Artemis's POV
"Mellach says hello," is the first sentance for Howl to spit out when I awaken, with the wizard leaning over me.
I feel my eyes widen, "How do you know Mellach?!" My voice cracks, my words rushed and shrill.
"Wouldn't you like to know," He trails off, turns on his feet and leaves. That is when I realize that I am lying in Howl's bed. Why am I in Howl's bed?
"Wait!" I shout, as I leap out from under the covers, running down the stairs to keep up with the wizard. "What is going on?"
"The energy rune- Mellach had cures for your lack of energy."
"Mellach doesn't just go around giving out freebies to be nice. What was the price, Howl?" He just looks at the floor, as he moves to walk past me. "Look me in the eyes and tell me," I grip his wrist in my small hand.
"Nothing, Artemis. I can be quite charming when I want to be, believe it or not." Howl gives me that encouraging smile that he wears when he fibs or lies. His hand fidgets with his sleeve, once he yanks his arm away from me.
"Don't lie to me. I know you, Howl!"
"You really want to know, Artemis? You really want to know what when of your partners in crime priced you as? Do you really want to know what you are worth to the people you depended on- trusted most?" Howl's voice quickly rises. This is the first time I have seen him truly lose it.
I don't know what to say to him, so I look away, nervously.
"I am sorry. I did not mean to shout at you, I am just frustrated." Howl cups my face in his hands, which are uncommonly cold, even for him. "I was so worried about you."
"It is alright. I just- So much pressure-"
"I know, I know. Let's just take a break from learning with magic and all of that. Tell you what," Howl starts. "Tomorrow, we can just have a nice picnic. We can go to the market and-"
"Okay," I smile, encouragingly. Although I cut him off this time, he smiles. "I-"
"DO I GET TO COME WITH?! CAN I COME WITH? CAN I COME WITH?!?!" Markl appears from nowhere. "Ew!" The boy must have realized how close mine and Howl's faces are.
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Howl
FanfictionA fanfiction of Howl's Moving Castle- that doesn't start or end with Sophie and Howl married or having children! What happens when Artemis, a normal girl, runs into Howl and Sophie? Just another girl, right? She could have been, until the accide...
