Same but different –Chapter 2 (Eriol's perspective)

Author note: while writing this chapter I was listening to this song: Sakura anata ni deaete yokatta

It suits the mood very well (especially if you look up the lyrics). Please listen to song as you read the story (I believe you can find it on YouTube)

"I think we're here," Kaho declared, "This is exactly as grandfather had described it –an odd little house that doesn't blend into its surroundings, like something that doesn't belong in this world. "

Nostalgia hit Eriol like waves crashing against rocks. I've been here before. The thought flashed across his mind -though definitely not in this life time. His heart ached when he saw the house though he didn't know why. Close to where Clow's magic resided, deep within his heart, he felt overwhelming sorrow, pain, and guilt. I was as if the part of his heart and soul that was Clow was crying –and that made Eriol consider abandoning his quest. After all, what tragedy had taken place here in this little house to bring his former self such misery?

Eriol? Eriol, whats wrong?

"It's…nothing."

"Eriol, you're crying."

"Am I? … It must have been sad. He must have taken it very hard –whatever it was."

"What…"

"I'm not crying –he is. These are his tears. Sorry, let's go inside."

The shop smelled familiar. The two girls that greeted them at the door felt familiar. The shop owner herself, a tall witch who called herself Yuuko Ichihara looked familiar. Very familiar. Too familiar. The memory was so close but just beyond reach…he could almost touch it. She was someone important. It wasn't just the enormous magical power he sensed coming from her, but he just knew in the back of his mind that this witch plays a vital part in the universe and in the memories he can't retrieve.