Life Will Change Book 2

Chapter 16: The Author's Secret

Begin

~Normal POV

8/3 - Thursday

It took some time, but they'd stormed Natsume's castle, and reached the roof as fast as they could. The hazy pink cloud was hovering in the birdcage-like structure. But this area wasn't open; the top of the tower was in the cage and there was a door before them. No guards were present. And they had seen no sign of Natsume's Shadow. Good enough for them; at least they never got captured in this Jail. This door likely led to his throne room.

"This birdcage..." Makoto said, looking around. "It's just like the one back in Shibuya."

"Does that mean Natsume is in there," Ryuji asked.

"I'd be willing to bet." Akira answered. "But something tells me it's not gonna be as easy as simply busting down the door."

"You assume correctly, Joker," Sophia said. "The cage is locked. We'll need someone to touch the barrier so we can hear the voices in his heart."

"Ok then... Skull?" Ann said.

"Huh?!"

"Panther is right," Yusuke admitted. "You've experienced it before, so you're better prepared than any of us. You're the ideal candidate." Ryuji gave them both an unamused look.

"I'm sorry, Skull..." Haru said, sympathetically. "They do make a good point... Here, I'll be ready to pull you away if it gets to be too much."

Ryuji groaned and conceded. "Fine... At least buy me a bowl of ramen or something once we're done..."

"I could do it if you want," Sophia asked.

"It's cool, I got it." Ryuji didn't want their friend to get hurt just for his sake.

He stepped forward and touched the invisible barrier with one hand this time. He grunted in severe pain, but kept his hand in place so they could hear. Haru stayed close to him just in case he collapsed. Just like in Shibuya, touching the barrier had turned on a recording of sorts. There were a few male voices talking to each other.

"Sheesh, you'd think someone his age would have at least SOME talent..."

"Like it matters. This kid's gonna make us a fortune..."

"Sir, try to keep your voice down. He'll be back any minute."

"Oh, come off it. Can you really blame me for complaining? I'm the one who has to read his crap every day."

"The kid's got motivation, but that's about all he's got. Seems any talent for writing in that family died with his grandfather- Oh, excuse me, can I get another Gatorre Coffee?"

"Yes sir, just a moment."

"Well, he's still our little money tree. No way in hell we're letting him go."

"You're terrible, sir..."

"What's... What's going on here?"

Ryuji yanked his hand away from the barrier. "YOW! Damn, this shit hurts."

Haru examined his injured hand. "This one doesn't leave marks either, at least."

"But thanks to you, we've managed to hear a good amount," Yusuke commented.

"Yeah, it sounded like some kinda café," Ryuji said.

"One of them said Gatorre Coffee."

"Gatorre is the name of a café chain," Haru added, helpfully. "But I don't think I saw any around Sendai station."