Disclaimer: I don't own Clannad or any of its related materials except for my OCs.

Clannad – The Light In Your Heart

Climbing That Hillside Path… Together

May 2003

It had been over 3 months since that terrible accident and Aaron had been released from the hospital. While he was never in much danger the cold temperatures and water didn't help his condition as he rested his body.

Eventually he was released one day to the joy of his mother and his recovery was very swift, but the doctors insisted he stayed just to ensure that his hypothermia had all but been gone.

But now he groaned as he got out of bed and looked to the alarm clock on his nightstand which read 7 AM on the dot. Just at that moment his alarm went off like clockwork. He slammed his hand on the analog machine not wanting to deal with the nuisance of it's beeping.

Hikarizaka…

The town his mother had been raised in, and where her family were born and raised. Aaron couldn't help but be a little curious as to what life had been like for his Mom. Sure the sudden shift from America to Japan was shock, but it wasn't all bad.

Sure it wasn't the bustling streets of Atlanta, Georgia, but he had always wanted something quieter, more humble. And so that's where he found himself enrolled in the very high school his mother was an alumni…

Hikarizaka Private High School. His mom and dad told him stories about life in Japan, so he only hoped that the stories were true, but even then Aaron still had his doubts, but just from the beauty of the town he had high hopes.

After having a full shower, Aaron laid out his school uniform; a usual staple of Japanese schools which consisted of a light-colored jacket, white dress shirt with the school patch, red tie, blue dress pants, and finally small brown shoes which would be swapped with a paired of uwabaki to change.

And even to Aaron's happiness all the school allowed students to carry to school was one brown briefcase-bag to campus.

"Aaaah yes… no need to lug that heavy thing everywhere. And less to keep up with."

With everything set, Aaron headed downstairs and after having the leftover breakfast he mother made for him as well as the rice balls she made for his lunch. He headed outside and pumped himself up.

"Alright Carter… it's a new day, new school, and new people… You got this!" And with a slap of his cheeks he headed out as he cheered, "You can't blow it!" The sky was still with a bit of overcast, but Aaron never let the mundane get to him.

It was now 7:30 by the time he made it to the main hillside path that students had to take to reach the school grounds. But as he arrived he couldn't help but take in the sight before him.

"Oh my gosh…"

Before Aaron was a line of cherry blossom trees lining both sides of the path, the gentle breeze guided some of the petals to fall peacefully to the ground. The sheer beauty of the sight before alleviated some of the mundane blues that surrounded him.

Aaron, always the punctual one continued up the path towards the school continuing to take in the awe of the trees; such a peaceful sight was truly one for the eyes.

(Play Clannad OST – Dango Family – Instrumental)

But as Aaron was making his way up the path he then heard a voice to his right causing him to look over, "Blossom."

Aaron looked over to see that it was a girl who looked about his age. She had beautiful, long flowing silver hair with black band on top. She was wearing the girl's uniform of the same school he was from. He then heard her continue.

"Blossoms always signify something new, but eventually all things have an end. But should we accept it, if the end comes sooner then it should?" She said.

"Is she… talking to herself? Why do I feel like… I should know her… remember her?" Aaron thought as he heard the girl continue as she did Aaron began to feel the blues that once surrounded him fade away replaced by the light of the cheery trees.

"Even if those things were to end; can't new things bud from them? But won't those things come to an end too?" She said.

Feeling that such a question had an answer Aaron spoke up and replied, "Then protect those things you cherish."

The girl shocked to hear someone reply turned just as the wind blew, her hair flowed with it only accentuating her beauty along with that of the trees as many blossom petals fell around them some of them getting in both their hair.

"If something is important to you; then you have to protect it with everything you can muster. Have no regrets, no matter what." Aaron continued as the girl continued to look at him.

Eventually the wind died down and Aaron continued up the path looking over his shoulder at the girl, "Well, let's go. I don't think being lates' a popular thing."

The girl seemed in thought for a moment as she joined Aaron and replied, "Yes, lets."

And so the two of them walked together up the path towards the school…

"And so we begin… that long, long upward climb… side by side." Aaron thought in a somewhat… reminiscing tone.

And so began a journey for these two… one of rekindling lost memories… and healing bonds long since forgotten.

(End Clannad OST – Dango Family Instrumental)

Eventually both of them reached the school by 8 AM just shy of the deadline at 8:30. Aaron left the girl from before with a wave and goodbye as he headed for the main office. There he was greeted by a young secretary who pointed him to the principal's office.

Aaron knocked on the door and was greeted by a somewhat youthful voice, "Yes, come in."

Aaron entered and was greeted by the surprising sight of a rather youthful man in his early 30s wearing a gray suit, blue tie and an emblem of his lapel of the school's patch.

"Ah, you must our newest transfer, Aaron Carter, I believe it was?" The man inquired. To Aaron's surprise he knew English as well.

"Well this is… a shock." Aaron thought to himself hearing a Japanese man speaking fluent English. "Yes sir" Aaron spoke.

"Let me be the first to welcome you to Hikarizaka Private High, I'm Principal Motoharu, I've been expecting you." Motoharu offered Aaron his hand which he replied by giving a firm shake in return.

"It's my pleasure sir." Aaron replied.

After a small introduction about the school and what principles Aaron was meant to follow at his time here, Motoharu eventually offered Aaron to escort him to his classroom personally.

"I heard about your unfortunate accident you got involved in before you had registered with us. I must say I was shocked when I heard the news but Hearing of your courage I was quite moved. I've had many students both good and bad come through here young man, but I think you'll fit in just fine." Eventually they reached the 3-D classroom where Aaron was assigned.

Aaron bowed respectfully, "Thank you sir, I hope I won't disappoint."

"I hope your first day goes swimmingly. If you have questions, just come visit my office." And with that Motoharu left as Aaron opened the door to his new classroom.

"Here we go… the class I'll have for my last high school years. And the one I'll be graduating from. Just two semesters… and that'll be it."

By this time it was 8:10, Aaron made his way into the classroom and eventually found himself a seat by the window by the last desk on the farthest left side of the room. A few minutes later, other students began to file inside and while they too made their way to their desks or mingled among friends they noticed this new, unfamiliar face in their class.

Aaron, now well-versed in the Japanese language from the many lessons of his mother could hear their whispered questions about him.

"Do you recognize that guy from last year? I don't…"

"Is he a transfer, you think?"

"He doesn't look Japanese, you think he…"

"Yes, for your information I can speak fluent Japanese, also I'm half-Japanese on my mother's side." Aaron answered without looking. He then out of curiosity looked to see that nearly all of the class was now staring at him.

"Great, just great Carter… now everyone probably thinks you're a jerk… Aaah, I'm screwing up big time!"

Just Aaron had his head buried in his arms, he was then side tracked by the soft voice of a girl.

"Uhm, excuse me?"

He looked up to see a rather short, purple haired girl greet him as she nervously had her hands in front of her chest as her blue eyes stared down at him.

However before either of them were able to continue some voices sounded off, "Hey, new guy! Whatever you do don't make the Class Rep cry!"

"Yeah, you don't want to make her sister angry!"

"N-no, I'm not crying!" The girl, the class representative Aaron now knew replied in surprise.

"Looks like she gets put through the ringer about that. Even I'd probably be nervous around someone who's essentially a stranger. Better to play this right and not make her upset…"

Aaron got up and bowed slightly introducing himself, "My name Carter Aaron, it's nice to meet you."

The girl replied in kind, "Mine is Fujibayashi Ryou, the class representative of 3-D." The girl, Ryou replied.

"Oh, good thing I didn't mess that part up…"

"Well I'm glad you were on time for your first day Carter-san." Ryou said.

"Thanks, I just got here from America. So I didn't want to be late and cause a scene or make my country look bad…" Revealing his place of origin now made the class go in an uproar as the commotion of conversation spread throughout the classroom.

"You know now that I look at him, he does look a bit different…"

"Yeah, he's got a much tanner complexion…"

"His Japanese is pretty good.."

"Oh, come on; does no one in this classroom know English?" Aaron asked in Japanese.

He was only greeted with side-to-side nods indicating none of them knew his native tongue.

"Oh, you got to be kidding me…" He lamented.

Aaron then looked up to see that Ryou's eyes began to water slightly, but from behind her hands she had a slight smile showing her to be happy instead of upset.

"Um, are you okay?" Aaron asked wondering if he had actually done something wrong.

"I-I-It's just that… I've never met someone from outside Japan before. It's so exciting to meet an American for the first time!"

Just as Ryou said her last word, a book suddenly came flying and with Aaron's good instincts he heard it woosh by and dodged the book flying at him. But then Aaron saw a girl with similarly colored hair began stomping towards him with pure anger in her look as she grabbed him by his tie.

"Hey punk! You gotta a lot of nerve making my sister cry like that!"

"No sis, he wasn't being mean to me I swear! I was just introducing myself to him!"

The other girl who not Ryou then let Aaron go as he fell back into his seat.

"Huh, I've never seen this guy before. He doesn't look like trouble like two others we know."

"He's a transfer student from America. His name is Carter Aaron." Ryou introduced the still dazed Aaron.

"Hmm, an American huh…? You know what Ryou; you should read his fortune. Well I'm headed off to class, see ya." And with that the not-Ryou walked out.

Just as Aaron was watching her leave he saw her look over and shoulder and wink at him. "What the…?"

"Are you alright Carter? You weren't hurt were you?" Ryou asks with concern.

"No… not much just manhandled was all. And what did your sister mean by reading my fortune?" Aaron inquired.

"Oh, my hobby is fortune telling! Would you like me to read your fortune by chance?" She offered.

Aaron looked at the clock in the classroom and saw it was 8:15 and the teacher still wasn't in so, why not? Ryou took out her deck of cards and showed them to Aaron and asked him to pick out three random ones.

After doing so, he gave them back to her and she looked at them: The Ace of Spades, a Seven of Hearts, and a Jack of Clubs. After looking at the cards Ryou seemed to have a smile on her face.

"Well… what is it?" Aaron asked.

As Ryou smiled she answered, "It says today you'll meet someone important in your life, and that something new will begin for you and from there your life will change drastically."

"I see… I guess that's more than promising." Aaron smiled back as Ryou returned the rest of the cards to her deck.

"Oh that girl from before was my sister, her name is Kyou and like me she's the Class Representative of 3-E. She's very nice, but she's rather defensive when it comes to me. I'm sorry for before." Ryou apologized.

"It's fine, water under the bridge." Aaron reiterated.

It was then the door opened again and a blue-haired boy came through. And sat in the desk just in front of Aaron's. Being the good class representative Ryou approached the boy and talked to him. From what Aaron could hear the boy's last name was Okazaki.

As he let them continue on, Aaron looked outside to the bright, rising sun as he thought to himself, "So far I've made one new friend, her name's Ryou Fujibayashi; the class representative who also has a sister who's VERY overprotective of her. Just thinking back to that encounter, what was that weird wink for?"

"But that class rep, Ryou told me my fortune; that I'd meet someone important who would be important in my life, that something new would happen to me and that someone would enter my life and change everything. A rather… interesting fortune I'd have to say…"

"Something tells me, I'm going to be in for quote the roller coaster…"

But Aaron's thoughts were interrupted by another commotion; this time from the Okazaki guy as Ryou's sister this time had him by the tie and this time seemed to get onto him for harassing her sister.

After awhile she let him go after Ryou seemed to clear everything up, while Aaron wanted to ask what was going on he got the idea from how he had been man-handled.

Finally the bell signaling lunch time also signaled that Aaron had made through his first half of classes. In the beginning he had to formally introduce himself to his classmates (although he had already done that way earlier), he told them his hobbies and likes and that was about it.

As Aaron headed outside to find a more quiet place to eat; he found himself near the sports field as he found a good spot to finally enjoy his Mom's lunch. However just as he was about to cow down he was interrupted by the sound of motorbike engines dominating the quiet air.

While Aaron wasn't inherently a fighter by nature; he never was one for those who picked on others or did what they saw fit because they thought they were bigger than someone else. He set his lunch and milk carton aide and removed his jacket as he went to confront the bikers but as he did he saw the same silver-haired girl from before walking towards them.

"Come on Aaron… come on… You don't have to get involved! Don't go bein' a hero!"

Despite his internal conflict with himself Aaron continued on as he joined in confronting the thugs. He didn't know if this was some sort of school rivalry or if these were just thugs trying to cause trouble, but if there was one thing his father taught him it was always to stand up for what was right…

The thugs then noticed Aaron as the girl tried to lecture them to leave peacefully, but they refused as they revved their bike's engines…

"I'll get the guy; the rest of you get the girl!" The thug leader ordered his minions as they surged forward with their bikes toward the two.

The silver-haired girl jumped and with an incredible speed delivered a volley of kicks at the bikers not only destroying their bikes but kicking the biker's butts as well.

The leader charged at Aaron who rolled out of the way, Aaron had his jacket in his hand almost like matador; using his jacket to taunt the biker gang leader.

"Come on, that all you got! I was expecting to be scared!" Aaron taunted as he waved his uniform jacket at the biker.

The leader growled as he revved his engine once more and came charging straight at Aaron, who to the shock of the students watching gracefully dodged the biker who kept riding.

"Hah, what's that supposed to do? Blind me with stupidity?!" The leader taunted.

"No, it's to make you look stupid!" Aaron pointed straight ahead as the leader turned and saw he was headed straight for the fence of the sports field and with no room to stop or maneuver was sent flying over the fence crashing his bike and ending up face first in the dirt.

The biker leader stood up as he nursed his bleeding nose, "Y-you'll pay for this! You'll be sorry you messed with us!"

The biker leader then called his other goons back as they picked up the wreckage of their bikes and left with their tails between their legs.

With the peace restored, Aaron went back to his lunch spot as he heard cheers coming from some of the other students. Although it had not been his intention to get any attention on him he supposed this was only natural.

Just as he was about to return to his meal; he was interrupted by a voice which called out to him, "Hey, you."

He looked up to see the same girl as before was now in front of him.

"Yes, who are you?" Aaron asked.

"Why did you get involved in that just now? I had that situation under control." She said.

Aaron, a bit turned off that he still hadn't been able to eat yet replied, "Look can't I at least eat in peace first before I'm dragged off to the office for fighting? I'm starving here."

"Hmm, I suppose so. Go ahead, I'll wait." She said as she found herself sitting on the same bench as him.

With that Aaron got to enjoying his mother's rice balls which he filled with his favorite filling, yakiniku-pork.

After finishing the rice balls and downing his milk carton. He put away his trash to which then he turned and face the girl from before.

"So what is it that you wanted?" Aaron turned back to the girl by his side. "Are you here to drag me off for fighting?"

"No, I just wanted to ask why you interfered. I could've taken those guys by myself." She said.

"I've never been one for those who throw their weight around like bullies. Besides it's… not how my Dad or Mom raised me to just sit back when people are doing things that're wrong." Aaron replied.

"I see.. so you're just me." The girl answered. "Do you… remember me by chance?" She inquired.

"Huh?" Aaron then turned and looked at her remembering just earlier that morning. "Oh yeah, under the cherry blossom trees. I never got your name, sorry for that."

"It's fine, mine's Sakagami Tomoyo of Class 2-B I'm a junior, and you?" She asked.

"Carter. Carter Aaron of Class 3-D a senior, nice to meet you Sakagami." Aaron answered again.

"I have to say that whole "Matador" act was kind of funny. Given how stupid some of these thugs are they really can fall for stuff like that." She complimented.

"And you've got quite the mean kick on you. I couldn't even see you move. Well, given I was dealing with my own battle of course." Aaron replied.

"So… I had to ask you something. When you saw a girl like me going out there to confront those thugs… what were you thinking?" Tomoyo asked.

"Hmm?" Aaron thought about it for a moment until he replied, "I thought you were someone who was good. Someone who doesn't let others wreck the peace of this school. I mean good people come in all forms; big and small, weak and strong. But of all the people here it was you that stood up to those thugs and kept the peace. It says a lot about you of you ask me."

Tomoyo was quite surprised by Aaron's reply, "Hmm, he is quite interesting. To think he's the one who… But still I have to say you dealt with that just as well and in a much more… non-violent way I suppose. Also forgive me for asking, but where are you from? You mentioned this as your first day?"

"Yeah, just moved here a few months ago from Georgia with my Mom." Aaron replied.

"So why this town?" Tomoyo asked.

Aaron gave a solemn sigh as he looked to the sky as if remembering something.

"Oh… is it… personal? I'm sorry for prying." Tomoyo apologized.

"No, no it's fine really." Aaron assuaged her worries. "Long story short, this town was where my Mom and her family were raised, it was also where my Dad met my Mom as well. After getting married, the moved to back to my Dad's home some years later. After they had me… my Dad had an… accident. We eventually moved here a few years later."

"I'm sorry… I shouldn't have asked such a personal question." Tomoyo apologized again.

"No seriously it's just fine. Like I said it happened years ago…" Aaron said trying to assuage her, but was it really her he was talking to?

"Well thanks for the company Sakagami. But I think it's almost time to get back to class, so I think we should get going don't you think?" Aaron said trying to change the conversation.

"Ah, yes lets." Tomoyo agreed as the two began to head back to their respective classes however they got held up when a loud yell reverberated across the hall.

"Hey you! The one who chased off those bikers stop!" The two turned to see a blonde haired boy, Youhei Sunohara and Tomoya Okazaki whom Aaron recognized both from his class confronting Tomoyo.

After one explanation…

"Faked it?" Tomoyo seemed… not very shocked? I mean if you were there anyone could testify to what Tomoyo did. But something told Aaron that Youhei was someone who wasn't easily convinced.

"Yeah, there's no one a girl can beat a guy. I bet you paid them so that you could gain popularity. Or maybe you didn't offer money, something else perhaps? Maybe you're the type of girl who offers her 'you know what?'" Youhei proposed.

"Wow… just… wow that's… just ignorant. I feel bad for Okazaki all of a sudden. At least he seemed conflicted with this."

Aaron could also hear the students gossiping and whispering around them.

"Who are those guys?" One girl asked.

"Delinquent seniors; I think their names are Sunohara and Okazaki." Another answered.

"Delinquents?"

"This is your day; I wasn't going to fight any of the students at this school. But I guess I'll have to make an exception just for you." Tomoyo replied.

"Oh, you're so cute bluffing like that. I'll bet your knees are quaking… I bet you even got the new kid there involved too, or maybe you offered him some of that 'you know what'?" Sunohara continued to taunt which only further angered Tomoyo.

"Dude, I'm gonna say this one for your own good. Shut up, you wanna be Swiss cheese?" Aaron tried to get through to Youhei but the blonde lived up to the stereotype and refused to listen.

"Aah, look that he's already going to bat for you. Now I know you must be chicken." Sunohara continued on.

"Carter, stay out this. I just want to make sure this is self-defense, come at me." Tomoyo taunted back simply as she beckoned Youhei to come at her.

"Huh, don't be to sure of yourself." Sunohara said as he readied a fighting stance. Tomoyo did so as well as she hopped in place readying herself to kick.

"Give it up!" Youhei charged preparing to throw a punch.

Aaron then heard Okazaki explain, "It was just then I remembered… in this town there was a rumor about a beautiful girl who beat up dumb guys who picked on people weaker then them. At least that's the story I heard." Okazaki finished after Tomoyo had already finished off Youhei with a flurry of kicks.

"I wish you'd told me that earlier…" Sunohara said in pain as he laid out on the floor.

"And don't come back. Carter, see you later." Tomoyo left Aaron with a simple goodbye as she walked to her class.

"Tomoyo Sakagami huh?"

"Beautiful; yet powerful and fierce. But something tells me just like this morning… there's another side to her I've not seen. Who knows though…?"

"All I know is… it seems Ryou's fortune was coming true. I did at least meet someone new. One part down… two to go."

"Something tells me… this town is going to be interesting."

AN#1 – Well welcome to the first chapter of my new Clannad story, The Light In Your Heart", in this chapter Aaron starts his first day of High School and already finds himself going from peaceful day to now probably the talk of the schoolyard.

Along the way he meets a girl by the way of Tomoyo Sakagami, and for some reason… he can't help but admire her…

And now is just the first step… in a long, long journey.

I hope you'll stay tuned for more to come!

AN#2 – I hope you guys will join me in this new story of mine. So please don't forget to leave reviews and also follow and favorite as well too!

AN#3 – Remember I wouldn't be here without you guys! Remember to Favorite, Follow and Review! :)