New Perspective

Chapter One

Easier to Pretend

Sakura's eyes scanned Eriol's living room. He had invited them over for tea unexpectedly. Syaoran looked uncomfortable on Eriol's couch, like it might gobble him up at any moment, while Tomoyo was fawning over Spinel. Sakura felt a little uncomfortable in Eriol's house since the magician could be rather unnerving at times, but Tomoyo had been spending all kinds of time with him since Sakura had started dating Syaoran, and so seemed perfectly comfortable around his home.

As Eriol carried a heavy tray of sweets into the room from the kitchen, Tomoyo rushed to help him, removing some of the heavier bowls from the tray. He smiled gently at her.

Kero flew to the table as soon as the sweets were being set down, while Tomoyo started to prepare the plates before Kero could help himself to all of the treats.

Syaoran coughed loudly, sitting erect and tapping his foot somewhat nervously, "So… What was so urgent that I had to come to your creepy house?"

Eriol smiled. "Ah… You could call it a magical opportunity of sorts."

Syaoran glanced at Sakura with a tight smile, raising his eyebrows harshly and replying, "Mind not speaking in riddles?"

Sakura giggled behind her hand.

Tomoyo started passing out cups of tea and a small dish of sweets to each of them before taking a seat in one of the tall armchairs.

Eriol's eyes flickered to her briefly before returning to Syaoran, "There is a school designed to train people of magical quality. I'm surprised I haven't brought it up before, actually. During my time as Clow Reed, I did my own rotation through it. They do a fantastic job of getting people through the basics. I believe it could be vital to your training."

Sakura and Syaoran glanced at each other.

"Hiiragizawa, where is this school?"

"England."

"That seems kind of far away to just uproot ourselves. Besides, I think Sakura and I have been through enough…situations…that we don't need basic training."

Eriol smiled at Syaoran's arrogance. "Oh you don't think so? You only know a handful of spells, Syaoran, and even then it's completely element based Chinese magic."

Syaoran jumped to his feet, "What's wrong with Chinese Magic?"

"Nothing, if you've already had formal training, but to rely on it entirely is insane."

"My family has studied traditional Chinese magic for generations--"

Eriol cut him off, "Yes, I'm well aware of your lineage. However, your clan is based off my magic, and I was formally trained. I'm not trying to fight with you, Syaoran. I'm not dishonoring you. I would just like to see you and Sakura live up to your full potential."

Syaoran settled back down on the couch.

Sakura smiled. "If we were to go, when would we leave?"

"Next week. I understand that you both need to talk about this, so I'll give you a few days to decide. I, however, will be going no matter what. The magical community is having a bit of trouble, and I assured an old acquaintance of mine that I would help them."

Sakura nodded, setting her empty cup down on the table. "Well, we'll have our answer to you soon." Syaoran helped her get her coat on, and they left without a word.

Eriol dropped his head the moment they were out of sight. Tomoyo walked over to him quietly, "Are you alright, Eriol?"

He looked up at her, smiling. "Yes, but I was hoping it would go over a bit better than that. They really do need our help, and it would be easier having Sakura there, she's more than capable of handling the situation herself."

Tomoyo plopped down on the couch, curling her legs up under her. "It's pretty amazing, though. You guys will all be off on some fantastic adventure soon." She hushed herself abruptly, glancing out the window.

Eriol crossed the room, sitting beside her and taking her hand. "You want to come with us, don't you?"

She smiled gently, her eyes glistening with tears. "Of course, but I suppose I would fail all of the classes. . . I can't do magic."

He leaned his head back and looked at her. "It's amazing to have magic and create something extraordinary out of nothingness. It's empowering."

She leaned her head on his shoulder. "I can imagine."

He felt his shoulder getting wet, and leaned over to kiss her forehead. "Tomoyo, I'm not what I used to be. In my old life, I could do anything, but I gave part of me up. Still…I'm not without excess powers." He paused, briefly, and then continued, "Do you really think I would leave you after these past few months? You're like my best friend now. And I'm not nearly as creative at torturing Syaoran when you're not around."

"Eriol, I don't have magic, and nothing is going to change that."

"I'll share. If you'll willingly accept them, I'll gladly transfer some of my powers to you. It'll be physically draining, but I'm sure we'll manage."

Tomoyo eyed her sneaky friend. "You had a way out of the impossible, and you let me cry over it? You're such a jerk."

Eriol hopped up. "I'm evil, remember? Now, we have a potion to make."

Tomoyo followed him, wiping her face on her sleeve, "I'm not going to have to drink your blood am I?"

Eriol chuckled quietly at her.

It's hard to uncoil magic from parts of your personality. When he had created Fujitaka, he had made sure to give most of his goodness.

For Tomoyo, he would have given up every other ounce of his humanity, but figured that he might murder her if he was left with nothing but conniving rage.

His solution? Well . . . She was sneaky to begin with, why not spare a bit of his overdone trickery?

"Does that sound good to you?"

She smirked, "This should be fun."

Words: 1163

Disclaimer: I do not claim ownership of Harry Potter, Card Captor Sakura, or Panic! at the Disco (mild inspiration for chapter title). I am in no way benefiting from the publication of this story, financially or otherwise.

Beta'd By: Just Subliminal

Thoughts: I hope that last part isn't too cheesy. I thought I might explain (maybe) the process that Eriol has to go through to just willy-nilly his powers whereever he wants them. I really did not want it to be like "Oh yeah and tomoyo has had powers all along." -- It didn't seem very realistic. Feel free to comment on whatever you deem worthy (I'm wont publish my poor hurt feelings, lawl.) Also, if you have any suggestions, I only know a couple of points that I want to hit and would love to make your dreams come true as well. (Oh yes, and the title is a song reference, Panic at the Disco - New Perspective, I normally name chapter titles after songs that might have inspired me to write something as part of my creative process. This happens to be from a Selena Gomez (mock what you will!). )