Chapter 38: Role

After going through grueling training while looking for detailed information about their surroundings, Kaizo team finally got a chance to be on a show.

"Alright! It's been a few weeks since you're on our Cirque du Stellar training camp. Finally! It is time for you to act on a real show," said Phoenix with excitement. "For our next show and your very first show, I've been thinking of a wondrous play, grandeur stage and glamorous show for the audience," he dramatically adds.

Lorelei clapped vigorously while the rest of the team looked at each other with a doubtful look.

"Our theme for the next show would BE..." Phoenix dramatically pauses. "LOVE!" he exclaimed.

Aeosa rolled her eyes unimpressed. She's not into romance. Lorelei, who was expecting a pirate play, was disappointed.

"And so, I've decided the role you're going to play," said Phoenix as he handed over a holographic tablet computer.

"The show we're going to play is Romeo and Juliet. It's our first show with all the new members of the circus. We'll be doing this show only for one month. Call it a special debut show for new members," said Phoenix.

"You're making this month a junior debut show because our main artists go on vacation," one of the members yelled.

The rest of the people in the room laugh.

"We-well, that's true," Phoenix awkwardly chuckled. "But this will still be grand. I have prepared roles for each and one of you," said Phoenix as he told a few senior members to hand out a computer tablet. "Since this show is to showcase our new members, the main roles are all going to be taken by our juniors. All details about your role have been written on your tab. Please read it carefully."

Aeosa looked down on her tab. She flinched.

"What role did you get?" Lorelei asked as she peeked into Aeosa's tab. "WHAT?! You got the main role!" she exclaimed, pulling everyone's attention to her.

"Main role? What role do you play?" asked one of the performers. He's shocked as soon as he looked at the tab. "You got Juliet!"

Murmurs filled the tent.

"Who gets to be Romeo?" Samyang loudly asked.

"Me," said Kassim short.

The air turns cold. People begin whispering.

"Him? Really?"

"Isn't that the guy who hardly smiles?"

"Why would Phoenix pick him as Romeo?"

"Well, he and Aeosa are the two top aerialists on the current's junior list. Besides, he's getting better on his smile, plus he has good looks. I also think it would be dramatic to have someone with less smile to play Romeo. Just imagine! The sheer cold expression of Romeo when he sees Juliet's death...." Phoenix dramatically reenacts a scene.

"Well... if you say so. You're the Ringmaster after all," said Bimbo, the circus coach.

"Romeo and Juliet between Kassim and Aeosa? Hmm... that would be quite a sight," Samyang teases.

Aeosa glances at Kassim who is reading his script, trying to figure out what he is thinking.

"Alright, everyone! That's all for today. Your coach will train you starting tomorrow, so I suggest you learn your script tonight," said Phoenix before he walks away.

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"Try again!" Bimbo yelled.

Aeosa climbs back to the trapeze platform. She held the trapeze bar tightly and jumped. She's swinging on the trapeze bar back and forth, preparing the perfect momentum to swing herself forward. In front of her, Kassim is ready on his trapeze bar, waiting for Aeosa to reach him. Feeling ready, Aeosa did a few spins in the air and let go of the trapeze bar. However, a sense of doubt suddenly pierces her. Kassim stretches his hand, but somehow, he doesn't catch Aeosa. She falls to the net beneath them.

"It's all right. You're almost there. Try again. Put more power on your swing!" said Bimbo.

Once again, Aeosa climbs back to the trapeze platform.

The act that Aeosa tried to do, the Golden Phoenix move, is performed by first swinging high and spinning your body very fast. Then, you let go of the bar, spread your arms wide, do a pose, and catch the partner's bar.

Aeosa does a few spins in the air and lets go of the trapeze bar. Kassim noticed Aeosa slightly flinched mid-air before failing to reach Kassim and fall again.

"I'm sorry. Please let me try again," said Aeosa in between her heavy breath.

Aeosa climbed the trapeze bar again. She swung back and forth. But before she can do a spin, Spicy Gluten came swinging from another trapeze bar.

"Hey! Who are you? You're not supposed to be there!" Bimbo yelled.

"Lower all of the trapeze bar," Phoenix calmly said.

"But sir..." Bimbo hesitated. He looked at Phoenix's smirking face and immediately understood. He turns to one of the crew. "Lower all of the bars!"

All trapeze bars are lowered. Aeosa glanced at Phoenix. His expression is full of excitement.

"Well then. What battle will you show me on stage...." Phoenix mumbled.

Catching Phoenix lip movement, Aeosa notices what he's saying. Suddenly, Spicy jumped and flew in front of her. Aeosa watched her smirked. Her eyes are fiery and as always, she's looking for trouble.

"I see. A battle then," Aeosa thought to herself.

Aeosa swings from one trapeze bar to another. But before she gets closer to Kassim, Spicy gluten blocks her way. Aeosa swing to another trapeze bar. Trying to go around.

Ramenman looks around and finds Olivia and Milt. He approached them.

"Samyang?" Rum called as she followed him.

"What's the meaning of this?! What are you doing here?" Ramenman asked.

"Oh, we're here for our mission," said Olivia.

"Liar! Cirque du Stellar don't do any animal show," said Ramenman.

"We just want to look around," said Milt.

Ramenman was about to say something but Rum stopped him.

"Enough. Quarreling here won't do us any good," said Rum.

Ramenman clench his fist. He looked at Aeosa.

Kassim does his act indifferently. Not bothered by Spicy Gluten's sudden interference. Aeosa swings from one trapeze to another. Spicy gluten followed Aeosa and made an excessive movement. She stretched her leg towards Aeosa. Aeosa slightly wobbly on her trapeze, trying to avoid Spicy Gluten's leg.

All who witness them are amazed.

"Amazing! I've never seen Romeo and Juliet like this. It's as if someone is trying to steal Romeo," said Bimbo the coach.

Phoenix watches them with excitement.

The battle was fierce. Aeosa tried to make her way towards Kassim. But Spicy Gluten doesn't give her any opening. Eventually, Aeosa found an opening. She spun on her trapeze and flew. But again, she missed Kassim and fell to the net. Spicy gluten did the same move and landed on Kassim's trapeze bar. She looked at Kassim in the eye with a smile. Kassim coldly looks back.

"Ax- Aeosa!" Rum exclaimed. She and Ramenman hurriedly approach Aeosa as soon as she steps out of the net.

"Bravo! That was an amazing battle!" said Phoenix. "Well played, Aeosa."

Spicy Gluten walks to them with a satisfied smirk.

"Oh, you. That was a good act. You are...?" said Phoenix.

"Szechuan. I'm flattered. Thank you. I'm sorry for the disturbance. I've always wanted to try to be an aerialist," said Spicy Gluten.

"Not at all. On the contrary, I was entertained," said Phoenix.

Spicy Gluten glanced at Aeosa. She smirks. "If you ever interested in me, I'd very much loved to join your circus," said Spicy Gluten. "A Juliet that can't see her Romeo can't be called a Juliet," she adds as she walks away.

Olivia and Milt chuckled.

"How arrogant!" said Rum as she watches Spicy Gluten walks away. She looked at Aeosa. "Don't worry about her," she said as she pats Aeosa's shoulder.