Echoes of Legacy

"Guardians of Misfortune"

Mayumi and Kenji exchanged amused glances as they discovered they were in the same group, the Red Guardians, and would share the same bus for the trip. The next morning, they woke up early, the chilly air making them shiver as they boarded the bus. Robin, the group's coordinator, was already there, helping the others settle in. Eniko, Kei, Amy, Daiki, Akira, and Sora were already chatting excitedly, and Robin's toddler daughter, Mia, was in the middle of it all, her laughter filling the bus as the girls took turns playing with her.

"Looks like we're in for a fun trip," Kenji said, nudging Mayumi with a grin.

"Yeah," Mayumi agreed, smiling as she watched Mia. "Robin sure brings a lot of energy."

As the bus rolled on, the group shared jokes, laughter, and stories, the atmosphere light and carefree. But at one point, Robin's voice cut through the noise, sharper than usual.

"Mayumi!" he called out sternly, causing her to freeze. "Pay attention when I'm talking. How many times do I have to repeat myself?"

Mayumi's heart sank. She mumbled an apology but felt the sting of embarrassment. It wasn't the first time Robin had scolded her like this, but today it hurt more than usual. Quietly, she slipped to the back seat, tears brimming in her eyes as she sat alone.

Kenji noticed her absence and quickly followed. He found her sitting with her head down, wiping away her tears.

"Hey, Mayumi," Kenji said gently as he sat beside her. "You okay?"

She sniffled and shook her head. "I'm fine. It's just... Robin's right. I wasn't paying attention."

Kenji frowned. "Come on, you know he doesn't mean to be harsh. He's just stressed with the trip and all. Don't let it get to you."

At that moment, Robin approached, his expression softening as he realized how upset she was. "Mayumi," he said, sitting down beside her. "I didn't mean to be that harsh. You know I rely on you for a lot. I shouldn't have snapped like that."

Mayumi wiped her eyes, managing a small smile. "It's okay. I know you didn't mean it."

Robin gave her a reassuring nod. "You're doing great. Don't be so hard on yourself."

Kenji smiled at her. "See? Even Robin thinks you're a star."

Mayumi let out a small laugh, feeling a bit lighter. "Thanks, both of you. I guess I overreacted."

Robin ruffled her hair affectionately. "Just don't disappear on me again, okay?"

"Promise," she replied, feeling her spirits lift as the three of them rejoined the group.

The next morning, Mayumi woke up to the soft warmth of sunlight streaming through the bus window. She blinked, adjusting her eyes to the light, and looked down to see little Mia curled up beside her, fast asleep, her tiny legs sprawled over Mayumi's lap. Smiling at the sight, Mayumi gently shifted, careful not to wake the child. Across from her, Kei was busy fixing her hair in the small mirror on the bus wall.

"Good morning," Kei said with a bright smile. "They've organized a camp nearby for us to bathe and eat. Why don't you take Mia with you, freshen up, and have breakfast?"

Mayumi nodded, still feeling groggy from the long night. "Sure, thanks."

Carrying Mia in her arms, Mayumi headed down toward the camp by a nearby pond. The cool air brushed against her skin, and she inhaled deeply, the freshness of the morning helping to wake her up fully. Mia was now wide awake, giggling and squirming in her arms. Setting the child down, Mayumi let Mia wade into the shallow water to play.

But within seconds, Mia wandered too far. Before Mayumi could react, the little girl had ventured into the deeper part of the pond. Panic seized Mayumi as she heard Mia's frightened screams for help.