Still Doll

An Abominable Bastard

"Ugh, another unreasonable way to spend my money lavishly," Dmitri sighed in irritation with his eyes tightly shut. He leaned heavily against his comfy armchair and tossed the envelope he just opened as if a terrible bad news came out from it.

A week passed after his so-called 'transaction' with the Spider Head, Kurapika found himself standing in front of Dmitri's desk inside his dim-lit study, one fine evening. He just handed a letter to his boss that turned out to be a party invitation. However, he didn't expect to witness Dmitri frown as the man continued scanning the letter's content. The Kuruta wondered for a moment about the man's reaction, but easily figured everything out seconds later.

"That Meniandro's up to something, sending me a grandiose invitation like this."

"What do you mean, sir?"

"Receiving this kind of cruise trip invitation," Dmitri turned the scarlet-colored, old parchment styled paper in which beautifully written cursive text was scribbled to let Kurapika see its contents, "is no different from getting an allegiance treaty from a destructive colonist. Look closely at the seal." As Dmitri said, there was a genuine-looking seal stamped at the bottom of the letter, as well as on the envelope. Kurapika didn't really need to think about its authenticity: one look and he instantly recognized that certain emblem.

"A Mafia family seal."

"A genuine one. From the richest Mafia family of this era. I bet this letter have some kind of recognition device or something: that is, only the person it is named could open the envelope. You can feel some kind of aura from it, can't you?"

"Yes, there is, sir. A faint one."

"I can hardly imagine how come Meniandro had his hands on this kind of letter, let alone have an extra copy and give it to me."

"Connection, perhaps."

"Yes, no doubt about that. That's why I don't like to meddle with him, if I could help it."

"You can't decline the invitation, sir?"

"In more reasons than one, yes," Dmitri incredulously signed once more. "For one thing: you can't land your hands on this kind of letter every day. I might have to spend millions of jennies, but I could have a chance to get investors and strengthen my connections, which is worth the try. Second, Meniandro's the type you wouldn't want to mess with. Decline the offer, and you'll declare an all-out war against the craziest assassins on earth. That tiny son of a bitch is tougher and scarier than what he already seemed to be. Really, having him as a colleague is not fun, but very beneficial. For that, I have no choice but to attend. I'd like you and Mitsuhiko to go with me. The cruise will last for a whole week, and there will be an auction and casino night. I just hope the auction got some Kuruta eyes. That would make the trip worth the while. Tell Mitsuhiko the plan, and talk to Senritsu to watch the mansion while we're gone. Get prepared, I want this week to be over as soon as possible," Dmitri concluded and folded the letter before placing it back inside the envelope.

Kurapika curtly nodded and bowed his head a bit. He excused himself and headed out of the study, his mind grumbling relentlessly.

Somehow, he too, could feel something off about their unexpected journey.

The first night of the exclusive week-long, five star cruise trip was spent peacefully as the ship upheld a warm welcome party for the guests. As expected, prominent names all gathered in one grand dining lounge, flocking together while having drinks, talking with each other with probably boring business matters. Fair enough, Kurapika couldn't quite remember when the last time he went on a gathering with these high-profile personalities. Probably months ago, on York Shin City. Yes, probably that was. He didn't just meet the richest people of this age; he even came to see well-known assassins, not to mention his close friend's father and grandfather: Silva and Zeno Zoldyick