Chapter 7: Bright Future

Disclaimer: I do not own Clannad

Shortly after Tomoya confessed his true feelings for Kotomi the two of them decided to go on a trip to the Mediterranean Sea. Kotomi used the yacht that her dad left her at Valencia, Spain. Tomoya eagerly decided they would go take a short trip through the Mediterranean Sea.

Tomoya's P.O.V.

At Valencia - Early Wednesday morning

Tomoya: What a beautiful city this is. Hey Kotomi-chan wake up princess.

Kotomi: Tomoya-kun, I told you not to bully me when I'm sleeping.

Tomoya: Did I ever tell you how pretty you are when you sleep?

Kotomi: Of course, every night you tell me that. Well now that I'm awake why don't we go out to eat breakfast.

Tomoya: Don't worry I have everything covered. Look to your left, Kotomi-chan. I cooked you something very delicious inside that tray, go on and open the lid.

Kotomi: You cooked me raspberry muffins with coconut mousse, Tomoya-kun. How wonderful, I love you even more prince charming.

Tomoya: I'm not that good at cooking, but I did manage to bake you muffins. Surprisingly they aren't burned.

Kotomi: Well the important thing is you put effort into baking these delicious muffins. Getting back into why we are here in Portugal, I'll be doing some research regarding the Illusionary World.

Tomoya: Illusionary World?

Kotomi: Yes, I'll be researching further into that. Remember back when I visited Nagisa from my trip in America?

Tomoya: Yea I remember. You also mentioned stuff about other worlds.

Kotomi: Well over the last 2-3 years I've explored new stuff about that matter. Basically today I'll be talking with my colleagues about the research, and hopefully exploring more things here as well.

Tomoya: When do you think you'll be back?

Kotomi: I'd say late afternoon, around five or six.

Tomoya: Well in the meantime I'll go explore this cave that is 25 minutes away from Valencia's port.

Kotomi: Is there a reason why you want to visit a cave that far away?

Tomoya: When we were coming here we passed a small cave, and I asked the captain about it. He told me that the last person to set foot on that cave was about forty five years ago. Since then the cave has been unreachable for some strange reason. People would try to go there, but to no avail because they can't get thirty feet close without something bad happening.

Kotomi: You're scaring me, Tomoya-kun. If it's that dangerous I don't want you to go. Forget about that cave and stay by my side, please.

Tomoya: Sorry, Kotomi-chan, but I have a feeling there is something important at that cave. Look if I start to feel uneasy about the cave I'll turn back.

Kotomi: Alright that makes me feel much better because I won't be as worried. Well I have to go to my meeting. Take care, Tomoya-kun!

Tomoya: Likewise, Kotomi-chan. Also come to the beach after you are done. I have a surprise for you.

Shortly after Kotomi leaves to the meeting, Tomoya takes a motor boat to the small cave. Halfway into trip Tomoya starts to see that the water is getting choppier and the winds have also begun to pick up. Despite early signs that something bad could happen Tomoya continues ahead. Ten minutes later Tomoya lands on the island safely and makes his way into the cave.

Tomoya: This cave seems so mysterious and with a pure feeling. It's as if someone put a barrier around the cave to prevent people from accessing it except those with pure soul I believe.

Captain: is everything alright?

Tomoya: Yea I'm fine. The cave is giving off a pure feeling. I don't know how to explain but I believe those with an untainted soul or a heart with pure positive warm feelings can get through.

Captain: Legend says that many people tried to get past that barrier you speak of, but every one of them failed to return. This all began when a guy who was supposed to go explore that cave about 45 years ago failed to return. However those who knew him said that one week before he left he would always be going at home performing various spells or improving barrier techniques.

Tomoya: I'll be right back. There's some sort of shiny light up ahead.

15 minutes later

Tomoya: Well I'm going to shore to show Kotomi what I found. I have a feeling this could help in her research.

Captain: Alright Tomoya, just be careful on your way home.

Later that afternoon Tomoya prepares dinner and sets a table with chairs at the beach. Before Kotomi arrives he makes sure he is ready for his big announcement.

Kotomi arrives: 6:00 PM

Kotomi: Hey, Tomoya-kun. How was your day? Did you find anything interesting at the cave?

Tomoya: My day was pretty interesting. I went to check out the cave and for some reason someone put a barrier around the cave so that no one can pass through. It wasn't a physical barrier, but it was more like a spiritual barrier. Like anyone who got close to there would either never return or they would feel famished upon reaching the barrier. I also found this bottle with a paper inside. Go on and read it.

Kotomi reads the paper:

"Dear Kotomi, I am your fathers best friend and collogue . Back when we were researching together I asked him a question about life after death. He told me that our lives are always going to be in some world looking for happiness. Our physical bodies may no longer be used after death, but our soul has the power to continue with happiness. I found out that in the cave you found this bottle to be extremely pure in spiritual energy. Many months went by after my visit to this cave, and after research with I came to a good theory. That theory is the Illusionary World is just one of many worlds out there. The relationship between the cave and the Illusionary World is that in order to go there one must have a sincere heart, and strong desire to be happy. Last the reason I put this message here is because I was drawn to this cave, and also because I want to protect it from people who want to populate it. This cave or should I say island has the capacity for another Tokyo. The environment is none like any other, rich, and untainted. Please consider this place as a sacred place for me and your father. We spent many years researching here, and it would be a shame if it were to be civilized. Take care Kotomi and I know you will find more answers about our research."

Tomoya: So Kotomi did you understand the message?

Kotomi: Yea I know but I'll tell you when we get back to Japan. Let's just focus on dinner since I'm really hungry, Tomoya-kun. She holds onto Tomoya's shoulder and rests her head.

Tomoya: Alright first close your eyes, and no peeking. Tomoya sets the dinner plates down on the table, and plays a CD with romantic jazz music.

Kotomi: Can I open them now, honey?

Tomoya: Yes you can open them now. You'll love the surprise.

Kotomi: I love you, Tomoya-kun! You made me Fettuccine Alfredo, I'm so happy. How did you know I love this dish?

Tomoya: Well I've seen you eat it quite a few times. As a child whenever your mom would invite me over she would have that dish ready for us. Also back in high school you ate that quite a few times so I decided to make you this. It took me quite a while to make it thought since I kept getting the dough messed up.

Kotomi: I don't care about how expensive or if it isn't a fancy meal. The important thing to me is that you made it. It was surprising because I haven't ate it in a while, and eating Fettuccine Alfredo always calmed me down whenever I had a bad day. So thank you Tomoya-kun, I love you hun.

Tomoya: I love you too darling. Ever since I saw you at the park back when we met again seven years later my heart sank with feelings towards you. I thought I was never going to be able to love another woman again, but as we began to live under the same roof at your house I began to develop feelings toward you. These feelings gradually grew even more until today when I finally decided to let them all out.

Kotomi: Likewise, Tomoya-kun. Having spent the last couple of weeks together has made me realize you are the one for me, and I also realized that I need you a lot. Whenever you are by my side I feel a sense of security, and warmth.

Tomoya: I know Nagisa would want me to be happy. After losing her and Ushio I realized that you are the only close person left whom I really love. Kotomi-chan will you please close your eyes and turn around.

Kotomi: Alright, Tomoya-kun.

After reaching into his tuxedo's pocket, Tomoya takes out a small black box. He then sets one knee down and opens the box.

Tomoya: You can turn around now.

Kotomi: Ok

As she turns turns around, Kotomi is brought to tears when she sees Tomoya on his knees.

Tomoya: Will you marry me, Kotomi-chan?

Kotomi: I…I…I do Tomoya-kun! The thought of being by your side as your wife, and sharing happy thoughts, supporting each other during tough times, and starting a family is what I dreamed about since I graduated high school.

Tomoya: If there is one thing that's certain it's you'll never be Nagisa's replacement. I love you for who you are, and that is something that I truly like about you. Kotomi-chan today starts one new chapter in our lives, one that we will share together forever.

Kotomi: Thank you for making me so happy today. None of my success would have been possible had it not been for your support. You were always telling me to never give up, and you even helped me gain my confidence back when you renovated my garden. Tomoya-kun when are we going to tell the others?

Tomoya: What I did back in high school I did it because I cared about you. Not just me but all out friends too. After that accident you didn't bother coming home, and that hurt me a lot. However I was confident that I would help you no matter the cost.

Tomoya: Also Kotomi-chan how about we tell our friends and family about our engagement?

Kotomi: That sounds good, and that would give me enough time to come up with wedding card templates. I'll be making the wedding card layout since I took some computer design courses. Aside from that let's take a walk after eating so we can enjoy this moment.

Tomoya: Sure just under one condition.

Kotomi: What is it?

Tomoya: This, Kotomi-chan.

Tomoya leans toward Kotomi and both passionately kiss under a clear sunset. After eating dinner the two of them take a stroll down the beach as they reminisce of how they first met, and their high school lives.