Enter voice and theme music

"Hi! My name is Markl. Im sure you know of me from the great, awesome, stupendus, awesome movie...HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE. Now, even though I really WAS the main character in this movie, I didnt get much voice time, so I thought that it would be best if I told te story from MY point of view. It all started when Sophie showed up in our castle...wait...actually...I think we should go back further...to the REAL beginning."

Lowers down slowly into a bustling city scene

I was originally living in the sea-harbor town as a...well a pickpocket. I had a bit of magic in me so I used that to help me levitate money out of people's pockets and then disguise myself as an old man when someone suspected me of stealing. I had heard of Howl from the random gossip that I picked up off the street but I never thought much about it untill the day I actually met him.

I was half asleep on the side of the road when this rich looking guy passed by. He had blond hair and a long colourful coat. I decided to tail him and see what I could get off him.

"Hey mister!" I asked him in my cutest voice possible. The guy stopped and looked down at me with a surprised look and smiled slightly. "yes?"

I could sense that this guy had some powerful magic on him, but I didnt care. I was hungry and I needed food.

"Mister I was wondering if you needed any help finding your way around the city, you dont really look like you come from around here." I already had his pocket money levitated from his pocket and into my hand by then.

He opened his mouth to answer but I cut him off " Look nevermind Im sure you can find your own way, sorry to bother you!" I said hurredly and ran off as fast as I could into the crowd. I was kinda worried that he would follow me so I pulled my diguise on and hurried off to count my "earnings". I quickly manouvered my way through the crowd, into a small alleyway where I -- "OOF!" I ran straight into someone.

"So sorry sir! Dont mean to offend - you!?"

It was that guy.

"I believe you have something of mine?" He said cooly.

I was completely lost for words, how could this guy see through my disguise?

"I suppose you may need some help finding it then..." he flicked his finger and the money bag flew straight from under my cloak and into his hands.

"Im sorry sir --" I tried to appologize quickly but he put his hand up to stop me.

"Look, Im thoroughly impressed with you kid. Youre pretty young and you've already mastered disguise. How would you like to be my apprentice?" He asked

I just stared at him for a few seconds. I couldnt believe it! someone actually wanted to take me on as their apprentice! Id have food and a place to stay and Id never have to worry about stealing again.

"So who are you anyway?" I asked, almost rudely.

"My name is Howl, but since you are now my apprentice, you will reffer to me as iether Master Howl or Sir."

And that was the beginning of it all.

okay this was my first fanfic on HMC ... please tel me what you think! and Ill try to have the next chapter in as soon as possible.