Life Will Change Book 2

Chapter 43: Konoe's Motive

Begin

~Normal POV

8/25 - Friday

It took no time at all to reach the birdcage when they returned to the Jail today. As it turned out, Konoe had been doing an interview yesterday and that was what impeded their progress. They even watched the interview after getting back, but nothing in it was anything new. It was mainly Konoe inflating his own ego and bad-mouthing them again.

"A birdcage... So this place has one too," Ryuji said.

"But why would Konoe's Jail possess one?" Yusuke asked. "Is he not the mastermind behind all this?"

"That's what I've been trying to figure out since we got here." Akira said, thoughtfully. "It doesn't make any damn sense... He created these Jails, he used the other Monarchs for all they were worth. And he knows the only thing that kept them in line was the birdcage system. Why would he willingly trap himself in one too? Using his own trauma?"

"It might have been necessary to make the Jail," Morgana answered. "I can see that being justifiable in his mind."

"Then that means he has a Trauma Cell, and we're gonna have to find it," Ann said.

"And there's only one way to do that." Akira added. "I could do it this time, if you want-"

"Nah, let me do it." Zenkichi said, smiling. "I could use the experience."

They were a little apprehensive about letting him do such a thing, but didn't protest. He wasn't going to back down when he set his mind to it.

"Good luck," Ann said, "And make sure you don't let go right away."

Zenkichi approached the cage and touched the invisible barrier with one hand. He immediately cried out in agony, but managed to keep his hand in place. The recording of voices started up for them. It sounded like two men talking.

"Abuse...? Please, that's ridiculous. We do have a dog. Maybe that's what they heard? Right, Akira?"

"Whether it was your dog or not, Konoe-san, we got a tip that you've been physically abusing your son. Apparently, Akira-kun has a scar on his arm to prove it..."

"Look he fell over. How many times do I have to say it? Are we done here? I'd like to be left alone... You little shit! You see all this trouble you're causing me?! Keep your god damn mouth shut and do as I say!"

The recording ended there and Zenkichi removed his hand from the barrier. "Damn... what the hell was that?"

"...You want the honest answer?" Ryuji asked quietly. It was hard to see but he looked much paler behind his mask now. Haru noticed though and grabbed his hand, running her thumb over his fingers to soothe him. His behavior change didn't go unnoticed by the others, but they had the good sense to not ask about it.

"So Konoe's trauma had to do with his father's treatment of him," Yusuke said, softly. "I sympathize, but it doesn't really correlate to what he's doing now."

"I agree." Akira replied. "We didn't get any direct clues to go off of here but if I had to guess, we might find the Trauma Cell in his childhood home. All we have to do is track down the address."

Everyone started to walk back except for Sophia. She was staring at the birdcage with a puzzled expression. Akira paused and went to see what was the matter with her.

"Sophie? You ok?"

Sophia turned to him and replied, ignoring his question. "Was Konoe really treated badly by his own father? Zenkichi and Akane were on bad terms, but nothing like that ever happened between them. Why did that happen to Konoe? Aren't they family?"