Hotel Cipriani

Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice modern

The boat transporting Kyn's party glided swiftly through the lagoon's clean waters, its sleek hull effortlessly cutting through the surface. The lagoon stretched out in every direction around them, a sparkling expanse of turquoise and azure that reflected the brightness of the sky above. As the company approached their destination, which was a neutral ground disguised as luxury, the air was perfumed with a hint of salt and the promise of adventure.

The lagoon was littered with luxury boats and yachts of various sizes, their glittering surfaces a monument to affluence and extravagance. Each vessel, from sleek modern designs to the renowned sailboats of the early 2000s, was a unique work of art. They bobbed gently in the mild waves, their existence a testimony to the lagoon's attraction as a playground for the wealthy.

The sun's golden rays danced across the surface of the body of water, creating a magnificent show of shimmering reflections. The beauty of the lagoon was reflected in the eyes of those on Kyn's boat, a sense of amazement blending with the anticipation of what was ahead.

The Hotel Cipriani, located on the edge of the lagoon, came into view as they approached their destination. The six-star luxury hotel emanated elegance and exclusivity, with architecture that blended timeless beauty with modern comfort. Its façade was a monument to both history and splendour, bringing visitors from all over the world into its delicate embrace.

The hotel's spotless dock, where luxury boats and yachts were moored in an amazing symphony of design and delight, awaited their arrival. The setting was elegant, with a backdrop that fit beautifully with the enchantment of the lagoon itself.

Kyn's party stepped onto the polished pier as they disembarked from their boat, their surroundings a beautiful blend of natural beauty and human innovation. The lagoon, adorned with luxurious vessels and the majestic Hotel Cipriani, whispered promises of a world beyond the ordinary, where destiny unfolded amid elegance and intrigue.

The lovely ambiance of the lagoon gave way to the sophistication of their surroundings as Kyn's party stepped onto the solid ground of the pier. The welcoming party greeted them, their presence embodying the hotel's sumptuous hospitality. Julio Maximus, a seasoned authority figure with his warrior past evident in his demeanour, stood at the forefront. The ex-soldier oozed dignity and experience, his presence commanding respect as he addressed Gaia with grace.

"Greetings, honoured guests," Julio Maximus said with a courteous bow. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the Hotel Cipriani. "The existence of the famous Gaia standing among us humbles us."

The rest of the welcoming group followed suit as Julio Maximus' remarks filled the air, their bows a communal demonstration of deference. The air seemed to be filled with reverence, with each member of the party acknowledging Gaia's heavenly presence with a mix of respect and admiration.

Kyn and Chris, on the other hand, stood out from the adoring crowd. The air of respect that enveloped Julio Maximus struck them as overbearing, especially given their experience with Gaia. Their expressions were a mix of scepticism and unease, a silent questioning of the host's demeanour.

"This guy seems a little overboard with the reverence, don't you think?" Kyn whispered to Chris.

"Yeah, it is. I think he got hit in the head a large number of times," Chris replied quietly. Something does not feel quite right."

Kyn, thinking to himself, since when did she get this much level of respect, yet she remained cooped up in that tower? To his surprise, Gaia replied to his thoughts, Well, as much as I like having fun with you, most of us clones tend to mean business. You should be lucky; I'm sweet.

Kyn, dump struck, still having the internal conversation, so there are more of you out there.

Yup, but I'm your brunette Rapunzel. And what are you getting worried about? I'm quite sure they've mistaken me for another version of me, though she's more of a blonde with freckles.

While the rest of the party stayed in their bow, Kyn and Chris stood, their wariness apparent. Maximus' ostentatious display of respect seemed to put doubt on the genuineness of the greeting, leading the two hunters to distrust his intentions.

Nonetheless, the universe proceeded to weave its intricate tapestry amidst the grandeur of the Hotel Cipriani and the reverence that surrounded the occasion. The disparity between appearances and reality provided another element to the emerging story, one that would ultimately influence the fortunes of everyone involved in this world of luxury and intrigue.

Chris took advantage of the opportunity to leave as the greeting group continued their display of respect and devotion. He turned away from the gathering with a subtle motion and began to walk away, a purposeful stride in his step. His goal was clear: he wanted to collect the sunstone he had hidden on the property, a task that required his concentration without drawing too much attention to himself.

Gaia and Kyn found themselves in relative seclusion as Chris retreated into the exquisite surroundings of the Hotel Cipriani. Gaia's gaze met Kyn's, her expression a mix of curiosity and eagerness to reveal the realities hidden behind the surface.

"Kyn, I can sense your questions," Gaia says softly.

Kyn nodded, his visage reflecting his inquisitiveness and thirst for answers.

"It is not that difficult to notice," Kyn laughed as he wondered about their regard for her as unique. "What is the backstory?"

Gaia's gaze met his with a depth of understanding as she began to unveil the secret truths that had fashioned her existence.

"You see, Kyn, the essence I carry is the same as hers; the world we live in, our biometrics, are tied to our essence," Gaia said introspectively, "so there is another Gaia—the blonde Gaia—who lives in Maroneia."

She stopped, catching her words before she gave out her true nature as an entity that was laden with insight about the complexities of her existence.

Gaia "Technically, We are unique. Because of her ties to prominent and influential persons in this universe, the version presented here is revered. She frequently stays at the Hotel Cipriani, but she is gone out 'shopping,' as they say."

Kyn's forehead wrinkled as he considered the complexities of the scenario. The presence of two Gaias—one respected and the other more known to him—added a dimension of mystery to their voyage.

"So, the reverence is more about her connections here than anything else?" Kyn wondered.

"Exactly," Gaia says (nodding). I share the same essence as she. While I am more in sync with nature and the order, her dealings are entwined with the realm of nature and influence."

Their discourse was tinged with echoes of fate and the decisions that had led them down opposing roads, which gave each of the two their own autonomy. The mystery of Gaia's existence unfolded amid a backdrop of luxury and intrigue, a reminder that even celestial beings were susceptible to the complications of fate.

Gaia's gaze flicked with a knowing glimmer as Chris's absence grew more noticeable.

"Seems like Chris is off on his own mission," Gaia smirked. Let us make the most of this opportunity, Kyn. There is a lot more to discover in this domain.

Kyn stood there on the verge of discovery in the heart of the sumptuous refuge that was the Hotel Cipriani, his identity now entangled amidst the echoes of one incarnation of a goddess and the worlds they travelled. And now another who seemed to be addicted to business has become a shopping addict.

I wish she was as serious as Bar Gaia, but then come to think of it, Bar Gaia still tricked him into owing her a favour, seemingly lost in thought; he thought to himself, looking at the beauty in blue.

Funny enough for the first time, he was glad she was fun to be around with, not too serious as the wisp had come to be. She gave him that feeling of being free yet still had to take care he didn't end up in a 'situationship.' After checking into different rooms, Gaia excused herself to go freshen up leaving Kyn to his endeavours.

Walking into his room, he couldn't help but notice that scent, familiar yet foreign.