Chapter 48 : Date?

The next day, Axion is ready with her dress.

"A dress? How unusual," said Rum.

"Oh, Captain Albi asked me out today," said Axion.

"Hmmm...." Ramenman slides closer to Axion. "A date?" he asked.

"No, not really. He's doing a mission here so I thought I can squeeze something out from his side of the investigation," said Axion.

"Of course... mission," said Ramenman teasingly as he glances at Kaizo.

Kaizo looks away with an annoyed expression. "I'm going out," said Kaizo as he walks away.

"Where are you going?" Ramenman asked.

"Doing errands," Kaizo answered indifferently.

"Someone is being jealous...." Ramenman tease.

"Him? Pfft... no way," said Axion.

"Oh, you just don't know it yet," Ramenman replied.

"Well, I'll be going now. I'll see you guys on tonight's show."

"Have fun!" said Rum.

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At Cirque du Stellar gate, Captain Albi waited.

"Sorry, I made you wait," said Axion as she lightly runs at him.

"No problem. Shall we?" said Captain Albi as he offered his hand.

Axion wraps her arm in his arm. Kaizo watches them from a distance as they walk away.

"Oh, and by the way, I have an alias too. You can call me Albus," said Captain Albi.

"Albus? Really? That's the best you got? Why does your alias sound close to your real name?"

Captain Albi laughs. "It's easier to remember. Plus, your chance of slipping and accidentally calling my real name would be lower."

"Hmmm... Makes sense. So... can I just call you Al?" Axion asks as she looks at him.

Captain Albi blushes. "O-Of course. Please do."

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Kaizo watches them from behind a shop. "What are they laughing about?" he wondered.

Suddenly, Ramenman taps his shoulder. Kaizo startled but he acted normal.

"Following your crush?" Ramenman asked.

Kaizo shrugs him off. "I'm making sure she's not in trouble."

"Sureee...." Ramenman tease.

"Tsk, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to hands out flyers?"

"I am!" said Ramenman. He cut a couple on the street and gave them a flyer. "Hey, Lady! You make a lovely couple with your boyfriend. Come and see our show. I'm sure it would be romantic," said Ramenman with a wink.

The lady chuckled and she left with her boyfriend with a happy face.

"See?" said Ramenman at Kaizo.

Kaizo rolled his eyes.

"So, found anything yet?" Ramenman asks as he watches Axion through Kaizo's shoulder. "Ohh look at them. They're laughing. I wonder what they are laughing about? It looks like they're having fun. Almost looked like a couple," Ramenman whispers, burning Kaizo's ear.

Kaizo makes an indifferent expression. He's so done with Ramenman.

---------------

"I must say. Your show at Cirque du Stellar was truly amazing. I could not forget the voice of your singing ever since," said Captain Albi.

"I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed the show. Do visit again."

"Oh yes, of course! I will watch your show again tonight."

Axion chuckled. "It seems that Cirque du Stellar will have a permanent seat for you."

Captain Albi laughs. "I suppose so. Your voice is something that I wouldn't want to miss. And I'd be happy to take every chance I have to see you."

"That's very nice of you," said Axion. "So, where are you staying? Since you have an alias, surely you're staying at someplace."

"I'm staying at Circus Maxima, actually," said Captain Albi.

Axion looked at him.

"Circus Maxima has a gladiator show. I'm a gladiator," said Captain Albi shyly.

"Gladiator huh? A show of strength. Suits you well."

"I suppose so."

"What is it like? To be a Gladiator," Axion asked.

"I must say, it's barbaric and yet at the same time, it's glorious. Fighting in the arena wasn't always fair. But the blood of warriors inside me aspire to be the strongest," said Captain Albi. "You should come and see it sometimes."

"Of course. When will you appear in the arena? I'll come and see you," said Axion.

Captain Albi takes Axion's hand and bowed. "I'd be honored to present victory to you, my Lady," said Captain Albi. He kisses her hand without looking away from her eyes.

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Kaizo's head is fuming.

"Uh oh... He got the upper hand," said Ramenman. He glances at Kaizo.

Kaizo walks away.

"Hey, where are you going?" Ramenman asked.

But Kaizo ignored him.

Ramenman chased him. "Yo, you okay?"

Kaizo shrugs him off. "I'm fine," he replied as he furiously walked.

"Man, calm down. I know you're jealous but..."

"I'm not jealous!" Kaizo cuts.

They both walk back to Cirque du Stellar.

----------------------------

"I am honored to see that you're eager to offer me your victory," said Axion. "However, I do not wish to be an obstacle between you and your mission. Rubrum ancient parchment is it?"

Captain Albi chuckled. "Yes. Fret not. I am still committed to my mission."

"Perhaps we can come to an arrangement," said Axion.

"Arrangement?"

"You're looking for the person who sells the parchment. I assume you're going to look at Planet Circus Black Market," said Axion.

"Ah yes."

Axion stopped. "I can help find your way around the black market."

"Ah, but for a lady...."

Axion raised her hand. She gives a piercing look.

"I mean, of course! I'd be grateful," said Captain Albi.

"In exchange, I was wondering if you can help me with something," said Axion.

"Of course! If I can be of any help, I'll do anything," said Captain Albi.

"We're looking for missing persons. I've heard Circus Maxima might be involved in alien trafficking and slavery. So...." Axion shrugs.

"I shall help you with everything I can," said Captain Albi firmly.

"You would?"

"Yes! For you, my Lady," said Captain Albi nervously.

"Thank you. I'll give you a list of the people we're looking for. Oh, and... I'd very much like to know more about Circus Maxima."

"Yes. I... I can give you the information I have."

Axion looked at him. She smiled. "Thank you, Captain. Your help will not be wasted."