign of anything in the guest bedroom. Pretty sure Noe used it, though."

"What makes you say that?"

Kenta removed his focus from the glass to Howl. "It's the cleanest room here. The quilt had no creases, the floor was spotless, and she even added red pillows."

Howl bobbed his head from side to side. "Yeah, that sounds like Noe. I'm still surprised she teamed up with Nade and Xarx. They wouldn't know how to clean even if they were given spells to do it for them."

Kenta narrowed his eyes at the glass in his hand, mere inches from his face. "What do you think Calcifer meant by 'all of them'? Who else would Suliman have held captive here?"

Howl blinked. He forgot those were the first words out of his mouth when their demon friend returned. "I don't know. It looks like Gwenda was the only prisoner here."

Kenta pursed his lips. "I think Suliman has something hidden up her sleeve."

"Don't I always?"

Howl and Kenta back away from the sound of a foreign voice. Kenta dropped the glass, letting it shatter on the floor. They both held defensive positions, their minds repeating a dozen or so spells to attack if necessary.

Howl seethed through his teeth. "Suliman."

She widened her smile, her malicious teeth showing. "So lovely to see my favorite apprentices once more."

"We are no longer your apprentices." Kenta said with a growl.

Suliman sighed. "Yet everything you know is because of me."

Kenta grunted and warped the air in the room into a wild tornado. He directed the spinning cyclone to Suliman, who merely waved her hand before it and calmed the storm.

Suliman dropped her head in a heavy laugh. "Come now, dear Kenta. You haven't even heard my proposition yet."

"We don't want anything from you." Howl said.

Suliman raised her eyebrows. "Not even the whereabouts of Gwenda and Lona?"

Kenta choked up. The sound of Lona's name coming from Suliman's lips sent all sorts of terrible thoughts into his mind. Suliman was quick to notice this, and her attention focused on him. "You want her back, don't you?"

Kenta blinked rapidly, his mind racing all over. How he missed her; he would leap over mountains and oceans and valleys just to snatch a glimpse of her again. Lona was so close. She was always so close until Suliman stepped in and made it that much harder to find her, to be with her again.

He lowered his gaze. "More than anything."

Suliman peaked her spirits. "I can return her to you."

Howl watched Kenta carefully. He knew how Suliman played her games. It was a sport to her, persuading younger, more vulnerable magicians to side with her. He knew Kenta was a strong wizard, but he also knew that his love for Lona was of utmost importance.

Kenta growled through bitter teeth, his eyes meeting Suliman's. He was not fooled. "Liar. You'll only make it harder for us to be together."

Suliman pursed her lips lightly. "I don't know if you heard me correctly. I said-"

"No." Kenta stepped forward, his hands held as if he were pushing her away. "No, I heard you just fine. You used us for warfare, Suliman. You took our abilities and brainwashed us into blind soldiers so that you and the Royal Family could destroy other lands. I won't be a part of that anymore."

A laugh escaped from Suliman, almost as if she were ignoring Kenta's denial. "So, it appears that Lona is just not that important to you, then."

Kenta bit his lip, pressing down until he tasted blood. "Lona is everything to me. But if joining your army is your only proposition, then I'll find her on my own terms. Because I don't believe for one second that you will reunite us. You're the very reason why she went missing in the first place."

Suliman dropped her delighted facade, her vindictive features exposing her true intentions. She hoped Kenta would be more easily coerced, yet his loyalty to Howl far surpassed his previous loyalty to her.

Howl and Kenta held their stances, preparing for an attack from her. Instead, she merely waved one arm to the other side of her body, a cloud erupting from beneath her feet. Before she disappeared, she left them with a warning. "If you thought I was giving you a hard time before, prepare for a war worse than the last."

Howl lunged for her, but she was gone and he hurled to where she had been. He picked himself up from the floor, brushing the dirt off his pants. Once again, Suliman planned more wars and terror. She held the power in her hands, though Howl knew of one way that might give them a chance.

"We have to go to the Palace." Howl said firmly. "We need to release everyone under her command before she uses them for any more damage. If we give them back control of their abilities, maybe they'll join us to stop her tyranny."

“She's already using them for war in Ovela,” Kenta replied, “How would we be able to set them free from the Palace? When you freed me, I already had my magic."

“Where did you find it?”

“The dove who sent you my letter, it led me to the room where Suliman stole our sources." He widened his eyes, thinking back to the Witch of the Wastes and her pitiful admission. "Could... could that dove have been Lona?"

Howl nodded - just as he expected. "I'm willing to bet it was, especially after what we just heard from the Witch of the Wastes. Even if the magicians aren’t near the Palace, I bet we can still reconnect their sources by releasing them from Suliman’s control.”

Kenta sighed. "And what about Lona and Gwenda? Are we just going to abandon them?"

Howl dropped his gaze. Though it was selfish, he would rather worry about Sophie than the Maguire sisters. He had a baby expected to be born any week, which put her in a very critical position. All of these responsibilities tacked onto him, and Howl wished Gwenda and Lona weren't one of them.

He understood Kenta’s concerns; he empathized with his compassion and love for this girl. It mirrored his own love for Sophie. Even the relationship he and Gwenda recently forged after years of mutual hate for one another was of importance to him. It would go directly against his conscience if Howl simply abandoned them.

"No," Howl said, “I promise you that we will find them both - alive."

Chapter Text

She wanted to fly away. She wanted to fly so far away that no one would ever find her. She'd hide in the clouds and pass through the skies behind the cotton pillows or maybe a good magician could turn her invisible; then no one would see her or ask her for anything. Then, she would be free.

Free at last.

Sophie scoffed. She'd never be free. With her father's recent passing, she lost any hope of escaping this deranged marriage. She pleaded with him for years, begging him to find another way. She didn't love Owen; she didn't even like him. And while her father's attempts always failed, he at least consulted their mother about proposing a new arrangement with the Royal Sorceress.

Yet with every plea she gave him, he only looked at her with hopeless eyes - he knew the decision had been set in stone.

Now, he was gone; she had no one running to her defense. The only thing she had behind her was age. At fifteen years old, the wedding couldn't proceed for at least another three years, even though the groom was royalty. Sophie offered her gratitude for that to the late King Edward.

Ellis Hatter and King Edward - both dying suddenly on the same day. As another strange turn of events, the coronation for King Roland proceeded the very day that Sophie's mother determined what she would do with her three talented daughters.

"Well, your father didn't leave us with much money." Honey said, her eyes shifting between piles and piles of papers and documents - bills and fees and payments. Sophie sat on the couch quietly, her two sisters on either side of her. Lettie held Sophie's hand tightly, their father's untimely death still haunting her. Martha sat cross-legged, her knee bouncing against Sophie's straightened posture. Sophie thought about Martha's seating position and how unfit she was if she were ever in the presence of royalty.

But Sophie hated pleasing royalty.

Honey dropped the papers in her hand onto the coffee table and sighed with exhaustion. She looked up to her girls with torn eyes. "I can't pay for your schooling anymore, girls."

Martha's bouncing knee dropped. Lettie's grip tightened. Sophie lowered her gaze. Though she had already completed most of school, she sympathized with her sisters who still had a few years to go. Lettie was extremely social with her classmates and friends, so this was a true devastation.

Honey turned to Martha first. "Since you're at an age where you still need schooling, I know of an alternative that might just work."

Martha brightened her spirits. "Really?"

Honey nodded. "Mrs. Jarrod is an instructor at Wessex Boarding School in Kingsbury, and she mentioned that she could send one of you there for almost no cost."

Martha widened her eyes. Her voice stuttered. "B-b-boarding school?" Honey nodded. Martha dropped her jaw. "Why? What did I ever do to deserve this?"

Honey leaned closer to her with a desperate smile. "You'll like it. There will be tons of rich young men your age there, so when you get older you can find a nice husband to marry."

Martha’s voice was high-pitched and squeaky. "But I don't want to marry a rich snob!"

Honey motioned for her to relax. "Do not yell at me. I will not tolerate misbehavior." Before Martha could retort, Honey turned to Lettie. "Lettie darling-"

"I'll get a job." Lettie said before she finished. Her lips trembled and she fitted her hands together. "There's an opening for an apprentice at the bakery. I was actually already thinking of working there, or I can work for you at the hat shop if you’d like."

Honey sighed with relief. "That's very sweet of you. However, Sophie will work for me."

Sophie straightened her back. It wasn't what she expected. In fact, she assumed her mother would send her to Kingsbury to be closer to Owen. Maybe she had been rethinking the arrangement and expected her to take ownership of the hat shop one day.

How she hoped this were true.

Sophie nodded rapidly. "Yes. Yes, absolutely. I'll work at the hat shop. I'll work here as long as you need."

Honey smiled softly. "I know you will, Sophie. Your heart is too big for your own good." She returned to the paperwork on the table. "But I only need you here until you're eighteen; then you'll marry Owen and move to the Kingsbury Palace, as we've discussed."

Sophie curled her shoulders inward. She wasn't changing the agreement. She still wanted to continue with the wedding - a wedding that had been planned for almost ten years. Quite saddening to think she wasn’t even the leading player in her own life.

Martha and Lettie turned to her, noticing as Sophie struggled to hide the tears that befell her. Martha nudged her shoulder and when Sophie saw her, she tilted her head toward their distracted mother. Her eyes told her to say something.

Sophie opened her mouth, but nothing came out. How could she deny her own mother?

Martha seethed, her voice raising once more. "Mom, she doesn't want to marry him." The room deafened at the sound of such revelation. Honey stopped sifting through papers, pausing for a moment. She slowly lifted her eyes - first to Martha, then to Sophie.

Her voice was low. "Excuse me?"

Martha nodded with pride. "Owen is rude and he's a jerk and Sophie hates him. You can't make her marry someone like that."

Honey pursed her lips, her eyes glued to Sophie. "Is that true, Sophie?"

She blinked rapidly, avoiding her mother's glare. She swallowed hard. "Owen... he's very... he's not very nice and there's nothing attractive about him. He's so condescending and likes to parade around like he's in charge."

"He's a wizard. He's earned that right."

"But mother, I don't even like him."

"What does that have to do with it?" Honey shouted. Sophie sat back, startled from her mother's abruptness. "This has been the plan for nearly ten years. This is what your father and I decided you would do."

Sophie couldn't look at her. She kept her head low, trying to find the right words. "Can't I make my own decisions?"

Honey inhaled a heavy breath. "You will do as I say and what I say is that you will work at the hat shop for the next three years until you are of age to marry Owen. End of discussion."

Before Sophie or her sisters could retaliate, Honey had already snatched the large stack of papers and moved to her bedroom, the door slamming behind her. Sophie cried into her palms, the tears flooding into her hands like a puddle. Her sisters embraced her with loving arms, holding on as if she would evanesce from existence otherwise.

Their presence calmed Sophie’s timid soul, yet the same thoughts still lingered in her mind.

Fly away. Fly away and never come back.

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

Please come back, she kept thinking. Please come home and stay home.

While the castle was hardly the home they remembered, Sophie yearned for the comfort of Howl by her side. She needed his guidance, his soothing words that calmed her during these anxious times. She was deathly afraid - not for her sake, but for the sake of their child.

Her stomach extended outward, a light kick pushing her forward. Sophie ran her hand over the round belly, trying to feel the life inside of her. This child, this wonderful, innocent child who didn't deserve any of the horrors he or she would most likely witness - a terrorizing, vindictive sorceress always on the prowl for them; frantic parents always on the run for their safety; and a magical gift bestowed upon this child, whether to be used for good or evil still undetermined.

The thought pierced Sophie's heart. If Suliman succeeded, this child would be taught the ways of sorcery and magic through her terms. Or possibly if Suliman failed, their child could revolt against them in the future and run away to discover dark magic. Or maybe-

"Sophie." She inhaled an agitated breath before turning to Martha. "Is everything fine?"

Sophie bit her lip, her teeth chattering against the flesh of her inner cheek. "They've been gone for a while. I'm... I'm just a little nervous."

Markl lay on the ground in front of Calcifer, watching his fire with curious intent. Calcifer hardly noticed the boy as the demon's eyes wandered over the molten ashes, his flames burning with a low intensity. They had been gone longer than he had been when he saw Gwenda, and he began to worry that they didn't make it in time.

The Witch of the Wastes sat curled in the armchair with Heen, having not moved since Kenta's outburst. Her frown deepened and her wrinkles seemed more present than before. The consequences of her actions had finally caught up to her, and nothing could empty the regret that filled her entirely.

Martha sat beside Sophie, running her hands up and down her arm. For years, Martha and Lettie were the ones taking care of her. Sophie was the eldest; she knew it was her duty to protect her younger sisters, to teach them the knowledge she had learned from school and relationships and fighting with their parents. Yet for a long time, they were the doers - she was the one leaning on their shoulders.

"They'll be fine." Martha turned Sophie's chin to her. "I promise."

Sophie sniffled. "You mean, you've seen them return?"

Martha bobbed her head back and forth. "Well, I've seen a lot of things. I've seen future events that involve both Howl and Kenta, so knowing those events are to happen, then this will not be a dangerous journey for them."

Sophie nodded and then another thought crept in mind. "And Gwenda? Will she come back with them?"

Martha held her breath for a moment. She turned to Calcifer, who sat restless in his lowly fireplace. His eyes were droopy and his flame was weak and fading. If Markl hadn't stayed by his side refueling his firewood, Calcifer may not have even noticed he was dying out.

"I doubt they made it in time." Calcifer said with a heavy sigh. "When Noe sent me back, it looked like she was already in the process of relocating her. I'd be surprised if they found anyone in that house."

Martha lowered her gaze and Sophie recognized her sorrow. Possibly, she knew this already but wasn’t sure how to share such sensitive information with them. Sophie wondered how many things Martha knew that she kept hidden from them. For their own good, Martha had told them - because not even she wanted to see the events of the future.

She wondered how her sister lived with such a haunting gift.

A flash of light appeared on the other side of the couch. Heen wheezed from the light and attempted to rush toward it, but the Witch kept him cemented on her lap. Martha and Sophie peered over the edge with curiosity. Calcifer's flames sparked suddenly as a swirling portal released the two wizards, both landing with weak legs on the ground. Markl stood up, shaking with nerves and excitement to see his master and friend. The Witch took notice, though she continued sulking in her chair and avoided eye contact with them.

Howl shook his head to jog the weird sensation from transporting through the portal. It wasn't his favorite mode of travel, but it was the most efficient. He much preferred his magical door, where all he needed to do was switch the dial to go where he wanted.

"Howl." Sophie pushed herself off the couch and rushed over to him, falling into his arms. He held her close to him, his hands running through her silk hair. She leaned against his shoulder, breathing in his scent so she would never forget. "I was so worried about you."

Kenta cleared his throat obnoxiously loud. "I'm fine, too, in case you were wondering." He hoped that would cheer someone - anyone - up for a brief moment, but unfortunately the only one who would have laughed was currently taken hostage.

Calcifer felt his glimmer of hope fade into a lesser flame, having seen only Howl and Kenta return. Even though he doubted they would make it in time, he still wanted to believe in the best case scenario.

Kenta turned to him, observing his dismal appearance. He licked his lips, searching his mind for the right words. "We tried, Calcifer. I'm sorry, we just... we didn't get there in time."

Calcifer nodded. "I assumed so."

Howl released Sophie and faced Calcifer with stark determination. "But we will find her. We're positive Suliman has brought her and whoever else was involved back to Kingsbury.”

"Humans." Calcifer whispered. He noticed a sense of confusion in the room, possibly from his soft tone or the word choice. "When Noe walked in, she mentioned that Gwenda and a group of other humans were going on a trip. Suliman has apparently taken a lot more people than we thought."

Kenta tapped his scruff. "Huh. That would have been nice to know."

Calcifer narrowed his eyes and spat out his words. "Well sorry for not giving you all the information. I was kind of in the middle of worrying about someone else at the moment."

Kenta widened his eyes from Calcifer's tone. "Actually, what I meant was that the humans she took may have been those involved with magicians in her apprenticeship."

"You mean the ones I took, don't you?" All eyes glanced at the Witch, Heen finally settling in her lap. Kenta inhaled deeply, trying to contain his rage. The Witch bowed. "I know you must hate me for what I did to your love. And I know that no amount of apologies will change the facts. But I promise, I will do everything in my power to help."

Kenta laughed. "Everything in your power? You don't even have power."

"Kenta." Martha raised her palm toward the crude wizard. "She's trying. You don't have to make her feel worse."

Before he could retort, Howl placed his arm around his shoulders. "Maybe we should discuss where we need to go from here."

Howl and Kenta moved to the dining room to converse about their next move. Sophie listened to them and tried to follow along, but she fell far behind in their discussion. Every so often, Kenta turned to the Witch, who then would dart her eyes across the room as if she hadn't been just staring at him.

Calcifer's mind ran rampant as he tried pretending that Gwenda was safe; he tried ignoring the numerous thoughts about where she could be or what Noe and her vicious sidekicks were doing to her, yet they flooded in and multiplied like gnats. His mind repeated the moments before Noe walked in and snatched her away - his confession, his confidence to finally reveal his feelings for her, and the look on her face.

Her reaction was burned into his memory eternally.

She didn't even have a chance to respond, and that frightened him. Astonishment was clearly written on her face, as well as her pure blindness to his emotions. Even after all the nights they spent together, it shocked him that she didn't at least see it. Then again, he wasn't so sure himself until she had been kidnapped right in front of him. And it was when he admitted it to her that he absolutely knew it was true.

However, by expressing his feelings Calcifer feared he may have destroyed their friendship.

Martha stood up and walked to Calcifer, kneeling in front of the faint fire. He hardly noticed her until she reached a hand onto the concrete fireplace, her voice a low whisper. "You were so brave to admit that to her."

Calcifer creased his eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

Martha smiled lightly and nodded. "You know. You know what I mean."

"Wait, you-" Calcifer paused as the ground started rumbling, the floorboards vibrating and pulsating throughout the entire castle. Howl embraced Sophie as the others grabbed hold of someone or something to keep them grounded. It was very subtle, very mild at first.

Sophie leaned close to Howl's ear. "Howl, what's going-" Sophie shrieked as the castle fell and tilted toward the front entrance, gravity forcing everything down. The Witch and Heen tumbled toward the front in a rolling motion. Markl jumped onto the couch, though the weight of such a sturdy piece of furniture merely flung them both in the door’s direction.

Martha grabbed onto the concrete edge, her body floating rather than falling with everyone else. Calcifer's ashes spilled over the edge, but he held the grates with the little amount of strength he had left. Howl held Sophie secure and lightened her fall, his arms wrapped around her middle to keep her stomach out of harm's way. Kenta reached for the dining table leg, but the table moved along with them and knocked over onto the floor.

"It's an ambush!" Markl yelled, a trembling finger pointing toward one of the windows. There in the night sky, a swarm flew in circles around the castle. Several of Madame Suliman’s vile creatures flew downward rather than in the pack and the castle dropped to the ground once more in a quick motion.

Howl stared out the window, trying to see who or what was attacking them. He wasn't surprised when he saw the monsters Suliman created swirling around his castle, each one prepared to knock it down.

Chapter Text

This was it - his clean slate. Anything and everything he had done no longer existed, at least in the fragile mind of Howl Pendragon. Finally, he could put those terrible mistakes in the past and move forward. Though he constantly worried how long he had until he was caught, freedom had never been so irresistible.

Hours into the night, a muffled voice came from the small, steel box clipped to his belt. Howl pulled the box from its hold and opened the lid, a bright fire demon peering up from inside.

Calcifer inhaled the fresh oxygen. "We've been walking all night."

Howl nodded. "I know. The sun will be rising soon."

"So, where are we going then?"

Howl stared forward at the stone path that led into the next town. That was an excellent question. Kingsbury was miles away and Howl couldn't pinpoint exactly what direction he had chosen. He only thought about getting as far away from Suliman as possible. It seemed to be working for the most part.

Howl dropped his gaze to Calcifer. "Anywhere. As long as Suliman can't track us."

"The only way that will happen is if we go to the Wastes."

Howl stopped. "The Wastes?"

Calcifer nodded. "No one can control the shifting atmosphere of the Wastes, not even a sorceress as powerful as that woman."

Howl smiled with greed. The Wastes would be the perfect hideaway. They could roam the land and practice their magic on their own terms, free from that greedy sorceress' plot for war and destruction.

Maybe then, he could also be free from his own mistakes. He would only use his magic for himself from now on - he wouldn't let anyone control him nor make his decisions.

Calcifer held his breath. "Oh, what is that smell? It's rancid."

Howl looked farther up the road until he saw a wasteland filled to the brim with junky material. Calcifer was right about the stench, but the material still seemed to be in good shape. He assumed the only reason they were thrown here was because of the odor.

Howl stepped closer, much to Calcifer's distaste. "Howl, it reeks."

Howl smiled. "But it's perfect."

"Perfect for knocking me unconscious?"

Howl touched the metal frames and the sturdy wood planks. With a simple spell, he could make the foul smell vanish. They were the perfect framework for a spellbound home.

Howl felt as happy as a child. "We'll use this to build a home. And not just any home - a moving home, with legs to walk on and stay on the move."

Calcifer seemed optimistic. "Suliman would have a harder time tracking us down with a moving house."

Howl laughed. "This won't just be a house, though. I want a castle."

Calcifer rolled his eyes. "Of course you do, Your Royal Highness."

Howl waved his hand, the material spinning in a minuscule tornado. His fingers, his hands, and his mind all worked together in unison. A fragrance spell danced over the odor, easing Calcifer's disdain for the smell. The material latched on one by one and fitted together like a strange puzzle. The pieces all worked in unison, forming the exterior of an extremely distorted version of a house.

Calcifer peered over his steel box. "That's what you call a castle?"

Howl smiled wide. "It's the perfect castle."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

"They're destroying the legs! They're trying to keep the castle from moving!"

Everyone inside thrashed in motion with the tumbling castle. The creatures banged on the door and pressed against the windows. Their screeches drowned out the screams inside as the castle's walls failed to support and defend them. The door fractured with each bang and splinters of wood flung inside. The windows cracked open and the glass shattered inward.

The castle stumbled back and forth, everyone swinging with the motion. Kenta tried pressing the door shut, but the creatures' weights overpowered him and they flooded in like a swarm of gnats. There were hundreds, maybe even thousands, pouring inside their final safe haven.

Calcifer cemented himself to the fireplace and extended his flames toward the intruders while Martha released her grip on the concrete. She levitated into the air, positioning herself for defense. It was the only thing she could do - without proper fighting spells, with her lack of training to engage in combat, defense was the only skill she could rely on.

Markl kept his guard over the Witch of the Wastes as Heen made a break for Sophie and Howl. The wizard tried cradling her with the hopes of being her protector, yet that was only successful until she broke from his embrace, toppling back to the other wall.

"Howl!" Sophie reached her hands toward him, but slipped right through his fingers. Howl flung himself forward with the intention of shielding her from the fall, Heen right on his trail. She and the baby could be seriously injured if he didn't intervene. She was free falling and wasn't as in tune with her abilities enough to stop. She was extremely vulnerable.

Martha watched Howl's pursuit and Sophie's dilemma for a moment before acting on her own. It was her duty to protect her sister and the baby. The Seer’s mind raced with all the possibilities and all the consequences that might occur - only if they stayed in this castle any longer. Sophie and the baby were of top priority, and Martha wouldn't allow these creatures the opportunity to strike.

As Howl reached for Sophie's outstretched hand, a creature grabbed him by the ankles and yanked him back. He kicked the creature, trying to release himself from its hold, though it snared its pointed teeth and lunged for a bite. Howl prepared himself for a spell, but Heen jumped on the creature, biting his leg until it yelped from the pain. The creature snatched Heen and flung the little dog away. Howl attempted to catch him, but the dog was already in Sophie's arms, falling farther and farther down.

As he stared agape, Howl watched a portal of Martha's creation open and close in an instant - consuming Martha, Sophie, and Heen.

"No!" Vanished. They had vanished from his sight. He needed to be with Sophie at all times, especially with her due date approaching so quickly. He was shaken entirely from the fear of the unknown; there was no telling where they went and if they were safe. He was frightened of all the enemies out in the world that would jump at the chance to hand Sophie over to that Suliman. The possibilities were endless, thanks to Martha Hatter.

Howl growled from the beast within himself. She cast the portal; she stole Sophie away. It was a twist and a betrayal he couldn't begin to fathom. Howl's rage transformed him into his animalistic form, his anger directed toward Martha, though unable to unleash his inner chaos against her. All he could muster was a loud roar.

The creatures began flying down the chimney closer to Calcifer. They evaded his inferno and swooped into the main area, searching for someone to torment. He whacked his fiery hands at them, though his attempts made little difference. He summoned as much strength as he could muster and exploded into a wildfire up through the chimney, burning the oncoming creatures and forcing them to flee. However, his attack was no match for the creatures already running rampage inside.

"We can't take them all." Kenta shouted over the loud cries and vibrating wings of their attackers. He held himself off from a group, but they multiplied and gathered by the dozens. He hadn't seen an army like this since the war, an army in which he blindly took part. This swarm was composed of all her brainwashed victims, Kenta figured. There were enough creatures to equate to Suliman's full army force.

They had no advantage.

"We have to stand our ground." Howl said, his voice low and his teeth barred. Kenta stared at him in awe, watching his friend slash and bite and claw the creatures, throwing each of them back toward the broken wall. For every one he defeated, their army increased tenfold.

Markl held his stance over the Witch as best as he could, shielding her in the corner and throwing spells at the creatures. His mind raced with a book's worth of spells to diverge the oncoming attackers, praying with each one that he could hold them off just a little longer until Howl or Kenta used some experienced mage's spell to defeat the horde. Markl took in shorter breaths as they cornered him farther.

The Witch walked in front of Markl and straightened her back as much as a witch of her age could. She pursed her lips to the creatures. "Now that is enough. If Suliman wants to destroy this castle, so be it. But she cannot take away the family living inside."

The creatures sneered at her and one slashed her cheek, leaving a long cut from her ear to the bridge of her nose. She wrangled the creature's neck and shook it back and forth. It tried clawing her hands away, but the Witch would not let go. She was tired of their antics, the way they allowed Suliman free reign to toy with their abilities and gave themselves so willingly to do her bidding. She had been that person at a time, and she would never become a begging fool desperate for Suliman's approval ever again.

The other creatures pulled down the wooden supports that held the second floor together. They punched through to the upstairs and pulled the weight down, Markl and the Witch directly underneath. Howl and Kenta were quick to notice the endangered pair and immediately rushed forward in action.

The Witch refused to release her grip on the creature, forcing Howl to intervene. As she held its neck, Howl shrunk the creature until it fit in the palm of her wrinkled hand. The Witch sneered and threw it on the ground.

She turned to Howl. "I had things under control."

Howl wrapped his wings around the Witch and they vanished from the castle, oblivious to the remaining members of their group trapped inside with Suliman's army.

Kenta grabbed Markl's arm and flung him away from the falling debris, leaving himself vulnerable to the imminent blow. The second floor came tumbling down on top of Kenta, trapping him under heavy wooden planks and metal supports. Rather than falling to safety, Markl knocked his head against Calcifer's cement fireplace, completely unconscious.

The castle tumbled and deteriorated once more. It was useless; there was no sparing the castle in this state anymore. They had destroyed Howl's home, his perfect castle. He was able to restore it once before, but at this rate there wouldn't be much to revive.

The creatures observed the desolate scene. Two unconscious wizards and a tiny flame for a fire. Their direct orders were to retrieve Howl and Sophie and bring them to the Palace - the others were simply irrelevant to Suliman.

The leading wizard ordered a retreat, so the creatures flew in organized lines toward the sky, breaking off into search groups. Without the main objectives in the vicinity, their orders were to scour the Wastes and all over Ingary to locate and retrieve Howl and Sophie. The longer they waited, the harder it would be for Madame Suliman to earn her prize.

And she waited patiently for her prize to come.

Chapter Text

The sound of silence was more terrifying than the attacks. How strange to feel this way. Silence was normally peaceful. It was a lovely sound to nod off to or focus on the random thoughts that float around. However, this silence was patiently waiting for a breath of life, an optimistic gleam, that was only a hopeless nightmare away.

The silence in Howl's castle was terrifying.

There was a cloud of smoke in the main area, hazing the view of the crippling home. It was difficult to picture the castle as it was before - Furniture, sturdy walls, a bright and happy family finding refuge inside. Now, the entire foundation was completely devastated. It was the first war all over again, only this time there was no restitution.

Calcifer couldn't wrap his mind around how this was possible. He had reconnected himself and had access to every inch of the castle. The fire demon knew every weakness and every advantage. Howl placed dozens upon dozens of protection spells over the exterior to ensure their safety. Spells to keep intruders out, spells to enhance other spells - Howl was careful.

Calcifer gasped. He, on the other hand, was not. "The powder."

A rustling came from underneath a large pile of debris. Kenta's head jostled about, but that was the extent of his movement. His hand peeked from under scraps of metal and wood, though his fingers could hardly move.

He exhaled a dusty breath. "What was that?"

Calcifer smacked himself, fire against fire. "I'm so stupid. I cannot believe I let her do that."

"What are you mumbling about?"

Calcifer sighed. "Noe, that sneaky witch. She sent me back to the castle with a disabling powder and deactivated my transportation spell. Once I came back, the powder must have deactivated everything Howl protected the castle with."

Calcifer hadn't given her much credit before. When Howl spoke to him of his classmates during his apprenticeship, he assumed Noe was just a showoff or a know-it-all. He didn't think she was actually creative or intelligent. Then again, she did train under Suliman - who knew the kind of tricks she learned.

Kenta coughed as his lungs barely held on. Calcifer couldn't imagine the weight upon him. While he saved Markl from the debris, he did not prepare for his next blow. The poor boy, lying on the ground next to the fireplace with labored breathing, still hadn't awakened yet.

"Any way you could burn him?" Kenta asked, his voice pleading. Calcifer noticed a sense of desperation in his voice. Markl was his only hope of releasing him from this prison. "Maybe he'll wake if you give him a spark."

Calcifer nodded. He turned to the boy, staring as his chest rose softly and lowered with ease. There was a trickle of blood straggling down his forehead from under his greasy hair. His clothes were torn and dusty, since he had been unconscious for nearly half a day.

The attack happened sometime last night and it was already midday, with the sun already at its highest peak. Calcifer had tried healing him, similar to how he healed Gwenda's wounds, but nothing forced the boy awake. Kenta's predicament prohibited him from moving even the slightest muscle. A quick spark against Markl's cheek might be enough to shock him back into consciousness.

Calcifer sucked in a deep breath and flicked a vibrant piece of ash toward him, the molten light landing softly on his cheek. Markl sniffed and scrunched his face, like he was having a bad dream. It took a few seconds before his brain signaled an urgent alarm that there was a burning sensation on his cheek, and he awoke suddenly in a highly defensive mode.

"Ah!" He shouted and immediately started slapping his face, trying to relieve himself of the fiery pain. He pushed himself away from the fireplace and expected to hit his back against the couch. However, after sliding on the ground, he noticed the torn wooden planks piercing up toward the open ceiling and the couch turned upside down, no longer with its soft cushions.

He bobbed his head around, noticing a lot of things that weren't as they used to be. No longer was the living room warm and inviting, but rather frightening to his young mind. This was not the home he had grown attached to. This was no longer a place for a family.

"Markl." The boy whipped his head up to the fire blazing over the cracked concrete. "How are you feeling?"

Markl blinked a few times. "Calcifer. I-" He palmed his forehead with both hands, the weight of a heavy boulder pounding inside. "Oh, my head hurts like crazy."

"You had a bad fall." Markl looked out beyond his fingers to see who spoke, and he cringed when he saw Kenta trapped under a mountain of what formerly was their second floor. Kenta continued, “A really bad one. Is there any way you can heal your injuries?"

Markl removed his hands, though his brain felt a stinging pain on the left side. "How could I heal myself?"

"You don't remember the castle being under attack?"

Markl nodded. "I remember that. But after you pushed me, I can't remember anything else."

Calcifer sighed. "You blacked out. Kenta pushed you out of the way so you wouldn't be trapped under… well, that." Kenta lowered his head, the only part of his body he had full control over. Markl stared with a frightening gaze and the fate he averted.

Calcifer pleaded with him. "You need to cast a spell to free him."

"A spell?" Markl turned to his hands. Faint memories of a magical cloak and teleportation and large books of lessons entered his mind, but they were foggy, like a distant dream. They seemed important, though for whatever reason of which he was unsure.

The mage's spells - for some reason those were the most prevalent in his mind. He could feel a particular draw to them, a peculiar passion for this strange sorcery. Yet these spells and magical properties still seemed foreign to him.

Kenta looked at the boy with desperation. He saw Markl's blank visage at the mention of magic, and he knew that the abrupt and painful clash he had with the fireplace had wiped away his knowledge. The only one within miles of this lifeless castle, the only one with the ability to free him - Kenta's hope was merely a boy with faded memories.

Calcifer dropped his jaw. "You forgot how to use magic?"

Markl raised his eyebrows. "Did I ever know how?"

Calcifer turned to Kenta, watching him grunt from the heavy weight atop of him. Markl rushed to him and tried lifting the bulky materials, though he barely made a dent. He was just a small, feeble child - only magic could save him.

Kenta exhaled with exhaustion. "Without his memories of magic, Markl can't help me. Even if I repeat a spell to him, there's no guarantee that he has the technique to use it."

"Can't you free yourself?" Markl asked, his voice shaky. "I-If you know the right spell to use, why can't you say it?"

Kenta rested his head back against the wood planks. "If it were that easy, kid, I would. But
my hands are trapped, so I can't enact the proper motions these spells require. My mind can only do so much."

The debris shifted and poured more on both sides of Kenta's limp body. Markl jumped out of the way before possibly getting trapped himself. If he was Kenta's only hope, he needed to stay unharmed.

Kenta clenched his teeth as the weight increased over him, his breath panting once the commotion had ended. He looked at Markl with tearfully desperate eyes. "Markl, this will eventually crush me to death. You have to try to remember magic, or I won't make it."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

It was so sudden. One minute they were falling and the next, they landed softly far away from the castle. Far away from the attackers. Far away from everyone.

"Howl!" Sophie cried out for him, though the rumbling in her stomach begged for her attention. A pinch - no, more like a cramping around her entire body. Pinching was an understatement. This was much more agonizing.

"I'm here." Sophie reached for a soft hand, half expecting the hand to belong to Howl. Rather than her beloved, Martha helped carry her to a nearby bed and laid her flat. She looked calm; how could she not show a shred of anxiety after what they just saw, after what they had just been through?

Sophie wished she could be as calm as her sister, but with these cricks in her stomach, she could hardly contain her harrowing screams.

"Where's Howl?" Sophie squeezed Martha's hand until the young witch yelped and bit her tongue. She pierced her skin until trickles of blood fell around her teeth. She had never aided a woman with pregnancy contractions, so she could only imagine her sister's distress.

"I need Howl!" Sophie screamed once more. Martha met her gaze - there was the anxiety Sophie was looking for.

"He can't be here right now." Martha said. She looked at Sophie's agitated stomach. "But you might be having the baby."

Sophie widened her eyes. "What? N-No. I-I can't have the baby without Howl. I just can't. I'm too early and I need him by my side."

Martha placed her hand over Sophie's stomach. There were definite signs of disarray inside the womb, though the baby could have simply been startled by the unexpected attack. Martha touched one hand over Sophie and with the other, she placed two fingers against her temple. Her mind opened a current vision of the womb and she saw the baby with her own eyes.

Martha paused, taking in this marvelous and spectacular moment for everything that it was - Sophie's child. So much beauty in one being, Martha couldn't help but cry. This child was perfect already, without having been born yet.

A light shone around the premature baby, a light only signified by power. This was how all magical creatures looked in the womb, and the way this light shone had proven Martha's premonition - this child was going to be very powerful.

Martha ended the vision with a smile. "You're not going into labor."

"What?" Beads of sweat fell down Sophie's forehead and then her cheeks. She definitely felt like she was going into labor.

"The baby is just disturbed." Martha waved her hands over Sophie's stomach, back and forth while she whispered a spell. Sophie's striking pain faded away until she no longer felt the pressing need to relieve her body of the baby. As much as she wanted to see her child, she wasn't ready yet.

Martha pulled a chair and sat down properly. She ran her fingers through Sophie's tangled, sweaty hair. Her breathing was still upset, but soon she would calm down. Soon, things would be normal again.

Sophie turned to her, shocked when a little dog jumped onto Martha's lap. Heen wagged his tail and inched closer to Sophie, though kept himself balanced atop Martha's legs. Sophie reached her hand to pet his tattered fur, much to his liking. Sophie looked around the room. No one else came.

"Where are we?" She asked, her voice sickly and hoarse. They were in a small, quaint bedroom. Magical objects were scattered in high and low places, similar to Howl's room before their move to Ovela. Sophie sneezed from the dust that scattered the room and wondered if she had ever been here before.

Martha bowed her head. "I took us to Mrs. Fairfax's home. This is where I trained for three years to become a witch."

"Why are we here?"

Martha's lips trembled and she spoke faster than her mind was thinking. "I couldn't let them take you. I know they would have. And Howl wasn't-"

"Did you break a vision?" Sophie interrupted. Martha sniffled and looked at her. "Did you know that would happen and change it?"

"No." Martha said. Her tears clouded her eyes, and she couldn't control them from pouring out. "Of course not. I'm bound by this ability never to alter the events I see. This is the problem with premonition. If I see something, I can't tell anyone about it, but if I don't, people look at me as if I did something wrong. I didn't mean for any of this to happen."

Martha cried into her hands, the tears filling up and falling onto Heen's head. He turned his attention from Sophie to her, nuzzling under Martha's chest in comfort. There was so much Sophie wished she understood about her sister's amazing powers. Such an ability was more confidential than Howl's or Kenta's or Markl's, and for good reason. If everyone could see the future, the world would turn into havoc and chaos would become the new order.

Sophie pushed herself to a sitting position. With the pain subsided, she became more relaxed, though somewhat stunned from experiencing such an ordeal. She rested a hand on Martha's shoulder. "It's okay. No one is blaming you."

"But you should." Martha removed her hands, displaying her reddened eyes and running nose. "I never should have gone to Howl's castle in the first place."

"Martha, if you hadn't gone to the castle, I would still be wondering where my baby sister was." Sophie swallowed hard. She hated to admit it, but she hadn't really thought of her sister in years. Even with the war, she assumed Martha was safe at school.

How wrong she was to believe that.

"Of course, things have been difficult lately," Sophie continued, "but you can't keep blaming yourself when bad things happen. Bad things will always happen."

Martha nodded, though she didn't seem very convinced. Heen licked up until he reached her chin, and only then was she able to laugh. Martha rubbed her fingers against Heen's back and he wheezed from the enjoyment. Her smile was a saving grace, and for a brief moment she didn't see herself to be a burden.

Until her next vision.

Sophie had gotten used to this process over the weeks. Martha blanked for a few seconds and then jolted back to reality. Sometimes she said it wasn't anything serious, but when they were dire, her face was an open book.

When Martha's visage dropped and her eyes stared in the distance, that was usually a sign.

Sophie leaned closer to her, unable to restrain her curiosity. "What did you see this time?"

Martha blinked a couple times and the words left before she could hold her tongue. "Howl's going to the Kingsbury Palace."

“You've got to be joking.” Sophie breathed a laugh, assuming it was a funny joke, although Martha didn't appear as amused. Sophie sucked in a short breath. “Why would he go there? Of all places."

Martha shook her head. "I wish my visions told me why the things I see are meant to happen, but it just doesn't work that way. I shouldn’t have even told you that much."

Sophie darted her eyes back and forth. What on earth was going through Howl’s mind? Maybe he thought she would be there. Maybe he was held captive and forced to go, or he wanted to get revenge on Suliman for all the pain she caused. That one seemed more likely. Whatever it was, the only thought racing through Sophie's brain was how soon they would be together again.

Heen jumped from Martha's lap to Sophie. He curled next to her on the bed, his tail wagging slower and slower as he nuzzled into a calming slumber. Martha reached for her hand and Sophie held on tightly. For now, she had part of her family.

And that was better than being alone.

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

Anywhere was better than here. Well, maybe not the war-torn castle they had recently departed from, but he hadn't expected to appear at the edge of the capital - Kingsbury.

Howl seethed through his teeth. If he hadn't been thinking about ripping Suliman's throat, maybe they could have gone to a happier place. He preferred somewhere like the depths of the Wastes or his old private study or even Ovela.

No, Ovela wasn't any happier a place than where he stood. By now, the majority of the country had been demolished by Roland's armies and bloodthirsty creatures. Howl only wished to go to Ovela if Sophie was there with him and Suliman's army was far from it.

But she was gone. Martha acted selfishly and took matters into her own hands. Watching her fall through that portal brought back the same fears when he saw her in a wedding dress standing at Justin's side. He worried that this time would be the last he saw her again.

"No!" Howl jumped into the air and smashed the ground, the street rumbling a few stones out in each direction. His muscles tightened and shook uncontrollably. Without Sophie, he didn't know how to control his emotions. He was a monster freed from his chains, a true menace on the loose.

"Would you quit acting like a baby?" Howl peered his head up to the old lady grimacing down at him. She crossed her arms. "You'll never get back to Sophie with that attitude."

Howl inhaled before standing up, his patience highly tested. "You do not realize the things that are going through my mind right now."

The Witch crossed her arms. She knew him better than he thought. "You're afraid you'll never see Sophie again. It's not the first time I've seen you like this. Any time she leaves, you have the same pouty face and act as if the world has just ended."

Howl lowered his gaze. "Without her, my world has ended."

The Witch rolled her eyes. "What a drama queen." Howl was two steps from zipping her mouth shut before she started walking down the stone street. He was insulted by the way she casually ignored him, like he wasn’t a dangerous force to be reckoned with.

"Right, because losing my home, my friends, and the love of my life who is also carrying my child all in a matter of minutes isn't cause for being dramatic." Howl called out to her. She stopped for a moment, but then continued walking. "Where are you going?"

"What's it look like?" The Witch turned around with an eerie smile, the kind of smile that brought him back to her wicked years. "I'm actually doing something worth my time. I could sit here and watch you mope for about the hundredth time or I could do something about that wretched Suliman."

Howl crossed his arms. "You want revenge on Suliman?" The Witch shrugged her shoulders and turned back toward the Palace. She was mad; going after Suliman wouldn't change the fact that his castle was destroyed and they were all separated. He hadn't seen Kenta or Markl leave, and he worried that Calcifer was still bound to the fireplace unless he transported himself elsewhere.

Either way, their family was completely broken.

"Are you still sulking?" The Witch shouted. Howl hoped no one had heard her. It was late at night, but he didn't want anyone alerting the Kingsbury guards. He ran over to shush her, although she merely seized his arm and dragged him forward.

"What are you doing?" Howl easily broke from her fragile grip. "Approaching Suliman won't help - it'll only make things worse."

"Worse for whom?" The Witch said, her voice gaining confidence with every word she spoke. "This is your chance to get back at her for all the damage she's put you through. Your years of training under her only to find out she was using you for war; using Sophie to strip you of your magic - though you somehow evaded that; forcing her into marrying that psychotic Justin; and then destroying your castle. The list goes on and on of all the terrible things she's done, and not just to you. You're not the only one who lost pieces of yourself because of her."

Howl creased his eyebrows. He hadn't seen her this fired up about anything in a long time. He wondered why she still held a grudge.

Then again, he still hadn't accepted Suliman's betrayal to him, nor to the rest of their class. Maybe it wasn't as far-fetched of an idea as he thought.

The Witch turned on her heels and walked back toward the Palace. "Well then, oh great and powerful Wizard Howl Pendragon. What's it going to be?"

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

It was one thing to be a prisoner under three obnoxious magicians. There, she had mild opportunities to banter and play tricks on them, despite their outmatched strength against her inability to create magic. It was something else entirely to be directly jailed by the Royal Sorceress herself. Here, she had nothing.

"Hey, be gentle with me! I'm not your toy!" Gwenda thrashed in the arms of a royal guard who held her by her arms. However, even his tight grip couldn't keep her still. Gwenda wasn't giving up without pushing her luck just a little further.

The guard was quiet, save for a few sighs and grunts. In the two minutes after Madame Suliman sentenced this girl to life in prison - her mind still dabbling over the death sentence - she had caused so much ruckus. He wished Madame Suliman had turned to the guard next to him to bring her to the underground prison.

Gwenda tried cementing her feet on the ground, but the guard kept her moving. He lifted her up like a child, fitting to her tantrum. Most prisoners were not like her. They had all accepted their fate under the Royal Family. This one was stubborn - a little too stubborn.

Gwenda glared at him. "I hope you realize I'm not going in there easily."

The guard rolled his eyes. "Trust me, I think I got that much." He held both of her hands together with one of his - the diameter of his reach highly impressive - unlocked a rusty cell door with the other, and tossed her in next to another girl. Gwenda landed against the hard, concrete wall, and she immediately pushed her hand against it to break her fall. She seethed as he closed the door and locked it behind him.

She rushed forward and rattled the bars, the metal clattering a deafening cry in their ears. "You're an idiot for listening to that woman! She's a monster and you’re no better!" Gwenda rambled as the guard strolled away, pretending she didn't exist. She watched him depart through the spaces of her shambled hair, her eyes twitching with internal bitterness.

When her arms tired, she stopped shaking. One prison to another. This was not how she hoped things would play out. Her mind ran wild wondering what Suliman could be doing to her friends right now. She didn't want to be responsible for their pain, or even death. She was supposed to help them - now she was imprisoned with no means of escaping.

Again.

How she hoped they would tear Suliman down from her pedestal and rip her to shreds.

"Gwenda?" She froze at the soft voice behind her. The girl in her cell knew her name; she recognized her. And that voice was a symphony ringing in her ears, a voice that had been silenced for far too long.

As Gwenda glanced behind her shoulder, the girl’s fiery red eyes were the only beautiful sight in the acheronian prison.

Chapter Text

They counted the hours since the attack. They counted the number of people who had been lost and separated from their small banded group. They counted how long Kenta might have before his beaten body would finally give way underneath the rubble.

His breathing was slow, but he inhaled deep gulps like he wasn't sure which one would be his last. He gagged several times, like he was close to vomiting, but nothing ejected from his brutalized body. Part of him wanted something to discharge - then he'd at least have a reason for appearing so weak.

Calcifer sat calm atop the piling ashes, his fiery arms crossed over each other as his anxiety coursed through his being. They had been in hard times before, and nearly each time fought their way out. Giving up would allow Suliman an easy victory, so it was never an option.

But seeing Kenta in this state, watching him gasp for each breath and not having the ability to help - it reminded him of Gwenda's kidnapping all over again.

A rumble in the sky shocked the three souls. Rain clouds - just Calcifer's luck. It seemed far off, but they weren't any closer to freeing Kenta than they were a day ago.

Had it really been a whole day? Calcifer thought to himself. There wasn't much to do to pass the time as the day rolled into night. Talking helped keep Kenta's mind off of his current situation, but the pressure atop him made it excruciating to continue lengthy conversations. And with Markl's foggy memories of magic, there wasn't much to do but watch the poor boy wrestle with his mind over what he should have already known.

"Think, Markl, think." He lightly punched his head, badgering his mind to jog back to his old self. It was as if a part of him had dissolved, half of his personality dwindling like dandelions in the wind. He felt incomplete and useless.

The movement of his hands as he attempted spells seemed inappropriate. Kenta tried repeating spells to him, but just saying the words wasn't enough. Markl needed the motions to fall exactly into place in order to fully enact the spells. With no recollection of his novice abilities, Kenta was simply waiting for his death sentence.

"You're going to hurt yourself, Markl." Kenta said with exhaustion. Markl peered up to him, his eyes glistening from Calcifer's flames. Kenta's shone as well, though the soul of his gaze was forlorn. "Maybe take a break and try again when you feel like it."

"But I want to help." Markl said, his little fists shaking in front of himself. "I want to get you out of there."

Kenta nodded. "I know you do. But pushing your mind isn't going to do anything but make it harder for you to remember."

Markl attempted a rebuttal until Calcifer interceded. "You've been at this for hours. Please, Markl. You need rest."

Calcifer worried for the boy; he was already showing signs of sleep deprivation, even after his unconscious period. His eyes drooped like small weights bore them down. He was wearing himself out - something to which Howl was often a victim.

Like master, like apprentice.

Since the beginning of Markl's apprenticeship, he had always pushed himself to be the best. Howl taught him a spell and Markl chanted it ten times over until he got it perfect. Calcifer sometimes saw him sneak downstairs late at night - especially when Howl was away - reading through spell books to get ahead of their lessons. Seeing how powerful of a master he had made Markl even more determined to be exactly like him.

Markl finally submitted to his exhaustion. His wobbling legs bent and he dropped to the ground in a depleted state, his eyes immediately shutting. He may not have fallen asleep right away, but at the very least he was resting.

"He's a good kid." Calcifer turned to Kenta, his eyes closed but his mind still conscious. "His perseverance in wanting to help people is truly extraordinary."

"He is." Calcifer said. "He has a big heart."

Kenta nodded. He tightened his muscles and pushed up on the weight, though it made little difference. He had the strength to fight this, but he knew that internal, personal strength was not enough. Without the use of his physical strength and magic, he was helpless. He felt like a part of himself was withheld, just barely out of arm's reach - so torturously close.

"Here." Kenta dragged his eyes to Calcifer. The fire demon stretched his arms out and grabbed the smaller bits of wood. He added them to the pile of ashes below, livening his own being. A fair trade, Kenta thought. Calcifer's own life support had slipped his mind.

Which made him curious of another thought. "Why don't you leave?"

Calcifer crinkled his fiery eyebrows. "Leave?"

"You can teleport yourself out of here. Why do you stay?"

Calcifer breathed a laugh. "Where would I go? I could teleport to another fireplace but that's about it. I'd rather grow arms and legs and help you two out of this mess."

Kenta smirked. "You think you'll grow arms and legs if you stay?"

"It's no different if I leave."

There was a long pause. It was either speak or stay silent. Sometimes they had a lot to discuss; and sometimes there was nothing to talk about at all.

Calcifer's eyes told his story like an open book. Kenta observed how much he felt cheated or restrained from the full potential of life. He had amazing powers, much more prodigious than any demon Kenta had ever encountered. Calcifer could have another thousand years to live - and in his eyes, all he wanted was the ticking clock of a human life.

Kenta cleared his throat. "Do you mind me asking when this... when you started thinking this way?"

Calcifer turned to him, Kenta's eyebrows raised, a sly smirk on his face. His fire blossomed a rosy red. "If you're thinking it's because of Gwenda, then you're a little mistaken."

Kenta laughed, though the weight above him made even the smallest laughter hurt. "It would definitely be convenient, wouldn't it?"

Calcifer rolled his eyes, stopping them when the Palace was in sight. Very far, but the faint outlines of the tallest towers and flags blowing in the wind were very much noticeable. "I've been wanting this for a really long time. Before Gwenda, before Sophie, even before Markl came along. It just took all that's happened in the last year for me to understand the actual misfortune of not being a real person."

"Calcifer, how can you say that you're not a real person?" Kenta said. "You're as real-"

"I've heard that before." Calcifer interrupted. "I'm as real as you and any other human. But that's just something humans say to either make me feel better or stop complaining. Maybe a little bit of both. I'm a very obnoxious complainer."

"So I've noticed." Kenta joked. "What really changed then?"

Calcifer slumped in the broken fireplace, his flames low. "When Sophie became pregnant. Everyone was so eager to hold her stomach and feel the baby kicking. They looked so excited and happy. I knew that if I touched her, my flames would burn her and hurt the baby. I'm nothing but a creature of destruction."

"I know you understand your own strength. I've seen you do quite amazing things."

Calcifer shook his head. "Moving a castle is nothing. Any demon can do that. Any wizard can do that."

"But you share a connection to this castle." Kenta dropped his eyes. "Or did, I guess. When I was moving the castle in your place, I felt like a foreigner. This castle knows you as his guide. He trusts you."

Calcifer frowned. "And look what happened to him. He's as broken as the day we found him in that wretched junkyard."

Calcifer had a habit of beating himself down, that was evident of his personality. For him, it was easy to find his flaws or misfortunes - which made his feelings toward Gwenda hurt even more. If he saw these many flaws in himself, who knew how many flaws she saw.

Kenta searched the rubble for the right words to say. Trying to brighten a fire demon's spirits was not as easy as he pictured. And Calcifer was not easy to cheer up from his character alone. "Being in human form is really not all that it's cracked up to be. There are endless restrictions and necessities in order to just survive - food, water, sleep. And death is not as far away as we like to pretend it is. You could live for eternity as a demon."

Calcifer glanced over with slight annoyance. "You want to talk about restrictions and necessities?"

“Sorry,” Kenta said, his cheeks red with embarrassment. “I was just trying to make you feel better."

"I know." Calcifer smiled, though it was short-lived. His flames intensified as another thought crossed his mind. "You know your feelings for Lona, right?"

Kenta nodded. "Of course. I love her more than anyone in the world."

Calcifer kept his eyes forward on the swaying flags at the Kingsbury Palace. "Imagine watching her be taken by someone while you can't even move your own body. All you can do is sit and wait for someone else to be the hero."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

It was instinctual. After years of separation, Gwenda finally was able to embrace her sister. She held on as if she would fall through the cracks in the floor. Her heart melted when she felt Lona's arms wrap around her. Something about their last conversation - the yelling, the accusations, and Gwenda storming out - made Lona's sisterly affection toward her much more heartwarming.

"Lona, I can't believe you're here." Gwenda said, her voice trembling. "Where have you been? It's like you just vanished and-"

"Gwenda." Lona interrupted. Her hair was ratty with a number of knots, nothing short of what Gwenda felt in her own long strands. The torn dress she wore was eerily familiar, though it was her fierce eyes that always shook Gwenda to her core. "I'm so sorry."

Gwenda creased her eyebrows. "Sorry? I'm the one who should be sorry. I pushed you away all because I didn't approve of your boyfriend."

"Gwenda?" The sisters turned to the prison cage next to theirs. Another pair of familiar women - rather two friends of hers. Beth and Mari, her fellow coworkers when she had been employed by the Royal Family, stood shaking in the cold, solemn prison. Last time she saw them, she had left her post in the kitchen to attend Sophie in her preparations for the wedding. Although, why they would be imprisoned by the Royal Sorceress was beyond her.

"What are you two doing here?" Gwenda rushed to the bars that separated the prison cells. There were two lines of prisons, about twenty cells total. Each cell contained roughly two to four prisoners. Her friends shivered close to each other, careful to keep the warmth between themselves. It was a frigid tundra, the metal bars icy to the touch and the concrete as biting as black ice. Leave it to Suliman to create an underground arctic of a prison.

And her friends were not faring well.

"Madame Suliman has gone mad." Beth said, her teeth chattering.

Gwenda scoffed. "Well, that's nothing new."

"She's losing it." Mari said, to this Gwenda became more intrigued. "She's losing trust in the people in her own court. Then, she put us in here because we were close to you, even though we had no idea you had gone off with Wizard Howl Pendragon."

Gwenda sighed. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you." She turned back to Lona, her sister listening close by. "I'm sorry about everything. I know I caused a lot of harm to all of you."

"We'd be in here either way," Lona reassured her. "Whether we were associated with you or Howl or even Kenta..."

Gwenda widened her eyes. "Kenta!" She rushed to her sister and grabbed her hands tightly. "We have to find him, he's been looking for you."

Lona nodded. "I know." Gwenda blinked rapidly, though Lona expected her confusion. "I helped him escape from Madame Suliman. I was the dove who sent his note to Howl, but I haven't seen him since they reunited."

"That was you?" Gwenda asked, her eyes wide. "You were the dove?" It had seemed odd that Suliman would request her lackeys to capture a flight of doves, but Lona was one of them. She had been with her in her former prison. If only she had known that beautiful dove was her sister.

Lona looked at the hazy window, but nothing was in sight behind the sealed glass. "I wish I knew he was okay."

"He is." Gwenda said. Lona glared at her sister with a hopeful gaze. "He's with Howl and Sophie and the others. They're in his castle right now; we've been looking all over the country trying to find you."

Lona covered her mouth, her eyes glistening with tears. "You... you've seen him? How is he? Is he safe?" Her eyebrows crinkled as a sudden realization set in. "When did you two start getting along?"

Gwenda laughed. How strange it seemed that not long ago they had been devoted enemies. Somehow, their search for Lona was the one thing they needed to get over their differences. Especially when he was injured, she knew she couldn't just leave him. She truly wanted Kenta and Lona to be reunited.

"I know how weird that sounds." Gwenda said. "I don't blame you for thinking that. I definitely didn't give him any credit when you two were together."

Lona frowned. Her mind relived the moments when Kenta and Gwenda argued incessantly over the pettiest of things. Both of them were too stubborn to quit, and it wasn't until Lona stepped in that they would stop their bickering. When he wasn't around, Gwenda would slip in some crude comments about him, although Lona was well aware of her motives. She knew they couldn't be around each other for much longer, yet she couldn't help her feelings for him, either. She eventually needed to make a choice.

Lona opened her mouth to speak, but Gwenda stopped her, sharing a genuine smile. "He really is a wonderful wizard."

"Wizard?" A hoarse voice came from one of the far-off cells. An elderly man grasped the bars with wrinkled fingers, his eyes narrowed at the sisters. "Where? They're the reason why we're stuck down here."

Gwenda shook her head. "No. That cruel sorceress and the Royal Family are the reason why we're here. The magicians are not at fault."

"We're only imprisoned here because of our relationship with them." A woman said from another cell. "Brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, even parents. Madame Suliman took us right after they agreed to fight in her war."

"That's not true..." Gwenda turned to Lona, her wandering eyes floating to the ground. She caught her sister's gaze, slowly nodded in agreement with the woman.

"The Witch of the Wastes turned me into a dove," she said, "It was the same day Kenta left to report to the Palace."

Gwenda felt the chills quivering up her neck. The clothes on her back were not enough to keep the freezing air away, or maybe it was this new information that someone close to her was responsible for imprisoning innocent people simply based on association. She knew the Witch of the Wastes was a cruel woman before, but she didn't think she was cruel enough to work for Suliman.

Gwenda shook her head. "The Witch of the Wastes is not the same person. She's changed; I've seen it. And so have all the other magicians." Gwenda scanned her eyes over all the imprisoned humans, noting their frightened stares and shivering bodies. They were unresponsive to her pleas.

She held tight fists by her side. "The magicians in your family - they've all been brainwashed to do the things they're doing. Suliman has taken control of their abilities and she’s using them for her own selfish purposes. Trust me when I say that they are still good inside."

"Maybe." The elderly man said. "But I'm not willing to take that risk. They're all destructive creatures. That's what I've seen and that's what I know."

Many heads nodded, more than those who agreed with Gwenda. All the trust from before completely vanished the day Suliman had every element of success in the palm of her hand. Even knowing that their actions were not a result of their own doing, the imprisoned humans were completely against helping the magicians.

Chapter Text

The Palace was her home away from home. The grandeur physique, the elegant decor - she adored every bit of it. Something about such exquisiteness set her heart jumping for joy. It was hard not to wrap herself up in the idea that one day this might all be hers.

One day, Lettie Hatter might be Queen.

Princess was a much closer title, what with Justin only being the Prince. Even still, it was disheartening not to dream just a little. Prince Justin and Princess Lettie, living happily ever after in Kingsbury.

Lettie walked through the grand entrance as she had done dozens of times prior. She probably spent more time there than her actual apartment, but then again there wasn't much to go home to, anyway. After Gwenda moved out and started working at the Royal Palace, it had become a simple, empty space.

Lettie smiled as she strolled through the long, decorated halls. She was happy for Gwenda, no question about it. The Palace was in need of more employees, and Lettie could see that the bakery was not fulfilling enough to her dear friend. She always seemed like she was in search of something, or someone for all Lettie knew. Whatever it was Gwenda looked for, she couldn't find at the bakery. As saddened as she was to see her go, Lettie was all the more joyful to see Gwenda moving forward with her life.

Her new job became better for both of them. Not too long after Lettie began visiting did she and Prince Justin start dating. There was something about him that was so alluring, and it wasn't his bright attire. She remembered him when they were younger at the first ball she'd ever attended, and things jump started from there. Justin had the most upbeat and sensitive personality - nothing could break his spirit or optimism.

A Prince - how her mother gleamed with jewels in her eyes thinking of the future they had together. After one daughter's failed attempt at an arranged marriage, she was probably glad that this was a natural relationship that was headed somewhere.

Lettie stopped by a large window, opening her view all the way to the Wastes. Market Chipping was closer and clearer to see, though her sister's flower shop was a blur inside the bustling market town. She didn't visit her sister enough; with all the time she had been spending at the Palace, she barely made it to work on time. A part of her felt guilty, remembering all the times Sophie would visit after she started working at the bakery. Lettie also remembered when all of those visits suddenly stopped.

She seethed at the sight of Howl's castle, walking proudly across the Wastes. He was a wretched man, worse than Sophie's former betrothed, Owen. Owen was simply too full of himself; Howl was a monster, preying on the hearts of young women like Sophie. She would never forgive him for taking her away.

While Sophie was safe now in their old family home running her own business, she seemed untouched by her brief captivity. She didn't talk about it much - when Lettie had the time to see her and actually converse with her - almost like it had never happened. Almost immediately she started dating someone, even took in his kid, Markl. While Lettie loved being an aunt to him, she couldn't help but wonder why Sophie continually evaded introducing her to Markl's father. She didn't even know his name.

Lettie laughed. How ironic would it have been if Sophie's new love was that wizard Howl. The thought had crossed her mind before, but it was so far-fetched that she immediately disregarded the idea.

Soft, clicking heels walked along the red carpeted hallway, Lettie darting her eyes to the culprit. As much as her blood boiled in rage from Madame Suliman's presence, she couldn't control the shaking fear and terror that spread throughout her entire body knowing that such a powerful sorceress was nearing her.

"Good morning, Lettie." Madame Suliman said, a poised smile on her face. Every time she visited Justin, Madame Suliman was always wearing something different. Her wardrobe was an endless pit of expensive and exquisite attire - her personality was the bane of her existence. "I'm surprised to see you here this early."

Lettie held her stance strong, but she couldn't remove the trembling feeling inside that screamed for her to get away. "I figured I'd surprise Justin."

"How kind of you." Madame Suliman inched herself a bit closer, causing Lettie to take a forceful step back. It was no secret to Madame Suliman their differences - she just liked the game too much.

Lettie cleared her dry throat. "Well, if there's nothing else you would like to say-"

"Actually, there is." Lettie blinked. She wanted to avoid any confrontation with her at all costs. Whenever Madame Suliman was around her, she made sure to have Justin or Gwenda by her side. She couldn't stand up to her on her own.

Madame Suliman straightened her back. "The Royal Family is hosting a ball in two weeks."

Lettie nodded. "I'm well aware. Justin told me about it a while back."

Madame Suliman turned her head, avoiding eye contact. "Yes, but I would appreciate it if you would give an invitation to someone I believe you are quite familiar with." She pulled an envelope from her coat pocket and lightly placed it in Lettie's hands.

She turned the letter over to read the name on the back: To Miss Sophie Hatter

Lettie dropped the letter and it floated down to the pristine carpet below. Her fears returned, and stronger than ever. This was a plot; it had to be. Anything involving Suliman was a devious trick, and Lettie refused to be a player in her twisted games.

Madame Suliman bent down to retrieve the letter, in which Lettie crossed her arms to avoid taking it. Suliman appeared surprised. "Is there a problem? Aren't you just dying to reveal your relationship with Prince Justin to your sister? Maybe you'll even see whom she's been hiding from you."

"I am not hiding Justin from anyone." Lettie said. Her voice was calm, firm. It was different from how she usually reacted in the Royal Sorceress' presence. She felt empowered; she would do anything to keep Sophie safe from her. "But I won't bring my sister into your games, Suliman. Now I may love Justin, but I have no sympathy for you. Sophie has moved on from Owen, and you should, too."

Lettie exhaled a deep breath. She finally felt free.

Madame Suliman licked her lips, shockingly, a smile still present on her face. She leaned in closer to Lettie, her fears returning once more. "I'm glad we spoke."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

A cup of hot tea was a natural relief. A relaxed mind relinquished all worries and refreshed the weary sisters. With the anxiety built up inside of Sophie, Martha made sure to place an extra spell to enhance the tea's solace. It was also a helpful touch for her own anxieties.

Sophie released a calm sigh. "Thank you, Martha, for taking care of me."

Martha raised her eyebrows and stopped refilling her cup. Sophie's tea was doing wonders for her. She already appeared to have a euphoric aura about herself. Martha, however, could not say the same.

She resumed her refill. "Of course, Sophie. I'd do anything to keep you safe."

Sophie ran a hand over her stomach. "Because of this baby. Because he or she will hopefully stop Suliman."

Martha placed the teakettle on the stove. "Because you're my sister." Sophie looked up, Martha's eyes firm on hers. "And I'm not making the same mistake of losing you, too."

Sophie sipped her tea with precaution to the searing heat. They had become rather comfortable in Mrs. Fairfax's home. Sophie couldn't pinpoint where in the Wastes they were, which may have meant they were safe from Suliman's ever-present eyes. However, Suliman was familiar with this environment, and Sophie was not letting her guard down.

The kitchen was quaint, but very cozy. The house was long as opposed to wide, with one bedroom at both ends of the layout. The afternoon light shone directly through the kitchen windows, making the room seem more open than it was. With such little space, Sophie wondered how Martha was able to train with Mrs. Fairfax save for the open wilderness of the Wastes. And for a new apprentice, that was not always the safest method.

Heen wheezed from the ground, begging both Sophie and Martha to let him rest on their laps. Martha bent forward and reached for his hefty body, letting him curl over her legs. She ran her fingers up and down his back as he nuzzled close to her, wagging his tail with excitement.

Sophie tapped her fingers against the wooden table. "So, Howl's headed for the Palace."

Martha shot her eyes up to her. "I know what you're thinking. We're not going."

"But he's out there all alone."

"No, the Witch of the Wastes is with him."

Sophie raised her eyebrows. "Really?"

Martha nodded. "She suggested that they go."

Sophie rolled her eyes with a groan. So much information was thrown at Sophie, she couldn't pinpoint which was the most important to focus on - Howl and the Witch on their suicidal journey; Gwenda alone or imprisoned or being tortured yet again; and their disbanded family scattered and desperate for something good to come their way.

Sophie turned to her sister, though her eyes focused on the floor. "How much of your visions can you tell me?"

Martha dropped her hand from Heen's back. The curiosity would never cease; she was well aware of that. Any magician she encountered on her journeys attempted to weed out the secrets she had seen, hoping that they would reap riches or exploit the misfortunes of others. She knew her sister was a far better person than that - but that didn't stop her from asking questions.

"Please." Martha spoke, though barely audible. "I can't."

Sophie creased her eyebrows. "Can't do what?"

Martha swallowed hard, biting her lip to still her chattering teeth. "I cannot reveal too much. As a Seer, revealing to those who cannot see can and will alter what I know."

Sophie leaned in closer. "You can change the future by what you say?"

Martha raised her gaze to Sophie, the need for answers exposed in her presence. "Very mildly, yes. By revealing future events, it allows you to stop them from happening. Thus, altering the future." Martha adjusted her seating and curled her hair around her ears. "There are also the same or even worse consequences if I ever change what I see."

"What do you mean?"

Martha licked her lips, her hands holding the ends of a few strands of her hair. "Well, I can tell you what I see and you can attempt to change that based on what you know. But me... I've seen these events in their fullest, truest form. I know exactly how they start, how they will play out, and how they end. My power over the situation is infinite."

Sophie closed her eyes, shielding her pain. "Which is why you didn't save Lettie."

The light from Martha's eyes darkened as the vision of Lettie returned to haunt her once more. It was so long ago that she received this vision, but the memory was forever implanted into her mind. Some nights she awoke with lost breaths from the nightmares as Lettie's voice whispered terrifying lullabies in her mind. Not now, nearly a year since her death, could Martha forget the painful images she received.

In moments like those, her gift was a curse.

It wasn't my choice, Martha continually reminded herself. She closed her eyes and breathed in until her lungs could not fill anymore. "I'm so sorry, Sophie."

Her warm hand covered her mouth as droplets of tears fell down on Heen's head. He jostled around to see Martha's sorrowful face soaked and reddened, wheezing to relieve her of pain.

Sophie reached her hand around Martha's back, letting her release the tears she had held in for much too long. Martha told herself she'd never let the visions get to her - although she never imagined experiencing a vision so personal, so intimately related to her own life. And not being able to stop it only made her curse this power even more.

Martha's voice was shaky and broken. "I hate being a Seer."

"Don't say that." Sophie said, as if commanding her. She squeezed her shoulder with all the force she could muster. "This gift is a part of you. It's what makes you an amazing witch."

Martha sniffled and rubbed her fingers over her running nose. "It's also broken our family. You can't imagine the guilt of seeing Lettie's death and knowing that if I did anything to protect her, something worse might have happened. Maybe I would have lost both of you."

Sophie shut her eyes and held them closed for a while. "I understand how you feel. I felt that same guilt when I found out Suliman had been posing as Lettie for months, and I was too blinded by everything else going on to notice that my sister wasn't really my sister."

Heen jumped off of Martha's lap as she moved toward Sophie, both standing for an embrace. Sophie ran her fingers through Martha's hair and they both cried in each other's arms, thankful to be in the presence of one another. Blame could have been thrown between both of them, but nothing could alter the past. The middle of the Hatter sisters was gone - the memory of her spirit all that remained.

When Martha had composed herself enough, she returned to her seat. She lifted her teacup only to find no steam exhausting from the drink. With a wave of her hand, she warmed hers as well as Sophie's. Heen returned to his comfort atop Martha, begging for her to scratch and pet his plump body.

Sophie tapped the table once more, another pressing thought still edged deep in her mind. "I want to know."

Martha took a sip. "Know what?"

"How it happened." Martha nearly spit her tea back in the cup. Sophie's visage was stoic and absolute. "I want to know how Lettie died."

Chapter Text

Their years of training had brought them to this moment. Years of practice and painful mistakes, hours of studying and rivaling competition - this was their first test of approval from Madame Suliman.

She sat in her chair, completely at ease. Her little statues stood perfect in a row, waiting to be summoned. She had already gone through the lot of her novice apprentices, determining their worth by their skills. She had seen a variety of magicians and their sources shining with potential and vigor, but she had yet to see her prized students.

The name Howl Pendragon appeared on her magical orb. The orb ranked students in their current professional state of magic, so it was no surprise that he was near the end of the orb's list. Currently, he was ranked fifth, but by the end of the apprenticeship, she expected him to be her highest rank.

She saw the young man fidget at the mentioning of his name. She smiled. "Come forth." He broke away from the line and took ten strides toward her, still a fair distance away. She waved her hand, palm facing upward, and he began.

Howl exhaled quickly. His eyes were closed and his hands moved around an invisible sphere. He transferred his weight between his legs, bending one knee and then moving to the next. Under his breath, he whispered a low and dangerous spell, and Madame Suliman was pleased. Very pleased.

The open room darkened entirely, even from the outside. A black orb took the place of the sun in the sky. The students clutched to one another, frightened of their fellow classmate. Howl paid no mind to their whimpers or signs of fear - he was only here to earn one person's approval.

He pushed one hand toward the ground and the other into his chest. The darkness was infinite; he had no boundaries to his abilities. Suliman had taught him how.

In an instant, the light flushed through the cold space. The room returned to its tranquil state and their fear was no longer visible. Even so, now that Howl's source was revealed as darkness, he had now become a profound threat.

Madame Suliman clapped slowly, as she did for her previous apprentices as a form of praise. There was something in the way she rewarded Howl, however, that made it obvious of her favor toward him. It was no surprise to the rest of the class.

Madame Suliman waved him off to rejoin his class. Noe Bridges appeared on the orb next. The girl with the long, curly pigtails walked proudly past Howl, intentionally hitting his shoulder on her way. He forced himself not to retaliate, though so many would have enjoyed seeing another fight from him - especially against his biggest competitor, Noe.

She bowed with a curtsey to Madame Suliman prior to her demonstration, then sat cross-legged on the tile floor until the spell raised her a few inches off the ground. She exposed a vision on the glass wall, Suliman turning around to see the premonition. Though no one could see the sorceress, Suliman's eerie smile was ever present. This was a skill she knew would become very useful in time.

She nodded and the orb called upon her next apprentice - Kenta Itō. He skillfully performed a natural disaster using all four of the main elements. His fluidity transferring between contrasting elements clearly showed his growth from his premature battle with Howl on their first day, so it was no surprise he had slightly surpassed his former rival. Madame Suliman nodded with approval.

Nade Obel. The overzealous and cocky wizard approached the center of the room, his muscles flexed. He cracked his neck on both sides before positioning himself. His source caught the room by surprise - after he jumped into the air and smashed his fist into the ground, the room's gravitational pull fell off balance.

The apprentices fell into the air, while Madame Suliman was the only one prepared for such mastery. Nade casted a prideful grin toward her, in which she nodded. He returned the balance to the room, his fellow classmates falling from whatever height they had floated, and rejoined the line of students.

Assuming her entire class had presented, Madame Suliman pushed off her chair to give a final speech for her stellar students. Before she could begin speaking, however, one more name appeared in the center of the orb.

Xarx Atwood.

Madame Suliman stared at the name. She was astounded to see his name last on the list, or rather at the top of her prized students. He was hardly talented - even his classmates knew that. His skills were worthy of magical hat-making or selling potions by the seaports, and yet the orb deemed him extraordinary.

She narrowed her eyes at the young man, his trembling body taking hesitant steps toward her. He dared not to look her in the eye, since only the proudest of her students had that level of confidence. Xarx - an apprentice whom she questioned her judgment in accepting on many occasions - was too frightened to face her.

"Well, come on." Madame Suliman said with force. "Share your skills."

Xarx turned to the side, his eyes closed and a light whimper escaping his lips. Madame Suliman rolled her eyes and waited impatiently for him to do something. He didn't.

"Are you going to prove yourself or not?"

He choked on his words. "No, Madame. I cannot."

"Well, why is that?"

Xarx licked his lips. The whispering chuckles from behind rang loud in his ears. The embarrassment was as real as his shame. "It's just that I... I um..."

"Spit it out, child!" Madame Suliman shouted, her hands gripping the arms of her seat. The students widened their eyes, whispers traveling left and right. Her use of the word 'child' on a man in his early twenties only furthered his humility.

Xarx lifted his head slowly, though his eyes continued to evade Madame Suliman. "I have not discovered my source yet, Madame. I apologize for the inconvenience."

Silence filled the expansive room. Not a breath could be heard, as most of the students were in such disbelief they held them in for a long while. They looked between Xarx and Madame Suliman, waiting to see who would make the first move. Howl whispered something to Kenta, but his gaze was far too focused on Xarx to have heard anything his friend had said.

The sunlight gleaming through the windows darkened as the clouds moved in. Xarx bowed, one arm pressed against his back and the other shielding his core. He expected an array of spells as punishment to teach him a lesson or two, or possibly a brutal attack for his apparent lack of skill.

Yet instead, Madame Suliman stood up and walked away.

"That is all the time I have left. You all did well, my students. But I have higher priorities at the moment." She finished her sentence as she exited, not a second glance in Xarx's direction. He stood up and stared at the door, wondering if this was better than his wild imaginations.

The students gradually dispersed. Nade and Noe approached him, both containing their laughter. Nade patted his back. "Don't worry about it, Xarx. I'm sure you'll impress her next time."

Noe snorted. "Sure, once he figures out his source. Until then, you better hope she keeps you in the apprenticeship."

Xarx widened his eyes. "You think she'd kick me out? Right before graduation?"

Noe shrugged her shoulders, a wide grin planted on her face. "I don't know. But if I were you, I wouldn't want to find out."

Howl chatted to Kenta as they departed, hardly taking a breath in-between his long speech on how well they performed. He hardly noticed the three remaining magicians, but Kenta was more preoccupied by one in particular.

He stared at Xarx until their eyes locked - they both knew what his source was.

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

Noe walked through the grand hallway with her head held high. She wrapped her fingers together behind her back as her broomstick floated next to her. She didn't even bother communing with the help, since she hardly enjoyed conversations with even the wealthiest of Kingsbury. Her source was so infinite, she could experience one person's future in a matter of seconds - there was no point in making friends if she knew their fate.

Her friendship - or rather, association - with Nade and Xarx was much simpler. They worked as a team, three separate skills balancing in a unity. She was smart, cunning, and quick to make decisions. Nade was too lazy to do anything even with such exceptional power, and Xarx, though building his talent over the years, was too weak to even try.

Noe rolled her eyes. Madame Suliman should have given up on him years ago. He was only dragging the rest of her more powerful magicians down by stringing him along. It shocked her to see Xarx on special operations with her and Nade, two of her top students. The only chance he had to prove himself ended as an utter failure.

She had also dabbled with removing Xarx herself, though she would not lift a finger unless Madame Suliman gave the order.

Noe paced through the hallways and came across Madame Suliman herself, staring out one of the large windows that overlooked the capital Kingsbury. Her insides flustered and she felt a strange nervousness. This was her opportunity to make something of herself.

Noe walked toward her, chin high and a straightened back. "Good evening, Madame."

She did not turn in her direction. "Beautiful sunset, isn't it?"

Noe blinked twice, unsure of how to respond for quite some time. "Oh, um... yes, of course. I especially love the sun at this hour."

Madame Suliman chuckled. "Yes, I can see." She finally turned toward her. "I believe the mission I requested was successful."

Noe crossed her arms with a huff. "Yeah, I'm surprised those dimwits were able to pull it off without my help."

"I needed to challenge them."

Noe crinkled her eyebrows. She considered that a challenge? Noe could have completed that mission in a couple of hours, while it took Nade and Xarx a few days. Madame Suliman would have been successful in a matter of minutes.

Madame Suliman folded her hands together. "It appears that you have a request for me."

Noe fumbled and scratched the back of her head. No secret hid from the Madame. "Actually, yes. There is. I was wondering if maybe..." She stumbled with her words, trying to say what she was lightly. But the Madame was more heartless than she was.

Madame Suliman locked eyes with Noe, her confidence reborn. "I personally think Nade and Xarx are pulling me down when I can be taking on much bigger responsibilities. I'm a loyal servant to you, and I think I would be more beneficial if I were to work alone under your command."

Madame Suliman placed a hand on her shoulder. "I know exactly what you want, and I have a special task in mind if you accept the challenge."

Noe's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Yes, anything."

"I'm sure this is something you will enjoy, as well." Madame Suliman said with a sneer grin. “Bring me Howl Pendragon’s heart. If his friends get in the way, I give you free reign to terminate them as well. Do this, and you will become my successor."

Noe nodded in obedience. "It would be my pleasure."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

"Man, is it great to be back." Nade slapped Xarx's back as they walked through the halls. His overbearing confidence frightened the lowly employees, most shuddering in his presence and doing their best to keep out of his way. Xarx never had that effect on people - he couldn’t quite exude intimidation in his demure presence.

Xarx nodded. "It's nice to come back to something familiar."

"Familiar?" Nade creased his eyebrows. "I meant the service. Buffets going all day and so much time to relax."

"We're still at war, you know."

Nade waved him off. "Yeah, but that's not our problem right now. We were chosen for more important missions. Better than risking our lives on the frontline, huh?"

Xarx exhaled. "Yeah, it sucks for people like Redford and Nolan."

Nade rolled his eyes. "True, but they wanted to be in the action. Remember during the apprenticeship when we were given our positions?"

Xarx nodded. It was a few weeks before the end. Madame Suliman had given all of her apprentices an oath that required them to return to the Palace whenever summoned. They were all given a position to fill upon their return. Many were given warrior or soldier, as was expected in the case of a war. However, a few were given more advanced positions.

Noe, as she always proudly reminded everyone, was given reconnaissance. She was the first to be summoned, not much longer after their apprenticeship ended, and she returned with blind obedience immediately. Nade and Xarx were both given special operations. It was clear to Nade why he was chosen - it wasn't so clear to anyone why Xarx was chosen.

Xarx shrugged. "I guess we got lucky."

Nade patted his shoulder. "You got lucky. I was always going to be working close to Madame Suliman. She wouldn't risk losing one of her prize magicians."

Xarx smirked. "Is that why Howl always got the upper hand on you in school?"

He kept walking a few steps before he realized Nade had stopped in his tracks. He turned halfway, only to be surprised by a forceful attack. Nade held Xarx against the wall, his fingers pressing down against his throat. Xarx clawed at his flexed hand, but couldn’t remove the hold. Nade had much more physical strength than he ever could.

"Don't you ever compare me to that desolate, washed up deadbeat." Nade's voice growled low like a jaguar. “I ranked higher than him in finals. Or did you forget that?"

Xarx coughed as he struggled to breathe and Nade released his grip to give him some air, though kept his hand over his throat to hold him in place. Xarx looked down at him, his eyes glowing a bright gold. “Did you forget that I ranked higher than you?”

Xarx melted into the ground and flowed underneath Nade. He transformed back into his human form and took a fighting stance, arms out in front with fists.

“Really?” Nade chuckled. “You chose the wrong opponent."

As Xarx rushed in for a physical attack, Nade disappeared and reappeared behind him, kicking the center of his back. Xarx flew against the wall, leaning on one hand to readjust himself. By the time he turned around for his next attack, Nade was out of sight. Xarx kept his guard up, unsure of if he had walked away or was preparing for another attack. His heart beat faster with each unknown second until a faint snicker echoed from behind him.

Before he could make a decision, Nade had altered the gravitational pull of the hallway. While he stayed upright, Xarx fell completely out of balance and struggled to find his footing. Nade basked in the triumph of Xarx's weakness as he watched his continuous fall. After he felt Xarx had learned his lesson, he returned gravity to the hallway. Xarx fell from the ceiling to the floor, defeated.

He pushed against the ground to stand up, but Nade grabbed hold of his messy hair and slammed his face into the floor. Drops of blood fell onto the unsoiled carpet, blending in with the vibrant red. If Nade hadn’t held him up again, Xarx would have laid his weary head flat on the ground.

Nade leaned into his ear. "Don't ever challenge me again. Next time, you're dead."

Xarx mumbled something under his breath, but it was so incoherent Nade simply tightened his grip on his hair in response. He yelped from the pain.

“Even Madame Suliman said the orb made a mistake placing you first.” Nade pressed on. “You are nothing in comparison to my source. When it comes to magic, I'm in charge."

Xarx twisted his head to the side, just barely catching a glimpse of his so-called comrade. "Why don't you tell that to the Royal Sorceress?"

“You're weak, Xarx. You never should have entered her apprenticeship because she has no use for you. Hell, you didn't even know your source by the end of it all!" Nade laughed in mockery of Xarx's frailty. "Did you ever find out what channels your magic?"

Xarx glared at him, his eyes darkening from their gleaming light, and stayed silent.

Nade shook his head with a proud smirk. "Get someone to clean that up for you." He released his grip, letting the beaten wizard drop his head back to the ground. He straightened his vest before walking away.

"You'll never be good enough for Madame Suliman." Nade said from afar. "No matter how hard you try."

Chapter Text

There was hardly a soul who didn't fear the Royal Sorceress. Her prestige in the art of magic and vast knowledge of the world overwhelmed the land of Ingary so well that no one, not even the Royal Family, was confident enough to stand up against her.

Madame Suliman knew this very well. She made sure no one would question her or become more powerful. For if just one soul discovered her weaknesses, if just one sly person figured out the secrets she locked deep inside herself, then everyone would see behind the mask she built around herself.

"How was that, Mother?"

Madame Suliman pulled her gaze away from the pouring rain trickling down the clean glass windows of her sanctuary. This was her comfort; her realm of control.

She nodded toward her son. "Yes, Owen. Your powers are definitely near mastery."

Owen crossed his arms. "Shall I perform again, hoping you'll watch me this time?"

Suliman, having been outed by her son for neglecting him again, sighed. "I have a lot on my mind. I would prefer that we train at a later date."

Owen scoffed. "Of course. Always later, and never now." Even in his adult years, he still held tantrums like a child.

He turned to walk out until he felt a pressing urge to do the exact opposite. It was a feeling he’d always had, yet never felt confident to share aloud - not even to his own mother. She never fought for him, never praised him in front of her other amateur students. He was far more intellectual in the art of magic than most of them were combined.

He had given her everything, and now he wanted just one ounce of truth from her.

Owen held his stance. "Why is this Howl Pendragon more important than me?"

He couldn't see her, yet he knew his mother was appalled by the accusation. "Owen, that is completely out of place and out of context. You are my son."

"Only by chance." Owen scolded. He turned with a burning rage toward Suliman. "Had Howl been fortunate enough to be born as your son, you would gladly show him off to everyone in Kingsbury, to the entire kingdom!"

"That is enough." Suliman stood from her chair and walked rigidly toward Owen. “A grown man acting like a child - I did not raise you to be envious. You have had everything you ever needed or wanted for twenty-two years all because of me, because of the status I have held for half a century! I will not be spoken to in such a vile tone from my own son."

"I won't stand to be second best anymore." Owen said, his eyes returning to the glare of his mother's. "Why do you favor him over me? Why do you favor all of your students over me?"

Suliman refused to speak. Her breath was heavy and fast-paced as she exhaled through the slits between her teeth. Owen would not release his glare from hers, hoping for some form of honesty from his mother. She was beyond wisdom; she was beyond talent; but as a mother, she failed him day after day.

And in that glance, in that brief moment she witnessed her son - and her mask dropped.

Owen stared wide-eyed. He didn't know how he couldn't see it before; or maybe he chose not to see it, willingly shielding such a truth from his already fragile heart. As much as she played him as this amazing magician and gave him so many opportunities to learn from the masters, she would always see him as a disgrace to their family.

Owen clenched his fists. "Is this because of who I am? Is this because of my source?"

Suliman turned her back and walked to her chair. "Howl Pendragon is the magician I have been looking for since before you were born. I will not let this opportunity go to waste."

"Fine." Owen said. "Then I guess you won't have to worry about your humiliating son anymore."

Suliman turned around, but before she could refute, he had disappeared from her sight. She sat calmly in her chair and called for one of her servants. "Please send in Howl Pendragon. It is time for our private lesson."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

Her mind was blank, like a black hole swirling inside the depths of her soul. It pulled her in deeper and deeper until she had lost her way around completely. Everything ceased to exist and nothing made sense anymore. Suliman had ways of doing that to a person, especially when they were trapped in a jail cell.

"Gwenda." Her eyes shot open. Though the void had disappeared, she still stared at a vast emptiness. Concrete walls held them captive, barred openings restricted the amount of sunlight that reached inside, and defeat floated around the entire prison to each victim.

Lona knelt next to the stone prison bed, waiting for Gwenda to rise. "I think you should speak with George again."

"What for?" Gwenda said, her voice still in slumber. "To tell me off again and insult magicians even more? No thanks."

“I think you can change his mind."

Gwenda breathed a laugh. "He seems pretty set on himself. Reminds me of myself actually.”

Lona reached her hand and held Gwenda's. Her voice pleaded. "Please. You're better at making a convincing argument than I am. You're the only person I know who can change their minds."

Gwenda closed her eyes once more. Lying around waiting for someone to come was futile. It was easier to pretend that everyone would be fine until their eventual rescue and then they would see the good in magic, but that was just a fantasy. Gwenda was tired of arguing; she was tired of defending people against other people who wouldn't listen to her.

Then again, she wasn't the type of person to wait for action - she made action happen.

With the energy she regained from her brief rest, Gwenda sat up on the bed and hung her legs off the side, her newly adjusted braid falling firmly down the center of her back. She paused until the rush in her head passed and she could clearly see the room. Most of the prisoners were resting on the uncomfortable hanging beds or sitting on the floor with the same blank expressions. Prison was meant for people who committed actual crimes, and yet Suliman used them to contain innocent bystanders for her own control.

Not surprising, Gwenda thought. She continually found qualities of Suliman that only enraged her even more.

Lona took her seat as Gwenda stood and walked to the locked iron door. In the cell next to her, Beth and Mari sat across from each other, their dim gazes staring at the tiny bits of rubble on the floor. She had hoped that their friendship would be enough to encourage them, yet they were as willing to help her as anyone else in the room.

Gwenda held the icy bars and leaned her head as close to them as possible. George tossed a pebble in the air and grumbled under his breath when he didn't catch it. She stood there for a while until he saw her staring. He rolled his eyes and threw the pebble in the air again. "What do you want now, little lady?"

"I want you to reconsider your position." Gwenda said. She looked around the room. "All of you. These are your friends and family in danger and-"

"They had their chance." George said, her voice stern. "I told my son, he could stay home and train with his aunt or he could go to Suliman's school and never come home. He made his choice years ago and I stand by my word."

Gwenda dropped her gaze. "I remember when I was little, I saw the lines of young magicians waiting to witness the magnificent and prestigious Madame Suliman, all in the hopes of entering her school. Everyone loved her for years. Why didn't you trust her then?"

George scoffed. "That's where you're wrong, girl. The people didn't love her; they were afraid of her. She used fear to gain power - that was clearer than anything. I didn't want my son to be associated with those kinds, but he was blinded by becoming a renowned wizard."

An older woman in the cell next to him joined the conversation. "You talk as if she was always that way."

"Once she became Royal Sorceress, she did. I'm telling you, Somer, that kind of power does not belong to one person. She has taken advantage of magic."

"I'm not disagreeing with you, George." Somer reached her hand into his cell, though George was reluctant to take it. "I just miss Nolan."

George tightened his grip around the pebble and his hands shook from the pressure. He threw it against the bars, the clang echoing throughout the room. He turned to Somer with red eyes. "I miss him, too. But that doesn't erase the terrible things he's done by leaving and joining her army."

Gwenda heard a soft cough from behind her, close behind. Lona crept up next to her, though her intent was toward George and Somer. "This ring was given to me by a wizard." She held her hand out for them to see the square diamond bound inside a silver band. "His name is Kenta, and he studied under Suliman and joined her army as well. I'm not saying he made the right decisions, but he made the decisions he thought would keep me safe. Everything he has ever done was out of love, and I believe your son would see his wrongdoings if you forgave him."

George licked his cracked lips. "My son never wanted to use magic for the right reasons. Your lad may have done so out of love, but believe me when I say Nolan joined Suliman out of spite against us."

Lona turned away and sat against the bars, biting her lip to hold the tears in place. She whispered a list - which Gwenda remembered from when their mother left - of things that could never change and things that made her happy. She whispered things like chocolate covered strawberries and great-aunt Felicia’s cooking and their old dog begging for treats. There were a few new things added to the list, things like how much she loved Kenta and finally being with her sister again.

Gwenda inhaled a heavy breath. "What about the rest of you? You must love these magicians if you were important enough to be taken away from them."

Some of the prisoners looked up, but others hardly paid any mind to her. Silence. A room filled with innocent prisoners unwilling to fight. It boiled her anger further and further the longer they avoided her gaze and zipped their mouths shut.

Gwenda grasped the bars tighter. "I have friends, too, that are in danger because they are trying to put an end to Suliman's reign of terror. They’re humans and magicians alike and are giving their lives to save you and your families. Wizards like Howl Pendragon, the one who used to walk around in his castle and supposedly ate the hearts of women. The Witch of the Wastes, who used to work for Suliman is now trying to stop her along with all my friends - Sophie, Markl, Kenta, Martha, Calcifer-"

"Gwenda, I think you've made your point now." Lona said softly.

"No!" Gwenda shouted to her. "Obviously I haven't if they still don't want to help. I've been afraid of magicians since mom left with that manipulative jerk and destroyed our family. I've been angry at magic because of what it did to us, but now I know that just one wizard cannot define them all. I have seen so much good in my friends that I doubted everything I used to believe. I've seen the Witch of the Wastes turn from her horrible ways to living the rest of her life doing good for others. If that change is possible, I can't wait to see what the future holds."

Gwenda dropped to the floor next to her sister and held her hand tightly. Gwenda didn't care if they decided to do something or just sat in their cells. She was more concerned with finding her friends, hoping they were still alive. Her last contact was with Calcifer, and their brief window of opportunity had slipped away.

Calcifer. Gwenda tried not to think about him, but he was the only one on her mind after his attempted rescue. His words pierced her heart as she repeated them over and over in her mind. He loved her; he really loved her. All the little moments they had together, those late night conversations, his attitude whenever she was around him, even the way he spoke to her - she had blocked love from her world for so long she had forgotten the signs.

She had forgotten how to feel love.

She'd been hurt so many times, it pained her to think about experiencing that again. For years, Gwenda built up a guarded wall around herself, restricting new friends from knowing her and restricting herself from freely opening up again. Before she knew it, Calcifer had learned how to break that wall.

And without question, she let him.

From the corner of her eye, Gwenda noticed Betha and Mari staring at her. As she turned, they held soft, hopeful smiles. Maybe a few more would gain hope as well.

The door to the prison opened and four guards entered the room. The prisoners jostled around and cowered. George was right about one thing: Suliman's fear tactics.

"Gwendolyn and Lona Maguire." One of the guards said.

Gwenda turned to them, narrowing her eyes with suspicion. "Yes, what do you want?"

The guard motioned with his hand toward her and two guards unlocked their cell. As quickly as they opened the door, they handcuffed the sisters and dragged them out of the cell. Neither Gwenda nor Lona resisted.

"What's this for?" Gwenda asked. "You can at least say where you're taking us."

The main guard led them to the exit. "The Royal Family has requested your presence immediately."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

A slow and agonizing torture was worse than any curse he had encountered. The weight upon his lifeless being had deteriorated every bit of strength, courage, and hope. He feared the worst at this point.

"Markl, help me clear the smaller pieces." From a faded perspective, Kenta watched as Calcifer instructed Markl on how to ease the load atop him. He hoped that doing something was better than waiting for the end to come.

Markl removed the smaller pieces of wood first and added them to Calcifer's fire. He went through wood faster than most fires, but at least he had more to support. He kept their environment free of the chilling weather and hid them well from Suliman's army and whatever beasts were wandering in the Wastes. His powers were a true gift.

Kenta coughed out dust and soot. His voice sounded like he had smoked for decades. "I don't think this is helping."

"It will." Markl said, his mind set on this one task. He spoke as his arms moved nearby pieces from Kenta to Calcifer. "We'll get you out of there, even if I can't use magic."

Kenta tried raising his hand, but he could barely feel it. His hands lay downward as if he were strapped by handcuffs. A trapped, helpless, misfortunate victim - all the antagonism he remembered from his forced entrance into Suliman's army. However, he didn't have Lona or Howl to get him out of trouble this time.

"Maybe if I move my fire over you, I can burn the wood. Then, all that would be left is hot metal." Calcifer said as Markl dropped more scraps of wood over him. Kenta fixed his exhausted eyes to Calcifer, the fire demon growing red with embarrassment. "I guess that would hurt more than help, huh?"

Kenta nodded as best he could. "Probably, yes."

As Markl removed a large piece, a low crashing pushed toward Kenta, dropping the rubble that lay above him further down to replace what Markl took. Markl frowned and threw the wood onto Calcifer, taking the fire demon by surprise.

The boy stomped away. "Argh! Why is this so difficult? Why can't I just remember how to use magic?"

Kenta shook his head. "Stop putting so much pressure on yourself. It's like you're learning the basics over again."

"I hate the basics!" Markl threw fists by his side and bowed his head. "I hate having to do everything over again. I've trained with Master Howl for years and half the time I was teaching myself. Why can't I just be a master already? Why can't I just be a wizard?"

Calcifer turned to Kenta, who merely stared at the boy with regretful eyes. He remembered something, even if it was simply the pain he felt as a novice. After all the years of hard work and dedication, he was back to the beginning. They both were at a loss of words.

Markl returned to feeding Calcifer with the wood, using what little muscle strength he had to remove the heavier pieces away. Kenta appeared relieved at times, but the entire load pressing down on him would crush him before Markl even made a dent.

Nevertheless, the emergence of sunrise was a glimmer of hope for Kenta. He closed his eyes and embraced the warmth, enjoying this simple gift.

Markl threw a burly plank of wood - one of the broken stairs from the castle - over Calcifer to the other side of rubble. Calcifer glanced between the boy and where the plank landed, much farther than a boy his age was capable of flinging. Markl wiped his forehead and huffed. The fire demon narrowed his eyes, watching as Markl threw piece by piece across the space, all falling near the first plank.

Kenta shot his eyes open when he felt the pressure against his chest relieved. He took in deep breaths, something he was restricted from for a long while. Markl paid no mind to Kenta's relief and continued his haul. The light from the sun poured out like a golden waterfall against Markl's back like an energy source.

Or rather, a magical source.

His movements seemed instinctual as sunlight fed into Markl's motions. One moment he physically heaved the heavy weights off Kenta's limp body and the next he used power and ability which had seemed so distant from his memory. This was far from brute force, however. This was pure magic.

He pressed the heels of his hands together, conjuring a white light and it gleamed in Kenta's direction. Calcifer shielded himself from the brightness. Markl whispered the words Kenta had been rehearsing to him, only this time everything clicked in his mind.

The rubble vanished into the light, mostly disintegrating into ash. Kenta nearly toppled onto the ground as he took his first deep breath in over a day. He knelt on the ground as he coughed roughly. His muscles tingled from the lack of use and he struggled to gain control of them at first. He moved his arms and legs around to bring the feeling back to them, but he was more amazed with how he was free in the first place.

Kenta looked up to Markl, the boy jumping with joy. "I... I did it!"

Calcifer darted his eyes between the two of them. "How did you... what did you do?"

Markl stopped jumping as he searched his memory. It happened so quickly and he didn't have to think twice about what to do. It just happened.

Kenta walked on shaky legs toward him. "It was the sun, wasn't it?"

Markl's eyes widened. "You're right. I felt the sun on my back and there was this burst of energy in me. All the spells, the motions... everything just made sense again."

Kenta smiled. "For some reason, I thought you were a magician of light."

"Light?" Calcifer stared at him. "Are you sure? That's such a rare source."

"And a source that fits Markl's personality perfectly." Kenta said. He turned to the boy, whose eyes were filled with wonder. "Your powers are strongest in the light of day, something you may have noticed but didn't think too much of before. I guess it took losing your magic for you to find everything you needed."

Markl bowed his head, his mind revolving around this new revelation. A creature of light - looking back, he couldn't tell how it wasn't more obvious to him, or even to Master Howl. His training focused on releasing one's source, but Markl's magic was slow in the process. Knowing what he was, knowing where his magic came from, was an immense relief.

"Howl's source is darkness." Markl pointed out. "Does that mean... that we're enemies?"

Kenta smiled. "Magicians make enemies by using their abilities against one another. You and Howl have such a close bond, I know you two will only help each other grow." He turned to Calcifer, his eyebrows creased upward. "You know, I've only known of three other magicians whose sources come from light and purity."

Calcifer's flames crackled atop the ash and molten wood. "Master Erikku of the Spirit Realm is the only one I can think of, since he was the first."

"That's because the other two were in my apprenticeship with Howl. One of the wizards who attacked us in Ovela, Xarx - he's a magician of light."

Calcifer shook his head. "Look where that's gotten him."

Markl leaned in closer. "Who was the other?"

Kenta turned to the boy, his face dropping and growing colder. "Someone you would never guess. Suliman's son, Owen."

Chapter Text

In the darkest hour of the night during the annual ball at the Kingsbury Royal Palace, heavy rainstorms tore through nearly every part of Ingary. The black sky was home to dusky, gloomy clouds booming with thunder and quick flashes of light slicing through the sky. Safety could only be found inside the Palace, but not for everyone.

The light from the crystal chandeliers in the ballroom dazzled and distracted the guests from noticing the true chaos outside. Most were seen dancing in pairs to the melody of the grand symphony. Others stood gawking at one another, complimenting the attire and appearance of their fellow aristocrats. Only a select few noticed the absence of their newest cohort.

"Justin, dear." A woman in a shimmering gold gown sang as she approached the Prince. Her hours of applying makeup hid her real age in a magical, yet unappealing manner. "I've just noticed your leading lady has yet to make an appearance tonight."

Prince Justin, in his elegant yellow suit and typical flashy smile, held a glass of champagne to his lips. He took a calming sip before replying, "She had a previous engagement tonight. It was very urgent that she be there."

The lady pursed her lips and pouted. "Well, tell her she'll be missed. We just adore that little girl and can't wait for the day when you finally pop the question."

Just wrapped his arms around his back. "She will most definitely be missed."

The sound of thunder rang louder as the glass doors to the Palace Gardens sprang open. The room filled with gasps and then silence as a rattled woman rushed through the crowd of dancers with a soaking wet dress weighing her down. Her darkened blonde hair moved side to side and the guests stepped back to avoid ruining their own attire.

"Justin!" She rushed into his arms and cried in his embrace, making it difficult to tell what had been drops of rain or tears.

The aristocratic woman smiled and clapped. "Oh, how romantic of you, Lettie! Leaving your other plans because you just had to see your beau. I love it!"

Lettie paid no mind to her. "Justin, I can't stay here."

He wrinkled his eyebrows. "But you've just arrived."

Lettie removed herself from the embrace. Her makeup bled down her cheeks and blackened her blue eyes. "Yeah, and I would have been here a half hour ago if that terrifying witch with the crazy pigtails didn't try to kill me!"

Lettie had begun drawing the attention of the guests, their curiosity running amuck. Most didn't appear to understand what she meant by her words - given that Kingsbury was such a peaceful city to live, her accusations seemed nearly impossible.

Justin held her arm just below her shoulder and directed her out of the ballroom. "Darling, why don't we get you out of those wet clothes, yes? Maybe a cup of hot tea will help calm your nerves."

Lettie persisted on her claims as he forced their exit from the ballroom. The hallways were dimly lit. "You need to press charges against her. I swear, Justin, Noe was out to kill me. She chased me through the gardens and I thought I was done for."

Justin nodded, but he showed very little emotion to her words. He continued their walk as a ghastly thought pressed her mind. "I think… I think Madame Suliman has something to do with this."

Justin casually halted. "Suliman?" Lettie nodded. "Why would she want to harm you?"

Lettie licked her lips. "I think it has something to do with my sister, Sophie. You remember that she was supposed to marry Owen, but since that didn't happen, I think she's trying to hurt Sophie through me."

"What makes you think that?"

"She's been seeing someone lately." Lettie sighed. "A wizard, I think, because she's too scared for me to meet him. I think Suliman wants to get back at her in some way for never even wanting to marry her son."

Justin stepped in front of her. He held her shoulders with gentle hands. "Lettie, I think what you need is to relax. Let's get more comfortable, we can talk-"

Lettie pushed away from him with force. "I don't want to be comfortable, I want you to listen! Suliman's little witch freak just tried to kill me and you want me to calm down? I want you to take this seriously."

"I am, sweetheart. I am." Justin held his arms out and pulled her closer. Lettie sighed in his embrace. Her heart was still racing from the adrenaline. She could feel each beat pulsing through her veins, like a series of gongs repeatedly sounding inside her body.

And then nothing. No pulse, no heartbeat, no life. Pain emanated from a spot on her upper back and coursed through her entire body. She tried inhaling, but her breath stopped midway and pinched at the source of pain. The air she desired was right in front of her, yet she couldn't grasp it. A liquid trickled down her back, mixing with the rainwater.

Justin laid her in his arms in a way where she could see him perfectly. He pulled the sharp knife from her back and she jolted from the sudden change. Her body shivered - she was going to die.

"Justin." Lettie coughed out, but her plea would get her nowhere. He wanted her to die; he sent the witch to kill her and when she didn't, he chose to finish the job. It wasn't Suliman - it was her love.

Justin sighed through an eerie smile. "I'm so sorry it had to happen this way, darling. Unfortunately for you, you're not the Hatter sister I'm in love with."

Lettie's lips trembled. "B-but-"

"I gave you everything you wanted," Justin said, caressing her cheek, "you just couldn't give me everything I wanted. And what I want is to be with Sophie forever."

Tears fell down her cheek and he wiped them away in a loving expression. She wanted to push away from him, but her strength had been stolen - and soon, very soon, her life would vanish as well.

"Sh, don't cry, love." Justin whispered. His lips were close to hers, almost in a taunting way. But he refused to kiss her. "I know this is hard for you to understand, but I'll let you in on a little secret."

He leaned close to her, coiling her blonde wet curls behind her ear. She could not stop shaking in tantalizing fear of the man she once loved. His lips grazed the edge of her ear as he whispered in a sadistic tone, "Everyone in your life, everyone you have ever loved, will pay the same price until Sophie is mine forever."

Lettie bit her lip, clenched her teeth, used every ounce of movement she could before she felt numb. Her limbs were limp; her eyes grew heavy; her breath was cut short. And in one slow motion, Lettie Hatter dropped her head never to awaken again.

A purple gust of clouds blew in a swirling motion near them. Justin looked up and saw Lettie, clean and perfect and beautiful as she was. She wore the same dress, though she was not stained by the rain or the blood that still bled from the corpse on the ground. The Lettie before him waved her hand in their direction, and with a touch of magic vanished the Lettie in Justin's arms from sight as well as the blood that tainted his pristine suit.

He stood up. "Well then, love. I guess we better make plans to see your sister one last time."

The lively Lettie curved her smile. "If Sophie can't possibly see what I see in you, then I have no other choice but to tell her about us myself."

"And if she still refuses to marry me?"

Lettie took two steps forward and rested her hand on Justin's cheek. "Trust in me, Justin. I have something against her beloved Howl that not even she can dismiss."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

It seemed fitting to Howl to see a starless sky with heavy clouds circling the Palace. Night had come and gone and returned by the time they approached the gates. With the Witch's old age and Suliman's guards posted at nearly every corner, it was a miracle they hadn't been caught yet. Howl knew a few spells of disguise and distraction, however Suliman surely prepared herself for those. The second they were in her city, no one was safe.

The Witch licked her cracked lips. "I can't wait to get in there and teach that Suliman a lesson or two."

Howl gawked in his aristocratic disguise. "That's why we're here? I thought we were waiting for our comrades. We're not ready to approach Suliman, not with only the two of us."

The Witch cackled and held the skirt of her distorted gown. "Is that why we're in these cheesy disguises? You always knew how to make yourself look more beautiful than you really are."

Howl rolled his eyes. Sometimes he wondered why he agreed with Sophie to invite the crazy witch into the castle in the first place, but save for a few of her snide comments she was at the very least bearable.

He just didn't want her to make matters worse for them.

The Witch hobbled like a penguin over to the gate and addressed their presence to the guards. Howl held his breath as the gates opened, surprised by the amount of obedience from the guards. It seemed odd that they would allow residents, even those who appeared to be the wealthiest of them, to enter the Palace at a time like this. It wasn't ideal to have guests in the Palace during a time of war, especially with the amount of secrets lurking inside.

They approached the extensive staircase, an instant reminder to the Witch of the last time she walked up that torturous hike. She had worked so hard to earn the title of one of the most feared witches in Ingary, and Suliman stripped her of that in a matter of seconds. She wasn’t sure if she was mad at herself for falling into such a trap or mad at Suliman for fitting her backstabbing reputation so perfectly.

The Witch huffed as they climbed the stairs, but she did not falter. This time, she refused to fail.

The foreman closed in on the Witch and Howl when they entered the Palace, his plastic smile giving no impression that he saw through them. "Good evening. Whom may I address you as to the Royal Family?"

Howl curved his smile. "Old friends."

The foreman dropped his facade. He opened his mouth, but Howl zipped it shut and revealed their identities. The guards posted at the entrance responded quickly, but Howl grabbed the Witch's arm and rushed her down the main hallway. He ran at top speed past confused guards with the Witch struggling to keep his grip. Howl turned to the right, but the Witch would not let him.

Howl came to a sudden halt when he noticed the Witch was no longer with him. He watched her hobble down the other side of the hallway, alone and vulnerable.

"Where are you going?" Howl shouted as he rushed in her direction. He could vaguely hear cackling laughter coming from her as she opened a door and closed it behind her. When Howl reached it, the Witch locked herself in.

And Howl was left alone with the guards drawing near.

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

As much as Sophie desired to sleep, her worries would not let her rest. Right as she would close her eyes, horrible things entered her mind and forced her back awake. This happened at least five times before she gave up and decided to join Martha and Heen.

Both were seated comfortably in the small living room, Heen silently asleep on Martha's lap. At least someone could rest, Sophie thought. Martha brushed her fingers gently across his tan back, careful not to wake him.

"You're so good with him." Martha jolted when she spoke. Sophie thought she saw the hairs on her neck point out. Steadily and with great caution, she sat next to her, grasping the arm of the couch with force to ease the drop. Every day she felt heavier and heavier - and every day she grew closer to the due date.

Sophie cleared her throat. "I couldn't sleep."

"Probably no help from me." Martha softly whispered. Sophie didn't look at her, and Martha didn't mind. "I wish you had never asked."

"But I needed to know." Sophie said. Martha rested her hand on Heen, her mind floating away from where they were. Sophie couldn't imagine the things she knew, the things she'd seen. She could only watch her baby sister sit through the painful visions every day.

Sophie reached for Martha's hand, but her sister retracted and pulled it closer to her chest. Her visage was blank. "I've seen dozens of visions. Most of them are fine and really have nothing to do with me or even this time period." She tightened her fingers into tiny fists. "Lettie's was the first vision after learning to control my skill with someone I knew. Ever since then, it's been one after the other - you and Howl, Suliman and her wretched followers" - Martha sucked in a quick breath - "and Justin."

Sophie bit her lip. "I begged you to tell me. Now I know how much of a monster Justin really has become. I wanted to believe he had a good heart and was blinded by whatever Suliman was offering him, but this was his doing. Whether Suliman coerced him to do so or not, he feels no shame for the hurt he’s caused our family."

Martha raised her chin, but kept her eyes forward. "You know, mother still doesn't know about Lettie."

"When was the last time you saw her?" Sophie asked. Martha shrugged. Knowing her sister, it was probably the day she sent her away to that school.

Sophie dropped her gaze. "She doesn't know about the baby."

Martha chuckled, though she wasn’t remotely humored. "Yes she does."

“What?"

Martha kept her eyes on Heen. "She lives in Kingsbury. Her new husband - or well, I guess they've been married for a while now, huh? Anyway, she's in with all the rich folks there and Suliman loves ruining our family."

"Suliman told her?"

"Through the grapevine." Martha crossed her arms and laid them over Heen. "Suliman won't tell anyone that Lettie is dead because of her, but she's so quick to announce your pregnancy to the world. She wanted to shame our family and by labeling you as an unwed pregnant woman, mother was completely embarrassed."

"How do you know?" Martha eyed her with a crooked smile, as if the answer was so obvious. And it was - Sophie just couldn't accustom herself to her sister's magic. She knew so much that no one else could, things she didn't need to be there for to know. Her mind was so complex with the ability to see into other's lives before their own experience.

It almost felt like cheating life.

Martha’s lips trembled as she spoke. "Will you ever forgive me for this ability?"

Sophie raised her eyebrows. Her sister leaned in, as if begging for something Sophie didn't know she needed - or even deserved. Forgiveness for something natural, something completely out of her control. Martha always needed to heal relationships. She was a people pleaser; and when people weren't happy, she blamed herself.

Sophie shrugged. "What's there to forgive?"

"I know you, Sophie." Martha said. "Being the eldest has never been easy for you. You thought you would be cursed forever if you sought your fortune, but look what happened instead. You basically broke tradition."

"What does that have to do with your abilities?"

Martha exhaled slowly. "With you being the eldest, you dealt with a lot of our childish banter. I know there was a part of you that resented Lettie and me. We were given so much as kids and you always took the heavy responsibility. Lettie and I were able to get out of the house so early and do things we wanted to do. You were forced to uphold the family business. You were even going to marry Suliman's son because of mother. I never would have agreed to that."

Sophie adjusted her seating. She squirmed at the remembrance of Owen. His overbearing confidence and lack of respect for others and his narcissism - he was worse than Howl when it came to how much he pampered his looks. Even though she never wanted to marry him, she never wanted the engagement to end the way it did.

Sophie shook her head. "I was more stuck than being responsible."

"There was a part of you that felt like you had to, though." Martha said. "For our family or whatever mother convinced you it was for, you thought it was your duty. I know it; I've seen it in you before."

"I was the eldest." Sophie choked on her words. "I am the eldest. It was my job then and it's my job now to protect you and take responsibility. I've already failed Lettie, so please don't let me fail you, too."

Martha turned toward Sophie and held her hands. "You didn't fail Lettie. I did. This is what I meant. This ability is not a gift, no matter how many times Mrs. Fairfax says it is. It’s only hurt everyone I care about."

Sophie's eyes glistened. "Martha, how can you blame yourself for something you can’t control?"

"Because I saw it!" Martha jumped off of the couch, Heen jostled by the sudden change. He sniffed around and followed a smell into the kitchen. Martha stood with shaky arms and legs. "I saw Justin stab Lettie and Suliman take her face. I saw your wedding to Justin and the pain you felt standing up there with him. I saw Suliman's army moving into Ovela when you were living there. I've seen every plan Suliman has to defeat you and I cannot reveal a single one. If that's not betrayal, I don't know what is."

Sophie lowered her gaze to her belly. She remembered so often the times she lectured Martha and Lettie when they fooled around and made childish decisions. She remembered them accusing her of acting like their mother and being unfair. She remembered sacrificing so much to keep them happy and free from worry.

How could she blame Martha for doing the same thing?

"Martha." Sophie whispered. She could hear her sister shivering in fear. "I don't forgive you because there is nothing to forgive. This is who you are. You are learning what it means to be responsible and to make your own judgment calls. These are the things you deal with when you start becoming an adult and maturing. You’ve done nothing wrong"

Martha's lips quivered as she knelt down and cried in Sophie's lap. She held her tightly, trying hard not to imagine what life would be like without Sophie always knowing the right things to say. It was hard to imagine what life would have been like without two big sisters there to guide her.

Sophie ran her hand up and down Martha's back, letting her release all that she carried. Every vision, every time she saw something and its effects on others, added more weight to her shoulders. These demons from before weighed down and consumed every bit of her. She needed to know she didn't have to do it alone.

Heen scratched at the front door, sensing an oddly familiar smell. Sophie and Martha paid no mind to the dog's wheezes until they heard the door open. Martha immediately stood up in defense, but dropped her caution as she stared at the old woman in the doorway. Her clothes were ragged and torn and she appeared very faint.

Martha widened her eyes completely in awe. It was Mrs. Fairfax.

Chapter Text

The clouds rumbled throughout the sky, pale flashes brightening their heavy blackness. From the Wastes, Markl could see a clear division of where the storms consumed the daylight and where the afternoon sun was in full force. They were centered between the two sides of nature - but not for long.

"We can make it to the Palace by dusk if we hurry." Kenta said, gathering his thoughts in a coherent manner. "No doubt Howl went there to see if Suliman has gotten to Sophie and Martha. And if all else fails, odds are Suliman moved Gwenda there to keep her close."

Calcifer's flames leapt. "I'll make my way now. I can search the Palace and listen in. Maybe I'll overhear something about her."

Kenta nodded. With his limitations, Calcifer could only get so far. And while the Palace most certainly had an abundance of fireplaces for him to relocate, chances were Gwenda would not be granted such a privilege.

"Be careful, Calcifer." Markl spoke low, nearly a whisper.

"Will you be okay on your own?" Kenta asked. The fire demon smiled with more confidence than he'd seen on anyone in a while.

"Trust me. I will do everything in my power to find Gwenda. I'm not losing her this time." All that remained after his last word was a line of smoke rising toward the sky and dispersing into the air. With the sound of thunder and time running out quickly, Kenta transformed into his gryphon and Markl climbed on, no questions asked.

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

She felt like she was living a nightmare walking through those familiar Palace halls. No, not walking - more like forcibly shoved through was the correct way to put it. If it were up to Gwenda, she would never have found herself in these halls ever again.

Gwenda huffed. "What makes us so special that the Royal Family wants to see us?"

The guards stayed silent, none even looking in her direction as she spoke. Their handcuffs rattled with every step, nothing short of what she was familiar with. Once only a face among the servants, a petty commoner with nothing to her name - now Gwenda had become enough of a threat to be summoned by the Royal Family and Madame Suliman.

It almost seemed laughable.

Gwenda continued badgering them, hoping one of them would crack eventually, but they walked on like robotic soldiers. "It's not like you mean anything to them. You work for these horrendous people and they'll give you nothing in return. You're all just idiot scum working for people who don’t give two-"

"Gwenda." She turned to her sister, who raised a worried look in her direction. "Don't make them mad."

Gwenda rolled her eyes. "Whatever it is they want us for, being rude to their brainwashed lackeys isn't going to change anything."

Two other guards stood next to a large set of doors and pulled the handles to allow them entrance. Gwenda continued fighting the cuffs and their secured grasp, though with every struggling move their bulky hands gripped her arm a little tighter.

The Throne Room had not changed much since she abandoned her servitude. The maroon carpet spread throughout from wall to wall, covering the entirety of the room. The intricate designs in the dark wood posts and trimming, the white marble lined fireplace, and the same faces sitting atop high thrones - everything was exactly as she remembered.

King Roland, for the first time possibly ever, sat properly with his hands folded over his lap and his legs sturdy on the floor. Gwenda either saw this as a mockery - he wouldn't even show respect for his most loyal subjects, let alone a girl who repeatedly defied his court - or apprehension for the fact that with the amount of resources and allies they had, Roland was still unable to claim his desires.

Queen Johanna held no emotion. Her attire was proper and covered nearly every inch of her body. Her hair fell over her visage, hiding more than just her eyes. She was always so distant from anything related to Roland's work. She hardly spoke to any of the officials and never with Suliman - who, surprising to Gwenda, hadn’t had the audacity to make an appearance.

Knowing the sorceress was absent lessened her anxiety immensely.

Then to the right - Justin. Prince and figure of hope to so many. His upright sitting position upon noticing her stole the breath away from her lungs. She walked into that room ready to face whatever they might throw at her. She repeated to herself over and over again that nothing would paralyze her anymore, that with everything she had been through - all the terror and torture and separation - nothing would cause her to fear.

And yet the sight of Justin was enough to suffocate her.

Justin leapt from his throne, his teeth shining brightly. "Ah, what a nice surprise. I'm sure you're just so overwhelmed with happiness that I'm here." He stepped closer and closer to her until they were a breath away, and then he winked. "And that I'm single again."

Her blood boiled. She glared at him with such a loathsome gaze that Lona was more frightened of her sister than the Royal Family. His casual attitude, the facade of a handsome, loving prince, and the truth underneath the blood on his hands - how she ever felt love for this man was beyond her.

He raised her chin with the softest touch, his eyes a wave of tranquility and false adoration. “I did miss you, dear Gwenda.”

She didn’t react; she refused to let his words play in her mind as some twisted game of romance. His ability to twist her fragile emotions and string her along was far more deceiving and manipulative than any witchcraft she knew of. If anything, this disguise of devotion he wore was more terrifying than it was endearing.

While she feared the Prince of Ingary, her hatred for him was much stronger.

If the chains weren't holding her back, she would have ripped out his throat. “Save your pity for someone else. You're a monster, Justin."

Justin chuckled, leaning closer and filling the last bit of space between them. He still held his adoring gaze, the lights glistening against his wide eyes as they twinkled like stars. Once again, though, she held her own and refused to let such trickery consume her.

Justin frowned when he noticed he couldn't coerce her, and the mask unveiled his true colors. "That's your Royal Highness to you, filthy mutt."

The guards holding them pushed both girls to the ground. Their knees slammed onto the rough carpet. "You will show respect to the Royal Family."

Gwenda blew away a few strands of hair, her anger intensified. She narrowed her eyes to Justin. "After everything you've done, you don't deserve my respect."

"Well then." King Roland said, waiting for Justin to return to his seat before continuing. "We've been on this hunt for Howl Pendragon and Sophie Hatter for months now. And I was recently informed that this servant girl-" Roland tapped his chin for a moment. "Uh..."

"Gwenda." Justin said. His hands clawed the edge of the arms of his throne while his eyes dared to look at her directly. "Her name is Gwendolyn Maguire."

Roland clapped. "Yes, right. You were an accomplice in their escape."

Gwenda tilted her chin upward. "I'd do it again in a heartbeat."

Roland chuckled, like what she had said was a cute attempt of bravery. "I'm sure you would. But you're not on trial, little lady."

Gwenda and Lona turned to each other - their eyes were wide with confusion. If they weren't being tried for treason, what were they there for?

Roland's gaze was confident - enough to make him appear as if he'd won the war, taken Howl and Sophie, and controlled every magician in Ingary all at once. "You're our bait."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

"Mrs. Fairfax!" Martha rushed into her arms, practically strangling the elderly woman. Mrs. Fairfax embraced her as best as she could, though her strength seemed faded.

"Oh, my dear Martha! Please tell me you haven't been waiting here all these years for me."

Martha released her grip. "No, but I always hoped you would come back." She turned to Sophie, who stood on wobbly legs a few paces behind them. "I found my sister, Sophie."

Sophie waved her fingers. She had never seen Mrs. Fairfax, but she appeared close to her presumptions. Silky grey hair, soft dimples, and wrinkles across her face. She seemed more spunky than Sophie envisioned.

"Oh, so nice to meet you dear." Mrs. Fairfax walked in and extended her arms toward Sophie. She wasn't prepared to hug a stranger, but it was too late to decline.

Martha pulled up a chair. "Why don't you have a seat? You look exhausted."

Mrs. Fairfax exhaled a deep sigh. "You would be right, honey. As if Suliman couldn't get enough of me."

Sophie sat at the head of the table next to her as Martha moved to the stove to heat up some tea. "You were just with Suliman?"

Mrs. Fairfax nodded dramatically. "For the last three years. I never should have sworn my duty to her. I would have been able to train your baby sister more."

Martha turned with a smile. "Everything I know is because of you." Heen walked under the table, staying close to Sophie. He wheezed a couple times to get her attention, and then she used her toes to rub under his ear.

Mrs. Fairfax relaxed in her seat. Her breathing was calm, as if she'd spent the last few days without rest. From the look of her clothes, that may have been true.

Then her gaze shifted to Sophie. "So, word around Kingsbury is Suliman has been looking for you and that strapping young Howl."

Sophie sighed. If that was the word on the street, her mother was probably mortified at this point. "Unfortunately, you would be correct. Suliman just won't leave us alone."

"Well, I know that feeling. She'd been trying to find every angle to get me to work for her. All these years and she finally cracked me."

Martha floated three cups of hot tea to the table and joined them. "How did you get away from her?"

Mrs. Fairfax blew the steam away and took a cautious sip. "She's powerful, but I'm much more cunning." She chuckled an elderly laugh - very high-pitched and aimed at her own joke. "I just waited until she was distracted with something other than me. I apologize that it had to be you, dear."

Sophie nodded, her gaze dropping. She never expected to be the center of attention for anyone - now she was wanted across Ingary. Even Heen was vying for her attention at the table. The energetic dog who protested any moment he wasn’t around Sophie repeatedly wheezed, no matter her efforts to calm him down.

Martha took careful sips, her eyes continually on Mrs. Fairfax. This was the woman who raised her during a very absent time in her life. She was there to teach her more than magic. Martha probably admired her more than their mother. There was a great deal of respect for someone who cared for her when others simply tossed her aside.

Mrs. Fairfax turned to Sophie's stomach. "Well, at least we have some hope for the future."

Sophie blushed. "It's still shocking to me that I'll be a mother."

Mrs. Fairfax waved her off. "All new mothers say that. Believe me, by the time I had my third I was still thinking there was a lot I didn't know."

That wasn't a relief to Sophie. To think that after having more children she still wouldn't be ready - her nerves kicked in. Somehow, having the baby in her stomach and not seeing him or her voided any thoughts of her being a mother and Howl a father.

And then another thought crept in; Sophie and Howl - parents.

Here she was, only a couple weeks away from bringing life into the world, having life grow inside of her for the last eight months. No matter if Suliman was a result or not - this baby was entirely Sophie's and Howl's.

"May I touch your stomach?" Sophie looked up to Mrs. Fairfax, her eyes wide with excitement. She dropped to see her hand already settled on Sophie's knee. "It's been so long since I felt a baby kick."

Sophie shrugged. "Sure, I guess."

Martha jolted out of her seat. "Not so fast, Suliman." Mrs. Fairfax was frozen in place. Heen backed away, his whimpers loud and prevalent. He had tried warning the two girls, but none were aware of Heen's keen instincts.

Sophie darted her eyes between the two of them. Martha, whose legs would give way by a single touch, and Mrs. Fairfax, who now wore an eerie smile Sophie had only just noticed seemed vaguely familiar.

Her features changed. Suliman's perfectly coiled hair, a slight decrease in weight, and a more sinister visage were the only real differences between who she was and who she pretended to be. Yet again was Suliman able to trick her with false appearances.

Martha obviously had some control over her. Suliman wouldn't waste a second to finish her plans being in the same room as Sophie if something wasn't holding her back. A blurry shield encased the sorceress, like a coat of invisible armor that was meant to protect others instead of the bearer. If Martha had disabled her mirage and placed this barrier around her, then the teenage witch was the reigning authority - at least in this moment.

Martha inhaled shaky breaths. "Stay away from my sister."

Suliman kept her eyes on Sophie. She couldn't move anywhere else. "At last. We finally meet again, Martha Hatter. You were only a baby when we first met, but I could feel your power growing even then. Such a shame your father never realized your potential. Maybe I would’ve considered you as a suitable match for my son."

Martha sneered at her. That was fifteen years ago, almost another lifetime in the past. The stories, the rumors of her terrorizing acts had haunted Martha as a child and even more as a witch in training. They were complete opposites - in skill, in source, and in priorities - and she always wondered how she would stand if they would ever meet.

Now, she was finally face-to-face with the most dangerous magician of their time.

Suliman chuckled. "I've been waiting for this moment a long time. Annabel told me very impressive things about your training, though I'm surprised if you saw through my guise why you even allowed me into her home. I thought she taught you better than that."

"I had to be sure." Martha replied. "It wasn't obvious until you mentioned her children. I figured even you would have known that her third child was a miscarriage."

Suliman chuckled. "Must have slipped my mind. Sorry your beloved teacher couldn't make an appearance. I remember her telling me once that you were her favorite student. She'd never trained anyone so gifted before in her life. What a shame that you didn't join my apprenticeship. I could've taught you wonders beyond your own belief."

"I know what you did to her." Martha's voice was authoritative, strict even. She wouldn't let small talk overcome her emotions. "It's what you did to all the magicians like me or Howl or Kenta. You brainwashed her and used her for warfare. It's sickening."

Suliman never moved her gaze away from Sophie and neither did she. Even with her sister holding tightly onto her spell, it felt like Suliman had full control over the situation. Every word she spoke was a tease, a ruse, and a bait to force Martha to her breaking point.

“Annabel had her own specific purpose for me. Once she no longer filled those requirements, I removed her. Permanently."

The entire room cracked in a single moment. Martha's heartbreak; her loss of control over Suliman; and Sophie rendered completely vulnerable.

Suliman stood up and took two direct steps toward Sophie, who had now become the frozen one. "Now, it's time to take what should have been mine by now."

A purple cloud erupted at both of their feet, swallowing the two and vanishing them from sight. When the clouds dispersed, so had the sorceress and her victim.

The cottage was quiet. Not even Heen would leave the safety under the table to see what had happened. A clash of thunder sounded through the glass windows, though it wasn't enough to shake the nausea from Martha.

She fell to her knees. This, she had not seen. Why this? Why wouldn't her powers come through at this moment?

Even she knew the answer to that. What had started as a safe escape turned out as the worst location for Sophie to fall right into Suliman's hands. Nothing could stop her from clouding her eyes with a flood of tears and the soft whimpers Heen finally made.

Chapter Text

Markl had never ridden on a gryphon before. In fact, he wasn't sure if he'd ridden on any magical creature before. The only wizard he had contact with was Howl and he had never seen another wizard until Kenta.

The ride was frightfully enchanting. He felt lighter than air as they flew around and above the thundering clouds. A heavy storm was headed for the Palace; it appeared, at least to Markl, that the atmosphere knew what was to come.

Markl knew better than to speak to Kenta. In this form, speech was a restriction, as was the case mostly when Howl transformed. Only if his human head was visible could he verbally communicate.

Kenta's flying was swift. His expansive wings flapped in the sky and separated violent clouds into smaller ones. Markl's only experience in flying was during their time in Howl's castle in the sky, though it was much less terrifying in the house than on Kenta's back.

The storm made daylight nearly nonexistent. It appeared to be nighttime during what Markl knew to be evening. This storm was foul; he was nervous to see it play out.

But they needed this. They needed to go back. Everyone - Sophie, Howl, Gwenda, Martha - they were counting on their presence, their aid in this fight for freedom. Calcifer getting a head start was only the beginning of what Markl thought to be the most dangerous mission of their lives. He was beginning to understand the truth behind the royal city and its rulers, and nothing to his liking. All he knew - all he needed to know - was the pain they put upon his family.

With the revelation of his source, Markl felt more purposeful. He needed to prove his worth; he needed to prove it to Howl and Kenta. To Suliman.

To himself.

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

Howl had never been more infuriated. Well, while that may have been a stretch, he was significantly infuriated with the Witch at that moment. Her selfish behavior may not have been completely forgotten.

"You crazy witch!" Howl banged on the door above the sound of an army of guards rushing through the halls. He couldn’t believe her betrayal, her sly trick to trap him where she would be safe and he was loose bait. She was more clever than he thought, until Howl remembered her powers were gone, meaning the only defense she had was a locked door.

Howl rolled his eyes as he held his thumbs and index fingers together and pulled them away from each other. He felt the lock move and release. In one motion, Howl kicked the door in rage. Whatever caused this woman to leave him for Suliman's guards, whatever plot was swarming her mind, he was fueled by anger to find out.

And he was surprised to see why.

Howl dropped his face. "What are you doing with that?"

The steps of the guards increased hastily, so Howl slammed the door with a spell and locked it immediately. He was more preoccupied with why the Witch was holding a golden orb of magic in her hands.

Her cackle sounded evil, as did the way she eyed the orb of magic in her frail little hands. The golden glow, the power that lay within such a fragile object - even she knew the consequences should anything go awry.

Howl stepped closer, very carefully. "You don't know whose magic that is. You could vaporize it into nothing."

Her continuous laughter proved to Howl her level of insanity. She was playing on dangerous grounds. One mistake, one wrong move and that magic would no longer be able to return to its original magician.

She was cruel, but this was unexpected.

The Witch turned to Howl, a proud smirk on her face. "I know what my magic looks like."

Howl shielded his eyes as she pressed the orb through her center, the glow encompassing her entire being. She closed her eyes as the magic reentered her system, familiarizing itself with its previous owner. Howl peered slightly and noticed her shape begin to alter.

Her back straightened and her height increased to that taller than his own. Her wrinkles faded into her skin, now showing the porcelain clarity she once wore. Her attire was as flamboyant as their previous disguises, but she was no longer hard to miss.

The Witch of the Wastes had returned in full force.

Howl was at a loss of words. He remembered her cruelties in the past and how her magic overtook her senses. It made him wonder how her actions would play out now that her magic had returned.

The Witch stared at him with a certain look of confidence that used to frighten him to the core. "I recall you saying once you wanted to return your friends' freedom." She gestured toward the rows and rows of golden orbs scattered in the room. "How about we start by giving them their magic back?"

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

Gwenda had never felt so powerless. The guards traded in their handcuffs for rope, tying their hands with more grip than the cuffs. King Roland found it best to make them as immobile as possible - especially to extort them how he had planned.

Lona bit her lip, unfamiliar with the tightness around her wrists. Gwenda kicked the guard who tried tying her hands, hardly getting a rise out of him. The guard looked to the Royal Family for direction, but Justin merely said to ignore her antics. However, Gwenda was not in the mood to let them continue so easily.

"Your Highness." The guard said. "She needs special treatment."

Roland exhaled a heavy sigh. "Once you finish tying her hands, tie her feet together. Her sister, too."

Gwenda huffed, her dark gaze set directly on Justin. He was unfazed by her situation, proving to her once again how little he cared about her then and now. She had been in tight situations before and usually - though she wasn't proud of it - someone was there to help her through it. For once, she wanted to be able to save herself. However, that didn't seem possible with the restrictions Roland placed on them.

"Just like when we were kids, huh?" Lona said softly, her voice carrying only to Gwenda. "Always had to pick a fight then, too."

Gwenda turned to her. "Saved us from a lot of bullies at school, though."

Lona breathed a laugh. "Yeah, that's true." She waved her eyes across the room. Their only ally was each other. Everyone in the room would be able to stop them if they made any attempt to escape. Gwenda was better at making plans; she was more organized in her thoughts. She had to know what to do.

Lona leaned closer, hoping the guards wouldn't hear. "How are we getting out of here?"

Gwenda searched the room for an answer, but her efforts were futile. Even if they made it to the doors without the guards catching up, there would always be more on the other side. If they ran for the door to the gardens, Justin and Roland would be there to block their way. Without magic, they were essentially at the will of their indicters.

Gwenda dropped her gaze. "I have no clue."

She always felt helpless. Lately, it seemed that only a magician was capable of making actual change. She was vulnerable against their magic and had hardly any defensive strategies. She hid behind the mastery work of her friends and waited for them to make a decision. Now, she wanted to make the decisions; she wanted to decide her own fate.

Then, she thought she was seeing things - things that couldn't possibly be true. If it was a dream, it was a cruel, evil trick. Yet she knew she was fully awake - and she recognized the fire demon behind those eyes the instant he appeared in the fireplace.

He noticed her immediately. After all the times she had been tied up or chained around him, he still seemed shocked at the scene. Every single time, he felt insignificant and unable to protect her. He held his breath at the sight, thankful simply for the blessing that she was still alive and that he at least found her again.

Gwenda didn't waste a moment. She didn't care that the guards were quick to notice her runaway scheme; she didn't care about the consequences that may follow; she just needed him.

This was her fate.

"Calcifer!" Gwenda shouted as she felt two large bodies grab her and thrust her to the ground just before the marble around the fireplace. One guard held her arms down while the other pressed her head into the tiles, her long braid curling toward the fire demon. She tilted up to Calcifer with a struggle, trying hard to ignore the devastated look on his face.

"My hair." She said. He didn't respond so she added volume. "My hair, Calcifer. Take my hair."

His eyes widened but he wasted no more time. His fiery arms reached forward and snipped off the long, golden braid Gwenda had adored for so long. He gobbled up the intrinsic locks, his eyes never parting from the tenacious blue he saw in Gwenda's.

The guards lifted her from the ground, both unsure of how to deal with the fire demon in their presence. Neither had ever witnessed one before, and this experience would be quite a memorable one for them. Gwenda felt their constraining grip loosen, and as she turned back to Calcifer, she saw why.

He was no longer the ordinary fire demon she once knew.

Lona's screams were mute to the roaring transformation in Calcifer. He glowed a white light before multiplying in size. With each step backward from the humans, the fire demon continued growing until he squeezed out of the fireplace. A bulky, heavy hand clasped onto the mantle, cracking the wooden bar into splinters. Then, to Gwenda's surprise, he finally stood on fiery legs.

She stood numb as Calcifer narrowed his eyes at the guards who limply held her. If his glare didn’t display his rage, the deep red in his fire surely did. He pulled back a muscular arm of fire and thrust it down on the closest one. Gwenda jumped back for fear of getting hit in the crossfire, still staring in complete wonder.

She rushed back to her sister, though the other guards stood their ground next to her. Gwenda wrapped her tied hands over one of the guard's necks and pulled them both down. The other attempted to remove her, but only increased the pressure to his cohort's neck.

"What is that?" Lona shouted.

Gwenda looked back, watching how his flames glowed in perfect unity. He stood tall as opposed to the many times she witnessed the minuscule demon trapped in the confines of concrete. He was strong; he was powerful; and he was finally free.

Gwenda smiled. "He's the greatest magician I've ever known."

Calcifer scanned the room as several frightened guards sprinted for the nearest exit. Gwenda was in the middle of a brawl with the guards near another girl and the Royal Family were by their thrones, Justin wearing his sly grin.

"Calcifer." He said casually. "So great to see you again." Calcifer seethed as he ran in Justin's direction, his anger fueled by all the devastations he had caused Sophie, Gwenda, and everyone he cared about. Once seen as an optimistic gentleman, Calcifer now wished to see him burn and suffer.

Justin, though without the use of magic, was quick on his feet and evaded the enlarged fire demon. His rage weakened his sense of strategy, giving Justin an advantage. He heard hefty laughter coming from King Roland, but Calcifer was more focused on the Prince.

"You've hurt my family for the last time." Calcifer growled in a low voice. "I will not let you torment Gwenda any longer."

Justin chuckled. "That's so adorable - the greedy fire demon in love with the pathetic little misfit. You two are just desperate enough for each other, aren’t you?"

Two sets of doors slammed against the walls. From the center, Howl and the Witch of the Wastes - now back to her old self before Suliman stripped her of magic. Their gaze fell directly to Calcifer, Howl amazed by the state he had transformed into. It was none like he had seen when he held his heart.

From the other door, Nade appeared and was equally as shocked as the rest by Calcifer. He turned to Howl with a prideful grin and jumped.

Howl rushed for Gwenda and Lona. "Watch out!" As Nade punched into the ground, the room's gravitational pull became unbalanced and tilted. Gwenda, still holding tight to the guard's neck and the other trying to break her loose, fell toward her sister and knocked her to the ground. They reached for anything within stability, but their fall continued until they hit the thrones. The Royal Family was spared by a bubble Nade had placed around them before the unbalance.

Calcifer was prepared to stop Gwenda's fall, though Nade's effects worked drastically on him as well. He fell back against the grand windows. The glass cracked and shattered, some of the sharp edges falling near the two sisters. The thrones acted as a shield for the most part, though Gwenda's yelp didn't ease him.

"Gwenda!" Calcifer cried. Blood streamed in a thin line down her cheek from just below her eye. The effects could have been much worse - even still, he hurt her.

Howl and the Witch jumped toward the two, landing against the tilted thrones. Howl ripped a piece of his shirt and covered Gwenda's wound, the shred of cloth soaking in blood. The Witch released them from their restraints with a simple spell. Lona, however, was not keen on being in the Witch's presence.

She recognized her fear. "I see you remember me. Don't worry, I'm not here to turn you into a dove again."

Howl widened his eyes. "Calcifer! The curtains!"

Calcifer turned to see that the curtains posted at the grand windows had erupted with flames and were falling quickly. The fire spread to the carpeted floor, slowly reaching the ends of the room. With the power Calcifer gained, he could start a forest fire.

Lona screamed as the fire reached the thrones, the elegant wood easily bursting into flames and disintegrating into ash. Howl pulled her away from the flames and masked the smoke that arose. This fire, however, due to the increase in Calcifer's power, would not cease even to the strongest of spells.

It wouldn't stop until the entire Palace had turned to smoke and ash.

Calcifer took a step back, watching the disaster occur - a disaster he created. The look Gwenda held on her face was one of terror. She was afraid; of him or his power or both, he couldn't decide. All he knew, all he saw was his own destruction to her and everyone else.

"I can't..." He whispered. Howl turned to him, but if Calcifer could cry he would have enough tears to wash away the growing flames.

Gwenda watched Calcifer back away. He was leaving; he was actually leaving. She could sense his fear and shame, everything she tried not to put upon him. And once again, someone she loved was leaving her.

Calcifer's heart was weak and he couldn't handle who he had become. He turned to Howl. "Take care of her. Please."

Howl nodded. He wasn't going to make Calcifer's decision for him. Without delay, the humanoid fire demon ran away into the darkness and thunderstorms.

"Calcifer!" Gwenda rushed to the hole in the windows, watching Calcifer run out into the spread of trees and the pouring rain. He could die; this rain could very well kill him.

Her lips trembled as an overflow of tears merged with the falling raindrops. Her newly short hair waved in the rough wind and chills ran through her entire being. "Please, Calcifer. I can't lose you, too."

Chapter Text

It took quite some time for Heen to approach Martha. He'd been watching her from underneath the dining table, waiting for her to do something. Say anything. Part of the little dog hoped she would reassure him that everything would be all right.

The day had been overtaken by gloomy clouds and she still hadn't moved.

Heen slowly emerged from the darkness, nearly shocking the frightened witch girl. For a moment she expected herself to be alone. With a dark and cold house, no lights to brighten the space or provide a facade of warmth, it was truly a vacant place. She had forgotten all about the timid dog who had watched the same scene she couldn't prevent.

"Heen." She whispered. His whimpers hurt her chest. She emulated his pain exactly, feeling the same loss - feeling just as helpless.

Martha's eyes were reddened by the amount of tears that fell. Her nose was congested and when she breathed, the heavy amount of phlegm blocked her airways. She had stayed on the floor since Sophie was taken, continuously reminding herself how at fault she was.

She rubbed underneath her nostrils. "I'm so sorry, Heen." The dog climbed into her lab and she welcomed him. His soft fur helped comfort her pain, but couldn’t erase reality. "I tried to save her, I really did. I just needed to test her, to see if Mrs. Fairfax..."

Even saying her name put a strain on her. The wonderful, generous Mrs. Fairfax who came out of retirement simply to teach her; the only one who saw something in her, saw something really special - she was nothing more than a victim to Suliman’s evil plot.

Martha banged her head against the cabinets behind her. "You gave me everything and I failed you. I failed."

Heen looked up, but Martha simply stared at the entrance to Mrs. Fairfax's old room. Her mind replayed all the little moments they had together, things that normally wouldn't appear special but that she held very dear to her heart. She wasn't just her teacher - she was practically her mother.

Martha shook her head, a brief laugh escaping her lips as a faint vision reappeared in her thoughts. Heen tilted his head in confusion, though Martha was unfazed. "You were wrong, Justin. You're not killing everyone close to Lettie - you're killing everyone close to me."

Lettie, Mrs. Fairfax, and now Sophie - along with the many magicians she had befriended over the years - Martha was beginning to think this was all a scheme against her. Maybe to get her to work for Suliman using the one gift she could never fully perform with her own magic. Building relationships had now become a gamble with Martha because she didn't know how they would end. She couldn't lose anyone else to that wretched family.

If it were possible, Martha would give her own life to bring back those whom she had lost to Suliman, but even dying wouldn’t reverse the consequence of their deaths.

Martha slammed her fist against the cabinet. Heen nuzzled closer to her, hoping he could be of some help to her troubling mind. However, she could not feel any ease. She refused to feel comfort. "Why was I born with this curse?"

Martha noticed it in her childhood years before Mrs. Fairfax. She saw when her sisters were planning tricks and knew how to evade them; she saw how girls at school treated her before they even met and knew who to avoid. Those were small visions with little alterations to the path of time, visions she could mess with and not deal with destroying the future.

However, then came the visions she couldn't change. Visions like her father.

She didn't know then how she saw it, but it became clearer through her training. She never told anyone, thinking it was just a really horrible dream. It never occurred to her that what she saw actually meant something.

Mrs. Fairfax knew about Seers. She had only trained one other decades before Martha, but the training remained very similar, she had said. There was only a single warning - never change what you see.

While evading mild pranks and rude classmates hardly changed her future, Martha began to realize why Mrs. Fairfax advised her of this rule. Had she done something to alter the events she witnessed, usually worse consequences would follow.

She only talked about her previous student once. Martha wanted to meet him, see if she could take a few lessons from someone with her source. Mrs. Fairfax ended that idea when she spoke of his untimely death trying to change a vision.

Never change, never tell. Martha started to believe this was a pointless source, that anyone given this sort of power was bound to share the same fate as her other student. She had already disobeyed her commands when Sophie, Howl, and everyone appeared in the castle. Visions were not as clear; they were becoming more related to her, and she found herself wanting to alter them more and more with each one she saw.

Her eyes widened; her mind was a picture camera rolling film in color as another vision occurred. Another one she wanted to change.

She slammed her head against the cabinet again. Rain and fire, a devastating mix - a deadly outcome. "Be careful, Calcifer. Please find another way."

Every vision. Every single one had become a torturous sight she couldn't evade. She had worked day and night on controlling her source, perfecting the vision process and avoiding mistakes. In doing this, she had failed to train in what most magicians were skilled at - combat.

Martha was not in favor of warfare; neither were many magicians she had known, but that didn't stop them from reporting to Suliman to join her army, willingly or not. However, her lack of offense put her sister in the hands of the most dangerous sorceress of their time.

Magic was supposed to be used for good, for the betterment of others. It had evolved into a warfare tactic, whether magicians, good or bad, wanted to admit it or not. Magic had transformed from its true purpose into a miserly defense. Martha never wanted to use her powers for selfish reasons.

But she had let Suliman take her pregnant sister because she wouldn't fight; she had let Suliman take Lettie's life because she couldn't change fate; she wouldn't let Suliman take anything or anyone else from her.

Martha knew Sophie's child was special. Her premonitions, if anything, were highly accurate save for a few recent ones. She had seen this child grow up and fall in love and practice magic. She had also seen this child make mistakes and trust the wrong people.

And worst of all, she had seen this child's birth.

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

Gwenda remembered vividly the day their mother left. She was a teenager, young and still optimistic about people and life and opportunity. She also remembered the constant fights and screams that sounded directly through the walls, nothing going unnoticed by her. On that night in particular, as her father begged her to stay, Gwenda heard her mother say with a dead tone - I don't love you anymore.

Her mother left. Then her father did. Lona eventually left as well. Even Lettie unwillingly left her.

And watching Calcifer leave was still the worst heartbreak she'd felt.

"Gwenda, we need to go." She felt her sister pulling her arm with no success of separating her from the trance. The line of fire in the evergreen forest stayed ablaze even with the heavy downpour, and Calcifer's fiery being grew smaller and smaller in the distance.

As Lona continued her failed attempts to move her sister, the Witch of the Wastes stepped in. Gwenda's arms flung to her side and she slid across the floor - not of her own control - back toward the group. Lona joined them as the Throne Room became consumed with flames, the clock ticking on when the entire Palace would be submerged.

"How did you find us here?" Gwenda asked as they ran through the halls. Guards ran past them, no longer trying to imprison them but rather trying to save their own lives. The Royal Family had departed with Nade, leaving them to deal with the destruction.

Howl kept his eyes on the nearest exit. The only one he could think of was the way they came in. "We came to Kingsbury after my castle collapsed. Then we found the room where Suliman held the magicians' sources."

"Your castle collapsed?" Gwenda shouted through all the panic. Her mind floated to where everyone else had been during this catastrophe. While she worried about being in prison, she didn't once think about her friends being in danger.

"Was Kenta with you?" Howl turned to the little blonde girl, her eyes wide with curiosity. It wasn't until he had a good look at her that he discovered her identity.

Howl let out a short laugh as they reached the grand Palace entrance. "Today is just full of surprises."

They made their way to the long staircase and climbed down, rain hitting them almost as forceful as hail. He placed a barrier directly above them as a shield from the flood. “I'm sorry, Lona. We were separated when my castle was destroyed. I haven't seen him since."

He could see her pain, knowing he could be anywhere and possibly alone and in danger. While she mourned, Howl could only think of the relief Kenta would feel when they were finally reunited. He could fulfill his promise as his friend once did for him.

When they reached the end of the staircase, everyone took a moment to breathe. The flames hadn't reached outside the Palace yet, though it was only a matter of time before the entire structure collapsed. Howl did not see Kingsbury falling this way - through the act of a fire demon.

He turned to Gwenda, noticing an absence. "What happened to your hair?"

She touched the ends that just barely brushed against her shoulders. She had grown her hair out all of her life, so the alteration was quite significant. "Calcifer used it to..."

Howl didn't need her to finish, nor did she want to. "He likes to do that sometimes."

"I had no idea how powerful he was." Gwenda looked to him, her eyes reddened but wide with wonder. His transformation was truly magnificent.

Howl lifted his chest with a heavy inhale. "To be honest, he was never that powerful with my heart nor Sophie's hair."

Gwenda's teeth chattered as the winds picked up and the rain continued to fall around their barrier. Her mind only revolved around Calcifer. He had told her once that his strength came from others. When Howl and the Witch of the Wastes entered, Howl appeared as if he hardly recognized Calcifer.

Had she done that?

Howl tapped Lona's shoulder. "Like I said - today is full of surprises." She followed where his finger pointed into the pouring rain. While she had to squint, eventually she clearly saw the golden brown gryphon flying toward them.

Lona held her breath. She could hardly move. After years of following him, joining the other trapped humans by the Palace simply to get a glimpse of him, and spending every day trying to protect him - here he finally was.

Markl waved down to the group and floated down before Kenta landed. He ran into Gwenda's arms first, his wet clothes soaking onto her dry ones.

Lona ran toward the gryphon as he landed on the wet stone courtyard. The rain immediately drenched her head to toe as she only focused on him. She rested her hand over his massive beak and closed her eyes to shield the tears mixing with drops of rain. His beak shrunk into Kenta's face and the animalistic qualities were replaced by the dark-haired, scruffy wizard she had fallen in love with all those years ago.

Neither wasted a moment. She was in his arms and he was kissing her before either had a chance to speak. In their minds, no one was there. Passion filled their hearts that had been separated for too long, as they were together at last.

Gwenda covered Markl's eyes as Howl smirked at her. "What? No snarky comment?"

Gwenda turned to him as Markl struggled with her grip. Her eyes were deadpan. "You really think this is the time for that?"

Before Howl could retract his words, Markl released his grip and smiled wide. "Master Howl! I found my source!"

Howl's eyes gleamed. "Markl, that's amazing. How... what did you do?"

"Who would have thought," Kenta said, his arm wrapped around Lona's shoulders, "that Howl Pendragon's apprentice would be a magician of light?"

Howl tilted his head to Markl, the boy blushing slightly under Howl's diminutive dome. He placed a hand on his shoulder. "You will be a wonderful wizard. I just know it."

Markl smiled proudly. All he had ever hoped for was to be strong - that, and impress Master Howl. Watching his abilities for years only increased his desire to be as skilled as Howl. Now, he finally had the abilities to prove his specialty.

The rainfall slowed, the drops sounding like trickles down a stream rather than a full-blown tsunami. The clouds still viciously rumbled in the sky, but for now they found some peace.

Markl turned to the Palace, tugging on Gwenda's arm. "We need to find Calcifer. He told us he was getting a head start to come and help you all."

Gwenda bit her lip and avoided the wandering gazes, most of them looking at her. Markl creased his eyebrows, unsure of why everyone had suddenly gone silent. Kenta turned to Howl for an answer, though his melancholic visage said enough.

The sky struck lightning to a roofed area on the side of the Palace and three shadows appeared. Kenta held Lona close to him, as did Gwenda for Markl. Through the rain and darkness, Howl saw a broomstick and long pigtails on either side of one figure. That was all he needed to see.

"Where's the rest of your group?" Noe said as the trio emerged from the shadows. Nade and Xarx were forever in the background, the preppy witch always in the spotlight. "I count five, but it also seems like you've added a member."

Howl looked around, only now realizing someone was missing. "Where's the Witch of the Wastes?"

"Did she follow us after the fire?" Gwenda asked.

Noe scoffed. "You mean the fire your boyfriend started? You'll pay for that, too."

Gwenda clenched her fists and took a step toward her, but Howl held her back. If they could avoid a fight, he would take that exit. "Sophie isn't with us. I know you're looking for her. You have nothing to gain from this."

Noe crossed her arms with the two wizards a few steps behind her. "Any fight with you is a good one, Howl. But that's really cute. You still think your baby mommy is with her weakling of a sister."

Howl tightened his jaw. He no longer restrained Gwenda, either.

Noe chuckled. "Madame Suliman took care of her - this is just for fun."

Howl created fire through his fingertips as the thunder intensified. "You disgusting witch!"

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

Sophie shot her eyes wide open to the sound of a raging thunderstorm. It was strange; this storm felt close to her, connected in some way. Her veins tingled with each rumble in the sky, with each flash of light that sparked in the night, and she felt stronger the more it raged.

An unfamiliar pain sprouted from her midsection - from the baby. It was not like when the baby would kick; that never caused her this much distress. She felt as though someone was stabbing her with a dozen needles, pushing them in and pulling them out in a rapid motion. Her mind had been a blank and she couldn't recall how she ended up here.

A man in a white coat inserted a clear tube into her arm, though she was unable to resist. Her wrists were strapped to the side of the bed she lay on, in a room that was beginning to feel oddly familiar. The arch of the window, the circular layout, and Madame Suliman standing there as well.

"Her vitals are stable." The man said. "I believe the labor should begin within the hour."

"Labor?" Sophie breathed heavily. The pain sharpened and she clenched her jaw. She held the chains that bound her, nearly cracking her nails from the force. As she failed to withhold her torturous cries, the storm outside strengthened with her pain.

"Exhale quickly. You're having a contraction." The doctor showed her how to breathe and she followed. Not because she wanted to, but because it was the only thing she could do.

"Remember this place, dear Sophie?" Madame Suliman said. Sophie continued breathing, though her heart raced from the panic she felt of being trapped by Suliman once again. "It's where you created this child in the first place. Now I'm ready to collect."

Chapter Text

It was a night he had seen for centuries, but never thought would come to pass for him. He was a free star, the galaxy his only limitation. He always flew with his fellow brothers and sisters through the blackness of space granting wishes and fulfilling dreams - and nothing could ever stop them.

Nothing except the Night of Falling Stars.

A thousand years after his emergence in the black sky came his departure from it. It was the night when he and the other ancient stars fell and hurtled toward the Earth. But Calcifer wasn't ready; he wasn't prepared to die.

As he plummeted from the sky, he whispered the one wish he had kept all these years.

I wish to live again.

The fallen stars departed like comets soaring through space. He could feel his speed increasing, his brilliant being moving faster and faster - death so close he didn't have a moment to reflect on anything worthy he had done in his thousand years.

One memory had floated into his mind, however. It was a memory fairly recent - a wish. He had granted so many wishes in the past, it seemed odd that this one stood out.

A young girl crying out from her window, Calcifer carried the sadness in her tears as they sprinkled down her cheeks. He could vaguely see her soul, broken and with little faith left inside such frailty. This wish was her final resort.

Calcifer cried as he fell, remembering her wish and wanting nothing more than to grant it. I wish for true love or no love at all.

He didn't know how it would come true, but somehow he made sure it would.

The night lit up with explosions, brief sparks of starlight contacting the earth. The marsh in the Wastes - if there was a way to die, this was the most painless. The water of the lake quickened the process. Calcifer felt slightly more at ease.

Until he appeared. Seemingly out of nowhere, a young boy walked amongst the massacre, his eyes glowing with wonder. His hair was long and dark, matching the color of the night sky. He was only a child.

Yet Calcifer didn't waste a moment.

"No!" A fellow star shouted. "He's mine!"

"No! I want to live!"

"Pick me!"

Calcifer sped past all of them, his aim amplified with determination. The boy noticed the star's fast approach and stood under him, his palms facing upward to catch him. His hands were soft, reminding Calcifer of an innocence he had long forgotten. If he wasn't so focused on his own life, he may have reconsidered involving a child in this curse.

"Please." The star begged. “Please help me. I can't die yet I-I just can't."

The boy tilted his head. "I'll make a deal with you." Calcifer widened his eyes. The boy was now asking him for something. "I'll save your life if you take my heart."

"Wha-" Calcifer was expecting his eyes, his hair, something less extreme. Taking his heart would not just keep him alive. He'd be bound to him until this boy's death.

"I can drop you and go for another star." The boy separated his hands an inch, frightening Calcifer of what lay below.

"Okay, okay." The star said. "Just don't drop me."

The boy nodded. He lifted the fallen star into his mouth and Calcifer willingly went. He kept repeating to himself that it was worth it; that anything was better than death.

He hoped, at least.

When he reached the heart, Calcifer consumed his entire being around it. He pushed himself and the heart out through the boy's chest, resting in the same soft hands as before.

Though innocence was not the word he would have chosen this time.

"My name is Howl."

Calcifer glowed not with his brilliant starlight, but now with a raging fire. "I'm Calcifer. Thank you for sparing my life."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

He couldn't stop running. The thick forest was an endless labyrinth where he could flee and never be found. He was embarrassed; he felt guilty. The only thing that felt right was to leave it all behind.

Even her.

Especially her. When he saw the glass shard strike her face, he was instantly guilt-ridden. He was a terror to them all. It was selfish for him to stay as long as he had. The thought of being a lonely star among the thousands and never having real relationships - he yearned for the company of people.

They just didn't need him.

The raindrops sizzled when they dropped on him, though he ran despite the immense affliction. The thick evergreens caught fire as he passed through and the blaze spread far out into the forest, despite the heavy rainfall. Let it burn, he thought. If his last action destroyed Suliman's precious city, then let it all burn.

Calcifer finally stopped running. A tall concrete wall ended his escape, leaving him in the thunderous downpour in a burning forest. The only thing he could do was wait for the rain to ultimately terminate him.

He wondered how he was able to wield so much power. He had never held that strength before - never as a star, nor with the aid of Howl and Sophie. With Gwenda's hair, her strands of gold so beautifully woven together, he felt real. He had become a walking fire demon, something of which demons like himself could only dream.

Calcifer changed his shape. He shrunk from the terrifying fire beast to that of a person, a real human made of flames. Because of Gwenda, he could form into a human with fiery hands and feet.

For a moment, he actually felt human.

"Well, well." Calcifer heard from behind him. "Aren't we a little spooked by this sudden change?"

Calcifer turned to see a woman he hadn't seen in years. The young and powerful, the heartless soul feared by so many - the Witch of the Wastes.

"That makes two of us." He replied. "Looks like you got what you wanted."

The Witch raised her arms, eyeing her magnificent attire. She concealed herself from the pouring rain, letting it fall around her instead. "Yes, it seems that I did get what I wanted. And now I'm asking you the same."

"The same what?"

"What do you want?"

Calcifer bobbed his fiery head back. "What do I want?" The Witch nodded, though the fire demon merely rolled his eyes and scoffed. "Who cares about what I want? It's always about the people who matter - the real people in this world. I'm not real."

The Witch took a step closer, feeling Calcifer's intense heat even more. "You don't give yourself enough credit, Cal. You have more heart than Howl, Sophie, and Markl put together and you don’t even see it.”

Calcifer could hardly feel the pain from the rain anymore; at least the Witch was a nice distraction from what was to come. "If only that were true."

The Witch straightened her back. "What do you want, Calcifer?" He shook his head. Nothing he would ever be granted - nothing he ever deserved.

She pressed him further. "What do you want?"

"No..."

"Calcifer, what do you want?"

"I want to be human!" He shouted as the thunder roared with his enraged voice. "I want to do something other than move castles or heat baths or live in a fire pit. That's not living; it's barely surviving."

Calcifer brushed his hand against the wall behind him. An almost real hand. The concrete wouldn't burn, but he felt the roughness of it. For a moment, he thought he shivered from the feeling.

The Witch stayed silent, waiting for him to continue. "I want to hold people; I want to do this-" gesturing to his human embodiment "-walk away from the constraints of a fireplace and actually live. I want to enjoy life."

The Witch noticed his flames turn blue and decrease, though he was prepared to explain himself knowing very well it would be the last thing he ever did. "A fire demon doesn't have a life; a fire demon's purpose is to serve others and make life comfortable for them. My life has been an endless servitude."

The Witch observed him carefully. Even when she was stripped of her magic and had become a frail old woman, she was still highly observant of everyone's actions and reactions. Lately, since their move to Ovela, she started paying more attention to Calcifer.

His attitude had begun to change recently and she started to pick up on subtle hints. When everyone lit up at the baby’s kicking, Calcifer never smiled. When anyone would complain about their work - whether it was Markl's newspaper job, Howl's farmwork, or Sophie's housekeeping - Calcifer never shared any words of sympathy. She knew for sure how Calcifer felt when Gwenda was taken. His words rang in her mind on an endless loop.

I hate being a fire demon.

"What makes you deserving of a third life?" The Witch questioned. "You've already lived your thousand years as a star and then nearly two decades as a demon. Why do you deserve to be human?"

Calcifer felt weak from the continuous downpour, so he sat with his back against the wall. He pulled up his knees, rested his elbows on them, and covered his face with his blue hands - things he never expected to do.

"I don't." He said, his voice muffled. "I was selfish for asking Howl to keep me alive in the first place. I was selfish for involving Sophie to break our curse." He could hardly say the last part. "And I was selfish for telling Gwenda about my feelings for her, probably confusing her and ruining her perception of me for good."

There was no winning in a situation like this. He tried forgetting about her when they moved to Ovela. He thought the distance would make it easier to push his irrational feelings behind him. She was only a woman he met briefly in a time of momentous adventure, yet not a day went by where she hadn't crossed his mind. When she and Kenta reunited with the group, his feelings for her grew stronger. With every passing night, every intimate conversation, Calcifer had unknowingly fallen completely in love with her.

It was agonizing - talking to her and never being able to confess what he felt inside. It was a million times worse seeing the look on her face after he did.

Calcifer took in a heavy breath. "None of them deserved anything I did."

The Witch approached his dimming flames and sat across from him. Her talents did not include perceiving into the mind, though it was fairly obvious what captivated the demon’s mind. "Do you really love her?"

Calcifer slowly raised his head, his body feeling weak. He had never seen the Witch of the Wastes so compassionate toward anyone. "Of course I love her. She's the only one who makes me feel like I have a purpose in this world. I knew there was something that day we met, something about her that was different from others. She was strong, but she didn't always believe in that strength. She wasn't afraid to fight back or speak her mind."

The Witch nodded. "And?"

Calcifer's eyes drifted from her gaze, his mind replaying every significant moment they had together. "I was mesmerized by her. I didn't realize someone could be so marvelous that just looking at her made me want to give my life for her."

He closed his eyes, Gwenda the only one in sight. He envisioned her grace, the way she walked with confidence and joy. Her hair waved in the breeze and flowed into her face. He saw a smile that could light up even the darkest of nights. And he saw her tell him the three words he was so afraid to tell her before.

When he opened his eyes, she was gone. She no longer had her long hair - he took that away. She no longer smiled around him. She would never say those words to him.

"But I can't live like this anymore." He said. "I'd probably be saving her if I just didn't exist. If I can't be human, I'd rather be dead."

The Witch curved her lips up slightly. "This coming from the star who would take the heart of a child in order to live again."

Calcifer sighed. "I'm not who I was in the past. I've learned from my mistakes and would take them back if I could."

She reached for him and held his hands, but he drew them back thinking he'd burn her. She gestured for his hands and he looked.

They weren't burning.

Calcifer raised them in front of his face, turning them as far as he could to be sure he wasn't seeing things. They were a warm, brown color - a human color. A real, human hand.

Calcifer caught his breath. "How did you... what did-"

"You and I both know that girl whom you adore is powerful, even if she believes herself to be weak because she lacks magic." The Witch helped Calcifer stand, though his legs wobbled from this recent evolution. “And yet, look at what she did for you.”

Calcifer couldn't stop using his hands. He touched the rough wall, the spikes of grass and pines on the trees. He felt the coolness of the rain and the heat from the forest fire that still surrounded them. He held the Witch's hands. For the first time, he could touch someone without the fear of hurting them.

"She needs you more than you think she does." The Witch said. "And it is far from your time, Cal. Don't waste your final life."

Chapter Text

The Palace halls were anything but silent. Normally this was a place of composure and order - now chaos was all that remained.

The Witch strolled by frightened guards and servants, all departing from the destructive fire that ensued. Walls had blackened and ash filled the air, making it hard for anyone to breathe. However, she couldn't help but smirk thinking of all the stress Suliman was under. To watch her precious royal home disintegrate into nothing - Suliman's downfall was the Witch's triumph.

The flames had spread quickly. She hoped for more time to complete her next task, but time was a limited treasure. There was much to be done, lives at stake if she wasn't smart or quick in her decisions. Then again, her best work was always done under pressure.

It was simple returning her own magic to herself, since she felt the personal connection. Now, she needed to restore the magic of all those imprisoned by Suliman, which was a much more arduous task.

She remembered the room where she and Howl had found them before they attended to the commotion involving Calcifer, Gwenda, and her dear little sister. The lined shelves of golden orbs filled with a magic source only deserving to their owners. It was also the very room Suliman had used to strip their magic away in the first place.

How symbolic, she thought. Suliman had a knack for that.

The Witch locked herself in the room and added a spell for further protection. While the majority were preoccupied with the ongoing catastrophe, she still refused to let her guard down. She gleamed at the power that was held captive in the room. It was tempting, to say the least, how much she desired to give in to her old ways. Pull a Suliman, she thought, and keep them under her own control. The old Witch of the Wastes wouldn't have thought about it a second longer before acting on her greedy deeds.

Then Sophie happened.

The sweetest girl she never thought she'd ever truly befriend, Sophie had the ability to transform her from her old ways. It was a gift of hers, not only seen through the Witch's changed persona. If it worked on Howl, then maybe that girl did have some magic inside.

It never crossed her mind before - the joy of being good. Seeing the turmoil of others brought her a brief euphoria, which she desired over and over again. Being old gave her the time to reflect on herself, and there was much she had become ashamed of. Especially with her magic now restored, she had the opportunity to prove her change of heart. She was making right on her past.

While she in no way forced magicians to obey Suliman, she was responsible for what followed after. What made her actions worse was that she didn't care; whatever happened to the humans, whatever Suliman had planned for them, she was completely indifferent.

Sophie changed all of that.

She had become bored of turning people into doves; it had become a redundant task with no real reward. She wanted to test her abilities, see if Suliman would praise her for a merciless act, even if it wasn't specific to her schemes. Needless to say, her efforts failed. The Witch knew Suliman was crueler than she - but that didn't stop her from trying to be more wicked. It only fueled her drive to be more fearsome than the Royal Sorceress.

That drive still existed, but now for a different cause. She wanted to be better than Suliman. A better witch, a better spell caster - a better person.

She sat in the middle of the room, the orbs sitting on glass shelves all around. Most spots were missing - possibly for the warfront. Returning the remaining magic was one thing - returning their sense of mind was a whole other obstacle.

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

Howl thrusted a ball of flames toward Noe, igniting the battle's commencement. Noe swept off into the air on her broomstick high above those on the ground to avoid Howl's attack. Howl lifted up to catch her, but was quickly forced downward by an electrical rope. He landed hard on the stone courtyard, a large dent underneath him.

Nade stood above him with a sly smirk. "Sucks to be on the bottom, doesn't it?"

Howl grunted from the pain. "You would know." Howl and Nade grabbed each other by the shoulder, restraining the other from attack. Their arms moved in slow motion due to their equal strength. Howl darkened his eyes until they matched the color of the thundering clouds. He wasn't afraid to show Nade his terror.

Xarx rushed for Kenta, impulsive behavior one thing Kenta could always count on with him. Kenta vanished into the ground and appeared behind the novice wizard, creating a whirlwind around him to hold him steady. In all honesty, Kenta was most disappointed in him out of everyone from their apprenticeship. It was understandable why Nade and Noe would join Suliman.

Xarx, on the other hand, was everything she despised.

Gwenda made sure Markl and Lona were safe from the main battle ground - Markl because of his age and Lona because she may not have experienced a magicians' fight like this before. While Kenta and Xarx appeared in a brawl and Nade was distracted by Howl's horrific darkness, Noe swooped down from the sky toward Gwenda. She and Markl stood tall and prepared to retaliate. Their breaths were even with one another, and though both felt weaker compared to their wizard allies, neither once thought about backing down.

Rather than stopping with them, however, Noe flew directly toward Lona.

"No!" Gwenda reached back with one hand and caught her two thick pigtails in one grip. Noe jerked her head back and the broomstick continued forward. Before it could topple over Lona, Markl waved his hand and it disintegrated into falling stars.

"My broomstick!" Noe shouted. She shrieked as Gwenda yanked harder and Markl locked her hands to the ground. To think such a mastery level witch was taken down with ease by a child magician and an insolent human girl - Noe growled in defeat.

"Maybe next time, get a haircut." Gwenda pulled tighter on her two braids, enjoying the witch’s desperate cries. "Might save you from a lot of trouble."

Xarx calmed the storm Kenta had created and immediately turned offensive. He threw a lightning strike to Kenta's back, catching him off guard and knocking him to the ground. As Xarx tried taking advantage of his downfall, Kenta froze the nearby raindrops into piercing icicles, aiming them for the wizard. The frozen daggers secured Xarx to the ground, pinning him to the rugged stone.

Kenta landed atop him, holding Xarx by his thick, greasy hair. "Haven't you had enough?"

Xarx shook his head. "Of course not. I'm not as weak as you all think I am."

Kenta narrowed his eyes. "I said you were weak because you gave in to Suliman. You, out of everyone, were the last person I thought would work for her."

"What's sad is you still think I'm on their side."

Kenta felt his strength wearing out, but was swift to regain control. He tightened his grip on Xarx. "I don't believe you."

Xarx let out a brief laugh. "How could you not? I'm a creature of light, remember? Suliman never wanted someone like me in her apprenticeship. She didn't even want her own son."

Kenta held his grip, wanting so badly to believe him. It made sense that he wasn't loyal to Suliman. Xarx's source made him an immediate enemy to her. Truthfully, Kenta just wanted to believe there was someone who could outsmart that woman.

He huffed and melted the ice prison that bound him. Kenta held his guard as Xarx stood up, a number of disabling spells running through his mind as a backup. "If you're really on our side, prove it."

Xarx straightened his vest, a curved smile in place of his usual timid visage. "I never said I was on your side. I believe I said I wasn't on theirs." In a quick second, Xarx thrusted his arms forward, bolts of lighting releasing through his fingertips in a bright act of passion. The bolts were aimed directly at Nade, shocking his core before his next attack on Howl. The wizard seized for a moment before falling to the ground unconscious.

The exterior of the Palace was still, save for the crackling flames and thunderous rain. Howl breathed heavily, filling his lungs completely. He was appalled at how Nade was rendered immobile so immediately. For a moment, he believed the attack to come from Kenta; then, everyone stared at the changed wizard standing in camaraderie next to Kenta.

"Xarx!" Noe broke from Gwenda’s grip and Markl’s little prison hold, though her target had altered. She took large strides in his direction. "What the hell are you doing?"

Xarx winked at her. "Not even going to apologize." He moved his hands around in a circular motion as an oval of light grew in strength and size. Noe lunged for him, but Xarx's ball of fury was already in pursuit. As quickly as it formed, it disintegrated around the witch and she was just as debilitated as Nade.

Everyone stared shell shocked at the state of Noe - the fact that one attack had brought her down was impressive, but more so the fact that it was Xarx who had summoned the power.

The rainstorm did nothing to calm their nerves. The chilling drops caused a few to shiver, though Howl seemed unfazed. He and Xarx locked eyes, trying to read the other's thoughts. Howl hadn't believed he was a changed wizard until Kenta assured him.

"He's a light source."

Lon stepped in Kenta's direction. "What does that mean?"

"It means he's been playing Suliman." Howl said, his tone blank. "And us, for that matter."

"Geez, so dramatic. Some things haven't changed." Howl growled and Xarx rolled his eyes. "Like you were the most trusting guy in the apprenticeship. You would have done anything in order to become Suliman's successor."

Howl turned to Kenta. "How did you know this about him?"

"I saw him practicing in secret during the apprenticeship." Kenta replied. “He lied to Suliman during the final test of our skills, saying he hadn’t found his source.”

"I begged him not to tell anyone." Xarx said. "For obvious reasons. Madame Suliman never would have accepted me into her special forces had she known the truth."

Gwenda scoffed. "The all-knowing Royal Sorceress hasn't figured out your little secret? I don't buy it."

Xarx bowed his head. "One of my specialities. My source can be mistaken for others, such as electrokinesis or pyromancy. By using spells in those areas, Suliman was thrown off track."

Lona shivered from the rain and Kenta created a protective barrier around her. "I do have one concern." He said. "If you're not on their side but you're not on ours either-"

"When was the last time you heard of a light source actively partaking in any public affair?" Xarx said. "When was the last time you even heard of a light source?"

Markl took a step forward, but Howl raised his hand at him. Hearing what Xarx had to say highly piqued the boy's interest. When Kenta spoke of the rarity of light, Markl thought he would never meet a magician like himself. If there was anything Xarx could teach him, Markl would surely listen and learn.

Xarx nodded to the silent group. "Exactly. We find it best to work alone, keep to the shadows. The evil hate us for our purity, and the good don't share the same intentions as us. No one else understands this ability nor why we do the things we do."

A booming crash sounded from behind. They turned around to see the current status of the once luxurious Kingsbury Palace. Half of the building was falling to the ground, the tall towers plummeting into smoke and ash.

Gwenda stared, her mouth agape. "There are still people inside."

Howl narrowed his eyes. "Hopefully just Suliman and the cursed Royal Family."

"No." Lona said nearly in a whisper. "All the others she held captive, all the innocent lives she locked away are still there."

If only they had fought back, Gwenda thought. George and Somer, Beth and Mari - Gwenda just couldn't leave them behind. She knew the feeling all too well.

"I'm going back." Gwenda didn't waste another moment before sprinting toward the Palace entrance. Lona rushed after her, though the sisters' pursuit ended shortly.

Lona shrieked as the unconscious wizard hastily stood up and locked his arm around Gwenda's neck. Gwenda gasped from the lack of oxygen, her heart beating as fast as the droplets fell from the sky. His muscular arms rendered her useless.

"Gwenda!" Lona shouted. Kenta rushed to her side, the others quickly following. Howl wanted to hit Nade with the worst dark curse he could summon, but with Gwenda in his clutches, Nade held all the cards. He thought back to Calcifer’s final words and how he was already failing his friend.

His eyes were wide with lunacy. Xarx's shock had blackened both of his eyes and they twitched erratically. His arm pressed closer against Gwenda's throat, making her struggle much more harrowing to witness.

His twitching eyes turned to Xarx. "Well, then. Looks like I've underestimated you Xarx. Light." He spat next to Gwenda, her face cringing at the sound. "That just suits you perfectly, now doesn't it?"

Xarx was frozen in place. He had to think logically about the situation. The slightest change could be devastating for Gwenda. It wasn’t like he had a connection to this human girl, save for her brief imprisonment by Noe, yet she was still a person. Had he relied on emotion to dictate his actions, Suliman would have caught onto him years ago.

"You did more than simply underestimate me.” Xarx yelled over the thunder, “You belittled me in every single way you could."

Nade tapped his tongue to the roof of his mouth, letting out a high-pitched laugh. "Only to toughen you up. Though it looks like you learned that all on your own."

Howl took a step forward. "Let her go."

Nade pursed his lips. "I think not. She's way too pretty to give up that easily. And besides, I'm sure Madame Suliman would just love having more leverage over you."

Gwenda clenched her teeth. She kept her eyes focused on the falling rain, her mind painfully withholding any snide comments she might say for fear of Nade's reaction. She wasn't always quick to hold her tongue, but in a situation with a madman, Gwenda wasn't taking any chances.

"Nade." Xarx's tone was low and authoritative. "Let her go."

Nade tightened his grip, though his frightening eyes shot clear to Xarx. "Madame Suliman gave you everything and this is how you repay her? She turned you from one of her weakest students to being on top with masters like me and Noe. You should have ran off from her apprenticeship the moment you found out you were a creature of light because there is no way in hell Suliman will ever accept you."

Xarx bowed his head, his dark hair just barely covering his eyes. Howl and Kenta stood ready to attack if need be. Lona and Gwenda breathed in unison, however feeling miles away from one another. Nothing could be said; nothing needed to be for the sisters to understand how the other felt at that moment. With every breath, with every clink of falling rain filling the vast silence, they all waited for a reply, a movement - anything to distract from the tension rising from uncertainty.

Xarx leveled his eyes to Nade. "I never needed her acceptance." His eyes glowed like golden blades on a sword as lightning pierced through the sky. Xarx used this moment to strike with a firm fist pressed forward, his attack precise and accurate. Nade jumped backward, though a thin white line crossed his right cheek. Gwenda was pushed forward and she stumbled to the ground, gasping for a full breath. Lona and Markl rushed to her side, helping her stand as the wizards all moved in for their common enemy.

Nade was surrounded by the three, Kenta and Howl to his sides. Xarx stood merely a few feet away from him. They decreased their distance from him, making short and careful steps toward the deranged wizard. Nade seethed through his teeth and flung himself into the air, his hands pressed together in a large fist. The three watched as he hurled himself to the ground, his fist slamming into the stone and causing an earth shatter.

As Kenta lunged on the ground to fill the cracks, Nade molded his hands and feet into the ground, watching as Kenta fell in like quicksand. "Nice try. I won't make this easy for you."

Howl formed wings out of his arms and flew toward Nade, only for the wizard to make himself into a two-dimensional figure and slide by untouched. He opened one of the cracks below deep enough for Howl to fall and then pushed the ground together, the core slowly trying to refill itself. There was no denying the wealth of knowledge he had through Suliman's training. Nade was quick on his feet when it came to the methods of battle and was noted for his ability in tricking his opponents. But Xarx was there during every moment of it - he knew Nade's weaknesses.

Xarx absorbed power from the ongoing flames and the bursts of light from the thundering clouds. He made casual steps toward Nade, as if the battle was already decided. "I'm surprised you haven't figured out Madame Suliman's real plan for why she brainwashed our fellow magicians. After all, I thought you were practically one of her top students."

Nade smirked. He pursued Xarx as well. "You don't know anything about the Madame. How dare you speak of her in such a vile tongue."

A white light outlined Xarx's figure as they were nearly inches away, encompassing him like a bright shadow. "She's a crook and liar. I cringe at how you and Noe haven't figured that out yet. She's only using you for her own personal gain."

They paused their steps, now close enough to feel the exhaled breath of the other. Nade raised an eyebrow with a low smirk. "You're just as foolish as you were the day I met you."

Xarx narrowed his eyes. "As are you." The two drew back fists and propelled them forward, an explosion of light knocking each other in opposite directions. Xarx balanced his landing near the sisters and Markl, Nade falling back on the steps of the Palace. The fire hadn't reached that far, but Nade wasn't taking any chances.

He sprinted toward Xarx at top speed, his rage quickening his pace and losing sight of his surroundings and strategies. Nade roared as he neared his target with full force and a prepared ending for his former cohort. Xarx mirrored his action, preparing for the same.

As they were close enough to touch, a dark figure appeared in-between the two, seemingly growing from a dark pool in the ground with outstretched arms. They acted as barriers against the wizards' attacks, and both were sent flying back toward the ground.

The witch let her long hair cover her face, her gaze directed to the ground where she had come from. Her arms moved like the wind as she focused her energy on Nade, the spell she repeated flowing off her tongue as if she had been there from the beginning and seen the melee played out.

Nade hardly had a moment to think about his next move before she casted her curse. His mind became numb to her abilities and he fell unconscious. His body morphed and twisted, the witch's shaking arm a clear sign of the power she wielded. At the last word she spoke, Nade bursted into stardust, falling and glowing with a devastating explosion.

Xarx didn't waste a moment. He crumbled the rock that restrained Kenta and released Howl from his tightening prison. Kenta acted fast in sealing their platform, keeping them safely grounded. He rushed toward Lona, thankful that their battle hadn’t ended drastically.

The witch who appeared out of nothing stared at the Nade’s final resting place, her words filled with vengeful malice. "That's for my sister."

The sky thundered as the commotion on the ground ceased. Howl was eager to reach their savior, though quite taken by her revelation. "Martha?"

She lifted her chin, revealing tearstained eyes. "I couldn't protect her, Howl. I couldn't save her. I’m so sorry."

Howl rested his hands on her shoulders, the words he wished to speak to her refusing to be spoken. All the hate he felt, the anger at her betrayal - he knew where her intentions were. She already appeared to be paying a worse price than the one he might have given.

The little white and tan dog wheezed from inside her cloak, rubbing his snout out of the fold and breathing in the earthy scent. Heen jumped out from her constraints, rushing toward Gwenda and Markl the moment he noticed them. Kenta stood next to Howl, wanting to hear what Martha had to say as much as his counterpart.

“Martha, what happened?"

She cringed at such a question, her teeth chattering and eyes swollen. "Suliman came to our hiding place and took her. I couldn't attack; I couldn't use my magic to harm another person." Her breaths were shaky as she tried to conceal the oncoming tears, though not even the rain could fool those around her. "I was too weak to do anything."

Howl dropped his arms. "Where is she now?"

Martha turned to the burning Palace, the bursting flames glistening in her eyes. Her visions were, if anything, highly accurate. She had seen this child's birth; she knew Suliman's plan; and the scattered pieces fit together in a catastrophically perfect way.

Howl turned back, watching the same sight and begging that it wasn't true.

"She's in the Palace. I know it." Martha whispered. "You have to go right now, Howl."

His legs were cemented to the ground. Of all the places, of all the difficulties and trials they had had, this was the epitome of their misfortunes. Violent, ruthless, deceptive - all things that could name the Royal Sorceress and all things evil in the world starting with her. Howl could hardly breathe, let alone think about where to begin trying to find his beloved Sophie and bring her to safety. No doubt Suliman was attempting to reach their child.

Howl turned to the flames, only to find a swarm floating above in a horrifically familiar way.

Screeches and cries floated down to the courtyard as dozens upon dozens of magicians in their natural state joined the feeble group on the ground floor. They were separated; half standing by Howl and his comrades, the other half standing by the fallen Noe and trying to revitalize her. Two familiar magicians - Damascus with the good, Exie with the evil - stood face to face with rage aimed toward one another.

However, Howl was most impressed with how all the magicians formerly under Suliman’s control were of free and sound mind.

Exie sneered at the wizard. "Madame Suliman is our leader. We will protect the Royal Family until our death."

Damascus stood tall before her. "Then we will fight to keep our freedom."

And the wage of war began for the two sides of magic.

Chapter Text

It was like trying to push out needles from inside. The pain was agonizing and forced her to expel something that wasn't ready to enter this world, something she wasn't ready to experience. The baby jumped in her stomach as if excited for what was to come, though Sophie was ashamed to bring this little child into such a cruel world.

"You're about four centimeters, don't try pushing just yet." The doctor said. Half of his face hid behind a mask, but Sophie could see the indifference in his blank eyes. "How does the pain feel? On a scale of one to ten?"

"Screw you!" Sophie shouted from the bed and attempted to kick him, though her feet were restricted. He shuddered at the movement, but after one glance at Madame Suliman he returned to his charts and wrote things down. "How could you let her do this to me?"

Suliman rested a hand on his shoulder. Once again, he shuddered. "Because he works for me."

Sophie clenched her teeth and exhaled short breaths. Another contraction. She tightened her fists and pulled on the chains, once again pushing as if to release her child from the womb. She wasn't ready; not right now, not in a few days, not ever.

She wasn't ready to be a mother.

And with Suliman standing over her, she might never get the chance. "Why Suliman? Haven't you already won?"

Suliman stood behind the doctor, her arms crossed over her chest. Her twisted smile grew as if she had already taken the last thing Sophie had left. "Not until I have that child. Then, I'll have won."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

The war struck like a stream of fireworks. Spells were thrown in all directions, some not even with an end target but merely for the sake of casting a spell. Magicians flew frantically about through the raining sky to find an advantage over their enemies, some even using brute force. No one was out of reach from an attack.

Martha led Gwenda, Lona, and Markl under a protective barrier toward the roofed walkway and away from battle. Markl clutched onto Heen for dear life, hoping the wheezing dog wasn't as frightened by the unexpected war as he was. In a matter of seconds, every magical creature near them went from two divided sides to a full-blown onslaught.

Markl would be lying if he said he wasn't terrified - but he wasn't going to abandon Howl this time.

Markl set Heen on the ground and charged forward, only to be brought back by a swift force. Martha held his shoulders, her eyes wide with disbelief. "What on earth are you doing, kid?"

Markl turned to the battle, watching his time slip away. "I can help. Master Howl needs me."

Martha shook her head. "You're too young."

"But I can do this."

Martha knelt by his side, desperate for her words to reach him. "Markl, these magicians are fighting to the death. Many of the witches and wizards you see out there won't survive this."

A wizard slammed against her barrier, a fallen soldier thrown by his enemy. Several magicians already lay on the ground, some with a companion attempting to revive them. Already, the dead were piling up by the minute. It was as she saw; it was meant to be.

All except for Howl.

"Howl!" Martha shouted. He was in a brawl with another wizard, both using their transformative states for increased power. Amidst the screams and spellcasting, the vengeance and hatred, Howl had placed himself directly in the middle of the conflict. He was out of earshot, completely oblivious to his true purpose. "Howl, this is not your fight!"

He needed to find Sophie. He wasn't supposed to be there. This was not what she saw. If Howl perished in this, if Howl somehow died because of his irrational desire to aid his comrades in war, then Martha was uncertain of the implications that might follow.

There was no telling of the infinite possibilities that may occur as a result of his deviation.

On the battleground, Kenta faced an old classmate - Redford. Their sources were the same, though their wealth of knowledge and experience were vastly different. Redford used the rainstorm to his advantage, creating a tsunami aimed for Kenta. The swirling water bolted toward him, though the magician waved his arms in a circular motion, a wind tunnel growing from it. The two elements clashed - an equal match.

"Where's that famous earthquake of yours, huh?" Redford said. "Haven't seen you use that since we knocked you out cold back in Ovela."

Kenta growled and sparked a flame through his fingertips, lighting the ground around Redford in a bright ring. In an effort to stay ahead, Kenta increased its power and the fire pursued the center target. Redford was prompt in his defense as the opposing wizard pushed his arms forward and the ring of fire blew out in Kenta's direction.

Before Kenta could react, the explosion was taken over and aimed back at Redford. Xarx stood between the two, repeating a spell so casually, it was like he'd spoken it a million times prior. The flames flew back toward their original target and engulfed Redford in a fiery disaster, the wizard unable to form a defense in time.

The rain drenched the area and the flames turned to smoke and ash. Had there not been a raging war currently in attendance, Kenta would have contemplated the morality of killing a fellow wizard, even one who had the intention of killing him. Xarx stared numbly at the charred wizard, smoke rising from his lifeless body. He wore not a shred of guilt.

Kenta watched him with a cautious eye. “I thought you light creatures didn't work with other magicians."

Two magicians were in pursuit, but Xarx struck a continuous lightning streak around them to keep their attacks stable. He turned to Kenta, his voice raising over the volume of the war. “I will aid you in defeating Suliman. You all have gotten closer to tearing down her reign than I had in her service. I would like nothing more than to help you finish her off."

Lona watched the nearly catastrophic ending involving Kenta from their realm of safety. After all the time separated from one another, they were finally reunited only to worry about losing him yet again. Had it not been for the wizard who saved his life, that could have been reality. She held Gwenda's hand, increasing pressure until her sister yelped with pain.

"Sorry." Lona said. "I just can't understand why this is happening."

Gwenda stared at the massacre laid out before them. "Neither can I." She scanned the battleground, trying to decipher the number of allies left compared to their enemies. The numbers appeared even, though the amount of bodies lying on the ground was enough for her to gag from the sight. She held back bile and turned away, hoping the sight would leave her mind.

She knew very well something like this never would.

Heen wheezed and scratched against Martha's barrier, his head nodding to the main entrance of the Palace. In the distance, Gwenda noticed small figures running down the large staircase as the fire had finally reached it. She squinted, though that seemed to only make her sight worse. With the blink of an eye, the figures flashed out of sight and then appeared behind Martha's barrier.

Gwenda, Markl, and Martha prepared for defense, but the cries and warm hugs coming from Beth and Mari halted their hasty reaction. All their fellow prisoners had rejoined them - even the Witch of the Wastes.

Gwenda dropped her jaw. "Wha-"

The Witch smirked. "Surprised to see me again?"

"Where did you go?" Gwenda asked. "To save them?"

The Witch turned to the burning Palace, a strangely optimistic smile present on her. "You'll find out soon enough."

Mari rushed to the protective barrier, pounding on it hard with her fist. "Aria! Nathan! Get out of there!"

She continued pounding, much to Gwenda's confusion. She turned to Beth, whose visage didn't brighten her spirits. "Her sister and brother-in-law are out there. They've been under Suliman's control this whole time."

Gwenda widened her eyes. "Is that why she worked at the Palace?" Beth nodded. Mari rarely talked about her family life, but since Gwenda didn't either she hardly thought much of it. She never would have guessed her sister was a magician trapped in Suliman's schemes.

The Witch of the Wastes narrowed her eyes to the battle ensuing. Explosions of passion and ability burst from every magician on the scene and it was clear that all were willing to sacrifice their own lives for the sake of a higher cause. These magicians, some of whom she ruined tremendously and some of which had never crossed her path, were risking everything they had left. She couldn't just walk away - not anymore.

The Witch lifted her chin. "It's time to set a few things straight."

Gwenda turned to her, only to find the Witch vanishing a second later and reappearing on the battlefield, fighting alongside Howl and Kenta. Gwenda approached the barrier, Heen following right behind her. Every second not being there ached her broken heart. They were strong; they weren't afraid of the outcome or what might become of them. They weren't even afraid to die.

And yet, doing nothing only caused her more grief. She felt useless to them; all this time knowing each other and she had yet to provide any suitable aid. She had gotten kidnapped on their behalf - and while that spared Sophie and Martha from the same fate, her unfortunate situation only caused an unnecessary detour on their mission. The regret she felt was nothing compared to the agony she witnessed before her.

What else did she have to lose?

"We can't stay here any longer." Martha said, her focus on the main group of released prisoners. "This isn't our fight."

"Why isn't it?" All eyes turned to Gwenda and the shaking dog behind her legs. Her back was to the barrier, to the ongoing bloodshed of magicians with good intentions and evil ones. The wound under her eye had since clotted and only dried blood remained on her cheek. She held her head high, keen on challenging Martha's plan.

Martha took a step toward her, her mouth open in awe. "Gwenda, you and everyone else are not magicians. They'll destroy you out there."

"And what about you?" Gwenda said, her hand gesturing forward. "You keep saying Suliman will get what's coming. Isn’t this it? This is what we've wanted for so long - to finally stand up to that woman."

"I have seen the outcome of this match. Trust me, you want to stay out of it." Martha's voice was low and harsh. While she tried keeping her words out of earshot from the others, a few were simply too close to stay in the dark.

"Will Kenta be safe?"

Martha turned to Lona. Her eyes were already glistening with tears, her shoulders shaking in a frightful state. Lona held her hands together against her chest, so many questions rushing through her head but unsure of how to ask. The extent of Martha's abilities were unknown to her, as were a lot of things she had been sheltered from in her captive time. However, Martha was not prepared to release any more information than she already had.

Lona swallowed hard. "You said you know what happens, how is that possible?"

Martha turned back to Gwenda. Her control over the situation had weakened, which also affected the strength of the protective barrier. "Gwenda, you need to get your sister and the others out of here. Now!"

Lona reached for Martha's arm, though the witch was quick to retract from the foreign touch. "Not until you tell me if Kenta will live or not."

Martha seethed. "Gwenda!"

"Kenta!" Gwenda and Martha watched as Lona broke through Martha's deteriorating barrier and bolted into the battlefield. The pouring rain, the blood and bodies, and the deadly atmosphere encompassed her and she was frozen in place as she watched the love of her life struggle in battle against a terrifying opponent. Both rushed for Lona from their safety, though the fragile girl soon found herself trapped by a horrific creature.

The wizard sneered at Lona, her timid body backing away slowly. His horns were black against the harsh rain, as was his sinister smile. He walked on hooves and his body was hairy like a werewolf. What struck Lona the most, however, was the large expanse of his wings. Had they not been so plagued with darkness she might have thought him to be wearing angel's wings. He eyed her like she was a delectable meal.

"Lona!" Kenta swooped down from his current opponent and landed atop the beast before her. He wrapped his arms around his neck, catching the overzealous wizard by surprise. His claws scratched at Kenta and he thrashed his body around.

Lona took two steps toward him and clutched to his muscular arm, the difference in size between the two very significant. The beast narrowed down, now giving Lona his full attention. As his claw sliced her face, she fell from his arm to the stone ground.

Kenta released his grip around him and fell close to Lona. He touched her cheek, watching the blood spill in three straight lines down her pristine face. Her eyes were hardly opened, though still held the same fiery glow. "Kenta."

"You need to get out of here." Kenta turned to the beast behind them, noticing Howl had appeared from behind. He formed a dark hole below the beast's feet, who was not aware of the presence of another challenger. The Witch of the Wastes slid past him and extended her robe to cover the couple from his view, at the same time casting a spell to weaken the beast's power. Kenta held Lona's arm and helped her stand, leading her to Martha and Gwenda on the outskirts of the battlefield.

"Get out now!" Kenta shouted to them. Without a second glance he fell to the ground, his hands and feet fitting into the grooves of the stone and settling in. Lona tried running back to him, but when the ground started to shake, she fell back toward Gwenda. All the magicians and humans on the ground felt the earth rumble.

Between the individual battles and the thunderous sky and the surrounding death, Kenta's renowned earthquake was of a much greater fear. The stone crumbled into separate rocks and the cracks filled with a volatile red. Some magicians fled from the shaky ground into the sky, but the humans were cemented to the ground.

Howl managed to distract the beast long enough to have the advantage and use a dark spell to blind him momentarily. While the beast stomped around in darkness, Gwenda called out to him and forced his attention.

"Howl, we want to help you." She said.

Howl shook his head. "Save yourself." Before she could retaliate, he was already in the thick of the battleground once more. Death increased with each passing second and neither side was willing to surrender. Gwenda wanted to stay; she wanted to fight and show them the risk she was willing to take for them.

If people were going to die, she didn't want to be a bystander.

The Witch of the Wastes was of no consolation, either. "Leave before they find you." As if they wouldn't hear another word of Gwenda's pleas, Martha stood before their group and snapped her fingers, placing them miles away from the war-torn city.

Chapter Text

Fire. Rain. Chaos. As he fled through the disarray of fallen trees in the forest, these were his witnesses. These had become his obstacles. For the first time since his years in the sky, he wasn't hiding behind comfort; he wasn't trapped in a concrete stronghold. Now when he ran, he ran toward the things that frightened him.

A hefty branch fell directly in his path. Calcifer shielded his face from the explosive flames that burst from the dead evergreen. The action seemed instinctual - warding off a possible threat. Fire used to be his cohort. It was what fueled his life. Now, it was something that could destroy him.

He widened his eyes at the catastrophe before him. Orange glowed from high up in the trees, sending burnt leaves to their resting place below and branches crashing to the ground like waves against a wall of rocks. He reached his hand toward the burning branch, the extreme heat bursting with life. It called to him; it begged for him. As much as he sensed fear creep into his mind, the urge to unite with his other half was a stronger feeling.

The rain tapped him like a sharpened sword on his body. His dampened, orange hair felt refreshed by the cooling water. Water had always been the enemy; water was the only thing that could fully destroy him. He had never felt so peaceful in his oldest rival. It rushed down his bare skin, cleansing him of his impurities.

Then, Calcifer held his breath at a startling revelation. He was naked.

Though no one was around, he felt entirely exposed. This was a new feeling, along with the many others he had felt in his short time in this new form. Bare, soft skin. How he longed to touch another person, feel their skin and embrace them completely. Calcifer did not know what he did to deserve such a reward as this.

It seemed obvious that he wouldn't automatically be clothed, but the thought had slipped his mind. Nevertheless, Calcifer considered where he might find clothes. The Palace surely had some, though most were probably burned to ash at that point. He imagined the type of clothes he had seen before - black slacks, tan shirt, dark vest. This was the typical attire he saw most men wear, like Howl or Kenta. Calcifer was also fond of longer coats, and thought of an orange one to match his former self. He concentrated long and hard about them, knowing what was to come next.

A sense of relief washed over Calcifer as he felt the fabrics conceal his nakedness. Everything he envisioned wrapped around his body. Though in human form, Calcifer still held his magical properties. He had had this ability before, yet it never came into use for his own purposes.

The fiery branches still lay before him, blocking his path to the others. He inhaled deeply and held both palms forward, pushing them out toward the disaster. The fire turned to smoke as he controlled the flames and the branches disintegrated to splinters. This ability, though widely used to fuel his life, felt much different destroying another fire's life.

There was no time to grapple with sympathy. Time was limited. Calcifer rushed through the flames and rain, avoiding any instances that would halt his mission. His focus was only on his friends, and especially on one in particular.

Gwenda.

He needed to know she was safe, that he hadn't left them for dead in the Throne Room. He told Howl to take care of her - and he trusted him with his life. But still, he needed to know.

The Palace was not as far as he thought it was. The once beautiful exterior had been charred from the inside out, walls blackened and higher floors beginning to crumble. How he hoped he was wrong; how he wished they had gotten away.

Calcifer stopped as he entered the Throne Room. The flames had subsided, nothing left to burn. No signs of life, but also no signs of death, either. He relaxed his shoulders, his mind more at ease. Gwenda was safe.

But they were still separated. Wherever they had gone, whatever their next plan had been, Calcifer would not rest until he was there by her side.

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

The sky grumbled and flashes of light burst through darkened clouds. How a deadly fire and a tremendous storm could both rage on in unison was beyond Howl and everyone else who had survived the unexpected war of magicians.

Though void of any warfare, the battleground was anything but tranquil. While the dark magicians abandoned their post, those following the path for freedom remained to mourn the loss of their fellow magicians. From atop the roof overlooking the arena, Howl could hear the cries of those who lived, and as hard as he tried to ignore them he simply could not remove the image from his mind.

The wizard who slashed Lona before they interceded lay on the ground, one of his horns cut off and blood pouring from his mouth like a fountain. The Witch of the Wastes had finished him off, along with a few others who realized the deadly potential of Nolan. He was next to Nade when it came to strength, and found it easy to abandon previous morals. He would have caused much more damage had he continued their plot of destruction.

Kenta and Xarx joined Howl, both with more red on their bodies than skin color. Xarx removed his torn shirt, nothing left to it but shreds of cloth. Kenta stood firmly on one leg and bent the other, masking the pain he felt with a healing spell.

Xarx stood watch, waiting for any of Suliman's true followers to return with reinforcements. He knew that was only a portion of her army; the rest were returning from Ovela, and he wanted to make sure they were prepared.

Kenta sucked in a quick breath at the pain of closing his own wound. "Where are the girls?"

Howl cleared his throat. "Martha took them."

“What was going through Lona's head to make her want to fight?” He asked, his mind still reeling from witnessing such impulsivity. “She would have been killed."

"She loves you." Howl said, though he wandered his eyes to the deaths that surrounded them. "She would do anything to protect you. And I bet she's a lot stronger than you give her credit for."

"I know she’s strong." Kenta said. His breath was heavy, like he needed to push the air out forcefully for the natural process to work. "But humans are completely unmatched against magicians. I couldn't let her die to save me."

Xarx looked between the two of them. While they spoke of love and family, he was more concerned with their current situation. "What's our next move?"

Howl turned to Kenta, but his eyes merely wandered around the massacre, attempting and failing as well to do what he had done since the first war - forget. There was always a plan; there was always somewhere to go or something to gain or someone to save. But now - Howl didn't know what to do now.

"Howl!" The three wizards stood in preparation for an attack, but the witch who shouted his name was not one of the enemies. Martha stormed in their direction, her eyes that of someone gone mad. "Go to Sophie. Now!"

"Where is she?" Howl asked.

"Where's Lona?"

Before she replied, Martha slapped her hand firmly across Howl's cheek. He bent to the side, his opposite hand immediately holding the reddened skin. He glared at Martha. She had proven time and time again her disregard for Howl. He didn't want to hold anything back.

"You cannot fight battles you think you will win." Martha said over the thunder. She lifted her chin to match Howl's gaze, not at all frightened by his height advantage. "You know your place, you know who needed you and you chose to abandon her."

"I did not!" Howl shouted, though Martha appeared unfazed by his fit of rage. "I fought for my freedom, same as any other magician who fought and even died for this."

"At what cost?" Martha said. "Half of your allies perished. War does nothing to satisfy anyone. Whether you win or lose, you will always suffer the deaths of your brothers and sisters who fought by your side." Martha pointed to the display below - the death, the mourners, the life-changing implications that would come from this occurrence. She clenched her teeth. "Now tell me, do you feel satisfied?"

Howl grabbed her wrist and forced her arm back to her side. "We defeated Suliman's army. Those who remained fled in shame. We won."

Martha pursed her lips. She shook her head. "Then you have your answer."

As she turned away, Howl reached for her arm once more. "Where is Sophie?"

Martha looked down to his grip, his hand soft but not willing to let her go until she answered. He was asking her to share a vision and disregard all she was taught about being a Seer. Her visions used to be accurate; they used to follow their design exactly as she witnessed in her mind. But not anymore.

For the first time, she did not know what the future held. "In the room where you created your child in the first place." When the last syllable was spoken, Howl was merely holding thin air.

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

Everything seemed so close in the Wastes. The burning capital was not as far away as the magicians who lived there would have liked to imagine, and the sight of its crumbling walls only heightened the humans’ concerns. Everyone had someone involved in that war, and everyone felt too powerless to do anything about it.

Gwenda covered her mouth, her hand shaking in awe, as a tower collapsed. It moved so swiftly, so fluidly to the ground below, sending up a cloud of dark smoke in its place. Only a few towers remained, and only time would tell when the final one would plummet.

Gwenda turned to the others. "We have to go back." Some looked at her oddly, some looked with hopeless eyes - but others stood with confidence. Markl for one, with Heen sitting next to his foot and his chin raised to the sky. Somer nodded in agreement, and only in this did George nod as well. Beth seemed skeptical, but Mari was on board with Gwenda.

Lona pulled her arm, bringing Gwenda down to her height. "We can't leave."

"Why do people keep saying we can't do things that they can?"

Lona widened her eyes. "Because that's just it, Gwenda! We can't do things they can. Magicians have powers for a reason and we don't. End of story."

Gwenda shook her head. "Powers or no powers, our friends are there and quite possibly dying as we stand here doing nothing. The more we waste time, the more chances we give Suliman to keep her reign."

"Why is this so important to you?" Lona asked, her voice pleading with her. "Why can't you just let Kenta and Howl and the others handle it?"

Gwenda scoffed. "Like you did running to Kenta's side and nearly killing yourself?" The harsh winds sent chills throughout the band of humans, many holding onto cohorts for warmth. Lona's long hair blew away from her face, her red eyes still shining above all the agony they witnessed. Years had separated them, anger and misunderstanding and loss - Gwenda couldn't bear losing her again, but she knew where her place was.

Lona took in a quick breath. "That was different. I would have given my life for Kenta because I love him."

"And I don't?" Gwenda said, her finger pointed to her chest. "You think you're the only one who might have lost someone today? I already did! Maybe I'm doing this because I have anger issues or I'm looking for a death sentence or whatever. Maybe, it just so happens that I love someone and he's probably dead right now and the only way I can make it up to him is by saving his family!"

Her voice lifted over the thunder and rain, silencing the crowd. The wind whistled and cut through the open air, thrashing around anything loose. Heen hid behind Markl's legs, somewhat intimidated by Gwenda's harsh tone. Her anger had quickly turned to misery, though, as she wrapped her arms over her chest and bent forward with a stream of tears.

He was gone - her only companion. The one person who listened to her complaints about Justin giving her false affection or Lona running off to be with Kenta or just everyday petty problems; the one person who listened to her dreams and encouraged her to be the person she aspired to be; the one person who listened to her deepest hidden scars and didn't take advantage of such voluntary trust.

The only one who continuously moved heaven and earth just to show her he cared - how could she repay him by doing nothing in return?

Lona raised her arms slowly, and with a gentle touch held Gwenda as close as her sister would allow. She dropped her face into Lona's shoulder, the muffled cries audible through the clinking raindrops. The others watched, waited in muted conversation, for a reaction. A word. An instruction.

Lona stroked her sister's short hair. "I didn't know you loved someone."

Beth coughed toward Mari. "At least it's not Prince Justin." Gwenda glared up from her sister's embrace to Beth, who merely dropped her gaze and shrugged her shoulders in embarrassment. "Sorry."

Gwenda stood straight. Part of her was frightened. More than frightened - she was utterly terrified of magicians and their power. But the other part, the one Gwenda had become accustomed to ignoring, told her this was the right thing to do. Whether she lived or died, she knew her place.

"I'm going back to Kingsbury." Gwenda shouted in a commanding tone. Markl and Heen stood by her side, the young wizard letting her know he knew the spell to transport them all back if they wished.

"I want to see my son, too." Somer said.

Mari took a step forward. "And I want to find my sister and her husband."

The others nodded, each taking a step forward to express their support. They knew the danger; they knew the possible outcome. And yet they were still willing to fight.

Gwenda turned to her sister. "Lona? Are you coming?"

Her eyes glistened above her smile, and though she shivered from head to toe, Lona also took her place at Gwenda's side. Markl waved his hand over the group, whispered his spell, and all had vanished.

Chapter Text

Time slipped through his fingers as quickly as he cleared the room of his most precious belongings. He didn't have room for everything - his suitcase only able to fit a select few items - so he chose wisely. He wondered, during his seemingly simple selective process, where he came to collect so many objects and trinkets that had no core value to him.

He hoped that in this new life he was about to start out on, maybe he could put his materialistic tendencies to rest. Howl hoped, at least.

He clicked the suitcase close. That was it; that was everything he would live off of until he created his new home, a new sanctuary - one as far away from Suliman and this war as possible. He would even form aliases if need be, assuming she might attempt to seek him out.

A steel box sat on his bed, a light glow seeping through the cracked lines spaced evenly around. He lifted the lid slightly, making sure his demon was safe and fueled. Calcifer, having little room to spread his flames, looked up in longing. "How far are we going?"

Howl dropped his gaze. "I don't know. But I won't lie, this journey will be difficult. I need your support, Calcifer."

The fire demon nodded. Though he felt uncomfortable and anxious for their future, he was more concerned with what would happen to him if Howl were forced to join the upcoming war. Their connection could be lost and Calcifer could vaporize from existence. That was a risk he was not willing to take.

Howl lifted the box and then a knock against the door sent Howl into shock. His hands shivered uncontrollably and the box fell from his grip. Calcifer remained inside, but molten ash fell to the wooden floor.

"Howl?" A muffled voice said. "Is everything okay?" Howl recognized the voice - Kenta. He had told him earlier he was going to bed to rest for their final week of apprenticeship. He couldn't bear a proper farewell, but this unexpected greeting had foiled his original plan.

Howl picked up the box and stepped on the ashes, hoping to put them out before they increased and damaged the floors. The last thing he needed was to draw attention to himself on the night of his departure.

"Howl, I'm coming in." Kenta opened the door, allowing the stream of light from the hallway to enter the dark atmosphere of Howl's dormitory. Howl rushed to close the lid of Calcifer's temporary home, leaving the ashes to spread and spark up lightly. Kenta stood with the door opened, unable to form words.

Howl looked up at him and then to the door. He closed it with a swift spell in his mind. Kenta's shoulders shuttered from the slam as he scanned the room. A suitcase, a frantic wizard, and a concealed object in a steel box.

Kenta crossed his arms. "I assume you're not getting to bed early for classes tomorrow."

Howl tapped the floor at the pace of his heartbeat, running his fingers through his unkempt hair. He trusted him; after a decade of training together, they had put aside their unfortunate meeting and became close friends. He was his best friend - he believed he could trust him with this.

Howl put his hands out in front, his mind fumbling for the words to say. "I'm leaving."

Kenta widened his eyes. "Leaving?"

"Tonight."

"Why?" Kenta asked. He searched Howl for a valid excuse, something to make him understand his reasons for this ill-conceived plan. "We're nearly done with our training. We'll be full-fledged wizards in a week. Why would you throw away our years of training right at the end?"

Howl bit his lip, his foot still tapping the ground. "You should consider doing the same."

Kenta raised his eyebrows. "Again, why?"

"Madame Suliman has been fooling us from the start. She plans to use our abilities for warfare."

"War?" Kenta appeared surprised. "Who would we go to war with?"

"I don't know and I don't want to be here to find out." Howl said. He scanned the room for any signs of surveillance, the paranoia slowly creeping in. If he learned one thing from Madame Suliman, it was that anyone could be listening at any time. "She wants us to feel obligated to her enough so we come back willingly, but she's only going to abuse your talents. She's manipulative and cruel and I'm getting out of here as fast as I can. Please, you have to believe me."

Though his eyes longed to understand, they were unable to. Kenta was loyal; it was his greatest quality and most exploited. Suliman had him and all the others on a tight string and she was the commander.

"I..." Kenta couldn't form a lucid sentence. Howl didn't expect him to be so quick to believe something so far-fetched. However, he didn't have time to wait for him to reconsider.

"I have to go." Howl grabbed the latch from his suitcase and the steel box. He glanced one last time, hoping to see some alteration - but Kenta was too confused to be able to understand the drastic events that would occur in the near future. "If you change your mind, meet me by the edge of the capital city before Market Chipping. I'll wait a while, but I cannot risk her finding me."

Calcifer peeped through the lid, his eyes meeting with Kenta's. The wizard bobbed his head back. "What is that?"

"I'm a who!" Calcifer shouted. "I'm a scary and powerful fire demon!" Howl shut the box and scolded Calcifer for shouting. He stuck his fiery tongue out, but Howl didn't have time for his petty antics.

He clipped the steel box to his belt loop, then placed his free hand on Kenta's shoulder. "We're leaving. Thank you for being my friend when I had none. It pains me to say goodbye, but I hope you will understand why later."

Kenta could hardly move, but managed a slight nod. Howl removed his hand, stood with his feet together, and vanished from the Palace.

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

It all felt so familiar, though that didn't bring them any comfort. Howl could handle Suliman; he could handle her tricks and schemes when it was himself that he worried about. Now he had Sophie - now she had Sophie, and that killed him. It was easy to run and hide and leave everything behind before.

But now he wasn't alone.

And though he accepted that he would be a father and cherished the years ahead with a child of their own, Suliman was one spell away from ripping that future away from them permanently.

Their steps echoed in the spiral hallway as the three wizards climbed to where Martha had directed. Kenta and Xarx trailed behind Howl, who was desperate and determined to face Suliman once again. She had gone too far - she had started wars, kidnapped humans for leverage, brainwashed magicians to serve for her cruel tactics. Howl had survived all of this; he had lived with this and stood strong against her will. Taking their child would be the ultimate task she could accomplish that would truly devastate Howl.

As they reached the door, Howl pressed hard against the sturdy wood. Nothing. The handle was stagnant, the door was sealed and restrained the occupants inside. Muffled screams emitted through to their ears, Howl's anger only fueling his strength. He continued slamming against the door, each time with more effort and strength than before. Kenta pushed him aside to have a clear view of the door. He whispered a spell and the lock unlatched, giving Howl enough time to break the door.

Sophie lay on the bed, her arms and feet restricted and a man in a lab coat at the foot of the bed. Her eyes were wide with fear, even as they turned to Howl. She was more afraid of him being there in the same situation than if it were just her.

"Howl!" The three wizards were thrown against the wall under Suliman's control. Electricity wrapped around their wrists, ankles, and neck, holding them tightly against the wall. They struggled against the constraints but were sparked if they touched the electricity. Howl seethed at the sight of Suliman, disgusted at her prideful stance.

"Welcome to the party." Her heels clinked against the ground as she strode toward the trio. "We've been waiting for you."

Howl turned to the doctor as his hands moved and struck himself against the electric restraints. "If you lay one hand on Sophie or that baby-"

"You'll what?" Suliman interrupted. She was inches away from him, holding all the advantage. She was, as always, completely in power. "Tell me. What is the great Wizard Howl Pendragon going to do against the unstoppable Madame Suliman?"

"You've already lost." They turned to Kenta. He narrowed his eyes at her, unwilling to accept defeat. "We destroyed your army. You have no one left to protect you."

Suliman curved her smile. "Dear Kenta, as if I needed protection in the first place." Her eyes dropped to Xarx, noticing the presence of her former soldier. "You all were simply my puppets, and very good ones at that."

Xarx clenched his teeth and his eyes glowed with a beaming light. Suliman widened her eyes and vanished as Xarx's eyes cast the beam in her direction. When the light faded, Suliman returned - and for a rare moment, appeared ignorant to her pupil's strength.

"Light." She seethed. "How could I have been so foolish?"

Howl glanced between the two. "You mean you never knew?"

"There are a number of sources that can be hidden in plain sight." Xarx's smile was a taunt to Suliman, a symbol of a small victory over her power. "Light, among others, just happens to be one of them."

Suliman narrowed her eyes. "Do you really think I'd have assigned you special operations if I knew you would only extort classified information?"

"Then why assign me at all?"

Suliman exhaled slowly. "The orb never lies. I was astounded it ranked you the top student, knowing what little you had accomplished prior and especially having not discovered your source - or so everyone believed. I assigned you to see if I could discover your little secret."

The ground began to rumble. Surgical equipment trembled on the silver tray and the doctor held it steady. The wizards pushed back against the wall trying to avoid stumbling against the electricity. Sophie bit her lip and had she not been strapped down to the bed, she might have been thrown recklessly around the room.

The rumble ceased. The room calmed and returned to normalcy. Suliman cursed under her breath - even she knew her time was limited.

"Your castle is crumbling." Kenta shouted. Suliman looked around the room wildly, whispering things that didn't sound coherent, so he raised his voice louder. "Soon the existence of the Kingsbury Palace will be nothing but a pile of ashes."

Her eyes glowed amidst a creeping smile. "The best people rise from the ashes."

"You're completely insane." Howl clenched his fists. "You can't do this."

Suliman cackled. "Oh, I believe I can."

"I will not let you kidnap our child!"

Suliman dropped her smile. She clenched her teeth as she stormed for Howl with rage. "This was supposed to be my child! This was always supposed to be my child!"

Howl narrowed his eyes. "What, Owen wasn't good enough for you?"

"Howl." He immediately dropped his gaze to Sophie, her feeble body immobile on the bed. Her gaze was weak; her eyelids fluttered but she couldn't keep them open for too long. "How did... you knew Owen?"

Suliman turned between Sophie and Howl. "Oh that's rich, Howl. You never even told her."

Howl took in a quick breath. "She knew what was important. She didn't need the details."

Suliman tapped her chin, her smile the kind someone wore when discovering valuable information. "You know, it was interesting when we discussed it. Her facts didn't seem entirely accurate. And now I know why."

Sophie bit down on her lip, attempting to conceal her reaction to the searing pain that came from her contractions. Her muscles tightened, every part of her being tensed and on the verge of falling apart. She could hardly focus on the situation surrounding her, but Suliman's instigation piqued Sophie's interest - and the fact that Howl was known for keeping secrets. "Howl, what is she talking about?"

He caught his breath at her sight. Sophie's agitated state was more unbearable than his own. He thought this part of his past was buried forever; he made his peace with it and vowed never to let it consume him again.

But Sophie had a right to know.

"The murder Suliman couldn't arrest me for," Howl said, his head hanging low. "It wasn't ten years ago and it wasn't some random stranger. It was six years ago - and it was Owen, your betrothed."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

For a moment he was free - then he was right in the thick of Suliman's trap.

Howl landed hard on the tile ground in a room he was eerily familiar with. The glass wall, the dark atmosphere not only from the presence of the night but overwhelmingly from the woman who resided in this space. Madame Suliman, once again, was all-knowing.

"Going so soon?" Her voice echoed around the room, though she was not visible to Howl. He stood on shaky legs, turning to view every corner of the room hoping to end the terrifying feeling of not knowing where Madame Suliman was. "Graduation is only one week away - and you were my favorite student."

"I'm l-leaving." Howl's voice stuttered. "I heard of your plans for the apprentices. I know you're only using us for war."

"And what greater success than controlling the other nations?" Her voice trailed again, though from a different place than before. It was futile trying to track her - she would simply find a way to best him.

"Nations are meant to be separate," Howl shouted. His legs became sturdier as he subsided his terror of the masterful teacher and stood with his chin held high. "War only causes destruction, there's nothing good about it."

Her laughter grew louder and surrounded the space around him to where he could not pinpoint her location. The room darkened and the sound screeched in a painful tone. Though his enemy was merely one sorceress, he felt completely surrounded and outnumbered.

"You're mine." As she came into view with a sinister smile, Howl didn't have a moment to think of his next move. But rather, before she completed her bidding, a figure appeared between the two - his eyes dead set on Howl.

Madame Suliman stopped her attack. She stood paralyzed. "Owen!"

His eyes were filled with an anger that had festered for years and could not be contained any longer. "Let me finish him off."

"No." She said, "I won't allow you to do anything of the sorts."

Owen turned to her, his teeth biting so hard he was close to breaking them. "Why? Because he's important to you? Because he has the abilities you want?"

Suliman reached her hand forward but he held his toward Howl, holding the runaway wizard in a chokehold. Suliman took a step back, afraid of the gaze her son cast at her. "Owen, he controls the darkness. He does it better than your father ever could."

"And your son of light isn't even in the equation."

Suliman dropped her jaw. Howl struggled in the background, a breath of survival just barely out of his reach. Owen would kill him; there was no doubt in her mind now that he was capable of doing that. But if he surrendered to his emotions, Suliman would lose her only opportunity.

She controlled Owen's mind to release Howl's captivity. The wizard gasped dramatically, inhaling as much oxygen as he could muster. Suliman stood tall, shoulders back and head tilted down to her son. "You'll get your reward soon enough."

Owen blinked rapidly and his fingers twitched uncontrollably. "Soon enough?" He turned to the gasping Howl, then back to Suliman. "It's always been soon enough!"

With a great flash of light, Owen built a barrier separating Suliman from the two wizards. The light reached into high walls, the sides curving in and then tilting so they became a triangle over Howl and Owen. Suliman rushed to the triangle of light, though the second she touched it's bright wall, she fell to the ground with a burning sting.

She was not allowed entrance.

Howl fell to one knee as the walls surrounded them - there was no way around Owen's power. Light was a strange source, and with a containment such as this, Howl couldn't even teleport his way outside of the barrier. He had to face Owen; he had to defeat him.

Owen glared at Howl. "I've waited my whole life for soon enough. How about I take what I want right now?"

His eyes turned into bright minuscule suns and his hands held dozens of blazing white stars. Howl held his arms in front of him with a dark shield acting as his only cover while Owen thrust the stars toward him like bullets. With each hit, Howl was pushed back, though he held his shield strong knowing it was his only defense. Owen took steps toward him and the stars continuously propelled forward, each one damaging the shield and weakening its purpose.

"I don't want to fight you," Howl shouted, hoping to speak some sense into Owen. They had had their differences before - they were by no means friends and they always competed for Madame Suliman's attention. Howl had become her focus by chance, by the pure coincidence that his source resided in the darkness.

He never realized the hatred that festered inside Owen’s soul since the moment Howl stole his birthright.

Owen increased the power in his final star before he thrust it toward Howl. The star contacted Howl's shield, the lightness a much stronger force against the dark.

Howl stood motionless. He was exposed; he was in the perfect position for Owen to earn everything he had ever wanted - Howl's death and the heir to his mother's title.

Owen took long strides toward Howl, a fiery orb gaining power in his hand with each step. He lost the light in his eyes, Howl noticing the same blackness in Owen as when he looked into a mirror. He didn't need darkness as his source to have evil intentions.

Owen seethed. "I need to prove to my mother that I am more powerful than you." He pulled his arm back, ready to disintegrate Howl with a devastating attack, yet it was with a dark flash that he instead was struck to the ground - his body stone cold.

Howl panted hard, having to push the air out forcefully. He couldn't remember what he did. His words, the spell, the attack - everything save for the dead body before him were blanks in his memory. Owen lay on the ground, his final moments filled with rage and a belief that he had finally beaten his greatest enemy. Howl tried not to look into his open, unmoving eyes, but it was necessary. He needed to face the reality he created.

All he knew was that he had killed Owen.

The barrier began to wither away. Without Owen keeping the spell active, it no longer had the power to sustain itself. Howl would be exposed as a killer to Suliman, the wizard who took away her only son.

The moment their eyes met, Howl disappeared - faced with the path of escape for what might be the remainder of his life.

Chapter Text

"This was supposed to be Owen's child." Suliman's voice was hazy, distant. Howl tried not to focus on her, but rather kept his gaze on Sophie's petrified look. She was stunned; she was completely struck by his revelation. He recognized that look. He'd seen it every time he lied, every time she'd discovered a hidden secret. It was a look of agony, of so much inner pain not any spell nor amount of magic was able to revert the damage.

He wondered how she still hadn't left him after everything he'd done.

Suliman's breath was strong and rancid in his face. Howl imagined she hadn't cleansed herself in a while. It wasn't only her breath; she looked like a disheveled mess as it was - greasy, unkempt hair, nails bitten to the nub, she didn't even try to hide her age anymore. Maybe putting her energy into chasing Howl all these years finally wore her out.

She clenched her teeth. "This child should have been his, not yours. The Hatter heritage had been suppressed for so long, she was destined to produce one of the greatest magicians of darkness in this lifetime."

Sophie yelped and tightened her grip around the blankets. "How is that possible?"

Suliman turned to the struggling girl, amusement eerily present on her face. "What, you thought your dear sister simply gained her superior abilities on her own? That your family line had no bearing on whether she would become a Seer?" Suliman laughed almost like a cackle, but more reserved. "She's just as powerful and yet she confines her abilities to defensive and basic spells. She's a disgrace to magicians, especially to your family."

Sophie tried ignoring the ever-present doctor checking and analyzing her contractions, but with so many people in the room during such an intimate moment it was difficult not to notice their presence. She had expected Howl and a trustworthy doctor at most. Had she done a home birth she knew her sister and Gwenda would be there by her side as well. But with Suliman lurking in the midst, intent on stealing the precious child she held inside - Sophie was anything but ecstatic.

Sophie bit her lip. "But my source is electrokinesis, not darkness."

Suliman stood with her back crooked, leaning toward Sophie. Her eyes were plagued with greed, something not far from a craving, a thirst for something unattainable. Suliman was a mad woman, but Sophie had never seen such derangement. "Doesn't matter. This child will be dark even if I have to train it to be."

Howl scoffed. "Like you couldn't do with Owen."

She glared at Howl, her eyes narrow and black. Howl might have regretted his words, but there wasn't anything Suliman could do at that point to worsen their situation. She seethed through her teeth, pushing air through like steam coming from a teapot. "Don't you dare speak ill of my son! He's dead because of you!"

"He's dead because of you and you know it." Howl countered. "He wouldn't have battled me if he didn't think he needed to earn your love."

She stood before him and with no hesitation brought him up in the air with her hand tightening around his throat. He was no longer bound by electricity like Kenta or Xarx, but the pressure around his throat restricted his breathing, making each breath a struggle. He tried pulling her off, though his efforts made no difference - there was nothing he could do against a grieving mother.

"I could kill you." Suliman whispered in the most cynical and hateful tone. She pushed her hand farther up his neck until she rested just below his jaw. His airway was fleshy and soft, almost like jello - so vulnerable and delicate. "I could kill you right now and then I could kill Sophie. I could rid the world of your presence, giving me all the power over your child."

He was weak to her, a pawn so easily played she continued to knock him down and bring him back up just to repeat the process. Kenta and Xarx stood between him, both feeling as helpless as Sophie and as enraged as Suliman. Howl's struggle fed her power and she pushed harder and farther up until his eyes nearly rolled back into his head. At that moment, she released him.

Howl fell to the floor, wrapping his own hand around his neck. He coughed to the floor, taking in short breaths to resume the oxygen flow. He spat on Suliman's glimmering shoes, to which she responded with a bold kick to his face, knocking him against the wall.

"No." She knelt to his level, watching Howl struggle to remain conscious. "I won't do that. I want to see you suffer. I want you to watch as the woman you love bears your child and gives it to me."

Howl's body shook uncontrollably like the feeling of a winter gust brushing down his spine. Suliman's voice was low and engulfed with malice. "I want to see the look on your face as I say the words, 'I win.'"

Howl stirred slightly, his eyes scrunched and his head bobbing forward repeatedly. Kenta tried whispering a spell, but any time he came close to a solution Suliman already diffused his rescue strategy. Even in a heightened state of disarray, she wouldn’t let anything slide past her perfect plan.

Xarx scanned the area, his senses picking up something unusual outside of the Palace. Body heat - a lot of body heat coming from mostly non-magicians. The humans who stood by and watched the battle had returned for whatever suicidal reasons they held - and a fiery soul lurking inside the Palace.

But this moment, this place with Suliman and Sophie and Howl and Kenta - was now taken to a more drastic level.

Suliman pushed Howl's chin upward, his feeble body lying against the wall helpless. "And I think I'll start my victory with another prize I've been waiting to get my hands on."

Sophie immediately pressed her body up, forcing herself to watch her nightmare come to life. It wasn't just a terrifying nightmare she could wake up from; it was finally a reality.

Suliman plunged her hand through his chest, Howl's body jerking forward without control, and she retracted her hand - a maroon, bloodstained heart now in her grasp. Howl was unconscious before he hit the ground.

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

Gwenda didn't know how it was possible for the battlefield to have been worse than when they left. There wasn't a stone on the ground untouched by someone's blood. The number of magicians noticeably moving were minuscule to those who covered the Palace entryway. The rain washed away the visible stones, but the blood flowed into streams between the cracks and the dead.

Gwenda needed to look away to keep herself from falling apart.

Everyone began shouting names, running through the labyrinth of the living and the dead hoping the person they were looking for was still in the former. Lona followed them, intent on finding Kenta and finding him alive.

Gwenda unwillingly let tears fall down her cheeks, the droplets merging with the rain in such a familiar way. She realized how often this had happened; she realized the numerous times she'd cried in the rain, the drops from above falling in line with her own pain, with her own sufferings.

She didn't know many of these magicians; she hardly knew the ones she desperately hoped were still out there, somewhere. And yet somehow, she embraced the loss of each and every one lying on the ground, accepting their departure and mourning their deaths.

A woman shrieked a fair distance away. Gwenda bit her lip, recognizing that voice. She held the urge to look at George and Somer as long as possible, but her gaze eventually fell upon the grieving couple. Somer held a man close to her chest - a beast being a more appropriate term - and stared with wide eyes at the revelation of their son. He tried to kill Lona and nearly killed Kenta earlier.

George held Somer's shoulder, not a shred of remorse seen on him. He met Gwenda's uncomfortable stare, his eyes entirely void of anything.

"Aria!" Mari and Beth rushed to a woman slightly older than them. She was distraught as she scanned the remains, her mind unable to comprehend the devastation that had occurred. The lives lost in what would have taken years of battle took less than an hour. Aria barely moved as Mari wrapped her arms around her. "Oh thank goodness you're alive."

Aria trembled as she raised her wobbly arms around her sister. "Why did this have to happen?" Mari looked over her shoulder and gasped. Nathan, her brother-in-law, blended into the majority as if he were just another victim. She held her sister tighter, never wanting to let go.

"Everyone!" A voice echoed in the storm from the other side of the massacre. He pointed to the dark sky toward darker figures flying.

The battle wasn't over.

Aria stood up quickly, her legs morphing into a spinning tornado. She eyed the oncoming threat with disgust. "Mari, you and the others need to go."

Mari chattered her teeth in the cold. "W-we came back to fight... by your side."

Aria's eyes were broken beyond any remedy. "I can't lose you, too. Please, you all need to find somewhere safe."

Mari shook her head. "We're staying right here."

"Gwenda!" A child's voice. Gwenda turned in all directions, seeking the source. Markl waved his arm high, the little wizard and Heen not too far away. She wasted no time in meeting him, as careful with her steps as she could. He continued waving as she shrunk the gap between them. The only words running through her mind were please let them be alive.

Lying on the ground, the Witch of the Wastes began to stir and regain consciousness. She'd been seriously injured - her left arm was bleeding through her sleeve and she looked like she'd been working in a coal mine for hours. She could hardly push her body up, so Markl levitated her until she was in a sitting position.

Markl bit his lip before speaking. "Is she dead?"

Gwenda knelt on one knee, assessing her injuries. She shook her head. "No, but she does need help." Gwenda ripped the end of her shirt and used the cloth to wrap around the Witch's arm. She was safe, but Howl and Kenta were still a mystery to her. Lona stood a few feet away, her wandering eyes scanning through the endless downpour.

Heen rested on his stomach, observing the scene carefully. Markl pet him from the top of his head down his back. They were each other's only comfort in such a disaster.

The Witch still seemed disoriented, but once she recognized Gwenda everything else seemed to fall into place. As she tried standing up, the Witch grunted from the pain. "How has that boy not found you yet?"

Gwenda raised her eyebrows. "What?" Then she turned to Markl. He was right behind her.

The Witch shook her head, then turned to their oncoming rivals. Still a fair distance away, Suliman's remaining army was en route back to the Palace. The damage to their numbers was extensive, only seeming to be a few dozen. With the humans alongside them, their numbers overpowered Suliman's. However, numbers meant nothing in a magician’s fight.

The Witch pushed herself onto shaky legs until she found balance. She narrowed her eyes at the intruders, whispering something under her breath so low the rain covered her voice completely. Her gaze turned to Gwenda and Markl, both looking to her for answers.

"Madame Witch of the Wastes." They turned to Lona as she rushed toward them. "Did you see anything happen to Kenta after we left?"

"Or Master Howl?" Markl asked.

The Witch nodded. "Last I saw they went running into the Palace on a suicide mission. No doubt that Suliman locked Sophie there somewhere."

She turned to Gwenda. "Here. You might need this." Gwenda followed her hand as she raised it to the sky. She curled her fingers around the falling rain, and the drops fell together and trickled into the form of a sword. The Witch handed it to Gwenda, though she was afraid the structure would collapse into a puddle. The water moved around in its shape, like a stream moving back and forth repeatedly.

Gwenda held the sword higher and she jolted in shock as a flash of lightning struck down, hardening the water into a silver blade. The weight was alarming and she needed both hands to grip the sword, yet she was mesmerized by the reflection the sword gave off. It was a white light bouncing off of the raindrops that fell against its smooth edges.

They looked around to the remaining magicians. They were all in the process of arming their human cohorts with swords, shields, and body armor. Some held a look of fear, others a look of desperation. Gwenda stood dignified as she accepted her fate.

At this point, there was no turning back.

Chapter Text

Justice. The meaning of that word was lost to her now. She had seen too many good people suffer and die as a result of evil actions. She had seen too much in general.

Too often people took advantage of good intentions, of good people, and snatched away every ounce of goodness in someone until they no longer served their purpose. Martha would know better than anyone - she had seen future decisions, future events, centuries ahead of their time.

She stood shakily in the rain, watching the commencement of the second battle from the Wastes. Gwenda was stubborn; there was no doubt she had the ability to convince the humans to stand up and fight. As much as Martha tried to prevent what she knew, the spirit of life had ways of keeping events on track. She had little control over what she saw.

Her voice was soft, nearly defeated as she whispered, "Why me?" She was alone; she lost everyone she'd ever known - all because of the Royal Family. All because of their selfish acts. All because she was a Seer.

Martha felt numb in her legs and couldn't stand on her own. She fell to her knees, soaking them in cold rain and mud. She didn't mind the chills that rushed through her entire body; that she'd gotten used to. What she had finally grown tired of was being useless.

"Why me?" She stared at the ground. "Why me?" She clenched her fists. "Why me?" Her voice was frail.

She pushed her body forward and threw a fistful of mud at the air, her words challenging the intensity of the thunder. "Why me!"

The sky roared in response, but she was not frightened. How could she be, after everything she'd seen?

Mrs. Fairfax had told her once that every source was flawed: electrokinesis, when taught accordingly, became too powerful and dangerous; the natural elements had the ability to change environmental patterns; darkness fed off of light's demise and light fed off of darkness' demise.

And Seers were bound by their visions, chained by their knowledge, and forced to watch as the visions happened in real life.

Martha tilted her head upward until she saw the rain falling down in straight lines from the dark sky. Magic was beautiful; when she discovered her source and its rarity, she thought she was special. She thought maybe it was meant to be, that she was to do amazing things in life and help people with this extraordinary gift. There were not many Seers around, not many she knew or had heard of.

Howl once said there were certain people responsible for a gift like this, to be able to see future events. Martha couldn't see how she had upheld her duty the way she was supposed to. She'd only allowed destruction and chaos to commence.

Martha opened her eyes to the sky. "Why was I cursed to know these events?" It wasn't a gift; it wasn't her responsibility to take care of everyone and keep them on course. She could cope with seeing events decades or centuries from this time, when no one she knew would be alive to witness. Then the visions were closer in time, closer in proximity, closer in relation. Lettie's death was enough of a breaking point where she truly believed she couldn't continue with this ability any longer.

Yet she couldn't live without the visions. Her mentality couldn't force herself to stop them. She tried ignoring them, tried forgetting what she saw - but they still kept coming after her.

Even now.

Martha screamed and pulled the damp grass out from their roots. She couldn't watch, couldn't experience another tragedy or death or massacre. How do people live with this ability for the entirety of their lives? She thought. She couldn't bear another vision.

She caught the blaze from the corner of her eye. The Palace, still engulfed with flames, had lost another tower. The rubble fell near the battlefield, but whichever unfortunate soul was caught with it was beyond her. She hadn't seen that far.

One tower remained - the only one by a miracle that was spared from the extremities that had turned the majority of the Royal Palace into broken chaos. It was the only one through magic that could withstand the destruction.

Martha stood slowly, narrowing her eyes at the sliver of light that came from the window. She knew who was inside; she knew what was to occur. And only one word resonated in her mind as she disappeared from the safety of the Wastes - justice.

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

"Mari, look out!" Mari screeched as she ducked, trying to avoid Gwenda's powerful infliction upon the approaching demon. The sword sliced through the creature’s shoulder, a heavy roar escaping past his fangs. Gwenda held onto the handle with both hands and removed it. Mari took two steps back before the demon set his sights back on her.

"Over here!" Mari and Gwenda turned to Aria. She spun her legs and sped toward them, her words moving quickly as a spell formed in her mind. She thrusted her arm forward, the demon overcome by the intensity of her power.

Aria transformed and stood on two solid legs. She straightened her jacket and wiped her face clean with the sleeve. Gwenda and Mari would have stood there, staring at such advanced skill, had there not been more enemies at every turn.

"We can't defeat them all." Aria said. When Suliman's army returned, they came with much more than they left. Those who were still off fighting in Ovela had joined them, most siding with the Sorceress. Some had joined their side, the ones fighting to end Suliman's reign, but not as many as they needed.

Gwenda turned to her. "We have to try."

"They almost doubled in manpower." Aria said, her eyes scanning the area to see if anyone had spotted the three off to the side scheming. "We need someone or something to take out dozens before we'd even have a chance."

A loud growl bellowed across the battlefield, startling the three women. Gwenda nearly dropped the sword from the sight of Heen and Markl. The young wizard waved his wand around in a circular motion above the minuscule dog, repeating a spell. With each spin, Heen grew wider and taller and more frightening until he reached the height of the Palace stairwell. No longer wheezing, Heen roared.

Mari pointed a wobbly hand in the dog's direction. "Th-that's a..."

"Yeah." Gwenda said, equally as awed. "That's a dog."

Heen used his paws to smack at the opposing magicians, picking them off one by one. Markl followed behind him into the thick of the battle, sparking Gwenda's protective instincts.

"Markl!" She rushed toward him, tearing through humans and magicians alike fighting with brute force or magical ability. Thoughts of what Sophie and Howl would think had they known the predicament they were in and how Markl was fully invested in participating ran wild in Gwenda's mind. Her only concern was keeping that boy safe; Sophie would never forgive her if anything happened to him.

Everyone held their attacks when the ground rumbled. The vibrations underneath their feet pulsated like an earthquake, though this was not a natural disaster - another tower was collapsing.

Heen ran in the opposite direction as the tower crumpled behind him, crushing a number of victims underneath its rubble. Markl stopped abruptly as Heen jumped over him. The young wizard hovered his arm over his mouth as the dust from the debris flooded the open air. Gwenda caught up to him and pushed his shoulders back against her chest. Had he been in front of Heen, he would have died.

Gwenda turned him around so he faced her. "Markl, are you okay?"

"I'm okay." He said quickly. "Gwenda, those people..."

She bit her lip and held him close, thankful for every breath. His heartbeat was fast, like a blinking light repeatedly turning on and off. His hair was greasy and messy, like a boy's should have been but not from this - not from war. She wanted to take him away, keep him away from the fighting and the death and the pain they witnessed and even experienced through the course of this whole ordeal. She wanted to protect his childlike aura.

For a moment, she forgot where they stood.

The final sounds of a spell rang in her ears and she turned around as the spell was enacted. Gwenda held Markl behind her, shutting her eyes from what might come. As long as he was safe, she thought. As long as he was alive in the end.

But nothing came.

Wondering what had happened, Gwenda peeked her eyes open to see a familiar witch with long, auburn pigtails standing before her, stunned and immobile. Not a blink, not a breath - Noe was completely still. In her grip was a small dagger, the blade so thin Gwenda may not have felt anything had she been just a few inches closer.

Gwenda released quick exhales. She hadn't seen Noe since their first confrontation of the night. Wishful thinking, she had hoped the annoying witch hadn't recovered from the damages. As much as she tried to ignore the edge of the dagger that was an impulse away from slicing her throat, she could not take the image out of her mind.

"And I thought I was a conniving witch." Gwenda noticed a larger woman behind Noe - the Witch of the Wastes. She held Noe in a frozen position, and she savored every moment of it. "You sly little girl, yet so foolish." With a wave of her hand, Noe rolled her eyes back into her head and fell to the ground, the dagger resting softly in her open palm.

Gwenda could hardly move. She couldn't form a proper gratitude. "You..."

"Don't thank me yet, darling." The Witch of the Wastes said, not letting her guard down. She scanned every inch in front of them, knowing how quickly things could change. "We're not through with this battle yet."

"Right you are!" The Witch of the Wastes sucked in an exasperated breath, her chin pushing upward. Gwenda and Markl took a step back, both as speechless as the woman with the sharp end of a sword bulging from her midsection. She lowered her eyes to Gwenda, then to Markl, before the man thrusted his sword out of her and she collapsed before them, lying next to Noe.

Markl stared at her immobile body, deciding whether or not to cry or punish the man with the bloody sword. Gwenda had no trouble deciding between the two.

She held her sword with two unsteady hands and spoke with a shivering voice. "You bastard!"

King Roland, his hair smoothly pushed back and mustache cleanly trimmed, shrugged. "I hope it's nothing personal."

Justin and Johanna stood a few feet behind him. Johanna held her arms close to her chest, her eyes wide and glossy with worry. Justin narrowed his gaze to Gwenda, as if by this point he had seen enough of her.

"Ro, let me handle this." Justin reached for the sword in his brother's hand, but Roland moved it away from him. Justin clenched his jaw. "Roland, let me finish her."

"Markl, go." Gwenda said in a low voice. The young boy looked up, but she kept her focus on the Royal Family. "Go to Heen and stay with him. Protect the others."

"But what about you?"

Gwenda stabilized her grip. "Either we'll end with a dead king or we'll end with a dead nobody. Either way, I'm not giving up. I'm not letting him get away with another murder."

Roland turned to her, a soft chuckle creeping through. "You think you can kill me?"

Gwenda turned to the boy who still hadn't moved. "Markl, go!" The boy jolted from her tone and ran back to where Heen was running rampage. Gwenda focused on Roland's eyes, how full of anger and bitterness they seemed. She felt that in her own gaze, although there was one stark difference between them - she had nothing left to lose and he was gambling everything on this.

Roland sliced the sword down and Gwenda promptly raised hers in defense. With every swing, she powered her force with the hatred she felt for him. For all the damage he caused, the wars he started - she wanted to be the one to end his reign. Of this, she was certain.

"You're wasting your energy, little girl." Roland shouted over the rumbling sky and crumbling Palace. "I am far more skilled than you."

Gwenda moved the sword like it was an extension of her arm, a part of her own being. Flashes of those she knew appeared in her mind - Lettie, the Witch of the Wastes, Sophie and Howl, Kenta and Lona.

Calcifer.

"You've taken everyone I care about away from me." Gwenda shouted, not once letting her sadness stop her from attacking. "You killed them or put them through hell and I won't watch it happen again." She slashed his arm, making a noticeable slit along the forearm. Johanna covered her mouth in shock, but Justin merely scoffed.

Roland turned to the gash, touching the blood that trickled and mixed in with the falling rain. Gwenda kicked his chin, forcing him to fall to the ground on his back. He bobbed his head left and right, his consciousness slowly fading away. She wasted no time.

"No!" Justin grabbed the sword from his brother's open palm and held it against Gwenda's before her next attack. They were in a standstill. "You think you can just waltz into my life and destroy everything I care about?"

"Like you ever truly cared about anyone." Gwenda seethed. "Even your heinous brother."

Justin pulled back, but held his ground. "You know, I saw a fighting spirit in you when we met. Hell, had things been different I might have actually fallen for you."

Gwenda tightened her grip. "Sorry, I'm not a Hatter sister, so I guess I don't qualify." She swung repeatedly, both swords clicking and sparking with each contact. She moved more swiftly than before, forcing Justin to fall back and rely on defense. Her steps were long and Justin couldn't keep up; Gwenda's motivator was a stronger power than his.

With a single exertion, Gwenda drove the sword downward and Justin's cracked. The metal of the sword could not withstand the magic wielded inside of hers. Justin held the handle, watching as the metal shattered like glass and turned useless. He stared at the broken pieces.

Then he caught her gaze.

He dropped the handle, raising his hands in the air. "I-I'm sorry, Gwenda."

All she could do was laugh. "Of course you are."

She contemplated her next motion carefully. After all the things he had done alongside his brother, Justin deserved the same fate. He deserved to die. For Lettie, for Sophie, for Calcifer - for everyone.

"Gwenda, behind you!"

It happened before she realized what was done - the small dagger in Roland's hand, the sudden motion of her sword, and a stolen soul.

She exhaled. He blinked. And both stared at the entry of her sword into his chest.

Time paused at that moment. Her thoughts muddled together in her mind and she couldn't focus on a single one. She released her hold of the sword, leaving the blade where it was. She watched as he choked; she watched as he fell to his knees; and she watched as he died.

No screams. No tears. Instead, as Gwenda turned around only Johanna stood where she had been, covering her mouth. Justin had disappeared, to where Gwenda had not seen.

She approached Johanna, the young woman still stunned. Gwenda cleared her throat. "Did you warn me that he was coming?"

She shook her head. Gwenda creased her eyebrows - then who had shouted her name?

Johanna pointed back toward the Palace, her eyes fixated on a single being standing at the top of the stairwell. Gwenda stared as well when she saw the man on fire.

"Run!"

"Get out of here!"

People shouted at each other, screaming that the Palace would collapse right on top of them if they didn't leave. Gwenda and Johanna stood cemented to the ground, the man on fire their only focus. He produced large flames from his hands and they swirled together like a beautiful dance of fire and rain.

Then she ran.

Chapter Text

Gwenda looked around the stone streets of Kingsbury, watching as others followed her motions. Johanna had disappeared into the mass, as had everyone else she knew. Lona was nowhere to be found; Markl returned Heen to his normal size, and they quickly vanished from sight. Mari, Beth, Aria, and everyone else joined the fleeting crowd.

She was alone.

Dark clouds covered an even darker sky, light posts failing to brighten her view of the surrounding area. The city was a ghost town, the citizens of Kingsbury simply too afraid to vacate, leaving the streets abandoned save for one person. She didn't know where she was or where she was going.

All she knew was that she needed to run.

"Wait!" Gwenda turned her head, but kept running. The man on fire was chasing her, only her. Why? Why was she his target? Something had happened to him in that Palace. The flames seemed to consume him, but she didn't waste a moment to ponder these thoughts.

Her heart raced against the speed of the pouring rain as they splattered like bullets onto the stone pavement. The sky roared in anger and the droplets fell harder, faster. Puddles formed in the low dips of the street and she attempted to avoid them at all costs. She didn't need anything slowing her down, though her racing thoughts were already doing so.

Get out, now.

Leave before they find you.

Save yourself.

These words would haunt her dreams and nightmares.

She didn't listen; she ignored their pleas for safety. Whatever courage that had been hidden in her before suddenly sprung to life the moment she decided there was something worth fighting for.

"Wait, please!" The man's voice again. How he continued to find her everywhere she turned was still a mystery. She couldn't be safe as long as he was trailing her.

Be stronger, she thought to herself. Be stronger, faster, braver.

The sound of his heavy footsteps against the puddles increased. There was nowhere left to turn. In the middle of a dark alley, she was trapped.

She turned around, only to find the man mere inches from her. She jolted back and fell to the cold, wet ground, pushing herself away from him. He knelt to her level, his face hidden by his cloak though his brilliant hair burned ferociously. He reached one hand forward, and she slapped it away.

"No!"

"Please." He begged. "You know me."

She widened her eyes, wondering if it was true, then quickly shut them. "I don't remember you, so how can I know you?"

"Before this. Before I was like this." He removed the hood from his head, revealing his true self. "Please, look at me."

Gwenda trembled, keeping her eyes in the dark. Her lips quivered from the chills of the rain and the fear of this stranger. He did not dare touch her, but rather inched closer to her until his breath grazed her cheek.

"Please, Gwenda." She opened her eyes at the sound of her own name. The pitter-patter of rain and their heavy exhales were the only sounds they heard, making them the only two people in the vicinity. If his intention was to harm her, he would have done so by now.

Gradually, she turned her head forward, her eyes following the ground until she reached him. He rested on the balls of his feet, his knees propped out for balance. He wore dark clothes that matched the night and a radiant cloak that equaled the vibrance of his orange hair. He was not a threat.

When she looked into his eyes, she almost thought there were tears but with the rain, it was difficult to be sure. They were wide with determination and filled with a bright spirit. They were safe, harmless, yet still filled with a loss of purity she had known too well. The same eyes she condemned for seeing the truth; the same soul she expressed her deepest secrets; the same man she begged never to leave her again.

His features were a beautiful reminder. It was like seeing color in a black-and-white film for the first time - all she could do was stare. "Remember me."

Her sight was blurred by the tears that poured out. "Calcifer... oh my God, Calcifer!" She wrapped her arms around him, crying deep into his shoulder. Calcifer exhaled heavy breaths. The feeling of Gwenda so close to him was a magnificent and breathtaking feeling. He felt so warm with her arms around his neck, her tears falling onto his shoulder, and the thought of knowing that his previous self - which was encompassed entirely in flames - could no longer harm her.

He touched her hair and motioned through the shortness. He rested his head against hers, his lips against her ear. "I can finally hold you."

Gwenda pulled away, wiping the tears that remained. "I thought you were dead."

Calcifer shook his head. "Far from it."

"But you're... how did you..." She placed her fingers along his cloak, moving them over the vest and then to the center of his chest. He was human; he was finally human. His heartbeat pulsed against her fingertips, each beat like a hammer pounding gently against the tip of a nail. She looked up, noticing his eyes were closed and his hand had reached up. His fingers wrapped around hers like he was protecting them from the cold.

Out of instinct, Gwenda dropped her hand away from his.

"I wish I could tell you," Calcifer whispered, though he still caught her attention. His eyes remained closed. "Your hair did something to me, something I'd never felt before."

Gwenda nodded in remembrance. "You were incredible. I'd never seen you control so much power." She wanted to say something, ask if her hair was the reason or a more powerful source or something. Part of her desperately wanted to know how this was possible for him to be sitting across from her, holding her and protecting her from rain and cold - the other part was simply grateful that he was there at all.

Calcifer bit his lip, his hand pressing hard against his heart. "The Witch of the Wastes followed me into the forest. We were just talking, and then somehow... I changed."

Gwenda covered her mouth, thinking of their last moment together. Her final act of bravery saved Gwenda's life and stole her own. Maybe she was expecting it to happen, or maybe she had hoped like so many others that she would be spared death this time.

Gwenda choked on her words. "She's dead."

"I saw."

She shook her head. "She changed from the witch she was before. Even with her powers, she used them for good."

Calcifer held her shoulders. Gwenda shuddered. "I know. She died with honor."

The rain continued to fall, filling the silent void between them and prolonged their thoughts from being spoken aloud. The chilling atmosphere caused Gwenda to shiver and chatter her teeth. She bowed her head from the cold, hoping the rapid motions of her hands moving up and down her arms would suppress the goosebumps that persisted.

When the heavy cloak wrapped around her body, she lifted her gaze to Calcifer - she still thought her eyes were deceiving her mind from reality.

She finally spoke. "Calcifer, I-"

"I still mean what I said." His voice was firm and strong in his words. His eyes were gentle - two glowing spectacles of radiant light. She knew what he was going to say, though she didn't feel prepared to hear it all at once. "Gwenda, I have never met anyone like you. The Witch of the Wastes... I saw her save your life and I feel forever in her debt because I can't imagine a world without you."

Gwenda dropped her eyes to his hands - two beautiful, icy hands. He held hers in an attempt to keep them both warm. This feeling was surreal, something they never thought they would experience from one another. Something in the way his tenderness brushed against her rugged knuckles relieved a sense of isolation she couldn't shake on her own.

Gwenda's voice was low against the pounding rain. "I can never be the person you deserve."

He rubbed his thumbs over the bruises around her wrists. They were a glossy red with dark patches where the handcuffs had been. Even after they healed, she would always wear those scars, the marks of torture in the presence of great fear. Calcifer felt a pang of guilt for not being able to prevent it, wishing he'd had the ability to stop Noe in the act of ripping Gwenda away from him. He hoped she would forgive him.

Yet even in the face of fear, Gwenda still prevailed and stayed strong. She was so brave in the situations that would normally terrify Calcifer. He hated seeing Gwenda so afraid of Noe because he never wanted anyone to break her spirit. Everything he did from this moment forward would be to keep that from happening again.

"I've never seen anyone so defiant or true to who they are than you." Calcifer said, very resolute. "You are strong and confident and you say what's on your mind without a care if people agree with you or not. Gwenda, you're the most beautiful and courageous woman I've ever known."

Gwenda blinked away the sudden tears that formed. She spoke under her breath, "I'm not that beautiful."

Calcifer rested on one knee and moved a hand to the nape of her neck. Gwenda brought her eyes to his, admiring the assurance she saw. "You are, and your beauty doesn’t even come close to all the amazing that you are."

She thought of the day they met. While it took her some time to feel comfortable or safe, she remembered Calcifer's kindness and near immediate trust. She was as much a stranger to him as he was to her, yet he was so willing to believe in her. He always believed in her more than she did.

She remembered the spark in his gaze, how he seemed to light up every time she entered a room and the nights she would fall asleep to his witty words and wake up to his morning smile. All these little moments she had taken advantage of at the time, she hadn’t realized that he was opening himself up to her.

Somehow, without warning, Gwenda had become attached to Calcifer. She found herself needing those midnight conversations more than sleep. The sound of his soothing voice was a lullaby and she became more and more interested in his stories each night. No one had shown so much delight in her own life like he did.

Their fight - the cruel accusation she made against him before Noe kidnapped her - stung like a lightning strike and resonated like electricity coursing through her body, reminding her of the pain she inflicted. She hated her words, hated her tone in which she spoke them. She hated the look on his face, but more than anything she hated that she broke his heart.

Gwenda quivered her lips. "I stopped believing in love a long time ago." Her words were shaky, though she persisted. "Not just that - I stopped believing in people. All they do is make you love them and need them and once you've given them everything-" Gwenda paused. The rain sprinkled from the sky like falling stars. She lowered her head, her visage defeated. "They leave you."

"You reunited with your sister again." Calcifer said. "You fought alongside your friends and they stayed with you." He inhaled a heavy breath, exhaling slowly. "I know I left you, but I came back to show you that I will never let that happen again."

Gwenda shuddered at the memory. The last person she ever thought to do what she was most fearful of - she thought he was gone forever. Even though he was sacrificing himself to save them, Gwenda still felt heartbroken as she watched him run away from everyone he loved. A life without Calcifer was living with the thought of knowing something was missing, something you needed but could never reach and could never return to. A life without him was a life of misery.

He leaned closer to her. "Do you believe in love again?"

Gwenda tightened her grip on the cloak. "Calcifer..."

"I'm willing to take that risk." Calcifer said. "I want to spend my life making you happy. Whether that's as a friend or something more, I don't want to be anywhere you're not. But tell me to leave right now and I will."

Gwenda met his gaze, her watery eyes twinkling from the fire in his. That was the last thing she wanted. "I meant what I said, too." Calcifer creased his eyebrows, confused by her words. Her voice was tremulous, though she spoke like she was walking on air. "As you ran out into the rain, I said that I can't lose you, too. I've lost you again and again and each time became worse than last. I need you in my life. I can't go through life without you."

Calcifer tried to contain the smile he wore, but it opened wide over his face. "Do you think I would ever leave you again?"

His hand wrapped around her neck - his touch so magnifying, so fulfilling, like a rainstorm after a drought or the morning sun after a dark night. It was the feeling of knowing she was finally safe, finally free after living so long in fear and doubt and disappointment. He was her safe haven; he was her comfort.

Gwenda raised her head. The chills rushing through her body were no longer present. "Never."

Before he registered her response, Gwenda was already a breath away from him. She gripped his straggly hair in a fist as he pulled her neck toward him, encompassing her lips with his own. Their actions felt so natural yet scandalous, though that only intensified the intimacy they felt for one another. Kissing him was like the feeling of falling into a dream and never wanting reality to return.

This moment, this beautiful and joyous and magical moment made all the times she felt alone, all the times he lay waste in a humdrum fireplace, worth it just to feel this love.

Chapter Text

There was a familiar emptiness inside. Where his heart used to be - where it should have been - simply became a hollow space of nothingness. Even as he lay on the ground unconscious, he could still feel the barren void that desired a lively, beating heart.

It was a different feeling, however, than when he willingly handed his heart over to Calcifer - Suliman had more sinister motives than his fire demon.

"Howl!" Kenta tried breaking through his electric prison, though his bindings consisted of more power than he was able to manipulate. Electricity was not under his jurisdiction, and Suliman was aware of that. Due to her extensive knowledge of magic and her former students, she was able to hold Kenta and Xarx as prisoners, command the mind of a doctor to keep Sophie captive, and distort the goodness in Howl's heart to complete a prolonged vengeance.

He turned to Xarx. “Can’t you break these electric chains?”

“Electricity is only a minor part of light,” Xarx explained, “Suliman has too much influence on the restraints she created for more to take control.”

Kenta growled. The only person with some capability of destroying these bindings was Sophie. Her electrokinesis was already quite powerful, and she only had moments left before she would no longer wield such magic. Her child would inherit her abilities - or form its own - and any trace of magic would be stripped from her.

Yet she was the only one who could free them.

"We're at ten centimeters. It's time." Sophie widened her eyes as she lifted her head to see the doctor. His indifferent focus was only on fulfilling his duty, working step-by-step as a doctor would during childbirth. He had no understanding of anything other than the task Suliman assigned. His equipment was orderly, his process was organized and standard - yet he couldn't see beyond. He was a puppet on a string.

She turned to everyone in the room, hoping for a miracle to come in and stop this moment. She wanted to hit pause and go back to their small cottage in the middle of a farm town; she wanted to go back to the flower shop where she knew Lettie was only a trolley ride away; she wanted to go back to the moment she met Howl.

She wanted to go to any moment except for the one she was in right now.

"You need to start pushing."

"No!" Sophie screamed through the pain, but she couldn't hold back any longer. This baby was coming whether she was ready or not.

"Sophie." She turned to Kenta, the distress in his eyes staring at her like daggers. He tried breaking free, but Suliman would not allow him. "You must. Please, for your child's sake."

She thought of every horrible possibility, all of them beginning with Suliman completing what she had started years ago. She held Howl's precious heart with the greediest of looks, the wickedest of hearts, and the most inhumane soul a person could have. She was prepared to steal his heart and their baby. She was prepared to rip away every beautiful thing in their lives without a second glance. Allowing herself to give birth meant they were out of time; it meant Suliman had succeeded.

But as hazy as the future was and knowing nothing of what was to come from this, Sophie knew one thing - she wanted to give her child every opportunity.

Starting with its first breath.

Suliman stared at the scene before her. Everything was going according to plan, her plan. She calculated every moment, every event that led to this one in which she would receive the greatest power of all time. She was a fearsome sorceress, she knew, but now she would be nearly unstoppable. A powerful heart and a powerful child - they would reap all that they had sown, and she would be gifted for her patience and diligence to conceive such an intricate plan of demise.

Never had she felt so confident - and then she came.

Two beady eyes appeared in thin air, staring directly at her, and in one quick motion Suliman stood stunned. She was placed under a mind conjuring spell, unable to move. No one in the room was able to use their magic except for whoever had recently joined them.

Suliman seethed as Howl's heart lifted from her hands, the obscure shadow hardly visible. Every aspect, every tiny little detail she had planned for and plotted against in order to secure her triumph. She had not expected an intruder.

Someone deviated - that was the only possible way.

Suliman narrowed her eyes as Howl turned to lie on his back and his heart reunited with him. He took in a heavy breath, but remained comatose. As quickly as her prize was within reach, there it was just out of her grasp again. Countless times she could have taken it, though those would have been foolish. Waiting, preparing, and minimizing any and every divergence from the course she set - all to watch it be wasted.

Suliman clenched her teeth. "Why don't you stop being a coward and show yourself, whoever you are?"

A voice chuckled, but whoever had altered Suliman's grand scheme still had not shown themselves. "You want to see power, I'll show you power."

The invisible witch revealed herself, and Madame Suliman wasted no time in preparing a full onslaught attack. She swiftly ignited an orb of fire and thrust the flames toward her, but the witch clasped it within her nimble hands, absorbing the power of the orb until her fingers glowed a fiery rage. Dark hair flowed gracefully down the young teenager’s back, and her eyes were set ablaze with a colossal defiance.

Suliman stared stunned once more at another shocking display of magic - she had not expected Martha Hatter, of all magicians, to possess such expertise.

Martha placed a barrier separating the room in half - the two witches stood on one side while the others were safe on the other. The barrier negated any influence she held on that side, so Kenta and Xarx were free from her restraints.

Kenta immediately hurried to Sophie's side, holding her hand and speaking words of encouragement. Xarx knelt down to Howl. He slapped his cheeks and yelled to bring him back to consciousness, though his attempts were futile. Howl was alive, but his soul was fighting within his material body.

Suliman sneered at the sight of the teenage girl. "I will say, this is quite a surprise."

"That's what I was hoping for." Martha replied.

Suliman creased her eyebrows. "Apparently you're more skilled than I gave you credit for."

Martha held her hands forward, one crossed over the other, in preparation for an attack. "You have Annabel to thank for that."

Xarx watched their one-on-one from the other side of the barrier. Martha was quick to defend herself, but hesitant to make her own attacks. If their positions were switched and he was faced against Madame Suliman, he would not hesitate. He wanted her to reap the consequences of her actions and feel the pain from each soul she had twisted and ruined over the years. He would have used every ounce of his strength to end her.

But he could not break the barrier. Martha's skill was strong, stronger than anyone who only discovered her abilities a few years prior. She placed that barrier for one reason and one reason only: she didn't want anyone getting in the way of this fight.

Martha Hatter had chosen to face Suliman on her own.

"I'm right here, Sophie." Kenta whispered softly in her ear, hoping to ease her pain by letting her know a familiar face was there. "I'm right here for you."

She panted heavily, sweat building along her forehead and cheeks. "I need Howl. Please, I need Howl."

Kenta looked over to Xarx, who continually tried waking Howl from dormancy. Suliman's effects could not be undone. While his heart still beat normally, there was a darkness inside, something outside of Howl's own. With the source of her power and the wickedness of her abilities, Suliman changed his heart with a lifetime of evil intentions.

On the other side, Martha struggled to hold her advantage over Suliman. Her surprise intrusion gave her an edge, but Suliman had decades of skill that prepared her for such occasions. However, having studied defensive spells for the majority of her training, Martha was faring quite well against a well-rounded, masterly magician such as the Royal Sorceress.

"You ignorant child," Suliman growled under her breath, "You thought you could defeat me? You've seen the future - you should have predicted that you or anyone who went up against me was no match."

Martha bit her lip. She knew that very well. She had seen battles against Suliman, all of them ending in disaster for anyone who dared to challenge her. She knew the risks that came with this choice. Despite that, nothing was more dire to her than keeping Sophie and her child away from someone as wicked as Madame Suliman.

"You're right." Martha said, her voice heavy from exhaustion. "I have seen the future. I knew I was weak against your abilities." Suliman narrowed her eyes and glanced around the room, but Martha kept her gaze focused solely on her. "I also knew this child would grow up in a happy home, that Sophie and Howl would raise this baby to be a strong and loving magician. I have seen this child destroy you."

Suliman thrusted her arms forward, vines extending from her fingertips in Martha’s direction. The witch crossed her arms over her face instinctively, using white light to disintegrate the vines as they approached her. The force was strong enough to push Martha back until she nearly hit her own barrier, though she pressed her magic against Suliman's with an aggression she had never used in her powers before.

Suliman pressed further with her attack. "Impossible! This child cannot be stronger than my own ability."

Martha slowed her breathing. Defense was not enough - not against Madame Suliman. For a woman who spent her years studying the world of magic to its core, mastering abilities outside of her source and climbing the ranks to be Royal Sorceress, Suliman was the predicted victor.

And Martha - someone who did not know she was a Seer until a few years prior - believed she was in over her head facing her in battle. Yet what she lacked in skill and experience, Martha gained in her drive to succeed.

She summoned her inner strength, relived all the visions that pierced her soul, and fueled her attack with every part of her being. She gathered the support of those who had perished, those who were still by her side, and those who desperately needed Martha's victory. She would not fail anyone else.

She would not sit and wait for things to change.

Martha extended her arm forward and Suliman's attack came to an abrupt stop. She wielded such anger in her eyes Martha was sure this was near her breaking point. "You are mistaken. If my own child could not inherit my skills, then this child is no different."

“I've seen many things, Suliman, most of them involving terrors from you." Suliman threw spell after spell in her direction, but Martha was quick to evade and diminish them. She spoke over her petty attacks, none of them causing the damage she was truly capable of. "I watched as you killed my sister; I watched as you forced Sophie into an arranged marriage; I watched the deaths of every life you destroyed just so you could stay in power!"

An innocent cry broke out into the room. Suliman turned to the newborn in the doctor's arms and the exhausted mother panting and sweating. Xarx looked up from aiding Howl, watching as Kenta had tears in his eyes. "It's a boy, Sophie."

Suliman's smile widened. This was her moment.

Martha shook her head. "I'm done watching."

It was already too late when Suliman noticed her final spell. The young witch cast a magnetic spell that connected them together and pushed them out through the window. Suliman could not break away from her spell - they were drawn to one another as magnets were attracted to each other. Her powers, for the first time, were completely useless.

They fell from the height of the tower and though Suliman screamed against the thunderous downpour, her efforts were made in vain. “You horrible girl! I won't let a novice like you end me."

Martha took one final breath before they reached the ground. "You're finished."

Chapter Text

From every corner of Kingsbury, people stared in awe at the pair falling from the height of the only tower left standing. It seemed so peaceful at first, like a free falling, final attempt to escape this life. Black and blonde hair swirled together, gravity pulling them harshly and without remorse straight to the ground. From every corner, people watched.

The rain slowed as they plummeted to the stone courtyard, and the sky erupted in one final roar before it stopped altogether.

Magicians transported to the scene, many not daring to take a step closer to the victims. The humans appeared from the shadows, though there was no need for more bloodshed. The war had been fought and finally won. Among the dozens upon dozens of deceased magicians, the living focused on their former leader and the witch girl who hardly had a title as prestigious as Royal Sorceress.

"That's Martha." Lona whispered. She fell to the ground, her knees tightening from witnessing the quick drop. She hardly knew the girl, only that she had saved them before the battle began. She could have just been a random fatality, but part of Lona knew this girl. Part of her wished she had the time to know more.

Maybe she wouldn't have felt torn between feeling grateful for her final act of bravery or saddened by her sacrifice.

Beth, Mari, and Aria stood frozen, glued to the immobile Royal Sorceress. A breathless, lifeless mortal who couldn't escape death, her invincible facade shattered and rendered her as vulnerable as those she tormented. It was hard to believe what they saw, something that had seemed so unattainable. Yet it was a certainty - Madame Suliman had finally fallen.

Markl and Heen pushed through the crowd in a hurry. It didn't matter whether they rushed by good magicians or Suliman's army. The worry that flooded his mind clouded any other thought, any other concern around him. Markl had tears in his eyes the moment he recognized the two women crashing to the ground at full speed. He didn't want what he knew to be true to actually be true.

"Move!" Markl's voice was high-pitched, something he had started to grow out of recently. He pushed himself to the end of the circle that surrounded the victims, everyone keeping a few yards' distance away. Markl broke through the barrier to see it with his own eyes.

Heen whimpered softly. He recognized their scents.

On the other side, Markl saw Gwenda and they both rushed forward.

"Martha!" Gwenda fell to her knees and Calcifer stood behind her, keeping guard. Martha's eyes fluttered, but she resisted opening them. A red line trickled from her mouth down her cheek, dripping on the pavement like a broken pipe. Every bone in her body felt like shards of glass, scattered and fragmented. Every breath pierced her lungs, knowing she could not fill them fully.

She could not ease the pain; Suliman's fate was a blessing compared to this.

"Aunt Martha?" She forced her eyes open at the sweet sound. Aunt. Had he ever called her that before? It was a lullaby, a soothing cry to her soul. She wanted to extend what little time they had left, but even magic couldn't save her now.

She tilted her head up, suffering through the torturous movement, so she could look into his bright eyes. Martha managed the faintest of smiles. "Hey kid."

Gwenda removed her jacket and ripped the sleeves apart, trying to form tourniquets around her injuries. "It's fine. We're going to get help. We're going to fix you."

Martha coughed red, a disturbing and pitiful sprinkle of blood dotting the air and staining the stone beneath her. Every breath, every cough, every movement - Martha lay on the ground, comforted by the lifeless body next to her. For some reason, she found an odd sense of contentment listening to Suliman's desperate cries for help. Maybe she cried knowing that she was finally alone, finally vulnerable - finally overcome.

Martha blinked slowly, turning her eyes to the dark sky. "I saved my sister."

Gwenda sucked in a deep breath. She held Martha's shoulders, willing each breath to enter and exit her mouth. "Stop talking like you're dying."

Martha closed her eyes, leaving a gentle smile on her fragile lips. "I did something good this time."

Calcifer wrapped his arms around her as Gwenda tapped Martha's cheek, begging her to wake up. She repeatedly spoke the word "no" under her breath and between her tears. In a violent motion, Gwenda pressed herself against Calcifer and sobbed into his shoulder. More death, she thought. More death and fewer people left behind.

She rested against him, tears drowning his coat. Calcifer was her stronghold; without him, she would wither away and become frail. She would be as lonely as she was before, when isolation kept her from caring about others. It kept her from feeling empathy in situations like this. How could she ever go back now, after everything they'd all been through?

Markl sat still, stunned, waiting for Martha to breathe again. He waited for her eyes to smile back at his. He was waiting for something that could never be. Part of him knew that, but the child inside of him still believed that with a little bit of magic, maybe she would live.

He held Heen under his arm. The petite dog squirmed to break free from his hold. He wanted to lie next to Martha; he wanted to lick her face and feel her fingernails scratching down his back and embrace her warmth. She looked cold now. His whimpers were shrill and struck Markl like tiny knives, but eventually Heen embraced the boy wizard, accepting his comfort and need to be comforted.

Calcifer turned to those surrounding them, witnessing their mourning. There were a few of Suliman's soldiers present, most of them in awe of their leader's untimely death. He could hear their panicked whispers, their uncertainty of what lay in the future.

Ultimately, they were nothing without her.

They departed, one by one, into the sky or vanished into thin air. Those who remained were torn between the sense of a hopeful future and the tragedy that occurred in order to secure that hope. All that was certain laid before them - a fallen sorceress, a brave witch, and a crumbling Palace minutes from nonexistence.

Calcifer helped Gwenda stand and held her balance. He wiped away the tears that lingered on her cheek. "We should get everyone to safety."

Gwenda nodded and her eyes landed on the many faces she recognized in the crowd. Her sister with an empathetic visage, uneasiness written on her face; her friends with their relief and devastation mixed and muddled in their eyes; Markl, a child who had seen death and destruction his entire life, still experiencing far too much for a child's tenderness.

And then Suliman.

She swallowed hard, almost in disbelief. Years of memories rushed back to her, reminding her of the menacing acts she witnessed under Suliman's rule. She was no Queen, nor did she wear a crown that symbolized her rule, but she was as sadistic and callous as any of the members of the Royal Family.

Gwenda stepped in her direction, expecting to see her cheat death as well, but she remained paralyzed. Her anger boiled inside and exerted in physical and verbal force against the deceased sorceress. "You horrible, worthless, selfish, wicked-" Gwenda kicked and screamed slandering terms, each kick and each term worse than the last. Suliman, defenseless and feeble, willingly accepted the blows.

Markl and Heen stepped away, letting her anger continue, but Calcifer moved in to restrain her. Lona walked toward them from the crowd, immediately embracing her sister with a tight grip. She whispered calming words that only made Gwenda cry more. Even with Suliman gone, this battle for power would never cease.

"Markl." The boy looked to Calcifer, his eyes drained and exhausted. "Have you seen Howl, Sophie, or Kenta?"

Markl shook his head. "No." Calcifer nodded. As he prepared to direct others in their next move, Markl interrupted. "Who are you?"

Calcifer looked down to the boy who stared at him with confusion. He couldn't help but smile. "Come on, kid."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♥๑ஓ ────── ⊰

The room was chaotic as flames creeped around every corner. With the strange and immediate disappearance of Suliman as well as her brainwashed doctor, who ran off when she no longer controlled him, danger should have left with them. However, they were left to find their own escape from the aftermath of a crumbling Palace - and fast.

It happened so suddenly Kenta had little time to react. Martha and Suliman fell out the window, though her barrier kept them from following or keeping Martha safe from the aftermath. One second everyone stared at the beauty of a new life, and the next the witches plummeted from the height of the tower. He was in such complete awe he didn't realize what had happened until the doctor sprung loose.

He swung the door open on his way out, where the flames had begun flooding upward. Kenta cast a spell that extracted water from the air and flushed it over the oncoming flames, though that did little against the destructive blaze that consumed their exit. The tower was unstable, rocking everything and everyone inside back and forth. Eventually, it would fall to the ground and turn to ash, same for the rest of the Palace. They needed an escape soon.

The sound of childlike cries drew Kenta back to his friends. A newborn boy tucked into Sophie's gentle grasp, she stared at her baby with such love only a mother could recognize. As much as she tried, however, she could not mask her anxiety of their situation and panic of Howl's state of mind.

"Wake up, Howl." Xarx shook his shoulders until Howl squinted, as if the sun's rays were shining directly into his eyesight. His exhales came out in short bursts, like each one was a strain on his being. He raised his hand and pressed it over his heart, feeling each bountiful beat pulsing through his chest. They punched his ribs with no mercy, and his mind combated against the evil he now felt surging through his bloodstream. After what he experienced, there was bound to be some damage to recover from.

Xarx held Howl's hand and brought him to his feet. Without his steady grip, Howl would have fallen on his trembling legs. He scanned the room aimlessly, like a drunk going in and out of consciousness. All was a blur - after Suliman separated his heart from his being, nothing felt the same. He felt cold and empty, living a barren reality, and with nothing to live for. Part of him wanted to give up and release his soul away from mortal existence.

Then his heart returned.

His body felt whole again, the missing piece fulfilling the hollowness, yet he remained torn. Familiar envious emotions devoured the purity in his heart and scattered through his body, distorting his thoughts and filling his mind with greed and recklessness. He remembered that part of himself - that was his reason for granting Calcifer control of it for so long.

He didn't want to demonize his heart.

With evil intentions now attached to his morality, how would he discern between right and wrong?

"...hear what I'm saying?" Howl turned to Xarx. His recognition was hazy, but Howl at least remembered his face. A younger, more impotent face at first, then this matured one wearing a mask. He was a master of deceit, able to convince anyone that he was on their side. His survival instincts rewarded him well - but not this time.

Howl grabbed Xarx by the throat and pushed him against the wall, moving the entire tower in that direction. Sophie's bed slid across the floor toward them until Kenta bolted to keep them steady. Her baby's cries grew louder and louder over Xarx's struggles, so she embraced him closer. She dared not watch Howl react so viciously with their child so young, so unscarred.

"Howl!" Kenta grabbed his arms to remove them, but Howl only elbowed him in the jaw to keep him back. Xarx was immobile and exposed to Howl's actions.

"You think I don't know who you are?" Howl whispered with a growling undertone. "Working for Suliman, claiming to be on our side - I don't believe you. I think this is all a ploy for you to lead us to our death."

"Howl." Xarx struggled against his hand exerting more pressure over his throat. "She changed you."

"And she didn't change you?" He leaned in closer, the flames lighting his eyes from the top of the stairwell. "You worked for her long enough. Why should we trust you so easily?"

Kenta wrapped his arm around Howl's neck and pulled him away from Xarx, knocking him back to the ground. Xarx inhaled a deep breath, quickly restraining Howl. Both he and Kenta held his arms down.

"You need to pull it together." Kenta said. "You are not yourself. You need to find your true self, the part of you Suliman has been trying to erase for years."