As Akechi's game finished its internal review by Zaboru and was greenlit for release, Akechi quietly left the ZAGE offices, his expression unreadable as always. Ayumi, however, stayed behind in Zaboru's personal workshop, a space filled with prototype unfinished gadgets, posters, and rows of sketchbooks stacked across the workbenches. She didn't disturb Zaboru while he worked a rhythm she respected but wandered around the room, eyes sparkling as she examined the many concept art pieces scattered on the walls and tables.
She smiled to herself. Every visit to Zaboru's workspace felt like stepping into another world—one full of strange, fascinating characters. Zaboru had told her many times not to leak or copy anything she saw; most of it was confidential. He treated these pieces like sacred drafts of untold legends. But Ayumi couldn't help but admire them.
One particular illustration caught her attention. A muscular rabbit stood center frame, drawn in dramatic shading. It wore a massive robotic arm mounted to its back, with armor plating and tubes connecting to its shoulders. The rabbit's eyes were narrow and serious, almost angry.
"Zabo, who is this?" she asked, eyes fixed. "He looks dangerous for a rabbit. What's his story?"
Zaboru glanced over from his sketchpad. "Oh, that guy? His name's Rayton. Let's just say... he's a badass."
Ayumi frowned playfully. "Stingy as always. You never explain anything."
Zaboru smirked. "It's part of the mystery. You like mystery, don't you?"
She huffed and crossed her arms, but a smile remained on her face. Her love for rabbits made her extra curious about Rayton, who was, in truth, from the game F.I.S.T. in Zaboru's previous life—something he couldn't exactly explain.
After a few minutes of peaceful silence, filled only by the scratch of pencil on paper and typing of keyboard, Zaboru looked up and casually said, "By the way, Ayumi... tomorrow I'm going to the USA."
Ayumi's head turned immediately, eyes wide. "Another business trip?"
He nodded. "Yeah. I'll be going with my dad this time."
Her shoulders slumped. "Fine, Zabo. Just... take care of yourself, okay?"
Zaboru studied her expression, then grinned. "Well, that's too bad. You don't wanna come along?"
Her eyes lit up like fireworks. "I want to go, Zabo! I want to!"
Before he could say another word, she launched herself at him again, arms wrapped tightly around his waist.
"Alright, alright," he laughed. "But it's not just us. My whole family's coming. That okay?"
"Totally fine! I want to play with Sani-chan too."
"Then meet me at my house tomorrow morning," he said. "We'll go to the airport together."
"Got it! I need to pack now!" Ayumi grinned and dashed out of the room like a storm, her excitement impossible to contain.
Zaboru chuckled and returned to his work, muttering, "It's always sad looking at Ayumi when I go on Business Trip."
The next morning arrived in a flash. Ayumi, already packed and wide awake by 6:00 AM, arrived at the Renkonan residence dressed in a pink sweater and jeans, carrying a duffel bag decorated with rabbit pins. She rang the doorbell and waited eagerly.
The door opened to reveal Keiko, Zaboru's mother. "Ara, Ayumi-chan. So early! Come in, come in."
"Good morning, Keiko-san!" Ayumi said with a polite bow.
Zanichi followed with a grunt of acknowledgement. "Hello. All ready?"
Ayumi nodded. "Yup!"
Suddenly, a smaller figure burst from the hallway.
"Ayumi-nee!" Sanika shouted, jumping into her arms.
"Sani-chan!" Ayumi laughed. "Ready for hamburger land?"
Sanika's eyes sparkled. "Yes! I want big soda too!"
From upstairs, Zaboru appeared with his suitcase in hand. He wore a black jacket and slacks, looking fully energize.
"Morning, everyone. Hey, Ayumi," he greeted casually.
"Hi, Zabo!"
Zaboru checked the wall clock. "Alright, let's roll. Our flight's at nine."
"I'll drive," Zanichi said, grabbing the van keys.
"Alright. I'll ride shotgun," Zaboru replied, loading the luggage.
The family piled into their old white van, Ayumi sitting in the back with Keiko and Sanika. Ayumi played word games with Sanika during the ride, making the hour-long trip to the airport pass quickly.
At the airport, they met one of Zanichi's old friends, who was waiting to return the van to the Renkonan home. After a quick handshake and some bills exchanged, the man drove off with the vehicle, and the group entered the bustling terminal.
The airport was lively but not overwhelming. Families, businessmen, and tourists walked about with luggage, and the overhead intercom chimed with boarding calls and security announcements. Zaboru led them to the waiting area.
While waiting for their boarding call, Ayumi wandered to a nearby gift shop with Sanika. They came back with snacks: melon soda, chocolate bars, and some postcards showing iconic American cities.
"Zabo, look! I got us New York postcards. Let's send them once we get there!" Ayumi said.
"That's so touristy," Zaboru teased. "But sure. Sounds fun."
Soon, the intercom crackled. "Flight 104 to Los Angeles, now boarding."
"That's us," Zanichi said, standing up.
Together, the Renkonan family and Ayumi boarded their plane, their destination ahead: the United States of America. It wasn't just a business trip for ZAGE official but also a vacation for Renkonan Family and Ayumi.
To be continued.
AN: Will post another 3 chapters after this but need wait for a while
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