This is my first attempt at Hakkenden. Please be gentle.

Undying hearts

What is a life without death?

A home without a family?

What is...?

Everyday Sosuke watched over Shino. Then again how could he not? Shino's father had saved him, although he didn't remember that very well. He admired the Mayor, and had taken a liking to his child. A few years had passed since that event had taken place.

Shino had been opened to taking in Sosuke as his brother of sorts. But being with the younger boy wasn't easy at first. He was loud and energetic at times, but other times he seemed so weak. He always wanted to walk on his own two feet, and was stubborn about getting help.

One night, while Shino was ill, Sosuke decided he would brush the latter's tangled hair. Long purple strains had weaved themselves into hard to reach knots. Hamaji sat next to Sosuke as the hover behind Shino. Even though they had offered to help, Shino has insisted on doing it alone. So after they had entered the room the purple haired boy grabbed for the brush. Not wanting his to hurt himself over a brush, Sosuke complied to his demands.

Hamaji fell asleep, after awhile. Her pink hair spread around her childish, yet angelic, features. Shino couldn't help but to smile at her. Running the brush through, his hair made him wince though.

"I could help, Shino." Sosuke said quietly.

"No, I'm not helpless. There are still things I want to do on my own."

"I'm not saying you're helpless."

Shino shook his head. If that wasn't what Sosuke was implying, then why did it feel like it? He didn't want to be cared for, not for his whole life.

The next day, Shino seemed better. Dressed his girly kimono, the forced Hamaji and Sosuke outside into the field with him. The sun was high over head. Sosuke stood back and watched as the younger two 'siblings' picked flowers.

Upon getting up, Shino stumbled a bit. Hamaji, worried for her older brother, asked if he was okay after he steadied himself. He nodded.

"Shino." Sosuke came over as Hamaji went off to pick more flowers. "Why do you try so hard?"

Shino looked up at the sky while tapping his chin. His eyes brightened as he pointed at a cloud. "Look a heart."

"That doesn't an-"

"Even if I'm weak, I still have an undying heart."

"Shino's strong." Hamaji called back with her childish voice.

Sosuke learned later that there was no point in trying to stop the stubborn boy when he wanted something. Much like there was no point in having a home with no family. Since Shino was his family, and he could never stop his stupid stubbornness, he would just have to follow him where ever he went for as long as he could.

There is no point in life without death

A home without a family

These things are one.

I know it's short but still...

Anyways I love reviews. Even guest reviewing is super awesome... maybe next time, if I get good reviews, I'll write something longer and better.

Disclaimer- don't own. Never have, never will.

And, as your beloved fearfulknights, I sent a request to have Shino as a character option for those of you who write. It's kinda messed up to not have the main character as an option.