Promise
One day, I came to my senses and found myself tied to a chair.
Hehe, you're finally awake?
Stay still if you don't want to get yourself killed.
One of the punks Harley had beaten to a pulp in the shopping district gave a nasty smile.
Where am I...?
I was heading back to the quarters after training...
Then something hit the back of my head hard, and I must've blacked out.
Don't be too rough. That's the Captain, after all.
A well-dressed man stepped out from behind the punks.
I apologize for the treatment. I hope you'll understand.
Once our business is done, you'll be returned safely.
I only have business with the criminal you keep around.
Ah, it all started with something very small.
You may or may not have heard of Platina Express. I devoted my entire life to that company.
My loyalty earned me some authority and influence.
With that, I was planning a new railway route.
But Harley's gang kept interfering with my hard-conceived project...
In the end, I was fired due to the route's poor performance.
Captain, who cares about a few boars?
There was a fortune tied up in that deal.
It cost a massive sum just to get the land de-listed from protected status.
Everyone around me was armed.
They were planning to lure Harley here and ambush her...
But she's taking her time. Are you sure the message got through?
Yes. We told her to come alone if she wants the Captain back. No police, no backup.
She's a scoundrel herself. What if she runs off instead?
Haha, no way. If she does, then the Hell Saviors are going out of business toda—
Suddenly, a massive hog crashed through the wall.
Grrnk, grrnk!
Captain! There you are!
Harley!
Run! It's a trap!
Hmph. What kind of coward abandons their buddies?
Sit tight, I'll get those ropes off.
Tsk... What a way to make an entrance, Harley McCoy.
Surely you haven't forgotten my face?
A-ha, I remember you.
So you're the scumbag backing those losers. No wonder they fought so dirty.
When I heard you were in NOA, I made up my mind.
Once I dump your corpse in the river, that little gang of yours will become nothing but a ragtag bunch of misfits.
Then I'll restore the rail line that I built... and I'll be back in the company!
Seriously? You kidnapped the Captain over a petty excuse?
That's just pathetic.
I figured that from the start.
Sometimes, a real man charges into a fight, even knowing it's a losing one.
...
Win or lose, I've already made up my mind, Captain.
There's no way I could see the Journey through while leaving you with creeps like them.
If completing the Journey means sitting on my hands...
Then I'd rather quit.
We said we'd ride together, didn't we?
Harley...
Still clinging to that childish pride?
Let's see if you say the same after you and your hog are turned into minced meat.
...Bring it on. If you think you can.
Boss! We're here!
Hell Saviors?! How did they—
You guys...!
We didn't come too early and ruined your fun, did we?
Nah, perfect timing!
How did you find us?
That maid, Claire, told us! Said you two were in danger!
She did...?
Haha, not bad. Looks like we just got ourselves an honorary member.
Pretty sure she wouldn't want that...
Claire, on a hog in a biker outfit...
Totally impossible. Still, I kind of want to see it.
Hey! What are you waiting for?! Kill them, all of them!
W-we can't! They're the guys who are aiming to take over the whole continent! We don't stand a chance!
What are the ambushers doing?! Don't just stand there, stop them!
Hey, punk. You see my boys show up and still don't get it?
The guys outside are probably already toast.
Y-you little...!
You brought your whole gang?! Some "real man" you are!
Oh, you want a fair fight, do you?
Fine, I'll take you one-on-one. Let's see what you've got.
D-don't come any closer!
Touch me, and you're landing in the slammer!
Huh?
You don't want to throw away your Journey, do you?
Then stop right there! You and your filthy gang!
You bastard! I've had enough!
Whoa, boss! Calm down!
Let us handle him instead!
Let go of me! I'm taking him down myself!
Hahaha! I already reported you just in case!
The town guard will toss every last one of you in a cell!
That won't be happening.
What?!
The Senior Maid...?
How long have you been here? Did you bring her?
N-no! We ran here as soon as we heard...!
I borrowed a passing hog to get here.
Hehe... So you're that maid from Candle Square.
Perfect timing! You saw what these savages did, right?!
Yes. I saw everything.
Kidnapping, threats, violence... all caught red-handed.
And the perpetrator is you.
W-what are you saying?!
Are you blind?! Can't you see they're the ones who are attacking me?!
You have kidnapped and made threats to the Captain.
Captain, do you testify to this?
Yes.
And of course, any Journey member would fight to protect their Captain.
I've already informed the town guard of your kidnapping and attempted murder.
They said there's no bail this time.
Haha, and here I thought you were just another dime-a-dozen maid. Turns out you're total real man.
So I can return the favor to this guy without any worries, right?
Eek...!
N-no...! This can't be happening! I spent a fortune!
Stay back! Don't come any closer, you brute!
Gah...! Agh...!
E-everyone run! Before we end up as hog fuel!
As the businessman foamed at the mouth and fell limp, the rest of the punks dropped their weapons and ran for their lives.
Who would give fuel like you to hogs anyway? You're barely even a snack.
Isn't that right, Dave?
Grrnk, grrnk.
Thanks, Harley.
For coming to help.
...No. I should be the one thanking you.
Because... you're safe.
If something had happened to you... I...
Hmm?
N-never mind!
Anyway, take this as my way of making it up to you for being late to the festival. Got it?
Mm. Fair point.
Now, let's deliver these jerks to the town guards.
Hell Saviors! Move out!
Woohoo!
Word later got out...
Apparently, the businessman's reckless schemes had already caused trouble within the company.
He had survived this long through politics and bribes, but this time, there would be no escaping justice.
And...
Captain! Look at this!
Harley held up a newspaper with a front-page article on a potential rail route change.
Thanks to that bastard getting caught, they're reconsidering the tracks laid in the breeding grounds.
With all the problems from wild hogs lately, it sounds like good news.
Didn't you say helping hogs in trouble was part of the Journey too?
Looks like you were right, Captain.
...I'm pretty sure I meant people, not hogs.
Still, seeing Harley's bright smile, I didn't bother correcting her.