Another Side Of The Universe

Chapter 51 : Uncertainty

Morning in Planet circus. Although she spent the night strolling around the casino, Axion still managed to wake up early enough to start the day. Accompanied by a soothing hot tea, she spent the morning, sitting down with a holographic screen in front of her, sliding through data of investigation.

"Hey, morning," greet Ramenman.

"Morning."

He sits near Axion.

"So, did you join the raid last night?" Axion asked.

"No. I think the intergalactic police can manage by themselves. And Rum and I agreed we cannot risk our secret identity," Ramenman answered. "How's your night? Did Venturi get suspicious?"

"No. The story goes that one of Strada's illegal employees made a report to authorities as soon as Strada went missing. Rosario might be smart enough to be suspicious. But I guess whatever diabolos shared with Rosario and Venturi have kept them too occupied to care about us," Axion answered.

"What happened to Strada?"

Axion silent for a moment. "He's gone. Ask not about him," said Axion coldly. "On the other hand, I got quite a lot from Venturi. List of shops in the black market and information about what they sell. I also got a VIP card to attend his auction gallery... and Kaizo got some girls on his lap," said Axion as she smiled.

Ramenman chuckled. "I bet it's not as amusing as it sounds."

Axion laughed.

"Tell me. How close are you with Captain Albi?" he asks.

"Quite close. I suppose."

"Quite huh?"

Axion glanced at him. "He hasn't conveyed his feelings to me. But his affection towards me is not something that can be easily ignored," said Axion.

"Oh, so you think he fell in love with you?"

Axion looked at him. "How many Rubrum Warriors are there who would openly meet a lady with a bouquet on every chance he has? Rubrum knights are not famous for being flirty with women," said Axion. She stares back at the holographic screen.

"And you love him?"

Axion silent for a moment. He looked at Ramenman with an appraising gaze. "What is that question supposed to mean?"

"What do you mean what it's supposed to mean? I mean what I asked."

Axion thinks for a moment before answering. "No. I don't love him. Although I appreciate the affection, I do not think I'd lay my feelings for him. You might think I'm a cruel person for letting him come to me when I don't have the slightest intention of accepting his love."

"Well, time can change people. Who knows with long enough affection you might reconsider," said Ramenman.

Axion shook her head. "I doubt. Captain Albi is too good for me," said Axion.

"Oh? So you prefer a bad boy?"

Axion chuckled. "That's not what I mean. Why are you so curious about it anyway?"

"Just asking for a friend."

"A friend? I doubt Kaizo asking you anything about me," said Axion.

"He didn't. But I do what most friends would do. Helping with initiative," said Ramenman with confidence.

Axion chuckled in disbelief. "You really think the relationship between Kaizo and I would work out?"

"Why wouldn't it? You have no idea how much he's frustrated when you dated Albi," said Ramenman.

"It wasn't a date. We were just hanging out," Axion denied.

"You wore a "dress". Axion, you don't wear a dress. But you wore a dress when you "hang out" with him," said Ramenman.

"Just because I wear appropriate clothing to meet someone doesn't mean I'm sexually attracted to him," said Axion.

Moments later, Kaizo walks towards them. He looked at Ramenman before he turned to Axion.

"You got anything?" Kaizo asked.

"Yes. I've spent the morning reviewing the data we got from Venturi and I've made several checks on places with possibilities of having links into Rubrum parchment. I've sent the details to Captain Albi. I'll be meeting him today to discuss it," said Axion. "How's your end?"

"Just like L'ultima Cena and Vivre bar, Venturi casino also hoards illegal workers," said Kaizo.

"Ah, of course," said Axion. "Please put on hold that report. We don't want a raid on our sources of information."

"I know you would think like that. I haven't reported it so don't worry about a police raid," said Kaizo.

Axion suddenly turned to the Ramenman, "Does that worry you?"

"What?"

"Not reporting on illegal workers," said Axion.

"Oh, well... you still need Venturi to help our mission." Ramenman paused for a moment. "...they can wait."

Silence engulfed them for a moment.

"We're trying to finish this as soon as possible," said Axion.

"I know...." Ramenman replied. "I'll go ahead and walk around. Call me if you need anything," he said as he stands up.

Kaizo watches Ramenman walk away. He turns at Axion. She's silent, lost in deep thought.

"Something caught on your mind?" Kaizo asked.

"Nothing. Just... be careful on Diabolos. I have a feeling he's not one of those simple-minded criminals like we've met so far."

"You should be the one who needs to be careful. You're the one who agreed on joining his circus," said Kaizo. "Did you tell Albi about it?"

"No. Albi doesn't know I'm a bounty hunter. And I'd like to keep it that way," said Axion. She turned off her holographic screen.

"How do you intend to fight in the gladiator show then? You'll meet Albi on the arena," said Kaizo.

"Maybe. But if such times come, I'll fight him," Axion answered indifferently.

"Do you think you can win? Maybe I should join the gladiator show too."

"No," said Axion abruptly. She looked at Kaizo. "I'm the one that Diabolos wants in the spotlight. As much as I found it interesting to fight Albi, I don't think I would fight until the finals," said Axion.

"What makes you think so?"

"I expect we'll be finished with our mission before I reach the final. Once we're done, I will have no reason to fight in Diabolos Gladiator show," said Axion. She stood up. "Besides, I'm the kind of person who would prefer to avoid unnecessary battle. I'll drop out if things get out of hand," she adds as she walks away.