Having some problems with getting Albel

ok so, I really want Albel and I've been told numerous times how to get him to join after disk 1 (I'm at the part in the game when you leave the 4D space place) I did not spend the night at the Ptermy inn or whatever so I didn't get that cutscene that should make him automaticly join or whatever so I went to Elicoor and spoke to Waltar and he didn't specify that Albel was in the Urssa Lava Caves (just that he was out and hadn't come back) but I had known Albel would be there (from other sources I looked up) so I went and fought him a couple times and well... he just doesn't join D: does this mean that I've blown it and I just can't have him? Or is there something I carelessly overlooked or forgot? (if so I'm sorry for wasting your time lol)

you only get to choose 2 of the 4 optional characters to take with you. Nel, Roger, Peppita and Albel. if you already have 2 you cannot take him. you should have chosen NOT to take Peppita with you when asked at Moonbase.

Yeah as Repner said, or maybe because you have to actually beat Albel and not lose to him. When you two guys fight each other and you win, There will occur a scene and he'll join you.

Just run into Urssa Lava caves and don't take Peppita with you, cuz she will fill all party slots. Enough help???

albel is fast but kind of good at fighting but rocks with shock wave swirl