A Stray Cat's Invitation

What's a cat like you doing in a place like this?

When did you come aboard?

It's no good, I just can't speak cat...

I'm gonna tell the Synth Hydra, anyway. Maybe he'll know something about it.

Hey there, Synth Hydra. What's the deal with this cat?

Ah, the cat... It snuck on board when I was waiting for you in 300 AD. I did try to get rid of the cat at first but...

It made itself at home, right?

Who could deny a polite request from a young lady? Certainly not a gentleman battleship like myself.

Just call me Synth Hydra Z...

So, she's a girl, is she?

I say, you little minx, how do you like the polish and caliber of my cannon, huh?

I see, no eye for the big guns, huh?

Don't go mewling that you're homesick! You boarded on your own accord!

Hey! You speak cat?

Do I speak cat?! Of course not! But it's clear as day!

Hey, Master Hydra! This cat's got somewhere to be! Let's take her there!

Or so it seems... Any objections, Aldo?

None! We can't just leave her here after all.

To 300 AD then! Wherever the cat takes us!

Where are we now?

We're flying west-southwest over Baruoki, your hometown. What, ?

What's with the fidgeting? Do you want to get off?

In that case, prepare for landing. So, somewhere open... Ah, over there will do nicely.

I'll disembark with her. But I'll be right back.

Don't make a mess while I'm away, okay?

Meow!

Well...

The place is deserted.

Okay... Time to head back to the Synth Hydra.

What was that noise?

Hey, stop that, leave me alone!

What was that scream?

It came from over there. I'd better go and have a look!

Don't eat me! I'm all skin and bones! I'll give you heartburn!

Are you all right?! I'll chase these off in no time!

Pheeew! You saved my life. Thank you. Umm, who are you?

I'm Aldo. What are you doing here?

I'm...

Well, this place used to be a lively mining village.

It's hard to imagine now, but this used to be home to lots of people.

There was a village, here?

Yes.

I want to have a look around the village.

But if monsters are going to attack me like that, then...

I'll stick around for a bit. You seem to have your own reasons. I'll be scouting about, so if you get attacked, call me... Like you just did.

Thank you so much. My name's Marlowe. Pleased to meet you.

There's clearly no one here... Well, if there were, the grass wouldn't be so overgrown.

Is that the entrance to a cave? He said there used to be mines here, didn't he... Maybe the mines were exhausted and everyone left...

Marlowe must be finished by now. Let's find out.

......

Hey, Marlowe. Are you done yet?

Oh, Aldo. I've made my decision.

Decision? About what?

I'm going to fix up this house and live in it.

What, seriously?!

Yes, seriously! It'll take some hard work to fix up... First, I need to tidy up and give it a good clean...

Those gaping holes need fixing!

But even if I wanted to gather lumber, all I've got is this mining hammer...

You'll just have to get some stone to block them up instead. Do you want me to help? I'm quite good at heavy work.

No... I can't make you do everything for me.

Don't worry about it. People help people.

All right. If you're sure about it. I can't thank you enough!

Here, have my hammer then.

I'm sorry it's so old, but you should be able to quarry stone with it. The entrance to the mountain mine is in the north of the village.

Okay, I'll be right back!

Here's the stone. Is this enough?

Thank you. It should be.

So, I've patched up the holes...

Good job! But are you really gonna live here?

Of course. I can't leave the village in a state like this.

Why are you so interested in this village?

I was born here. And this house is actually the house I used to live in.

Is that right?

Don't look at me like that. There has to be a reason I was able to return here. And that I met you so coincidentally.

I see. Well, I'll help you in any way I can.

Thank you, Aldo.

Right, time to get my village back! I've got big dreams! This is going to be the finest mining village on the continent!