Well sorry that I been gone for so long I wanted to take a little summer vacation. But I'm back now and better than ever so let's get this back on the road. Also I have an Announcement! I have a page on FB called Yuska Fudo. I'll be announcing chapters and storys that I'm doing I've recently just released a picture scan of characters I'm putting in my new story coming soon "Tales Of The Word: Tatics Union" It will be based of the Tales series where all the heroes will unite to face one common enemy I also have a Youtube page up now named Yuska Fudo with an opening video for the story. I'll also be releasing my songs on there as well. Please check them out and add me on Fb and subscribe on Youtube. With that said let's get started.

Clannad

Transformations

Chapter 11: Change Of Heart

Tomoya, Ryouta and Ryou walked down the hallway with a tense look on their faces. "Sunohara doesn't want to come." Tomoya said. Ryou nodded "Yes… though I never intended on extorting him…" She replied. "Well maybe he didn't want to see Kappei so weak." Ryouta added. "I'm sorry." Ryou said as she looked down to the ground. Ryouta looked at her and put an arm on her shoulder "It's okay. I don't mind at all. Instead… I just want to have a word or two with him." He stated.

Ryou looked at Ryouta and gave him a warm smile "Thank you so much." She said. Tomoya looked at her "You've been worried about him every day, haven't you?" Tomoya asked. She nodded her head "Yes." She replied. "I see, it must be difficult." Tomoya said. Ryou shook her head at his statement "No, it's not like that at all…The real difficult thing is… Kappei after all…" she responded. Ryouta looked to the ground "I guess so… do you want to be in the room with us when I talk to him?" He asked. Ryou shook her head "No… if possible, just you, big brother. I think that the talk may work out better between you guys somehow" She responded. The two looked at her and nodded "alright." They said in unison.

As they walked towards Kappei's room Tomoya and Ryouta became filled with anxiety. As they stopped at the door Ryou looked at Ryouta once more "Big brother… do your best." She said. Ryouta sighed and nodded "I'll give it all I got." He responded as he and Tomoya knocked on the door.

"Come in."

As the two walked inside and closed the door behind them they looked at Kappei who was sitting on the bed. "Yo." Ryouta greeted. "Uh…eh… Tomoya…Ryouta…Why?" He asked. "Been awhile." Tomoya answered.

"Ah, yeah, it has been hasn't it? I'm surprised. How did you know I was here?" He asked. "Ryou told me." Ryouta said in a blunt tone. "Ryou did?" He asked. Ryotua and Tomoya nodded. "Which means… you know everything, don't you?" he asked. Ryouta nodded "Yeah." He replied not really knowing what to say at the moment.

"Umm..I'm troubled." Kappei laughed. Ryouta and Tomoya did not join him in laughter; instead they gave him a serious look. "Why won't you? Why won't you take the operation?" Ryouta asked. "Could it be… you came here to persuade me?" Kappei asked with a shocked expression. Kappei sighed and looked at the door knowing Ryou had to be on the other side "Anyway, Ryouta, Tomoya, have a seat. You'll get tired from standing around, right?" He asked. Ryouta and Tomoya nodded and took a seat on the bed near him. "Hey did you already hear from Ryou the reason why I won't take the operation?" He asked.

"Because you couldn't bear the loss of your leg, right? Of course that's something painful but, isn't your life more important?" Ryouta asked. Kappei quietly shook his head. "Sorry, it's just as important as my life. " He responded. Tomoya looked at him in disbelief "Why, man?! If you die, it'll be all over!" Tomoya stated. "This leg is… everything to me." He responded.

"You're talking about your track career right?" Ryouta asked. "Eh? I'm surprised… I didn't expect you'd know, Ryouta." Kappei said. Ryouta nodded "We read it in a magazine." Ryouta responded. "A magazine?" asked.

"Yeah, there was a past feature on the interscholastic athletic meet." Ryouta answered. Kappei smiled "Those days… bring back memories…" Kappei said as he looked at his knee, looking a bit lonely. "I guess talking to you two like this is better." Kappei then looked at the door for a moment before looking back at Ryouta.

"Ryouta… you see… I'm an orphan…" This made Ryouta and Tomoya look at him with a shocked expression. Kappei's eyes were calm… yet filled with loneliness. "As soon as I was born, it seems I was taken to an institution. At the place, there were a lot of kids in similar circumstances. The truth was, there were a lot of us kids that were in doubt about the meaning of our existence. But for me, that way may have been better. Besides, I was thrown away like that, not knowing my parents… my family's wrath. I guess it was inside me after all. Receiving cruel punishment from my parents, and as a result, ended up as a child in that institution… no rather, there were a lot of kids like that. We were botn with nothing… with very little. A life with no blessing… living in denial like that is a sad existence." Kappei paused as he looked down but continued.

One day, a television station came to the institution. There was a bit of documentary running, and a musician going around that I was a fan of, see. I really liked listening to that musician's music. Living as if those feelings pushed against me, that sort of song. At that time, I got to talk to that musician and that person told me… If there's one thing you believe in, push on with it. For that person, it was their music. That's what that person told me. It was really persuasive. The one thing I believe in is the distance far ahead of me. That's what I thought, and that I should believe in that thing I can do. What I was proud of. Like that person, giving people something a lot like hope and courage, and then I realized." He paused as he tapped his knee.

"That I had this leg. When I ran back in my day, I lost to no one. That's why I ran. Running… farther than anyone else can… Keeping myself up with my own power. Doing that, a lot of people would speak well of me. I was duly recognized by them, and built up my will to live. That really was… the best of my times. Running… was what I liked. Not holding anything else other then my pride. That was everything for me… That's why… When I was diagnosed, I had died." He explained.

"You died…? You're alive, aren't you?" Tomoya asked. Kappei shook his head "No… I can't run anymore. I didn't know of anything else that could keep me alive." He replied. Tomoya have him a look of concern "Kappei…" He said. "I wasn't alive anymore, and instead I waited for death. Just, with the time I have left… I want to spend the rest of my days with this leg. Taking in that pain, even if I can't run, I can at least walk. That's why I went to a lot of places, and then I came to this town, and met the two of you. Ryou as well." Kappei said as he looked at the door.

"And what about Ryou?" Ryouta asked, breaking his silence. "If you die now, she won't recover from that." He explained. Kappei stayed quiet as he listened to Ryouta's words "Can't just, living for her sake support you at all?" Ryouta asked.

"…I can't, losing my leg… would be an inconvenience… I'd be a problem for Ryou. I don't want to be such a burden." Kappei said with a smile. Ryouta was starting to get upset "Something like that…!" He started until Kappei cut him off "Ryouta… would you want to put Kyou through such painful days and be with her?" He asked. Ryouta stopped and thought about it, looking at the ground he knew where Kappei was coming from. Ryouta would never want to put Kyou through that much pain, but he still thought that letting it all end wasn't the right decision either. "Kappei…" He started until he was cut off.

"That's my answer." Kappei responded with a smile. Ryouta looked at him and shook his head not accepting that reply "In that case. Why did you go out with her? Why did you spend time with her, even though you knew she'd be sad?" Ryouta asked. Tomoya felt like this was a topic he should stay out of seeing as he wasn't as close to Ryou as Ryouta was. "I guess, that's too bad… I just… did it on the spur of the moment… Even though it was cruel… really… it's inexcusable and I understand if you hate me for it… but… with time…. Even sadness will pass over. Even in the institution, it was like that." He explained.

Ryouta sighed and looked at him "Even then… I want for you to live" Ryouta spoke out which shocked both Kappei and Tomoya. "There's no way friends can just keep quiet and let someone die… it's just as you say. Even though there's a chance you'll live… to abandon something like that. Just running isn't all that you are. I… never thought of you as running. The Kappei Hiiragi I know is… someone who does as he pleases, getting along well with people… talking about strange fairytales and sometimes being a poet… and jumping into me all of a sudden. Someone like that is my friend." Ryouta said, trying his hardest to get Kappei to reconsider.

"Thank you Ryouta, I guess so… I've shown you the Kappei Hiiragi of now haven't? Ryouta, not knowing I could meet you like this in the past… for a friend to tell me that… I'm really, really happy… that's why… I'm sorry." Kappei said. Ryouta gritted his teeth as he heard Kappei's words "Kappei are you not listening to me?! Damn it Kappei, I'm telling you I'm not okay with you dying. Why can't you…!" Ryouta started until Kappei cut him off. "I'm sorry Ryouta." He responded.

Later that night Ryouta sat on the bench with Ryou sitting beside him. Tomoya stood standing looking down at the two knowing it was hard on them. 'In the end, we couldn't convince Kappei, We are just kids who didn't know how to convince people to live…' Tomoya thought to himself.

Ryou turned her head to Ryouta "Big brother, is it okay… if I borrow your chest… please… just for a little… while…" She said. Ryouta didn't know what to say, the words wouldn't come out. Before he could say anything Ryou pressed her head against his chest and let out a loud cry. Her tears were heavy and her voice pierced through his chest. Her small hands held onto his clothes. Her think shoulders were trembling. Ryouta tightly embraced Ryou's shivering body.

"Looks like people need to be here as well."

Ryouta and Tomoya looked up to see who owned that familiar voice. "Yuusuke… Yoshino?" Tomoya asked. Yuusuke looked at them "Oh, You're Okazaki and Kazuki… aren't you? I'm sorry. I must be interrupting. But you know you shouldn't really make someone cry like that. She's someone you have to hold dear to you. Take care" He said as he noticed Ryou crying to Ryouta and began to walk away.

"Wait, that's not it." Tomoya called out stopping him from leaving. "She's not his girlfriend; she's more like his little sister. It's not that he made her cry or anything…It's just that… we don't really know… what to do… what to do…" Tomoya tried to explain.

"If you're fine with telling me. I'll listen." Yuuske said. Tears ran down Tomoya's cheek after hearing those words, while Ryouta desperately tried to stay strong and not cry. After explaining the situation Yuuske sighed and closed his eyes "It's a sad story, losing your dream and goal, being the same thing as losing yourself. With one thing to push on that you can believe in that's good… right? What irresponsible words… To simply find a meaning to live is quite difficult. But, living doesn't mean that you're alone. People are there to support people, and those people can begin to stand on their own, and once they can stand on their own, they can move on forward." Yuuske explained as he crossed his arms.

"But… how should we tell him so that he may understand that…?" Ryouta asked. "We're like kids, so even if we tell him to live… Hey, is it possible for you to meet with him? Since you're an adult, cou could convince him…" Tomoya added.

Yuusuke shook his head "The only adult who can convince him would be a doctor at this point in time, and surely if you try to convince him, you won't reach his heart." Yuuske answered. Ryouta looked up as he patted Ryou's head "Because we're kids?" He asked.

"Because you're friends. Friends are important, that much is true. The best way to live is to support each other. But in the end you're just another person. There's no meaning in living then. That's why… you're power is needed." He said as he looked towards Ryou. "Me? I've told him… many, many times… to take the operation. But… Kappei… only shook his head… and continued to apologize to me…" Ryou explained.

"To support him is difficult. It's not just about pushing his back. Nor is it about holding his hand." Yuusuke said. "…It's really difficult… I… don't really understand…" Ryou replied. "The person you hold dear to you is certainly in a dark world, isn't he? It's a sad world, where you see darkness wherever you look, not even able to see yourself. That's why, you should first bring in a light. It won't shine if it's from a distance. Take that small light so you may see both of your footsteps, and then walking should be fine. Whatever it is you two can't make, take that small light and embrace the future." Yuusuke said. "Whatever the two of us can't make… a small light…" she said to herself.

Yussuke nodded "That's all I can say. I'm not sure about that sort of consultation, but if I was of some help, I'm glad." He said. "Would convincing him through lies… be a bad way to go about it?" She asked. Yuusuke turned around and began to walk "Well… in reality, if there's love… there are also lies." He said as he walked away.

The next day the trio went back to the hospital to see Kappei. They walked inside his room and looked at him as he sat on the bed. "Eh, Ryou." He said. Ryou smiled "Good morning." She said. Kappei looked confused as looked at them "What about school, you guys?" He asked. Ryouta shook his head "We're skipping." He replied. Ryou nodded with a smile which Kappei laugh "You guys are delinquents. But I'm surprised… that you came again, Ryouta and Tomoya." He said.

"What, inside you've been really cold-hearted making people like myself like this" Tomoya stated. "That's not what I had in mind but, see… yesterday…" Kappei started until Ryouta shook his head. "Don't worry about it." Ryouta said.

"Well then if you say that, then I'll just leave it be." Kappei responded. "Umm Kappei, how are you doing so far?" She asked. Kappei smiled "I'm completely healthy today." He responded which earned him a smile. "Is that so? I'm glad." She said.

"But for you to be skipping school today… what's wrong Ryou?" He asked."Well…um… I have something to say." She said as she grabbed his sleeve trying to prepare herself. "What do you want to say?" He asked.

"Well…well… you...See…um have you eaten your meal completely?" she asked. He nodded "Yeah I have." He responded. She smiled "I'm glad." She replied. 'I'm sure that's not what she had in mind… Maybe I should help her.' Ryouta thought to himself.

"Kappei, my brother has something important to tell you." Ryouta announced which made Tomoya smile 'Smoove' he thought to himself. "Big brother?" She said in a confused tone. "She does?" Kappei asked. Ryouta nodded as he pushed Ryou towards Kappei "Go on." He said.

"Um Kappei..I..I…am…" She started. "Am?" he asked. "I'm…I'm …having a….baby" She finally let out. This caused the three boys to go wide eyed 'What the hell did I just hear' Tomoya thought to himself. He looked at Ryouta who was in utter shock and couldn't speak. "A baby?" Kappei asked in shock.

Kappei then let out a yell before looking at Ryouta "Big brother my foot… How could you… since when did you do that with Ryou, and I thought you was with Ryou's sister how could you betray her like that." Kappei said as he closed his eyes in shame.

"It's not me!" Ryouta exclaimed. Tomoya snickered at this which made Ryouta glare at him "It's not funny jerk you know this isn't true and why am I being picked shouldn't he be thinking it's you other than me?" Ryouta asked.

"But didn't you two… come to tell me that…?" Kappei asked. Ryouta shook his head "Eh, eh but… then who's?" Kappei asked. "Hey, hey what do you mean who's… you're the worst Kappei." Ryouta stated. Kappei gave him a confused look "But… I didn't do anything perverted… so you couldn't have one…" Kappei said which made the whole room go silent.

"Wait Ryou, you didn't do something like that… yet?" Tomoya asked. 'What chinks in the plan… no, I'm not even sure if there were holes in that lie to begin with...' Ryouta thought himself.

"…it's a lie, isn't it? I mean there's no way you could have one if we didn't… I was a bit surprised there…" Kappei said with a laugh. Ryou wasn't laughing instead she spoke again "Um… you see. While you were sleeping Kappei… I secretly… thought of something… is that not possible?" She asked.

"Eh? What's not possible, I don't what you're asking…" Kappei said in a hurry seeing the glance. "I want to have a baby. I want to have your baby, Kappei" Ryou stated. Kappei was stunned by these words "Ryou …?" He asked. "Get married, have a child and as a family… go to a lot of places, and create a lot of memories… I want to be with you more… I want you to embrace me! I want you to hold my hand tightly! I want to talk about a lot of things! I've been thinking a lot about us and the future. But I can't do anything on my own. It's a future that can't be granted in anyway if you're not beside me Kappei" She explained.

"Ryou…you thought of me… that far?" he asked. "Yes..." She answered. "I'm happy…I'm really happy… but taking the operation means… my leg will… Doing that, I'll definitely become a problem for…" he started but was cut off.

"Even if you lose your leg, you'll still have arms to hug me! That sort of warmth alone is enough for you to give me, I'll be next to you for support. I won't pull you in against your will. I won't push you on ahead. I want to be together with you… supporting each other and walking to places… please take the operation… if you don't agree with that… I… really will… do it…" Ryou started until she froze up.

"Do what?" Kappei asked. "I'll secretly do that while you're sleeping… Kappei." Ryou said which made Kappei think. "The operation?" He asked. "No…" she said. This made Ryouta and Tomoya's eyes go wide 'No way' Ryouta thought to himself.

"I'll secretly have your baby." She said which left everyone in shock. 'Ryou what are you doing? If you do that, Kyou is going to seriously kill me… but…If he makes you that happy… I won't stop you from making that decision.' Ryouta thought to himself.

Kappei was dumbfounded "Hey Kappei." Ryouta called out knowing the boy was in shock. "Oh, um, sorry, she said something quite impressive just now which left my head in panic." Kappei stated. "I'm sure she's serious. I know her well enough to know when she's being serious or not and what she said just now was serious." Ryouta stated.

"You're right…oh man… for Ryou to say something like that." He said as he dropped his shoulders feeling troubled. "By the way… I only have one parent. My mother died from an accident when I was little. That's why… I really can't remember her face. I guess I felt quite lonely… When I asked my father why my mother wasn't around… he gave a difficult face… I'm sure… if you don't agree with her, Fujibayashi will have that same painful face as well." Tomoya stated which made Ryou shocked and happy knowing he was helping.

"In the future, you'll be needed to being forth new life. It can't be anyone else other than you, because I'm giving you my blessing in having her hand." Ryouta said which left the room speechless. "I know you'll still need her mother and father's blessing but… you're the only one I'll accept to be with Ryou… I don't trust people when it comes to her dating, and besides, it's like you said, right? That it was cool with the tree characters in Ryou Hiiragi, yeah?" Ryouta said.

"Ryouta…you three are cruel… tell me all that so front up. Even though I want to say something back… I can't even find the words… I have to live… don't I? I really don't mind you guys." Kappei said finally giving up. "Ryou can you go to the nurse station, I'd like to have you call the doctor. There's a lot of things I'd like to ask." He stated with a smile. "Could that mean?" She asked.

"I'd like to ask if there's a chance I could work with things like a joint or bone implant. Okay Ryou?" He asked. Ryou nodded as her face turned red "Yes…" She replied. "Ryou Hiiragi, the tree character there is pretty cool." He said.

Ryou nodded "Yes, it's beautiful, it really is! I'll go get the doctor right now." With a smiling face and teary eyes, Ryou left the hospital room. "Looks like Ryou is about to cry." Kappei laughed. "That's your fault." Ryouta said.

"Yeah… it is…I didn't know… that there'd… be someone who needed me… Someone who wanted me. But besides that… tears when you're happy… Really do come out, don't they. When I was happy, when I was running, I never cried at all, It's strange" Kappei said. Tomoya looked at him "Isn't that fine?" He asked.

"Yeah…Thank you… I'm glad… that I met you… I really am… I'm not alone am I?" He asked with tears appearing in his eyes. "Of course not, having said that, regarding what you told Ryou just now… wasn't that a proposal?" Ryouta asked. Kappei nodded "Yeah, that was half my intention." Kappei replied.

"Geez even though she's still in school. I'm sure that Ryou is seriously thinking about accepting that." Ryouta explained. Kappei smiled and shook his hand "That would be great…and Ryouta, Tomoya… seriously thank you… Thank you so much."

Well that's chapter 11 Be ready for the next chapter review and let me know what you think.