Chapter One

Two weeks passed rather quickly for Kurama. Leiko had not come to visit or made her presence known since then. So it was with great surprise that he retuned home one afternoon sensing the auras of Leiko and her father, Raijuta. Dread filled him to his very soul. He knew that this couldn't be good. All the fatigue left him that instant. He entered the house completely on guard. Raijuta and Leiko were sitting on the couch in the living room.

As soon as he entered the room Leiko was on her feet and rushing toward him. She threw her arms about his neck and kissed him. "Welcome home Sweetie, how was your day?" she greeted. Kurama disentangled himself from Leiko, staring at her in confusion. "Leiko, what are you doing here?" he asked. "Don't you remember? I brought daddy so we can discuss our wedding, just like you wanted," she replied. "I asked for no such thing," he said, trying to keep the rising anger out of his voice. "Kurama," Yutaro called softly. Kurama turned his head to face his father. Yutaro was sitting next to Ruia on the couch opposite of the one Raijuta now occupied. Kurama noted with alarm that his parents both looked pale. "Come sit with us musuko," Ruia said softly.

Kurama did as he was asked, and sat beside his parents. His mother and father had their hands interlocked at the fingers, looking as though they were holding on to each other for dear life. This unnerved Kurama. He had never seen his parents in such a state. "Raijuta has told us that you made a vow of fidelity to Leiko," Yutaro said softly. Kurama's golden eyes widened in shock. "I did no such thing," he responded, his eyes flashing with anger. "Well, my Leiko certainly is convinced that you have," Raijuta said. Kurama lowered his eyes before facing the leader of their clan. He did not want him to see the anger in his eyes, nor appear disrespectful. "I am afraid that she is mistaken Leader," Kurama said softly. "In fact, I told her that I wished to end our relationship. Leiko deserves someone who can spend more time with her and give her more attention than I can," He informed the clan leader.

Raijuta raised his eyebrows. "You tried to end your relationship with my daughter because you felt that you wouldn't be able to give her the time and attention that she deserves. That's very noble of you Kurama, and it shows exactly how much you do care for my daughter. It also strengthens my belief that you did make an oath of fidelity to her, and now you're trying to protect her, trying to keep yourself from hurting her," Raijuta said. Kurama was stunned at the clan leader's words. Leiko had her father completely convinced that Kurama loved her. Kurama now wished he ha never acted on the crush he'd had upon her. Maybe then he wouldn't have gotten himself into this mess.

"I wish for you to honor your vow and marry Leiko once your training with Tomoyo-san is complete," Rajjuta said. "You're asking me to honor a vow that was never made," Kurama said softly. "I will not," he refused. Both Raijuta and Leiko looked at the silver haired young man in shock. Neither of them had expected this. "You're refusing to marry Leiko?" Raijuta demanded. "Under the circumstance, yes," Kurama answered. "You do realize that you will be banished if you do not honor the oath you have made," Raijuta reminded him.

Kurama wanted to scream. He knew that no matter how many times he told Raijuta that he had not made a vow to Leiko, the clan leader would not believe him. Kurama knew that he could not marry Leiko. It would be a marriage doomed before it even started, for he did not love her. When he finally did fall in love with someone, he doubted he would be able to keep from breaking any marriage vows he made. He would then be in the same situation he was now, facing banishment for an oath broken. Only then he would be punished for something he'd actually done. Even if he managed to withstand temptation and remain faithful to Leiko, he knew he would come to hate her in the end, for he would feel trapped, bound in a marriage that he did not want. Being trapped was one thing all yoko instinctively avoided at all costs.

Kurama felt his world shatter around him. He had just begun his life as an adult and already it seemed that it was over. He would have to leave his family, his clan behind as an outcast. He would never become a healer, for no other clan would take him in if Raijuta banished him. Still, he knew that if he agreed and stayed just long enough to finish his training with Tomoyo it would be for nothing. In his heart Kuama knew that in the end, he could not bring himself to marry a woman he didn't love.

"As I have said before, I will not honor a vow that I never made," Kurama said firmly. Raijuta rose then, his blue eyes flashing with anger. "I expect you to be gone by dawn. You are no longer welcome in this clan, oathbreaker," Raijuta said sternly. Kurama gave a slight nod in acknowledgement, but did not look up at the clan leader. The moment that Leiko and Raijuta left Ruia burst into tears. "This would not have happened if you had become clan leader as you were supposed to," she said to Yutaro. Kurama turned to his parents in shock.

"Father, were you really supposed to be leader instead of Raijuta-dono?" Kuama asked. Yutaro nodded. "I was next in line, but Raijuta convinced the council that he would be better suited for the job. They chose him instead of honoring the last wish of the previous leader," he answered. "He had his sights set on me, just as Leiko had her sighs set on you," Ruia said. "I think it was his way of getting revenge on your father. Raijuta was always bitter that I did not fall in love with him, but with your father," Kurama stared at his parents in wide eyed shock. Ruia threw her arms around her son and began to cry even harder. Kurama and Yutaro both tried to comfort her, but their hearts were breaking as well.

After grieving with his parents for what seemed like forever, Kurama rose and went to his room to pack. He looked around the room at all his worldly possessions. He knew that he would have to leave most of them behind. He began picking the possessions most important to him and set them on the bed. Then, he began laying out several changes of clothing. Kurama then took all that was absolutely necessary and packed them into a large bag. He was glad his sister was with Sakura and Sakuya right now playing with their little sister Jade. She did not need to witness the tragedy that had just unfolded. Kurama set the bag aside and tided up his room before heading outside to sit in the garden.

"Kura, what's wrong?" A soft voice asked. Kurama looked up to face Sakuya. "I have to leave the village," Kurama said softly. "What?" Sakuya exclaimed. "Why?" she asked. "Leiko told her father that I swore an oath of fidelity to her. He wanted me to marry her when I finished my apprenticeship with Tomoyo-sensei. When I refused, he banished me," Sakuya's eyes narrowed in anger. "I'd never thought she'd stoop that low just to keep you," she growled. "She won't get away with this," Kurama shook his head. "No, don't do anything rash Sakuya. I don't want you sharing my fate," Kurama said softly. "Just watch over my family, especially mother and Sata," He requested. "Of course brother," she replied. Kurama smiled at the endearment. Though he was not her brother by blood, he had always thought of the twins as his sisters, and vice versa.

Kurama stood and hugged her. Sakyua hugged him back tightly, tears streaming down her lovely face. A moment later, Kurama's ears perked up when he heard footsteps entering the garden. "What's going on?" Sakura asked. "That bitch Leiko, got Kura banished," Sakuya informed her twin. "Inari, no," Sakura murmured. Kurama nodded sadly as he released Sakuya from his embrace. Sakura took her twin's place. Kurama held her and let her cry, holding back tears himself. "I have a feeling we will see one another again," Sakuya said as her twin released Kurama from her embrace. "I hope so," Kurama said softly. "I'll walk you home,"

After escorting the twins home and a tearful goodbye, Kurama headed to the temple of healing to speak to Tomoyo. To his surprise, the elder yoko was waiting for him. "What happened?" she asked. "Your aura is flaring like a bonfire," "I've been banished sensei," he said quietly. Tomoyo's green eyes widened in shock. "Come inside. I want you to tell me everything," she instructed. Kurama obediently followed his teacher into her private quarters where they sat as he told her the whole story. "That fool, he's let his daughter cost this clan a great healer in the making," she growled. Kurama nearly blushed at the complement.

Tomoyo rose and stood at the window. "It's getting late, you should go home and be with your family," she said. She then motioned toward a large book on her desk. "Take that with you and study it. Though I may not be able to have you as my apprentice any longer, but I will at least try to teach you," she said. "In that book are descriptions and pictures of all the plants and herbs with healing properties and how to use them. There are also descriptions on treatments for many ailments and emergencies. Learn well from it," she instructed. Kurama took the book off the desk, then turned to Tomoyo. "Thank you sensei," Tomoyo smiled. "You'll thank me by becoming a good healer, now go," she responded. Kurama smiled back and bowed to her one last time before leaving the healer's temple.

Sachi was waiting for him outside the gates of the temple. She looked anxious. "Sachi, what's wrong?" Kurama asked, his face showing his concern. "Sakuya and Sakura just told me what happened," she responded. "I can't believe you've got to leave us," Kurama gently embraced his friend. "I wish I didn't," he said softly. Sachi returned his embrace. "If this was Leiko's way of getting back at you for breaking up with her, it's the cruelest thing she could have done," Sachi murmured. "I think that's what confuses me most. Did she do this for revenge, or was she trying to force me to remain with her?" Kurama mused.

That question was still on Kurama's mind as he bade Sachi goodbye as he had done with her younger sisters. He managed to put the thought aside before he reached his home. He did not want to cloud his mind with speculations and theories on his last night with his family. He would have nothing but time for brooding come sunrise.

Kurama spent the evening with his family. To his delight, his mother had prepared his favorite meal, which the whole family enjoyed despite the tragedy that had befallen them. All too soon the hour grew late, and Kurama decided it was time he left.

He went to his room as his parents tucked his little sister in for the night and picked up his bag. Kuama's golden eyes scanned the room checking to make sure he had missed nothing that he wanted to take with him. He looked to make sure the book Tomoyo had given him was safely tucked away in his bag before securing it and hefting it onto his back. He gave his room one last glace, then left it closing the door behind him one last time.

He slipped into his sister's room next. Sata was fast asleep. Kurama watched her for a moment. His heart was breaking. He knew that when she woke, his little sister would find him gone and for years to come would not know why. Kurama was saddened by the fact that he would miss Sata's first day of official schooling, seeing her learn to use her powers, her rite of passage, her eventual marriage and the birth of his nieces and nephews. Still, he knew that it could not be avoided. Even for her he could not stay and allow himself to be bound in a marriage that he did not want.

Kurama approached the bed slowly. He reached up and slipped the amulet he wore over his head. That amulet marked him as Tomoyo's student. He untied the chord and placed it around his little sister's neck, tying it securely before planting a kiss on her forehead. "Sata, I don't know if you'll ever understand why I left, but I hope you always remember that your brother loved you," he whispered. He then turned and left the room, shutting the door silently behind him.

Ruia and Yutaro were waiting in the living room. Kurama's heart clenched at the sight that greeted him when he entered. Ruia was sobbing into her husband's shoulder as he held her tightly. Yutaro's cheeks were damp as well, his eyes were rimmed with red. It hurt Kurama to see his parents in such a state. It hurt him all the more that it was his fault.

" Please musuko, it's not too late to tell Raijuta that you have changed your mind. You could remain with us a little longer," Ruia pleaded. Kurama approached the couch and knelt in front of his mother. "You know he can't do that beloved," Yutaro murmured, his voice choked with emotion. "If Kurama stayed, he would have to marry Leiko and that would be a much crueler fate for him than exile," "He would never be able to love anyone, lest he risk breaking vows he did not make in earnest," he continued. A sad smile spread across Kurama's face. His father at least understood why he would not bow to Raijuta's demand. "Father's right mother," Kurama agreed. "Could you imagine the state father would be in if he could not have been with you, or you with him?" he asked. Ruia closed her reddened eyes and leaned further into her husband's embrace. Kurama knew that she understood as well, but still had hope to keep her family together at least for a short while longer. Alas that was not meant to be.

Kurama kissed his mother's cheek and softly murmured his thanks for all she had done for him. He then wrapped his arms around his father's shoulders and thanked him for all he had done. Only then did Kurama rise to his feet and start toward the door. The silver haired young man did not look back as he opened the door, for fear that he would not be able to go through with it if he did. With tears in his eyes Kurama stepped out the door, closing it softly behind him. He walked out into the night and out of the village, knowing he could never return.

The soft light of the moon illuminated Kurama's path as he made his way out of his people's territory. The young silver haired youko was making his way out of the part of the forest that belonged to the youko into the part that bordered the territory of Mukuro. Tired and hungry, Kurama sat down to rest on the bank of a small river. His stomach growled, mimicking the sound of rolling thunder. None of the seeds he had with him were useful for growing food, and it was still too dark to see the surrounding foliage properly. He cursed himself for not thinking to bring at least a day's ration along.

Kurama looked down into the water. He frowned at his reflection. There was no doubt in his mind there would be slave hunters in the area he was seeking to reach. He would have to disguise himself. His form began to shimmer as Kurama began to change his appearance. For once, he was glad he was adept at shape shifting. The last thing he needed was to get captured and sold as a slave.

Kurama closed his eyes as he concentrated, feeling his body shift to take the form he wanted. When he opened his eyes the reflection looking back at him was not a silver haired yoko, but a red haired green eyed, human looking male. Satisfied with his new appearance, Kurama stretched. The scent of smoke from a campfire caught his attention. He hoped it wasn't a band of thieves, or slave trappers. He was too tired to fight. He decided to investigate. If those camping nearby proved to be trouble he would quickly sneak away and continue on his way.

His form shifted again and in a heartbeat he was a five tailed silver fox. Kurama made his way quietly toward the scent of the campfire. To his relief, there was only a lone figure wrapped up in a bedroll near the fire. Kurama smelled bread and other food. Kurama was once again reminded of how hungry he was when he felt a gnawing pain in his stomach. Kurama decided then to investigate further.

Silently, he crept into the camp. The soft breathing of the sole occupant calmed Kurama's nerves. Certain that the other was asleep. Kurama crept up to the bag he could smell the bread in. Knowing it would be easier if he weren't in his animal form Kurama switched back to his red haired humanish form and opened the bag. Inside were a few small loves of bread, some cheese, and some dried fruits and meat. "Inari forgive me," he thought as he quickly grabbed a loaf from the bag and shut it tight once more.

Kurama froze when he heard a sound behind him. He swallowed hard and turned slightly to look over his shoulder. His eyes locked with a pair of indigo eyes, watching him from the bedroll. Kurama's eyes widened in fear. "For a thief, you're not very good," the other male said as he sat up. Kurama's first instinct was to switch to his animal form and flee, but he knew that would be giving away the fact that he was a yoko. He had no idea how fast the dark haired apparition staring at him was, running from him might prove the wrong choice. Kurama was fatigued from his long day of training with Tomoyo as well as his journey from home. He knew he wouldn't last long.

"That's because up until now, I'd never been one," Kurama replied softly. The dark haired apparition smiled, chuckling at his comment. Kurama's stomach growled loudly, demanding the bread in his hand. The dark haired apparition's smile widened. "Sit and eat your fill," he said to Kurama. "You'll come to no harm from me," he assured him. Kurama was afraid to trust this apparition. For all he knew the handsome, dark haired male might be a slave trader. If he fell asleep he could wake up with a ward around his neck or in a cage, or worse yet already sold to one of the Makai lords.

"What is your name?" the dark haired apparition asked as he stretched, extending his large, bat like wings. Kurama quickly averted his eyes, for fear he would stare. "Shuichi," Kurama replied, deciding it best not to use his real name. "Well Shuichi, if you're going to steal, you'd better learn to do it properly. Your next mark might not have mercy on you," the dark haired apparition warned. "Who would teach me such a thing?" Kurama asked. "I would, if you'd like. I am Kuronue," the dark haired apparition answered.

Kurama really didn't want to be a thief, but he could see no other choice. He had no money, nor did he have any seeds that he could grow into plants useful for eating. He didn't dare try and pass himself off as a healer. He was still too undertrained to do the job properly. Dancing surely was no real work. Kurama didn't think he could make a living on his truest talent.

"Alright then Kuronue-san, I will be your student," Kurama said softly. Kuronue grinned. "Good. Lesson one, always try to blend in," he said. Kurama looked at the raven haired apparition quizzically. "You're a yoko aren't you?" Kuronue asked. "Your tunic and the fact that you addressed me as Kuronue-san and not Kuronue gave you away," "You'll have to stop using those addresses if you want to blend in," Kurama nodded. The dark haired apparition yawned. "Let's get some sleep. I'll get you some new shirts tomorrow and I can start showing you the ropes." He suggested. Kuronue smiled broadly. "Stick with me Shuichi and you'll be great thief someday," he said.

AN: Musuko - "son"

A big thank you to all who read and reviewed the prolouge. I'm sorry I haven't been able to respond to all of your reviews. It's been really hetic for me lately. Just know that even when I don't respond I do read and enjoy all your reviews. See you all next week

-Yami