Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters included in this fan fiction.



Last time!

Nozomi started making her way down the stairs when she tripped. She fell on top of Kenji. POOF!

A black dog appeared in front of Kenji. "Wh-what just happened?"

"I guess we better explain things," Emiree said putting her hand over her face.

Kourutsuni explained the whole story to Kenji. Once she finished, Nozomi changed back.

Once dressed, Nozomi said, "I guess I have to go have a talk with Akane later."

"Akane?" Kenji asked still trying to get over the event that just happened.

"Akane's the family leader."


Author's Notes: Sorry that it's been so long. I have had lots and lots of school work to do. --

Common Bonds

Author: Emilee1

Chapter 10: Leader, Akane


At the sound of that name, Kourutsuni clenched his fists together tightly. Beads of sweat trickled down her face. There was just something about that name that pierced her.

"Kourutsuni?" She looked up to find a pair of bright blue eyes looking at her.

She smiled and replied, "Yes, Kenji?"

He looked at her then tilted his head slightly to one side. "It seemed like something was bothering you. Are you all right?" Kourutsuni nodded in reply while Kenji smiled.

"Well now," Nozomi started. Kourutsuni, Emiree, and Kenji looked at her strangely. "I am going to go visit Akane, and Emiree, fill Kenji in on what is to come. Okay?"

"Why do I gotta do it?" Emiree protested stomping her foot.

"You can be so stubborn sometimes," Nozomi said pouting.

Emiree clenched her fist and gritted her teeth. Turning around and crossing her arms, she said, "Fine, just go already."

Nozomi snickered and walked out the door. Kenji turned to Emiree. "So what did she mean by, 'what is to come'?"

She sighed and turned around. "Listen kid-,"

"I'm not a kid; we're the same age remember?" Kenji stated putting a finger to his chin.

Emiree gritted her teeth once more. "Look, if Akane gives the word, you're gonna have to get your memory erased."

Kenji's eyes shot open, and his heart rate quickened. "M-my… memory?"

Kourutsuni stepped in. "Yes, it won't hurt. There will only be a flash of light and you will forget about Nozomi transforming and the zodiac itself."

Kenji lowered his head and began to think. So if I get my memory erased, will I even remember meeting Kourutsuni, Emiree, and Nozomi? No, I don't want to forget. They have shown me so much kindness I can't possibly forget them.

"Kenji?" He looked up and saw Kourutsuni looking at him.

"Hmm…?"

"Are you scared?" Kourutsuni asked while Emiree smirked at this question.

He lifted his head and looked back at her. "Yes, I am scared. Not in the way you're thinking though. Just in a different way." A thought came to his mind as he held up his hands in defense and shook his head. "But don't worry about me, I'm not worth the trouble!"

"Take it easy runt," Emiree said leaning against the wall. "You'll end up hurting yourself."

Kenji nodded and said, "I will accept whatever I have to."


Main House – Akane

Knock, knock, knock

"Quit that damn knocking!" a shrill voice called out from inside a dark room.

Nozomi opened the door slowly and made her way in.

"Oh, Nozomi what do you want this time?" a girlish figure stood up. She wore a light purple robe that hung loosely onto her shoulders. It was decorated with pale yellow flowers and lined with a mint green color. Her hair was jet black, while her eyes were dark black pools.

"Akane, I have invited a young boy into my household," Nozomi started.

Akane looked at her strangely while taking a deep breath. "And?"

"He found out about our secret. I figured that you would want his memory erased, but I wanted to get your opinion of the matter first."

Akane paced the floor, her hand on her chin. Finally she stopped and turned to Nozomi. "I think I will trust this boy. Let's see how long he can keep it a secret." She smirked and began to laugh hysterically.

Nozomi stood up and bowed while walking out of the room.

"Wait!" Akane called. Nozomi turned around. "Tell Kourutsuni that I would like to see her."

Nozomi nodded and left.


Nozomi's House

"I'm no good at this game," Emiree protested throwing the cards onto the floor.

"You're just a sore loser," Kourutsuni replied coldly.

"You damn rat!" Emiree shouted swinging a punch.

"No don't fight!" Kenji jumped up trying to stop them, but instead he fell on top of them both. POOF! POOF!

"I am so sorry!" Kenji said sitting on the floor. Kourutsuni and Emiree looked at him with sweat forming on their foreheads. "I didn't mean to, I just-,"

"Don't worry, Kenji," Kourutsuni started. "It was an accident, no harm done at all." Kenji smiled at this reply.

Then they heard footsteps. Nozomi walked in the room and sat down.

"Well, what happened here?" she asked stifling a laugh.

"Forget it," Emiree said as they both changed back. Kenji quickly turned around shielding his eyes.

Once they were finished getting dressed, Nozomi started to talk. "Kenji, Akane said that she will trust you with our secret, but you must not tell anyone."

I don't have to get my memory erased? That's wonderful!

"Of course I will keep your secret. It's not right to gossip!"

Nozomi smiled and focused her attention to Kourutsuni. "Kourutsuni, Akane wants to see you."

Fear sparked in her eyes while she nodded.

"Be careful," Nozomi said. Kourutsuni nodded once more while walking outside.


Kirugureru Family

Akane: Leader

Kourutsuni: rat

Emiree: cat

Chio: cow

Benito: Boar

Nozomi: dog

Don't miss the next chapter 11: Akane's Rage!