New Monks on the Block (Part III)

Akira and Kiki were trapped in the wheat field, pitted alone against the army of shapeshifted animals encircling and surrounding them on all sides.

'It's just like that time…' Akira recalled in horror.

The fifth Cattle Squell.

He had chased her into the woods then, too. Only to watch her die in an ambush.

Could this have the same outcome...?

"Stay behind me, " Akira ordered, moving in front of Kiki.

"I can fight them, though!"

"It's true you've grown stronger, but don't let it get to your head."

"Ow...but Akira—"

"No 'buts,' young lady!"

Kiki huffed. 

What was the point of becoming stronger, if she never got a chance to prove herself? Thinking this, she turned so that her back was placed against Akira's, holding up her glowing fists.

"Grr...dummy!" she snapped. "I can't hide behind you if we're surrounded, anyway!"