Stratum 25: Resting Scene at the Tree House

You know, I couldn't really tell from the outside...

...but now that I'm actually up here, I can see there's something kind of exciting about these tree houses.

I know they're just small structures built on treetops, but they still feel special somehow.

Right? Right!? That, that right there is the spirit of adventure! I'm glad you get it, Sieg!

Eh, I'm the captain of the best, most famous ship of all time, so I wouldn't say I'm exactly impressed...

...but I'll admit, the way you can customize this place how you like, just like a ship, is pretty great!

Goodness. This house is like something out of a fairy tale.

Squirrels are skittering, birds are chirping, bugs are buzzing... It's wonderful!

Why don't we all live up here together? It would be so much fun!

I've thought a lot about what Santa Claus's house must be like...

...and I think something with so much originality would be right at home, no pun intended!

The only thing missing is a Christmasy color scheme. Oh! And a chimney to practice on.

Aww, that's cute. Look how much fun they're having.

Trees aren't usually all that interesting, but this one being so big really makes a world of difference.

There's just something about a giant tree that appeals to kidsno, to anyone who's still young at heart.

Hahaha. Well, what does that say about us then?

We all showed up here at the same time, even.

Eh, I'm just here 'cause my job did a number on me.

Archers like me can't really relax unless they've got an elevated position, right?

Being able to see farther in all directions, having a clear path for your arrows, and being on higher ground than your enemy are all just obviously better.

Heh. That may be true.

But are you sure you're not just making excuses to conceal that you feel exactly the way they do?

I know there's a part of me that wanted to climb this tree just because it seemed like fun.

Haha! Now THAT'S being young at heart!

Man, that's just like you, Tell. Not only do you always do the right thing, no matter how hard it is, you're one hell of an archer, too.

But you know, when you put it that way, it makes me feel like I should be a little more honest with myself.

I love it! I'm gonna make this the home base for the next Mount Liang!

It might be a little cramped now, but we can always expand it once we get more people!

That's a wonderful idea, Elly!

If I help, and it all goes well, will you please praise me and pat my head!? Please!?

Sure. But the problem is the house across from us. I sense something ominous there. Something evil.

Hmm. This may be a commoner's hovel compared to my golden city...

...but the view is good enough that I suppose we can just say it's a villa, and that should be fine. Right, my little brothers!?

Uh, I am a little brother, but I'm not YOUR little brother.

You drag us out here to the middle of nowhere and THAT'S what you have to say?

The only one who gets to call me her brother is Sister!

Wahahaha! It may feel good to look down your nose and laugh haughtily from a high perch...

...but it's just not the same without some adoring little brothers gazing up at me!

Now go on! Let me hear your cheers and applause!

Uh... Yay? (Clapping)

C'mon, don't listen to him. You don't actually want him treating you like you're his real brother, right?

I get the sense he's just dumb and willful enough to try.

I couldn't help it. He's so unlike Hektor that I went along with it for the sheer novelty.

I thought it'd be nice having a gregarious older brother type around for a change.

By the way, Nobukatsu, what's with the outfit?

Don't ask me. I was wearing this when I woke up. I could've died happy if it had been Sister playing a prank on me, but it doesn't look like that's the case.

That said, you're looking pretty different, yourself.

Yeah, same deal here. I wonder how we ended up like this? Oh well, at least it's a nice change of pace!

Still, I do have one concern about this villa. That is, I don't care for the nasty looks from that munchkin across the branch...

Hey, you! Just so you know, I'm turning this place into the next Mount Liang!

You can stay there if you wanna join my Liang gang, but if you don't, you're gonna have to leave that house!

Mount Liang?

I think it's a group of 108 outlaws? The dragon girl there's got some kind of power to bring them all together.

Except, I think she needs something on the order of a Holy Grail to get it done, so I don't know if she can manage it now.

108 outlaws...

W-wait. I know who that is. He's an Indian prince with a big family. I think he has over a hundred siblings.

A hundred siblings...

So you're about to assemble 108 outlaws now, are you? Wahaha, too little, too late!

I have ninety-nine little brothers within me, standing by and just waiting for my command.

One word from me, and they'll start fighting, eating, and gambling so much they'll turn this whole place to rubble.

If that scares you, then get out of my future second villa before I call on them, munchkin!

W-well I've got 108 outlaws! That's eight more people than you've got!

With eight more people, we can, um...make a whole baseball team!

Elly, baseball teams have nine people.

Really? ...Well, that's okay. We have enough spirit to make up for that last player!

No, you can't. Are you sure you can gather 108 warriors? I seriously doubt it, if you're that fast and loose with numbers.

Hell, I bet you can't even get a hundred. Haa haa, sucks to be you.

Gnn...! You smug jerk!

All right, you leave me no choice. This means war! I'm gonna kill you myself!

Learn your place, child. I'll grant that you've got guts, trying to steal what's mine.

Very well then. If it's death you want, then death you shall have!

(Hey, Paris. Is he)

(Yes. He's not just humoring her by agreeing to play-fight. He's serious about going to war!)

(He's even more of a child than she is!)

(Nod)

(Nod)

All right, my brothers, it's time to make the first move! You can have the honor of leading the charge as long as you

Huh? What's this pressure on my back? Suddenly, it feels like there's a whole mess of sheep and other weird creatures behind me.

Wait. Stop. You'll bring the whole house crashing dowkhh! Is this a revolt!? I've never experienced one before!

How did this happen!? My relationship with my brothers was the one good thing I had going for me!

We're not your brothers!

The enemy general has fallen. Literally.

Is he...dead?

No, he didn't fall all the way to the bottom of the tree. He's just buried in the mountain of sheep that seems to have spawned beneath the house.

It doesn't look like he'll be able to move for a while.

Aww.

Oh well. I guess this just means the bad guy's army crumbled from the inside out. Victory!

V-victory! I know I didn't do anything, but please, praise me anyway...