The Cursed Bloodline
Secret Friend

Hikari shook Harui's hand slowly. There was something that made him curious about the gulali-haired girl in front of him. Does he have no suspicion of her? If it was true that the girl was a military person like him, shouldn't she keep her distance from Hikari.

"Why do you want to meet me? You even told me your name. What if I was your enemy? Or could it be that I'm the bad guy who's been talking about your life? "

Hearing Hikari's question, Harui chuckled softly

" If you're really that kind of person. You must have killed me since. There are so many opportunities. After all the bad guys wouldn't care about a wounded bird in the middle of the forest. I believe you're a good man.

So, let's forget where we came from and start making friends, after all starting a friendship is not a sin. Whaddya think? " hawal Harui.

He began to stand up while looking at the basket containing the birds they saved. Harui extended his hand again, he intended to help Hikari get up on her feet

" We can be secret friends. We can keep everything, including our background, a secret. I want us to be able to share our time as children our age freely. Play and practice without the slightest burden.

If you agree, meet me at the same time and at the same place. You should also know how the development of the little bird that we saved, right? "

Hikari was silent for a moment, Harui's offer was not a bad idea. He also reached Harui's hand. A single smile was engraved on Hikari's face

" all right. See you soon, Harui! "

From then on, Hikari and Harui often steal time to meet secretly on the banks of the river which becomes a secret place known only to the two. The day passed quickly as they spent time together. The loneliness that always haunts Hikari seems lost when she is with Harui

Not infrequently, Hikari asked for help in the form of advice to Harui. He tells about the problem of Hotaru who now tends to stay away from him.

"There was someone who used to be very close to me, for some reason that person started to stay away from me. I don't know what I should do for her" Hikari said.

He did not tell his story in detail to Harui. Harui understood, while patting Hikari's shoulder slowly he gave the best advice for his friend

"Whoever that person is, he must have a reason. You just have to try to keep it in his body. If he takes a step back, you have to take a step forward. Do it until the person is no longer away from you" Harui said slowly

"You don't wonder who I've been telling you about all this time? "

" You don't have to tell me everything. You forgot our friendship principle? " say Harui reminded

" Oh yeah. Also true. We make friends without having to know the background of each of us" Hikari said with a chuckle

They stick to the principle of a military soldier. Neither Hikari nor Harui ever discussed where they came from or who they really were.

Just spend time as playmates and sometimes exchange ideas about things.

......................

Amidst the scorching sun, the reflection of the rays in the calm river water was so dazzling. Along with the summer bug rush, Hikari and Harui seem to be training together by the river.

One of the things they liked to spend time on was practicing swords together.

Hikari had finally found someone with abilities equivalent to her. Harui, although she is a girl who is still very young, her fighting technique cannot be underestimated. Even several times in their training, Harui was able to defeat Hikari decisively

" You didn't intentionally give up because I'm a girl, did you, Hikari? "

Harui quickly charged towards Hikari. Two wooden sword blades clashed against each other. Hikari who was still trying to fend off Harui's attack could only squeak when he felt his defense almost being pierced. As a result of the river stone that he incised, his body was pushed back.

" Of course not. With this ability of yours, how can I give up? You're very good at Harui's swordsmanship. I admit it! "

Brasss.....

Hikari leaped back, with a breath of breath he again drew his sword towards Harui.

" You must be training hard to get to this point. I wonder, what is your purpose until you train desperately like this? Do you want to win every fight? "

Hikari noticed Harui's palm which was always wrapped around a bandage. The wound in his hand showed that Harui had never left his training in the slightest.

Hearing Hikari's question, Harui lowered his sword. They began to stop the exercise and chose to sit on the calm bank of the river.

Enjoy the gentle breeze. As usual, if the sky looks beautiful with blue color decorate the horizon. Harui, the girl will be raising her head up while staring in awe at the blue sky. Hikari only looked fixedly at the girl sitting beside him. A smile never leaves his face

"Let's you know what the real purpose of a war is? " said Harui breaking the silence.

" I don't know, maybe to expand a territory? I don't understand that much myself. How're you? "

Hikari shook her head slowly. All this time his father told him that war must be fought. It aims to expand the territory of a country. That was all Hikari had learned from every battle he had fought

" em's... I think the purpose of war itself is to protect the people we love. "

Hikari was stunned when she heard Harui's reply. If war exists to protect someone. Then why did he have to see those closest to him killed on the battlefield?

"I don't understand what you mean. If reason goes to war to protect the people. Then why are so many people killed when they want to reach that goal? "

" My father said, the purpose of a man fighting is not because he hates the enemy in front of him. Rather, because there are people he loves taking refuge behind him. That's why we fight with our lives as a bet.

For me, I must stay strong in order to protect the people I love! "

" Who is the one you want to protect? Is that your mom or dad? "

Harui held up the plan "My father was a great man, while my mother had already gone to heaven. I only have a sister who came with me to the battlefield. I hope, I can keep my sister in any situation!

Then what about you? " ask Harui to Hikari

Clutching the wooden sword in his hand, Hikari stared fixedly at Harui.

" It seems, my life story is not much different from yours. I also have a sister I need to protect, no matter what! "

" In that case, we have the same reason. So let's promise we'll survive this difficult situation. Let's survive to meet later.

If that happens, promise me you will tell me all the things you have accomplished when you meet me again" Hirui said with a gentle smile.

"Wait a minute, can't we see each other again? " said Hikari with disappointed eyes

" It seems so. I have a task to complete soon! "

" It's also true, I also have a task that I have to complete" he said while sitting down

Hikari realizes that maybe this is the last time she can meet Harui. His feelings said, the war with Tsuki will soon break out. That means he will not have time to come to this place anymore

"Get yourself, Hikari! " said Harui with a sincere smile. Hikari nodded slowly.

"Hn. I hope you take good care of yourself too, Harui! "

In Hikari, he hopes that Harui will never be part of the enemy that must be fought. There are many possibilities that cross his mind about who Harui is. Harui could be part of a small military force tasked with protecting the village where he lives. Whatever it is, as long as Harui is not part of the enemy he will fight later

To that end, Hikari believes she can meet Harui again and tell him the way of her life as promised. They finally ended their brief encounter by releasing the little bird they had saved back into the wild.

Nee, who also witnessed her past moments, could only look at the two boys in front of her with regret

......................

Banar alone, war broke out in a short period of time. Hoshi concentrated the two powers to besiege Tsuki. Not to Hoshi's expectations, Tsuki Country could not be conquered easily due to the prowess of their leader.

Hikari is in one of the Commando units tasked with completing a counterattack against Tsuki's forces. At present, the Hoshi Army was completely surrounded and almost lost the battle.

"Our forces were easily repulsed by Tsuki's army. If it continues like this, our assault sector will lose! Victims are also falling from our side. What should we do, Captain? ! " said one of the soldiers facing Hikari

As a Captain of a commando unit, Hikari would naturally not give up so easily. Hundreds of his colleagues' lives depended on his decision. At the same time, a senior captain came and gave an idea. The captain who became one of his father's confidants, he was named Fuma

"Have not two sons of Leader Tsuki come to fight in our region. Why don't we just use them? We kidnap those two boys and negotiate with Tsuki! "

Hikari realized what her senior meant. The man suggested that Hikari cheat. Hikari's emotions peaked, even though they were in a state of war and could justify any means but still it was not true.

" So, senior suggested that I play dirty? " said Hikari while pounding the table. Everyone in the room was silent.

" So you rejected my idea? Although the idea was directly ordered by Mr Hozuki? " said Fuma with a wicked grin

" What do you mean? "

" Mister Hozuki does believe in leading this commando unit to you, Young Master Hikari. But, he did not fully believe the 14-year-old was capable of doing so. For that, I came here. " Fuma began to move, this time he positioned himself facing the other leaders of the army.

"From now on, Hoshi Command under Young Master Hikari will be handed over to me. That's a direct order from Mr Hozuki! " he said loudly

If it was from his father's direct orders, Hikari could not argue. He can't do anything anymore either

" Prepare special forces to bring the two children here alive.

You are free to hurt him or do anything. Even if necessary, you can cut off the child's legs to make it easier to carry them. And Hikari, I will order you to lead this mission! " with an arrogant look Fuma approached Hikari. Wrap something in Hikari's ear

" Make sure you complete this mission well. Mr. Hozuki was so angry to hear our troops were defeated by Tsuki's clowns. Do you know how angry Mr Hozuki is?

It could be, your sister who he so hated being the target of his anger this time! Yesterday your sister's hand was broken, but this time I don't guarantee that her life is okay. So, make sure this mission goes well, okay? " whispered Fuma with great emphasis. Hearing that, Hikari's body stiffened. His hands are notoriously strong.

The fact that his brother was threatened by their father was far greater than being wounded in the war. For that, Hikari had to stop him no matter what

Hikari's eyes flashed with anger. He approached several soldiers under his command

"You've heard what Captain Fuma said, haven't you? This mission must be successful no matter what! " said Hikari with an emphasis

" Good captain! " say they are compact

" What's your next plan? "

Hikari was silent for a moment. He took out several fighting gear including his sword and armor

" Don't Fuma explain it. Whatever way we have to bring the enemy's child into our grasp. Hatus cut off their hands and feet! " said Hikari with her sharp gaze