Narutaru / Shadow Star Series by Mohiro Kitoh

While on vacation on a small island, young Shiina Tamai dives under the water near an old shrine and discovers an unearthly starfish-like creature. She nearly drowns but is rescued by the silent, wide-eyed little animal, who Shiina befriends and names Hoshimaru. To Shiina's surprise and delight, the creature changes shape, lets Shiina stand on him, and the two fly off into the clouds... moreWhile on vacation on a small island, young Shiina Tamai dives under the water near an old shrine and discovers an unearthly starfish-like creature. She nearly drowns but is rescued by the silent, wide-eyed little animal, who Shiina befriends and names Hoshimaru. To Shiina's surprise and delight, the creature changes shape, lets Shiina stand on him, and the two fly off into the clouds. But what looks to be a young girl's ultimate fantasy soon takes a darker turn as Shiina and Hoshimaru become entangled in a struggle between rival extraterrestrial factions who battle in the skies upon huge alien beasts called Shadow Dragons, with the fate of Earth hanging in the balance. less

Originally published in Japan in 1998 and 1999 by Kodansha Ltd., Tokyo--T.p. verso.

Shiina and Akira are awkward teenagers whose lives change forever when they encounter and bond with small, cuddly creatures including Shadow Dragons and flying beasts with lethal powers. But they aren't the only ones with these friends. There is an underground network of Earthling/ alien mates; but what is their aim, war or peace? Ages 12+

Shiina and Akira are typical introverted teenagers in every way, save one - their bonding with cute extraterrestrial creatures, part of a growing number of alien entitiy emigres, known as the fearsome Shadow Dragons, all of whom have linked with Earthling youths. Some have bonded with not-so-typical - and not so nice - kids... moreShiina and Akira are typical introverted teenagers in every way, save one - their bonding with cute extraterrestrial creatures, part of a growing number of alien entitiy emigres, known as the fearsome Shadow Dragons, all of whom have linked with Earthling youths. Some have bonded with not-so-typical - and not so nice - kids. The appearance of the terrible Dragons in the skies over Japan has brought the Japan Self-Defense Force into conflict with the beasts, and a group of Dragon-controlling hard cases has decided to take the fight to the JSDF and teach them - and anyone else who gets in the way - a lethal lesson in the consequences of crossing swords with the Shadow Dragons less

Finding and bonding with an adorable extraterrestrial with wondrous powers sounds like the perfect fantasy, a fantasy that becomes reality for Shiina and Akira, two typical Tokyo teens, as well as for an unknown number of other youths. But the brightest fantasies can cast the darkest shadows, and these cute, cuddly creatures will eventually grow into powerful, fearsome Shadow Dragons that, if bonded with troubled teens, can become threats of the highest order... moreFinding and bonding with an adorable extraterrestrial with wondrous powers sounds like the perfect fantasy, a fantasy that becomes reality for Shiina and Akira, two typical Tokyo teens, as well as for an unknown number of other youths. But the brightest fantasies can cast the darkest shadows, and these cute, cuddly creatures will eventually grow into powerful, fearsome Shadow Dragons that, if bonded with troubled teens, can become threats of the highest order. And when these Dragon-bonded delinquents begin to organize in secret, the danger grows exponentially. Shiina and Akira inevitably draw the attention of this underground movement, and how the two girls choose their paths will determine the direction of their friendship - and, perhaps, the future of Mankind. less

Bonding with cuddly extraterrestrial creatures with wondrous powers should have been a dream come true for Tokyo teens like Shiina and Akira, but these cute E.T.s can grow into fearsome Shadow Dragons, and when coupled with troubled teens, can become monstrous threats to Mankind. An underground movement of such delinquents tries to recruit the two girls, and the government begins to grow suspicious that the two girls may well be involved with this dangerous cabal... moreBonding with cuddly extraterrestrial creatures with wondrous powers should have been a dream come true for Tokyo teens like Shiina and Akira, but these cute E.T.s can grow into fearsome Shadow Dragons, and when coupled with troubled teens, can become monstrous threats to Mankind. An underground movement of such delinquents tries to recruit the two girls, and the government begins to grow suspicious that the two girls may well be involved with this dangerous cabal. But back at school, the two friends have more mundane, but no less troubling, issues. Akira and her friend Hiroko become singled out for mean-spirited schoolyard harassment - but when Dragon Bearers become targets for torment, the tables may turn with lethal results less