A Worthy Opponent (HunterxHunter)

Chapter 45: A Grand Opening

Hisoka and Illumi gathered in the middle of the crowd. Jewels heavily decorated the adults around them with sophisticated robes and rich colors of satin. Hisoka wore a deep red sash with white silk pants. The jester kept his sleeveless look with an open vest that exposed his abdomen, golden hoops around his shoulders and neck. There were added red glovers that wrapped his arms though his fingers remained exposed. Earrings hung from his ears, his hair down. Illumi wore a heavy gold piece upon his shoulders, a royal purple sleeveless vest that also exposed his torso as it tucked into a golden belt, followed by teal and purple pants. His hair was half up half down. A small golden headpiece hung lightly on his forehead.

Hisoka chuckled. "I'll never get used to that outfit on you~"

"Neither I without your makeup," Illumi responded.

"Now..." Hisoka scanned the grand room. The largest balcony above held three thrones. A subtle lining surrounded the ceiling and extended to the back of the room. Hisoka squinted his eyes. "...to find an opening~"

Illumi glanced at the ceiling too then down to Hisoka. It was like him to smile despite his unusual failure. Only Illumi could tell of Hisoka's hidden gestures that remained consistent with his emotions. Usually, he rested his hands on his hips more often than not. But when annoyed, Hisoka stood on both legs evenly, more rigid yet still relaxed. His fingers also curled inwards on his hips or in his arms when he crossed them rather than open and sharp.

"Oh, Illumi~ look how beautiful those thrones are. I bet they have the best seats in the palace~" Hisoka commented pointing at them.

"Ah. I wonder when they'll open the roof," he said as people swirled past him to the music.

A few kids stumbled into his legs. They didn't apologize and ran around him, their parents scolding them to behave.

Illumi sent them death stares until they disappeared. Hisoka tilted his head towards him. "We should enjoy ourselves for the time being Illumi. Care for some drinks?~"

He must know someone's watching this room intently.

"Okay." Illumi followed but Hisoka held out his hand.

"You stay here. I'll fetch the drinks for us~" He hummed. "I won't be too long~" Hisoka openly strut towards a display of expensive cuisines made from tropical fruits and plants which filled silver platters on the sidelines.

Illumi raised an eyebrow.

Hisoka covers up the hidden details he discovers. Maybe he left to make us less noticeable.

Illumi skimmed the exterior. More balconies surrounded the edges a few meters high with guards. Black cauldrons of fire blazed in every corner of the room. A large staircase climbed on the right and left of the throne's balcony. Red curtains whisked elegantly behind the thrones. Animals of feathered birds and critters sat on the ledges of the walls. Their small chirps complimented the traditions of this village, enchanting the music. Illumi spotted Feral and Kurapika already in position as guards on the balcony. Then he found a couple of guards by a huge lever on the top left of the room bickering about something. It was barely audible with all the partying going around.

They're likely arguing about when to open it. Ahmad and Bisky must have done something with the animals to cause a small commotion.

"Look out!" A woman called almost crashing into him. Illumi dodged accordingly and let the woman fall to the floor.

"My my, you're a fine one." She squirmed half-drunk attempting to stand up. A small ferret loomed around her neck making cooing small growls.

"Shh Miko! We have a pretty friend. What is your name dear?" She asked dusting off her clothes. She seemed much older than Illumi, and not that attractive. Not that anyone was attractive to him anyways.