An Old Dream
Remember.
Prophecy is the act of peering into fate.
Once fate is observed, its outcome can never be changed.
That's the rule of this world.
So whenever you gaze into the future... do it carefully.
Make sure your prophecy doesn't end up destroying your hope.
...I never wanted to see it.
About the end of this world...
I'd be lying if I wasn't curious...
But never acted on it.
I just... looked into the future too many times.
And... I lost control of myself.
...Luna?
Everything crumbles.
Everything breaks.
Everything drowns into the void.
And in the end, nothing remains.
Once fate is observed, its outcome can never be changed.
...Meaningless...
...I just want to live out each day in happiness.
...Luna!
H-huh?
Slept tight?
Huh...? Did I just...
Alright, grab a mop if you are up.
Right now, we're working as a janitor at the casino.
After riding high on that lucky win, Luna and I thought we'd try one more adventure...
And got absolutely wiped out.
Now we're broke again, working off our debt as part-time cleaners.
Uuugh! I knew I should've bet on number 7 on the roulette wheel!
We could've been popping wine bottles in a suite instead of scrubbing floors like this!
You were the one who told me to switch bets!
You're a quack!
Tsk tsk tsk. Shifting blame like that just won't do.
Each gamble is a matter of free will.
And with free will comes personal responsibility...
You're seriously saying that right now?!
I threw down my mop and grabbed Luna's cheeks, stretching them out as far as they'd go.
Ack! Help! The Captain's trying to rip my face off!
Hey! Keep it down over there!
You're here paying off gambling debt and you're playing around?
You think this is some kind of joke?
S-sorry, sir.
I quickly pushed Luna's head down as we apologized.
The manager huffed, then reached into his coat and pulled out a wallet.
Being a cleaner's not something to be ashamed of.
Dealers or janitors, we're all part of what keeps this casino running.
And as the manager, I respect everyone who puts in the work.
But slackers? Not a chance.
You get me?
Boo... classic boomer energy... boo...
What was that?
Ah! Nothing! Just the wind, maybe?
Hmm... maybe there's a crack somewhere.
That's no good... can't have guests feeling chilly. I'll have maintenance look into it.
Anyway, your shift's done.
Go home and be back here early tomorrow.
The manager dropped a few coins into my hand.
Not much, but the rest of the payment already went toward our debt...
So I guess it's generous by their standards.
We are regulars, after all. Can't treat us too harshly, I guess.
Hmm. What should I do with this today?
Don't tell me you're going back to the tables.
Please. I'm begging you.
But Luna just smiled and shook her head.
Not today. I've got something to spend it on.
Luna tugged my arm and pulled me into the streets.
You've always looked out for me, Captain...
So this time, I wanted to treat you to a meal.
I took a bite of the cheap sandwich she handed me.
Kinda lame way to pay someone back.
Hmm? Do you like it?
...It's good.
Hehe! Knew you'd say that, Captain!
Better savor it, okay?
This is the first time the great oracle Luna has ever paid for someone else's meal!
Is that something to brag about...?
I held back the urge to say something and took another bite of the sandwich.
It was nothing fancy, but good.
Because it was bought with Luna's sweat and honest work.
And maybe it was the future she wanted.