JoJoNights

More than a hundred years ago, there was a fire in one of Britain’s many mansions. The arsonist was one Dio Brando, a man of ultimate evil, who escaped humanity, rejecting whatever good was possibly left in his heart once and for all. All that was left of him eventually were the sprouts of evil, scattered around the world and spreading his poison even after his bones turned to dust under the desert sun. Gioconda Regio was one of such “sprouts”. Gioconda, often called Mona Lisa by her mother, didn’t know a thing about her father. And, frankly, she had no desire to change that. Whatever her mother had left from him, was burnt in the Regio villa’s fireplace. Even the very appearance of her other parent remained a mystery, and both mother and daughter were content with that. Only when Irena Regio had one glass too much, would she even talk of Dio, laying curses thick upon his name. It is him, she always said, who was the cause of their greatest suffering — the relentless, invisible gaze on their backs. Whoever was stalking the Regios, they were doing so because of Dio. Whether they were indifferent, cautious or malevolent, neither of women wanted to check. And so, while Irena wished not to leave her well-guarded estate, Mona Lisa was chasing her peace all over the planet, with the help of her family’s endless wealth. And yet, the gaze followed her. Even now, as the ship was heading to the faraway island-state of Vieux Carre, she couldn’t think of anything other than drowning the Peeping Tom in these lovely, clear, deep blue waters.

Vieux Carre, the paradise Island

A previously uninhabited resort island and a dwarf state in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Vieux Carre has only one law: everybody must have the time of their life! You can do whatever and wear whatever, as long as everybody’s enjoying themselves on the best beaches and promenades in the world.

Mona Lisa doubted that the resort could bring her joy. In fact, she had great trouble remembering what joy was. As an infant, she smiled a lot — that was what earned her that artistic nickname. That joy was soon to pass, as the world proved very much smile-proof. A scornful frown that formed back in her boring, lonely childhood, wouldn’t leave her lips even in her sleep. The world felt tiring, life — downright exhausting, and the soundless steps behind her back didn’t make it all feel any better. Sometimes she wondered what it would feel like to lose that pressure. Would it even feel better at this point, or would it… “Excuse me, are you alright?” Mona Lisa recoiled, startled. A faint glow emanated off her for a moment, but she calmed down fast upon seeing a tall, but meek-looking woman before her. A bright-pink hijab adorned her head, large lace loops hanging down the shoulders, and a mint green dress covered her body almost entirely, only toes and fingertips left in the open. “My apologies. Did I startle you?” the woman smiled. “You were standing there for so long… I started thinking that…” “No,” Mona Lisa cut her off, hoping that the pinkhead will go away. But she did not. “I was not planning to jump.” “What a relief!” the woman exhaled, sincerely happy. “Oh, forgive me… I did not introduce myself. My name is Mai Tai.” “Didn’t ask.” Mona Lisa grumbled, but Mai Tai didn’t seem to mind her rudeness. “Fine. I am Gioconda Regio. Or Mona Lisa, however you prefer.” ‘Please, do not call me anything,’ she continued in her mind. “Are you here for business or just resting?” Mai Tai leaned on the railing, gazing at the waves. Mona Lisa remained silent, only moving a little further away. “It is a business trip for me, but I was told the reserved room was quite nice, and I will surely have some time to spend on the beach… Ah, they have lovely beaches here, did you know? Black volcanic sand contrasts very nicely with the water…” “Didn’t ask,” Mona Lisa sighed heavily, staring at the water as well, albeit without any romanticism. Mai Tai laughed softly. “Am I annoying you?” “Very much so.” “Well, then…” Mai Tai moved away from the railing, her smile surprisingly warm. “I will leave you and the ocean alone for a while. The island is so small anyways… I’m sure we’ll meet again, signora,” Mai Tai started walking towards her cabin, but stopped for a moment to take the last glance at Gioconda. “I am so happy you are alright.” For a second, there was some unfamiliar glint in her eyes, but with another blink, it was gone, and soon, so was she, leaving Mona Lisa to her thoughts. “Fucking extraverts…” Mona Lisa mumbled with a sigh. “Some paradise it is, being stuck with people like her…” She stood on the deck for a while, until the dark dot on the horizon turned into an image of a volcanic island called Vieux Carre. A little further, another island could be seen. Sazerac, the resort island’s twin. Other passengers started to realize they are rather close to their destination as well, slowly gathering around her, thankfully staring only on the horizon and not noticing her leave. Soon, the ocean breeze would disappear, and Mona Lisa deemed it a good time for a wardrobe change. On Vieux Carre, there were very few rules, and it was deemed more than normal to only wear your swimsuit, although men were advised to wear shorts as well. Gioconda sure hoped they would all follow that recommendation. Having changed into a black one-piece swimsuit, she sighed heavily before forcing herself to look in the mirror. With a frown, she took a hoodie out of her luggage, wrapping it around the waist. At least they won’t stare at her ass the way they stare at her six-fingered limbs, her two-colored hair and the star-shaped birthmark on her shoulder. In a private cabin, the feeling of somebody’s gaze on her was gone, and although she no longer hoped for that, there was a certain chance her stalkers will lose her on Vieux Carre.

***

Two hours later, a taxi brought Mona Lisa right to the Vieux Carre Royal hotel’s doorstep.

Vieux Carre Royal

A luxurious eight-story hotel, reserved to the wealthiest and most important guests of the island. It is partially covered in plants, resembling the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. On the very top floor of the hotel lives and works the self-appointed president of Vieux Carre. It is believed she can see the entire tourist part of the island from there.

And so, she was in the hotel’s lobby, white marble walls barely visible behind the lush greens and palm trees. As the doorman took her belongings, Mona Lisa moved towards a reception stand of deep green stone held by curious ethnic sculptures. The many other tourists she arrived with were either staying somewhere else or hadn’t made it here yet. Regardless, Mona Lisa approached the stand alone. Upon checking her ID, the receptionist girl, suddenly got nervous. “One second, please,” she mumbled, reaching for a phone. Dialing the number with a clearly trained ease, she started talking meekly. “Madam President? Reception talking… Madam Regio has arrived…” Mona Lisa felt her insides tense up, faint glow once again threatening to spill out into something much greater. The doorman was already near the elevator, waiting for instructions. Half-heartedly, the woman thought about leaving her things here and running away, but the ID was still in the receptionist’s hands. “Yes, of course,” the phone call was finally over, ID and a key on the stand. “Please forgive us for the wait. It’s a deluxe suite, eighth floor, to your right. Jack will deliver your belongings…” “Eighth?” Mona Lisa grabbed the ID, still contemplating the escape plan. “That’s presidential floor.” “Well, we do have apartments there, for special guests. Madam President would like to greet you, as well. She said she has news concerning you and your mother.” “Did the old hag die while I was away?” Mona Lisa thought. “She looked fine… well… three years ago.” “I’ll keep that in mind,” she said out loud, taking the key. The receptionist nodded violently with a stupid grin on her face. Mona Lisa told the doorman where to carry her things, then took the passenger’s elevator. Alone again, she couldn’t help but contemplate. It’s not like she loved her mother much. In all honesty, she liked her Stand more. And yet, she worried more than ever. Irena was a strong, relatively young woman, and she never mentioned being sick in her short, business-like e-mails, but she was a woman prone to taking unnecessary risks, and picking avoidable fights. And the most likely way something could have happened to her was through the legacy of Mona Lisa’s loser father. The eighth floor came sooner than anticipated, nervous thoughts clouding her mind. For once in her life, she felt no invisible eyes on her, but the world couldn’t let her have good things, could it… Mona Lisa was already walking into the room, the doorman leaving politely, when something inside her tugged her in the other direction. She was glowing again, the power of her soul pulling her towards the door across the corridor. The woman frowned. “Stupid…” she mumbled, reaching out to knock. “Why am I so stupid…” “Please come in!” a cheerful voice almost sang out. Mona Lisa walked in, feeling nothing but dread. It was a gorgeous, plant-filled cabinet with wooden bas-reliefs on the walls and a gigantic table, once again supported by some ethnic statues. Behind the table, having put her legs on it, a joyful Polynesian woman, just as half-clad as most people on the island, was sipping on some cocktail. Upon noticing the guest, she waved, getting her legs off the table and putting her drink on it instead. “Signora Regio?” she smiled radiantly. “Do come in, take a seat…” she gestured to a comfortable-looking chair. “We were expecting you.” “We?” Mona Lisa stayed in her place. “Ah, chérie,” she turned to the side, clicking her tongue, “do come out.” Now, Mona Lisa noticed a second silhouette, just behind a gigantic monstera. As the silhouette moved from the shadows, her unease grew. The third woman in the room was none other than the talkative lady from the ship, Mai Tai.