Kurama slipped into the kitchen quietly, his feet making no noise on the wooden floor as he made his way to the bowl of strawberries on the counter. He cast a wary eye at his mother who was retrieving something from one of the drawers. Satisfied that she wasn’t looking he reached for one of the sweet juicy red berries. His hand was immediately smacked hard by a large wooden spoon. Kurama looked up at his mother, a sheepish expression on his face as he rubbed his injured hand.

Ruia stood with her arms crossed over her chest, with the large wooden spoon in hand. “You know those are for the desert I’m making,” she chided gently. Kurama schooled his expression, trying his best to look like a helpless kit. “Surely you could spare just one for your little boy,” he responded. Ruia smiled fondly at him. “We both know you can’t eat just one,” she chided. “Besides, you’re no longer my little boy, you become an adult today you know,” she added.

“Now, Ruia, you said you weren’t going to get all worked up about this,” a deep masculine voice said. Kurama looked up to see his father standing in the doorway, his golden eyes shining with amusement. “I won’t Yutaro,” Ruia said. Yutaro nodded, but his eyes still twinkled with amusement, as if knowing his wife wouldn’t be able to help it.

“You should get going Kurama or you’re going to be late for your lessons,” he said to his son. Kurama sighed. “Yes, Father,” he murmured. Truth be told he would rather not be attending school on his birthday, but skipping was definitely not worth facing the wrath of his parents. “Take Sata with you, I have to finish to finish cooking for the party,” Ruia instructed. Kurama kissed his mother on the cheek and bid her goodbye, then held out his hand to his little sister. The young kit ran immediately to him and Kurama scooped her up in his arms. Little Sata threw her arms about her mother’s neck and kissed her cheek. Ruia chuckled and kissed her young daughter back. Once the kit had let go, Yutaro bent down to kiss his young daughter goodbye and ruffled Kurama’s long silver hair playfully.

Kurama hoisted Sata onto his shoulders then they turned and waved at their parents then headed out the door and down the road that would lead them to the center of town.

Sata suddenly tugged on her elder brother’s hair quickly gaining his attention. A moment later a red ripe strawberry came into view. “Here Kura,” Sata said. Kurama took the offered fruit with surprise. “Where did you get this?” he asked. “Daddy gave me some when mommy wasn’t looking,” she answered. Kurama chuckled then bit into the sweet red fruit. He couldn’t help but admit his little sister had the whole family wrapped around her little finger. Her sweet nature made it all too easy to give into her. At times like this he was glad the little kit was so fond of him. “Thank you Sata,” he said. “You’re welcome,” she replied. Kurama just hoped there wouldn’t be strawberry juice in his hair when he got to school.

Kurama strode with Sata upon his shoulders until they reached their destination, a small building constructed of tightly woven bamboo and vines. The fence around it was constructed of the same materials keeping the small kits playing beyond it within the large yard. Kurama lowered his little sister to the ground and took her hand. As soon as they entered a dark haired vixen looked up from the desk at the front of the room. “Good morning Sachi,” Kurama greeted. “Shouldn’t you be heading to class?” Sachi asked, raising an eyebrow. Kurama smiled charmingly at her. “I am, but I had to drop someone off first,” he said. Shachi smiled down at Sata. “Good morning Sata,” she greeted as she opened the small gate to let the kit inside. Sata quickly wrapped her arms around Kurama’s legs in a warm embrace and dashed through the gate. “I’ll be back to pick her up after school,” Kurama informed Sachi. The dark haired vixen nodded then leaned over the desk and kissed his cheek. “Happy Birthday Kura,” she said. Kurama could feel heat rising to his cheeks as they reddened. “Thanks Sachi,” he murmured.

“Just be glad your girlfriend didn’t see that Kura, she’d go ballistic,” came a familiar voice from the doorway. Kurama turned to see a vixen with long hair colored the reds and golds of flames. Behind her was her twin and between them a young kit around Sata’s age. Kurama’s cheeks turned a deeper shade of red. “You really shouldn’t tease him like that Sakuya, you know Kura wouldn’t cheat on Leiko,” Sakura teased her flame haired twin. “I know, but it’s so much fun making him blush,” Sakuya responded as they stepped into the room. She kissed Kurama’s cheek as well and wished him a happy birthday, her twin following suit. Kurama was still blushing madly as the three exited the building and headed to class.

The day went by quickly and before he knew it, night had fallen and his birthday celebration had begun. Kurama was quite surprised, nearly the whole clan had showed up for the party. Many of them were eager to greet him and wish him happy birthday. None more so than his girlfriend, Leiko. The dark haired vixen ran up to Kurama and kissed him. “Happy Birthday Sweetie,” she cooed. Kurama murmured his thanks and quickly retuned the kiss. She continued to cling to his arm as he greeted his guests. She reluctantly let go when the feast began, but sat beside him as they ate.

In no time the party was in full swing. Soon after the dishes were cleared away the guests began to dance to the music the musicians played. Leiko had been spirited away by some of her friends. Kurama didn’t mind at all. Truth be told the vixen’s constant clinging was annoying.

Kurama watched the dancers in the clearing with amusement until a tug at his tunic caught his attention. “Kura, aren’t you gonna dance?” Sata asked. Ruia smiled at her son and nodded her encouragement. “I think that’s a fine idea,” she agreed. “I know just the one,” she said with excitement as she leaned toward her son and whispered the name of the dance she had in mind into his ear. Kurama’s eyes widened for a fraction of a second. It was one of the most complicated dances she had taught him. “Are you sure?” he asked his mother. Ruia nodded. “Go on, you’ll do just fine,” she encouraged.

Kurama took a deep breath and rose to his feet in a single fluid motion. The musicians were finishing the song they were playing as he approached them. The dance area cleared as Kurama spoke with the lead musician about the music he needed the musicians to play. In a few minutes the discussion was over and Kurama took his place on the dance area. He nodded to the musicians and they began to play a slow somber tune.

Kurama began to move his body to the music, slow and steady. The attention of the guests was caught quickly and a hush fell over the party. Yutaro watched his son dance in awe. Kurama moved with a grace that was unusual for a male. There was no doubt in his mind that Kurama was the best dancer in their clan. Kurama’s movements were so fluid and graceful it seemed he was completely one with the music.

Suddenly Kurama was still, his hand extended. Ruia took his hand and the two of them began to dance gracefully. They moved flawlessly together, seeming to move as one. The music sped up and the dance became more lively. Soon, the dance reached its crescendo and abruptly ended. The audience erupted into applause. Kurama bowed to his mother, who answered with a graceful curtsey.

Kurama was dismayed to find there was a long line of vixens waiting to dance with him. Luckily, Sata saved him from having to choose one right away. She ran to him and Kurama scooped her up in his arms. He danced with her first, then his three best friends Sachi, Sakura, and Sakuya. When Leiko got her turn she was more than a bit miffed at being chosen fourth. “Sweetie, why did you dance with them ahead of me? Everyone will think it’s rather odd won’t they?” she asked, her eyes flashing with inner anger. Kurama just smiled charmingly at her. “You care too much about what everyone else thinks,” he murmured softly to her. “And you care too little,” she responded.

Kurama was relieved to finally get a chance to rest, after dancing with several of the vixens of his clan. The hour had grown late and he knew that soon the party would end. The moment he had been both awaiting and dreading all day would soon be upon him. Tonight, he would learn if he would be counted among the adults in his clan, now that he was of age, or still be considered a child in the eyes of his elders. Weeks ago he had gone through a test of cunning, bravery, skill, power, endurance, and ingenuity that made up his clan’s rite of passage. If he failed he would not be able to attempt the rites for another few years. He would not be permitted to attend his final lessons, or take his final exams. Worst of all he would still be considered a child in the eyes of his clan until he successfully passed the rites.

A hush fell over the crowd as they parted for a lone figure. Kurama looked up and his heart seemed to speed up. A priestess of Inari approached him. Kurama quickly stood and bowed. The priestess smiled and touched the top of Kurama’s head. “I’ve watched you grow from a tiny kit in your mother’s arms to a strong young man. Arise, and be counted as one of you clan,” she said. Kurama let out a deep breath he didn’t know he was holding. He stood erect then, keeping his eyes lowered in respect as the priestess kissed the top of his head and whispered a blessing to him. Ruia threw her arms about her son’s shoulders in a great hug. Yutaro beamed with pride.

The party ended then and everyone went their own ways after congratulating Kurama and wishing him a happy birthday. Kurama climbed into bed feeling exhausted. He smiled as he closed his eyes. It had been a good day. A sudden sound made the furry fox ears atop his head stand at attention. Kurama opened his eyes and looked around the room. The window was open. The night breeze was gently ruffling the pages of the large book left open on his desk. His eyes started to close again, satisfied the sound of the pages rustling was all he’d heard. Then suddenly with a start he realized that he hadn’t opened the window.

Kurama’s eyes flew open and there standing in the middle of his room was a rather large white fox with seven lush tails all curled at its feet. The fox chuckled, or rather Kurama heard it in his mind. “There’s no need to be alarmed dear,” the fox said with amusement clearly in it’s voice. Kurama was startled not only because of the sudden appearance of his visitor but also because this particular visitor was speaking to him in his mind.

The moment he got over his shock, Kurama realized this must be one of Inari’s messengers. He made a move to rise, but the messenger’s voice in his mind stopped him. “Lie down and rest, you’ve had a busy day,” the messenger instructed. Kurama did as he was told, turning on to his side to face his visitor. “Welcome to my family’s home, and to my room,” Kurama thought hoping that the messenger would hear it. “Why thank you dear. My name is Makino,” the white fox responded.

“I am honored by your visit Makino-sama,” Kurama said. The white fox shook it’s head. “Makino-san will do dear,” the messenger replied. “It’s a pleasure to meet such a polite young man, especially when I bring you good tidings. Inari-sama will give you one wish, the greatest desire of your heart,” Kurama’s eyes widened in shock. A wish from a god? Kurama had no idea what to wish for. In truth he had all he desired. “I don’t know what to wish for,” he thought truthfully. Makino chuckled. “Of course not dear, no one ever does. You will know what to ask for when the time is right. Just know that Inari-sama has granted you this favor,” Makino responded. “Happy Birthday Kurama-kun,” Makino added. Kurama blinked and the white fox was gone.

Kurama had no more time to ponder over his wish. The next day began his grueling studying for his final exams, which he passed. Now that he had finished his formal schooling, he was under the tutorage of Tomoyo, one of the best healers in his clan. He had been quite shocked that she had chosen him. After all, it was no secret that she would only train those who had proven themselves to be clever, skillful and hardworking. Despite his surprise, Kurama had been honored to be chosen as her apprentice. She had warned him that her training would not be easy, and so far it had been anything but. He spent long hours with her tending to patients, often waking before dawn and not returning home until late in the afternoon exhausted. When he wasn’t working with patients Kurama was studying, learning about herbs and medicinal plants that he had not learned about while he was in school. Much to both his and Tomoyo’s delight Kurama learned quickly and did his best at every task she set to him.

Kurama nearly sighed with relief as he reached his parents’ home. It had been a long, tiring day and he was just happy to be home again. As usual Sata was the first to welcome him home. As Kurama knelt to receive his hug from her he was glad that the healer’s temple provided a place for him to clean up and change after a long day’s work. He hugged her and kissed her forehead as she threw his arms about his neck. “Hello Sata, how was your day?” he asked as he stood, picking her up as he rose to his full height. “I helped mommy make sweetbread,” the kit informed him. Kurama smiled at that. The scent of gingerbread permeated the house. It was one of Ruia’s many specialties.

Kurama entered the kitchen with Sata in his arms. Ruia kissed his cheek. “How was your day?” she asked. “It went well today mother, I worked with Tomoyo-sensei on some very interesting cases today,” he answered. Ruia smiled. “Tomoyo speaks very highly of you musuko. I’m glad you are doing so well with her. You will make a wonderful healer, just like your father,” she said. A moment later Yutaro entered the room. He looked just as tired as Kurama. The two of them exchanged a knowing smile as their eyes met. Kurama let Sata down so she could greet their father. “Did you have a good day, Father?” Kurama asked Yutaro took a seat and set Sata on his lap. “Yes, and you?” Yutaro asked. “Tiring and busy, but a good day nonetheless,” Kurama replied.

There was a knock at the door. Kurama, being closest decided to answer it. He opened the door and came face to face with Leiko. “Leiko, what brings you here?” he asked. “I haven’t seen you in a while so I came to see you,” She answered. “Aren’t you happy to see me Sweetie?” she inquired. To be honest, Kurama wasn’t happy at all to see the vixen. He had come to realize that he had no real feelings for Leiko at all. What he had at first thought was love turned out to be a crush, a passing infatuation. He knew it was time he ended the relationship. Though he didn’t want to hurt her, he knew he could not go on pretending that he loved her when he felt nothing at all. She deserved someone who would treat her with real affection, not merely pretend to just for her sake.

“Actually Leiko, there is something I wanted to discuss with you,” he said softly. “Why don’t we go take a walk,” he suggested. Immediately Leiko had both her arms wrapped around one of his and leaned her head upon his shoulder. “I think that’s a wonderful idea Sweetie,” she cooed. Kurama shut the door softly behind them and began walking the short distance to the river where they would have some privacy.

Leiko did not let go of Kurama’s arm until they arrived at the riverbank. They sat side by side on a large boulder, whose top had been weathered flat by the elements. “So, did you bring me here to talk about our wedding or are you finally going to propose?” she asked. “We’ve only been together six months and you’re already thinking about marriage?” Kurama asked in disbelief. “Of course Sweetie, haven’t you?” she responded. Kurama shook his head. “No, I haven’t. in fact, I think it’s time we ended this relationship,”

Leiko’s eyes widened in shock. “What?” she exclaimed in disbelief. “Why?’ she asked. “Because, it’s what’s best for both of us,” Kurama answered, trying to be as gentle as he could. “You’ve noticed that we haven’t seen much of each other lately, and while I’m studying under Tomoyo-san I cannot give you the time or attention that you need and deserve,” he said. “You deserve someone who can, and I will not stand in the way,” he finished.

Kurama’s stomach twisted in knots as he watched Leiko’s expression. She was beautiful, perhaps even the most beautiful of his yearmates. Leiko would have no trouble getting another boyfriend. Kuama was just afraid that she wouldn’t want to let go of him. Leiko was nice, but she was definitely not the one for him. “You can’t really mean that, we’re meant to be together,” Leiko said. Kurama sighed and stood to his feet. “No, Leiko we’re not,” he said softly. “You will not be happy with me. Find someone who will make you happy,” he said then turned to head home.

Kurama sighed as he returned home. He’d had a feeling that it wouldn’t’ turn out well. He hated it when those feelings were right. Foreshadowing, his mother called it. He wasn’t surprised to see his mother waiting for him at the door, for it was from her that he inherited that particular talent. “Did it go badly?” Ruia asked as Kurama reached her. “I’m afraid it did,” he answered as he followed her into the house. “Let’s hope this is the end of it,” she said. Kurama nodded in agreement, but he had a bad feeling that Leiko wasn’t going to give him up without a fight.