章 3: Mheerio

Tensions rose with the old man, named Maron, being most concerned. "Let's talk inside, there are too many prying eyes here."

The drunken Tufail headed towards the bar without saying anything, with Maron following behind him, beckoning the commander to come as well, who hummed before acquiescing.

"Sigh, this precious bar of mine was built with the last of my funds and now look at it." Lamented Maron as he scrutinized the wreckage inside.

"Don't worry, the army will cover any and all damages," said the commander.

Once they were all inside, the soldiers surrounded the bar, now empty of customers. However, the populace wouldn't just disperse without satisfying their bottomless curiosity. People had to gossip about something after all. So, they encircled the encirclement, waiting anxiously to possible overhear or see something worthy of gossip.

"Speak!" Uttered Tufail Tigor, prompting the red-haired commander to smile. "Won't anyone serve a glass of liquor to this guest?"

"I have a special liquor in my possession called Tigor-Piss. Want a taste of that?" Said Tufail. "Captain... would you shut up?" Old man Maron urged while picking up a bottle of wine.

"This one is my work of art, Soul Wine, an oaked liquor with a complex taste. Its taste changing at every stage. What you'd think would taste bitter instead tastes like acid. When you hold it in your mouth, a smoky and roasted taste envelops your taste buds. Then, last but not least, when you gulp it down, you will experience a fruitful paradise. As you'd expect, this is typically exclusive to only myself and cap'." A prideful glint in Maron's wrinkled eyes could be gleaned as he explained whilst fondly looking at the bottle.

"I am honoured." Said the commander as he took a nearby empty glass before the former poured the aforementioned wine with care, it glinting like the stars in a beautiful night sky.

"Drink it in a single shot," instructed Tufail with clear irritation in his voice.

The moment he drank it, his eyes widened as bewilderment filled his face. "Praise the King! My gosh!"

"Praise this wrinkly-ass old man. What does the king have to do with it?"

"Ahem, shall we start then?" Maron suggested.

"Oh, yes, yes." Recalled the commander as he looked at Tufail. "I am here for the Halberd, Claret."

"Fuck the halberd. Tell me, where did you hear about that?" Tufail asked, betraying his impatient concern.

"First Claret, then I will talk about it." Tufail's eyes twitched before he gave Maron a side-eye.

"Commander, the halberd is not in the captain's possession. This is something I can guarantee with my life." The latter took his turn to speak. "Now, can you enlighten us about... it?" Even Maron's expression clearly showed his impatience.

"Why are you ancient fossils so obsessed with that... What even is it?"

"Huh!?"

"Pardon?" Both Tufail and Maron were baffled.

"Are you perhaps unaware of it?" asked Maron after which the commander lightly nodded his head. "Yes... I have little to no idea what it even is. I thought he would enlighten me." Replied the commander as he pointed at Tufail. Maron looked at him in astonishment before closing his eyes and murmuring. "Idiot, what have you done?"

"What!?" A bolt passed Maron, heading straight for the commander, who could barely flinch before a hand grasped his neck.

"You oblivious motherfucker, you think we're a joke? Do you realize how much we suffered to protect this world? How much we lost to protect the sorry sacks of shit who gave birth to you, huh?" The well known drunk of Dali, showed a completely different side of himself.

"This strength..." While gasping for air, the moustached commander thought for the very first time in his life, that he had made a huge blunder. One that might be his last.

"Captain! For heaven's sake, release him!" Maron rushed to break the two up a moment later. "Step aside, Maron, or you will be next." Warned Tufail.

"I don't give a damn, release him!" Shouted Maron as he clenched Tufail's wrist, attempting to release his grip.

"This new generation needs to learn how painful the consequences for their actions can be. To think a nobody like this mongrel can mention 'that thing' so lightly..." Tufail was incensed as he lifted the commander by his neck while the latter's face began to turn blue.

Seeing no other option, Maron helplessly yelled. "Calm down, captain! This... This place is not Mheerio!"

Silence befell the bar as the commander's neck was suddenly released, allowing his limp body to fall to the ground.

"Mheerio..." a painful memory that had tormented Tufail for years resurfaced in his mind. One that had haunted him ceaselessly in days and night. Shortly after though, he began laughing like a madman, contrasting his frightened face and shivering body.

"I'm sorry, cap, I am sorry... But please, get a hold of yourself." The old man was fighting back tears as he hugged the frightened Tufail, who blinked before uttering helplessly. "I am sorry, Maron, you are right... We are not in Mheerio, it doesn't exist anymore."

He moved Maron to his side before falling to his knees and smashing his head on the ground before the gasping commander. "I apologise for assaulting an officer such as yourself. I'll accept any punishment, including death." He didn't stutter and spoke those words with conviction despite their gravity.

"Tufail Tigor *cough*, the Blood Drunk Halberd, the Dragon Slayer. The captain of the Midnight Suns. And one *cough* of the three survivors of Mheerio." Uttered the commander with a gasping voice as he rubbed his neck.

Maron quivered before jerking his head towards the commander in sheer surprise. The bloodied face of Tufail rose as well, his eyes puzzled as he asked. "Who are you?"