Clannad
In Our Early Days
Chapter 5
Fate Steps In
Her second home, the library.
She learned everything and anything by this very room, but this place is more important to her then books, it's a place where she met Tomoya.
The childhood friend.
The one that always spend time of her.
Who defend her when bullies harass her.
The same boy, who grew up into a man that help her overcome her fears of making friends and talking to people, the one she grew to love.
But life isn't always like happy endings from books; she realized it when Tomoya made the decision to be with Nagisa. She felt same pain that Ryou , Kyou and Tomoyo felt in that tennis court, all she could do is watch him walk away of Nagisa… walking from her love, the small boy gone.
"Kotomi…" Tomoya put his hand on her shoulder.
She looked up at him.
"You been staring at the Library door for 10 minutes now," he took deep breath. "Are you sure you want to go through with this?" he asked with a concerned face.
Kotomi stared at him, then at the door, and then finally nodded.
Tomoya nodded as he slid the door open only for it to crash onto the floor.
Kotomi eyes widen, as all she could see the library room, her second home, no more.
"I'm sorry Kotomi, this place meant much to you, to us for that matter,"
"It's alright, I was prepared from the beginning," she responded and she proceeds to walk in, but stop as Tomoya grabbed her hand.
"Hold on Kotomi. Remember want we all agreed on? No going to places where it's completely dangerous to be in. This area is breaking down as it is, we shouldn't even be in this wing to begin with," Tomoya warned.
"I have to do this Tomoya, please let me go…"
Tomoya sighed as he let go of her hand.
"Thank you for understanding."
The woman enters the room carefully as she heard the floors start to crack.
Just be careful where you step," Tomoya followed her. "The floors could break any min…" Tomoya was interrupted as his whole body crash through the broken floor and landed in the room below.
"Tomoya," Kotomi knelt down over the hole he just made to see him laying down on the floor, facing up towards her. "Are you ok?"
She saw the man gave her the thumbs up sign.
"I'm fine… I landed on something soft." Tomoya looked what was beneath him. "Oh hey Sunohara thanks for breaking my fall," he chuckled.
"I hate you…" Youhei manage to hiss out him.
Kotomi smiled to herself.
I miss this, all of this, just spending time with my friends without a care in the world. It been years, since I been away from them, this town. My home where my parents raised me… my parents who loved me, my parents who left me…
She shook her head and wiped the tears away.
Is this a world… really a world that I will enjoy in? I choose to continue my parent's research, during that time, I spend many nights away from here… unhappy.
Ako?
Was I happy, wife, and mother?
A chapter hidden in Kotomi and Tomoya's heart opened.
The Message
Kotomi smiled to herself as she place her violin in its cased and placed it on top of her desk in her room. She had a great time playing in front of everyone for the second time in front yard of her house. The very same front yard that used to be wilted waste land, turned back into a beautiful garden she remembered when she was child, the same field that Tomoya and the others helped restore.
"Kotomi-chan. Come on, we are going to miss the movie!" Tomoya called out.
The dark blue hair girl looked out her window and saw her friends waiting for her waving.
She nodded then turned away to see a light blue haired girl closed to her age at her doorway of her room.
"Excuse me, but why are you in my house?" Kotomi asked.
"I have a message for you... my name is Okazaki Ako, I'm your daughter from the future..."
Kotomi eyes widen when she heard the worlds coming from the girl's mouth.
This strange girl, who goes by the name of Ako, looked exhausted and unwell. Her eyes heavy, and her skin pale, like she never been outside in the sun at all. She wore a white lab coat that appears more as a fashion appearance accessory then actual practical use. But it was her pair ribbons that got the most attention from her, they are the same as hers.
"You, are my daughter from my future?" Kotomi asked putting a finger on her chin and started to think.
The girl giggled.
"I miss that, your 'thinking pose' that is," Ako gave a half smile through her tired expression.
Kotomi looked back at the girl, and examine her closely.
She did in fact have many of the same characteristics from herself, and has some of the characteristics from Tomoya. Though, it was still hard to believe. She had a hard time understanding her parents research as it is, and yet would it be possible for someone to time travel? There were many factors and variables to consider.
"I'm sorry," Kotomi shook her head. "However I have a hard time believing you time travel from my future," Kotomi question softy.
Ako thought of a moment putting a finger on her chin, the same exact pose as Kotomi.
"Well it's more accurate if I said I was from one of your futures, for that matter. I never truly understand it myself, but I sure to say that I didn't really time travel I just jump worlds. Sorry for being misleading, I just thought it would make a cool entrance," she answered with a devious grin.
"So you are from the other world?" Kotomi asked with a large hint of excitement.
Ako nodded.
"Yes, that's why I'm here; I came here to give you a message, a warning for that matter. I don't have much time to explain, I risking a rift between worlds as it stand, so you have no choice but to trust me," Ako begged.
Kotomi looked in the desperation in Ako weary eyes, and she nodded.
"Listen close, I've been travelling in many worlds to bring you a warning. So far you would be the 17 Kotomi I am speaking with. You are thinking of continuing your parents work correct? If not then there's no point telling you, so are going to continue your family's research?" Ako asked.
"I've been thinking of it…."
"That's not good enough," Ako interrupted. "If I'm correct, this world maybe the center point of your other worlds. So I need to know, are you going to continue your family's research?" she asked again stepping forward closer to her.
"Yes… it's been on my mind for a long time now," Kotomi answered,
Ako sighed in relief as she put her hand on her chest.
"Ok good. Listen Kotomi... I mean oka-sama (1) . I'm not here to tell you to stop what you are doing, and don't continue with your family's research. In fact I really encourage it, I always remember you telling me bed time stories about how worlds are out there, your eyes always light up when you talk about it," Ako beamed, the she paused and shook her head. "Sorry I'm getting of topic, the message." Ako stepped forward towards Kotomi in front of her motioning that she going to whisper to her.
Kotomi stepped forward leaning her ear.
"In 8 years from now, you manage to create a device that let you see into a single another world. However there is a miscalculation during the first test and instead of only seeing into the world. It actually makes a pathway connecting the two worlds together, making it possible to enter in that world, or someone from that world entering yours. During that first test, a creature manage to enter to my world… and that's when everyone lives started to change." she whispered in Kotomi ears.
"Change?" Kotomi whispered back.
"Yes… change. This creature, started to infect people, starting from your research team, then it got out in this town. The infection was some sort of DNA mutation, granting some… unusually powers."
"Unusually Powers?"
"Yes, powers such as flight, or super strength, something you might read from a manga. In my world, I soon discovered that someone from your research team was the one that released the creature in the first place. We don't know who, yet. But when the creature started to infect the people, it didn't only give their powers, but it also infected their will power, mind. It started to change them, for the worse." she answered.
Kotomi shook her head trying to understand all the information.
"Is this feet even possible?" Kotomi asked.
Ako sighed and put on her hands on Kotomi shoulders.
"Listen Kotomi, this is possible. That's why I need to warn you, during your research, that person who released that creature into my world… murdered you," tears run down Ako's eyes.
Kotomi eyes widen.
"I'm murdered?" she gasped trying not to faint from the news.
Ako nodded.
"We don't know who, however their maybe a chance to save you oka-sama!" Ako gave her a hug. "My future is already set in stone, but I don't like the fact if another you is murdered, and another me suffering. That's why I'm travelling across others worlds to bring warning and hope. Now listen close oka-sama… many years from now, you might come across by a man by the name of Hiiragi Kappei. When you do, give him this message," she then whispered in Kotomi ear, after that she took a step back from her. "Do you understand? You must tell him what I said to you," Ako asked.
With one long look, she finally nodded.
Ako smiled then took a device from her pocket the pointed towards the bed room door and press a button on it forming a portal.
"It's time for me to go oka-sama," she turned and walked towards the portal. "Oka-sama, I love you, I wish you the best," she jumped into the portal. There was a flash of light that blinded Kotomi for a few seconds then when her vision became to focus again; she was alone in her room.
A surge of emotions filled her heart. She felt fear when the girl called Ako from the future warning her about her murder, but she also felt excitement when there was a world where she was married to Tomoya and has a daughter. She also felt heartbroken knowing that same daughter in a future, had no mother that is there for her. She knew how it was like not having any parents, she grew up alone too, and the fact that history is repeating itself for her very own daughter made her feel heavy. Even if she did alter the time, by saving herself, would that change the future of the Ako she just met? No, it wouldn't, it will only affect a different Ako's future, and the Ako see will know will still be lonely.
Hopeless may be the best word for her right now.
"Hey Kotomi, sorry to barge in, but Kyou kept harassing me to get you," Tomoya knocked before entering her room. He notice that Kotomi started to cry. "Hey what's wrong Kotomi-chan?" he asked. "Is it because of the…" he got interrupted as Kotomi shook her head.
"No, I just happy that I finally have friends," she avoided the question. "I have you to thank for that Tomoya-kun, you… are special to me," she smiled at him.
Tomoya chuckled timidly; he honestly had no idea how to respond to that, all he could do is just smile and place his hand on the top of her head.
"You're special too," he replied. "Come on lets go, we don't want to let the others waiting," he added.
***
The movie that Kotomi and friends were going to see was a sci-fi flick that had to do with time travel, and alternate worlds. Irony is perhaps a word best to describe God's sense of humor, if you believe in God that is. The movie storyline involved a scientist daughter searching for her mother; she found a way to go back in time. Along the way she finds clues and puzzles that her mother left behind, clues to find her mother is.
Kotomi knew this was some sort of sign, or even if she didn't like using this word, fate. During the whole movie she was absorbed into the daughter character, how she went through many countless trials to find her mother.
How many countless trials did my daughter, Ako, go through in order to find me?
Was she alone?
Did she lose hope along the way?
All these questions and more flowed into her mind all at once, it started to overwhelm her. She could still remember the exhausted and heartrending expression on Ako face when she said good bye to her and said she loved her. Ako must have done this with the other Kotomi's in other worlds. Telling the bad news, and saying good bye to a woman that was eventually going to be ripped away from her in the future. Murder that is.
Then she remembers the name of Hiiragi Kappei, a man that Ako said that is able to save her life. She never even heard of the name before, nor even come across a man by that name. The message that Ako whispered in her very ear still running its course of her mind, it's strange how among her many friends, a stranger would save her life.
Before she even realize, the movie was over.
"Hey Kotomi-chan," Tomoya who sat beside put his hand on her shoulder. "The movie is over, we going to head out. We're might grab some to eat after," he said.
She replies with a nod.
***
"Man! That movie was awesome, it had everything I wanted in a movie," Kyou raised her arms in the air stretching after the long movie. "My only beef if the movie is the ending, I hate cliff hangers," she groan. "At least it's not as bad as that American movie I saw a few nights ago…" she sighed.
Her sister turned towards her.
"You're still upset about that movie onee-chan?" Ryou asked titling her head slightly
"Of course I'm upset, what's the point of having a movie about The Shooting of SFK if they don't reveal who did it. A waste of two hours," she complained.
The others laughed as they continue to walk down the street towards Unlucky Star, a famous café. Many stories, behind this famous hot spot of love, as many successful couples will say.
The people who choose this location, is pretty obvious.
"Unlucky Star…" Tomoya read the sign. "Wait Kyou, why did you bring us here?" he asked.
Kyou smirked.
"It has everything we love!" she gave her usually devious grinned.
"Great hot coffee," she pointed at Tomoya who just shrugged his shoulders.
"Fresh Chi-chi Dango," she pointed Nagisa, who crew into a huge smile. "Don't do to the song!" she snapped. And Nagisa smile quickly turned into a sad face.
"Reading material," she pointed at an unusually quieter Kotomi, who just gave a half smile. "Hey Kotomi-chan, is there something wrong?" Kyou asked.
"No," Kotomi shook her head.
"Okay then," she continue on.
"A chance to find love," Kyou pointed at her litter sister, Ryou eyes widen and she blush putting her head down in embarrassment. "So that's settles things then."
While the others were enjoying their time relaxing, Kotomi was still deep in thought, on the whole matter. Slowly drifted off into her own mind like she usually does, cutting her from society. She didn't even listen to most of the conversations her friends were having. Tomoya the one who been by her side the whole day notice that how upset she is.
And then the sun started to set.
***
"You girls, go on ahead. I'm going to make sure Kotomi goes home safe," Tomoya announced, the others nodded and left their own ways.
He sighed as he watches the girls fade in the distance in the night.
"So, is there something on your mind Kotomi-chan?" he asked while setting down on a nearby bench. Kotomi sat down beside him.
"Tomoya-kun, do you believe in fate?" she asked.
"Fate?" he paused for a moment. "To tell you the truth I haven't thought on it much, I just usually live my life day by day," he answered. "What is this about?" he asked.
"I've been thinking on the day we met in the library in school, lost childhood friends becoming reunited again," she paused. "It seems strange, it feels like we're met to be cross paths again," she explained.
"So you are saying that us meeting that day is fate?" Tomoya asked.
The girl shook her head.
"I don't know, perhaps. Idon't believe it is a coincidence that we met. For example, let's say we haven't met that day, would I be alone without any friends today? You help me make friends Tomoya, so it's hard to believe that fate doesn't totally exist, yet it's hard to believe we have no control of our future," she answered.
"I… have no idea Kotomi. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy we're friends again. But I try not to think of the future so much, my present life is annoying as it is," Tomoya sighed. "But what made you think of this all of the sudden," he asked.
"I've been thinking of continuing my parent's research, it's been on my mind for quite some time. However, something happen to me that made me thinks otherwise, a dilemma that is."
"Like what? Having doubts,"
"Not precisely like that, however I have a feeling that thus road may lead to turmoil, and I don't think I have a choice in the matter."
"Don't be dumb!" Tomoya raised his voice making Kotomi startle for a moment.
"We always have a choice; it was your choice to come with me to make friends Kotomi. It was also your choice to keep on trying to make friends. I was there yes, but it was you alone that made a decision to make friends. You have control of your life, no one else," he shouted.
"I have control of my life…" she whispered to herself.
The chapters hidden in the hearts of Kotomi and Tomoya's remained opened
(Present)
She stood in the Library smiling to herself as many more fond memories fill her heart. It's been years since she started to continue from what her parents with off, the transfer overseas to America from Japan didn't start off well. She had having a hard time understanding, or getting used to for that matter, the customs and rules of a different country. The research on the other hand, had better results, during her time in America; she came across a gentleman who was in fact during the same research as her. Even more surprising the man was the son of one of her parents' friends and they were part of their research team.
Shorty after a few years together researching for the same goal, the two eventually starting dating. They were both shy at first, since they have no idea how relationships really work other than reading about it in books. It was clumsy at first; resulting in some embarrassing moments that sometimes lead into embarrassing injuries. She smiled to herself when she remember her first kiss with him is the same day he broke his leg with the after effects of the kiss; he tripped over his own feet and fell and rolled down a hill. There was also the time when the first time they almost made love when he accidently hit his head on the headboard of the bed knocking him out, resulting him having a mild concussion.
The best part of it is… that she always has control of her life and not yet fate control it.
She giggles to herself, as she carefully walked out of the Library.
"Good bye," she said as she bowed in front of the room and close the room with what's left of the door.
"Excuse me," a voice called to her.
Kotomi turned to see a young light brunette hair man wearing a paramedic uniform stood in front of her.
"I'm looking for my girlfriend, her name is Fujibayashi Ryou. She has short violet hair with a white ribbon on the right side," he described.
Kotomi nodded.
"Yes, she one of my friends, I think she in the Reference Room," she answered.
"I see. I'm afraid I have no idea where that is, this school is huge so I got lost a couple of times," he sighed scratching the back of his head. "I wanted to surprise her since; I know this school is special to her and she has a gathering of her friends here for a reunion, which explains how I come across you," he added with a smile.
Kotomi smiled.
"So you're Ryou boyfriend." she smiled.
He nodded.
"Oh yes, I guess I haven't introduce myself yet, how rude of me. My name is Hiiragi Kappei, please to meet you," he bowed.
Kotomi eyes widen.
Fate manage to creep in afterall.
"Is there something wrong?" he asked when he notices Kotomi in shock.
Kotomi shook her head.
"My name is Ichinose Kotomi; I have a message for you…"(2)
To be continue
Preview of the next chapter.
The two stare at each other and remained quiet for the longest time. She could feel and see the hate in his eyes and he stared down at her, she deserved it. How she treated him, and how she played with his heart, yet he was still there for her when she needed someone. Ryou asked her the question that still plagues her heart during the time she dated him and since he broke up with her.
"Do you really love Sunohara as Sunohara? Or do you love him because you think of Sunohara as Okazaki?"
Thinking back on it, she made a mistake.
A mistake, that caused more psychological damage towards Sunohara then she can't even understand.
How in the world am I going to explain to him about my true feelings if he kept shutting them out? Kyou thought.
"Youhei please talk to me…" Kyou plead.
"Sure… let me tell you the story of my childhood, where I failed everyone, and how I met my 'other self' and how he was created," he gave her a cold stare making Kyou feel really uncomfortable
A/N
Sorry for the long wait for chapter 5, since we had to rewrite Kotomi's arc.
That and we have been busy, with school, work and life.
Since Chapter 4 was actually 2 chapters in one. It made it longer then it should be, so we might consider avoiding adding two chapters in one again, unless you want to read a long chapter.
(1) Oka-sama is a formal way of addressing your mother.
(2) Yes, yes I know about time paradox. Since Kotomi is not with Tomoya, thus Ako is not born into Kotomi world( her world) then theres no point and giving the message right?
Well if you agree. Then let me ask you this question.
Would you honesty risk not giving it?