It had been over a month since Keiko had confessed her feelings to Daiana and vice versa. As such, Christmas was just around the corner. Ah, Christmas. It was such a sentimental holiday to the Warden family. For one thing, the Warden had claimed it as his own birthday as a way of trying to get as much away from his awful past as possible. It was also an excuse to throw the biggest parties imaginable. It was a tradition since before Maddie and Ethan or Eddie had been born; or before Warden had even met the Mistress. As such, all three of their children were determined to keep that tradition alive, even when they couldn't attend each other's parties.
It was a tradition that Keiko looked forward to every year, more so than even her own birthday. It was especially one she was keen to celebrate after everything that had happened over the past year. Much as she wanted to forget all that had happened, she knew she couldn't, not if she wanted to move on with her life anyway. However, none of those issues she faced throughout the year were currently plaguing her.
Right now, the issue plaguing Keiko was what she should get her girlfriend for Christmas. She wanted to make sure to get something that would show her how much she cared and how happy she was to have her in her life. Keiko was determined to find the perfect present for her partner, but there was nowhere specific she could look nor was she sure how she could get her hands on such a gift. Keiko was feeling lost and overwhelmed, so she decided to seek help from her friends. They suggested a variety of ideas, but none of them seemed quite right. Keiko was nevertheless determined to find the perfect present for her girlfriend, so she decided to take matters into her own hands.
She decided to give her family a heads up on where she was going before heading out to her destination (wherever it might have been) solo and seeking out Jailbot X for a ride.
"Hey, Jailbot X!" Keiko called out to the black X-shaped robot.
Jailbot X came flying in her direction and made sure to stop in front of her before they could collide.
"I'd like for you to fly me somewhere where I can find the perfect gift for Daiana," Keiko commanded as she climbed upon him. "And no, it doesn't matter where you take me. Just do it. Also, if you can, do it as quickly as possible."
Jailbot X did so, and just like that, off she went. She was determined to find the perfect gift for Daiana, no matter what it took.
After flying for some time, Jailbot X eventually landed down in Lusaka, Zambia. Upon dismounting, Keiko took a moment to gather her bearings and take in her surroundings. It was hard to believe the kind of city Lusaka was or even the kind of country she was in. Keiko had only known about Zambia through books and teachers, so getting to see it for herself (and especially the capital city) was a treat.
As she saw the sun rise over the bustling city, Keiko could hardly contain her excitement. Surely, there was bound to be someplace where she could find a gift for Daiana. Surely, there was someplace special that housed that perfect gift. Her first stop was the Arcades Shopping Mall, which was like every other shopping mall in existence offering up everything that anyone could buy and even a few restaurants shoppers could eat at. Unfortunately for her, it wouldn't be open for another three and a half hours, so she decided to do some exploring to kill time.
The air was filled with the sounds of bargaining and laughter, as vendors called out to passersby, enticing them with their wares. Keiko was immediately drawn to a stall selling intricately woven baskets, each one a work of art in its own right. She struck up a conversation with an elderly woman who was crafting them, learning about her technique and the significance of each design.
"Wow, this is all so amazing," Keiko said. "You must be very talented."
"Oh, thank you, dear," the elderly woman replied. "I hear that from a lot of people."
"I'm sure you do. What's your name anyway?"
"Oh, my name's Syntyche. What's yours?"
"Keiko."
Syntyche's face lit up. "Oh, that's right! You're the Supreme Leader's daughter, aren't you?"
Keiko nodded. "Yep, that's me."
"Forgive me, dear. My memory can be quite flighty sometimes." Syntyche then squinted her eyes at Jailbot X. "That's Jailbot X, right?"
"Yep, my grandfather built him several years ago. He's my uncle, basically."
"I see. Well, I was so sad when your grandfather died. He was the best Supreme Leader we could've asked for. Long live the Warden."
"Indeed." Keiko paused momentarily. "So... is there anything I can buy from you while I'm here?"
"You can buy a basket from me if you want."
Keiko looked over the collection of baskets Syntyche had on sale. "I don't know. I'm not sure which of these I'd want to buy."
"Whatever catches your eye, dear. It's all up to you."
Keiko browsed through the beautiful baskets on display again. This time, she noticed that each one told a unique story through its intricate design. After much contemplation, she selected a vibrant basket with a pattern that caught her eye.
"Good choice," Syntyche said. "Do you have any money on you so I can pay?"
"What kind of money do you want?" Keiko asked.
"30 kwacha."
"30 kwacha? Well, I don't have that kind of cash on me. Let's see..." Keiko turned to face Jailbot X. "Jailbot X, I need you to cough up 30 kwacha, please."
Jailbot X did just that right into Keiko's hands. As she handed over the payment, Keiko thanked Syntyche for sharing her kindness and wisdom with her.
"Alright, come back soon," Syntyche called out to Keiko as the latter was walking away. "I know you'll be a great Supreme Leader one day."
From there, Keiko wandered through the bustling streets, taking in the sights and sounds of what she could only assume was daily life in Lusaka. She hoped to kill time until the Arcades Mall opened its doors and she could come inside and browse. The city was a melting pot of cultures, with people from all walks of life going about their day. She stopped to chat with a group of young children playing out in the streets, their smiles infectious as they showed off their homemade toys to her. She could tell that those toys were modeled after people from the original Superjail and Ultraprison, respectively. It delighted her to see just how much her family had rubbed off on the world over the last three decades. In fact, Keiko felt a sense of warmth and hospitality from the locals, who welcomed her with open arms and eager curiosity.
Next up, Keiko decided to make her way to the Lusaka National Museum, eager to learn more about the history and heritage of Zambia. As she wandered through the museum's halls, she marveled at the fascinating exhibits on display, which ranged from traditional tribal art to modern Zambian sculptures. She was particularly struck by the collection of traditional artifacts, which offered a glimpse into Zambia's rich cultural heritage. The museum's knowledgeable staff were eager to share their insights with her and make her visit truly unforgettable. She'd have to remember to bring Daiana here the next time she came to Lusaka. Until then, however, she would get to enjoy this visit.
Keiko soon made her way to Lusaka's beautiful Munda Wanga Environmental Park. This lush green oasis was home to a variety of African wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and monkeys. She meandered along the park's winding paths, taking in the sights and sounds of nature all around her. While here, she felt a deep sense of peace and connection with the natural world. For her, it was a moment of pure serenity clutched firmly within the heart of bustling Lusaka.
It was finally 9:30, opening time for the Arcades Mall. Without hesitation, Keiko rushed into the building, with Jailbot X following behind her. Once the two stepped inside, Keiko took the time to look around and take in her surroundings. She then noticed just how many stores there were, ready for people to shop through them and buy whatever they wanted. She froze up, unable to decide at that moment where to go first. There were so many stores here that it was almost overwhelming to choose from.
"Wow," Keiko muttered. "I don't even know where to start, Jailbot X. How do we decide where to go?"
Jailbot X wordlessly suggested a coin toss.
Keiko was hesitant at first, but she eventually agreed. What harm would there be in a simple coin toss? "Alright, heads, we head into the store on my left. Tails, we head into the store on your right."
Keiko took out a quarter and flipped it. It landed on heads, and she declared herself the winner. Without hesitating, she then quickly ran to the nearest store and started browsing, with Jailbot X trailing right behind her. While they were still browsing, the first people they encountered were none other than Dorian and Junko.
Keiko gasped out loud. "Hiibaba, arrière grand père, what are you doing here?"
"Shopping, same as you," Dorian replied. "How have you been? We haven't seen you in a long time."
"Me neither. Anyway, I've been fine. Doing my best to raise little Raph and reach out to my family for help when I need it."
Dorian nodded. "I figured. It still confuses me how Junko and I are great-great-grandparents at just eighty-four and ninety-one years old."
Keiko laughed. "You and everyone else. Hey, listen, I'm looking for something to give Daiana for Christmas. You wanna help me?"
Dorian nodded again. "Sure, anything for you, mon coeur. Just let us show you and your robot friend where to go."
After Dorian and Junko helped Keiko pick out a gift for Daiana, she thanked them and paid for the gift before leaving the Arcades Mall with Jailbot X. Keiko breathed out a sigh of relief, knowing that her dilemma was over and she could now start to plan out her departure for home. First, though, she had to pay a visit to Syntyche again. She figured that it was the least she could do. Navigating through the streets of Lusaka, she started to reminisce about the vibrant energy that had enveloped her during this visit. The blend of sights, sounds, and the delightful aroma of street food had made every moment special.
Eventually, she made it to Syntyche's stall. She saw that Syntyche was just finishing up making a basket to sell, and she gave a soft smile.
"Ah, Keiko!" Syntyche exclaimed. "It's good to see you again. I was hoping you'd come back."
Syntyche's warm smile instantly lifted Keiko's spirits.
"Thanks for your help, Syntyche," Keiko replied. "I've learned so much not just about this city, but this country."
"My pleasure, dear," Syntyche said. "You're the Supreme Leader's daughter, after all. How could I not help you?"
Keiko laughed. "You're too kind. Anyway, I might come back for a visit someday. I'll be sure to visit you first."
"Thank you. Oh, by the way, there's something I want you to have."
"Yeah, what is it?"
Syntyche handed her a small, intricately carved charm— a token of the friendship they formed and the experiences they had shared in such a short time. "Take this charm with you. It used to be my mother's."
"Oh, cool. Thanks. I'll cherish this forever." Keiko started to walk off. "Thanks again!"
Syntyche started waving as Keiko left. "No problem."
As Keiko walked away from Syntyche's stall, she felt renewed. Not only did she manage to find a gift for Daiana with days to spare, but she also managed to find beauty in the world during a time in her life when such a thing seemed rare and out-of-reach. She reminded herself to find that beauty wherever possible and make sure to try to inspire hope within herself while she was at it.