The Fugitive
On a peaceful weekend, I was walking through the streets of NOA.
But the peace didn't last long. A set of red clothes was hurtling toward me at breakneck speed.
Caaaaptaaain!!!
Hey! Good to see you!
L-Luna...?
Captain! You know what to do, right?! The usual!
Without a single clue, Luna dove straight into a nearby bush.
Oww! Branch! Sharp branch!
...The usual? What are you even...?
Shh! Don't act like an amateur!
You neither saw nor heard me today!
Got it? Good. Hush!
While I stood there, totally confused, a man came jogging over.
Recognizable face. One of those loan sharks from Luna's first day at Candle Square.
You! You're the Journey Captain, right?!
You saw a that girl pass through? Right?
I... don't think so.
Hey, take it easy.
I just want what I'm owed today.
I'm not here to cause trouble.
Unless you, as her guarantor, feel like settling her debt?
Uh... well...
Hmph. Loyal to your own, huh?
Look, I'll say this.
Cut ties with her while you can.
You mean Luna?
Yeah, her. Who else?
She's a notorious gambler around these parts.
From casinos to street shell games, she's down for anything as long as it gives her fun.
And the funny thing is, she ends up with empty pockets every single time.
Luna claims she's an oracle, astrologer, or whatever. But hardly anyone believes that.
Like, what kind of oracle can't win a single hand?
My mind wandered to that day.
When Luna read my future and she wasn't even half-correct.
Then why lend her money?
Well...
Dammit, this is going to make me sound like a total numbskull.
Fraud or not, I personally owe her something.
You owe her?
Yeah.
Years ago, she gave me a reading that helped me dodge a bullet.
Hey, mister.
Is this a sales pitch? Buzz off, I'm busy.
Sorry, but you're done today.
Go back home. Right now.
...Unless you want to regret it for the rest of your life.
Hey missy, what are you even trying to get at—
Do I look like I don't have anything better to do than to grab some rando off the street and spout nonsense?
...
I was speechless, at the least. I mean, think of it. A random girl saying the weirdest thing, out of nowhere.
Normally, I wouldn't even care. But she had this look in her eyes.
She was being dead serious that day. Not like the Luna of today.
...
Anyway, I listened and went home.
And when I arrived... I found my mother lying on the floor from a long-time illness.
No way... Really?!
That's right. If it weren't for her, that would've been the last time I saw my mother.
So that's what happened.
Yeah, basically.
But hey, past is past!
Today I'm getting my money or something worth it one way or another!
W-wait, but didn't she save your mother's life?
She did! But I think I've paid my debt more than enough!
Look, you think this is the first time she's ripped me off?
Wait… it's not the first time?
This is round five, pal! FIVE!
Sure, I let it slide before because of the whole "life-saving" thing, but not anymore!
Come to think of it, why am I wasting my energy looking for her?
You're her guarantor!
Give me my money! NOW!
...That's right. If Luna doesn't pay, the responsibility falls on me.
The dark, horrible truth of guarantee...
Luna! She's hiding over there!
Without even a moment of hesitation, I pointed straight at the bush she dove into.
WHAAA?!
W-w-wait a second!
The loan shark dug through the bush, and out came Luna, covered in scratches.
Captain...! I trusted you!
I thought you'd protect me!
You were the first person... I ever trusted...!
Believe me, Luna, this hurts me too.
But consider it your first lesson in becoming a decent human being.
Liar!
This is all I have left.
She pulled out a tiny pouch and handed it over to her creditor.
What came out of it was two pieces of copper caked in dirt.
Seriously? This is it?
Yes. It was for tonight's bread... but you can have it.
*Sigh* Where did the rest of all that money even go...
Of course I spent...
At the casino! I'm sure of it!
So keep your mouth shut—no need to say it!
Okay...
He let out a deep, tired sigh.
After thinking for a moment, I asked him.
So... what now?
I don't know.
Well, I don't like this but... I guess I can wait for a little longer.
But what would waiting change?
Hmm...
Maybe I was wrong from the start.
Should've just sold her off to some labor camp the first time she skipped payment.
At least then, she might've learned what work means.
I owe her for saving my mom's life, and I feel like I ruined her.
Oh, no no! Don't feel bad!
I was already like this before you— Mghff!!
I clamped a hand over her mouth before she could dig herself deeper.
Then I turned to the loan shark.
Let me take it from here.
You...?
If you're saying you'll pay it all off, I won't stop you...
But remember, that won't change her.
I shook my head.
Sadly, I don't have that kind of money.
But what I could do is help Luna take the right step forward.
I whispered my plans to the loan shark. He mulled it over, then gave a reluctant nod.
Fine. Not that I expect much...
But if it works out like you said, it's not a bad deal.
I'll delay the payment. For now.
But this is it. Last chance.
He disappeared down the road, glancing back like he still didn't trust her.
W-woah! Wait, for real?!
Amazing, Captain! He's been like a dog with a bone about his money.
What did you say to him? That was smooth!
You've got a silver tongue!
Want to know?
Yeah! Teach me!
I'll use it the next time lenders show up!
I told him you're going to get a job.
An. Honest. Job.
Wait, what?
Me...?