The sound of crumbling rock gradually faded from the bamboo forest near Fuuka Academy. Akane slowly lowered her right arm from her eyes, as the sudden explosion she had been shielding herself from had ended. When the smoke cleared, she realized a four-legged creature in yellow armor was approaching her. She nervously stood in place as the large feline stopped at her feet and raised its metallic head to investigate her scent. Relief came to her when the odd beast lowered his head in respect and waved his tail playfully through the air. She allowed a peaceful smile to appear on her face as she knelt to one knee and spoke when her eyes were level with the creature's.

"I take it you're Harimau."

The tiger shifted his head so his snout could brush against the sleeve of Akane's Fuuka uniform in confimation. Understanding this response, Akane spoke again.

"Hmm... Do you mind if I just call you Hari?"

The creature emitted a low, satisfied purr in response. Akane then moved her arms around the friendly beast's broad neck to return his devotion with a hug. As she did this, she realized the creature's hull didn't feel cold and metallic like she was expecting. She blinked in surprise and thought out loud.

"That's weird. Hugging you feels just like hugging... Kazu..."

A slight blush formed on her cheeks as she shook her head.

"I guess that makes sense, though. You're supposed share his spirit or something."

Akane lowered her arms and rose back to her feet. A look of curiosity appeared in her eyes when she spoke.

"What kind of cool powers do you have, Hari?"

In response, the yellow tiger turned around and walked toward the remnants of the rock formation Akane had released him from. When he was a safe distance away from his master, he firmly planted his obsidian claws into the forest ground underneath him and began to growl. The dark gray drilling mechanism protruding from his chest began to spin, creating a vacuum that pulled the largest piece of rubble toward him. He sunk his teeth into the solid rock as soon as it reached his gaping jaws, forcing it to be pulled into the drill so it could be effortlessly ground into fine dust.

When his demonstration was over, the spinning motor in Hari's chest came to a rest and he returned to Akane's side. The ponytailed schoolgirl grinned with excitement as she applauded her new guardian.

"That's really neat! I think we'll make great partners!"

Akane now turned to Reito, who had been carefully observing the entire meeting several meters away. The black-haired boy's arms were crossed, and he bore a wide smirk that Akane found somewhat unsettling. Seeing she had successfully completed her unsealing ritual, he spoke toward her in an arrogant voice.

"So, Akane, are you going to accept your destiny?"

Her brown eyes peered toward the side, conveying an obvious feeling of regret as her cheerful demeanor abruptly faded. After a few seconds of thought, she glanced back toward Reito with a renewed flare of conviction.

"If it's the only way I can protect Kazu, I'll do it."

Part of a chuckle escaped Reito's smirking lips before he responded to Akane's decision. The women who were already in love were always the first to comply.

"Good. Your primary target is Mai Tokiha. I believe she just transferred to your class today."

He then uncrossed his arms before silently exiting the forest clearing. Akane turned back toward Hari and began devising her desperate battle plan.

And then the first chapter of My HiME EXA happened.