The little flame. [ Calcifer x Reader ] . Howl's moving castle .

Chapter 4: Uninvited guest

Lilly heard a creak from the door downstairs. She got up hurriedly as she thought Calcifer had come back. She stopped midway through the steps however as she realized that there was no way Calcifer had made the sound. He just returns to his hearth, he doesn't use doors. 

No one else was home and Calcifer's protection spell made sure that no unwanted demons trespassed into the castle. Then again, she had no idea how strong the protection was if Calcifer wasn't in the castle. Would that mean a more powerful demon could have broken in?

Lilly froze in her place as she heard heavy footsteps drag on the wooden floor. Indistinct growls also came from whatever it was and that just confirmed her speculation that whatever that was in the castle, was definitely not welcome. She tried to slowly inch her way back upstairs to hide but the wooden steps were as old as time. 

*creak*

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Calcifer suddenly felt a jolt. He could sense something was stirring up back in the human realm. once he snapped back out of his daze, the life spirit was still standing in front of him.

"Calcifer...lost in thought, I see." the spirit calmly remarked.

"Ah, sorry...I felt something wrong.."

"I have no idea why you demons want to meddle so much in these humans lives and even make contracts with them. Never have I ever intervened nor intertwined my fate with a mortal, so I do not know of your instincts that are tied to those worldly beings. Therefore this piques my interest actually. I shall grant you your wish fire demon."

"You will?"

"But. Remember this demon. Granting you this form will be a great exhaust to your magic. It shall consume much of your power as you still need to carry on your duties as a demon. You may also not want to reveal who you really are, as this deal we are making is somewhat against the rules. I leave it up to you how long you wish to be in this form, but don't stay too long. You know what-"

"Yes, yes I know what happens...."

"Very well, best be on your way then, you said you had a bad feeling. You may not want to delay any further."

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Lilly screamed as the demon came into view at the mouth of the staircase. It was huge, with 6 long scaly limbs with claws that were sharp and bloody. It had no eyes and resembled something of a disembodied spider. Sticky goop was drooling from his mouth and from the looks of it, he looked hungry.

She bolted her way up the steps as the demon followed suit with great speed despite the size of him being massive. She turned corners in the large castle and hoped to lose him but he was hot on her trail. As she ran her way up to the large open balcony, the demon barely missed her and managed to scratch her leg, giving it quite the wound. She was no longer able to run anymore. She was cornered.

She mustered up her strength and cast whatever defense spells she knew but it was no use, her spells were too weak and if anything, it only angered the demon more. It approached her and smiled devilishly as it opened its mouth wide to gobble her. Lilly shut her eyes tight and just waited to be devoured then and there.

Soon enough, she suddenly felt a blazing heat surround her. She opened her eyes to see someone standing in front of her protectively whilst casting out a gush of bright flames towards the demon - making it stumble back away from us. He glanced back slightly at her and she caught a familiar playful glint in his eye. His flames built up around the demon and swallowed it. It growled in anguish as it soon disappeared into ashes and the flames died down along with it.

Lilly turned her gaze away from the aftermath and back to the person before her. He then turned to face her and she managed to get a good look at him. His hair was a blazing orange, almost like that of a flame and his eyes were red. He wore basic clothing, and looked about her age, maybe a year older. 

She squirmed a bit in her place as he was staring intently at her until his gaze fell upon her wounded leg. He winced at her wound. He came closer to her and Lilly flinched at him. He was taken back a bit at her reaction but approached her anyway and carried her into the castle.

He laid her down gently on the bed and hurriedly went to the cabinet and grabbed the first-aid kit. Lilly was still wary of him but allowed him to treat her wound as it was starting to sting. It wasn't that she wasn't grateful to him for saving her but then again, she had no idea who he was, where he came from, how he knows his way around the castle and what are his intentions. She just ended up staring at him as he clumsily but managed to disinfect and bandage her wound. Once he was done, he looked up at her and his eyes seemed to search into hers.

"Hi, and just to answer your questions, no. I don't mean you any harm at all"

"How- how would I know that. You shouldn't be able to come here at all. Calcifer wouldn't allow any strangers to enter the castle."

"Ahh...I- am actually a friend of Calcifer's...." He answered nervously.

"You are? Calcifer has friends?" She looked bewildered at the newfound fact. Her sharp statement pierced him. To be fair, he did not have many friends really. Demons are more of loners anyway. Well, Calcifer's view of that changed after Howl and everything though.

"Yes, I am. He actually sent me here to protect you and....keep you company."

"What? Is he- going to be away for that long? Where is he?" Lilly asked him worriedly. His eyes went wide slightly when he saw how worried she was over him.

"Don't worry, he just has some business to do, he'll be back soon. And he is technically still here. He is a powerful fire demon, after all, he still manages the castle and protects you no matter where he is"

"Oh really? Then why did he have to send you to me?"

"Uhh....he just didn't want you to be alone" He answered meaningfully.

Lilly looked deep into his eyes with curiosity and saw a familiar flicker. He quickly reverted his gaze away from her.

"Well... what's your name then?"

"I'm Calc-" ... "Cal.." ..."Kyle....yeah my name's Kyle"

"Okay...Kyle. I'm Lillian, Lilly for short. Pleased to meet your acquaintance" she said as she held out her hand to him.

"Yeah...me too" Calcifer smiled as he held her outstretched hand.

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A/N

Okay everyone, Apologies for my really long hiatus. I had online classes and final assignments that really took a toll on me. I feel so so so grateful for all of you handfuls who actually read this. People always need motivation to keep writing and all your comments of support and encouragement really boost me up and make my day. Thank you so much.

I also really hope everyone is doing well in this situation. This too shall pass and may everyone stay strong through this. I tried my best to make the chapter nice and long. After this I'll do my best to make chapters that are least 1000 words long so it is worth the wait. Thank you again, everyone. Lots Of Love!