Kitsune Ryukan

Youth
Kitsune Ryukan was born without the ability to speak to the kami, which was quite unexpected since both his parents shared a tremendous bond with not only the kami, but the kitsune spirits that lived in Kitsune Mori. Spending a lot of time deep within Kitsune Mori, Ryukan explored the darkest shadows, communing with the fox spirits in his own way. When the time came to send him to a school he was fostered to the Toritaka family of the Crab. Among the Toritaka he found his connection with the spirits.

Forest Connection
After he returned to Kitsune Mori he would enter the forest, remaining gone for day on end. Each time he came back he would accept any responsibilities given to him by his family, and when they were completed he would enter the forest again. In a short period of time he became the greatest hunter, tracker and expert on the mysteries within Kitsune Mori. Not even his cousin, the Fox Clan Champion Kitsune Ryosei could match his knowledge.

Becoming Champion
Before his cousin Ryosei disappeared into the Shadowlands looking for her father she left explicit instrucitions that Ryukan should assume her position in her absence. Alhtough none would speak out against her choice, many doubted Ryukan's ability to handle such a responsibility. Ryukan himself was not so sure either. It was believed at the time that he was only chosen so that he would not follow Ryosei into the Shadowlands himself, as a command from his Champion was the one thing he would not disobey. When Ryosei returned everyone breathed a huge sigh of relief, including Ryukan, but she quickly retired to a temple, instructing Ryukan to continue to administrate the Clan's affairs in her name.

Responsibilities
His duty in overseeing Kitusne Mori in the Emperor's name and ensuring the welfare of his clan was a responsibility that changed Ryukan. His love for Kitsune Mori and the fox spirits within drives him to protect them, with his life, and with the lives of his people if necessary.

Death of Ryosei
Only one thing haunts Ryukan, the death of Ryosei. When she was found in the temple, seemingly dead from old age he could not believe it. He believed she was too full of life and too close to the spirits to simply pass away in such a way. If she was dying of old age she would simply have gone into Kitsune Mori and never heard from again. He does not know how she died, but often stares into the deepths of Kitsune Mori at night, wondering.