DATE AN ANGEL: Sandalphon Descend (Vol. 1)

Chapter 14

It was around 10 PM as Kotori sat on the couch in the living room. She mulled over the conference which already ended a while ago.

Unlike her, Shido had been sleeping soundly in bed since he came home.

That conference was about what I expected it to be. All promises and naivety, chasing the imaginary... When the answer is right in front of their noses.

Her earpiece buzzed.

"Yes?" she asked.

"Commander, the Princess was fought by the AST again! And what's worse, her Mood Meter is rapidly destabilising!" said Kyouhei with a dramatic voice.

"So, we really don't have time to spare. Then I suppose we have no choice but to deploy him, even though he has no training."

"Ma'am, isn't that dangerous?"

"What isn't? Do we have her coordinates?"

"Yes, she's by a ledge up north, closer to the school."

She took her lollipop out of her mouth.

"Then wait for my signal. Wake the crew up, we're starting a night-shift."

"Roger!"

She stood up and walked up the stairs to Shido's room. All the lights in the house were turned off but she could still see in front of her. Her eyes were used to the darkness. Once she was inside the room, she shook with Shido lightly.

"Shido, wake up. There's a world that needs saving."

"Zzz... What...? Five more minutes..."

"Nrgh... How do I wake you up? Ah, I know!"

She manually set off the alarm clock as Shido shot awake.

"Eh?! Is it time to go to school already—Wait, Kotori? What are you doing here, it's still so dark..."

"Didn't I just tell you? It's about the Spirit. We must intervene before she or we get blown up to bits. Only you can help her."

"Me? Hah, she was about to kill me. I couldn't save myself..."

"You don't believe that. Wake up already and think!"

Shido started going back to sleep but Kotori lightly slapped him, just enough to wake him up.

"H-Hey! What was that for?!"

"Can't lose you now to sleep. Get up, there's something we need to do. Something you need to do."

"I don't know what you're trying to accomplish, but just go back to being the old Kotori already and let me sleep."

She stood up and walked to the door.

"Hmph. Fine, then. But that girl will be slaughtered by the AST sooner or later. They attacked her again, you know? But if that lets you sleep well at night..."

As she finished talking, she started walking away. Shido clenched his teeth.

"Wait!" he said.

She stopped in place.

"Hm? What is it?"

"Is it really true? Can I help her? I don't want her to be killed by those people! I just... What can a boy like me do?"

Kotori grinned and looked at him.

"Don't underestimate yourself, Shido. I'm dead-serious when I say only you can help her. I know there was no time for your training, and you're exhausted, but no matter how I look at it, you're our only chance at getting through to her."