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Warrius could no longer quite remember how or why he had finally agreed to meet Harlock in this saloon. Yet, there he was, sitting at the bar next to the pirate, sipping a good glass of red bourbon. For once, he had decided to taste Harlock's favorite alcohol, and he had to admit it was quite good. As for the company of the young pirate, it was far from unpleasant. Since they had fought side by side, and not just once but twice, he had come to appreciate the scarred man more and more. Harlock had even called him « my friend » after their fierce battle to protect Technologia. And him ? Did he really consider him a friend ? Honestly, he wasn't sure yet, because with Harlock, one could be certain that trouble was never far away. Moreover, he believed that he couldn't fully trust him either. He was a pirate after all, and sometimes, no, often in fact, his actions were not quite right. Also, Warrius frequently kept in mind to still be cautious when spending time – good times nonetheless — with Harlock.
- You know, if you change your mind, I am always willing to welcome you into our ranks, Harlock said to him as he turned with his eternal little smirk of a pretentious and arrogant pirate.
- No, thank you. We've already had this conversation, I remind you, and we always come back to the same conclusion, that I'm not cut out to be a pirate.
- Only idiots never change.
- You dare to openly call me an idiot when I could have you arrested at any moment ?
- Maybe so, Harlock replied with a defiant look in his eyes.
- You constantly have your head priced at an incredibly and stupidly high amount. Imagine my reward if I ever finally catch you and bring you back to Earth.
- That would please you, wouldn't it ? Deep down, you still long to measure yourself against me, admit it.
- Pff.
Yet, he was telling the truth. Warrius always wanted to get his hands on him, just to prove to himself that he was capable and to shut up his so-called pirate friend. And also to have the satisfaction of engaging in a worthy fight. The Death Shadow remained an extraordinary ship, against which very few could compete. The Karyu was also a formidable ship, but they hadn't really had the time to make them face off. Also, it still itched him somewhat. However, it was obvious that he would not do it in an unfair manner. He wanted to face Harlock in a real duel.
- So, why did you actually make me come here ? asked Warrius, changing the subject.
- I wanted to spend time with my friend, isn't that enough for you ?
- And the real reason ? Are you in trouble, or do you maybe want to drag me into it ?
- You're going to upset me, Zero. I thought we had already moved past this stage of mutual distrust. You can absolutely trust me.
Warrius raised a skeptical eyebrow before giving Harlock a look that was a mix of consternation and amusement. The pirate turned his head towards him for a moment before once again sketching that damn pretentious and arrogant smile. Damn it, he would really love to make him swallow his pride. He had the knack of infuriating him to no end at times.
- I would be a complete fool, as you pointed out before, if I gave you my full trust. But I must say that you are not as terrible as everyone claims.
This time, Harlock let out a small laugh. And Warrius surprised himself by laughing along with him as well. Yes, Harlock's company was far from unpleasant. Warrius admitted that he was having a good time. Of course, there was no way he would admit it openly in front of the pirate.
- You still haven't answered my question, pointed out the commander of the independent fleet after a brief moment of silence.
But Harlock simply sipped his drink, turning a deaf ear. Warrius sighed somewhat before rolling his eyes to the ceiling. It was obvious that the young man had no intention of telling him the truth, which in a way confirmed to him that he was right: he had probably gotten himself into a mess or was trying to lure him into some pirate tales. He did not believe for a single moment in his version when he claimed he simply wanted to spend time with him. No, there was definitely something else. And Warrius would have to figure it out on his own. Maybe it was still time to ditch him and let him fend for himself. He had chosen to be a pirate; in that case, he just had to take responsibility for his actions and not drag him into his debauchery. He frankly had better things to do, like spending time with Marina.
- So, how's it going on Earth ? Do the mechanoids and humans manage to coexist ? asked Harlock suddenly, pulling Warrius out of his thoughts.
Commander Terrien couldn't help but smile. Harlock had the audacity to change the subject, completely ignoring his question. He could do the same, but that would mean playing into his game and having a conversation of the deaf.
- You just have to come back and see for yourself, if you're interested.
He then took a look inside the saloon in search of potential clues that could put him on the right track. But he didn't recognize any of the patrons, and everything seemed perfectly normal.
- You're wasting your time. There is no member of my crew or any ally here. There is only you and me. I told you. I simply want to spend time with you.
- To others, if you please.
- If you keep this up, I'm really going to get upset. However, I'm having a good time, you know.
Warrius turned his head completely towards Harlock this time and observed him for a long time. He still couldn't determine if the pirate was still mocking him or if he was half-serious. He had to admit, however, that he found it hard to imagine Harlock actually getting offended. On the other hand, he didn't know him well enough to know. He had already noticed that he could be impulsive, arrogant, stubborn, and immature at times. However, Harlock's little smirk soon reappeared, making him understand that he didn't mean what he said.
Commander Terrien made no comment, contenting himself with continuing to observe the scarred man. The latter must have finally felt his persistent gaze, for he then met his eyes.
- Why are you staring at me like that, all of a sudden ? Don't tell me you're actually gay ? I thought you had been married to a woman.
Warrius's face suddenly flushed as he looked away, both embarrassed and somewhat furious.
- Idiot ! It's you who will end up upsetting me in the end. My love life is absolutely none of your business. But then again, that would please you, wouldn't it ? If I were gay.
Warrius would thus give him more importance and flatter his ego. And his little finger told him that the pirate liked to be the center of attention. So far, his actions had proven to him that he was anything but discreet. Then, he noticed something.
- Wait a minute, how do you know that I was married ?
How had he gotten the information, exactly ? Had Harlock snooped into his past by any chance ? Which meant he must have obtained that infamous data illegally, since it was impossible for him to set foot on Earth without being arrested.
- I have my sources.
This time, Warrius couldn't help but feel somewhat annoyed and let out a small grunt. The pirate wouldn't spill the beans, and that didn't sit well with Commander Terrien. Then, he decided that anyway, it was better that he didn't know how he had obtained this information. But that didn't lessen his frustration.
- So what ? Are you gay ?
No, but did he want to push him to the limit or what ? He had to hold himself back from punching him in the face. Instead, he held himself back. Harlock wanted to play that kind of childish game ? Very well.
- Who knows ? Since you are so well-informed about me, I'll let you find the answer yourself.
Harlock displayed an amused smile before giving him a mischievous look.
- I won't miss it. But if you were, know that you wouldn't stand a chance with me.
- Oh ? And why is that ? I'm not good enough for you, is that it ?
- No. In truth, it's the opposite. You are too good for me. But I'm not attracted to men. Well, I mean, I've never tried.
Honestly, Warrius didn't quite know how he should take this information. Probably he should actually feel flattered. And then, without realizing it, Harlock had just revealed something about himself to him, which was indeed the first time. Upon reflection, the commander realized that he knew absolutely nothing about the pirate, other than what everyone already knew. How had he gotten his famous scar ? What was his full name, because Harlock could only be a title or his last name ? How old was he ? Which country on Earth did he come from ? How had he met Toshirô ? Did he have a woman in his life ? So many questions that remained unanswered.
- Here I am flattered. So what ? If you had to try to have an affair with a man, would you attempt it with someone like me ?
- Why not.
Warrius merely rolled his eyes before letting out a small laugh. Maybe it was really time to take his leave now, as the conversation was seriously starting to veer off course. They had probably both had one drink too many by now. But just as he was seriously thinking of leaving, the double wooden doors swung open. Warrius glanced over his shoulder at the newcomer, or rather the new arrival. He immediately frowned, while Harlock sighed somewhat beside him. There it was, the trick he had been expecting from the beginning. However, he had to admit that possibly Harlock was telling the truth and that, for once, he wasn't involved in any shady dealings. But with the pirate, trouble was unfortunately never far away.
The newcomer was none other than Silviana, the bounty hunter. She was known for relentlessly hunting Harlock. But when she was around trouble was never far behind. Warrius could testify to this on two occasions.
- Ah, there you are at last, Silviana said as she approached the two men.
Out of the corner of his eye, Warrius already saw the exasperation on the pirate's face. For once, he felt sorry for him. Silviana was... how would he actually describe her ? Annoying ? Honestly, Warrius didn't understand why Grenadier had a soft spot for her. And besides, wasn't she tired of chasing him when she knew perfectly well that she had no chance of catching him ? Okay, the bounty offered for his capture was more than enticing, but she was no match for the pirate. Her tricks, all more outlandish than the last, never succeeded.
- Silviana. I must conclude that you have finally given my men the slip, replied Harlock, turning towards her.
Warrius gave him a surprised look. Even though he was convinced that Sylviana was the first to have caused him trouble, there was no doubt that Harlock had somehow set a trap for her afterward.
He then turned his attention back to the young woman and noticed that a part of her dress on the side was torn, while her hair was disheveled. You didn't need to be a wizard to understand what had happened.
- Yes, and I want to tell you that your crew is nothing but a bunch of pumped-up brutes full of testosterone ! You should be ashamed, you can't even imagine what they wanted to do to me ! she said, taking on the voice of a victimized woman.
At the same time, her outfit was quite provocative, and with a pirate crew composed entirely of men, what could she seriously expect ? Even if Harlock had tried – which Warrius had no trouble dismissing – to curb their ardor, it would have had no impact. She was getting herself into trouble all on her own. The commander then broke into an amused smile. All things considered, he had a good time, and he also admitted that he enjoyed watching Silviana chase Harlock, knowing that she had no chance but that it annoyed the pirate more than anything else.
- Well, I think I'll let you settle this little disagreement between you. Harlock, you were right. It was nice after all. But next time, at least try to come up with a story that holds up to convince me that you're not involved in any schemes.
- Hey ! It's her who spends her time chasing me, just so you know, the person concerned retorted, adopting a false victim voice in turn.
- And I won't stop until I've got my hands on you !
Warrius admitted that she had patience, as she should rather be catching some low-level bandits. Harlock was far too cunning to fall for one of her grotesque traps. She was also no match for him in a duel, firstly because the pirate's cosmo dragoon was far superior to her pistolaser, and secondly, he was a better shot than she was. And finally, she didn't have a ship capable of matching his Death Shadow. At all levels, she was automatically at a disadvantage. She should change her tactics and assemble a crew, for example.
- Hey, you're here too, just in time, said Silviana as Warrius picked up his commander's cap and stood up to leave.
- Let go of my arm, will you ? This story doesn't concern me, replied the commander of the Karyu when Silviana stopped him by grabbing his arm.
- Why are you leaving now ? It's the perfect opportunity. You also want to get your hands on him, don't you ?
- No. It's no longer my mission.
- So what ? There's still the bounty, and I'm sure everyone on Earth will cheer for you if you stop it. Between the two of us, we'll make it happen.
- Join you and confront him together ? Certainly not, that would be unfair.
- How would that be unfair ? I'm a woman, I'm weaker than you.
- It's still disloyal. And I have better things to do.
- Let it go once and for all, Silviana. You'd be better off chasing lower-level bandits, Harlock told her.
- Once again, you underestimate me because I'm a woman ! You are wrong !
No, it was simply that Harlock was always one step ahead of her and that she wasn't properly armed against him. Anyone would understand that. But Warrius saw that she was seriously itching to draw her weapon. Her hand was trembling. Or maybe she was holding back from slapping him.
- Are you done ? Because of you, Zero is avoiding me.
- No, I was going to leave anyway, Warrius contradicted.
- Alright, I'll let you off the hook this time again. On one condition, Silviana suddenly said, changing her attitude abruptly.
Warrius raised his eyebrows at the same time as Harlock. What was she going to come up with this time ? But at least she had understood that it was useless to insist today. Probably because he was there and Silviana hadn't planned for it.
The young woman burst into giggles before crossing her arms over her chest. She closed her eyes for a moment. Harlock's face then slightly crumbled. This boded ill. Warrius knew that Harlock could not refuse her request, whatever it might be, because all the faces of the saloon's patrons had turned towards them and were not missing a single moment of the spectacle. If the pirate did not comply with Silviana's request, he would come across as a coward or a weakling. His reputation would take a serious hit. However, Warrius was absolutely not prepared for what she was about to ask, not imagining for a single moment that it would involve him...
- I want you both to kiss.
- Huh ? thought Warrius, convinced he had misheard.
Harlock, on the other hand, said nothing, content to stare at Silviana, his mouth slightly ajar, probably expecting her to add : « Just kidding, relax, boys. ». Only, it didn't come.
- With the tongue, Silviana specified, reopening her eyes as they displayed a glint of eagerness.
- What's wrong, huh ?! We are certainly not going to comply with your stupid request ! And why are you involving me in your affairs, anyway ? exploded Warrius, indignant.
He really should have left earlier. And damn it, he was right ! With Harlock, you could always be sure that a botched job would happen one way or another ! Damn pirate ! He shot him a glare, as if it were his fault that Silviana had twisted fantasies. However, it seemed she was not the only one because in the saloon, some women present twisted their necks almost to the point of discomfort to miss nothing, while the men returned to their conversations, somewhat disappointed.
- I can't help it if you came. You choose your friends poorly, that's all.
- He's not my friend !
- Oh really ? In that case, why do you drink with him, and why do you seem to get along like peas in a pod ?
- Will you leave after this ? asked Harlock, regaining his speech after letting out a small chuckle at the « get along like peas in a pod. ».
- Promised. Since I can't catch you and I have no better chance of seducing either of you, I can at least console myself with this.
- I said no ! If you keep spouting nonsense, I will...
- Alright, we're not going to spend the whole day on this. Don't be shy. I've done much worse to get myself out of situations, Harlock cut in.
And before Warrius had the time to retort or flee, Harlock quickly approached and pulled him against him before seizing his lips. Caught off guard, he offered no resistance, but he did not respond to the kiss. But when the pirate shoved his tongue into his mouth, he surprised himself by finally responding to the kiss. The worst part ? It was far from being as unpleasant as he had thought. Harlock kissed well, even a bit too well for his taste. In the end, it was even Harlock who broke the kiss, while Warrius remained bewildered.
- Wow, that kiss was very convincing for someone who wasn't consenting, Harlock said with a silly little smile as he stepped away from him.
- I wasn't asking for so much, indeed, added Sylviana, delighted, before turning on her heels and leaving a completely dejected Warrius behind.
And when he finally stepped out of the saloon a few moments later, he seriously wondered how he should take it.