Another Side Of The Universe

Chapter 31 : First Bar

"So, who are we punching tonight?" Kaizo asked.

"Find a bar, make a fuss and the person in charge will come out. That's the guy we will be watching," said Axion.

"You're used to this."

"Of course. This ain't my first rodeo," Axion replied with confidence.

They stopped at an intersection.

"Which bar?" Kaizo asks.

Axion hands over her tablet computer. "Pick one."

A list of bars at Planet Circus is shown on the tablet.

"Any preferences in particular?" Kaizo asks.

"If you want to meet someone who has a high influence, then a big bar is usually a good shot. But there are chances that a smaller bar gives a much more exquisite secret," Axion dramatically explained.

Kaizo glanced at her as he tried to process her words.

"Let's try the biggest bar around here. Big bar usually needs extra workers, right? One of the kidnapped victims might be forced to work there," said Axion.

Kaizo nods.

They walk down the paved path until they reach a bar called "Vivre". The flickering lights struck their eyes the moment they entered the bar. The voice of a singer welcomes them. Kaizo and Axion sit on the bar and order a drink as they carefully glance around. Some customers curiously looked at them.

"Which one do you want to punch first?" Kaizo asks.

Axion chuckled. "Easy. We need to look around for a while," Axion answered.

"First time?" ask the bartender as he puts down two glasses of drinks.

"Yes," said Axion.

Kaizo looked around the bar. He spotted a few aliens attending to customers.

"Amazing isn't it?" said the bartender as he wiped a glass. "The master of this place hires people from different planets."

"I can see that. I'm amazed by how many races of aliens are in this room. Even to those alien races that's considered rare," said Axion as she calmly took a sip.

"This planet is an entertainment hub. Many aliens from far away came here for the limitless show," said the Bartender. "I'm sure, you won't be disappointed."

"Maybe. I quite enjoyed a few shows this afternoon. Although I still expect something better than that," said Axion.

"Then I suppose you come out too soon. Circus Maxima usually gives the best show at night."

"I doubt. All I watched today is a mediocre trampoline show and clown show. They don't offer anything... I've never... seen...." said Axion as she slipped money on the bar.

The bartender looked at Axion. He carefully took the money and leaned closer to her. "If you're looking for something rather extraordinary, you can try Mademoiselle Mendoza's Cirque de Sombre. I heard that Circus have freaks, " the bartender whispered.

Axion looked at him with interest. "Where can I find it?"

The bartender pointed at a man. "That man is one of the bosses around here. You can try asking him. But I tell you, you might regret dealing with him."

Axion and Kaizo glanced at the man. The alien-man is seen enjoying drinks while flirting with two girls beside him. Behind him, two big aliens who seem to be his bodyguard stand menacingly. Few other aliens who seem to be his friends sit around him.

Axion uses her mask to make a quick search on his identity.

Wanted by Intergalactic Police

Name : Rosario Scaglione

Characteristic : Dark blue skin, Slender, Pointy ears

Criminal history : murder, extortion, gambling, loan sharking

"What do you think? Should we get closer?" Kaizo whispered.

Axion glanced at Kaizo. She sighed. "I should've asked Mercury how to flirt."

Kaizo looked at her in surprise. Axion finished her drink before she stood up and walked towards Rosario. She stands still as she looks down at Rosario. Rosario and his people went silent. Kaizo stood behind Axion cautiously while he kept his hand near his sword. The rest of the customers begin to stare at them. Expecting a fight to break with one of the mafia bosses.

"New face! Here for the circus?" Rosario asks as he takes his glass.

"Not exactly," said Axion. She pulled a chair and sat. "I heard this place might give a better job than Junkberg.

"Bounty hunter?" ask a man who sits near Axion. His figure is skinny and his skin is a pale color of dark blue. His ears are long and full of piercings. His face is similar to a goblin.

Axion mask immediately shows his name. Vidone Gattuso, one of Rosario's captains.

Axion softly nods.

"Well..." said Vidone as he took a careful look at Axion's figure. "It's a bit hard looking through your long sleeves. But I can see nice shape in you," he said with a lustful look.

Kaizo suddenly holds his sword, making the alien flinch. Rosario's bodyguard ready to draw their guns. Axion holds Kaizo back.

"Oh ho. I didn't know you have a boyfriend," said Vidone playfully. He chuckled. "Isn't hunting a bit hard for a lady?" he said as he took a sip.

"Not for her," said a bigger alien who sat not far from them. His voice is deep but calm. "I know you."

Axion mask shows information again. Amos Azeglio, Rosario's executioner and head bodyguard. Axion's mask interface turned red. Showing how dangerous Amos is. List of murder crime begin to roll on Axion's system interface. He killed a lot.

"...what? Did my costume give in? Or I'm just simply that popular?" Axion casually asks.

"I don't remember Noche being this talkative," said Amos.

The chatter among the customers suddenly gets softer. Whispers begin circling.

"I don't remember knowing you either," said Axion, ignoring the people who are now watching her.

"Why are you here? Junkberg is running out of jobs now that you finished most of them?" Amos asks.

"I thought I could get a change of air around here," Axion lazily answered.

Vidone gets closer to Axion's side. He laughs as he puts his arm around her shoulder. "I don't know about Junkberg, but things are more disturbed around here. No wonder you'd get bored at Junkberg. That place is probably too soft until they can let a girl fight around them," Vidone belittled as he got closer to Axion's ear.

Axion smirked under her mask. "Looks like it's going to be amusing making my name big on this planet," she said with confidence.