DISCLAIMER: I do not own Card Captor Sakura, CLAMP does.
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Summary of this story: ExT A shift of time, mumbo of jumbo. Meeting him and adventure begins… I'm trying out a fic which is mixed with humor and angst. I want to write better so kindly give me your support. ARIGATOU!!

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Fanny chan: So the plot thickens… *laughs evily*

Tomoyo: *smiles* Fanny decided now that it is no longer the amount of reviews that count but rather, the sincerity of the reviews so now she much happier.

Chibi Fanny: Never knew what overcame you to think the number matters more… *sighs*

Fanny chan: *sighs* Besides everything, I found humor is not my type. I can never be good at humor. My bad humor only makes my fic extremely awful. I simply don't have the knack for it. Sorry but I can't write it anymore, and hopefully my story will turn out better. Sorry one-chan. I'll still add humor if it comes naturally though. o^_^o

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The End ~By Fanny chan~

Enter Mafis Enter Lacigam

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Tomoyo shook her head. She felt as if something was missing… something very important. Something to do with the cave they just left… yes… she vaguely remembered being in the cave with a small boy… and Eriol… something to do with amethyst… but why can't she remember? Had it been a mere dream?

She unconsciously rapped her head lightly with her knuckles.

"We're reach there in a day time, more or less…" Eriol muttered.

Tomoyo looked up. "I haven't ask, but where are we going?"

Eriol turned and smiled slightly, a far-away look evident in his azure pools. Perhaps he was reminiscing… something rather significant, very memorable…

"Lacigam, a world famous magic academy. It has the most highly trained and professional professors from all around the world. The one place where you can learn to control and master your magic capabilities."

Tomoyo slowly absorbed this new knowledge and realized Eriol's intentions in bringing her there. She was extremely touched.

"Thank you."

Eriol smiled and patted her head softly. "No problem. Your studies there will last for a minimum of three years if you are gifted. The average students study for five years. They will teach you more than controlling your magic."

Tomoyo nodded slowly, contemplating this. She was going to study in a magic academy…

"I will take care of your school fees. That is a small matter. But we would have to make a stop at my safe in the bank. If my memory doesn't fail me, there is one in Mafis, the land where Lacigam is situated."

The rest of the journey was made in relative silence.

***

The dark silhouette appeared in the distant horizon, wavering slightly as the sun played over it.

Tomoyo barely caught sight of a pure white turret before the glaring sun once again hindered her vision.

It was mid-afternoon, a full day since they had left Tears of a Dark Cloak. They had taken shelter in a small forest, using nature for fire, food and two soft beds of leaves. It was amazingly comfortable, surprising Tomoyo tremendously.

A peaceful town crawled into view, filled with millions of people, sights and sounds. There was a beautiful lake nearby, something almost impossible to find in cities in her own world, where pollution and dust contaminated both air and water.

Tomoyo was filled in awe as she trotted beside Eriol. Blinking, she rubbed her eyes thoroughly as she took her first step onto the lush green grasses outlining this busy town.

"It's beautiful…" Tomoyo breathed after finding her tongue… "Absolutely breathtaking…"

Eriol nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I know."

Eriol led Tomoyo to a large green building, sparkling silver lining the large words that said

'Tsefas Yrotisoped'.

Tomoyo stared at the unusual name, stumped.

"Does magic always have such unique names?"

Eriol laughed yet he did not answer her question.

Entering into the hall, Tomoyo followed as Eriol approached a winged human. He was dressed in silver and a tiny sparkling halo sat snugly atop his head. Fidgeting, she stared at her own dirty dress, marked with dirt and grime. Eriol seemed oblivious.

"I would like to open box 102 please." The angel nodded briefly. Gliding silently into a rather large room situated behind his desk, he emerged soon after, a small silvery green box suspended between his palms.

Eriol approached the box and tapped it three times on the lock before softly whispering something, a password, while sliding a finger into the small gap and twisted his finger slightly. His finger was acting as something similar to a key.

The lid sprung open and Eriol grabbed a small pouch.

Closing the lid shut, he nodded to the angel and spun on his heels, walking briskly out of the bank.

As they reached outside, Eriol seemed to answer a question Tomoyo had kept to herself all that time in the bank.

"That was a guardian. An angel but we call them a guardian. They have integrity and loyalty. They are also well armed with holy powers to ward off evil and thieves."

The first place they went to was a clothes shop which displayed a vast array of clothes.

The shop was rather empty, with only a large desk with boxes cramped behind it.

"Who goes there?" A mysterious voice appeared out of thin air.

"Eriol Hiragizawa and his friend, Tomoyo Daidouji."

There was an audible gasp before Tomoyo felt a rush of air beside her and a sound thump.

"Eriol! Oh my gosh! How long was it since I last saw you! You were just five then, squashed between your parents. How old are you now?"

Tomoyo watched, amused yet confused.

Eriol gently pried the middle-aged lady off himself before helping her up. "Hello Aunt Rivera. I'm fifteen now. I'm surprised you still recognized me."

Rivera eyed him critically. "Well, your appearance is relatively the same, but we simply have to get a new set of clothing. Those grubby clothes simply won't do." Then she seemed to have just noticed Tomoyo. "Is this your friend?" Rivera asked curiously.

Eriol nodded, grinning. Yet Tomoyo could not help but notice how strained his smile was after the mention of his parents.

"Hello, I'm Tomoyo Daidouji," Tomoyo murmured distractedly. Her thoughts were completely focused on Eriol. The duo blinked dubiously at Rivera as she chattered happily (mostly muttering to herself), grabbing clothes off the rack and tossing them to the pair before pushing them into their individual dressing room to get changed.

A few minutes later, Tomoyo was dressed in a flowing emerald green v-necked blouse with a silky sky blue skirt.

Eriol on the other hand, was dressed in a magenta open-necked shirt and simple pants.

Rivera seemed pleased with her work. Turning to Eriol, she smiled merrily. "Where are your parents?"

"Dead." Eriol muttered, eyes downcast. Rivera gasped and looked at Tomoyo for the truth but the girl looked equally as utterly confused as she was. Rivera turned back to Eriol and studied his crestfallen expression. It was true.

"I'm sorry Eriol, I didn't know… my sister… my brother-in-law…" Eriol embraced Rivera's shaking shoulders. "It's okay. I got over it. It's hard; I know… bear with it please, for their sake and mine. They died because of me." His voice cracked a little but he continued on in his soothing tone. "But I'm sure they would not want you to grieve over their untimely death. Please be strong…"

Rivera looked at Eriol, eyes brimmed with tears. She gave a swift kiss to Eriol's forehead and stood up, knees wobbling slightly.

Eriol ignored Tomoyo's confused look.

As they exited, Tomoyo grabbed Eriol's arm tightly. "You're not telling me something. Heck, I think you not telling me a lot of your deep dark secrets in there."

Eriol remained silent, unable to meet her fiery amethysts. Instead, he headed to the academy.

Frustrated, Tomoyo matched his pace and both made their way in uncomfortable silence.

Her frustrations, however, were swept away from the recesses of her mind as she took in the majestic appearance of the academy. Gleaming white marble sparkled and glinted at her with mirth. The very atmosphere spread a warm, radiating glow throughout her entire being.

In awe, she followed Eriol into an office.

"Aunt Firasi?" His meek voice called out, echoing softly in the dark gloom.

"That voice sounds familiar… I must be hallucinating. Eriol had died with his parents." There was a strangled resigned sigh.

Eriol turned on the light and Tomoyo spotted a frail looking woman. She must not be older than Rivera is, yet she looked so pale.

Firasi looked up and she blinked owlishly behind her glasses. Her eyes widened considerably as she spotted Eriol.

"I thought it was you, but how? How did you escape his wrath?" Firasi sputtered incoherently.

Eriol eyes drooped. "I'll explain everything later Aunt Firasi." His eyes darted towards Tomoyo. "When we are alone."

Tomoyo eyes flashed, but her face remained impassive.

"We would like to enroll and study here Aunt Firasi. Will it cause any problems?" Firasi shook her head, seeming to have recovered from her shock. "I'll set you up for your lessons. You may start next week. I'll get all your books ready. Hers too. She's in your acquaintance I believe." Firasi nodded in Tomoyo's direction.

Eriol nodded before sitting down on the couch beside Tomoyo, reaching towards her for forgiveness, but she stood up abruptly and stalked towards Firasi's long desk, eyes set with a cold gleam and hard determination.

"Do you need any help with me getting enrolled Professor Firasi?" Tomoyo asked sweetly, the anger flashing in amethyst pools the only things giving her emotions away.

Firasi nodded, not knowing of the silent argument her nephew and his companion was having. She was too overcome with relief and joy to notice.

Eriol stared as Tomoyo started answering questions. His eyes lingering a little longer than needed before looking away, silently communicating his sorrow and remorse in which Tomoyo expertly ignored.

The week passed and they barely had contact with each other. Tomoyo explored around town and in the academy while he stayed in the academy to talk with his aunt Firasi who coincidentally is the headmistress of Lacigam. [A/N: I'm adding this incase you haven't notice, got to be sure]

Before dawn, the duo had already gathered in Firasi's office. Firasi looked more rested and refreshed then she had in years. Smiling gently, she headed towards Tomoyo, handing her a parchment.

"You will start studying at elementary level since you have never came into contact with your powers until recently." Tomoyo nodded, eyes brightening at the sight of her certificate of acceptance into Lacigam. "Your books and uniform are in your dormitory." Firasi added, placing a silver key atop the certificate.

"Eriol, you would be studying at the advance level. You have mastered the basics and I believed you would excel at intermediate." Her eyes sparkled at the thought. She handed a golden key to Eriol. "Have fun okay?"

Eriol nodded, his azures not focusing on his aunt nor the key but on Tomoyo. Tomoyo saw the pain and regret but ignored it.

As they both emerged from the office, Tomoyo turned towards Eriol. "I thought you trusted me. Now I know how wrong I was." She gave a bitter laugh. "I'll find out all your secrets Eriol Hiragizawa, if it is the last thing I do!"

She spun around, her back facing him. She waited for the scathing remark to tell her to mind her own business… but it never came.

"I'll miss you Tomoyo. I'll miss you…"

Surprised, she turned and spotted the last glimpse of the disappearing figure turning the corner, his shoes clinking softly down the marbled hallway.

Tomoyo walked down the familiar hallways she had explored the past week, wandered, thinking solely on the enigma by the name of Eriol Hiragizawa.

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I spent a long time on this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. Review please?

[REMOVED]

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~Completed on: 31st October 2002~

~Amended on: 8th December 2002~