Chapter 49 : Clashed Schedule

"So, what information did you get from Captain Albi?" Kaizo sarcastically asks as he fixes the collar of his Romeo costume.

"He's working at Circus Maxima and he's agreed to help us," Axion replied.

Kaizo looked at Axion. "Working?"

"He's a gladiator at Circus Maxima arena," said Axion.

"Any info about the black market?"

"I haven't asked him about that yet. I intend to dig from Venturi first before discussing any further with Al."

"Al?" Kaizo asks in confusion.

"Captain Albi's alias is Albus. So I just call him Al," said Axion as she walks away.

"She called her Al?!" Kaizo mumbled slightly furious at the fact Axion calling Captain Albi with a nickname.

Ramenman suddenly popped from behind Kaizo."Who is Al?"

Kaizo indifferently shook his head as he walked away.

Cirque du Stellar once again performed Romeo and Juliet. As Kaizo performs with Axion he notices something different. Her movement is more refined tonight. As the performance comes to an end, Kaizo and Axion stand side by side to wave goodbye to the audience. He noticed her looking around the audience seats. Kaizo watches her smile. He looks at the audience's seat. Captain Albi was there, at one of the very front VIP seats.

As soon as they reach the backstage, the rest of the performers come swarming Axion.

"Good work! It's another successful night," said one of the performers.

"Thank you," Axion replied.

"Aeosa, there's someone who wants to see you," said Phoenix.

They looked at the backstage door. Captain Albi is standing there with a bouquet of roses.

A dancer nudges Axion. "Well, look at that. Someone already has a fan," she teased.

"Hey, I think I saw him on one of the VIP seats."

"Looks like you have a big catch," said a juggler as he winks.

Axion shrugs. She runs towards Captain Albi.

"You came."

"I told you. 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," said Captain Albi as he hand offered the bouquet.

"Thank you."

Kaizo clenched his fist as he watched from a distance.

"Team meeting tonight?" Ramenman asks, trying to distract Kaizo.

"Yes, meeting. NOW!" said Kaizo as he approaches Axion.

"Kassim!" Captain Albi exclaimed. He nodded.

Kaizo nodded back. "I see you've visited again tonight. Thank you for coming," said Kaizo. There's distinct anger in his voice.

"Yes. Oh, and this." Captain Albi handed over a computer tablet. "It's what you've asked.

Axion takes the tab. "Information about Circus Maxima."

"I hope it will help," said Captain Albi.

"Thank you, Al. This will surely be helpful," said Axion.

"Anytime."

"Well, then. Thank you for coming, Al. I appreciate your support," said Kaizo.

"I'll support you as much as I can," said Captain Albi as he bowed.

Kaizo and Axion bowed back before walking away.

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"So, what's on our meeting schedule tonight?" Rum asked.

"I have several plans for tonight," Axion starts. "Firstly, about the intergalactic police that just arrived a few days ago. They're planning to raid L'ultima Cena, tonight."

"Finally," said Ramenman.

"Secondly, Kaizo and I got an invitation to Venturi's casino. Also tonight," said Axion.

"Wouldn't Venturi be suspicious if the raid happens tonight?" Kaizo asked.

"Probably. But we can't risk letting those victims wait."

"And Venturi would keep his words?" Kaizo asks.

"Strada is not the only bargaining goods we have. Now that they know my capabilities, they would still hire me," said Axion.

"I thought L'ultima Cena is done since Strada is gone," said Ramenman.

"Strada might be gone. But his men stay. We don't know how many of his men are loyal enough to keep Strada's slave while he's gone," said Axion.

Ramenman stares at Axion.

"Can the intergalactic police postpone the raid? At least until you got what you need from Venturi," Ramenman asked.

They all looked at Ramenman, slightly confused.

"We can ask, but it will be risky for them. The intergalactic police have stayed here for too long. If they wait any longer, people might find out they're here," said Axion.

"You got a point there," said Ramenman.

"Kaizo and I will manage to keep our connection with Rosario and Venturi. No matter how bad things might get," said Axion.

"Do we get to join the raid?" Rum asked.

"They didn't ask for aid. But if you want to join them, I suppose they wouldn't mind," said Axion. "Next, about Circus Maxima. I've received information about it from Captain Albi. Captain Albi's mission is to find the person who sells Rubrum ancient parchment. He's staying at Circus Maxima as a Gladiator. Please be mindful that his alias is Albus."

"As for Circus Maxima, I have a list of gladiators in there along with several people that Captain Albi has investigated. The list of gladiators always changes. Captain Albi will keep us updated on the list," Axion explained.

"Hmm... Looking at this list, it looks like Captain Albi hasn't managed to get much either," said Kaizo.

"Captain Albi joined the gladiator just recently. There's a limit to what he can get with his current rank. If he becomes a champion in the arena, Diabolos might grow fond of him and he can find out more," said Axion.

"Do you think Albi is strong enough to be the arena's champion?" Kaizo asked.

"Not sure. But I'll reap what I can from him," said Axion indifferently.

"Oooh scary," Ramenman adds.

"As for the Black market?" Kaizo asked.

"I intend to get information about the black market from Venturi. With the information we get at the casino tonight, we can forge a better arrangement with Captain Albi," Axion answered.

"You're going to the black market for the parchment?" Rum asked.

"That, and any possible slave traders," said Axion.

"Wouldn't it be better if Rum goes instead? Going around the market is her expertise," said Ramenman.

"Yes. Why don't we let Rum handle it? As a merchant's daughter, Rum is the best option of finding goods in the market," said Kaizo, almost sarcastically.

"Captain Albi's eyes are on me. I intend to go through the black market with him," said Axion.

Kaizo holds back his anger. Ramenman tried not to laugh looking at Kaizo's fuming face.

"I have a feeling that we're not really needed here since you do most of the things yourselves," said Kaizo blatantly.

Axion sighs. "This isn't about who gets to do the most job, Kaizo."

"Then start working as a team," Kaizo replied.

"Just admit it, you're jealous," said Ramenman.

Kaizo slightly raised his voice. "I'm NOT!" He turned at Axion. "I'm not letting you go to the black market on your own with Albi. I'm coming with you."

Axion sighed. "Fine. But be stealthy. You'll be my reinforcement if things go wrong," Axion replied indifferently.