Chapter Eight - Tavern Stories

I am on my way to the tavern in which I was gracefully shown. This tavern to my understanding is the central part of this beach town. According to Todrick, this town functions as a checkpoint. A town built for those that wanted to rest from the eternal adventure.

I arrived at the largest building in the town square. I look up and see that it is approximately three stories tall. Every other building in the area sits at one or two.

I scan anything that could help me indicate that this is the right location just to double-check that this is definitely the right place. My eyes find a hanging sign. I guess this is named something along the lines of a red lion judging from the crimson wooden lion on the hanging sign. I need to learn the language at some point. Since I already speak it, all I have to learn now is to read it. It could be a fun little project since I never got to fully learn Japanese.

The rustic combination style of stone and wood is badass. As I see this as a downtown sort of recreational place, the vibe must be great. I put my hand to the door and push it open. The familiar smell of alcohol confirms it and I am instantly reminded of an izakaya.

“Ooh, I hope they have ramen.” I make an impossible wish.

I push open the door fully and the ruckus overwhelms my ears as there is a lot of chatter and laughter. People and creatures of all species conversing and drinking together. But in the middle of it all, there is a crowd gathered around two bizarre creatures: a gothic goldfish and a humanoid of liquid metal.

The giant goldfish is about the size of a plasma TV. There are no human parts on it, and it floats mid-air while making the traditional swimming motions. Its color pattern of black and white reminds me of heavy metal, but it could also be goth. They’re both different genres, but I’m pretty sure this fish is going for one or the other. It flaps its fins and blubs out intelligible words, “Explosions are only fun in live action movies, you put one in cartoons and it completely sets up a character surviving a powerful force of magnitude.”

“Yup, he’s definitely from Earth.” I am excited that I’ve found people from my own planet. There is also the possibility that he is from another parallel Earth, but Earth is Earth. We Earthlings must share some sort of camaraderie. Both their bodies are not human, so it must mean they went through the same rebirth process as me.

The crowd collectively shuffles and murmurs to one another. They turn to one another and ask questions on terms and concepts they are not familiar with.

“And let’s say you have a car explosion, you can feel the blast and impact that it has on the character of the film,” the goldfish continues with its monologue, “Whether it’s a car bomb or driving into a fuel truck, there is that combination of primitive and modern forces at work creating a spectacular visual and auditory phenomena.”

The second figure in the middle, the collection of liquid metal raises their arms. The liquid metal moves in an aquatic nature like ripples and waves in the ocean. They do not take a humanoid shape. But instead resemble a giant silver amoeba.

I could’ve sworn they had a human form not five seconds ago.

“What dear Aquastar is saying is that imaginary explosions are more exciting than this town.” They have a very feminine voice that could command a room.

“Hey! That’s not what I said!” Aquastar said with a chuckle.

“You’re losing them.”

“I explained films a dozen times, they know what they are.”

“Aye, we know they are visual stories, we are waiting to know what happened to the mech pilot.” a creature with horns explains.

Aquastar sighs, “Man, I can’t give a speech on story elements and top tropes? I’d get Clover, back me up.”

Clover, the liquid metal person nods in disagreement, “I don’t know the story. And I didn’t watch many children's shows growing up.”

“Come on, this is anime. I’ve explained this one to you two dozen times. And this particular ‘children’ show is an elevated art form that captures the true meaning of war, heroism, and responsibility.” Aquastar’s emotions were all over the place, but you could tell from his voice he was having fun. A type of fake sarcasm that invites people to jest with one another.

“You were just dissing the explosions of said show.” Clover replied.

“I can be critical and still enjoy something. Not everything I like is a masterpiece.” Aquastar retaliated.

“Bicker later, tell the story!” another patron yelled.

I giggle at the interaction. It is easier for me to get near the crowd since I’m missing an arm. I slip past the other tavern customers and join the crowd around Aquastar and Clover. The traffic of people joining and leaving the story area is almost symmetrical. Like an ant trail leaving and reporting back to their colony. The smell of alcohol and meat fills my nostrils and my stomach growls. I wanted to grab a drink, but I know I need to talk to these two.

“Well, either way. Breaking away from the standard hero’s journey took a lot of years and work to perfect. Of course, there are more variations with the release of new genres and story methods. I won’t bore you with another essay, but these mech battles have all been fodder and episodic up until this point. You guys aren’t ready for the rival of the White Devil. A true powerhouse and a force to be reckoned with. The…”

“The Red Comet.” I said.

Aquastar turned to me and paused for a second. The goldfish musters a gleeful smile. Like a proud parent seeing their child graduate from college.

“Correct! Ha ha! Yes! Another American!”

“Well, half. But still.” I sheepishly smile, cringing a bit. That name has got to go.