Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Floyd had been traveling for a long time. Since he left the Troll Tree all those years ago, he’s always been on the move. Finding wherever he can sing and rest his head. At this time he found a nice steady tree truck to sleep in with a campfire nearby. Wondering where he should go next. Though he had to admit it was tiring. He’d probably been away from home longer than he should’ve been, and he wouldn’t mind settling down by now. Finally see Branch again.

Floyd sighed at the thought. For over 20 years he’s been gone, and their other bros too probably. He could only hope that he and their Grandma Rosiepuff have well taken care of each other. The idea that Branch is a grown troll by now still hurts though. Floyd should really make going home sooner rather than later.

“Okay.” Floyd took a look at his map. “One last gig, then I’ll make my way home. Never been to Mount Rageous before.” He thought for a moment. “It is on the way home.”

Now that he had his next destination down, Floyd started packing his things to head that way.

“You sure you wanna do that?” A voice came from behind him. He turned, but didn’t see anyone there.

“Who’s there?” Floyd asked, searching for the source. “Where are you?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” They snickered.

“Yes, I would.” Floyd replied. “That’s why I’m asking.” He heard more laughter.

“I like you. Anyway, who or where I am isn't important right now.” They continued. “What is important is that you really shouldn’t go to Mount Rageous at this time. Not when you're needed elsewhere.”

“What do you mean?” Floyd asked. “Why shouldn’t I go?”

“So many questions.” They sighed. “Such little time.”

“Huh?” Floyd was getting more puzzled the more they spoke.

“Let’s just say things aren’t going to go the way they’re supposed to. Bad things are going to start happening next month. Someone is going to need you more than ever.”

“Who?” Floyd asked, though maybe he already knew.

“Someone you made a promise too awhile ago.”

“Branch?” Floyd gasped. “What bad things? What’s going to happen to him?” He worried.

“I’m sorry.” They answered. “I don’t know the full extent of what’s gonna happen. All I know is things will be different somehow, and not in a good way. You and your bros will likely be vital to setting things right.”

“My brothers and I?” Floyd wondered what they meant.

“Yes!” They exclaimed. “Big fan by the way. Anywho I’d suggest at this time you should head to the Neverglades. Find your biggest bro John Dory, then you can both head back to the Troll Tree. It’d take longer to get to the Tree on your own. You’ll need him anyway.”

“How do I get there?” Floyd asked, he saw a paper airplane fly to him. He caught and unfolded it to see a tiny written map.

“Go to the river I’ve marked.” They instructed. “The logs around it will make great rafts. It’ll get you straight to the Neverglades in no time. Though I don’t think you’ll both be back to the Troll Tree before the month is up.”

“What can we expect when we get there?” Floyd folded the map back.

“Nothing I know right now.” They said, “Expect the new locals around the tree mean you no harm. I wish I knew more, but my friends and I will keep our eyes up and an ear out. You should get going if you want to make good time.”

“It’s okay.” Floyd reassured. “Thank you for letting me know all this.”

“You're very welcome!” They exclaimed. “We’ll meet again soon, I’ll let you know more, and this time face to face.”

Floyd heard a rustle for a second, and then was left in silence. He was alone now. Floyd unfolded and took another look at the directions he was given, and started heading that way. Like they said, he had to go find John as soon as possible. Maybe Mount Rageous can happen another time.

“Wherever you guys are-” Floyd was thinking about his bros. “I hope you're safe.”

To be continued.

Chapter Text

Floyd found the river on the map given to him, by whoever that was. The surrounding logs around it had the right buoyancy. Taking one allowed him to easily float down the river as instructed. But while the river was much faster than walking, it’ll still take roughly 2 weeks to reach the Neverglades. At least he had plenty of food packed for the trip.

The whole time Floyd’s thoughts were on his brothers, Branch especially. Knowing something bad was going to happen, but not knowing what. It made him beyond worried for his only little brother. Now more than ever, Floyd wished he came home sooner.

Around the time Floyd was almost to the Neverglade Trail to find John Dory, a World Tour finale concert was being held at Volcano Rock City.

A certain mystery friend of Floyd’s came to check out the situation. Well hidden from all those around them, easily sneaking in. They could feel something seriously off, in a bad way. It was as if the world itself was crying out for help. “Why, though?” they thought. What was going to be different? They had to find out, and help however they could.

Coming up to the pinnacle overlooking the entire captive audience, local audience, and main stage. They could feel a pit in their stomach. “This does not look good.” They were worried. “The bros won’t like this. Better gather help.” They quickly sneaked off to get their friends.

Poppy was held hostage above the stage, and this time without anything to protect her from what the ultimate power chord might do. As soon as the rock trolls brought her in, they took everything she had on her but the clothes on her back. That included her gumdrops.

Barb with the 6 strings at hand was ready to unleash the ultimate power chord, starting with Poppy. Despite their fight, Branch came back to rescue her. But even throwing the book at her, literally, could not deter Barb from targeting Poppy with her guitar. Acting on instinct Branch quickly put himself between Poppy and the blasting powerchord, being the first troll to be turned into a blindly obedient rock zombie. Excited by her new found power, Barb wasted no time to convert the leaders, and decided to leave Poppy for last. Poppy tried to take the opportunity to escape and figure out another way to stop this. But Barb quickly caught her in the act, ordered Branch to instead of protecting her, keep her still this time. Barb shredding on her guitar, charging up the powerchord, taking aim, and blasting Poppy like the others. Being pushed back into the cell, then it collapses to the ground in a puff of smoke. Barb and Branch watched the cloud dissipate and reveal a rock zombified Poppy. Given her similar intentions, Barb had the sinister idea to have Poppy help.

“Finish them off.” Barb ordered, tossing her 6 string guitar over to Poppy. Directing her over to the funk princes and King Peppy. As the last few royals, they were next priority. The three of them were frightened at the sight of Poppy readying to change them too.

“Hey, get ready to move when we tell you guys to.” A rock troll quickly whispered to them.

“What?” Prince D snapped out of his fear. “Why would you help us?”

“How can we trust you?” King Peppy asked.

“Do you guys want to get zombified?!” The rock troll argued. “Then you’ll just have to trust us. No time to talk now, get ready to bolt when we give the signal.”

“I think we should probably listen to him.” Cooper reasoned. “But, what’s the signal?” By then Poppy was about ready to strum on the guitar.

“Well, what’re you waiting for?” Barb asked Poppy.

“Nothing.” Poppy answered.

She was about to use the ultimate power chord, when suddenly all the lights went out. Whatever illumination there was, was because of the lava. The fog machines were also turned on to fullblast, hazing what little left most could see.

“Hey!” Barb yelled. “Riff, what's going on?!”

“I-I don’t know, Barb.” Riff said from his drum set. “Maybe it’s a special effects malfunction, or something?”

“I made double and triple sure my world tour finale would go off without a hitch!” Barb snapped. “Someone get the lights back on now!”

“Come with us!” The rock troll told Cooper, D, and Peppy. Guiding them quickly threw the crowd, a handful of other rock trolls helped by pushing the others aside in the confusion.

“Get the lead out!” Another rock troll rushed them, shoving others aside.

“What about the others?” Peppy asked. “There are pop trolls, funk trolls, hundreds of us!”

“We’re getting as many of you out as possible.” They answered. “But you three are the most important right now.” They were brought to a side exit leading them out of the giant auditorium.

Barb was getting so antsy, she started tapping her foot with how impatient she was getting. She could hear a lot of ruckus from the stands. Whatever was going on was spoiling her big triumphant victory! “What’s taking so long?!” Barb yelled at the rock trolls backstage.

“We’re working on it!” One of them answered, checking one of the breaker boxes but it was locked. “Why are the panels locked? Where’s the key?”

“I don’t know.” Another rocker answered, searching for it. “It’s not where it’s supposed to be.”

“We can’t turn the power back on without it.” They tried yanking the breaker open. “Get me a crowbar!”

“The fog machines are the only things that are on.” A rock troll was flipping the machine’s switch repeatedly. “But they won’t shut off and I can’t change the setting!” They got frustrated and started banging the machine. All of a sudden it stopped spouting fog. At first they were confused, till they felt a tap on the shoulder, and turned to see a smug Rock Branch holding the unplugged power cord. “Right. I was gonna do that.” They snatched the plug from him.

Branch watched the others prying the breakers open. Seeing the trouble it took to undo these sudden mishaps, got Branch thinking.

“I am so getting a new tech team after this.” Barb tried fanning the fog away.

“I’m sure it won’t be much longer.” Rock Poppy reassured.

Barb smirked at her newly acquired ‘friend’. Finally one by one the lights started to switch back on. There was still a lot of fog everywhere, but of what Barb could see of the stands she would not like. More than half of each tribe was gone. What guards could gather themselves quickly restrained what trolls weren’t able to escape.

“W-where did they go!?” Barb shouted. “How did this all fall apart? Everything was planned out! There was no way this could’ve gone wrong!”

“Maybe there is.” Branch walked up.

“What are you saying?” Barb asked.

“It’s like you said, you had this all planned out.” He started explaining. “But the timing of both the power going out and the fog machines malfunctioning seems too perfect. Not to mention the breaker boxes all being locked with the key conveniently missing.”

“Someone did this on purpose.” Poppy guessed, and Branch nodded.

“And this escape could only have gone off so well, if it were an inside job.” He continued. “So that means-” Looking at Barb.

“I’ve got traitors.” Barb sneered. Looking back out at the audience, she could make out a notable amount of rock trolls were missing too. “If there are any left still here, I’ll find out who.” Barb turned back at Branch. “I gotta admit you’re pretty smart. Something tells me you’ll come in handy in the long run, Branchlet. Might just even be advisor material, we’ll wait and see on that.” She decided to take back the 6 strings guitar.

“Branch.” Poppy walked up to him. “You came back for me.”

“Yeah, of course I did.” He replied. “Because as much as you drive me crazy, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if something happened to you.”

“And, what you said last time we were together?” Poppy asked.

“That I care about you more than anyone else in the world? About that.” He took her hands in his. “Before, I never had it in me to tell you. But that was the old me, and I’m tired of being scared.” He took a deep breath. “I love you, Poppy.” Branch sighed, boy was it good to finally get that off his chest. “You were always too caught up in being a good queen. It just seemed like you didn’t feel the same way. But now that things can be different, I had to give it a shot.” Now he just needed her response, Poppy definitely looked pleasantly surprised. Then she looked calmly at him.

“It did take me longer to realize.” She started. “You leaving helped me realize what you mean to me. That I wouldn’t really know what I’d do without you. I love you too, Branch.” Poppy hugged him. “Maybe now that I don’t have to be queen, I can give you the attention that you deserve.”

“So glad I could bring you two crazy kids together.” Barb rolled her eyes and sighed while tuning her guitar. “Now if you two don’t mind, we have something to take care of.” She ‘politely’ ordered. Poppy and Branch in their rock zombie blind obedience, broke from their embrace to stand next to Queen Barb. “We may have some escapees to track down later. But there are the ones who didn’t, we need to deal with.” She gestured to the remaining trolls of the other tribes.

“Do you still want me too-?” Poppy was about to ask. Wondering if Barb still wanted her to finish the job.

“That’s okay Popsqueak.” Barb readied her guitar. “I did want you to finish what remained of any leading trolls they had, and maybe the others at first. I’ll have you do it when we track them down, and finish them for real. But now after everything that’s happened so far-” She looked at the 6 strings and back out at the other trolls. “I need this.” She grinned, stepping out to the front of the main stage.

What rock trolls that still seemed loyal rounded up the other trolls up to the stage. They were all terrified, seeing their leaders turned, the chaos that covered the others’ escape, and them being unable to escape what’s coming.

“Well wasn’t that a shame.” Barb said with sarcasm. “Your friends left before getting to hear the best part of the concert! But lucky you! You’re the select few who got to stick around and hear it for yourselves!” Barb caressed the strings, pointing the guitar at the frightened crowd. She gave a sinister grin, bringing up her pick.“ And sooner or later, so will they.”

Elsewhere

The aiding rock trolls were able to use a multitude of their vehicles and critters to get the other trolls out of Volcano Rock City. But even though they had a big escape all planned and ready, they didn’t exactly have a safe place in mind to take them. They had made it quite a ways out, so they stopped to rest, plan, and gather themselves.

“We should be safe here for now.” A rock troll took in their surroundings.

“We can’t thank you guys enough for saving us!” Cooper thanked them, picking up the rock troll who spoke and gave him a big squeeze.

“I-it was nothing!” They choked.

“But, why did you guys save us?” Prince D asked. “Aren't you guys on Queen Barb’s side?”

“In manner of speaking.” A female rock troll came up, with a pair of well known purple ponytails. “The name’s Val Thundershock.” She Introduced herself. “I’m the one who led these guys into saving you all.”

“Why though?” Peppy asked. “And you're kind of on Barb’s side?”

“She left me in charge of Volcano Rock City while she was on her world tour.” Val started explaining. “But I started getting a bad feeling about the whole thing. Eventually I started rallying as many rock trolls as I could. I figured if rock was gonna unite the tribes, it’d be cooler in peace. But conquest sounded uncool to me. Didn’t help when Barb planned to practically brainwash you all!”

“How is that still siding with Barb if you disagree with her.” Prince D asked.

“The way I see it, she’s hurting hard rock too.” Val answered. “I know hard rock is awesome! It’s the best music there is! But how are we supposed to be the best, when there's no contest? Barb would have us go from special to average. I think it’d be way more satisfying if you guys wanted to follow our example willingly and all in good fun.”

“So you ultimately hope to change Barb’s mind.” Cooper guessed.

“Well, duh.” She crossed her arms. “We may disagree on this, but we’re still friends. Even though we might as well be on opposite sides as of now. But whether she likes it or not, if she wins, everyone loses.”

“Cooper!” They heard Smidge’s voice.

Val, Peppy, and the funk twins looked to see the Snack Pack rushing to them. They all surrounded Cooper giving him a big group hug.

“Hey, it's good to see you guys are okay!” He cheered.

“Yeah, we’re okay.” Biggie responded, but then frowned. “Can’t say the same about Poppy and Branch though.” That being said, brought everyone down.

“Maybe if I told her sooner about the other trolls, we could’ve prepared sooner.” Peppy said with guilt. “They’d both still be here.”

“Hey!” Val yelled, getting everyone's attention. “Why all the doom and gloom guys? We don’t have time for any wallowing or self-pity.”

“But, everyone we’ve lost.” Satin replied.

“And couldn’t save.” Chenille added.

“We can get back.” Val stated.

“We can?” Guy Diamond asked.

“And just how are we supposed to do that?” Tiny Diamond popped out of his hair.

“I’ve got a friend who knows a lot about the ins and outs about the world, and how music works.” Val explained. “Magically speaking, to put it one way. Like how the 6 strings can do what they do. After seeing the ultimate power chord and what it can do. She told me there might be something that can match it, beat it even.”

“What’s that?” They all asked with their faces gleaming with hope.

“That’s what I’d like to know.” Val sighed. “She darted off saying she’d get more information before she could tell me.” They all deflated at this. “But my friend somehow always finds a way of popping back up again. Sometimes where and when you least expect it.”

“So this friend of yours is back at Volcano Rock City, gathering information?” Biggie asked.

“That’s where I last saw her.” Val answered. “But don’t worry, she’s the best at sneaking. I’m convinced she’s uncatchable. Plus she’s not the only one keeping an eye on things. There’s still a good number of rock trolls on our side back home. They’ll try and help get things from getting too out of control. Hopefully without getting caught.”

“This sounds all well and good but we still need a safer place, at least temporarily.” Prince D suggested. “A good base to rest and think of a plan.”

“Well your usual homes won’t be safe anymore.” Val added. “After Barb destroyed them, next she’ll have them newly remade to suit rock. But my friend told me you pop trolls had an old home before Pop Village? Said we’d be safe there for a while.”

“The Troll Tree?” Peppy asked to clarify.

“Yeah, that’s the place.” She answered.

“You really think we’d all be safe there?” Guy asked, seeing all the other trolls they have to shelter.

“My friend does.” Val answered. “And she’s usually right about these things. Besides, no place will be safe forever. Since whatever pop trolls Barb has turned will know about it. Anyplace Barb won’t immediately have under her thumb will work. Plus with those friends of yours I’ve heard about, Barb won’t as quickly rush to get us. Not without gathering and organizing her forces. Which alone will take time, not to mention the rock-ifying of your homes first.”

“But wouldn’t Branch’s Bunker be safer?” Legsly asked. “It’s built to safely hide away.”

“Considering what happened to your friend, don’t you think that’d be the first place they’d look?” Val pointed out.

“She’s right.” Peppy agreed. “The last thing I want is to get the bergens involved with this ordeal. But the least they can do without earning Barb’s wrath is provide us asylum. The walls around Bergen Town alone should allow for good protection. Since Branch has… turned. The Bunker is no longer the safest place to hide anymore.”

“Sounds good to me.” Prince D said. “You guys know where it is, lead the way.” Peppy and the Snack Pack started heading in that direction. The rest of the troll tribes finished resting and were ready to move out.

“Alright everyone we’re moving!” Val shouted to all the others. “Let’s get there before Barb starts sending out her cronies.”

Volcano Rock City

“Queen Barb, you wanted to see us?” Branch asked, walking into her throne room. He and the rock zombified leaders had been summoned to hear her latest decree. Barb was lounging on her throne waiting for them to arrive.

“Yes, now we can get to work.” She answered sitting up. Each of them lined up to hear what she had to say. “You guys may no longer be your former tribes’ leaders. But I still have use for your leadership skills. In terms of command, your main focus is of course to do what I say.” To which they all nodded. “I want you all to go back to your homes, and start establishing my new world order. Rebuild to suit the hard rock style, and start playing hard rock as soon as possible. An informant of mine told me the more you previously non-rockers play it, the quicker the land will start terraforming to the volcanic hard rock landscape.”

“So we somewhat get to return back to our lives at our homes?” Delta Dawn asked.

“Besides now living under hard rock, and running things according to me, yes.” Barb answered, getting up from her throne walking up to them. “You’re no longer the kings and queens of your tribes. Now your extensions of my rule and my tribe. Consider yourselves, hard rock lords!”

“Whatever you say.” Trollex said.

“As you command.” Quincy said.

“You guys head back now.” Barb ordered those two Delta and Trollzart. Then looked towards Poppy and Branch. “You two stick around for now. I need those practical smarts of yours to figure some stuff out.” Focusing on Branch. The others started heading out, while Barb led those two to another room. It had her map of the Troll Kingdom, and even a planning table. It had recently been cleared of her world tour ideas.

“I want those escapees and the traitors that help them found.” Barb told them. “Since I cleared out your old homes and the other will be remodeling. You got any ideas where they might have crawled off to?” He walked up to the map, thinking carefully on Barb’s question.

“What about your Bunker?” Poppy asked Branch.

“Too obvious.” Branch denied. “They wouldn’t be stupid enough to go and hide in my home.”

“There’s gotta be some place closeby to house their numbers.” Barb suggested. “Some place I missed.”

“They had to have gone to the Troll Tree.” Branch told her. “It’s where we used to live a long time ago. It’s been empty ever since we left.”

“Awesome!” Barb exclaimed. “I’ll gather some rockers and take care of them, easy!”

“Not easy.” Branch said.

“What do you mean?” She asked. Given her and her peoples’ gathered strength, she found ‘not easy’ hard to believe.

“The tree has for a long time been surrounded and occupied by the bergens.” He explained. “Their town is also surrounded by a wall. Even if whatever group you gathered could bring that down. Getting past the bergens all the way through to the tree would be more than a hassle. I doubt the bergens would stand in our way. King Gristle cares about his people, the other tribes wouldn’t want harm to them either. Keep this between us trolls, threaten the bergens with more than enough rockers and they’ll step aside. One small group was able to invade all the other troll tribes easily. Bring an entire legion if you wanna storm Bergen Town and take the Tree.”

“I get it.” Barb thought for a moment. “They just gave them a place to stay. But this isn’t their fight. Sure, there might try to be some heroes. An entire army of rockers though, into submission. If they don’t want their town destroyed.”

“Smart as always.” Poppy praised Branch. “But since you just sent most of us to change our homes, you won’t have the numbers you’ll need for the invasion in a while.” Poppy pointed out to Barb. She growled then sighed frustratedly.

“You’re right Popsqueak.” Barb grunted. “I guess I’ll let them have their little sanctuary for now. Without the 6 strings, it's not like they’ll be able to really do anything against us. Once my army is ready, we’ll take the Troll Tree in no time. This time I’ll be able to change every last troll into rock zombies.” That last thing that Barb said got Branch thinking. Thinking about others he hadn’t thought about in some time. But their inclusion was essential to change every troll like Barb wants.

“Not every last troll.” Branch corrected.

“What?!” Barb snapped. “Come on, enough correcting me already! Why can’t complete and total victory be nice and simple just once?”

“Sorry, Queen Barb.” He apologized. “But not every troll will be there.”

“What are you talking about, Branch?” Poppy asked.

“There’s a few people you two should know about.” Branch told them. Ready to reveal everything about himself and his family, to his new queen.

Neverglade Trail

“This is it!” Floyd looked at the map. Just like the directions given to him, the river led him right to the Neverglade trail. Now all he had to do was find his big brother, John Dory.

Getting off the raft, Floyd started looking around. Much of the glade was dark and murky from all the brush. But John had to be around here somewhere. After a few minutes of walking, Floyd smelled something. Whatever it was smelled good. Someone was definitely cooking something, and it had to be one person. Following the smell across a few trees, until he saw what looked like a caravan. It had the funnel up top where the smell was coming from. This had to be it! Floyd eagerly ran up to the door and knocked. After a moment, he saw someone carefully peaking through the window. Upon seeing him, he saw wide eyes and then the door quickly slid open.

“Floyd?!” JD exclaimed with excited disbelief, spreading his arms open.

“John Dory!” Floyd beamed. Before he could say anything else JD scooped him up in a giant hug.

“Bro, it’s so good to see you!” He squeezed.

“You too!” Floyd hugged back while gasping for air, so JD put him down.

“I haven’t seen you in forever man!” JD said, heading back inside. “You’re just in time, I just made some lunch. I can make some drinks so we can catch up.”

“I appreciate that John.” Floyd thanked. “But, I’m not just here to catch up.”

“Well then why else are you here?” He started putting together some plates.

“It’s Branch.” Floyd answered. “I think he’s in danger, and he needs our help.”

“What?” JD got worried. “Danger from what? Have you seen him?”

“No.” Floyd sighed. “I don’t know what it might be. But if Branch is in trouble, we need to help him.”

“Wait.” JD got confused. “If you haven’t seen him or even know what's happening, how could you know he’s in danger?”

“I don’t.” Floyd acknowledged. “I’m sorry John. I wish I could give you certainty, but I can’t. If there’s any chance though Branch needs us, we have to at least see. Something bad might have happened and it’s possible we may also need Spruce and Clay too.”

“You sure?” JD asked. “I’m not even sure where they might be.”

“We have to try.” Floyd reasoned. “We’ve all left Branch for too long, we owe it to him to at least come after all this time. We need to head back to the Troll Tree, someone is supposed to meet us there.”

“Well, if you really think we should then alright, I trust you bro.” JD put the food away for now, and rushed over to the driver’s seat. “It’ll be nice to get around again anyway.” Pressing a button, the whole place started to rattle a bit.

“What’s going on?” Floyd tried to keep steady.

“You didn’t think this was just a house, did you?” JD smirked. They heard a bellow from outside, then JD started driving forward. The momentum made Floyd grab onto the driver’s seat for support. “This here’s Rhonda, Floyd. She’ll get us to the Troll Tree in no time.”

“Awesome!” Floyd rejoiced. “Hopefully there we’ll find some answers.” The two of them began their journey back to their old home. Oblivious to what’s happened and what awaits them.

To Be Continued.

Chapter Text

Barb was at the peak of the Volcano, overlooking her territory beyond the city. Since she’d have to wait for rounding up the supposed resistance. She sent Poppy and Branch to start their rock conversion of Pop Village. Before leaving, Branch advised that if she didn’t need to use the ultimate power chord anytime soon, to have the guitar locked away under tight guard. Given they didn’t know who among the rock trolls were traitors. Barb only had completely obedient rock zombies guard it, and only she was allowed to come get it.

Right now she was waiting to meet up with an old friend of hers. After waiting a while, Barb heard the tell tale signs of his approach.

“You’re late.” Barb said, not taking her eyes off the view.

“Not my fault the terraforming makes it harder to find the place.”

“No, I’m sorry.” Barb pinched between her eyes. “Things have just been hard, and frustrating lately.”

“What’re you talking about?” He asked. “You conquered the other tribes, got all 6 strings, and finished your tour with total world domination.”

“Not total.” She corrected. “Turns out some of my rockers decided to spring most of the other tribes. Here I thought the hard rock tribe was the most loyal among each other.”

“Then they threw their lot in with the wrong crowd. The last idea that should cross any rocker's mind, should be turning on you.”

“I just don’t get why!” She yelled. “We could’ve united the trolls under rock. Couldn’t they, all of us for that matter benefit from this certainty? But instead they’re willing to throw it all away. Now I’m wondering if the only ones I can trust now are the rock zombies.”

“Your queen, you know what’s best for your people.” He tried reassuring her. “I’m sure not all of them are dumb enough to turn on you. If the ones who did think they can get away with betraying you, I’d teach them a lesson.”

“How would you purpose I do that?” Barb asked, finally looking his way. “Should I use the ultimate powerchord on them now too, change them into rock zombies?”

“From what info I’ve gathered, that isn’t possible.” He explained. “Apparently you can’t turn someone to rock, if rock is already dominant in their hearts.”

“Then what should I do with the traitors when I find them?” She started getting worked up.

“Chill Barb.” He one arm hugged her. “I’m still learning, we have yet to find out all the things the powerchord can do. I don’t know yet, but I know it’s more than just turning other trolls to rock zombies. Besides even without the powerchord you still manage to beat the other tribes into submission, and that was with a small group at your side! Now you’ve got whole legions at your command! This so-called resistance is just kidding themselves, sooner or later they’ll all be caught and turned just like the other. I won’t be surprised if eventually they’ll surrender in the end.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” Barb sighed. “I did manage to do that. Can’t believe I let them rattle my confidence. I admit though rooting out the moles in my midst won’t be easy. I can’t believe I was gullible enough to fall for those pop trolls in those lame disguises. Oh and get this, apparently even if I had changed all the pop trolls here, there are some stragglers out somewhere else. Branch told me he’s got brothers that left a long time ago. I’ve heard of them too, some popular cheesy boy band called BroZone.”

“I doubt they’ll be any trouble.” He replied. “Considering your expanding forces and territory, wherever they are will be found out. You're Barb, the queen of rock, ruler of the world, you’ve got absolutely nothing to worry about.”

“Right, thanks buddy.” She returned his hug. “I needed to hear that.” After a moment they broke off. “So, you sticking around for a bit?”

“Naw, if we wanna keep the others off your back, I’ve gotta get going to make sure they still don’t know what’s going on. But I’ll be back for more info, the more we know about the powerchord, the more powerful you’ll be.”

“Alright then, you’d better.” Barb waved bye. “I may have my doubts in some others now, but at least I can trust you.”

“Always.” He extended a fist bump, to which she eagerly returned. Afterward he took off, headed back to where he was. With the promise of coming back soon.

The Troll Tree

“We can’t thank you enough for letting us all stay here King Gristle.” King Peppy thanked.

“No problem.” Gristle said, waving his hand like it was no big deal. “You guys can stay as long as you like, as long as it doesn’t inconvenience us at least.”

“Grissy!” Bridget snapped, thinking that last part as rude.

“It’s okay Bridget.” Prince D reassured. “We understand.”

“Are you sure you guys don’t want us to help you with that meanie queenie?” She asked.

“Yep, we’re sure.” Cooper answered.

“It’s already enough to have a place to stay.” Biggie said. “But if you guys did anything actively against Barb, who knows what she’d do to all of you.” He shivered.

“Fine by me.” Gristle sighed. He turned to leave but before he did, he gave them a look of genuine concern. “But, you guys take care, okay?”

“Whatever you say!” Smidge exclaimed.

“I’ll go have some food prepared for you guys!” Bridget excitedly ran after Gristle.

“Thanks Bridget!” Satin waved.

“We owe you one!” So did Chenille. Just then Val walked up to them, holding a cute dog critter in her hands.

“Hey, Darnell!” She got D’s attention. “This fuzzball with you?” As soon the critter saw the Prince, he immediately got excited and restless in her arms. Since his wiggling was loosening her grip, she put him down and let the little guy run to Prince D.

“Wuzzy!” Prince D opened his arms, and the little bubble puppy used his springtail to bounce straight into his arms. “I was worried about you little buddy.” He hugged his pet. “How’d you find him?”

“Yeah, last time we saw him D told him to run away during Barb’s invasion.” Cooper added.

“The little stowaway apparently hitched a ride to the concert.” Val explained. “He was probably looking for you. Then he followed us during the escape. Came up to me all anxious and blew a bubble shaped like a ‘D’. I guessed that meant he wanted to see you.”

“Thanks for bringing him.” Prince D laughed as Wuzzy gave him a lick. “So, how is everyone else doing?”

“Rattled for sure.” Val answered. “But alive.”

“You said you have a friend who could help us out?” Legsly asked.

“Yeah, I do. If you’re asking if she’s here, I have no idea.” She shrugged. “She comes and goes as she pleases. Unless she chooses to let you know she’s there, you probably won’t know that she is.”

“So were we going to come up with a plan?” Guy rubbed the back of his head wondering.

“Dude, we can’t until-” Val started, until they heard something at the town gate.

“Is it Barb?” Tiny worried. Legsly extended her legs enough to see the gates and make sure.

“I don’t see any army.” She observed. “Looks like the bergens opened the gate for someone though. Maybe there are some others that escaped?” Just then a certain armadillo van came running up to the tree.

“Friend of your guys’?” Prince D asked the Snack Pack.

“We don’t recognize that critter.” Biggie, and the other denied. 

They all came down to the base of the tree to see who came. Others were curious to see as well, some were on the defensive just to be safe. The armadillo van rode up to where they were, with her siding and the door facing them. It opened with a set of stairs extending out. A familiar green haired troll with his signature goggles stepped out, taking a deep breath.

“It's good to be home.” JD sighed, coming down the steps with Floyd coming right behind.

“Sure has been awhile.” Floyd smiled at their old home, seeing everyone looking at them. “Hi, I’m Floyd and this is John Dory.”

“Wait, aren’t you guys-” Smidge was about to ask.

“The guys in BroZone?” JD interrupted. “Yeah we are!”

“John.” Floyd got on to him for his interruption. “Sorry about him. He hasn’t been around others in a long time.

“No problem.” Cooper reassured. “Sounds like someone else we know.”

“We were supposed to meet someone here.” JD explained. “Said they’d help us find our little brother, Branch.” Which surprised Branch’s friends.

“Wait, Branch is your brother?” Guy gasped.

“Branch has brothers?” Tiny asked. “Since when?”

“You guys have seen him then?” Floyd got excited. But seeing their grim expressions as a response worried him.

“Yeah, we’ve seen him.” Prince D answered.

“He’s our friend.” Cooper added. “Or was, I guess.”

“We’re not gonna like this.”

“No John Dory, you won’t.” Peppy confirmed. Looking back at the bros, he and the others were surprised by another sudden presence.

“I didn’t say anything.” JD waved his hands denying. Floyd turned shocked, to see what surprised them.

“Yes you did.” Cooper pointed next to him. JD saw where he pointed to see himself standing there. “Woah!” He gasped, backing away. “What in the-? Who is-? How am I-?” This other him snickered at his reaction.

“There you are!” Val called to the JD double, walking up. “What took you so long?”

“Had to gather plenty of intel with my friends, so I’d know what's what.” They answered.

“I’m guessing you know this, John Double?” JD asked her.

“Ha! Good one!” The other John laughed.

“Alright, shows over Vesp.” Val huffed. 

On the other John’s forehead, a pink diamond shaped mark appeared. Their body was engulfed in a pink light, their form shifted into another, which was her white-skinned own form.

“Vesper!” The Snack Pack all cheered. They quickly surrounded and gave her a hug.

“Looks like everyone already knows you.” Val commented.

“Or do they?” Vesper jokes. Changing her shape into a troll again, but this time her own which resembled Poppy a lot. “Yeah, they do.”

“Woah, that’s awesome!” Prince D was amazed.

“How are you doing that?” John perplexed.

“She’s a shapeshifter.” Cooper answered.

“That’s right!” Vesper confirmed. “Can change myself to look like anyone or anything I want!” She turned towards Floyd. “It’s good to finally meet you face to face, Floyd!” She reached her hand out for a handshake. “Glad you made it!”

“So, you’re the one who told me to get John and come here?” Floyd asked, hesitant at first but shook her hand.

“Maaaybe.” She playfully answered with sarcasm. “After the world tour happened, it became clear how things went bad and why you guys are needed.”

“Wait, are you saying you knew Barb’s world tour was gonna happen?” Biggie asked.

“In a manner of speaking.” Vesper answered. “I felt something bad was going to happen, and not be resolved the way it should’ve. But I had to be there to observe and figure out how it could be made right.”

“What do you mean didn’t go the way it should’ve?” Prince D asked. “How’d you know?”

“We shapeshifters are very attuned to the world’s vibe.” Vesper explained. “It started feeling off when Barb started her power trip. There was a certain out of tune feeling I got, but couldn’t understand at first. It was almost like the world was warning me, and asking for help. My thoughts kept coming back to BroZone, and what they almost did once. I figured I was being told they needed to correct what was about to happen the next month. So I tracked down you Floyd, and told you to find JD and bring him here. I went to Volcano Rock City to see what the trouble was, bad to say the least. At some moment while I was there, I felt dread. Whatever it was that threw everything off. But it’s okay, I believe I know what we can do to stop Barb and save everyone!”

“Wait a second!” JD got everyone’s attention. “Can you catch Floyd and I up first on what’s going on?”

“Oh, yeah!” Vesper answered. “But first I brought some friends!” She pointed up to Sheila the Flowerface Balloon coming in. With the passengers of the previous bounty hunter teams of the K-Pop Gang and the Reggaeton Trolls.

Volcano Rock City

“Queen Barb!” Riff came running into her throne room, struggling to carry a bunch of papers. Barb was just chilling on her throne with her eyes closed, Riff’s yell snapped her out of it making her jump.

“What?!” She snapped. “This better be good, Riff! I’ve got a lot on my mind!”

“Sorry your rockness, but we’ve received messages from the rock lords.” Riff showed her the stack. “I had this made to help. Bring it in guys!” A few rock trolls and zombies worked together carrying in a 3D model map of the Troll Kingdom.

“You made me a playset?” Barb asked plainly, unimpressed.

“This map will help, I promise!” Riff insisted, putting the letters at the side of the table. “You can use it for tracking the resistance, managing the terraforming, and where your armies go.” Hearing that, Barb did like the idea.

“Alright, I’ll humor you.” She got up, walking over to the map table. The places where the other tribes lived were already updated for what hard rock changes had been done there. There were also a few small red crystals in some parts, those she didn't recognize. “What’s up with these shiny rocks?”

“That’s one of the things I needed to tell you about.” Riff answered, going through the letters. “The rock lords wanted to let you know the rock remodeling of their homes is going smoothly. So has the volcanic terraforming of their lands. But also where most of the terraforming has settled, these clusters of weird shining red rock formations have started sprouting up.” He showed her sent pictures of said crystals.

“Let me see.” Barb took one of them. “Never seen these before. You think Branch will know anything about them?”

“Considering his letter says he doesn’t, I don’t think so.” Riff answered looking through the letter. “Is there anything you’d like to do about them?”

“What for?” Barb shrugged, throwing the picture away. “They’re just a bunch of rocks. So what if they grow where they do. I’m sure we’ll find out more about them eventually.”

“About what eventually?” Barb’s friend came back.

“Hey!” Barb smiled. “Back so soon?”

“Yeah, I know.” He sighed tiredly. “Had to get back quickly to tell you something important.”

“Is it about the crystals?” Riff asked to check.

“What crystals?” He answered by asking.

“Guess that’s a no.” Barb said. “What did you need to tell me?”

“The only real threat against you.”

“What?” Barb gasped. “What do you mean?”

“As long as you have the ultimate powerchord and keep the strings safe, you’re unstoppable. But I found out there’s only one thing that can overpower it and undo everything.”

“That’s impossible!” Barb blurted. “How could anything overcome the combined power of the 6 strings?”

“Wish I could explain everything. I don’t know how it can, I just know it can. I also know finding the resistance and the remaining leaders is important. But from what you’ve told me and what I’ve gathered, finding this guy Branch’s brothers has to be top priority. I was wrong before when I said they wouldn’t be any trouble.”

“Why?” She asked, crossing her arms. “What could they possibly do against me?”

“It’s not what they could do, it’s what they almost did.”

The Troll Tree

“The Perfect Family Harmony!” Vesper cheered. JD and Floyd had been briefed on what had transpired and Vesper led to telling them why they’re important.

“And that can stop Barb and save Branch?” Floyd asked.

“Somewhere between positively and absolutely!” Vesper hummed.

“How do you know that?” JD wondered.

“Harmony will beat raw power everytime.” She explained. “You guys are the only ones who’ve come close to doing it, so you're the only ones who could beat Barb.”

“And I thought there was pressure on us before.” Floyd stressed about the idea. “Now Branch’s life is on the line too.”

“No worries!” Vesper reassured him. “I know ways that’ll help make it easier for you guys to reach it!”

“Really, like what?” JD asked intrigued. Of course he always thought that to reach the perfect harmony was to be perfect. Play together just so, together. Even though that didn’t turn out so well last time. He still had confidence they could do it. Vesper seemed to know what she was talking about, so maybe she could help them do better.

“I believe getting to know the other tribes, understanding their ways, trying their music, and appreciating their differences. Will better help you guys appreciate each other!” Vesper told them.

“You really think that’ll work?” JD was skeptical.

“I’d listen to her chump.” Smidge commented. “Vesper is good at wise optimism.”

“That’s probably why she based her pop troll form off of Poppy.” Biggie added. “They’re alike but still different.” He tried thinking of another way to put her. “Vesper is more… exuberantly spontaneous?” In a flash of red, Vesper shifted into a pink glittery fox.

“Spontaneous he says.” Vesper jokingly quoted him. She looked back to the bros. “Anyways trust me, it’s a shapeshifter thing. Understanding others will help you understand yourselves.”

“That makes sense.” Floyd understood. “Though that is until we find our other brothers, and get Branch back.”

“Have faith Floyd!” Vesper gently nudged him, then thought for a moment. “Hmm, that reminds me. Once we find one of the others, I need to do some evaluating. Surely you guys know where we might find your bros Spruce and Clay?” Her question made them look uncertainly at each other. “Don’t you?” Floyd just sadly shook his head, and JD embarrassedly shrugged.

“Wait!” JD snapped his fingers remembering. “I’ve got a clue on where we can find Spruce.”

“Really?” Floyd asked excitedly.

“Excelente!” Vesper hopped joyously. “Do share, won’t you?”

“Hang on a moment.” JD went into Rhonda. Vesper meanwhile to be silly, grabbed onto Floyd in a tight hug to literally hang on as JD said. Which Floyd understood and was amused by her antics letting her. JD ran back out with a postcard in hand. “Here this is definitely from Spruce. The card sounds exactly like him.” Handing it to them.

“Really?” Vesper grabbed it, and brought it to her ear. Once again just to be silly. “He must be the quiet type.”

“Very funny.” JD sarcastically said, putting his hands on his hips.

“Let me see that?” Floyd asked, Vesper giving the card. He took a close look at it. But besides the postcard picture, there was nothing on it. No return address, no name from, nothing. “It’s blank. How could you know this is from Spruce?”

“Come on. Wouldn’t Spruce be the one to send a postcard that says that?” JD pointed out the picture. Turning it around Floyd and Vesper saw the line.

“Wish you were here?” Floyd questioned.

“So, Spruce sounds like a generic postcard?” Vesper asked curiously, then chuckled. But then she noticed something about the card. “Wait a minute!” Taking a close at it. “I know this place!” She recognized.

“You do?” Floyd asked hopefully.

“Sure!” Vesper answered. “I’ve been there plenty of times! It’s an island a ways south of techno reef. Just a bit off from troll territory so Barb’s army isn’t likely to be out that far.”

“Awesome!” JD beamed. “So we have our heading!”

“So you guys will be leaving?” Peppy asked them with uncertainty.

“We gotta.” JD said. “If we’re going to find the others, and practice how to make the harmony happen. We’ve got no time to lose!” He was raring to go.

“But are you sure?” Peppy questioned. “If it's true that you boys are our only hope. Shouldn’t you find somewhere safe to hide? Maybe let Vesper handle it or something.”

“Jeez, why is your response to everything big happening to run and hide?” Vesper wondered.

“Because then nothing bad would’ve happened to us.” Peppy defended. “If Poppy had listen to me and not run off after Barb then-”

“Then the other tribes would have still been taken and you’d just be hiding away in some hole.” Prince D argued. “Queen Barb wouldn’t have stopped anyway until she’d find you. I just got my brother back only to lose our parents. If there’s even the slightest chance they can bring them, Poppy, and their bro Branch back. I say it’s worth the risk.”

“Desperate times call for desperate measures.” Cooper agreed.

“You guys should stay here to look after everyone.” Vesper instructed the Snack Pack and Prince D and Val. “For the time being Barb’s forces are spread thin, so you should be safe here for now.”

“Plus my friends spying back home will let us know if trouble’s coming.” Val told them.

“And what about us?” Wani and the K-Pop Gang were wondering, along with the Reggaeton Trolls.

“We’ll surely need eyes more than just at Volcano Rock City.” Vesper suggested. “Since Barb took over all the other trolls’ homes, they’ll be everywhere. You guys know these lands, if you can lay low while keeping an eye on their movements, that’d be great.”

“What happened to those other bounty hunters you mentioned though?” JD asked.

“That smooth jazz troll Chaz went and ran off to hide somewhere after Barb’s takeover.” Tresillo answered. “And since those Yodelers managed to get Barb the pop string, she let them slink off to that island she promised.”

“You guys were working for her too.” Floyd wondered. “Not that we’re complaining, but why the change of heart helping us?”

“We owe your hermano.” Tresillo answered.

“That means brother.” Vesper whispered to them.

“Yeah, he showed us we should help fight for the rights of all music, not just our own.” Baby Bun told them.

“Besides, even if Barb didn’t see us help Branch.” Tresillo continued. “We failed to give her anything that would’ve satisfied her. She’ll be looking for us too, and try to take our music away.”

“Right, we have to help.” Wani agreed.

“Even though you guys feel like you need to.” Biggie started. “We still appreciate your help.” They thanked them and the others for their gratitude.

“Before we go though.” Vesper started, looking up at the Troll Tree. “There’s a friend of mine I think should come with us. You guys have doubts about how things will go, and she’s even better than I cheering others up.” She shifted in an orange glow into a glow bug flying up to the tree. After a few minutes Vesper came back with a techno troll following.

“Floyd, John Dory, this is Faith.” Vesper introduced, shifting back to her own form.

“Hi, very nice to meet you!” Faith greeted. “All of you!” She said to the Snack Pack and others.

“So you want to bring her for motivation?” JD asked.

“More like peacekeeping.” Vesper corrected. “I’ve got a feeling arguments might come up between you guys. My usual method of deflating situations with humor doesn't always turn out as effectively as Faith’s reason and logic.” 

Floyd thought usually he’d try to talk down his brothers during fights, but they didn’t always listen. Heck, the last time they were together, they didn’t even give him the chance. Honestly he’d always wonder if he had spoken up sooner, would he have been able to stop them from leaving in the first place? If Faith could be better at talking them into banding together, he was willing to welcome the help. “Glad to have you along then!” He smiled, reaching to shake her hand.

“Glad I can help!” Faith took his hand and pulled him into a hug.

Before they were about ready to go, a rock troll came running up to Val.

“Hey Val!” They yelled, getting her and everyone's attention. “We need to talk.”

“What about?” She asked, crossing her arms.

“Morale for the others is low.” They explained. “Some of them are doubting, second guessing going against Queen Barb like we are. Figured they could use a pep talk from you.”

Val thought about it. While she didn’t have doubts in their objective, she could get the others might feel unsure. The hard rock trolls are rude and rebellious by nature, but they’re loyal. None have ever gone against the royals till now.

“I’ll do more than that.” She brought her guitar out, and headed to the tree’s main stage. “Gather them, I’ve got an idea.”

“You got it!” They ran off to do so.

“Oh, opportunity!” Vesper clapped, gesturing for JD and Floyd to follow. “You guys come with!”

“What?” JD questioned. “Why? Shouldn’t we hurry?”

“Vesper is right.” Faith agreed with her. “You haven’t had any negative experiences with rock yet. Your first should be a positive one. Plus it’ll give you a taste of the other tribes and help get to know them.”

“Alright.” JD said. “Logic is sound.” He started following Vesper.

“You’re very persuasive.” Floyd complimented.

“Thank you!” Faith swam after them. “Let’s go!”

“We should check this out too guys!” Tiny insisted to the pack.

“Sure, Tiny.” Guy agreed, they headed that way.

They gathered to the side of the crowd of rock trolls. They were all muttering, talking amongst each other. Uncertainty could be felt easily by everyone.

“Maybe this was a bad idea.”

“Dude, can you imagine how mad Queen Barb must be?”

“What do you think she’d do to us?”

“We.. we could go back. Maybe she hasn’t noticed everyone who's left?”

“Come guys show some backbone!”

“Hey rockers! Eyes up here!” Val barked, getting their attention on stage. “Listen up! I’ve been hearing about you guys having doubts, and after what we just did, I wouldn’t blame you! We did betray Barb, and some of our friends at home. But we’ve gotta do this, for us, them, and her! Barb misused our music, and it’s up to us to redeem it. Whatever consequences might happen, we have to face them no matter what. We also need to show the other tribes that they can trust us, give us a chance. So this song's for you guys, rock, pop, techno, all of you!

“Val!” Vesper called out from the crowd. “Break it down!” Val smirked and nodded. She signaled her band to hit a beat, starting her song.

This one’s for the beaten down

The ones who lost their rock and roll

Rise up you lost ones, claim your crown

You were born to rock inside your soul

The crowd started clapping to the beat.

Welcome misfits, orphans, all

The ones who feel they don’t belong

You were made to rock, so stand up tall

Go rock the world and prove them wrong

Rock what you got

Rock what you got

Don’t ever let them make you stop

Rock what you got

Light up the lot

No one can rock the way you rock

Val shredded on her guitar between this verse.

This one’s for originals

Who strike out towards the great unknown

Fear not the missteps, take the falls

The rock you find will be your own

Rock what you got

Rock what you got

Don’t ever let them make you stop

Rock what you got

Light up the lot

No one can rock the way you rock

This one’s for the beaten down

Who gave up on their rock and roll

Lift your eyes from what drags you down

You were born to rock inside your soul

Rock what you got

Rock what you got

Don’t ever let them make you stop

Rock what you got

Light up the lot

No one can rock the way you rock

Val and her band did an instrumental of guitar, drum, and keyboard to build for the end. For the next verse they stopped play and Val sung to the stomping and clapping beat of the crowd.

Rock what you got

Rock what you got

Don’t ever let them make you stop

Rock what you got

Light up the lot

No one can rock the way you rock

They started playing again, this time every troll there was clapping to the beat.

Rock what you got

Rock what you got

Don’t ever let them make you stop

Rock what you got

Light up the lot

No one can rock the way you rock

To finish, Val and her drummer went crazy on their instruments. Val was shredding up a storm, others honestly might have seen sparks fly. She went so hard getting down on her knees. Meanwhile her drummer was going to town on his drums, beating the heck out of them. They both built up the frenzy finishing together. But Val had one last tiny shred she had to get out.

The crowd burst cheering, especially the rock trolls.

“So that was hard rock.” Floyd commented, clapping.

“Actually was the softest I’ve seen.” Vesper added. Which got a baffled look from JD.

“See?” Val started. “It isn’t Barb who gives us our music!” She looks at the other trolls. “Any of us! If anyone finds rock inside them, it's their own, accepted on our own terms! We got this guys, we’re gonna win!” The crowd roared with confidence and excitement. The rock trolls started chanting Val’s name in gratitude.

“That’s what I call a pep talk.” Smidge was impressed.

“That was your guys’ first taste.” Vesper pointed out to the bros.

“Sure was something.” JD commented.

“It was definitely unique.” Floyd added.

“Excellent!” Vesper beamed. “Just the use of unique instead of different is promising! But we really should get going soon. The sooner the better before Barb gets a stronger hold on the land.”

“That’s true.” Satin agreed.

“You guys be careful out there.” Chenille said.

“We’ll try, but no promises.” Vesper winked at them. Making some of her friends roll their eyes. Vesper, Faith, and the bros headed back to Rhonda.

“So you really know where this place we’re going is?” JD asked Vesper to be sure.

“Does a one-legged duck swim in circles?” Vesper asked sarcastically. She raced ahead of them.

“She’s crazy.” JD whispered to Floyd, and Faith overheard.

“She’s Vesper.” Faith whispered back to him.

To be continued.

Chapter Text

Pop/Rock Village

Poppy and Branch had changed most of their old home to a volcanic hard rock landscape. Just as the other rock lords surely had. With less terraforming needing to be done, Branch had his thoughts on other things. The two of them were in Poppy’s pod, having received Barb’s recent orders. Get to changing the rest of the land, keep an eye out, and catch any non-rock trolls.

“Barb wants us to finish with the terraforming, Branch.” Poppy read the message. “Good thing we got the other rock zombies and trolls already on it, huh?” When she saw him though, it seemed like he wasn’t listening. Watching outside the window, looking lost in thought. “Branch?”

“What?” He snapped out of his thoughts. “Sorry Poppy, I was just thinking.” Branch looked back outside the window.

“About your brothers?” Poppy came by his side.

“It’s hard not too.” Branch growled. “Queen Barb said the only thing that can beat the ultimate powerchord is the perfect family harmony. My brothers and I are the only ones to ever come close to pulling it off. Wherever they are, if they catch wind of what’s happening. I’m sure they won’t help but spring into action, thinking they can go and save me. Like I need it.”

“You still want to find them though.” Poppy guessed.

“Of course.” He answered, pulling her into a hug. “I doubt they could find harmony, with or without me. Our last attempt was a flop, and that was my first and only show I ever did with them. I accepted a long time ago it was never my fault, it was all theirs. They had problems growing long before I came along. But if Queen Barb wants them found, then we have too. And I want to be the one to do it. They’re failure led to them leaving me. So it’s only fair I lead them to their next big failure. Only this time it won’t just be their fans seeing it, the whole world will have their eyes on them this time. Once we catch them and Queen Barb changes them too, there will be no hope the resistance will beat us then.”

“I’m guessing you have a plan then?” Poppy assumed.

“Naturally.” Branch smirked. “Debbie might be the best at tracking down anyone to send a message too. But given she’s Queen Barb’s pet, and the only bat we have at hand. Luckily there’s another kind of hard rock critter, that has the multitude of searching eyes we need. And Queen Barb told me how to command them.” 

He whistled out the window, a flock of small, black, mohawked, rocker looking birds came to his call. “They’re mo-hawks. Give them a visual reference, and they’ll look everywhere for whatever or whoever you show.” Branch saw that since Poppy was a fan of BroZone, he went and grabbed one of the albums she had. Showing the cover to the hawks, he pointed out the ones they should look for. They all kawed, now having their targets they took off in every direction.

“I get it.” Poppy commented. “They’re watching for someone like hawks, because they are. Who knew hard rock critters were so practical?”

“Queen Barb did.” Branch answered. “My brothers may try to change me back, but I won’t let them. I’m no longer that hideaway loser, I'm an advisor to the ruler of the world, and I get to rule my own corner of the world for her here with you. They can spare me their recently rediscovered brotherly obligations. As far as I’m concerned my life is great as it is.”

Rhonda on the way to Vacay Island.

“Man, this is exciting!” JD exclaimed. He and Vesper were at the steering wheel. While Floyd and Faith were trying to figure out where Clay might be. “Going on an epic journey to save the world! How much further till we get there?”

“How much further till you get where you’re going in life?” Vesper sarcastically asked.

“Do you ever not answer with a riddled question?” JD complained.

“Do you ever not brush your hair?” Vesper giggled, asking back. “I ask 'em back because it's fun! But, yeah we’re getting close.”

“So you guys have no idea where Clay might be?” Faith asked Floyd, looking with him for a clue through their old stuff.

“Well when he said he’d find trolls who’d take him seriously, I thought he was still at the Tree.” Floyd answered. “But after the bergens took it over, I’m sure he would’ve been with Branch and Grandma then. If he wasn’t, then he must’ve left the Troll Tree completely. He wasn’t with any of the other tribes when they were invaded, was he?”

“Nah, my friends and I would’ve known a pop troll living amongst any of the other trolls.” Vesper chimed in.

“But if he wasn’t with the other pop trolls, and he wasn’t with any of the tribes, then where could he be?” Faith asked.

“That is something I do not know.” Vesper admitted. Just then she noticed something coming up ahead of them. “I do know one thing, we’re here!” She yelled, seeing the island across the water. “Almost.”

“How are we going to get across the bay?” Floyd asked.

“No problem!” Vesper exclaimed. “Faith can swim across, and I can turn into either a boat or a flying critter to get us over.” Then Rhonda started picking up speed, they all tried keeping their balance from the g-forces.

“There’s no need for that V.” JD started putting pedal to the metal.

“Are you trying to hurtle us off a cliff?” Faith worried, hanging onto the side.

“That’s exactly what I’m doing.” JD confirmed, steering them that way. That got scared looks from Floyd and Faith. “Don’t worry guys, Rhonda is completely waterproof!” Rhonda then ran off the cliff falling straight down into the water. Vesper quickly turned into a furry dragon-like critter. She cradled Floyd and Faith in her wings to hold them, and grabbed onto the driver seat to anchor down as they fell. All of them screamed as they plummeted, Vesper more with excitement given her nature, eventually splashing down.

Volcano Rock City

Barb for some time blew off some steam, rocking out hard and getting rest. The time did her some good. With a steady state of mind her, Riff, and her friend had some planning she wanted to get done. They were at the landscape table map Riff got her.

“So what do you want to do?” Her friend asked her. “Plenty of terraforming has been done already. I’m sure you could pull together a large enough invading force to take the Tree.”

“Not yet.” Barb responded. “What scouts I’ve spared that’ve been keeping an eye on it, said some vehicle critter left it some time ago. I’ll wait till either I hear from one of the rock lords that they’ve caught them, or they return to the Tree. If I took it now, there’d still be some out there. They hear the Tree’s been taken, they’ll probably run off, hide and never come out. But if we wait this out, allow more of my armies to gather, lull them into a false sense of safety, and reel in those stragglers. We can end the resistance all in one fell swoop!”

“That’s pretty ingenious, your rockness!” Riff praised.

“I know it is.” Barb huffed. “Don’t be a suckup.” Riff deflated to her harsh response.

“Where do you think they went?” Barb’s friend asked.

“Somewhere south.” Barb answered, pointing down the map. “I’m sure the rock lords already have eyes on the situation.” She went over to sit on her throne. “All I have to do is sit back, gather my army, and wait till it’s the right time to lay siege to the Troll Tree. I’ll wipe out the resistance, and then my total rock takeover of the world will be officially complete!”

“Let’s hope it goes that smoothly.” Her friend stated.

Vacay Island

Rhonda came ashore, reaching the island and shaking off the water. Opening her door the others poured out with water.

“That wasn’t so waterproof.” Faith commented, standing up on her fins. Floyd patted the side of his head, trying to get water out of his ear.

“That was fun!” Vesper, still in that furry dragon-like form, shook to dry off, fluffing up her fur.. “Can we do it again?” She changed back to her own form.

“No.” Faith answered.

“I’d rather not.” Floyd added.

“So this is the place?” JD stood up asking Vesper.

“Oh yes!” She looked around the island. “I’m noodles about the flora here!” Referring to the pool noodle and inflatable looking plants. “The islanders live on the other side of the island. Follow me!” Vesper turned into a macaw critter and quickly flew off.

“Hey, wait up!” JD ran after her.

“Come on!” Faith gestured to Floyd to follow, swimming ahead. “We’ll lose her.”

“You girls are fast!” Floyd commented, trying to catch up.

Vesper flew so fast, she came back every now and then to make sure they were still following. JD started getting tired running, he, Floyd, and Faith eventually stopped rushing and came slowly behind. Vesper still came back and forth, she had so much energy. Seemed like she went to where they were going and back dozens of times over, she was excited. After a while the three of them following her, came to what seemed like the edge of the vegetation. Vesper in her form was waiting for them, lightly bouncy with anticipation.

“I take it we’re here now?” JD asked.

“Wait…aaaand” Vesper directed them to come closer. Once they came over, she quickly changed into a pink skinned, light blue haired, vacay islander. “Now we’re here!” She spread her arms presenting the place to them. “Welcome to Vacay Island guys! Where everyday is a vacay!” Vesper ran onto the beach, to start singing with the islanders.

Hey, hey

Hey, hey

When you're on a holiday

You can't find the words to say

Vesper waved at her vacay friends and they waved back. One batted a beach ball for her, she happily started playing with them continuing to sing too.

On an island in the Sun

We'll be playin' and havin' fun (Ooh, woah)

And it makes me feel so fine

I can't control my brain

The others followed her taking in the sights, while keeping an eye out for Spruce. “Isn’t this place awesome?” Vesper bent down to them. “There’s free refreshments too!” She pointed to the beach ball birds flying around and the drinking cups hanging from the trees.

Yeah

She call me Mr. Boombastic

Tell me fantastic

Touch me on my back

She says I'm Mister Ro-Ro

Smooth

“Hey, is that-?” Faith pointed out the purple haired pop troll she spotted surfing. JD and Floyd quickly looked where she was pointing.

Sailin'

Takes me away

To where I've always heard it could bе

“Spruce!” JD and Floyd exclaimed.

Just a dream and the wind to carry me

And soon I will bе free

“Oh yeah!” Vesper changed back to her own form. “I know him! But his name is Bruce.”

“Say what?” Floyd asked.

“What.” Vesper said so. “You're saying Bruce is your brother Spruce?” She realized “Oh, that’s not a clue, that’s a billboard.” She rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment. “I really need to pay more attention to these kinds of things.”

“Let’s go see him.” Floyd told everyone to follow, heading into the restaurant Spruce went into.

They went after him, seeing him quickly walk through the place conversing with customers.

“The food here is yummy by the way.” Vesper commented. “Except the cheesy oysters. Not the best meal in the world.”

“I like the wading pools.” Faith said, diving into the water to swim.

“We’ll have that ready for you soon, Marty.” They caught up to Spruce, writing an order down on his notepad.

“Hey there Spru-I mean uh, Bruce!” Floyd called out to him.

“Huh?” Spruce noticed them.

“What’s up bro!” JD greeted, walking up hoping for a hug.

“Woah, Floyd!” Spruce ran straight to his little brother, and passed his big bro.

“What?” JD gasped, disappointed by the lack of acknowledgement. Which didn’t go unnoticed by Floyd.

“Hey, I’m stoked to see you little bro!” Spruce gave Floyd a hug.

“Thanks man!” Floyd happily returned it. “I’m glad to see you too! John came with me. Aren’t you glad to see him?” Breaking from their hug, Spruce looked back at JD.

“Mmm, yeah I guess.” Spruce sighed.

“You guess?” JD whispered.

“Hiya Bruce!” Vesper came up.

“Vesper, so you're back again!” He greeted her. “What brings you here this time? Just needed some chill time and a bite to eat?”

“Actually they did.” She pointed at his brothers. “They wanted to find you, so I showed them where you were. And that over there is my friend Faith.” Vesper pointed to the techno troll in the water.

“Hi Spruce, nice to meet you.” She waved.

“Nice to meet you too.” He greeted back. “But it’s Bruce now.”

“Why Bruce?” JD asked him.

“I wanted to put my boyband days behind me, since I’m a dad now.” Spruce explained.

“Weren’t you called the Heartthrob in the band?” Faith asked. “Not a solid reason to change your name.”

“Wait a second, you're a father?” JD asked.

“Wow, that’s great Bruce!” Floyd praised.

“Thanks!” Spruce went to introduce. “Hi honey! I want you to meet my brothers. Wasn’t expecting them, but they’re here now.” Getting her attention from her restaurant duties.

“Oh, well then hello!” Brandy turned to greet them. “It’s so great to finally meet you. Nice to see you again, Vesper.” She waved to the little shapeshifter.

“Wonderful to see you too, Brandy!” Vesper happily waved back. “The food is still good I’m sure!”

“We try.” Spruce said with pride. “Hey Vesper, would you mind entertaining the kids while my bros and I talk?”

“No problem!” She did some stretches, then shifted into a vacay pet sized ferret critter. “Hey kids, did you miss me?” Vesper ran over to play with them.

“Okay Spruce, we’re not here to catch up.” JD began. “We’re here because we need to hit the per-” Faith gasped and quickly covered his mouth.

“H-hit that water slide we saw on the way in!” Faith laughed, trying to cover what JD was about to say. “Looks sick man.”

“Sure!” Spruce agreed. “It is a very fun one.”

“What was that for?” JD took her hands off his mouth.

“Maybe don’t mention to him upfront the very thing that drove you guys apart, the last time you saw each other.” Faith whispered. Spruce raised an eyebrow at their whispering.

“That’s not the only reason you guys came here, I’m sure?” He asked.

“We need your help Bruce.” Floyd said. “Something bad is happening on the mainland. The queen of hard rock is taking over the world. From what Vesper has told us, we’re the only ones who can stop her.”

“What?” Spruce was in disbelief. “How are we supposed to stop her? Aren’t there others who could do that?”

“Barb has the 6 strings.” Faith explained. “Powerful artifacts that contain all the power of music. She’s corrupted them all to suit hard rock, and with them no one but BroZone can beat her. The ultimate powerchord she uses them for, can turn trolls into rock zombie slaves.”

“And the perfect family harmony is the only thing that can beat it.” JD finished.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me.” Spruce wasn’t buying it. “Did you just make that up, hoping I’d get in on this lame excuse to try and perform that disaster again?”

“We’re not making it up!” JD protested. “It’s really happening, and we’re really the only ones who can put a stop to it!”

“Yeah, right.” Spruce still wasn’t buying it. But then Floyd gently turned Spruce to face him.

“Bruce, please.” Floyd pleaded. He definitely had Spruce’s undivided attention now. Floyd doesn’t get like this if he didn’t seriously need something. “You gotta believe us. I know full well why you don’t want to try hitting the harmony again. But this time we have too. No one else has ever come close to us.”

“And how are we going to be able to do it, when we couldn’t do it before?” Spruce asked.

“Vesper says she’s got a surefire way to help us hit it.” JD told him. “Besides, it's not just for the sake of the world, this is personal.” That last part got Spruce’s attention. Floyd gulped about to tell him the worst part.

“She’s got Branch.” Floyd sighed.

“What?!” Source gasped. “Not Bitty B! Alright, fine. If our baby brother is in trouble, then I want in.”

“Awesome, bro! Glad to have you on board!” JD cheered.

“Thanks Bruce.” Floyd said. “I know we can do this, for Branch.”

“So what is it we’re supposed to do?” Spruce asked.

“Vesper’s the one who knows.” JD shrugged. “We should practice-”

“Nope!” Vesper jumped between them, coming out of nowhere. “Not yet!”

“Gah!” JD yelled. “Vesper, don’t do that!” She shifted back to her own form.

“To hit the family harmony, you guys are gonna need to learn the basics.” Vesper marched around them.

“And those are?” Spruce crossed his arms.

“Learning about the other tribes’ music is important.” She started. “But what’s also important is learning what music is made of. Not only that, learning this stuff can be a bonding experience too, and I know just the troll for the job!” Vesper rubbed her hands together.

“What it’s made of?” JD asked, scratching his head.

“Sound, JD.” Spruce facepalmed. “It’s made of sound, duh.”

“Hey, no need to sound like a big know-it-all.” JD snapped.

“The answer was so obvious.” Spruce argued.

“Yeah, but-” JD continued.

“Guys, please.” Floyd interrupted, getting between them.

“Floyd is right.” Faith agreed. “Now is not the time to argue.”

“We weren’t arguing.” JD said. “We were… debating.”

“Either way.” Vesper started. “This just proves to me, you guys need a lot of work. You three so far are all kinds of out of sorts with each other.”

“Where do you want to start?” Faith asked.

“Somewhere not too far off from here, a little ways deeper from Techno Reef.” Vesper answered.

“Isn’t that dangerous?” Floyd asked.

“Yeah, Barb’s made that into Rock Reef by now.” Faith sighed.

“You know what I’m talking about though, Faith!” Vesper beamed. “The troll I speak of, doesn’t get caught unless he allows it.”

“Ah, you mean-” Faith gasped, understanding what she meant. Vesper quickly shushed her.

“No spoilers please.” She pointed at the bros.

“Oh, right.” Faith winked.

“What are you girls talking about?” Spruce asked, suspicious.

“In this case I’ll show, not tell.” Vesper stated, making her way to the exit. “Come on! We need to get going! There’s a lot to do and hardly any time to do it!”

“Woah wait, just like that?” Spruce asked.

“Just like that!” She confirmed, snapping her fingers.

“She’s right bro, Barb isn’t going to leave the resistance alone forever.” JD agreed, following her and calling Rhonda back.

“Branch needs us right now.” Floyd reasoned.

“Besides-” Faith reassured. “I don’t see any reason Barb would ever come here. Sad as it is to say, if she’s after any non-rock troll. This island might be safer if we weren’t here. Esepically if she knows about you guys and the threat you pose.” Spruce sighed, she did make excellent points.

“Alright, I get the gist.” He went to say bye to Brandy. “Sweetheart, we need to talk.”

“No need, honey.” She replied. “You and your brothers are needed to save the world. Then you should go do it. The kids will be so excited to hear their dad is a big world saver.”

“You really don’t mind me doing this?” Spruce asked.

“Why should I?” She asked back, picking him up. “Don’t you know me better than that?”

“Sorry, I’m just-” He started.

“Worried?” Brandy guessed. “Don’t be. Of all things you’ve learned living here, relax. You guys got this.” She gave him a peck on the cheek.

“Alright, if you believe we can, then I should too.” Spruce agreed, as she put him down. Some of his kids came to see him off.

“You’re really going to save the world daddy?”

“That’s the plan.”

“That totally makes you a superhero right?”

“Well, I wouldn’t say-”

“Will you bring me back a souvenir?”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“Okay, okay.” Brandy intervened. “Daddy has a big job to do, kids. Let’s let him get to it.” They all awed.

“Don’t worry kids.” Spruce said. “I’ll be back.”

“You’d better.” Brandy chuckled, turning to his bros and the girls. “You guys look out for him.”

“We’re his brothers.” JD said. “It’s what we do.”

“Right.” Spruce doubted.

“Yep, we’ve got a long way to go.” Vesper commented, observing their tension.

“Unfortunately, I see what you mean.” Floyd sighed.

“If this is like how you guys left things.” Faith started. “No offence, but it’s kinda no wonder you guys couldn’t hit the harmony.”

“None taken.” Floyd admitted.

“Well then, let's get started.” Spruce said, ready to go. “The sooner we start, the sooner we finish.”

“Awesome!” JD beamed, turning toward Vesper. “So, where to?”

“Into the sea.” She pointed at the waters.

“Come again?” Spruce asked.

“I said it's somewhere by Techno Reef.” Vesper reminded.

“I know you said Rhonda is waterproof.” Floyd said to JD. “But how do we not drown?” He asked Vesper.

“Don’t worry.” Faith reassured. “The waters in the techno territory are different. Any troll can breathe there. I’m not sure how she knew about that, but Barb proved it’s true. When she invaded our home.”

“Good enough for me.” JD headed to Rhonda. “Let’s go!”

“Aye aye!” Vesper shapeshifted and zipped past him, the others followed behind. 

Getting into Rhonda, JD started driving her in Vesper’s direction. Going straight for the water, that way.

“Wait, I said the techno waters were oxygenated.” Faith warned. “These aren’t those waters!”

“We can make it there just fine.” JD confidently reassured.

“Right, cause Rhonda is so waterproof.” Faith said with sarcasm.

“We’ll be fine.” Vesper whispered. “I know some seafaring tricks.” 

Rhonda quickly dove and barreled through the water. Unknown to them, a small kettle of Branch’s mo-hawks were circling above the island. Seeing the bros leave, they flew to patrol the shore line, to wait for their return.

To be continued.

Chapter Text

Deep in the sea aways from Techno Reef, Rhonda was swimming through the waters. In the depths they were in, it was pitch black. What light Rhonda could shine from her eyes, were all the bros had. Truthfully they still didn’t entirely know where they were going.

“It’s really dark down here.” JD observed.

“How are we supposed to know when we find the place?” Spruce asked Vesper.

“When we’re shown the way.” She answered.

“What does that mean?” JD asked.

“Exactly what it sounds like.” Vesper answered again.

“What she means is no one knows where it is.” Faith added. “Our friend’s home is secret, only he knows where. He has a ton of surveillance and critters around down here. If he lets us, one of the critters will show us the way.”

“So, we just keep wandering around in the dark?” JD questioned.

“Sounds like a typical day for you.” Spruce joked. Vesper covered her mouth to hide her snicker.

“That’s not funny, bro.” Floyd chimed in.

“It was kinda funny.” Vesper whispered to Faith. She just gave her the ‘cut it out’ hand signal.

“If it’s usually so dark even in Techno Reef, how do you see anything?” Spruce wondered.

“Bioluminescence.” Faith answered, showing her glow.

“Like that?” JD pointed out the windshield at a glowing dot in the distance.

“Yes!” Vesper burst. “I bet that’s our guide!”

The bros were confused by that, until said light came closer. Which turned out to be an angler fish. It swam right up to the windshield, staring straight at them. Using its light to point, it swam away wanting them to follow.

“So, we…” JD looked for indication from the girls, who nodded. John then directed Rhonda to follow in the direction the fish went.

After a few minutes of following the angler fish’s light, they came to a slope leading to an air pocket. The aquatic critter gestured for them to head topside. Driving Rhonda up there, they were greeted by a frightening sight. A neon glowing haunted house that sat atop a hill of graves.

“This would be the home of said friend.” Faith said. They all got out of Rhonda to see the place better, and the spookier it was.

“Welcome to the G-Raveyard of Techno Reef, and the house of the terror troll, the Tunestone!” Vesper announced. The place had barred musical note decorated metal fences with bat shaped spikes, trees around the graveyard looked dead with creepy faces, there were bats and spiders flapping and crawling all over the place, gargoyles sat everywhere they could be perched, ghostfaced windchimes, at the top of the house looked like a bell tower and above looked like a full moon and eerily clouded sky.

“Someone definitely has a gimmick.” Spruce commented.

“Well, this place gives guaranteed creeps.” JD added.

“How is it night already?” Floyd asked. “It’s only 2:37 p.m.”

“Aren’t we in an underwater cave?” JD said. “How can we see the sky at all?”

“We don’t know.” Vesper answered with a shrug.

“There’s no way he’d tell anyone his best kept secrets.” Faith explained, heading to the door. “Come on guys.”

“All I know is if I see anyone I can see through, I’m so out of here.” Spruce followed.

Coming up to the door, Vesper pressed the doorbell. Suddenly the gargoyle heads spun, the window shutters slammed repeatedly, lightning sparked across the sky, and the bell in the tower chimed. Making the guys all jump.

“That’s quite the doorbell.” Floyd commented.

“Are we sure anyone is home?” JD asked. “How do we know this guy didn’t get himself captured like the rest?”

“He doesn’t spend a lot of time outside his home.” Faith explained. “He usually prepares each year for hair-o-ween. Sometimes he attends raves, but he didn’t when Barb attacked. And no one can find this place except him and his critters. I believe our odds seem good.”

The door creaked open, peeking inside they didn’t see anyone there.

“I guess we’re allowed in?” Spruce assumed.

“That’s usually what that means.” Vesper confirmed with the door, heading inside.

The room they entered was part living room and library, with a green glowing bone chandelier hanging above. Anything else that spells spooky, black scary stair rails, statues, and candelabras, etc.

“For a haunted looking house, it's actually pretty homey in here.” JD commented.

“So where is he?” Spruce asked. “If the door opening means he let us in, then he’s got to be around here.” The bros all jumped at the sudden loud bellow of a pipe organ.

“Yeah, he's here alright.” Vesper chuckled. “And judging by the sound, he’s in the organ chamber.”

“Do you know where that is?” Floyd asked.

“No clue.”

“If he let us in from his organ, then I think he wants us to find him.” Faith guessed.

“Wait!” JD yelled. “I know exactly what to do.” Heading over to the bookshelves.

“Doubtful.” Spruce whispered. Floyd heard lightly nudging him.

“These kind of houses always have some sort of secret passages or trapdoors.” JD tried pulling a few books. So far none of them were doing anything. “Come on, one of these has got to do something!” He started to frustratedly rush, causing one of the books to fall to the floor open. The sound of an air horn went off, surprising him out of his book frenzy.

“Like that?” Vesper joked, pointing at the noise making book.

“What is that?” JD covered his ears referring to the book.

“Ah, that would be one of his many audiobooks.” Vesper came up and closed the book, making the sound stop.

“Literal audio-books?” Spruce took one about zoology. When he opened it, it roared like a tiger, startling him to drop it.

“He’s also an inventor.” Faith explained. “Books that make noise are only the tip of the iceberg.” She picked up the book and put it back up.

“Maybe instead of looking for a secret passage, we could just take the stairs?” Floyd suggested, pointing at the case next to him.

“Yeah, I think I’d prefer that.” Spruce agreed.

“Fine, whatever.” JD pouted, then he jumped at the sudden sound of a squeak behind him. Vesper was standing there snickering, with a book about toys. They all collectively came to climb the staircase. “So do we just explore from heEEEERRRE!” A trapdoor gave way under them, causing them to fall down a shaft.

Only after a few seconds of falling, they landed on a soft but steady surface.

“-OOF!” JD grunted from the impact. “Ha! I knew there had to be a trapdoor!”

“This is no time for an ‘I told you so’, John.” Spruce huffed.

“Where are we?” Floyd got up looking around. 

Another sound of an organ being played. This time however much louder, booming even, rattling the room they were in. They all looked in the direction the blast of music came from. Indeed there was a giant pipe organ, taking up the entire wall of the room. And of course the caped figure playing its keys, with green and black fiery hair.

“That would be him alright.” Faith confirmed seeing him.

“Brothers of BroZone.” Vesper started. “Allow me to introduce the Terror Troll of Techno Reef, Dub Skull!” She introduced.

The cloaked figure turned to face them, his cape vampirically wrapped around him for dramatic flare.

(Holograms for effects are a regular thing with him, these are his signature ghosts)

“Greetings! It’s been awhile since I’ve had company.” The concealed Dub Skull greeted.

“That’s nice.” Floyd commented. “He thinks of us as company.”

“Do you usually drop your guests down a trapdoor?” Spruce questioned.

“Well, you guys decided to drop in after all.” Dub Skull joked. Vesper laughed at his joke, getting his attention. “Vesper, Faith, good to see you ladies again.” He bowed respectively.

“Nice to see you too Dub Skull.” Faith responded. “But we aren’t just here for a friendly visit.”

“I know exactly what you mean.” He said.

“How could you know?” JD asked. “I thought you spent most of your time secluded here.”

“Just because I’m a homebody, doesn’t mean I don’t know what’s going on in the world.” Dub Skull stated. “Look around.” They did so, seeing a bunch of bats hanging from the ceiling, and spiders crawling around. “As you can see, I’ve got many eyes and ears. Plus they make good company.” He noted one of the bats flew into and huddled in his hair, giving them some pets. “Anyways yes, Queen Barb has taken over the world, most of the other tribes, and only the perfect family harmony can stop her ultimate powerchord.”

“So you know how we can hit it?” JD asked.

“Yes!.” Dub Skull answered. “It’s turned up every now and then in my research. And I believe I know how it works and thus how you can improve on it.” He pulled off his cape, revealing his full self. “Follow me.” He instructed them.

The bros and girls went with Dub Skull into another room of his. It was the backstage of his own theater, full of giant instruments.

“Woah, why do you have so many instruments when you’re just one guy?” Spruce asked, seeing the towering music makers around him.

“And why are they so huge?” JD bellowed for emphasis, echoing throughout the room.

“Actually they’re normal sized.” Dub Skull corrected. “You guys have to remember we trolls are a small species.”

“So why do you have these?” Floyd asked.

“They have been ‘instrumental’ in my musical research.” Dub Skull jokingly explained. “Surely you guys know music is made of sound. But are you familiar with what sound is?”

“-on a continuum?” Spruce tried guessing. Looking at his bros, they shrugged, signifying they don’t know.

“Well it is, but that's not what it's made of.” Dub Skull said. “Not what makes it possible.” He headed over to his gong. Picking up the gong mallet and readying his swing. “For example.”

The girls and Floyd quickly covered their ears. JD and Spruce didn’t realize they should too before it was too late. With a swift strike, Dub Skull hit the gong. Making a super loud noise, rattling the floor around it.

“Notice something about the gong while it makes its sound?” Dub Skull yelled so they could hear. Floyd looked and realized what Dub Skull was talking about.

“It’s vibrating!” Floyd observed.

“Correct!” Dub Skull confirmed. “Sound is vibration, stop the vibration-” He put his hand on the gong, holding it still. “And you stop the sound. Any instrument that involves hitting it for vibration is percussion. Instruments that vibrate strings are just that, strings. Wind instruments mean vibrating the air. And well electronic instruments like what we techno trolls use, usually just have the machine do the vibrating for us. If you feel your throat when you talk, sing, or hum, you can feel your vocal cords vibrate.”

“While this is all very interesting, how is it supposed to help us?” JD questioned.

“That is the scientific side of music.” Dub Skull continued. “But there’s a deeper part to it I have found very fascinating.” 

He guided them to another room, one full of pictures of each of the troll tribes’ homes, and the Troll Tree.

“You all know the saying ‘music is life’?” Dub Skull asked. They all nodded.

“Sure.” Spruce confirmed. “Who hasn’t heard of it?”

“I’ve come to understand that that saying is more true than most know.” Dub Skull said. “My cauldron of bat friends have acquired me pictures of all the troll territories. The one that’s most interesting is the Troll Tree.” He points out three different pictures of the tree. “This is the tree before the pop trolls left, lush and green. This is it after they were gone for 20 years, wilted and dying. Then after the trolls returned, it came back to life. Music is very much life, and that is why our hearts have beats.” He pointed out his pixelated heart beating in his chest. The bros went and felt their own heartbeats, they never noticed that deep meaning. Dub Skull turned to the pictures of the tribal homes. “The different genres of music determine the different types of environments and life. And the whole world flourishes when the balance of music is upheld, and the trolls are in harmony.”

“That explains how Queen Barb is pulling off the terraforming thing.” JD remarked. “Since she’s forcing the trolls to play only hard rock, the whole world will end up turning out a volcanic wasteland.”

“Now, what does the heart do?” Dub Skull asked. “It pumps blood through the body. Its beat keeps each of us alive. It’s where music truly comes from.”

“So they didn’t come from the strings?” Faith questioned.

“Perhaps that’s what the elders thought.” Dub Skull said. “But the strings came from them too. Each string is actually a hair from the royals’ ancestors. They were used as a focus for all the genres. Basically say the pop string could harness the collective music of all pop trolls combined.” 

(Fun fact, the heart has strings, they’re what hold our hearts together on the inside. They can also deteriorate when we’re incredibly sad or depressed. If too many of them do, death is possible. So you can literally die of a broken heart. Hence why it’s called Broken Heart Syndrome.)

“So the ultimate powerchord is the power of all trolls under rock?” Spruce asked alarmingly.

“Yes.” Dub Skull confirmed. “When she uses the powerchord on other kinds of trolls, it basically corrects the them to suit what their string’s music now is. Of course not being their choice, it doesn’t leave their mind in a good state. But that’s not even the worst part.”

“It’s not?!” The bros gasped.

“Then what is?” Faith asked.

“Having all that power in one instrument, forced into only one music, it’s likely to have some side effects on the user.” Dub Skull warned.

“You mean Queen Barb.” JD guessed. “What’s it going to do to her?”

“That’s one thing I don’t entirely know.” Dub Skull admitted. “I would definitely guess behavioral drawbacks, trust issues, maybe paranoia.”

“That’s definitely going to be a problem later.” Spruce groaned.

“So how does the Family Harmony solve all of this?” Floyd asked. “I mean, we’ve all heard how powerful it is. But what makes it so powerful, and how can it beat the strings?”

“True harmony is coming together, people putting aside their differences. Their strengths making up for each other's weaknesses.” Dub Skull explained. “Family is one thing that existed before music or the strings. Music is life, music comes from the heart, and the heart pumps blood. The key is connected blood.”

“So because we’re related, it makes our harmony stronger?” Floyd wanted to confirm.

“You five share the same blood, but are different in your own special way.” Dub Skull continued. “Different but the same. That is what allows you to go above and beyond what most others cannot. When you bros come together you won’t just be able to shatter diamond. The Family Harmony is the one thing more powerful than the powerchord. It can snap the trolls turned rock zombies out of it. I believe you can defeat the ultimate powerchord, and free the trolls altogether.”

“I do too!” Vesper cheered. “Though it won’t be easy. You guys are totally out of sync.”

“True.” Dub Skull agreed. “It will never work if you guys remain so dysfunctional.”

“So you’re saying to hit the harmony, we have to get along?” Spruce asked, giving a slight glare to JD.

“Whatever grudge you guys hold must be resolved.” Dub Skull insisted. “20 years of separation, leaving on a sour note, you guys need to work it out.”

“What if we don’t want to work it out?” Spruce scoffed at JD, who grunted in response.

“Guys, please.” Floyd pleaded.

“Then you’ll never save Branch, and the world is doomed.” Dub Skull answered, that definitely broke the tension and caught their attention.

“If you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain.” Faith advised.

The bros each looked at each other with uncertain eyes. It took a moment of contemplation, but they knew Dub Skull was right. The older bros both sighed.

“So what do we need to do?” JD asked.

“Well-” Faith started. “I for one believe understanding others helps you better understand yourself.”

“What is that supposed to mean exactly?” JD questioned.

“Maybe if you learn from the other tribes about their music, play together with their different styles, it’ll help you guys come together.” Faith suggested.

“Yes!” Vesper agreed. “If you guys can harmonize with the other genres, doing it with your own will be easy as pie!”

“Of course, I don’t think that means you shouldn’t practice on your own music at all.” Faith said. “Just ease into it at least.”

“Agreed.” Dub Skull concurred. “Your pop music seems to be a source of tension for you guys. You especially seem to still carry that old pop pride, John Dory.”

“What are you talking about ‘old pop pride’?” JD asked.

“Pop is short for popular.” Dub Skull started. “The pop trolls were the second last to make their music. They’d been doing music for awhile, but by copying others in their own style. Their different versions became very popular and well liked. Unfortunately that led to them getting big heads and superiority issues. Which ultimately led to them thinking they should keep the six strings for themselves, that they should be the only music, and drove the tribes apart.”

“Just like how you got a big head with our popularity.” Spruce told JD. “Then your prideful, high pressured, poor leadership skills drove us apart.”

“I did not get a big head!” JD argued.

“Fine.” Spruce said. “Then a big ego.”

“Spruce, that’s enough.” Floyd advised.

“Before we do anything else.” Dub Skull got back their attention. “There’s a very important test I’d like to run with you all.”

“It’s not the freaky mad scientist kind is it?” JD asked.

“I wouldn’t think so.” Dub Skull assured. “In order to hit the harmony, we’re gonna need all five of you. Besides finding your brother Clay. We need to be able to snap Branch out of his rock zombie state.”

“I thought you said he needed the Family Harmony to snap him out of it.” Spruce said.

“But you need Branch in order to perform it.” Dub Skull clarified. “There may be another way to help him though. Given your 20 years long standing neglect, Branch might not entirely be happy to see you guys. But you're still his brothers, you still hold a special place in his heart. Deep down I’m sure he’ll be overjoyed to see you. That fondness he has combined with a song from one of you could bring him out of it. That all depends on you guys though.”

“That makes sense.” Faith agreed. “Where words fail, music can succeed. It’s like a magic key that can open the most tightly closed hearts.”

“Wait, since Vesper is a Shapeshifter, can’t she just fill in for Branch?” JD wondered.

“That won’t entirely work.” Dub Skull answered. Vesper shapeshifted into Branch.

“I can fill in for his voice.” Vesper said, shapeshifting back to herself. “But I’m still not related to you guys. I can help make your harmony slightly better, but not to its full potential. Not without the real Branch.”

“So what’s this test you want to do?” Spruce asked.

“I want to test your hearts!” Dub Skull brought out some kind of handheld meter.

“You mean to hear our heart beat or measure our blood pressure?” JD was confused.

“No. Whichever one of you can put the most heart into your songs, has the likeliest chance getting through to Branch. This is one of my inventions, a heart meter. It listens to a song and measures how strong it and the singer’s heart is.” Dub Skull explained. “It’s best to try singing something with a lot of heart in it. Try ones having to do with love. Which one of you wants to go first?”

“Songs about love?” JD laughed, stepping forward. “That’s boyband 101! I’ve got his.” Some of Dub Skull’s spiders came for chorus. While he stood to monitor his meter.

Hey (hey) what’s the matter with your head, yeah

Hey (hey) what’s the matter with your mind and your sign and oh

Hey (hey) nothin’ the matter with your head

Baby, find it, come on and find it

Bear with it, baby, ‘cause your fine

And your mine, and you look so divine

Come and get your love

Come and get your love

While the song was catchy, and John Dory was singing it well. Dub Skull didn’t seem impressed by the readings he was getting.

Hey (hey) what’s the matter with you, feel right?

Don’t you feel right, baby?

Hey (hey) all right, get it from the main vine, all right

I said-a find it, find it, go on and love it if you like it, yeah

Hey (hey) it’s your business if you want some, take some

Get it together, baby

“Alright, I think that’s enough.” Dub Skull interrupted.

“What, why?” JD asked. “I was just getting started, and feeling great.”

“How’d he do?” Spruce asked.

“Mmm, more than 50%.” Dub Skull studied the meter. “67.2%, it didn’t seem to go higher than that.”

“That’s it?” JD exclaimed. “That’s pretty good right?”

“Wow, above 50 by 17.” Spruce snarked.

“17.2!” JD retaliated. “Let’s see you do better.” Crossing his arms.

“With pleasure.” Spruce stood forward, clearing his throat. Dub Skull readied the meter.

When a man loves a woman

Can’t keep his mind on nothin’ else

He’d trade the world

For the good thing he’s found

If she is bad, he can’t see it

She can do no wrong

And turn his back on his best friend

If he puts her down

Dub Skull seemed more pleased with Spruce’s readings. JD noticed his happy expression, he knew Spruce would brag at him.

When a man loves a women

Spend his very last dime

And trying to hold on what he needs

He’d give up all his comforts

And sleep out in the rain

If she said that's the way it ought to be

“Just to be fair, I’m done.” Spruce said, finishing his singing. “Fun fact, I sang that song to Brandy before I proposed. Did I do good?” Asking Dub Skull.

“Yeah, I’d say so.” He responded. “75.4%.”

“Ha, way better than your score!” Spruce bragged to JD, who growled in response.

“Okay a little sibling rivalry is fine.” Faith got between them. “But rubbing it in is not.”

“Fine, fine.” Spruce ceased. “Floyd it's your turn.”

“I’ll try my best.” Floyd readied himself. “I think I know a good song, it’s called Perfect.”

“Oh, one of our best songs!” JD approved.

“No John, not that one.” Floyd corrected.

I found a love for me

Oh, darling, just dive right in and follow my lead

Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet

Oh, I never knew you were someone waitin’ for me

Rather than looking pleased, Dub Skull actually looked surprised. None of the other noticed this time though. They were too busy enjoying Floyd’s song. Some of the spiders violin their webs for the song.

‘Cause we were just kids when we fell in love, not knowin’ what it was

I will not give you this time

Oh, darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own

And in your eyes, you’re holding mine

Baby, I’m dancin’ in the dark with you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass listenin’ to our favorite song

When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath

But you heard it, “Darling, you look perfect tonight”

Even though Floyd’s gone beyond how long the others sang, he really seemed in the zone. Dub Skull didn’t want to interrupt, neither did the others. They were into it, and so was Floyd.

Well, I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know

She shares my dreams, I hope that someday, I’ll share her home

I found a love to carry more than just my secrets

To carry love, to carry children of our own

We are still kids, but we’re so in love, fighting against all odds

I know we’ll be alright this time

Darling, just hold my hand, be my girl, I’ll be your man

I see my future in your eyes

Oh, baby, I’m dancin’ in the dark with you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass while listenin’ to our favorite song

When I saw you in that dress, lookin’ so beautiful

I don’t deserve this, darling, you look perfect tonight

Vesper and Dub Skull noticed Faith was particularly and especially liking it.

No, no, no

Mm, oh

Baby, I’m dancin’ in the dark with you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass, oh, listenin’ to our favorite song

I have faith in what I see, now I know I have met

An angel in person, and she looks perfect

Though I don’t deserve this, you look perfect tonight

Taking a breath, Floyd finished singing. He snapped back to reality hearing the others all clapping.

“I got carried away, didn’t I?” Floyd felt embarrassed.

“You did great, little bro!” JD hugged him.

“Yeah, major props man.” Spruce joined in.

“It was totally amazing!” Vesper cheered.

“You sure are something.” Faith praised, Floyd blushed by all the admiration he was getting.

“I concur.” Dub Skull agreed, reading his meter again.

“Oh, right!” JD forgot. “How was it?”

“Astonishing!” Dub Skull beamed. “You’ve set a new record, 89.7%.”

“Wow, you outdid both of us!” JD complimented.

“Thanks guys.” Floyd said. “All I did was sing, any troll can do that.”

“Not any troll with that much heart.” Dub Skull said. “Looks like you have the likeliest chance to get through to Branch.”

“If that’s the case, and we need to brush up on the other genres, we should really head back to the Troll Tree.” Spruce addressed.

“Excellent, let’s go!” Dub Skull agreed.

“You're coming with?” Floyd asked

“But I thought you were safe here?” JD questioned.

“I am, but I’m not afraid.” Dub Skull insisted. “Rarely am. Besides, there are other ways I can help. I Haven’t even shown you all my other gadgets that can come in handy on our world saving mission.”

“Well, you’ve already been a big help so far.” Spruce agreed. “If there’s more you can do, I’m all for it!”

“The more the merrier!” Vesper pulled them all into a hug.

“We should probably get going then.” Faith suggested. “No telling when Queen Barb will make her move.”

“Yeah, let’s go.” JD headed back out to Rhonda, the others following behind.

Elsewhere the mohawks were still patrolling the shoreline. After a while they were sure the brothers would emerge soon. They’d have to surface eventually. So, a couple of them went to report to Branch where they might be. It would be a long flight for most critters, but hawks are fast flyers, and they got to Branch quick. They kawed at him getting his attention.

“Finally you’re back! So, where are they?”

To be continued.

Chapter Text

Now that the bros have gained Dub Skull’s help and now know what they need to do. John Dory drove Rhonda with Faith and Dub Skull’s direction to avoid the now taken over Techno Reef, and eventually came ashore. Vesper guided him from here on. To pass the time on the ride to the tree, they all just conversated.

“So you were born with that look?” Spruce asked Dub Skull.

“Tech yeah.” He confirmed. “Had this handsome skull for as long as I can remember. Don’t know how or why. But does anyone ever really know how they were born as they are?.”

“That’s true I guess.” Floyd agreed.

“I have noticed something different between you and your brothers.” Faith pointed out to Floyd. “From what I’ve seen from your old pictures and scrapbooks, all your brothers have blue eyes, and yet you have purple.”

“I’ve never thought of that before.” Floyd said. “Vesper was right about you being perceptive.”

“Thank you.” She thanked. “That’s nice of you to say.”

“There’s a reason we called him the ‘sensitive one’.” Spruce mentioned.

“Also likely why the heart meter detects so high.” Dub Skull looked at the device again.

“Looking back now, it occurs to me you might’ve had the best relationship with Branch out of the rest of us.” JD said from the driver’s seat.

“I suppose since he was my only ‘little’ brother, I was extra soft on him.” Floyd agreed. “Not that I would play favorites, of course! I guess being the baby of the family before him, I understood what it was like to be pressured and coddled. I tried reassuring him and treating him as more than just a baby.”

“You didn’t want him to go through the same things you did.” Faith summarized.

“In a manner of speaking.” Floyd said. Faith noticed Spruce give a self-conscious look at Floyd’s response. “So you really think I have the best chance of getting through to Branch?” Floyd asked Dub Skull.

“Your familial connection definitely will provide an edge, but blood can only go so far on its own.” Dub Skull explains. “A close bond means he’ll likely have a soft spot for you. From what I’ve gathered given his upbringing, Branch will have very few of those for anyone.”

“Anyone besides Poppy.” Vesper chimes in.

“The others at the Troll Tree mentioned her.” Floyd said. “She’s the queen, right? Of we pop trolls?”

“That is absolutely right!” Vesper confirms. “She also happens to be Branch’s very special sweetheart.”

“Our baby brother landed a queen?” Spruce asked with praise. “So Branch has got serious game! I mean it’s impressive, I approve.”

“Me too.” JD agreed. “The queen of pop and BroZone’s youngest member? Talk about celebrity couple!”

“But you said she wasn't one of the ones to make it out?” Floyd queried. “Barb went for the troll leaders first.”

“Well she went for Poppy first, that much is true.” Vesper confirmed that. “But it didn’t go as intended.” Vesper gave Faith a look of concern.

“Oh, that was him wasn’t it?” Faith asked, to which Vesper nodded.

“What was who?” JD asked worriedly.

“Poppy was going to be Queen Barb’s first victim for the ultimate powerchord-” Faith started explaining, but knew the bros would be upset by the rest. “Then Branch came in to save her and…” The look of tension and worry escalated on their faces.

“Branch heroically, and romantically I might add, took the first blow for Poppy.” Vesper spoke theatrically. “Unknowingly sacrificing his free will for her.”

“So that’s the full story.” Floyd sighed. “They said Branch got turned, but they didn’t say how.”

“Taking the hit for his girl.” Spruce recounted. “Bro’s got guts, I believe I would’ve done the same.”

“Wait if he took the powerchord for her, how’d she get turned?” JD wondered. The girls gave uncertain glances at each other.

“You really wouldn’t like it.” Faith told them. “Are you sure you guys would want to know?”

“Faith, just tell us.” JD insisted, but she was reluctant.

“Barb used Branch to hold her still and then changed Poppy!” Vesper blurted. They all gave her stunned and hurt looks. Vesper saw they were going to keep pushing for that answer. She knew Faith was too kind hearted to break to them this hard truth, so she did it herself.

“So you’re saying after he took the hit, Barb forced him to hold her so she could subdue Poppy?” JD asked fuming. The girls just silently nodded.

“So after his sacrifice, Barb has Branch undo it immediately after by helping her take who he was trying to protect?” Spruce scoffed.

“I know what Barb did was pretty bad.” Vesper started.

“Pretty bad?” JD questioned. “More like downright devious!”

“For what it’s worth, Barb is actually a good person.” Vesper defended. “She’s just on the wrong path. Barb may not know me personally but I know her.”

“How does that work?” JD asked, not understanding what she meant. Vesper shifted red into a rock troll form with fire styled hair.

“We’ve talked every now and then.” Vesper explained, gesturing to her rock troll self. “Sure she’s never known I’m a shapeshifter, but she was still nice in her own way.”

“True.” Dub Skull agreed. “And remember if her behavior worsens, it’s likely the powerchord corrupting her morals.”

“They’re right, guys.” Faith said. “No one’s beyond help. Whatever you have against Barb, remember you're still trying to help her too.”

“Yeah, I guess we-” Floyd was interrupted by Rhonda screeching to a halt. Everyone grunted and gasped by the sudden stop, trying to ground themselves, and grab ahold of anything near to keep from falling. Worried fearful calls from Rhonda could be heard outside.

“Something’s got Rhonda spooked.” JD warned.

“Any idea what it might be?” Floyd worried.

“Only one way to find out.” JD said, heading outside, grabbing a hammer tool for quick defense.

“We should check it out too.” Floyd suggested, about to follow. But Spruce stopped him by grabbing his shoulder.

“Or we could just let him check and stay in here to be safe.” Spruce countered. “Just in case.”

“In case of what?” Floyd asked. “Bruce, he’s our brother and we need to look out for him. I know what you’re thinking, he didn't really for us. But we need to be better than that.” He lightly pulled his shoulder from Spruce’s grasp to follow John Dory, while Spruce was left to contemplate. He’d begrudgingly have to help JD, but he needs to look out for Floyd.

“Think of it this way.” Faith came up. “You’re upset at John, but you still need him to hit the family harmony.” She reasoned.

“Okay, fine.” Spruce groaned. “You make a good point.”

“I usually do.” Faith said smugly, heading out after the others.

Rhonda’s door opened up, JD carefully stepped out on high alert. Floyd and Spruce came right behind him, as did Faith. Vesper was about to follow too, but Dub Skull stopped her. He gave her a shush hand signal, and gave her another like his hand was a crawling spider. Vesper understood what he meant, shift into a spider, lay low, and observe the situation. Dub Skull decided to stay out of sight and remain in Rhonda. As he instructed, Vesper changed into a small harmless spider and crawled outside after the others.

John Dory came up front to Rhonda and see how she was doing, she sounded distressed and was trembling. “Hey girl.” He pet Rhonda, trying to calm her down. “What’s wrong? You look real spooked, is something there?”

“We should be somewhere a ways past Pop Village.” Faith recalled, from the map and the path they took to and from the island. “The Troll Tree shouldn’t be too far.”

“Well, Rhonda’s not budging till we find out what’s bothering her.” JD remarked. His efforts to calm her down seemed in vain.

“I think I know.”

They all jumped at a sudden new voice, looking around trying to find the owner. Something that sounded like the hum of a motorcycle and a bug’s wings buzzing. Up above they heard cawing and saw a flock of birds circling them, the birds swooped down surrounding them. The flock looked antsy, flaring their wings and cawing like crazy.

Vesper was crawling nearby but out of sight. She knew the owner of the voice, things were about to get interesting. The buzzing got louder, a Beetle Bike flew into view, and its rider dismounted from it.

“So, you guys finally did come back.” Which turned out to be Branch, rock zombie and all stepping forward. “Took you long enough.”

The three older brothers were stunned to see who it was, their youngest brother. It was just as the Snack Pack told them, Barb turned him to her side.

“Branch…” Floyd gasped.

“Hey, Floyd.” Branch greeted emptily, turning towards the others. “Spruce, John Dory.” The later he scowled at. “Finally remembered I existed?”

“Branch, you know we’d never forget.” Spruce sighed. “It has been a long time though. These days I go by Bruce.”

“I’ll call you whatever I want to call you, bro.” Branch snapped. “I know full well how long it’s been, thank you. Over 20 years!”

“You’re mad Branch.” Floyd said. “And you have every right to be. We never meant to stay away so long.”

“You didn’t, Floyd.” Branch replied. “I remember your promise to come back, but you neglected to mention it’d take my entire childhood and most of my life.” He glanced at the older bros. “The rest of you however, never gave any hint of intention for coming back. In fact one of you, if I remember correctly, even said ‘goodbye forever’.” He glared at John.

“I did come back, Branch!” JD defended. “But no one was there at the Tree when I did.”

“That’s because if you had stuck around-” Branch started. “You’d know that the trolls moved out of the tree a long time ago. A few years after you guys left.”

“Before that, when the bergens kept you all for themselves.” Spruce said. “We know that… Grandma-” He couldn’t bring himself to finish.

“Branch, I know I told you to take care of her but-” Floyd sighed. Branch growled at what they brought up.

“But I was just a baby!” Branch finished for him. “I’ve spent a lot of that time blaming myself for it. Believing I had let you all down. Someone close to me helped me understand it never was my fault. And thanks to Queen Barb, I’ve come to realize who’s fault it really was, you guys!” He accused.

“What?” JD was stunned. “We weren’t even there!”

“Exactly!” Branch argued. “If you guys hadn’t left, you could've stopped it! That incident left me alone for a long time, and it’s all your guys' fault!”

“Branch, that’s not fair.” Spruce pleaded.

“Don’t talk to me about fair!” Branch yelled. “None of what I went through was ever fair! After that I avoided others and kept from making friends cause I was afraid they’d either leave me or be taken away. But thanks to someone special to me, I realized not everyone is like you guys. Some actually want to stick around and be there for you, even when you might not want them to.”

“It’s good to hear you found someone to care about you that way.” Floyd approved, knowing he was talking about Poppy.

“After you guys?” Branch said. “It could only be refreshing.” He looked over and saw Rhonda fearfully growling at him and trembling. “I take it you guys were just on your way back to the Troll Tree? Scouts saw your armadillo bus critter there leave the tree awhile ago. Care to tell me where you guys just were?”

“We would, if you weren’t like this.” JD gestured back to him in his rock zombie self.

“Like what?” Branch questioned. “Better than you in every way?”

“No!” JD yelled. “If you weren’t a rock zombie! Branch, you’re not yourself! Barb is forcing you to be this, and do what she wants!”

“Not myself?” Branch repeated. “You never knew who I was to begin with. As for being forced to do what others wanted, now that you’d know a lot about. Wouldn’t you, John?”

JD was stunned by the massive blow Branch had just struck at him. Spruce and Floyd were as surprised as he was. Worse given they understood where Branch was coming from. Meanwhile Faith didn’t know what to say, this conflict amongst the brothers was hard to intervene in. Especially since he did make a good point, there wasn’t much to justify JD.

“Working for you or working for Queen Barb, is it really so different?” Branch asked, but then thought for a moment. “Actually I can think of a few positives in Barb’s case.”

“Really, what sort of positives could possibly come from working for Barb?” Spruce disbelieved.

“For one she recognizes my individual talents beyond musical skills and promoted me to advisor.” Branch started. “I get to rule my own corner of the world for her, I’m part of an unstoppable rock empire, and now that Poppy doesn’t have to worry about being queen anymore, there’s nothing to impede our relationship.”

“I don’t think there’s convincing him out of being a rock zombie, guys.” Faith whispered to them. JD groaned at this, but they knew from what Dub Skull told them, she was right.

“So, you came out this way to find us.” JD began. “What exactly are you here to find us for?”

“What do you think?” Branch sneered, bringing out his guitar. “Queen Barb wants any non-rock turned trolls brought in immediately, and you guys are top on her most wanted list.” He pointed the riff of his guitar towards them, putting them on high alert.

“Y-yeah, why's that?” Spruce tried to remain composed. “And why would you do this by yourself?”

“Because the oh so great and powerful perfect family harmony is the only thing threatening Barb’s reign.” Branch explained. “We came close, so she wants you guys taken care of. As for why I’m taking you guys in solo, why for the memories of course.” They were all surprised by his explanation, for the first answer mostly. Dub Skull had only recently revealed to them their importance. How did Branch, or Barb for that matter know that herself? 

This intrigued Vesper, observing off to the side still in her small spider form. She’s going to have to let her inside friends know to find out how she knew.

“Plus I thought since you guys missed so much of my life, you should get to know me.” Branch said, tuning his guitar. A duo of speaker critters hopped out of the hutch of his beatle bike and connected to his guitar. “Hard rock style!”

Since Faith knew how loud things were going to get. She took out a few sets of concert ear plugs she kept in her hair to muffle the sound. “Here guys.” Faith handed them out to the bros. “Unlike Val, I don’t think he’s going to be pulling any punches.”

At first Branch’s guitar riffs were soft. With the earplugs they could barely hear him. John foolishly thought the earplugs worked too well and they couldn’t hear him enough so took them out for a moment. Then Branch really got into the song and shredded his guitar hard, sending a small shock of rock at them. John Dory almost went flying, and immediately regretted taking the earplugs out, putting them back in right away.

Let's get the story straight

You were a poison

You flooded through my veins

You left me broken

By Branch’s choice of lyrics, it wasn’t hard for the bros to know he was singing at them.

You tried to make me think

That the blame was all on me

With the pain you put me through

And now I know that it's not me, it's you

It's not me, it's you!

Always has been you!

All the lies and stupid things you say and do, it's you!

It's not me, it's you!

All the lies and pain you put me through

He pointed to each of them with scorn.

I know that it's not me, it's you!

You!

You!

It's not me, it's

You!

You!

So here we go again

The same fight we're always in

Branch jabbed at the usual arguments they had.

I don't care, so why pretend?

Wake me when your lecture ends

He mocked them (mostly JD) with a hand puppet.

You tried to make me small

Make me fall, and it's all your fault

With the pain you put me through

And now I know that it's not me, it's you

It's not me, it's you!

Always has been you!

All the lies and stupid things you say and do, it's you!

It's not me, it's you!

All the lies and pain you put me through

I know that it's not me, it's you!

Let's get the story straight

You were a poison

Flooding through my veins

You're driving me insane

And now you've gone away

I'm no longer choking

From the pain you put me through

And now I know that it's not me, it's you

It's not me, it's...

You!

Always has been you!

All the lies and stupid things you say and do, it's you!

It's not me, it's you!

All the lies and pain you put me through

I know that it's not me, it's you!

Branch took a breath after finishing his song, turning off the amp of his critter friend.

“I believe I made a gnarly new first impression.” Branch smirked as the bros all took out their earplugs.

“You were right.” JD whispered to Faith. “He wasn’t pulling any punches. Val's song was way softer.”

Floyd was at a loss. Branch as he is, just wouldn’t listen. There had to be something he could do. Vesper knew and had to remind him how. She sneakingly crawled over to him, he felt her spider legs up his back. Which understandably gave him shivers. He looked over his shoulder to see her on his back, trying to stay out of Branch’s sight.

“Remember, you just might be able to reach him.” Vesper whispered. “Where words fail, music succeeds!”

Floyd thought about what she said for a moment. Dub Skull did say he’d have the best chance at bringing Branch out of it.

“You’re right Branch.” Floyd agreed, gaining the surprise of his brothers. Branch however looked both intrigued and confused. “You have every right to be mad at us for leaving, and we are truly sorry for that. We’ll make it up to you, I’ll make it up to you, by helping you out of this.”

I'm sorry for the day that we left

And left your heart hangin'

I can't imagine what that feels like

“What’re you…” Branch started to question, but he became distracted by his brother’s singing.

But that was another place

And that was another time

It's not fair to blame me now for those crimes

Branch growled, gripping his guitar tighter.

Just for a minute

Give me a chance

Let me inside

Branch wouldn’t admit it, but he was intrigued. He wanted to see where Floyd was going with this song.

Just for a minute

Please, just for a moment

Let me prove I'll do things right

Let down your guard

And show me your colors

Don't fight it anymore

Show me you're with me

Suddenly Branch grunted, pinching the bridge of his nose. Vesper noticed his mental struggle, it seemed Floyd’s song might be working.

Open your arms

I'm not like the others

So don't fight it anymore, no

What will it takes for me to make you see

I'm not your enemy

Branch looked like he was trying to shake off his strain. The more he listened to Floyd sing, the worse it got.

Funny on the day that we left

I didn’t even stay there

It's become a nightmare

But I'll never rest

'Till you give your all

I'll take nothing less

'Till I hear happily ever after the end

JD and Spruce thought about that, feeling guilty for Branch’s sake. They also noticed Branch’s strain, Floyd must be breaking through to him!

Just for a minute

Give me a chance

Let me inside

Just for a minute

Please, just for a moment

Let me prove I'll do things right

JD and Spruce joined in as backup vocals for Floyd. Branch’s struggling seemed to worsen, he started clenching both sides of his head. The surrounding mo-hawks seemed spooked by what they were doing, and started flying off.

Let down your guard

And show me your colors

Don't fight it anymore

Show me you're with me

Open your arms

I'm not like the others

So don't fight it anymore, no

What will it takes for me to make you see

I'm not your enemy

Branch was in serious turmoil right now. Clenching his head, eyes shut tight, and now dropped to his knees. Floyd took this moment to carefully and caringly approach him.

How do you expect things to get any better

If you keep me on the sideline

Don't you know

There's a million things I wanna do

But you gotta meet me halfway

You gotta try,

Whoa

Floyd had come up to Branch and placed his hands on his shoulders, hoping to see him break through. Once Branch felt his touch, he stopped gripping his head, and even seemed to relax a bit. When Branch opened his eyes and looked up at Floyd, his brother was beyond relieved. Branch’s eyes were no longer glowing red! Relieved himself, Branch started singing with Floyd.

Floyd, (Branch)

Let down your guard

And show me your colors

(And show me your colors)

Don't fight it anymore

(Don’t fight it anymore,-)

Show me you're with me

(Show me you’re with me)

Open your arms

(Open your arms,-)

I'm not like the others

(I’m not like the others)

So don't fight it anymore, no oh

(So don’t fight it anymore)

What will it take for me to make you see

(What will it take for me to make you see)

I'm not your enemy

After Floyd finished his song, he and Branch embraced each other in a hug.

No longer needing to hide, Vesper shapeshifted back to her true form. “It worked!”

“Branch!” JD came over to them.

“You okay little bro?” Spruce asked, concerned seeing Branch rubbing his head.

“Define okay.” Branch groaned. “I feel like a ton of loud speakers were shoved into my brain and blasted at max volume.”

“Not too far off an assumption.” Dub Skull finally came out of Rhonda. “Just as I surmised. The ultimate powerchord is basically, forcibly played on constant repeat in a rock zombie’s head. Making the troll their rock personified self, compelled to do whatever Barb commands.”

“But it worked right?” JD asked. “Floyd snapped him out of it?”

“Maybe.” Vesper responded. “Maybe not.” She gave Branch a questionable look to which he was unnerved by. Vesper brought the side of her head up to Branch’s, as if listening for something.

“What?” Branch questioned. “What’s wrong?” Confused as to what Vesper is doing.

“Be quiet please.” She requested. Listening closely, she heard something. It was distant and quiet now, but definitely there. A shrill. “Yep, it’s still in there alright.” Vesper confirmed, bringing herself from Branch.

“What is?” Branch asked.

“The powerchord, of course.” Dub Skull clarified. “I told you all before. Unless you five together can reach the family harmony, any fix you do is only temporary. Sooner or later Branch will go back to being a rock zombie.”

“Yep, I can hear it!” Vesper confirmed. “Floyd suppressed it, but it’s getting louder with every passing minute.”

“So we can’t stop it from coming back?” Spruce asked.

“Only with the perfect family harmony.” Dub Skull answered. “This at least confirms that when the time comes, and you guys are ready to reach it, you’ll be able to bring Branch out of it to achieve it together.”

“Then we better make the most of this time.” Branch insisted, getting up. “Floyd, JD, Bruce. While I am admittedly still miffed at you guys, I’m also beyond relieved and happy to see you too.”

“We understand Branch.” Floyd said. “You know I never intended to stay away as long as I did.”

“Clay and I.” Spruce started. “We didn’t mean to leave you. We were just upset at John, and you ended up paying for it. I’m sorry for it.”

“While it did hurt what you said, Branch, even if you weren’t in your right mind.” JD added. “You were right. I-I’m sorry for how I treated you, all of you.” JD apologized.

“You apologize?” Spruce teased. “I should mark this on my calendar.”

“Yeah, laugh it up.” JD sighed. “I deserve it.” Spruce was taken aback by his response.

“Hey, I was just joking.” Spruce reassured.

“So how does Barb know about the harmony?” Faith came up and asked.

“I don’t know.” Branch answered. “She said a close friend of hers told her. But no one except a select few are allowed to know who they are.”

“She made you an advisor and even you’re not allowed to know?” JD questioned.

“I think the only ones who know are her dad King Thrash, and Riff.” Branch answered. “Honestly when I change back, what’ll stop me from telling Barb what you guys just did?”

“I have an idea.” Dub Skull said. “I theorize in this shifting state of mind, if you concentrate on certain memories and ideas, you can block them from your other half’s knowledge.”

“So when he switches back to a rock zombie, Branch can make sure he doesn’t remember this?” Spruce asked.

“I mean it’s just a theory, but everyone I’ve had so far has proven correct.” Dub Skull considered. “I feel good about it too. Nothing to lose and everything to gain from trying. Why do you think Vesper and I didn’t reveal ourselves until after he snapped out of it?”

“It’s worth a tr-AGH!” Branch gripped his head.

“Branch!” Floyd exclaimed of concern, placing his hands on Branch. He was beyond tense now. “How are you doing?”

“Not good!” Branch grunted. “Sudden massive headache!”

“I take it that’s a sign the powerchord will be taking hold again, imminently.” Dub Skull guessed.

“That means very soon.” Vesper clarified.

“Yeah, we know.” JD said. “So there’s nothing we can do to stop it?”

“Not this time.” Dub Skull answered. “But this proves you can bring him out of it long enough so that when the time is right, together you’ll achieve the perfect family harmony, and cleanse every rock zombie's mind for good.”

“Then we need to go guys.” Faith insisted.

“We can’t just leave him here.” Spruce argued.

“No, she’s right.” Branch agreed. “You all need to leave before I change.”

“But, Branch-” Floyd started.

“No buts!” Branch interrupted. “Before, you guys left without my consent. This time, I’m telling you to go now!” His brothers exchanged looks of conflict and concern, but they knew he was right.”

“Alright Branch.” JD conceded. “If that’s really what you want.”

“Not really.” Branch sighed. “But it’s what needs to be done.”

“Okay little bro.” Floyd consoled, giving Branch a hug. “We promise to come back for you.” Spruce and JD joined in. Branch relaxed in their embrace, taking in his brothers’ presence.

“Just don’t make me wait as long.” Branch joked, which got small chuckles from his older brothers.

“Sure thing.” JD assured.

“We promise.” Spruce said.

Vesper, Dub Skull, and Faith were pleased to see this brotherly display. They were seeing the potential in their connection that could lead them to the harmony, and saving the world.

“Alright go.” Branch broke the hug, he could feel his headache was getting worse. There wasn't much time left for him. “Get out of here!” Their friends immediately headed back to Rhonda, who since Branch changed back had calmed down.

“Be seeing you Branch.” JD waved.

“Hope we’ll be able to help you then.” Spruce followed.

“I know we will.” Floyd agreed, giving Branch a comforting smile before departing. “We have too.”

“You’d better.” Branch smiled, he saw them all get back into Rhonda and she drove off to the Troll Tree. 

They still won’t be safe there for long, but hopefully long enough. Suddenly Branch doubled over as a loud ringing sound filled his ears. It hurt as it got louder and louder until it went silent and Branch went limp.

The mo-hawks returned. Surrounding Branch and cawing trying to get his attention. It seemed he passed out, and their noise woke him up. But when he got up and opened his eyes, they once again glowed red.

To be continued.

Chapter Text

It had been hard for the bros, having to leave their little brother again to change back into a rock zombie. But at least Dub Skull was right in that they were able to help Branch snap out of it. Rhonda managed to safely make the journey back. The gates of Bergan Town came into view, as did the Troll Tree as they came closer.

“Phew, it’s good to be back at the tree.” Spruce sighed as Rhonda pulled into the tree, Val, Prince D and the Snack Pack came to greet them. Rhonda’s door opened allowing the bros and their friends out.

“It does feel good not thinking you might be ambushed by rock zombies anytime.” Faith agreed.

“You guys are safe!” Biggie beamed.

“So, you guys made it back in one piece.” Val commented. “I’m impressed.”

“You weren’t expecting them too?” Smidge questioned.

“Honestly?” Val thought about it. “You don’t wanna know.”

“So, what did you guys find out?” Guy Diamond asked, all excited.

“Are you ready to save the world now?” Tiny Diamond asked too.

“No, but we know better how to do that.” Floyd answered. “And where to start.”

“Alright folks.” JD began. “We’re back, and this time with a special guest. Music science brainiac, spooktacular DJ, and the known Terror Troll of Techno Reef, Dub Skull!” He gestured to the skeletal marked techno troll exiting Rhonda. The techno trolls were all ecstatic to see him, cheering his arrival and safety.

“Thank you for the introduction, John.” Dub Skull said. “Now we need to get down to business.”

“What do we need to do?” Prince D asked. “Is there any way we can help?”

“There is indeed!” Vesper exulted, wrapping her arms around D and Cooper. “In order for the perfect family harmony to be achieved, the bros of BroZone must grow closer, and we can help them appreciate each other's differences by having each tribe share with them what makes them special!”

“Never thought the path of world saving would require inter-tribal studying.” Spruce joked.

“Life is full of surprises.” Faith pointed out.

“Worry not!” Vesper said. “I can guarantee learning these different musics and their styles will be fun, insightful, and an excellent bonding experience!”

“Where should we start?” Floyd asked.

“I would say the funkadelic cousin of pop!” Vesper suggested, putting her arm around Floyd and pointed at Prince D and Cooper.

“You're calling funk a cousin of pop?” Prince D asked.

“They’re both different, yes.” Vesper agreed. “But they’re more similar than some of you may have realized. I’ve spent a fair amount of time between tribes, and I think each one would have an easy time vibing with the other. Even seen the pop trolls sing funk songs once and awhile.”

“We have?” Biggie asked.

“Absolutely!” Vesper confirmed. “While I still don’t think you should play pop, yet.” She turned to BroZone. “Figured you guys should learn one that’d be the easiest. If Prince D wouldn’t mind teaching that is?” She gestured to him.

“Me?” Prince D asked. “I mean sure, I’ve spent my whole life around funk, but I’m more a wiz at the rapping hip-hop side of it.”

“Then who do you think would be better suited to teach funk?” Faith asked him.

“Well normally I’d say dad.” Prince D sighed, to which Cooper comforted. But then an idea came to him. “But, I think I know a guy.” D whistled and his pet Wuzzy came running. Once close enough, Wuzzy used his spring tail to bounce onto Prince D’s back. “Hey Wuzzy buddy, could you do me a solid and go fetch Duke for me?” Wuzzy barked with assurance and ran off into the Tree. After a few minutes returning with another funk troll in tow.

“Sup D, how's it hangin?” The funk troll assumed to be Duke came up giving Prince D a special fist bump handshake.

“Not too bad, man.” Darnel happily returned the shake, Wuzzy hopping on his back again.

“Wuzzy came up to me, hyper as he always is.” Duke said. “You needed me for something?”

“Yeah, we need your help.” D turned toward the others. “Guys, this is my best bud Duke Mojo.” He introduced.

“Hey, I thought I was your best bud?” Cooper asked.

“My best non-sibling bud.” Prince D corrected. Then Wuzzy barked at him, acting offended. “Best non-sibling troll bud. Is that better?” He asked, Wuzzy doing a quick sniff as he nodded.

“What’s up everyone, righteous to meet you all.” Duke greeted, whipping his yo-yo.

“Good to meet you too, Duke.” JD returned the greeting.

“Duke, with dad… away, they’re going to need you to teach them about funk.” Prince D explained.

“So-” Duke started. “You guys need to be taught the sweet vibes of funk?” Asking BroZone.

“Apparently.” Spruce confirmed. “You up for it?”

“Actually, I’m totally down with it!” Duke jokingly corrected. “But why have just one guy teach you, when he can get his peeps to help?” He motioned them to follow him. The bros went with Duke to the part of the Tree where the funk trolls were staying. Prince D, Vesper, Faith, Dub Skull, and the Snack Pack all followed too, wanting to spectate and show support. Duke approached a particular funk troll wearing headphones, talking to a familiar friend of the Snack Pack, and who Dub Skull also seemed to recognize.

“Ah, Suki and Cadence!” Dub Skull identified, catching their attention. “Lovely to see you girls again.” He waved to them.

“Dub Skull, guys, good to see you!” Suki greeted, delighted to see her friends.

“Suki?!” The whole Snack Pack questioned.

“Where have you been?” Smidge asked.

“I told you guys I was going on a trip.” Suki explained. “Left a few days ago to meet up with my pal Cadence here.” She pointed at the funk troll next to her.

“And how do you three know each other?” Guy asked Suki, Cadence, and Dub Skull.

“More than that, you knew about the other tribes all along?” Biggie asked Suki. Those questions got a slightly conflicted look from her.

“Should we tell them?” Suki asked the other two.

“I mean it’s not like there’s any other way to explain.” Dub Skull reasoned.

“It can only help.” Cadence agreed. “I’m okay with it.”

“Every DJ knows each other.” Suki told them. “Kind of a secret club thing that moves past the whole tribe division. I guess coming back here with Cadence would’ve given that away.”

“I’m just glad my sister DM’d me to come here.” Cadence said. “Where me and Suki met up, I didn’t even know Vibe City was invaded.”

“Heh, so besides us even if Barb was able to turn all the pop trolls in the village, there still would’ve been another pop troll out there.” JD snickered.

“So you’re a DJ too?” Floyd asked Cadence to confirm.

“That I am!” She said, “I’m Vibe City’s signature and most popular DJ. I headline all the best parties hosted of funk.”

“She’s basically the funk trolls’ version of me.” Suki jokingly compared.

“Which is why I came to you.” Duke stepped forward.

“So, you need my musical expertise Dukey?” Cadence asked.

“I think to show these rookies what funk is really about, we’re gonna need a quick party.” Duke explained.

“Parties are what I’m built for!” Cadence happily approved. “I’ll start gathering as many of our friends as possible.” She goes off to invite the other funk trolls.

“I believe we can help with that.” Dub Skull suggested to the others.

“Yeah we can!” Suki agreed, running off to help.

“I’ll help too.” Faith joined in.

“On it!” Smidge and the others all doing so as well.

“You three come with me.” Duke told BroZone.

“Okay, where are we going?” Spruce asked.

“What’re we doing in the meantime?” Floyd asked.

“If you guys really want to get funky, you’re gonna need some threads.” Duke said.

“Just as long as it's not the stinky kind of funky.” JD remarked.

“Uh, first lesson.” Duke cautioned. “Using funk in that term is offensive to funk trolls.”

“Clearly.” Spruce glared at John.

“Lesson two, we don’t play the blame game.” Duke informed them.

“I can relate.” Floyd agreed.

“Good to hear.” Duke said. “Come on, we should get started asap.”

Elsewhere back at Pop/Rock Village, Poppy was in her pod compiling letters from Barb and the other rock lords. Most of them were updates on current events, progress on the terraformation, and a few mild orders. She heard a shuffle behind her, turned around to see Branch grunt as he entered her pod.

“Branch, are you okay?” Poppy asked. “Where have you been?”

“Good question.” Branch grumbled. “I have no idea!”

“What do you mean?” She came over to comfort him.

“I remember the mo-hawks came to me with a lead to where my brothers would be.” Branch explained. “I went with them to go after them, catch them, and take them in, and then… nothing.”

“You don’t know what happened?” Poppy asked.

“Not a clue.” Branch answered frustratedly. “Next thing I knew, I woke up in a clearing with the mo-hawks.”

“Well, why did you think it was a good idea to do this by yourself?” Poppy questioned. “You know more than anyone how important finding them is. Why would you take this on without backup? I thought we covered you doing stuff alone?”

“I know, I know.” Branch huffed. “It was a calculated stunt. I figured if Queen Barb in a small group could use hard rock to take down and bring in all the tribes, catching my bros solo would’ve been no problem. Plus it would’ve been beyond satisfying to take them in myself. I don’t know how it went, but clearly I don’t have them. So it was a failure.”

“Don’t be hard on yourself.” Poppy hugged him. “Just promise next time you hear where they might be and you want to catch them, you don’t do it alone.” Branch sighed at her request, she ‘would’ have him promise that. But of course that’s just because she cares about him, and is trying to look out for him. 

“Fine.” Branch agreed, returning her hug. “You got it.” A small unconscious part to the making and committing to the promise, would also technically be their rock zombie mentality pushing them to the high priority of BroZone’s capture that Barb gave them. “So, moving past my failed attempt. How has your day been?” Branch asked Poppy with a smile.

Back at the Troll Tree, the Snack Pack, Prince D, Vesper, Faith, Cadence, and Dub Skull gathered many funk trolls to the ideal party setting. A bunch of the other tribes were curious enough to attend and spectate.

Cadence set up her turntables and stereos over Suki’s recommended spot, overlooking the chosen dance floor, Suki and Dub Skull were helping her. The funk trolls decorated, and made the dance floor glowing color tiled. Duke Mojo returned with BroZone in totally funked out clothes.

“Hey guys, looking good!” Cadence complimented.

“Yeah, I wasn’t sure about this at first.” Spruce started, looking at his duds. “But I gotta admit, I make this work!”

“They’re very shiny and comfortable.” Floyd commented.

“The more we get into this, the more interested I get, actually.” JD added. “Let’s do this.”

“That’s the spirit!” Duke encouraged, then he turned toward Cadence. “Everything set?”

“Yeah, all we’re waiting for is you guys.” Cadence said. “Everyone has been rearing to go!” She pointed to the crowd.

“Alright guys, let's get started.” Duke guided them down there.

“Make way everyone!” Vesper took a funk troll form, and had the crowd clear the dance floor. “BroZone and Teach are taking center stage!”

“Now BroZone.” Duke addressed them. “When it comes to funk, you can’t be all up in your head. Just relax, go with the flow, listen to the music and just let your bodies do their own thing. You’d be surprised how in unison winging it will make you.”

“Are you sure about this?” Spruce asked.

“Yeah, I mean no choreography, no lyric practicing, or even a heads up to what song we’re singing and dancing too?” JD also questioned.

“Nope.” Duke answered. “You’re gonna have to learn, on the fly.” He pressed a certain color tile, and the whole dance floor they stood on lit up and started floating. It only brought them high enough to where everyone could see them, just a bit lower then where Cadence was stationed. There were a few other smaller surrounding dance floors that also started to float. Above some funk trolls let loose a few spotlights, projections for effects, and disco balls. The crowd began cheering with excitement as they were about to start.

“DJ K-Dance, if you please?” Duke queued Cadence. She gave a thumbs up and started playing music. “Come on guys, help us out here!” He encouraged the other funk trolls to start the song.

(We can boogie down, down up on down

The boogie sound, down up on down)

“Aw yeah!” Duke started getting into the beat. “Time to groove!”

(The boogie sound, down up on down

The boogie sound, down up on down)

“You ready?” Duke psyching the crowd. “I’m ready!” Queuing the funk trolls to sing.

Funk Trolls:

Let's groove tonight

Share the spice of life

Baby, slice it right

We're gonna groove tonight

Duke enticed the bros to start dancing to the beat with him. It was not long before they were already having fun.

Let this groove get you to move

It's alright, alright, alright

Let this groove set in your shoes

So stand up, alright, alright

“Come on, JD!” Duke encouraged. “Give it a shot!”

JD:

Gonna tell you what you can do with my love

Alright

Duke:

Let you know, girl

You're looking good, you're out of sight

Alright

Duke & JD:

Just move yourself 

Duke:

And glide like a 747

Duke & JD:

And lose yourself 

Duke:

In the sky

Among the clouds in the heavens, gods

Kicking it back to the funk trolls, allowed them moments to focus on their moves and just dance. Which was, of course, still fun.

Funk Trolls:

Let this groove light up your fuse

It's alright, alright, alright (Uh-oh-uh)

Let this groove set in your shoes

So stand up, alright, alright

Why don’t you guys give it a go?” Duke asked Spruce and Floyd.

Floyd:

Let me tell ya what you can do with my love

Alright

Spruce:

Gotta let you know, girl

You're looking good, you're out of sight

Alright

Spruce & Floyd:

Just tell the DJ

They pointed at Cadence on the turntables, her giving them a thumbs up to their song acknowledgement.

Spruce:

To play your favorite tune

Spruce & Floyd:

Then you know it's okay

Spruce:

What you found is happening now

Funk Trolls (Duke):

Let this groove light up your fuse

It's alright, alright, alright

Let this groove set in your shoes

So stand up (Stand up), alright, alright

Let this groove get you to move

It's alright, alright, alright (Yeah)

Let this groove set in your shoes

So stand up, alright, alright

JD, Spruce, Floyd

You will find peace of mind on the floor

Take a little time

Come and see, you and me

Give a little sign

Duke:

I'll be there, after a while

If you want my love

We can boogie on down

(If you’ve seen Krock’s New Groove, Duke does that same finishing move Krock does to this song. I can’t not imagine that with this song.)

Down, boogie on down

Down, boogie on down

Down, we boogie on down

On down

The party raged on for the rest of the song. The bros got so into it, Duke’s pretty sure they forgot it was a lesson. They were seriously vibing the whole time, best of all with each other. John Dory and Spruce seemed to really be putting aside their grievances. Watching the bros dance together, Dub Skull wondered if perhaps next he should show them to techno next. It might just be the next most similar music that’d be the easiest for them to vibe too. He’d have to discuss that with Vesper later, but they still need to be quick about it too. Barb won’t stay out of their way forever after all.

Speaking of which, in Volcano Rock City. Barb was in her throne room with her friend. By now he helped her move past her issues and get her act together. She felt ready to take the Troll Tree and crush the resistance! All Barb needed now was for Riff to come in and say she can finally start gathering her armies for the big invasion. Her friend noticed her starting to tap her finger impatiently.

“Raring to go?” he asked her.

“Maybe a little.” Barb admitted. “You know I’ve never liked waiting. But now that I’ve worked out my problems, I know I can take those stragglers and renegades.” Riff then bursted into the room panting.

“Barb, I’ve got news!” Riff said out of breath.

“It’d better be good news.” Barb sighed.

“Yes, I believe so.” Riff answered, compiling a few letters. “The rock lords reported most to all of the terraforming is pretty much done! They’re ready to start rallying to take the tree whenever you are!”

“Bout time!” Barb stood up excited. “I’ve been itching to bring those escapees in by their follicles!”

“It’d still be a day or two till they’ll be ready to move on the tree, but if we send messages now they should be here by tomorrow.” Riff told her.

“Fine.” Barb groaned. “Yes, send them now. I don’t want to wait longer than I already have too.”

“On it!” Riff ran off. “I’ll get those written and sent asap!”

“He’d better.” Barb said. Her friend came to her side.

“Won’t be much longer Barb.” He eased. “Bet it’ll be nothing but epic.”

“Yeah I know.” Barb agreed. “But you’ve still got some important work to do. Speaking of, they don’t suspect you do they?” He laughed at her question.

“You kidding?” He asked. “That tree is full of nothing but suckers. They’re all far too trusting.”

Riff was at his desk frantically writing the letters to the rock lords. Someone sneaking in peak what he was writing, getting alarmed and quickly left.

“Not good! I better go tell Vesper about this!”

To be continued.

Chapter Text

“So, how much longer?” Barb impatiently asked Riff. She was once again sitting on her throne. Barb recently had Riff summoned resident rock trolls, and what rock zombies she kept at Volcano Rock City.

“They only just received the messages I sent, your rockness.” Riff answered. “I assure you the rock lords are leaving with their armies to come here as we speak!”

“And you’re sure the rock trolls you summoned are trustworthy?” Bard questioned. “I don’t want to have to just trust rock zombies, but taking the Troll Tree, re-catching the other tribes, and taking in those traitors is too important. I want no conspiracies and no slip ups to ruin it this time!”

“Of course, Queen Barb!” Riff acknowledged. “The others should be here soon.”

After a few minutes Riff was right, the rockers came as ordered.

“You wanted to see us?” One of the rock trolls asked.

“Yes.“ Barb answered, getting up from her throne. “You should know Riff sent word to the rock lords, they’re on their way here now, and when they arrive we’re going straight to the Troll Tree!”

“Awesome, finally a raid!” A rock troll cheered.

“We are at your beck and call, Queen Barb!” A rock zombie assured.

“Once my rock lords get here, we’ll be going over a plan of attack.” Barb said. “I want Branch on it! He’ll make sure it'll be fool proof!”

A couple of rock trolls stood outside the chamber covertly watching the whole thing.

“He was right.”

“We’ll keep an eye out here. Hopefully they’ll make it to the tree in time to warn them, and back to see the army's extent.”

“I hope that’s soon. The armies aren’t even here yet, but looking at what we’ve got here already, things are not looking good for the Troll Tree.”

Back at the Troll Tree. By Vesper’s advice the classical trolls were showing BroZone a decent yet short symphony. They were all at where the classical trolls were staying, sitting down together watching one of their orchestras play. One of Vesper’s favorites too, Allegro Vivace.

“Nice, right?” Vesper asked them.

“Yeah it is.” Floyd agreed.

“So this was the first kind of music.” Spruce observed. “No words, just music. I can appreciate the focus. Right John?” He got no answer, instead he heard snoring from his big bro sitting next to him. “John Dory?” He turned and saw him sitting there sleeping. “John!”

“Huh, what?” JD snapped awake. “Oh, sorry. That classical music is pretty relaxing.”

“That it is.” Vesper sighed. “Given so much excitement and what feels like life threatening stakes. I figured the next music learning should be the most gentle, classical.” She gestured to the performing orchestra.

“Are you guys having fun?” The bros turned to seeing Faith come over with a plate full of cookies.

“Hello, Faith!” Floyd greeted. “Yeah, I’d like to say we are.”

“What do you have there?” Spruce asked about her plate.

“I baked some snickerdoodles!” Faith answered. “I came to see if you guys would like some.” She presented the plate to them.

“Don’t mind if I do!” JD accepted her offer, grabbing a cookie. Floyd, Spruce, and Vesper also helped themselves to them.

“I didn’t know you could bake.” Floyd said, eating his cookie.

“Mostly just snickerdoodles.” Faith admittedly laughed.

“Mmm, as far as I’m concerned, snickerdoodles are all you need to know.” Spruce commented, really enjoying the cookies. “These are delicious!”

“Thank you!” Faith thanked. “That’s very nice of you to say.”

“It’s nice of you to share this tasty treat with us.” Floyd remarked. “They’re not the only thing that’s sweet.” His compliment made Faith blush.

“Wow, you see those sparks flying too?” Spruce whispered asking JD, he couldn’t help but notice their little brother being sweet on her.

“With skills like hers, who wouldn’t?” JD said, getting lost in his cookie. “She can really doodle a snicker!”

“Did you guys hear that?” Vesper asked, munching a cookie.

“Hear what?” JD asked back.

“Vesper!”

“That!” Vesper said, looking around who the source was. Vesper signaled the performing classical trolls to stop so they could hear it better.

“Vesper, we’ve got a problem!”

“I can definitely hear them now.” Spruce confirmed. Some of the surrounding trolls’ attention was also caught by the shouts.

They looked around and saw two dragonflies flying up to them, one more frantically than the other. That hurried one landed and skidded right in front of Vespe panting, the other landed next to her calmly.

“W-we’ve…got some…bad news!” The panicked dragonfly said out of breath.

“Now Rascal-” The other dragonfly started, then its form shifted in a colored light changing to someone who looked a lot like Vesper. “I told ya to pace yourself.” She helped him up.

The dragonfly she called Rascal also shifted and changed into someone also very similar to them just with different features.

“Willow, you know we had to hurry with this!” Rascal told her.

“I’m sorry, but who are you two?” JD questioned.

“John, Spruce, Floyd, and Faith.” Vesper started. “You remember I told you I had friends keeping an eye on things and Barb in Volcano Rock City?”

“Yes.” Faith remembered.

“I thought you just meant the rock trolls staying there who are on our side.” Floyd assumed.

“They are helping too.” Vesper confirmed. “But these two can do that easier and more covertly, and as you can see, they’re shapeshifters like me!”

“So, there’s more of you?” Spruce asked, surprised.

“More than you know!” Vesper joked. “His name is Rascal, and she’s Willow!”

“Howdy!” Willow greeted.

“H-hows it going?” Rascal said, still winded. “Now, on to more pressing matters!” He grabbed both of Vesper’s shoulders. “Barb is getting ready to attack the Troll Tree!”

“What!?” They all shouted collectively. Gasps and whispers were heard amongst the other trolls.

“What’s with all the yelling?” Val came up asking.

“Barb is going to be coming!” Rascal told her. “She’s-mrf” Val quickly covered his mouth. Looking over at all the other trolls eyeing them with worry.

“Uhh, how bout some of us discuss this in private?” Val suggested to BroZone and the girls, hoping to talk about the dire subject away from the others, hoping to avoid a panic. “We’ll meet in Peppy’s old pod. I’ll go get him and D, and Faith you get Dub Skull.” She ordered.

“Okay, we’ll see you there.” Faith left to do as Val said.

“You, keep your mouth shut for now!” Val told Rascal. “Go with them to the pod, quietly!” She referred to the bros and other shapeshifters.

“R-right, whatever you say!” Rascal trembled, Val pinched his lips closed.

“Keep. Your mouth. Shut.” Val enunciated, she pointed them to the tree. “Go.” He just nodded siltently and did as told.

“Come on, race you there!” Vesper encouraged her fellow shapeshifters. Taking a dragonfly form like they did earlier and zipping away, them taking off after her.

“This isn’t going to be good.” JD sighed, making his way to the pod too with his bros.

“Let’s just hope we can come up with a plan.” Spruce said. “I don’t want to go home all zombified.”

“I’m sure we will.” Floyd reassured. “I’m just worried it won’t work out for everyone.”

They all met up in the old royal pod, where Peppy used to live before the escape. King Peppy, the bros, shapeshifters, Faith, Dub Skull, Val, Prince D and Cooper all gathered to discuss the issue. Cooper would inform the Snack Pack after, as Peppy, Val, and D would do for all the trolls.

“So what's the problem?” Prince D asked the shapeshifters.

“Remember Rascal, compose yourself, take a deep breath.” Willow soothed. He did as she said. “Tell them what you saw, and what we found out.”

“Alright.” Rascal breathed. “The rock lords are headed to Volcano Rock City as we speak. Once they rally and Barb devises her plan of attack, they’ll come here to conquer the Troll Tree and capture every troll!”

“I’d hope we’d have more time before this.” Spruce expressed.

“We still don’t know where Clay is.” JD stated. “And even if we did, we don’t even know if we could hit the perfect family harmony.”

“Okay, maybe we were betting on more time then we actually had.” Spruce admitted.

“We need a plan.” Floyd reminded.

“We need to evacuate the Troll Tree.” Peppy said.

“Ironic you have the same idea of leaving the tree.” Vesper pointed out.

“But leave to where?” Prince D asked.

“Yeah, all our homes have been rockified.” Cooper chimed in.

“There’s no way as we are now we’ll be able to take Barb and her whole army head on.” Val said. “So what do we do?”

“I believe I have a suggestion.” Dub Skull said, everyone looked at him attentively. He snapped his fingers and a few bats flew into the pod.

“Woah, bats!” Spruce yelped.

“Don’t worry, they’re friendly.” Faith comforted.

“Indeed.” Dub Skull confirmed, he reached an arm out as two of them grabbed and hung from it, the third settled in his hair. “My little friends here, as I’ve told you, are my eyes everywhere. They’ve let me know about some places beyond Techno Reef. Lately as we’ve been here I’ve let them explore further, letting me know what's around. I’ve even explored the old escape tunnel you pop trolls have here.”

“We could use the escape tunnel again, yes.” Peppy said. “But Branch and the other pop trolls Barb took know about it. They’ll surely set a trap!”

“On the contrary.” Vesper corrected. “We can work with our friends in Volcano Rock City for that!”

“Yeah, if we can get as many on our side to volunteer blocking the tunnel, they’ll instead protect and help us all escape no problem.” Val agreed.

“That still leaves the problem of where to go.” JD added.

“Another thing.” Dub Skull said. “My friends here have noted a place far from here, down south. Opposite from where our homes are, it should be hard for Barb to find.”

“Where is it?” Floyd asked.

“They haven’t told me yet.” Dub Skull answered. “And they shouldn’t.”

“What?” Val questioned. “Why not?”

“There’s no way even ahead of Barb, we’ll be able to evacuate everyone in time.” Dub Skull explained. “In order for the rest of you to leave and continue the fight, some will have to stay behind to hold off the armies and distract Barb.”

“And, you’ll stay?” Floyd murmured.

“That, I will.” Dub Skull confirmed.

“But, why?” JD asked. “You’ve been right t everything you’ve told us so far, and if your smarts fall into Barb’s hands-”

“I am not blind to the risks.” Dub Skull stated. “But I’m the best equipped to distract her in the time needed for you all to escape to safety.”

“As much as I hate to admit it, he’s right.” Val agreed. “If we want to win a war, some of us will have to lose a battle.

“Yeah, it makes sense.” Spruce sighed.

“We shouldn’t leave too many here to hold off Barb.” Prince D said. “But anyone willing and brave enough to do it, with the right equipment, could allow the rest of us to get out.”

“How are you the best to keep Barb occupied, Dub Skull?” Floyd asked.

“He has holographic technology.” Faith answered. “It’s how he sets up his best spooks and biggest scares.”

“That’s right.” Dub Skull confirmed. “Animatronics have a presence but can be a hassle, and costumes while cool can get uncomfortable for a time. My projections are quick, easy, and undeniably awesome.”

“Maybe then we don’t need so many to stay behind.” JD suggested. “We line the Troll Tree with as many projectors, then those who want to stay can be surrounded by and concealed by holograms. The confusion of not being able to tell who is real should slow them down.”

“But once they know, they’ll barrel right through.” Spruce pointed out.

“Which is why whoever does stay, has to be ready to fight them off hard.” JD finished.

“So, your little bats have a place for us to escape too?” Val asked Dub Skull to reconfirm.

“Yes.” He answered. “I know no troll besides me can speak bat, but just have Vesper translate where to go. In case of capture, she’ll be one of the only ones it’s safe with.”

“Awesome!” Vesper exclaimed. “I’m such an MVP.”

“Why can’t you know?” JD asked Dub Skull. “Even though Barb would turn you into a rock zombie, couldn’t you just block out that info like you told Branch so you don’t remember?”

“That only worked on temporary shifts.” Dub Skull explained. “You weakened the powerchord’s hold, it allowed focus on certain knowledge to be drowned out when changing back. But getting hit by the powerchord for the first time, that will be it at its strongest. One big hit, massive change, overwhelming power taking over the mind. There’s no way first time rock zombies can suppress anything when they change.”

“That makes sense.” JD understood. “You can’t spill what you don’t know.”

“So, how can a handful of trolls hold off an entire army is the real question." Val said.

“We can’t overpower them, but we can outsmart them. I did say I had a few gadgets handy.” Dub Skull said, bringing out a case from his hair. “Before this assault, there are some things I should divulge.” He set it down on the table in the center of the room and opened it. There were four pairs of special earplugs, and another device. “First off music, including the ultimate powerchord, is only strong when heard. Meaning unless a troll hears it, it can’t be used to its full power. While it will change appearance, it can’t affect your mind if you don’t hear it.”

“Which is what these cool earplugs are for.” JD guessed, taking a pair out of the case.

“Yes.” Dub Skull confirmed. “These are especially made by me, they’ll drown out any sound you want, but still keep in touch with each other. The fourth is for Clay of course. As you four will take priority in protecting, keep these on you at all times. Any other trolls should assure they have an effective pair of their own.”

“Well you have some of your own, don’t you Faith?” Floyd asked her. “The ones you lent us when Branch found us.”

“Those were concert earplugs.” Faith corrected. “They’re just meant to make sure music isn’t too overwhelming loud for raves and concerts. They’re not sound proof. You still heard Branch’s song, didn’t you?”

“Ah, good point.” Spruce said. He then noticed the other thing in the case and took it out. “Then what’s this thing?” It looked like a big button with a dial on the side.

“That would be one of my mute buttons.” Dub Skull answered, taking it and turning on the dial. “All you have to do is adjust the radius. Here hold it.” He told JD, giving it to him.

“Uh, okay.” JD did so hesitantly.

“Then press the button.” Dub Skull instructed, pushing it in John’s hands. It lit up and then a barely visible field surrounded him. 

JD flinched at its activation, but it didn’t seem like anything happened. He asked what it did, but he couldn’t hear himself say it, none of them did. John Dory realized sound wasn’t in the field he was in.

“As you can see and not hear, all sound within the preset radius is muted.” Dub Skull explained.

“Ha! I like it.” Spruce praised. “Can’t hear his nagging.” JD showed annoyance in response to Spruce’s remark. He started firing choice words of his own, but none were audible.

“-on’t nag!” JD could now say. The mute button dimmed, deactivating.

“The effects are only temporary.” Dub Skull gestured to it turning off. “The wider the radius, the less time it has to work, and it has to recharge afterward. Luckily, I have more of them to use. For both you guys to take with you, and most of those here to use holding off Barb’s army. Their powerchords won’t work if there's no sound to generate them, including the ultimate powerchord.”

“That really should keep them at bay if they can’t blast through everything like they did the other tribes.” Val said.

“I believe I know another way we can distract Barb.” Vesper said, looking at the bros.

“And what would that be?” Floyd asked.

“Dub Skull, we’ll need some holograms ready.” Vesper told him. “We’ll also need to do some prerecording. I think it’s time you guys tried giving your own music a go again. Not to hit a harmony, it’ll allow some practice, but it’ll be mostly to provoke and distract. Then when the moment is right, you guys make your move and get out of here.”

“I get it.” Val understood. “They are her biggest target, plus she hates pop. She won’t be able to take her eyes off them. That will let more evac get done.”

“So you also want us to be bait?” Spruce asked, displeased.

“While it’s not favorable.” Faith understood. “It’s important guys. We’re not just protecting you, we need to save as many trolls as possible. You guys can help do that.”

“Fine.” JD sighed.

“You’re right.” Spruce agreed.

“As usual.” Floyd said, making Faith smile.

“Well then, we should inform everyone what’s about to happen.” Peppy spoke up.

“Yeah, they’re gonna need to be prepared to book it when it’s time.” Prince D said.

“Alright.” Rascal said. “I’ll head back to Volcano Rock City to inform our friends there our plan and what they’ll need to do. After you guys escape I’ll continue my snooping.”

“Thanks Rascal, you're the best!” Vesper hugged him.

“Just try not to lose your nerve.” Willow patted his back.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Rascal went to the exit, shifted back into a dragonfly and headed out.

“Come on, let’s go tell the others!” Cooper ran out, eager to inform his friends.

“Let’s just hope this plan goes smoothly.” JD said.

“We’re dealing with hard rock.” Val said. “Nothing goes smoothly with it involved.”

Finally at Volcano Rock City, all the rock lords and most of their armies had arrived. Barb waited outside the volcano to meet them.

“Bout time you guys got here!” Barb said. “I’ve been waiting a long time for this.”

“We’re sorry it took so long, Queen Barb.” Essence knelt.

“Whatever.” Barb huffed. “Point is your here now, and once we gather everything we need, we move on the Troll Tree!” The rock trolls and zombies all cheered in response. “I’m guessing you all left things manageable back in your homes?”

“That we did.” Delta Dawn confirmed.

“Yep, brought the main bulk of our legions.” Trollex agreed. “While leaving enough behind to guard our territory.”

“Good.” Barb approved. “Now Branch, I want you and Poppy in my throne room to make our plan of attack. The rest of you ready my Angler Bus and as many beetle bikes as possible. First thing tomorrow, we make for the Troll Tree!”

Rascal managed to get there licky split, sure he was once again out of breath, but at least he made it. With no time to spare, seeing the rock lords and their armies finally came. He had to give the plan to their rock troll allies, making sure they can get away. He just had to find his informant. Shifting into a bat to head in and find him.

Coming to where he usually does his work. “Psst! Are you here? It’s me, Rascal. We need to talk, now!” Rascal shifted back and called for him.

“No kidding. I’m relieved you made it back in time. So, what plan did they come up with?”

“Evacuation.” Rascal answered.

“So, BroZone isn’t ready to take Queen Barb on?”

“Nope.” Rascal confirmed. “There’s no way they can evacuate ahead of time. Barb would notice and with her entire army at hand, send after them. Which is why a handful of trolls will stay behind at the Troll Tree to distract Barb and the army. But Branch will surely tell Barb about the Tree’s old escape tunnel and station rock trolls and zombies at the end, so we need all the rock trolls to be our friends so they can get everyone to safety.”

“Makes sense, so our friends will help them pass by safely. But where will all the trolls go?”

“They’ve got it covered. But can you get all the rock trolls she’ll have to be our friends?” Rascal asked.

“Shouldn’t be too big of a problem. I sure hope the distraction is big, Queen Barb is sure focused, more than usual lately, you need to really provoke her, but things could get ugly then. But I hope they realized whatever rock trolls volunteer to help get everyone out, will have to stick with the resistance from then on. Barb will know they’re traitors and be after them too. And I’m guessing the trolls staying behind for the distraction know they’ll be turned into rock zombies for sure.”

“Believe me, they know and they accept it if it means everyone else has a chance.”

“Alright then. I can make a list of names for every rocker willing to help out and permanently defect. I’ll see to it it’s put that they’re all totally loyal rockers volunteering to get Queen Barb’s job done. I just hope she’ll buy it. He started writing the list of rockers. “We’d better let them all know what they’ll need to do. Come on, we better do it now before Barb’s invasion meeting.”

“Better make haste then.” Rascal agreed, shifting into a rock troll form. “Let’s go!”

After a while it was time for the meeting Barb wanted Branch to make a plan of attack, in her throne room where Riff got her that model table. Poppy and Riff were there too to help.

“So now that you're all here, we should be able to take the Troll Tree no problem, right?” Barb asked Branch.

“We should.” Branch confirmed. “If it weren’t for one problem.”

“What?” Barb questioned. “There’s no way your loser brothers figured out how to hit the harmony already!”

“True, but that’s not the problem.” Branch corrected. “The Troll Tree has an old escape tunnel handy for a massive evacuation. They’re sure to use it.”

“Huh, pretty practical for pop trolls.” Barb admitted.

“To be fair, Branch has always been practical.” Poppy praised.

“Which is why I suggest setting up a line of rockers at the tunnel’s end.” Branch said, placing models on the map as an example. “It’ll trap them and they’ll have nowhere else to go.”

“Not a bad idea, not bad at all.” Barb complimented. “But what about those bergen bozos?”

“There’s no way Gristle or the trolls would let them get too far involved with this.” Branch insisted. “Hard rock blasts should bring down their gate no problem, once they see the power you wield, they’ll back off for sure. Or else they’d risk having their whole town reduced to rubble.”

“Sweet.” Barb grinned at the plan.

“That just leaves the question, who’s going to set the trap?” Poppy asked.

“Now that you asked.” Riff spoke up. “I received a list of names here, they should be committed trolls, I’m sure they’d be willing to get the job done.” He handed the list to Barb.

“Hmm.” Barb thought about it. “Alright, they’d better be. But not by themselves, make sure a good amount of rock zombies are there too. Go and get them assigned to their positions." She shoves it back to him and orders.

“Right away you’re rockness.” Riff ran off.

“Now.” Barb mentioned Branch and Poppy to follow her. The three of them came to a chamber not far from her throne room. More than a dozen rock zombies stood guard there, coming up to the safe door they guarded.

“Is what’s inside there what I think it is?” Branch asked Barb.

“Well, duh.” Barb answered. As they walked up, she signaled the rock zombies to step aside to which they obeyed. “Only rock zombies are allowed to stand guard here, and only I can come get what is mine.” She started turning the safe dial. Once the safe clicked, the rock zombies pulled the handle and opened the safe for her. Inside was a familiar guitar case, the rock zombies picked it up and presented it to her as it opened. Her ultimate powerchord guitar, holding all of the rock turned six strings inside it. Its powerful red glow shined brightly as Barb grabbed a hold of it. She flipped it up and the air for it to stop and hover right in front of her. Something was different though, its glow started rubbing off on Barb. It also seemed like her amaranth eyes started sliding to a more bold red. “It’s time for my next big concert. Alright, it’s time to tell the rock lords, we’re mounting up and riding out!”

“As you wish.” Branch followed her out.

“This is going to be fun!” Poppy exulted.

“By tomorrow I’ll have changed every troll in that stupid tree!” Barb looked at her guitar again, caressing her fingers on the strings and grinning. “The Troll Tree will be ours!”

To be continued.

Chapter Text

Every troll took the time they could to rest and prepare for the coming invasion. After receiving the news of Barb coming after them again, they were pretty freaked at first. Barb destroyed their homes and took them captive all with a small group. So taking the rest of them in with an entire army, was totally within the realm of possible. It took revealing their plan of escape to keep everyone at ease. All trolls quickly worked together in the face of this threat. They packed everything to go and made sure they had transportation ready to roll out at the end of the escape tunnel.

Dub Skull was working to prepare his major distraction with BroZone and Vesper. Barb doesn’t know about Vesper, which is an advantage. It’ll seriously throw them off by having Vesper participate by shapeshifting as Branch to better provoke Barb. She’ll help them with the song. Right now Dub Skull had her and the bros in mocap suits, to have their dance moves preset and get a physical scan on them for his holograms. Which Dub Skull plans to after everyone escapes, he intends to delete all his info so Barb can’t use it later. They already recorded the bit of song that they aren’t actually going to be present to perform, they just needed the dance now. Luckily the bros and Vesper had just finished their routine.

“Phew, that felt good!” JD beamed, Faith came up to give them waters.

“Just like the good old days.” Spruce gave him a fist bump, and took his own water.

“So, did you get the data you needed?” Floyd asked Dub Skull, who was sitting with his DJ desk and computers. Before answering, Dub Skull observed the moves he got from them and they lined up exactly to the recording.

“Yes, I believe I have everything I need.” Dub had everything he needed to set the stage. “This should keep Barb distracted well enough.”

“I should go get Rhonda prepped and ready to head out.” JD said. “We’re going to need to make room in her, so we can get as many away from here as fast as possible.” He left for his armadillo van.

“I know there are the rides the rock trolls had to get everyone here.” Faith said. “But besides Rhonda, how else are we going to get all these trolls out quickly?”

“Easy!” Vesper shifted back to her own form. “The pop trolls have had a regular mode of transport known as the caterbus. Not only can we get it waiting for pickup too, but me, Willow, and Rascal can turn into three more bigger ones for massive transportation!”

“Really?” Spruce asked. “Can you guys have heated seats?”

“Bruce, focus please.” Floyd said. “We should see if there’s anything more we can do to help everyone prepare for the evacuation.”

“Always thinking of others' first little bro.” Spruce commended.

“Yeah.” Faith noted. “He is, isn’t he?” Floyd noticed how Faith agreed with Spruce, and it made him way flustered.

“I-I uh, yeah I should-” Floyd stuttered, backing away to leave. “Go see if-if anyone needs help, um… packing! That’s right, uh for the escape. Umm, I should go. Later Bruce, Vesper, and uh Faith.” As he backed up not seeing where he was going, he turned around right into a stem on the tree. They all winced and heard him grunt from the impact. “Ow, I’m okay! No need to worry.” He left to further aid for the evac.

“I haven’t gotten to see any of our little bros be like that before.” Spruce chuckled. “Adorable.”

“I think he likes you!” Vesper teased Faith.

“You really think so?” Faith inquired.

“Someone getting that tongue tied when you say nice things about them?” Spruce said. “Yeah, I think so.” 

Faith didn’t respond, she wasn’t sure how either. Looking off to the direction Floyd went, she did wonder however.

After a while Floyd had helped many of the other trolls prepare to flee the tree. He had forgotten how nice it was to being around his people, plus the other tribes were a refreshing and new experience. Now he was just strolling through the Troll Tree, getting a good look of his old home before they’ll have to leave. He felt for his fellow pop trolls, this is only his and his brothers’ first time escaping the tree. But the others were again being forced to leave to escape impending doom.

He paused from these thoughts when he noticed a familiar pod. It was their grandmother Rosiepuff’s, the place they used to live before splitting up. And the last place he saw Branch before leaving him. Sure he had gotten to see him again, and not as a rock zombie for mere moments. But it felt no better having to leave him again, even if it was at his request.

Floyd came up to the old pod as it opened up for him. The image instantly flashed in his mind, the last glimpse of Branch when he was a baby, wearing his vest before he left. Looking around his old home, overgrown from 20 years of absence. He heard memories of voices of times he shared with his family, images of moments together long gone.

Floyd looked over and saw the portrait of Rosiepuff, coming over to the picture, caressing it with his hand. “Grandma…” He sighed. “I’m sorry we left, that I left. I can’t help thinking Branch was right, maybe if I hadn’t, you’d still be here. I can only imagine how it felt for Branch, telling him to take care of you, and you sacrificing yourself to save him. After we abandoned him and you died, it’s no wonder Branch was so reluctant to let anyone into his life. After all those years being alone and shutting everyone out, he finally started opening up to others. But then all this had to happen, and Queen Barb took away his freedom of choice. Now because of the ultimate powerchord, she thinks she’s doing us a favor. Even as a rock zombie, Branch was right about another thing. JD wasn’t so different from how Barb started, making others follow her, for what she thought was the greater good, for the sake of perfection. It makes me realize, had things been different, and turned out for the worse. Would JD or any of us for that matter have turned out any differently from her? That’s why I have to believe we can save Barb too. She thought she would help the world and bring us together, but she went about it the wrong way. Now her morals are being twisted and corrupt, and we’re the only ones who can save her, Branch, and everyone else the ultimate powerchord has taken. We will reach the family harmony, Grandma. We have to, and my brothers and I will set everything right with it. I hope that’ll make you proud.”

Floyd felt a weight off getting that off his chest. He was interrupted by his thoughts however, when a slight tremor rattled the tree and startled him. Running back out, he went to the main stage of the tree where he last saw everyone. He found JD, Spruce, Vesper, Dub Skull, and Faith there. Dub Skull was readying his DJ setup.

“What’s going on?” Floyd asked. “What caused that tremor?”

“Beats me.” JD shrugged. “The Troll Tree has never gotten quakes before.”

“I believe that would be our unwelcome company waiting outside.” Dub Skull calmly pointed at Bergen Town’s gate. They all looked to see the approaching forces coming to the gate. Many of the bergens were getting nervous.

“Well you’re awfully calm about it!” Spruce worried.

“I’m calm about most things.” Dub Skull stated. “Either way, it’s almost showtime.” He stretched his fingers. “Faith, if you could go and inform the escaping masses it’ll soon be time to vacate.”

“Uh yeah, I can do that.” She supposed. “You guys be careful, okay?”

“We’ll try our best.” Floyd reassured. Faith looked over at her fellow techno troll, Dub Skull.

“Bye, Dub Skull.” She sighed.

“We will meet again as we are, my friend.” Dub Skull insisted. 

She just gave him a warm smile and nodded, heading to the treetop to join the others.

Dub Skull looked down at the base, seeing the few trolls who volunteered to stay behind. Most seemed to be rock trolls, but plenty of the others chose to be brave and assure the escape of the others.

“Well everyone, this’ll be our last stand here.” Dub Skull said to them.

“Let’s make it a good one!” A rock troll yelled enthusiastically.

“As long as my family makes it out.” A funk troll added.

“Hope this goes well.” A country troll said concern.

“Truly this shall be a final hurrah!” Dub Skull roused them. “Exept for you three. Remember to follow Vesper out when I give the signal.” He reminded BroZone.

“We know the drill, Dub Skull.” JD assured.

“Hey, bergens!” Barb’s voice bellowed across Bergen Town with massive bass, being blasted by a hundred loud speakers. She was standing in her Angler Bus with Poppy and Branch. The rock lords were all at the front, spread out amongst the army of rockers. “The name’s Queen Barb, but I think you already know that. I think you also know why I’m here. Open this gate up and let me retrieve the fugitives you're hiding and nothing bad will happen.”

None of the bergens came to the gate or anything, she saw most of them hiding or cowering, but none responded. Gristle was trying to avoid being seen, hoping to avoid confrontation.

Seeing Barb and the army standby for entry, Dub Skull knew by them not rushing, they figured the trolls there had nowhere to run. Rascal and Willow were waiting at the end of the tunnel and rock trolls friends, as planned. He gave the trolls at the treetop a signal to begin evacuating.

“Okay, this isn’t working.” Barb sighed facepalming, tired of waiting for these chickens to respond. “Who’s in charge here again?” She asked Branch.

“King Gristle, he’s been a friend of ours.” He answered.

“There’s no way he’d want to get into any deep trouble with us.” Poppy assured, gesturing to the army.

“Alright.” Barb composed herself. “King Gristle! Come out now and open this gate!”

Gristle peeked out from where he was hiding, hesitantly stepping out. He was moving too slowly to the gate to the other bergens. They wanted this resolved and out of their business, shoving him there quicker. “Okay, okay I’m going!” He quivered seeing Barb outside her arms folded, she’s just as scary as the other trolls said, even being small like a troll. “Uh, hello there.”

“Open up.” Barb bluntly ordered.

“Yeah, see, now's not a good time.” Gristle fibbed. “Our gate is having issues opening. Maybe come back in a week or two, could totally let you in then.”

“Nice try.” Barb wasn’t buying. “My scouts have been keeping an eye on this place, and I know it’s working just fine. Just let me get the trolls you're harboring and we won’t have any trouble.”

“Uh, the who?” Gristle.

“Listen, I don’t have time for you playing dumb!” Barb yelled. “Not that I expect you to be playing half the time.” She mumbled to herself. “Alright, that’s it.” Barb sighed, readying her guitar. “I’m officially out of patience with this! Rock lords, let's blow this gate off its hinges!” She tuned her guitar, Poppy, Branch, and the other rock lords all readied themselves.

All of them started shredding their guitars, building up their riffs, and finally altogether hitting the gate full force with a hard rock blast.

When it struck, Gristle hid behind a building. When he looked back around the corner, it seemed like nothing happened, the gate looked fine. “Phew!” He sighed. Until he heard a loud metal creak. The gate fell out of its place in the wall in a metallic moan, crashing onto the ground with a loud clang.

Now with nothing in their way, Barb had her angler bus and army move in. She noticed Gristle hiding off to the side.

“Unless you want that to happen to you, stay out of my way.” She pointed with her thumb behind her to the fallen gate.

“Y-yeah, no problem!” Gristle cowered, running back to the castle.

The bros, Vesper, and Dub Skull saw the army slowly incoming to surround the tree.

“It’s just about showtime.” Dub Skull readied, rubbing his hands together with anticipation.

“Oh, this is exciting!” Vesper cheered. “Big climatic confrontation!”

“You make this sound so much more positive than it is.” JD commented.

“Says the troll.” Vesper joked, hiding behind him.

“What’re you doing?” He asked.

“Setting myself up for a dramatic reveal!” She answered.

“Uh, okay.”

“Guys, they’re here.” Floyd pointed out to the army surrounding the tree, with Barb facing them. Her Angler Bus at the front of everyone, the buzzing of beatle bikes every which way. She saw the bros on stage, and all the other trolls standing their ground.

“You bozos must be BroZone.” Barb assumed. “Poppy and Branch here told me a lot about you guys.”

“And Val told us a lot about you.” JD snarked.

“I figured she was a part of those backstabbing traitors.” Barb scoffed. “A bit too rebellious for a rocker. Oh well, I’ll deal with her and the others eventually.” She noticed all the other trolls defending the tree. “You guys are braver than I thought. You were all barely a challenge when I only had a handful of rockers, and before I had the ultimate powerchord! There’s no way a wannabe boyband and a small ragtag group of trolls can stand up against all this!” Barb gestured to all the rock trolls and zombies.

“Maybe not.” Spruce admitted. “But just long enough for everyone else to escape.”

“Through that escape tunnel you have handy?” Barb guessed. “Don’t you think Branch already told me about it?”

“Don’t you think we already knew he would?” JD countered.

“Oh yeah?” Barb queried. “And how do you think knowing that will help them?

“Why don’t we wait and see.” JD bickered.

“I’ve waited long enough for this moment.” Barb retaliated. “I think we’ll just take you guys all in, now.” She readied her guitar.

“You don’t have to do this.” Floyd tried to reason. “I’m sure we can work this out.”

“Well, that’s cute.” Barb mocked. “I don’t have to, but I want to, and will!”

“So soon?” Vesper came out from behind JD, smiling. “But we prepared a special performance just for you Barb.” Her reveal surprised Poppy and Branch.

“Vesper?” They both questioned.

“Who?” Barb looked between them, confused.

“The one and only!” Vesper presented.

“You guys know her?” Barb asked.

“She’s been a friend of ours.” Poppy answered. “She usually travels a lot though.”

“Vesper is also a shapeshifter.” Branch told her.

“A what!” Barb blurted, looking back at Vesper. She demonstrated by shifting into Barb.

“Pretty cool, right?” Vesper asked.

“Hey!” Barb yelled. “There’s only room for one of me!” To ease Barb, Vesper then shifted into her own rock troll form, with flame style hair. That form however shocked Barb. “Wait a second, haven’t I met you before?”

“I dunno, maybe.” Vesper snickered. “Anyway, like I said BroZone has a gig to play! And luckily-” She shifted into Branch. “I’m the perfect understudy!”

“You can’t hit the harmony without the real me or Clay, can you?” Branch asked.

“No, but that’s not the goal today.” Dub Skull answered, ready to start the music.

“Pop can be very awesome, Barb.” Vesper gave the bros a thumbs up. “Allow me to start us off.” She winked at Dub Skull, queuing him to start.

Vesper:

Dirty pop

(Yo, BroZone)

Sick and tired of hearin' all these people talk about

"What's the deal with this pop life

And when is it gonna fade out?"

The thing you got to realize, what we're doin' is not a trend

Barb narrowed her eyes at their song.

All Four:

We got the gift of melody

We're gonna bring it 'til the end, come on, now

It doesn't matter

JD:

'Bout the car I drive, what I wear around my neck

All Four:

All that matters

JD:

Is that you recognize that it's just about respect

All Four:

It doesn't matter

JD:

'Bout the clothes I wear, and where I go, and why

All Four:

All that matters

JD:

Is that you get hyped and we'll do it to you every time

All Four:

Come on, now

Dub Skull turned up the base for the beat of the music, making the ground rattle. Many rockers tried to keep their footing to it.

(JD)

Do you ever wonder why

This music gets you high?

It takes you on a ride

Feel it when your body starts to rock

(When your body starts to rock)

Baby, you can't stop (you can't stop)

And the music's all you got (come on, now)

(This must be)

Pop

Vesper:

Dirty pop

B-baby, baby, you can't stop

I know you like this dirty pop

(This must be)

Spruce:

Now, why you wanna try to classify

The type of thing that we do?

All Four:

'Cause we're just fine doin' what we like

Spruce:

Can we say the same for you?

Tired of feelin' all around me animosity-(All)

Just worry about yours 'cause I'ma get mine

Now, people, can't you see?

Vesper:

It doesn't matter

Bros:

'Bout the car I drive or the ice around my neck

Vesper:

All that matters

Is that you recognize that it's just about respect, oh

Bros:

It doesn't matter

Vesper:

'Bout the clothes I wear, and where I go, and why

Bros:

All that matters

Is that you get hyped and we'll do it to you every time

Come on

All Four (Floyd):

Do you ever wonder why (why)

This music gets you high? (Gets you high)

It takes you on a ride

Feel it when your (feel it when your) body starts to rock

All Four (Vesper):

(When your body starts to rock)

Baby, you can't stop (you can't stop)

And the music's all you got (baby, c'mon)

This must be

Vesper:

Ooh

Man, I'm tired of singin'

Vesper winked at Dub Skull which was his queue to start his diversion and allow their escape. He pressed a button, causing an explosion of smoke effects, and bright lasers. Some of the lasers were focused enough at Barb and some of the rockers, they quickly covered their eyes from the sudden strain.

In that first moment of the smoke and lasers, it was impossible to see BroZone. That’s when they made their escape, quickly running for the treetop. Vesper did so by shifting into a small spider and crawling her way up past Dub Skull.

“Good luck, Dub Skull.” She told him. “See you later.” He just nodded assured in response.

Dub Skull pressed another button, projecting holograms of the bros making look like they’re still performing. Using the mocap data he got from them, and a prerecording of the rest of the song.

“Come on guys, let's go!” JD guided them into the escape tunnel.

“What’s going to stop Barb from following?” Spruce asked.

“Her thinking we’ve got nowhere to run.” Vesper answered, and then turned into a large spider. In a nearby part of the tree she kept a rock large enough to block the passage and too heavy for anyone else to move. “Extra insurance.” Vesper brought it over. With that assurance the bros hopped in the tunnel, and Vesper followed sealing the hole behind her.

“Okay, I’ve had enough of this.” Barb groaned, blinking her eyes to clear her vision. “Rockers!” commanding them to shred their rock blasts. That’s when the defending trolls used Dub Skull’s mute buttons. Turning the radius to max for each and throwing them at each part they could. “What’re those?” Barb noticed them and questioned.

The mute buttons went off, Barb recoiled at first, but to her seemingly nothing happened.

“Nothing is happening.” Barb remarked, but she couldn’t hear herself say that. “What’s going on? Why can’t I hear myself?” She could hear the music that was playing in the tree, just not anything with her. “Branch, what’s going on?” But of course he can’t hear her. “Branch!” He only noticed her trying to get his attention when she started waving at him.

Realizing the lack of sound, he just shrugged and shook his head in response.

Barb signaled her rockers to attack, noticing her command they shredded their guitars, but no blasts.

Branch noticed the devices they threw, it wasn’t hard to deduce they were somehow muffling their sound, including their music. They just had to be behind it. He nudged Barb and pointed her out to them.

“Go take care of it.” Barb ordered, not that Branch could hear her, but the message was clear. Branch jumped down from the angler bus, stepping on and breaking the mute button. “Testing, testing, sibilance, sibilance.” Barb tested, which she heard. “So it was that thing.”

“Apparently.” Branch confirmed, picking up the broken mute button and observed it.

“The rest of you, break them.” Barb ordered the closest rockers to smash them. They did as told, and they were no longer muted. She turned her attention back to supposedly BroZone on the stage, finishing the song and dance. Barb slow clapped mockingly. “Wow, that was so great.” She said sarcastically, readying her guitar. “Not! Now eat this!” Barb shredded her guitar and blasted the ultimate powerchord at them. But once the sparks from the powerchord subsided, nothing happened to them. The images of their holograms just phased from the impact. “What in the-? How did they-? Where are they?!”

“Oh, they had to make themselves scarce.” Dub Skull explained. “But they wanted me to let you know, they appreciate you stopping by.”

“That’s it, no more distractions, no more stalling! Barb yelled. “Rockers, take the tree!” They all charged beetle bikes and guitar riffs blazing.

On the other side at the end of the escape tunnel, BroZone and Vesper made it out, surprised to see Faith with Rhonda waiting there with them.

“Faith, you’re still here?” JD questioned.

“Yes, someone had to make sure you guys made it through.” Faith clarified, petting Rhonda.

“That’s great, Faith.” Floyd praised.

“We should probably get out of here now.” Spruce insisted.

“Right.” JD agreed. “Vesper, you know the way?”

“That I do!” She confirmed.

“Then everyone into Rhonda and lets go!” JD ordered.

“Bro.” Spruce sighed at him ordering again.

“Can you please get in Rhonda?” JD corrected himself.

“No problem.” Spruce did as asked.

They all go inside Rhonda, JD sitting and buckling up in the driver’s seat.

“Spruce, I understand you don’t like John bossing you around.” Faith addressed. “But now really isn’t the time. You need to keep priorities straight.”

“I kinda agree.” Floyd concurred, but still trying to be sensitive to his brother’s feelings.

“Okay, I hear you both.” Spruce sighed.

“So, how far are we headed?” JD asked Vesper, who stood next to him to give directions.

“Oh, we’ve got a ‘fairway to go’.” Vesper joked. Given they didn’t know where they were headed except her, the pun went over their heads. They’ll get it when they arrive.

Back at the Troll Tree, Barb’s army had subdued all the defending trolls, others were kept watch around the tree to make sure the bergens didn’t try anything. Dub Skull was still on stage, taken away from his DJ set. Four rockers were behind him each with their riffs pointed at him, at four different angles, though he didn’t look worried still. While the rock lords were rounding everyone up, Barb came up to him.

“I’m guessing you're the mastermind behind this whole escape plan?” Barb asked.

“So sure it was me?” He asked teasingly.

“No one would have this level a head during a massive invasion, unless they had a plan.” Barb deduced.

“I tend to be level headed regardless of plans.” Dub Skull argued.

“So you didn’t plan this?” Barb asked.

“Oh no, I did.” Dub Skull confirmed. “My composure just didn’t have anything to do with it.”

“I hope you didn’t think of using that old escape tunnel here.” Barb snickered. “Cause I made sure that was covered.”

“Uhh, Barb!” Riff hesitantly caught her attention.

“Ah, and there’s my man Riff here to tell me they’re caught.” Barb boasted. Boy did that make Riff seriously not want to break the news to her.

“Well, I do have news for you, but it’s… not good.” Riff faltered. “Promise you won’t get made when I tell you?”

“Why, what happened?” Barb pressured. “Tell, now!”

“When the other rockers went to help the ones guarding the tunnel bring in the trolls-” Riff really didn’t want to finish telling her. “No one was there. Neither the rockers who volunteered or the trolls escaping.”

“What?!” Barb yelled, and turned toward Dub Skull. “How did you do it?”

“Simple.” Dub Skull began. “Some of our friends on the inside made sure they’d be the ones to guard the tunnel. They were willing to assure the others’ escape and defect completely.”

“So the list you showed me weren't loyalists, but more traitors?!” Barb scolded Riff, who trembled at her yelling.

“I-I mean, I didn’t know they-” Riff mumbled. “I-I um, I’m sorry.”

Barb growled, then took a deep breath. “Looks like who was on that list is now on my wanted list.”

“Don’t you wonder why they turned on you?” Dub Skull asked.

“Duh, what’s it to you?” Barb snapped. “They should know better than to question their queen.”

“The perfect time to question their queen is when she’s wrong.” Dub Skull said.

“Wrong?” Barb questioned. “They think rock is the best too!”

“That they do.” Dub Skull agreed. “But how can rock be the best, when there’s no contest?”

“I-I, well.” Barb faltered, glancing at her guitar with the six strings and their red glow. She narrowed her eyes “Forget it.” She looked at all the rockers gathering the captured trolls. “Round them all up for the ultimate powerchord!” Barb commanded, then she turned towards Dub Skull. “Starting with you, brainiac.” Readying her guitar.

“How lucky am I!” Dub Skull said sarcastically but calmly. “Go ahead, I’m prepared to take it.”

“Seriously?” Barb questioned his compliance.

“His acceptance is unexpected.” Riff commented.

“I made my peace with it.” Dub Skull clarified. “Won’t be stuck like that forever.”

“You will be on my watch.” Barb insisted, pointing her guitar.

“We’ll see about that.” Dub Skull challenged. “Proceed.”

“With pleasure.” Barb grinned, about to bring her pic to the strings.

Back with the Bros, they and the girls were on their way to meet up with the other trolls. They were a ways behind, but it shouldn’t take too long to catch up.

“We still on the path?” JD asked Vesper.

“Yep, this is the right direction!” Vesper confirmed.

“I hope everyone back at the Troll Tree is okay.” Floyd worried. “I wish there was something more we could’ve done for them.

“I know bro.” Spruce comforted, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Me too.”

“You’ll help them by hitting the family harmony.” Faith consoled. “You shouldn’t let who we might lose weigh you guys down. They knew the risks and still volunteered, and they did because they have faith you guys will save them in the end. Don’t you lose faith in yourselves.”

“Thanks Faith.” Floyd said. “That helps a lot.”

“Happy to help!” She smiled.

“You sure do live up to your name.” Spruce remarked.

“We should be half way to our destination bros!” JD told them from the driver’s seat.

“I think we’ll catch up with the others before that too.” Vesper said.

“I’m just happy none of Barb’s cronies haven’t really been this far south.” JD was relieved. “Since Barb doesn’t know about whatever this place is, and none of her army has gone down here, we might actually be safe where we’re going.”

“Barb is determined.” Vesper stated. “She won’t stop till she finds you all. Hopefully by then we’ll have found your last brother and you’ll get the harmony.”

“Yeah, let’s hope.” JD sighed.

Barb and her main group of rockers were headed back to Volcano Rock City; they had successfully taken the Troll Tree. Barb was in her angler bus sitting in her chair, she kept Poppy and Branch with her, as was Riff. For a time they left Barb alone to rage out her frustrations about the conspiracy and second escape. But she let it out far quicker, it was still a victory. Taking out their hiding place, and converting more of the trolls. The rest of them could run, but not hide for long.

“You feel better, Barb?” Poppy asked.

“Somewhat.” Barb answered. “I’m not taking any chances this time. From now on you won’t be out of my sight without my say, Branch.”

“That is a smart tactic. BroZone can’t achieve the family harmony without him.”

“You know where they ran off too?” Barb asked.

“I do not. I made sure not too. But I do know they’re down south.”

“Well that’s vague.” Barb sighed. “But it is something to work with. I gotta admit, that plan of yours was pretty good. Even if it was used against me. Your smarts are gonna come in handy, I think I’ve got another advisor on my team. Plus, you look way cooler now!”

“Excellent! Because I’ve got a few ideas in mind already to further assist you, my queen.”

“Dub Skull, right?” Barb asked to confirm his name.

“That’s me.” Dub Skull confirmed. “Excited to see where this goes.” He knelt before her. “I will serve you well.”

To be continued.