Chapter 33 : Sudden Show

Before Kaizo's team gets to join a real circus show, they first need to join the training camp of Cirque du Stellar. The harsh training that they have at Astraeus station doesn't make it easier for them to face the difficult training of a circus artist. Their training as space rangers helps them build strength and power. But to be in a circus, you need more than just power. From Chinese pole to Russian swing, Kaizo and his team are pushed to train their endurance.

"Climb the pole as fast as you can. It's a race," said Bimbo, a circus coach.

They are all readying themselves to be the fastest. With one signal, Kaizo's team starts climbing the Chinese pole with their bare hand. Relying only friction and strength.

"Good. You're doing good. But I need you to go faster next time," said Bimbo. "Let's call it a day. You need to help out at the backstage for tonight's show."

"Yes coach!" The team answered in unison.

"You know, on second thought, maybe I should've joined La-, I mean, Gorgi... and do heavy lifting in the backstage," said Samyang as he tried to control his breathing.

"News for you. He joined the clown show," said Aeosa.

Samyang looked at Aeosa in confusion.

"Well... Phoenix said he can try acting class and see if he can take a role as clown. Turns out, he's pretty good," said Aeosa. "He got a role on next week's circus show."

"Well, who would've thought? Gorgi DOES have a talent," said Lorelei. "What's on the schedule?"

Samyang shrugs. "More things to do?"

"We're going to help with preparation for tonight's show. Lorelei and Samyang go to their designated post. We do it as planned," said Aeosa.

Suddenly Phoenix approached them as soon as they reached the backstage.

"Aeosa!" Phoenix called as he ran towards Aeosa. He catches his breath. "You said you can sing, right?"

"Well… I said I am confident in my singing," said Aeosa.

"Can you sing on stage tonight?" Phoenix asks.

"What?! So sudden. W-why?" Aeosa flustered.

"The performer who is supposed to sing tonight suddenly got ill," said Phoenix.

Aeosa and her friends looked at each other.

"How long until the show starts?" Aeosa asks.

"Around 5 hours. Your part comes after the trampoline show," said Phoenix as he gave a list of rundown.

Aeosa nervously chuckled. "What about the choreography?"

"The choreography itself is not that complicated. The song itself is a calm song, so you don't need to show overly energetic movement. Just do a few poses on a trapeze bar and you're good," Phoenix explains. "I'll send the music file to you," he adds as he hands over a page of script containing the lyrics of the song.

"I'll... see what I can do," said Aeosa as she stepped away to a corner to learn the song.

"What happened to the performer who was supposed to sing?" Kassim asks.

"She's not feeling well. Perhaps she caught a cold. Or maybe she overused her voice," said Phoenix.

"You don't have any reserve performers?" Samyang asks.

"Unfortunately, no. We're trying out a new show. It has a longer duration and more acts. But the vast diversity within our acts makes our performers fully packed with roles to play. " said Phoenix.

Samyang looked at Kassim. "Do you think she can do it?"

"She can do it. She's smart," said Kassim.

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Hours passed. Axion does her best learning the song.

"You okay?" Rum asks as she approaches her with a costume.

"I think I can manage. It won't be perfect, but I'm sure it will be enough to satisfy our audience," said Axion.

"Here's your costume. Judging by the size, it should fit you," said Rum.

"Thanks. I'll go get changed," said Axion.

"Oh, and Phoenix waiting for you in the dressing room for your makeup," Rum added before Axion walked far.

"Okay," Axion replied as she gave a wave.

She changed into a short dress and immediately went to the dressing room.

"Aeosa!" Phoenix exclaimed. He looked carefully at her. "The dress looks perfect on you. Come, I'll do your makeup," said Phoenix as he dragged her to a makeup station.

"Nervous?" Phoenix asks as he runs over his makeup tools.

"A little," Aeosa chuckled.

"Your part comes in less than half an hour. Let's hope I can tone you up in time," said Phoenix.

The cheers filled the circus. Loud music resonates within the tent. Aeosa can vaguely hear trumpet sound among people's laughter. As soon as Phoenix finishes her makeup, she goes to the trapeze platform and waits until the trampoline show finishes. Soon, it's time for her to play her role. With one deep breath, she stepped on to a trapeze bar and sat.

The lights are dim. Sound of harp started to play. Cuing her that the song is starting. Bit by bit, the trapeze lowered. Aeosa slowly descended, followed by the spotlight.

She gently moved her arm. Making a graceful movement as she begins to sing.