Date and Subjugate

Chapter 6

After bidding farewell to Origami, Shidou and Kotori headed back home immediately, because they had a lot to unpack from the meaningful discussion that they had with their childhood friend.

Upon reaching their house, Shidou practically threw himself on the couch, leaning back and relaxing against the soft cushion.

This relaxing feeling is something that he desperately needed, so he remained in this position for a while, not moving a muscle or a limb.

Kotori did the same, planting herself on the single-seater and relaxing for a while.

Both siblings enjoyed the quiet atmosphere for a while, until one of them spoke up about the elephant in the room.

"Hearing everything that came out of Origami's mouth earlier was like a train wreck, if you ask me."

"You can say that again... it never even crossed my mind that a spirit would be the reason why Origami-nee's parents were dead."

"...so you believe her?"

"I don't have any reason not to. Why, Shidou? You don't believe Origami-nee?"

"No, I do. As a matter of fact, I'm surprised that you're not doubting her, since you and your organization want to save the Spirits."

"As a commander of Ratatoskr, I know how dangerous Spirits can be, Shidou. You can trust me on that."

Kotori made sure to put emphasis on that entire statement, wanting to remind her brother that she was a Spirit in addition to being a commander.

As such, Shidou had no appropriate response to it.

"And I think you have the wrong idea about Ratatoskr, because we're not all about sunshines and butterflies with the Spirits, Shidou. We take them seriously. They are normally destructive in nature, so it's not surprising for a Spirit to be the reason why Origami-nee's parents died."

"...what do you feel about all this, then?"

"I don't know yet. I need information on this incident. The only Spirit I know that showed up five years ago was myself, but I don't remember anything, either."

Kotori folded her arms and crossed her legs, adopting a more serious expression as she thought back to everything that Origami revealed to them today.

"Y-You're not thinking that it was you who did it, right?"

"What do you think I am, stupid? Of course it wasn't me, her description of that Spirit she saw is completely different to what I look like."

Shidou turned away for a moment to sigh in relief.

"Well... is there another Spirit out there that fits the description Origami gave?"

"I have no idea. I'll have to ask Reine-san as soon as possible. I'll be able to get a better perspective once I get information on this so-called 'angel' that Origami-nee described."

"I want to know too, Kotori."

Adopting a more serious look, Shidou stated his intention to help in this endeavor, prompting his sister to raise an eyebrow at him.

"Oh? Does this mean you've made your decision, Shidou?"

"Uh... no? I just want to know for Origami's sake."

"Oh. Then I'm sorry, Shidou. If you're not going to work with Ratatoskr, then I don't have any obligation to share confidential information with you."

Kotori dropped those words on him like it was a bomb, and it made him think if he was only hearing things.