Summary: The blood of his parents is haunting him. No one can help him, not even the friends he trusts so much. It's only a matter of time before he breaks down and reveals his secret buried deep inside himself. Dark Horo fic

Thanks: Wow. Five reviews overnight. That's something. YAY! XD I love you guys so much! Well now I have six reviews!

-radient phoenix: Thanks for pressing the button!

-Ice Dragon of the North: And I'm really gonna put effort on this thing. I hope you'll like this chapter.

-Lady girl: Great that you like my idea.

-MeeLee: The "other thing" is gonna berevealed sooner or later, but it's safe to say he 'might' have been possesed. And the "golden eyed" thing? It really was Ren. XD

-xImperfectlyX: Yeah. As sad as it is, in my fic he did. ;;

-EternalSnowfall: Thanks for the review saying this is an awesome fic! And thanks also for clarifying that I spelled Ikapasui right.

This chapter is for you guys!

Disclaimer:Sad to sayI don'town Shaman King.

Set in Horo's POV

"Red"

Chapter two: Cold Memories

Beads of sweat started rolling down my face. Even so, I can't stop my training; it's only 4:30 a.m.

Training has always been the best way to get my mind off things, same for fighting. That's one of the reasons why I like arguing with Ren or why I always accept a challenge. And it's also a way to make myself stronger, physically and mentally. If I hadn't done any training in the past I would either been dead or emotionally insane, always hearing whispers about me.

I always knew they would kick me out of the village someday, and the Shaman Tournament was a perfect excuse. They only chose me, from many other shamans, because in someway it would get rid of me. 'Never come back until you're shaman king' the chief told me. They doubted I would even pass the preliminaries so they gave that idea. So now I can't go back. I won't go back. Never. That's why I remained here in the Funbari Inn with Yoh. It's very far away from those cold glares and harsh whispers.

'Demon child, demon child', that's all I ever hear from them. Just that. No 'hi' or 'hello'. Just that. My parents didn't bother. They were both on their side. Spitting at me like I was dirt. My brother couldn't care any less. He was 10 years older and had more respect from the village than me. He was a great shaman. One of the best among us ainus. I looked up to him; he hated me. He had everything; I barely had anything. I tried to help him; he just tried to kill me. 52. That's the number of times he strived to get rid of me. The last time when I killed him myself. Blood rained I tell you. Dark crimson blood.

The only one who ever liked me was Pirika. I was five and she was three when I slaughtered our mother. But no matter what, she still respects me and sees me as a normal brother. It made me feel guilty.

"Man Horohoro, how did you wake up earlier than Ren?", it was Yoh. He yawned and rubbed his eyes.

'5:30 already?' I thought.

I slowly headed towards the bathroom and washed myself. After that, I looked at the mirror and placed my invisible mask. Cheery eyes and a big grin plastered on the face. I always wore this disguise. Nine years. Nine whole years I've been doing this façade. Most people now know me as happy and carefree idiotic ice shaman I always act as. They all see me like this. Pirika thinks I've changed and that I have forgotten the past. However, nothing will make me place those memories fade away. Not even myself.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

"Morning guys!" I greeted them with a smile.

I ate breakfast the way they always see, a gluttonous way. Yoh kept on grumbling about his training but gradually closed his mouth before Anna tripled his work. Ren quietly drank his dairy for 'health purposes'. Lyserg was still sleepy. Pirika kept nagging me about getting enough sleep. Tamao sat there like a mouse and so on. These were just usual habits. More like a routine.

I quite envy them. Their problems are temporary and could be fixed easily. Their friends can help them in every way they can. Unlike mine. My tribulations are difficult. More difficult than theirs. No one can help me. Not one creature, or spirit, can solve my troubles. I hate it.

"Oh yeah, I forgot to ask. Horohoro were you- What the hell Horo! Your forehead'sbleeding!" the brunette headphone boy exclaimed.

I touched my headband and noticed it was soaked. With red liquid. This isn't a good sign. "Shit." I said.

"Do you need help?" Faust quickly stood up.

"Nah. I can handle this myself." I gave a toothy grin and headed for the bathroom.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

I carefully took of the cover of one of my secrets. I stared at myself in the mirror. The seal. It was still there. A permanent mark that I was and forever will be a demon. It was something to distinguish who I am marked as. It bleeds from time to time; that's a sign that the person inside me wants to get out and be free. I'm kind of used to it, having to take the pain for my whole life.

I hate blood. It always reminds me of my 'family'. Just thinking about them makes me want to break something.

The next thing I knew my hand had acquired some cuts. I looked at the glass and saw it was shattered. I knew I was the one who broke it. I sighed and stared at myself in the mirror.

I really hate my life.

x-x-x—x-x-x—x-x-x

A/N

ehehehe. Sorry if it took a while. It's exams week here in my place so I couldn't use the computer. Actually, I just sneaked in to update. Bad me! XD Well at least tomorrow's the last day, then I could do chapter 3! Yay!

So once again I am asking you readers to please submit a review! Click at the magical button once more! It'll really help me.

Until next chapter! Bye!