Bounded by Secrets

"Bonds and Bruises"

Near the temporary campus, in a dense, jungly area, several people were tending to their horses before the mission. By a large log of wood, Jack and Shinobu sat talking quietly. Shinobu admired Jack a great deal and was openly expressing how much he looked up to him.

"You know," Shinobu said with a grin, "Mayumi would be perfect for you, Jack. She's got that spark."

Jack, however, shook his head dismissively. "She's a child, Shinobu. You're imagining things."

Just as they were talking, Mayumi arrived on her horse, but the animal was out of control. It barreled straight into Shunsuke, nearly knocking him over. Zeo, seeing the chaos, finally managed to grab the reins and stop the horse, angrily scolding Mayumi for her careless behavior. "You need to be more careful, Mayumi! What were you thinking?" Zeo reprimanded her sharply.

Mayumi, embarrassed and frustrated, dismounted as Jack watched her. Shinobu nudged Jack playfully. "See? Even when she's causing trouble, she's got charm."

Jack, visibly irritated by the conversation, dismissed it again, but when Mayumi joined them, he became overly protective. Without saying a word, he reached out, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her to sit beside him. His hold was firm, possessive, as if shielding her from the teasing remarks that were sure to come.

Not long after, Gaku and Shunsuke joined the group, and the playful taunts began. Everyone took turns teasing Mayumi, and the mood lightened with jokes flying around. But the most savage comment came from Jack himself.

"Mayu," Jack said, smirking, "if you're gonna ride a horse like that, maybe you should stick to the kiddie stables. You're not exactly ready for the big leagues yet."

The group burst out laughing, but Mayumi's face fell. She took the comment to heart, feeling hurt by the remark, especially coming from Jack. Without a word, she stood up and walked away from the group, heading back to her horse. Jack, realizing he had crossed a line, immediately followed her.

"Mayu!" he called out as she sat on her horse, clearly upset.

Reaching her, Jack gently pulled her down from the saddle and onto his shoulder. He held her close for a moment, then kissed her softly on the cheek. "I'm sorry," he said in a sweet, almost childish voice, looking into her eyes with a sincere smile. "I didn't mean it like that."

Mayumi blinked, her expression softening at his apology. After a pause, she sighed and agreed, giving him a small nod.

Before they could talk further, Robin came rushing over, shouting breathlessly, "The alarm has rung! We need to go-now! Get your horses, we're marching out toward the field!"

Jack and Mayumi exchanged a look before quickly mounting their horses, ready to join the rest of the group for the mission ahead.

---

As Group D prepared to leave, each member shared quiet moments with their loved ones. Mayumi clung tightly to her mother, Zeo, tears streaming down her face. But when she turned to her father, Joseph, the memory of their last confrontation stopped her. She couldn't bring herself to hug him. Jack, noticing her hesitation, gently nudged her toward Joseph.

With reluctance, Mayumi hugged her father, whispering, "Sorry, Dad." Joseph heard her apology but pretended not to, simply offering a comforting smile. With goodbyes behind them, Group D mounted their horses and set off, Jack and Mayumi leading the way.

Further back, Ren and Ayumu kept a steady pace, their sons, Shinobu and Shunsuke, following closely behind. Shinobu, eager to join Jack up front, held back, knowing Jack might need some personal time with Mayumi. Gaku and Robin were trailing Ren's horse when suddenly a large Venpatron, covered in sharp spines, leapt onto Mayumi's horse. Startled, Mayumi screamed as the creature latched onto the horse's face.