Crimson Roses

Chapter 1: The name (age four)

Author's note: Shuiichi acts a little older than four, but you know he really is a five hundred year old demon. Even if he doesn't know he is.

In front of a little house in Ningenkai you could see a small child with deep red hair and if you were close enough you could see the child's emerald green eyes sparkling with wisdom which a child should not have. If you knew this little boy's family, you would see that his father and mother choose to ignore it. They also decided to ignore the golden shades that often shined in the boy's eyes when he is mad or upset. So the child tried to ignore it too. The boys name is Shuiiichi Minamino or that is what they think.

Shuiichi laid on his back staring at the sky in his front yard. He watched the clouds move slowly across the sky. He always thought the sky would look better red. (Author's note: Makai sky is red. You know with all the blood shed there since its demon world. ) Blue did not seem right. He had colored a picture of a forest once and the sky was colored red, but when he gave it to his mother she said 'the sky is blue sweet child not red. Don't you think it would look better that way?' He had nodded his head yes to his mother. Not wanting another argument on his hands.

The wind picked up brushing at his hair. His nose twitched as the smell of food blew from the direction of his house. 'Mother's cooking rice and chicken again. Well at least it's not pasta salad. Gross!' He sat up knowing it was almost done. Shuiichi knew his sense of smell was better than others; well pretty much every sense he had was better than others.He tried not to say anything because his parents looked at him oddly. "Shuiichi, dear dinner is ready!" His mother called. Shuiichi stood up slowly not in the mood to eat. He was hardly ever hunger, but his father insisted on it.

He opened the door to the house and walked to the kitchen. He sat at the side of the table as usually. His Father sat at one end and his mother began to pour the hot tea and serve the chicken and rice. He picked up his cup and sipped the warm liquid. "Mother is this chamomile (type of herb) tea?" His mother smiled. "Yes, Shuiichi it is.' But his mother's smile dropped looking at him, with a confused look. 'How could you tell? Did grandmother make you some?" Shuiichi quickly nodded his head. "Yes, mother she did." 'That was close! Hopefully she does not ask grandmother.' He sighed.

He looked down at his almost empty plate. "Father may I be excused from the table?" His father nodded his head yes. "Go get ready for bed. Shiori will be up in awhile to tuck you in." His father said smiling at his mother. Shuiichi walked up the stairs and down the hall to his bedroom. He got into his night clothing, washed his face and brushed his teeth. He picked up his favorite brush and began to comb his hair in the mirror. His thoughts lead in his father. He knows his father loves mother and him, but he was so ignorant. His father acted as if he was not there. He was glaring at the mirror, when his emerald green eyes swirled with golden streaks. His eyes widen and he blinked, but it was gone. He shrugged his shoulders and walked over to his bed.

He had already read all his books and even some of his parents. They always thought he was looking at the pictures. A knock came from the door and his mother peeked in. "Hello, mother. Would you like to come in?" She giggled. "Yes, Shuiichi dear I would love to." She said with a smile. She walked over to his bed and tucked him in. She sat down on the side of the bed. "Would you like me to read you a story?" Shuiichi smiled mysteriously. "No mother, could you tell me a story that you know?" His mother had a thoughtful expression on her face, and then smiled. "Sure, dear have you ever heard the story of The King of all thieves? My grandfather told it to me once." He thought it sound familiar but shook his head no.

"Alright, there is a legend that centuries ago there was a fox spirit that was said to be the king of all thieves. He the most clever and the trickiest thief anyone had seen. It was told that he stole many priceless ancient items guarded by the most fearsome creature for fun, but as any thief he was also caught. I was shot with 20 arrows and escaped but no one ever heard of the thief again. Some say that he died, but then some say he is still alive hiding and planning for his next legend to begin. It is really a wonderful legend, but of course demons don't exist. Well goodnight. Have sweet dreams dear." His mother said and kissed him on the forehead and walked out of the room closing the door behind her. Shuiichi closed his eyes and fail into a deep sleep.

Dream

He ran through the forests feeling the wind blow his hair. He finally came to a stopped by a lake. He grin looking at the gold necklace covered in rubies and diamonds. He turned his head toward the lake. His reflection sparkled in the moonlit night. His hair was a silver color and his eyes were the color of honey. He had two fox ears on his head, a silver fluffy tail and sharp claws. He was clothed in a white toga like robe. His ears twitched at a sound. The last thing he heard before he woke up was, "So I was right, the legendary thief does like to see his reflection Youko Kurama."

Shuiichi woke up with a start. He looking around and sighed as he got out of bed and went to the mirror. He stared at his reflection. "I think I like the name Kurama better!"

END

Next chapter:

Five years old. He watched his mother in the garden, new and old memories fill his mine.