To Protect The Weak

And that's pretty much Elzion in a nutshell. So, what do you make of it?

It's not what I'm used to, that's for sure. There's something rigid about the place.

Though it does have a few things in common with cities I know...

A cat...

Do you like cats?

Yeah. I mean, I guess so. I like all animals, really.

It's solid as a rock! Are all cats like this here?

Not all of them, no, but mechanical cats are pretty common around here. If you want to see regular cats, Laula Dome is probably your best bet.

Laula Dome, huh? That wasn't on your tour.

No, that's because it's on a different plate from Elzion, you see. It's a lovely place that's rich in nature, which is rare in this era. Would you like to go?

Sure, it couldn't hurt to explore a little more. Lead the way.

Then follow me.

This place is worlds apart from Elzion! It's so gentle and calm and just, well, nice here.

I'm glad you like it.

Hm, I don't see any cats here.

Let's take a walk around. We're bound to come across some sooner or later.

Hmm, I still don't see any cats. They must all be hiding.

Yeah, cats are experts at hiding. Looks like we're gonna need a new approach.

Pyggie! Come out, come out, wherever you are!

I don't appreciate being summoned.

Sorry. But this is an emergency!

Some emergency. If it's a cat you're after, there's one in that wheat field.

You sure made short work of that!

Come, Aldo. Let's search this wheat field.

Aldo? What's the matter?

It's just, I didn't realize Pyggie had been secretly following us this whole time.

Yeah, well a huge, fluffy thing like him would be sure to turn a few heads in a big city. Personally, I'd love to go sight- seeing together, but...

Nope. Not happening. Dealing with a hoard of curious little kids is not my idea of fun.

Yeah, that must be tough.

But who can blame them? Just look how fluffy he is!

Aldo? What's the matter?

It's just, erm... Who or what is Pyggie?

Oh, sorry! I totally forgot to introduce you! This is Pyggie; he's my friend, guard, and scout, all rolled into one!

My name is NOT Pyggie. It is Pygmaliōn Madredeus XIII.

I'm Aldo. Pleased to meet you, Pygamli...um...

Oh, just call him Pyggie.

You two, look! A cat!

Don't shout or you'll scare it away.

Pyggie, you've got snacks with you, right? Mind giving me one?

Sure, but all I have is seeds. And I'm pretty sure cats don't eat seeds.

Still, it's worth a try.

Meeeow!

Oh no! What a timid little creature. But I'm no quitter. After it!

It's not here. Maybe it went inside the wheat field.

Hissssss!

What's all that commotion?

Hissssss!

Is that drone attacking the cat?

I don't know what's going on here, but we can't let it harm the poor kitty! Time to jump in the fight!

Are you hurt?

Meow.

It's unusual for a security drone to attack a cat. Is it malfunctioning or something?

Kittens... Perhaps this kitty was trying to draw the machine away from the little ones.

Maybe. What a brave parent.

But if this is a regular occurrence, it must be stressful raising the little ones in this environment.

Maybe it was fate that brought us here. I think we should find a nice family to take 'em in.

We'll find you somebody nice, okay? So how do you feel about moving to the city, for the little ones' sakes?

Meow.

The cat seems to trust you. Okay, why don't we go to the tavern? There's bound to be somebody suitable in a crowded place like that.

Yeah, it's worth a try.

Pyggie, you mind protecting the kittens while we search for their new home?

As you wish. But let's make this quick.

Then I'll leave the kitties to you.

I'll raise them as my own. And you can come see them whenever you like.

Meow.

Okay, take care!

I'm glad we found a good person to take them in. And you got to play with a whole litter of kittens. Everybody wins.

Why did you put it like that? You make it sound like I was just doing this to play with some cats.

And you weren't?

No. I was simply fulfilling my duty.

Your duty? To search for a new home for the cats?

You know, when I was little, I was forced to undertake this super intense training. I put up with it because it was my family's duty, but I was weak and young, and I couldn't take it. And then, I met Pyggie.

Back then, he was all small and weak and in need of protection.

It's almost hard to imagine Pyggie ever being small, given the size of him now.

I know, right? I never imagined he'd get as big as he did. But poor little Pyggie was bullied for being small back then. And as I was tending to his wounds, I realized... I can actually help someone.

I wanted to grow strong, not for some insubstantial thing like familial duty, but to protect the weak. And it was because of that ambition that I was able to endure the strict training they put me through.

Ah, so Pyggie gave you your motivation? And that's why you worked so hard to help those cats.

Correct. It is my duty to protect the weak, and that's why I wanted to help them. I certainly did NOT do it out of some selfish desire to pet their fluffy fur.

(Didn't you, though?) (No, she has her pride. I'll let it slide this once.)