The Other Side Of The Storm: Part 2 - MarcellusMiro66 (2024)

Chapter 1 Chapter Text

Everything was perfect.

So perfect, perfect, perfect.

Until it was not.

Entering their backstage pod after such a disastrous concert were the members of BroZone —the most legendary, most hip, most talented, and most popular boy band of all of Pop Village on the verge of embarking on a spectacular world tour. Like all great boy bands and musical groups in general, BroZone came from simple plans and humble beginnings. Little was known about their parents, whom many believed abandoned them when they were only children; those who chose to believe this theory hypothesized a plethora of reasons ranging from sheer malice and the kicks they would supposedly get from the dirty deed or genuine stress from the pressures they faced from being the guardians of five sons at a presumed young age.

In any case, their parents were out of the picture, and thus, their grandmother became their legal caretaker going forward. Rosiepuff undoubtedly saw it as an upsetting blow to her daily routine, but family always came first, and she proved to be up for the challenge. Sure, stern, strict and severe she may have been like most grandparents were capable of being, but sweet, kindhearted, and altruistic she could also be, steering her young grandsons into the right path and preventing them from straying onto the wrong one. Of course, with five different grandsons with five different personalities, it proved to be very much the very definition of a daunting task.

John Dory: The eldest of the quintet, and thus (in his own words) the self-proclaimed “Leader”. Even though his methods of commanding his four younger brothers were quite effective, they were also quite unconventional. Specifically, he was very much—to put it politely—an overbearing showboat. Combined with his desire for attention and leadership, John Dory’s controlling perfectionist approach towards the wellbeing of his younger brothers led to more than a few confrontations with said younger brothers due to the high pressure the performances placed upon them. Nonetheless, his unconventional methods did get the job at the end of the day, so he thought it best to stuck with what he knew.

Spruce: The second eldest of the quintet and a bit of a hunk. Slightly more pleasant than John Dory (no offense), he had a more prominent part to play in the form of a handsome “Heartthrob”. As a member of the beloved boy band, this reputation worked well. A little too well, one might say. Being the “Heartthrob” meant he could be a bit of a womanizer and ladykiller, and with that reputation came an abundance of rumors circulating that he was dating one Troll while dating another, romancing one female while romancing another, and mating with one partner while mating with another. These rumors harbored the potential to ruin the lives of those involved, and a remorseful Spruce wished for anything but that.

Clay: The middle child of the quintet and a bit of a jokester. Slightly more pleasant than John Dory (again, no offense), he developed a penchant for pranking and practical jokes in his younger age, mostly stemming from his desire to see other Trolls happy and for them to see the lighter side of things. Thus, he became the resident “Fun One”. However, as he also became older and wiser (by a slight margin), he began to realize how much some of his pranks and practical jokes could hurt another Troll when taken too far, and he only found out that fact one fateful day. Realizing that his title and reputation meant no one—not even his own brothers—would be able to take him seriously, a remorseful Clay awaited the day they both would disappear to arrive.

Floyd: The second youngest of the quintet and the heart of BroZone . Arguably more pleasant than John Dory (again, no offense...but you do see a pattern here?), his shy but kindhearted nature prompted many to dub him “The Sensitive One” in response. For the most part, he harbored no animosity towards the title and the reputation that came with it, even embracing it amongst his family and peers. It was because of his altruistic, supportive, and overall well-meaning demeanor that he was often seen as the glue that stuck everything together. While he did find the job often exhausting to say the least, he was more than ready to cope with the stress for his brothers...especially his youngest sibling.

Branch ...the youngest of the quintet, which earned him the fitting moniker of “The Baby”. Because he was the youngest, he would look up to his older brothers and idolize them just as much as his grandmother. In turn, his brother would see him as cute, adorable, and the other adjectives associated with the two terms, often doing their best on their worst days to protect him from harm—pure, perceived, or otherwise. However, because he was the youngest, he was also left out of their more grown-up discussions more than once and used as a tiebreaker in even the most lighthearted of petty squabbles. Never once had his own feelings had been taken into consideration...

...and this fateful night was no exception.

“Now do you see?” John Dory huffed, “Do you see now what happens when you don’t follow my lead?”

“Dude, this is exactly what happens when we follow your lead!” Spruce retorted as he pointed his finger at him accusingly, Branch watching in fear from a few feet away. Just across him was Floyd, who frowned at the clashing personalities of his three older brothers finally reaching a boiling point.

“Oh, so it’s my fault. Is that what you’re saying?” John Dory angrily accused back before calming down, “Look, I know I’ve been hard on you all, but it’s for a good reason. I know we can reach the Perfect Family Harmony!”

“That’s the thing, John Dory,” Spruce threw his arms up in exasperation, “What if we don’t want to? We’ve been at your beck and call from the very beginning, following your every command. Your every demand , even. And yet, you call us out for supposedly not following your lead. So...who’s to blame here, really?”

John Dory was taken aback, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Every personal decision you’ve made for us has been leading us from bad to worse,” Spruce continued as he crossed his arms in contempt.

“Yeah, dude,” Clay interjected with a concurring tone, “This used to be fun. Now, it’s all about...being perfect.”

Hearing and watching his second younger brother pronounce that particular last word with such disdain made John Dory want to say something back, snap at him with a retort of his own. Alas, he never got the chance as he was interrupted by Spruce again, this time with a wham line of a statement.

“You know what?” Spruce shot a death glare at his eldest brother, “I’m done playing the Heartthrob. My exquisitely chiselled, rock-hard abs and I quit.”

Spruce then ripped the purple vest he wore in half, not only exposing his exquisitely chiselled, rock-hard abs but also causing Baby Branch and Floyd to gasp in simultaneous horror.

“Yeah, I quit too,” Clay narrowed his eyes at his eldest brother as well before ripping off his vest and hurling his Funderdrawers into his face as he continued his rant, “And you can keep those. I’m more than just the fun one. I’m in a sad book club. I’m gonna find Trolls who take me seriously.”

John Dory should not have been surprised...and yet, he was. As he peeled the Funderdrawers off his face, he narrowed his eyes at his two younger brothers before scoffing in scorn, “Fine, I don’t need this. I’m out. I’m done. I’m sorry.”

He then raised his hands up and painted himself as the victim in a moment of weakness before packing up whatever belongings he had (which was arguably not a lot) and drawing a grappling hook gun.

“I’m gonna go hike the Neverglade Trail by myself...brolone,” John Dory chuckled in denial over his hasty decision before facing his (fixing-to-be) brothers one last time, “Yeah, that’s right. Brobro going solo! YOLO! Goodbye forever!”

Firing the grappling gun outside the nearest window, John Dory leaped out, repelled down, and hit more than a few tree branches along the way. Branch and Floyd looked on in dread, Spruce looked on in complete contempt, and Clay looked on in nonchalant disbelief before hanging and shaking his head.

“Later, losers!” John Dory just had to get the last word in...at the cost of losing his grip.

“Fine,” Clay sighed as he left the pod, “I’m out of here.”

“Same here...” Spruce stated solemnly as Floyd tried and failed to prevent them from leaving.

“Guys, please! Come on...”

“It's my fault.”

Floyd then turned to face his baby brother...his only brother now...who stared at the empty doorway of their Pod in utter heartbreak.

“I ruined everything.”

“No, no, Branch...” Floyd placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, “This is not your fault. But...we're not in sync. We've gone from boys to men...and now there's only one direction for us to go...the Backstreets.”

“But not you, Floyd?” Baby Branch asked with wide, pleading eyes, “You're not leaving too?"

“Not forever. I'll be back. I promise. But right now, I must follow my heart. It's telling me...”

To start a solo career , Floyd wanted to say. But as he said in his mind, he began to realize (as if he had not realized it before) how heartless and flimsy of an excuse it was to not stick around and care for his only brother left. That being said, he knew Baby Branch was smarter than he realized, and with a little help from their grandma, he could take care of himself properly and flawlessly.

“...to find our brothers,” Floyd stated instead as he chose his next words carefully, “John Dory is right: the Perfect Family Harmony is essential, but not in the way he thinks.”

"You mean..." Baby Branch tilted his head before gasping in excitement, "There's more than one way to create the Perfect Family Harmony?"

"I believe so," Floyd smiled, "With that, I'm going to find them and convince them to come back...because it has to be us. Together."

"Do you have to go by yourself?" Baby Branch asked sadly then, "I can go with you. I can help you!"

"Oh, Branch..." Floyd kneeled to his level, "You are going to help me, but you have to stay in the Troll Tree where it's safe and sound."

"But what am I going to do?" Branch asked again.

"Branch..." Floyd smiled once again, "You are gonna do the most important thing of all. You're gonna…"

Floyd's mind almost immediately drew a blank. Trying to figure out a valid reason to remain in the safety of the Troll Tree proved more difficult than he had previously realized. Until it was not.

"...take care of Grandma," Floyd gestured to their Grandma Rosiepuff, who sat by a nearby table and shifting a deck of cards with such skill and expertise.

"Oh, come on, Branch," Grandma Rosiepuff beckoned him over in a sweet and saccachrine manner, "Let's play some rummy. But I won't let you win..."

Suddenly, her demeanor performed an 180 as she "jokingly" glared at her grandson in a competitive manner this time,

"...because I play for the money."

Baby Branch was taken aback and glancing back at his equally terrified older brother, who could only muster a nervous grin. He could vividly remember the first time he won rummy against his grandmother. It would also be his last.

"You might have to let her win. Occasionally," Floyd winked knowingly at Baby Branch, who nodded in acknowledgement, "In the meantime, when you do miss me, you can wear this."

Floyd slipped off the green leafy vest he had been wearing during the argument between his brothers and draped it over Baby Branch's shoulders.

"It'll be like I'm right here with you until I come back."

"And when you do come back..." Baby Branch pulled out a folded piece of paper, "We'll make our hideout."

"Definitely," Floyd nodded in agreement as he took the paper and unfolded it. His eyes widening in genuine surprise and admiration, the contents were that of a highly colorful and highly detailed layout of the hideout in question. Corresponding to certain colors of the boy band, three brothers were on one side and two brothers were on the other side.

"Wow!" Floyd laughed, "Is that a ten-story water slide?"

"Yeah," Baby Branch giggled, "That's how we shower."

"Well, we better keep this in a safe place," Floyd folded the paper back up and tucked it in a safe place in the vest. Outstretching his arms for his baby brother to partake in one last hug, Baby Branch took the opportunity and embraced Floyd, the both of them close to eliciting somber tears.

Despite wanting to make the moment last a little longer, Floyd sadly had to pull away from Baby Branch so he could gather his belongings.

"I'll find our brothers one day," Floyd vowed, "And when that day comes..we'll achieve the Perfect Family Harmony. Together..."

Floyd spared one final glance at Baby Branch, who smiled solemnly as he watched his older brother take the final steps to leave home.

"I'll see you soon, Baby Branch..." Floyd smiled, "I promise..."

With that, Floyd exited the doorway as Baby Branch rushed forward and watched his older brother leave for the outskirts of the Troll Tree, wanting to capture the memory of his soon-to-be lost brother.

"Bye..." Baby Branch whispered as he held his sad smile, "See you later..."

For those who know the tale, later could not have come sooner...

Watching the rise and downfall of BroZone undoubtedly made Poppy feel significantly more somber, though thankfully not to the close of drawing tears. This heartbreaking instigator leading to the events of her major adventures going forward was migitated by the fact that a heartwarming reunion was now in the cards, but she knew also the trials and tribulations it would take to get to that happy ending. In addition, considering that her older sister was meant to appear during the events of the forthcoming story, her early-bird appearance was a central curveball thrown in the gears.

Viva's early leave of absence was also painful for her and her father to bear, but it was nonetheless an understandable event prompted by her need to return to her people, who were survivors above all else. A community had built and established through her leadership, and the people who had built and established that community would not only ask questions about her prolonged disappearance, but panic if it turned out that she would never return. However, they knew that questions would be asked regardless, especially when their leader would return with the news of the events she partook in. Namely, the very idea of the villainous Bergens seeing the errors of their ways and making efforts to atone was utterly unfathomable to them, and as such, a progression of persuasion was much needed to help process the astonishing account to them.

Sighing solemnly, Poppy placed the globe back in its place on the holographic map and hung her head.

"It's not your fault, my dear."

A moment later, her mother approached and stood by her side, placing a gentle hand of comfort on her shoulder.

"I know, Mom. But...if I had known beforehand...none of this would've happened."

"There was nothing you could've done at the time. But if it hadn't happened...then Branch wouldn't have met you under those particular circ*mstances or the rest of his friends afterwards. Our past helps us define who we are while our present helps us choose who we become. We can't always change the past...but we can change the present if necessary and crave out a better future."

Poppy gave her mother's words a thought before conceding that her reasoning had raised a few valid points.

"I see. Thank you, Mom."

"Anytime, my dear Poppy."

Peony smiled and planted a kiss on Poppy's forehead, prompting the Pop Queen to giggle and hug her mother's side.

"Just curious, though. Has anyone tried to change the past, the present...or even the future?"

"Not exactly, but...one man has devoted himself to protecting the status quo of his Multiverse...in his own extreme manner through a similar mean. But that's another story for another time."

"Aww!"

Peony patted Poppy's shoulder and gestured to the holographic map.

"Don't worry, I won't forget that particular story. Right now...it would seem that we have a New Arrival."

. . .

BEEP-BEEP!

. . .

Poppy and Peony exchanged glances with each other before walking over to the map and tapping the blinking spot. A mini-screen displayed the image of a small―

"PUPPY!"

As her daughter gushed over the ridiculously cute critter, the former Pop Queen shook her head in amusem*nt and tapped the image of the puppy. In a minute or two, details about her (judging by the feminine appearance) were listed beside her as she started to stir.

"Her name is Skye," Peony described, "She's a co*ckapoo, she's around 7 years of age, she hails from Earth-081213, and her speciality is air rescue."

"Air rescue?" Poppy blinked, having recovered from the cuteness proximity.

"She's a member of the PAW Patrol, an emergency service unit comprised of..."

Peony knitted her eyebrows together.

"Young puppies?"

Poppy read the information list more attentively.

"So...A group of young puppies who act as an emergency service team in their home universe?"

She then gushed again.

"That's so adorable! And quite impressive, when you think about it."

"Well, you better retrieve her so you can process the news to her," Peony gestured.

"But what do I say?" Poppy frowned now, "If she's a kid, then I can't just tell her that she's dead, right?"

"That's because she's not actually dead," Peony smiled in reassurance, "She's having an out-of-body experience that allowed her access to the Space Between."

"Like me?"

"Oh, no," Peony grimaced, "You actually died that day, and it was only through my intervention that you were able to survive and live another day."

"I meant, right now?" Poppy cringed as she clarified, "Is THIS an out-of-body experience?"

Peony blinked as a smile of embarrassment was plastered on her face, "Oh! Oh, yes! THIS is an out-of-body experience for you! Sorry about that!"

"No worries!" Poppy laughed awkwardly, "I should've clarified that part!"

Mother and daughter shared more awkward laughter.

"So...I should get her, right?"

"Yes, you should."

Poppy and Peony exchanged nods before the former transported away, the latter looking on. As she smiled and shook her head before turning to survey the map again, Queen Angella approached and stood across from her. The other side of the map masked her face.

"You were going to tell Poppy about him?"

"She has to know...one way or another. As a dear friend, you shouldn't stop me from revealing the truth."

"I couldn't even do so because of our friendship. But as your dear friend...have you considered how your daughter will take the news?"

"I have. She will either take them well or poorly...or perhaps even in-between. Poppy is growing as not just as a Queen, but as a Troll. She knows now that the world she lives in―much like the others she has observed―do not follow the rules of black and white anymore. People depicted as the darkness are capable of seeing the light, and people labeled as the light...are capable of falling victim to the darkness."

A solemn silence followed, with Peony and Angella in a momentary standstill before the latter spoke to the former.

"So Poppy has a darkness in her just as much as a light."

"Yes, Angella. Poppy is capable of great things should she find the balance..."

. . .

"The perfect harmony..."

["Where You Come From" ― Diamond White & Shameik Moore]

In the heart of the city, a young Funk Troll by the name of Lunella Lafayette woke up and started the day with a much-needed musical number. Getting cleaned up, slipping on her usual outfit, and finally trying on her roller skates, she burst out of her apartment and skated towards the central park, passing by the passengers of her everyday ride.

[Diamond White]
It's a good day to be great!
I'm lacing up my roller skates

As she slid down the streets, she passed by Ruby Gillman, who in the midst of her finishing hours spotted her skating by. Lunella beckoned her on and prompted her to give chase.

To hit the pavement once again
My neighborhood really is the best

Then, she skated forward to find Mirabel, Bruno, and Camilo manning a food truck while Alberto passed out plates of pasta.

Hey-hey-hey, how do you do?
It is so good to see you!

"Que pasa!" Mirabel called out.

"Ciao bella!" Alberto greeted.

"Hey, Lunella!" Bruno and Camilo waved.

"What up, fellas?" Lunella greeted and waved back as she beckoned them along for the ride. Briefly exchanging glances with each other, Alberto merely shot inside the food truck that Mirabel, Bruno, and Camilo drove and pursued Lunella in. This in turn prompted many of their hungry, awaiting customers to give chase as well.

Everybody know each other's names
Everybody round here family
Come for them, you coming for me

Lunella shook her head and laughed in amusem*nt as she continued her way to the park, where many a Troll of different size, shape, age, and tribe congregated and interacted in such a friendly manner. From atop one of the many built-in platforms, she spotted her older brother's group performing the background music and then a stairway. With a determined smile, she leapt up and slid down the railing before skating forward to the platform.

When the light is inside you
No one can turn it off
Maybe your superpowers
Find you when you're lost
It must be in the water
Cause we all got that sauce
Don't you ever forget
Where you come from

When she was close enough, Lunella launched herself and stuck the landing, swerving to a stop beside Miles, whom she tossed the microphone to.

[Shameik Moore]
It ain't you at, it's where you come from
Wander but come home
The seed, the soil, and the root
Made the flower that is you
The water, the honor, the reverie dripping in pride
The melanin black and gold is glowing where I reside

As Miles ruffled his younger sister's hair mid-rap, Lunella batted him away with a laugh and joined him in his rap.

[Diamond White & Shameik Moore]
If you feeling good, drop a pin

Twilight riffed her guitar...

Wanna know where you at, where you is?

Followed by Sunset...

If you in your neighborhood, shine your light

And then Flash...

So the ancestors see you way up high

...just as Ruby tossed a pair of confetti bombs into the air and opened fire on them with her laser vision. It caused them to explode and rain upon the crowd, who cheered in absolute delight.

[Shameik Moore]
Everything you need is inside of you
But I've got your back when you need me to

Miles then took Ruby's hand in a gentle, affectionate manner and twirled her slowly. Ruby then leaned into Miles, the dance ending with her melting in his embrace.

We'll be rolling till the end of time
Just keep your light on, never hide your pride

Lunella then skated back into the picture and towards center stage.

[Diamond White]
Everybody knows each others' names (yeah)
Everybody round here family
Come for them, you coming for me (yeahh)

Exchanging acknowledging smiles and nods with her new friends, the Funk Troll then led them toward the finale.

Everybody knows each others' names
Everybody round here family
Come for them, you coming for me (you're coming for me, yeahhh)

Eventually, Queen Poppy and Skye made it to the heart of the kingdom, where the former's new friends were performing. They made their way to the front through outside the crowd, where Queen Peony and the rest of the council awaited as they watched the performance from their desired spots.

[Diamond White & Shameik Moore]
When that light is inside you
No one can turn it off
Baby, your superpowers
Find you when you lost
You must be in the water
Cause we all got the sauce
Don't you ever forget
Where you come from

As Skye watched and cheered for the group, Poppy's eyes met her mother's, the both of them exchanging acknowledging smiles and nods.

When that light is inside you
(No one can turn it off)

They both knew that this was not the end.

Baby, your superpowers
Find it when you lost

Instead, it was only the beginning.

You must be in the water
Cause we all got the sauce

The beginning...of a brand new day...

Don't you ever forget
Where you come from...

As the song ended, the crowd cheered and continued to party and interact with their peers while Miles and Lunella continued to man the DJ booth. Poppy manuevered her way to her mother while holding on to Skye, who looked on in awe and wonder as the Trolls began to gush much like the Pop Queen before.

"Mom, Mom!" Poppy set down Skye before she huffed and puffed, "I present to you, Lady Skye! Skye, meet my mother, Queen Peony!"

"It's a honor to meet you in person, Queen Peony," Skye bowed in respect.

"The honor is all mine, Lady Skye," Peony smiled in merriment as she obliged with a bow of her own, "I take it my daughter has brought you up to speed?"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Skye smiled back, "And I'm excited to train alongside your daughter!"

As if to prove her point, the seven-year-old co*ckapoo began bouncing up and down before performing a series of backflips, much to the confusion and amusem*nt of Poppy, Queen Peony, and the rest of the council.

"I forgot to mention the backflips," Peony smiled and shrugged.

"It's a puppy!"

On the last backflip, Skye was caught by a now equally excited Sofia, who playfully rubbed her belly and prompted delighted giggles from the puppy. Approaching from behind her were Raya, Mirabel, Alberto, Mei, and Mr. Wolf, the latter of whom noticing the small animal in the Princess's arms.

"Always the dog?" Mr. Wolf smirked.

"Always the dog," Mei smiled, "That's me with kittens."

"I can relate."

"Guys, this is Skye," Poppy introduced her, "She's going to be training with us for the meantime until we can find a way for her to go home."

"And she likes backflips, right?" Mirabel crossed her arms with a grin, "Because I think she's already established that."

"Sorry," Skye smiled back sheepishly, "I have a tendency to do that whenever I'm especially excited."

"Really? We couldn't tell," Alberto joked.

"So, Poppy..." Mirabel shook her head, "When's the royal wedding? I wanna make sure my family is prepared for the trip ahead."

"A royal wedding?" Skye gasped, "You're getting married, Queen Poppy?"

"Oh, no!" Poppy blushed and waved her hand, "Of course not! That comes later, though! Two of my friends are, though! The King and Queen of Bergen Town may look scary and intimidating on the outside, but they are actually kind and warm on the inside."

"Well, I can't wait to meet them!" Skye nodded.

"I'm glad you are," Poppy smiled, "because you along with the rest of my friends―as my royal council―are also the King and Queen's guests of honor! You know, in case it wasn't established already."

"It already was, Popsqueak," Sunset approached with Twilight and Sunset, "Although, I may have to make sure that my dear girlfriend won't contract a case of PTSD."

Poppy frowned and turned to Twilight, "Why? What's wrong?"

"Well..." Twilight nervously scratched the back of her head and giggled, "The last time I was at a wedding...well, I won't go into detail, but that's how Sunset, Flash, and I arrived in the Space Between."

"Nothing will happen at this wedding, Twi," Flash planted a kiss on her forehead before turning to Poppy, "Nothing will happen at this wedding, right?"

"Of course!" Poppy nodded with reassurance, "Not with the proper precautions and security measures! Sunset, Raya. You two with Miles and Ruby got that covered, right?"

"No promises," Sunset admitted, "But if a fight breaks out...I'm there."

"That's all that needed?" Mei shot her an acknowledging frown.

"Oh, boy..." Raya rolled her eyes.

"Oh, joy..." Mr. Wolf chuckled, "So when's the big day...or night, depending on your preference?"

"Either one is fine," Poppy waved again, "It should be in a few days from now. The Battle of Folk Rock was about two months ago, so it should've been enough time for Bridget and Gristle to work out the wedding plan."

She then glanced over to Mirabel, who was currently pigging out on a pair of pizza pies.

"Did you already contact your family ahead of time, Mirabel?"

"Ooh, I probably should do that," Mirabel winced through a stuffed mouth before activating her wristwatch, "It's about time I see my family again."

"Didn't you already do that when you first went back to your universe?" Alberto tilted her head with Mei.

"I chickened out for the most part," Mirabel admitted, "Although, my family is doing well for the most part the first and last time I checked up on them."

"Have you been in contact with them since?" Mei asked afterwards.

"Only my Abuela and my Toñito know about me," Mirabel continued, "And yes, I've been contacting them almost every other day. The other times, I just let them know when I'm on a mission...or something like that."

Eventually, her wristwatch created a portal that appeared behind her.

"Well, I hope that your family will get the chance to attend the wedding!" Poppy smiled and waved goodbye at her friend.

"Me too!" Mirabel smiled and waved back, "Save me a pair of pulled pork sandwiches, BTDubs!"

"No promises!"

Poppy and Mirabel exchanged hearty laughter as the latter shook her head at the former before stepping inside the portal and teleporting away.

"I'm sorry..." Miles approached with Ruby and Lunella in tow, "Did Mirabel seriously say "BTDubs" like it was nobody's business?"

"Yeah, never again," Sunset smiled and cringed as she shook her head, "Never again."

"I gotta give her credit," Lunella took a bite out of one of Mirabel's pizza pies, "She's trying."

"Apparently not enough..." Flash shook his own head before Twilight elbowed him and turned to face Poppy.

"Should we do the same as well? Get into contact with our families and loved ones?"

"That's your choice, Twilight," Poppy replied, "I'm not forcing you to invite someone and reopen old wounds."

"I can give my friends a call," Mei suggested, "I've been in contact with them for the past two months, and my mom's more trusting towards me...which is honestly saying a lot."

"But Mei-Mei, most parents don't tend to place enough trust in their children at a certain age," Raya frowned.

"Well, you haven't met my mom."

"You told me never to meet her prior to you introducing me to her," Alberto smiled at his girlfriend, "Said something about reminding her too much of a friend of yours...?"

"It's true, though."

"Call them up and try, anyway!" Twilight placed a hand on Mei's shoulder, "If they don't accept the invitation, then you shouldn't hold it against them. Believe me...I learned that the hard way."

"How exactly?" Mr. Wolf knitted his eyebrows together.

"That's another story for another time," Poppy shot Twilight a knowing look, which the Princess appreciated, "Right now, we have a wedding to prepare for!"

Joined by Peony and the rest of her council, the expanded group of friends cheered and exchanged excited chatter as they went back to the concert. Truth be told, Poppy was entirely unsure on whether or not if inviting her newfound friends and their loved ones to the wedding was a great (let alone good) choice to make. Even taking into account the amount of required hands actually needed and the inevitable culture shock, she was still determined to strengthen the bond between the different dimensions her friends hailed from. She needed to be cautious, though, when choosing the right person or people to confide and place their trust in when performing that particular task.

Until then...

Poppy would choose to live in the moment...

It's some kind of love, it's some kind of fire
I'm already up, but you lift me higher...

Floyd smiled and hummed a bittersweet symphony at the memory. He would never forget the day his band broke up and his brothers fell down...a hole of despair.

Despite the unfortunate circ*mstances, it was quite remarkable that such a tiny mishap could lead to a large disaster. He vividly recalled the fateful night where emotions were running high and sensibleness was running low. According to his eldest brother, they were supposed to "make Boy Band history" that night if not for the concert's various other faults.

Floyd hated to single out the specific people, but there was no denying the fact that the eldest of his brothers in question was...a bit of a glory hound. He had an insatiable hunger for fame, fortune, and most importantly, attention. His eldest brother was a slave to his own perfectionist methods that it ran contrary to that of his brothers and the other Trolls around him. There were a few "inspired moments" of brilliance, but they were also few and far between.

In the end, it was his own hubris that led to their own undoing.

Gazing at the family photo, Floyd sighed in melancholy as he set it down on the nightstand and continued to get the pot boiling. Lifting up the cover and taking a whiff of the very nearly completed macaroni and cheese, he nodded in satisfaction before taking a jar of hazelnut chocolate spread and digging out a spoonful to eat while he worked. While he did, he rummaged in the fridge for a bottle of ketchup.

Floyd suddenly chuckled at the memory. He recalled Clay squirting a whole bottle of ketchup into the large bowl of macaroni and cheese, resulting in nearly everyone getting figurative and literal emotion sickness. As one could tell, he did not fall into that category. Much to his (and everybody else's) surprise, he actually enjoyed the unlikely combination of two different tastes. Much to his detriment, however, it became a running gag within the brotherly group that whenever macaroni and cheese was made, a mega bottle of ketchup was a prerequisite.

He took pride in the fact that Branch at least tolerated it.

Branch...

His train of thought now traveling to the station where his youngest brother was, he remembered meeting Branch when he was a literal little baby. Cradling him in his arms as he rocked him back and forth, Floyd recognized that moment as the one where he needed to set an example for him to follow if his brothers failed to consider it. He was always known as the shy and timid one of the bunch, so it could not hurt to step out of his shell once in a while, right?

Aside from his aforementioned reputation, Floyd also served as the heart of the group—the person that kept them together, the glue that stuck them together, the string that tied their world together. Heck, he even provided Branch some well-meaning advice regarding his pre-show jitters. When he and his brothers were together, there was nothing they could do.

My, my my...

. . .

How the times have changed...

. . .

What wouldn't I give to relive the old days...

. . .

KNOCK-KNOCK!

Before he could dig in, Floyd looked up from his entrée at the sound of his door being rapped upon. As it was in the middle of the night, confusion understandably settled in. He rarely had visitors at daytime, let alone nighttime.

Who would pay a visit to me either way?

A now cautious Floyd armed himself with a kitchen knife he took off the rack as he approached the front door. Deeply inhaling as he gently grabbed the doorknob, he slowly exhaled as he quickly turned it and pulled the door open.

He was not exactly sure what he had happened next.

All he knew was that he came face to face with quite possibly the most...

Tall?

. . .

Shiny?

. . .

No...

. . .

Handsome...

...thing he had ever seen.

The...thing before him resembled a doll...if that doll had a silver or matt chromic complexion. His short green hair had a long quiff and resembled smooth plastic while his cobalt blue eyes stood out from the night sky behind him. His outfit of choice was a bronze metallic top with shoulder pads and matching shorts, while his accessories included a golden earring on his right ear, dark blue chromic bracelets, and a matching necklace with boots.

"Hey there, cutie..." The male doll spoke in a silky, almost sultry voice as he leaned down to his level.

So lost in said silky, sultry voice Floyd was that he almost missed the photo of him and his brothers being held up to his face.

. . .

Wait...what?

. . .

"You're him? The pink-haired one?"

It was then that Floyd hesitated to answer, the realization that this male doll was strange and suspicious finally registering to him.

"I am..."

"Just making sure," The male doll stood back up and flashed a toothy smile as his arms stretched out to grab him .

While Floyd was denied the chance to scream, he was not denied the chance to fight back.

"Dear John Dory, I'm being held against my will by superstars Velvet and Veneer. Come to Mount Rageous at once and bring our brothers. Love, Floyd..."

Reading the letter before him, John Dory felt his heart stop and his breath hitch.

How could this happen?

. . .

How could they do this?

. . .

How could... I do this?

The last time he saw his third younger brother, he was having an argument with the second and third while the youngest...

Branch...

He never admitted it in public or even to the rest of his brothers (including the one in question), but he had grown fond of him during the few times they did spend time together. The first time he actually held his youngest brother in his arms when he was born was...a strange and surreal experience, to say the least. Sure, he already had his hands full taking care of three younger brothers, even with the help of Grandma Rosiepuff. But when it came to Branch, it was rather...comforting? Second only to Floyd, Branch was the brother he did not argue with, was not exasperated with, or hold a grudge against. Of course, he was the youngest at the time, meaning he looked up to the rest of his older brothers and he (the self-proclaimed "leader" of the five) had to set an example for the four to follow.

Another thing he would never admit?

John Dory was stubborn, but he was not stupid. Not completely. He saw how close Branch and Floyd were in their younger days, setting a stage for their perceived present-day relationship. So close were they that Floyd would stand up for him and actually yell in his face to leave him alone whenever Branch did something wrong. Yet another thing he would never admit, he was genuinely frightened what his third younger brother could and would do should he make Bitty B cry again. Their relationship was far closer than that with the rest of his brothers.

With that in mind, John Dory glanced at the letter again and realized something. Taking a much closer look at the handwriting, it seemed too...feminine, even for Floyd.

Could it be...a trap?

. . .

Maybe...

. . .

But I have to know for sure.

. . .

I have to try and find him.

Glancing all over the place, John Dory rummaged for whatever weapons he could inside Rhonda, his mode of transportation who growled in her sleep. Managing to find among other things a baseball bat, a frying pan, and the kitchen knife the note had came along with, he gathered them all and stuffed them all inside a backpack before starting Rhonda up. With a deep breath, he set a course for Mount Rageous and drove off into the night, determination worn on his sleeve and flashing in his eyes.

Hang on, Floyd...

Hang in there...

I 'm coming for you...

Chapter 2: Bark To The Beat

Chapter Text

Isabela Madrigal was confused.

Completely and utterly confused.

A full year following the death of her youngest hermana, and it was the first emotion she felt after the subsiding of sadness. The main reason for her confusion stemmed from the behavior of her youngest primo; for the past two months, Antonio had been acting much more excitable than usual, even for him. It only increased with her realization that her Abuela—the stern, strict, and severe matriarch of theFamilia Madrigal—had gone against her better interest and joined in on her youngestprimo's excitable attitude, acting more affable and cordial than usual...even for her.

That confusion eventually carried over to the rest of thefamilia first before the rest of the townspeople, who were caught off guard and even frightened by this sudden shift in behavior within the head of the Encanto. As such, many a rumor spread, with the most common theory being the death of her youngestnieta proving too much for her to handle and process completely, causing her to snap. Of course, this lead to much fear and alarm amongst them, particularly those who been (unintentionally or otherwise) smearing the good bad name of Mirabel Madrigal. Letting the rumor pass through with flying colors, Alma herself kept mostly quiet, with the exception of a few subtle witticisms exchanged with her youngestnieto for her own amusem*nt.

One day, the family looked on in confusion at Alma and Antonio whispering and giggling to themselves, their breakfast eaten in a mostly comfortable silence. Some of the town kids, including Alejandra, Juancho, and Cecilia, peered from their hiding spots in the bushes and behind the trees to eavesdrop on the conversation. Presumably—or perhaps purposefully—oblivious to the fact that they were drawing a crowd, Alma shook her head in amusem*nt as Antonio held back a gargantuan giggling fit.

BANG!

Ultimately, with a twitchy eye, Isabela growled and banged her fist on the table harder than she should have.

"¡Ay, coño!" Agustín exclaimed in fright as Pepa caused a lightning bolt to strike him.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Isabela waved her hands before huffing and regaining her composure, "I'm sorry...but what is going on with you, Abuela?"

"Whatever do you mean, Isabela?" Alma raised a single eyebrow, Antonio continuing to hold back his laughter.

Isabela's eye twitched in disbelief, "Whatever do I mean? You're...you're happy!"

"Am I not allowed to be happy?" Alma smirked as her poker face nearly broke through.

Isabela stammered this time and shook her head, "No, no! I mean...you're happier than usual! What is it that you and Antonio know and the rest of us don't?"

Alma and Antonio exchanged knowing smirks before the former sighed and shook her head at the latter, who giggled in his palm now.

"I'm merely awaiting the good news," Alma took a sip of her tea.

BUZZ!

As Isabela and the rest of the group pondered the meaning of that response, a glowing blue electric portal was conjured up in mid-air, catching their attention as much as Alma and Antonio's. The townspeople gasped in equal parts fear and fascination before the Madrigal family members rushed forward and stood in front of them. Alma and Antonio merely walked to the front of the crowd, who looked on in dread and intrigue as their town leader and her youngest grandson stood a few feet from where the portal stood.

Eventually, a figure stepped out of the portal, donning a thick dark brown leather coat with pants, black boots with matching goggles and a face mask. A slightly overstuffed backpack was slung over her shoulders while a Mossberg 500 Persuader was slung across her back, but the appearance of the latter was not why Isabela gasped in shock. It was the appearance of curly, chin-length black hair that did it for her.

"M..." Isabela teared up, "M-Mirabel...?"

"Bingo!" The figure suddenly exclaimed in excitement as she propped up her goggles and tugged down her mask to reveal the one and only Mirabel Madrigal, "Sup, party people?! I'm back in the hizz-ou—oh, no. Nope. Yep. Knew it was wrong as soon as I said it. Sorry, that was terrible. Can I get a do-over?"

Mirabel was met with no immediate response as the jaws of the townspeople hung agape in complete and utter shock. However, save for her Abuela and her Toñito, no one was as completely and utterly shocked as the rest of her family. Julieta stood up first and briefly clamped her hands over her mouth in disbelief.

"M...Mira? Mirabel...?"

"Hola, mamá ..." Mirabel smiled and waved nervously, dreading the reaction her mother would inflict upon her.

Instead, rather than get angry and curse at her for endangering herself, Julieta lunged at her youngest daughter and hugged her tight around the waist. Feeling her sobbing into her chest, Mirabel continued to smile as she returned the hug and held back her tears.

"Oh, mija..." Julieta continued to cry, "Mi preciosa mariposa ... I missed you so much..."

"I missed you too, mamá," Mirabel leaned into her touch, "It's so good to see you again. All of you..."

"Likewise, mi vida," Agustín wiped away his own tears (whether or not it was from the bee stings, she was unsure) and hugged her as well...

"Mira…MIRABEL!"

...before Luisa, who had been watching in a stunned silence alongside her eldest hermana, elicited a cry torn between joy and anguish before she very quickly rushed over to her youngest, whom she engulfed in a bone-breaking, suffocating hug along with their own parents. As she continued to cry, the eyes of Mirabel, Julieta, and Agustín began to bug out from all the air being violently ripped out from their lungs, prompting them to "lightly" tap on her shoulders to loosen her grip.

"M-Mirabel! I-Is this real? Are you really here?" Luisa sobbed.

"L-Luisa…" Mirabel wheezes, "Luisa...my lungs are collapsing...!"

"Easy...e-easy there, mi hija!" Agustín wheezed second as he tried to get some much-needed air.

"We cannot breathe, Luisa...!" Julieta wheezed third as her lungs were in danger of shriveling up from oxygen deprivation.

It was a fact that the rest of the family and a few others caught on to fast and acted hastily upon. They all rushed forward and struggled to pull the strongest member of the bunch in a vain attempt to allow the return of oxygen. The thing was, Luisa was the strongest member of the bunch. Out of fear that Mirabel would disappear as quickly as she reappeared the moment she would let go, Luisa could only cry harder and hug tighter in her emotional state. Their feet dangling in the air and the lack of oxygen very quickly becoming a very possible threat to their mortal existence, Mirabel, Julieta, and Agustín all started to get progressively lightheaded as the concerned shouts of their family became distorted in the process.

Acting equally hastily, Mirabel clutched the hands of her padres and teleported away from the clutches of her second eldest hermana, who came to and realized what she had almost done. Recovering from their shock, the family and surrounding townspeople searched for the trio before they appeared a few feet away from them, collapsing in a pile. Mirabel stood up first and rushed back towards the table to grab a pitcher of tea and two cups before rushing back to her parents, whom she poured two glasses of tea for.

"Thank you, mi hija," Julieta thanked Mirabel as she took the cups and drank one.

"Much appreciated," Agustín took and drank the other cup before he processed the event that occurred, "Wait...how...how did we—?"

"It's a long story," Mirabel chuckled as she helped her parents up and walked with them back to the stunned group. With that, she slowly approached Luisa with more caution this time.

"It's okay, Luisa. I'm here. You don't want me dying again after I just got back, would you?"

Mirabel cringed at her distasteful joke, but Luisa did not seem to mind as she hugged her more gently this time. As long as her youngest hermana was here, nothing else mattered.

"Mirabel?"

The girl in question peered over Luisa's shoulder and saw Camilo cautiously approach with Alejandra, Jauncho, and Cecilia in tow. On the topic of the former, her mind trailed back to the alternate Camilo she had encountered in the Space Between and was still friends with. So similar, yet so dissimilar. On the topic of the latter, she knew the trio of children were also a trio of fans for the Madrigal Familia. This extended to even herself despite her lack of gift, and surely her death (however temporary it was) must have devastated them all to no end. In regards to them plus Camilo, it seemed as though as they had not aged a day or more.

"Is it you, Mirabel?" Cecilia approached from Camilo's right side, her smile growing with each step, "Is it really you?"

"It's really me, Cecilia," Mirabel nodded, prompting the young girl and her friends to rush forward and embrace her much like Luisa was continuing to do. After a moment of hesitation, Camilo joined in as well while out of her reach courtesy of his second oldest cousin.

"You're alive..." Camilo could only murmur, "You're alive..."

"Of course I am, Camilo," Mirabel held her grip on the five people embracing her as Bruno, Dolores, Pepa, and Félix approached next.

"Kid..." Bruno smiled as he breathed out.

"Tío Bruno," Mirabel greeted her original uncle before the latter two as she briefly broke from one hug, " Tía Pepa and Tío Félix...it's good to see you again."

"Oh, Mirabel!" Pepa rushed forward and hugged her next.

"We have missed you so much!" Félix hugged her afterwards with him and his daughter taking one side and his wife and Bruno taking the other.

"We all have..." Dolores stood beside Pepa as she hugged her prima.

"Me too," Mirabel smiled before noticing her eldest sister watching the sight unfold before her from a distance.

The relationship between her and Isabela was very...complicated, for lack of a proper term. It toed the lines between caring and contemptuous, the later years of their childhood undoubtedly leaning into the latter territory rather than the former, which stayed firmly in the early years. However, the day when...Casita collapsed and took Mirabel down with it, those early years came rushing back at full force following their prior reconciliation, which Isabela admitted to herself was not truly official because she believed one simple act of epiphany was not enough to undo years of sisterly neglect and sibling rivalry.

A sight of a grieving mother mourning the death of her child was very much the most unwelcome one, and Isabela had the unfortunate distinction of bearing witness to it a year prior. The memory was vivid and violent, as time stopped for Isabela as her eyes landed on the battered body of her youngest sister. She heard the soft sobs of her aunt and saw the frantic confusion on her mother's face as she still was leaning over Mirabel. And when she heard her mother's screams...

It was too much for her.

Suddenly, Isabela's breath hitched in her throat as she turned and walked away as fast as her legs could carry her, ignoring the concerned calls and cries of her family.

Even more suddenly, Mirabel teleported in front of her to prevent from getting far.

"¡Mierda!"

"Isabela!" Mirabel held her eldest sister close and stared deep into her eyes, "Isabela, it's me! Mirabel...?"

M...

. . .

Mira...

. . .

Mirabel...

What an awful sister she had been to Mirabel. Rotten, even.

She still loved her sister, just not in the way one would expect. She instead loved the way Mirabel had danced through life, unafraid of how silly and clumsy she looked. She had loved the way her sister allowed her curls to do what they wanted to do each day. She had loved the genuine smile that graced her face because no matter what, her sister was always herself.

Yes, Isabela had loved it all.

She had also been disgustingly jealous of it.

Mirabel had no expectations. Mirabel had no pressure from Abuela. Mirabel was free to skip through life with no care in the world. That had been the true source of her ire towards her youngest sister. And although she could not go back to the past and change all those years they were on bad terms, she truly desired a chance for atonement and really had looked into what they might have done after their reconciliation.

After they felt like sisters once again.

. . .

And then Casita went down and buried Mirabel underneath the debris.

And Isabela was ashamed.

Because that jealousy had killed Mirabel in the end.

She sobbed and the stiff, standard posture she had perfected over the years by being graceful and proud shattered again like it had before on that fateful day, leaving behind shaking shoulders and drooped head with hair covering all her features. She felt her hermana's hand wrap around her waist as she gently pulled her in for one final hug.

"You're..." Isabela gulped and persisted through her tears, "You're..."

"Here?" Mirabel smiled despite her own heartbreak, "Alive and well? Yes, Isabela. I'm here...alive and well."

"This...this can't be real. You shouldn't be here."

"Why can't it be real? Why shouldn't I be here?"

"Because...I killed you..."

"No, Isabela," Mirabel briefly broke away and looked at her older sister with a more firm gaze, "You did not kill me. It was my decision to save the candle. It was my decision to save the Miracle. Casita...they tried to save me, and they did their best. It was nobody's fault. I... It was just unexpected, that's all."

Isabela knew that most of what she had said was valid, but it did almost nothing to assuage her fears and worries for Mirabel. She could only continue to hug her sister, burying her head into her shoulder as she attempted to muster an apology.

"I... Still though..."

"Still nothing. If you're trying to apologize, don't. There's nothing to apologize for. I'm here, and that's all that matters."

. . .

"Yeah. You're right."

Isabela and Mirabel continued to share a hug as the rest of the family and townspeople looked on with pride and warm hearts. Not a single word was spoken or a single noise was made.Until...

"Wait a minute!" Camilo suddenly shouted, unintentionally scaring those around him, "Abuela, Antonio! Did you know about...this?! About Mirabel?!"

At that moment, Antonio burst out laughing as he rushed forward and hugged his older cousin.

"And I kept it a secret as long as I could! Did I do good, Mira?"

Mirabel chuckled as she nodded her head, "Yes, you did good, Toñito. You and Abuela."

As Antonio continued hugging Mirabel, Isabela looked up and glanced at Alma, "You knew too? Oh...that's why you were in such a good mood!"

"A very good mood," Alma smiled as she approached Mirabel, "How have your journeys been?"

"Oh, they've been...uneventful for the most part," Mirabel made a so-so hand gesture, "Most of the universes I've visited are still stable, albeit with a few...eventful snags."

While Alma and Antonio listened attentively to the tales told by Mirabel, the rest of the family and townspeople exchanged looks of complete and utter confusion, having been locked out of the loop the first time around. Bruno, Dolores, Mariano, Alejandra, Juancho, Cecilia, Agustín, and Julieta among the many others listened on as her anecdotes involved a vast array of alternate universes.

"Dios mio..." Agustín and Julieta exchanged stunned expressions.

"You've been stuck in an alternate universe for the past year?" Dolores asked.

"Technically, it's an astral plane," Mirabel clarified, "I'm still not sure how most of it works, but...all I know is that it's a realm that exists outside of time and space. Most of the people who populate it are from other universes as well, who ended up...dying like me or ending up in a comatose state. I survived because...the Queen who rules it is a pretty nice woman. She gave me a job in exchange for the oversight and protection of my universe. Of...you guys."

"So you could've left anytime..." Camilo started.

"...but you chose to stay," Bruno finished.

"Because of you guys," Mirabel nodded, "All that talking to myself, wishing that I would get home sooner or later... I didn't know if I would or not."

These series of revelations shook the family and townspeople even further. The sight of an alive and well Mirabel Madrigal was already upsetting to them, but the very idea of a plethora of different dimensions populated by different people was enough for them to brainstorming different theories about the different lives they were presumably living. Did they conform to the rules under a supposely villainous Alma Madrigal? Did they choose to defy the Familia Madrigal and go after their magic? It was understandbly a lot to process.

"But you're here now," Antonio smiled and continued hugging Mirabel, who returned the hug, "And I'm happy to see you, Mira."

"Thanks, Toñito," Mirabel smiled as she knelt down to his level, "Speaking of which, do you remember me saying that I can show you and the rest of our familia where I've been for the past year one day?"

"I remember like it was yesterday!" Antonio nodded before he excitedly gasped in realization, "Is today the day?"

"Today is the day," Mirabel smiled wider before she stood up and nodded, "Familia ...how would you like to attend a wedding?"

The family exchanged confused looks once more.

"Um...what?" Pepa tilted her head in bewilderment.

Two weeks later, Skye woke up with sky high spirits as she literally shot up from bed and got ready for the big day. Thanks to the new machine Miss Lunella had built for her, she was able to brush her teeth, take a shower, and get dressed. Technically, dogs do not usually wear clothes, but she had her Pup-Tag still, and that was all that was needed in her opinion.

That, and the pretty-in-pink dress sprinkled with sparkles and studs required for the special occasion.

Getting dressed in the pretty-in-pink dress in question, Skye smiled wide with pride as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror. Said smile then faltered at the sight of a stray object from the corner of her eye. Acting against her better interest, she walked over to the pink bandana and regarded it with solemn ambivalence. As a reminder of her dark and troubled past, she utterly despised it. At the same time, though, she could not bring herself to discard it after the time she had it on her person. It had been a part of her childhood, no matter how much she would deny it.

"You nervous?"

Skye looked up from her reminiscing and turned to find one of Queen Poppy's friends, a Funk Troll (Miles, right?) donning a black suit with matching bowtie.

"Well...a little," The co*ckapoo admitted before confessing, "I was actually thinking about...my time here."

"You've been here for only a week or two," Miles remarked.

"That's the thing," Skye continued, "I've been here for a week or two, and I'm starting to enjoy my time here. What if...I don't want to go back to my home dimension after all this? What if I can't go back to my home dimension at all? What if my friends don't recognize me? What if they say that I've changed? What if...what if—?"

"Skye! Skye, breathe!" Miles knelt down to Skye's level and rubbed her back with one of his paws, the young co*ckapoo hyperventilating uncontrollably as tears leaked from her eyes. A moment later, she lunged at him and buried her face into his chest, her breathing slowing down. Without hesitation, he returned the hug and comforted her, another moment spent in each other's embrace.

"I do want to go home..." Skye murmured, "but I don't want my family to think I never did..."

Miles understood the feeling Skye had harbored all too well. He had been in the Space Between for a full year now, the second part arriving in the blink of an eye. Just as the organization of so-called heroes and heroines he encountered had come to grips with the fact that the deaths of certain loved ones needed to be ensured to secure the stability of their Multiverse, Miles himself had come to grips with the fact that the events preceding and succeeding the deaths of his own certain loved oves was his own doing. In his eyes, Skye was lucky; at least she had a home to go to.

He had nothing.

No one.

"I understand," Miles finally said, "Believe me when I say I do. I don't know much about your family, but...I can only imagine they would never give up on you if they knew you were here."

When Skye said nothing, Miles continued.

"My familia...they were some of the nicest, kindest people you would ever meet. You would've loved them."

Skye looked up and faced Miles with a shocked expression, guilt prevailing her.

"I'm sorry..."

"It's okay," Miles shook his head, "You didn't know. Before I ended up here, I made a promise to my mom. I promised her wherever I go...I have to promise to take care of a little boy for her. Make sure that little boy never forgets where he came from. And… he never doubts that he is loved. And he never lets anyone tell him he doesn't belong there."

Skye knew who the little boy was, and it did not make things easier to process.

"You think we can make it back home?" Skye leaned her head into Miles' chest.

"I know we can," Miles continued rubbed Skye's back.

. . .

I know you can...

. . .

"Aw! You two are so cute!"

Miles and Skye looked up from their heartfelt moment and towards the doorway to find...

"Ruby?" Miles's jaw hung agape.

"I didn't want to intrude on you giving Skye a pep talk by asking for your opinion on my dress for the wedding," The Techno Troll smiled, "So I decided to let you do your thing and ask you afterwards. So...what do you think?"

Miles and Skye scanned Ruby from head to gill. She was wearing a purple one-shoulder dress sprinkled with sparkles, an ocean blue and seafoam green chain headpiece, and pearl earrings in addition to a purple coral corsage.

"Oh my gosh!" Skye gushed, "Miss Ruby, you look so beautiful!"

"Thank you, Skye," Ruby smiled and acknowledged the puppy's praise, "At least you responded..."

At a loss for words, Miles stammered and set Skye down as he stood up.

"I was...going to..."

Ruby raised her eyebrows at Miles and shot him an expectant look.

"You...do look pretty," Miles admitted with a sheepish grin.

"I know you know," Ruby smiled back and planted a soft kiss on his cheek, "It's what comes with your girlfriend."

As she watched from the ground, Skye softly squeed with delight as Nimona―donning a red-and-black tuxedo with a matching tiara (a leather jacket in place of the usual suit jacket)―passed by and stumbled upon the sickingly sweet scene.

"Ugh. Get a room, you two," Nimona rolled her eyes before she adjusted her bowtie, "or at least close the door of the one you're currently in."

"But Miss Nimona!" Skye protested on their behalf, "They can't help it! They're in love!"

"Well, if that's true―they're in love and can't help it―then they have a problem. Now come on. The rest of the Interdimensional Friends Squad is waiting on us."

"Interdimensional...what?" Ruby exchanged confused looks with Miles and Skye.

"It's what I decided to call us," Nimona clarified, "As Poppy's new best friends, we need a name to set us apart from her old best friends."

"And out of all the names you had lined up, you chose the Interdimensional..." Miles frowned before shaking his head, "Isn't that a bit of a mouthful?"

"Well, I already TMed it," Nimona shrugged, "Now, let's go! The others are waiting."

"Alright!" Skye backflipped again in excitement, "Off to join the other members of the Interdimensional Friends Squad!"

"Skye!" Miles humphed as he crossed his arms, "You can't just―"

"Come on, Miles," Ruby pulled her boyfriend along, "The rest of the Interdimensional Friends Squad is waiting for us."

Miles faced his girlfriend now as she smirked at him, prompting him to roll his eyes and hoist her up into his arms. She then carried her out of the room bridal-style, much to her delight.

"You said that just to make me do this," Miles smirked.

"I did say that just to make you do this," Ruby smiled, planting a kiss on his cheek, much to his delight.

("Bark To The Beat" — McKenna Grace & Blackbear)

As the four of them made their way to the main conference room, Skye howled in enthusiasm and walked over to the rest of the Interdimensional Friends Squad. Raya was dressed in a turquoise green one-sleeve dress with a skirt that reached to her knees and a gold medallion decorated with a detailed flower. Mei was dressed in a red button-up bow neck blouse with short sleeves, a white skirt, and pearl earrings. Skye helped them and the rest of the Squad place the finishing touches on their suits, dresses, tuxedos, and gowns of the like just as they returned the favor.

[Verse 1: McKenna Grace]
It's a new day, it's a new dawn
If I fall down, keep a move on

The young co*ckapoo indeed fell down before she slid back up just in time to Marinette and Camilo to pet her for a job well done.

Chapter 3: Let's Get Married

Chapter Text

The day had finally arrived.

In Bergen Town, the citizens were hustling and bustling all around to get ready for the monumental occasion. Flags were propped up, balloons were being inflated, tables were set up, streamers were strung up, and pews were laid in a row. The Bergens did most of the heavy lifting, but the Country Trolls were no slouches in that particular department either. The rest of the Troll Tribes focused on the drawing, the dressing, the painting, and the wrapping of certain gifts, presents, and decorations galore; given their connections to the Bergens, the Pop Trolls rather unsurprisingly received the largest amount of jobs, but the other five tribes insisted on sharing said jobs to make things much more easier for them.

In any case, the wedding preparations were finished much more faster.

As she went about her job as one of the appointed bouncers (Adora and Catra were covering the other side of Bergen Town, while Miles and Ruby were elsewhere), Sunset loaded her Glock 21 before sliding the pistol into a leg holster hidden beneath her high-neck dress. The dress in question was of a magenta color sprinkled with sparkles and a golden pointed hemline; it came with a matching suit jacket, a golden tiara with studded red rubies, and her black leather boots.

Only a few feet from her was Raya, who was lending a helping hand or two before spotting a few Trolls who were having trouble lifting a few objects up and onto another pile. Sunset watched in awe as the Dragon Troll lifted said few objects up with one hand, floated up, and slid them on top one another to create a makeshift pillar. She then nodded at them in acknowledgement as they thanked her and continued onward before leaning against a conveniently positioned refreshment table. Grabbing a cup of fruit punch for herself, Raya appropriately refreshed up before taking out her SIG-Sauer P226 Super Capacity Tactical and performing a press check.

"You gotta show me how to do that," Sunset chuckled in admiration.

"How to do what?" Raya looked up to find the Country Rock Troll making her way over to her.

"You know what," Sunset leaned against the table beside her, "That."

"Lifting up heavy objects with one hand? Or just being strong in general?" Raya raised an eyebrow before pouring another cup of fruit punch and handing it to her, "Sunset, you've been in the Space Between for the same amount of time as me and the others. If anything, you should be stronger than me."

"But you do it with such...form and finesse," Sunset explained before she took a sip, "From what I've heard, you're this badass warrior born and raised in a universe of badass warriors; you're even a princess. And me? I'm just an ordinary human teenager who was thrown into a world full of anthropomorphic ponies, one of which happens to be my alternate counterpart and a villainous unicorn to boot. I'm not exactly the best at magic."

"At least you have magic," Raya smiled as she refilled her cup, "For me, that's a plus in your book."

"Thanks," Sunset returned the smile as she refilled her cup as well.

"I'd say play to your strengths," Raya continued and suggested, "What you are good at should be expanded upon, and what you are bad at should be improved further. Find out more about your counterpart and discover what pros and cons she has."

Sunset nodded and smiled, "Maybe I will. Thanks, Raya."

"Anytime, Sunset," Raya smiled and nodded back, "Now come on. Adora and Catra will probably chew out for lollygagging on the job."

"For what? Resting for a few minutes?" Sunset got defensive as she threw her and Raya's empty cups, "They have no right. Besides, they'll be probably be too busy getting all lovey-dovey with each other. And on that topic―"

"If you're going to bring up something that involves Mirabel in any shape and form," Raya shot her a death glare, "I strongly advise you from doing so."

As they continued their patrolling, Sunset smirked as she continued her verbal sparring with Raya. At that moment, a portal of blue energy opened up and out walked Mei and her three "Besties". Mei herself was dressed in a red gown with a gold tiara with red diamonds resting atop her head, which slightly shook as she laughed as her three friends examined their new Troll forms with fascination and wonder.

"I still can't believe you're a princess, Mei," Miriam said as she expressed her disbelief.

"Well, "princess" is a loose term," Mei attempted to explain and downplay, "Everybody keeps using it to describe me as the ruler of our dimension, so I just rolled with it."

"Still a princess in our eyes, kid," Sunset chuckled as she and Raya made her way over.

"Sunset! Raya!" Mei exclaimed excitedly as she ran over to them, hugging the latter first before the former first. From a few feet away, Miriam, Priya, and Abby stood there starstruck at the two Trolls their leader greeted with utmost respect.

"Hey, Mei-Mei," Raya smiled before kneeling down to her little sister's level, "How was the trip?"

"A little better than I thought it would be," Mei admitted, "And I brought three of my friends with my mother's permission!"

"Did you actually ask your mother?" Sunset smirked as Raya shot her a light warning look.

"She did!" Miriam spoke up in defense of her friend as she rushed over, "She did ask Mrs. Lee! We were...witnesses."

"Alright then," Sunset raised her hands up in surrender.

Raya shook her head as she shook hands with Miriam, "Sorry about my friend. She's like that a lot. It's nice to meet you."

"Same here," Miriam nodded as she introduced herself and the other two, "I'm Miriam, and these are our two friends, Priya and Abby. I don't know if Mei has told you about us, so..."

"It's nice to meet you, Priya and Abby," Raya greeted the two girls and nodded, "And yes, Mei has told me a lot about you. Has she told you a lot about me , however?"

"Only the important parts," Mei laughed awkwardly, "But they quickly lost focus when I told them about...You-Know-Who..."

"How could we not?!" Abby suddenly screamed, frightening her, Miriam, and Sunset, "We're so glad that our best friend has a boyfriend! And we would've been okay if that boyfriend was a girlfriend instead!"

"Abby," Priya narrowed her eyes at her friend, "Reel it in, girl. Save your tears and cheers for when we actually meet him."

"Speaking of which," Miriam glanced around, "Where is he now? When do we actually get to meet him?"

"I actually don't know," Mei admitted, "He may be arriving a little late grabbing presents for the happy couple."

"I may exaggerated that part..."

Mei, Miriam, Priya, Abby, Raya, and Sunset looked up to find Alberto himself...blocked from their line of sight by a tower of presents for the happy couple. The former immediately went to her boyfriend's aid and helped set down the gifts.

"Exaggerated? Alberto, you could've just called me—!"

Whatever anger and concern Mei may have mustered to confront Alberto quickly went out the window the moment she laid eyes on him. He was dressed up in a dark blue tuxedo with matching pants (it was a miracle that it did not blend in with his blue skin), a purple long-sleeve button-up collared shirt, and a pink bowtie. Such a simple get-up, such a beautiful specimen...in the eyes of her, anyway.

"I mean..." Mei bashfully smiled as she turned away to hide a blush, "It's good to see you."

"Same here, Mei," Alberto smirked as he leaned in a suave manner against the boxes...which toppled over and sent him falling down along with them. Barely managing to hold back a giggle fit, Mei helped him up and kissed him on the cheek, rendering a blushing mess.

"Ooohhh!" Miriam, Priya, and Abby swooned for their happy couple, Sunset rolling her eyes and Raya shaking her head.

Outside of Bergen Town, a portal of blue energy was conjured and emerged from it a group of 17 people...plus one jaguar, one toucan, and one capybara. Now fully transformed into Latin Trolls, the Familia Madrigal (plus Alejandra, Juancho, Cecilia, Mariano, and Mariano's grandmother) looked in awe and wonder with a little bit of caution as they took in their new forms.

"Do I look okay, Félix?" Pepa fretted.

"Yes, mi querida," Félix nodded as he smiled wide, "You look beautiful as always."

As Pepa returned the smile, Camilo rolled his eyes before walking over to his mother and assuaging her fears, "You look fine, mamá."

A few feet from where the family stood, Poppy arrived with Miles and Ruby just as Twilight, Flash, and Skye met with them on the ground. Her dress made to impress consisted of a sleeveless dress with green, pink, and purple vertical stripes on her torso that formed a small V-shapred neckline; a pink satin low-to-high skirt that bore a resemblance to cotton candy clouds and trailed in the back; and a blue and green knitted headband with multi-colored pom-poms; and pink leg warmers with red stripes. In addition, the top of her hair had glowing purple, green and pink streaks.

"Princess Skye, Princess Twilight, and Prince Flash!" Poppy greeted the trio happily, "How are you three?"

"Doing quite well, Queen Poppy!" Skye replied in an equally happily manner before performing a backflip in excitement..before blushing in embarrassment, "Oops. Sorry, Queen Poppy."

"It's quite alright, Princess Skye," Poppy knelt down to her level and ruffled her fur, "We're all pretty excited for this occasion."

"Just try not to dance the way you did at the celebratory banquet, okay, Twilight?" Flash asked as he straightened his suit.

"Um, what's that supposed to mean?" Twilight adjusted the bow on her waist.

"You know what that's supposed to mean."

"Oh, come on!" Twilight crossed her arms, "It's not like my four-hoof style of dancing hurt anypony!"

"Actually, it hurt some people," Ruby smiled awkwardly.

"A lot of people did," Miles added with a chuckle, "Ponies included."

As Twilight groaned and face-palmed herself, Poppy spotted Mirabel and excused herself from the group.

"Mirabel! How are you doing?"

"Is it mandatory for you to ask how I'm doing every time I go on a trip?" Mirabel frowned and raised an eyebrow.

"Oh... Um..."

"I'm kidding!" Mirabel's face suddenly lit up as she spread out her arms, "Put 'em there, sister!"

Poppy squeed and practically launched herself at her best friend, whom she hugged and spun around.

"But seriously, though," Mirabel smirked as they slowed down, "I've been gone for like only a few days at the most."

"A few days is a few too many!"

"Poppy, you of all people should know time and space work differently in the Multiverse," Mirabel shook her head before spotting Camilo shapeshift into the Troll forms of his family members, "Oh, come on! I want you to my familia!"

Practically pulling Poppy along, Mirabel grabbed her family's attention, "Familia! It is a honor to introduce the Pop Troll who I've worked with and looked up to for the past year here! Meet Queen Poppy!"

Antonio, Alejandra, Juancho, and Cecilia were the first to rush forward, hugging Poppy all over and talking all over each other in an attempt to ask her questions and/or thank her for taking care of Mirabel.

Shaking her head, Julieta approached next, followed by Agustín as they both plucked the children off her.

"Hola, Reina Poppy," Julieta greeted and introduced herself and the rest of the family, "I'm Julieta, Mirabel's mother. You've obviously met my husband Agustín and my nephew Antonio. This is my brother Bruno, my sister Pepa, my brother-in-law Félix, my two daughters Isabela and Luisa, my niece Dolores, my eldest nephew Camilo, and my Abuela Alma. I must say again, thank you for keeping an eye on mi vida and protecting her during her stay here."

"Oh, it was nothing," Poppy waved her gratitude off, "If anything, Mirabel's been keeping an eye on me. And before you ask, she hasn't been giving me too much trouble."

"Why would I?" Mirabel laughed, "I have no reason to. You're like a sister to me!"

"Aw, Mirabel! You're too sweet!"

Against her better interest, Isabela felt a tinge of unintentional jealousy deep within her as she watched her youngest sister playfully interact and converse with this...Pop Troll she called Queen Poppy. Do not get her wrong, the Pop Queen seemed nice and friendly enough to warrant calling her a friend of Mirabel's, but her best friend and a sister figure to her? It slightly riled her up, though thankfully not enough to make a scene. At the same time, she could not help but blame herself. Her own insecurities and misgivings of acting as a proper older sister towards Mirabel came back full force, the pressures of acting as a pinnacle of prim, proper poise often clashing with the responsibilities in question. Come to think of it, never once did she apologize to her, let alone get a chance to consider an apology due to the escalating events from that fateful day.

Feeling a hand lightly grasp hers, Isabela glanced down to find her left hand clasped together with Luisa's own right. Her second youngest sister flashed her a small smile, and Isabela tried her best to return it.

"Tried" was the key word.

"Speaking of which," Mirabel glanced around, "Where's your sister? She said she was supposed to meet us here, right?"

"Hmm," Poppy rubbed her chin, "Yes, she did. Where is she...?"

. . .

"AAAHHH—!"
SPLAT!

Their heads shooting up in unison at the sound of a Pop Troll landing face-first into the rocky surface, Poppy, Mirabel, and the others in the surrounding vicinity turned around to find Viva remaining motionless on the ground for a brief moment before she shot up without a single scratch on her, being none the wiser as she brushed off the dust off her signature outfit.

"Viva!" Poppy and Mirabel called out as the latter's family blinked in bewilderment.

"Poppy! Mirabel!" Viva called back as she rushed forward and playfully tackled them, sending them tumbling to the ground again. Shooting up quickly, the three of them shared a group hug before pulling away.

"Viva! You showed up!" Poppy smiled.

"Of course I did!" Viva smiled back, "I wouldn't miss a chance to attend mi hermana honoraria's wedding day."

Mirabel smiled as well before frowning, "But...Bridget's been your hermana honoraria for only the past two months."

"Two months is too good to pass up!" Viva replied while clasping her hands together, "Getting to know each other as sisters is kinda the point of being sisters!"

Poppy scanned Viva from head to toe before asking, "It's still off-putting for you that Bridget is a non-villainous Bergen, right?"

Viva's smile fell and she nodded sadly, "Yeah...and I hate myself for it."

"Then don't," Poppy continued smiling, "Bridget isn't usually the one to hold grudges or eat Trolls, even back in the day. She's one of the sweetest, most kindhearted people I've ever met, Bergen or otherwise."

"And I trust you," Viva tried to smile again, "But...all those years, my people have been living in isolation and then the Trolls and the Bergens declared a truce? And then...I find out you died during that time before you came back to life... It's just...a lot to take in."

"And we'll be there to endure with you," Mirabel smiled, to which Viva smiled again and hugged her again, followed by Poppy.

After a moment, the three of them separated before Poppy asked again, "So...where's Mom?"

"Mom's helping Amethyst and Sonata with a few errands before arriving," Viva responded, "And she asked me to ask you to help Branch with something."

"What was that something?" Mirabel raised an eyebrow.

"Not sure," Viva replied, "But she said it shouldn't be too serious."

"Alright then! Lead the way!" Poppy smiled as Viva led her, Twilight, Flash, Skye, Miles, and Ruby into the heart of Bergen Town...despite the Pop Queen realizing what exactly that something involving her boyfriend was.

"Well, I'll meet up with you guys later!" Mirabel called out, "I gotta give my family a tour around!"

"Be there in time for the ceremony!" Poppy called back.

"Still on fire, BTDubs!"

"Thank you!"

Mirabel laughed as she turned back to address her family.

Suddenly, Camilo's nose twitched at the pleasant aroma of...

Tomato sauce and cheese...?

"What is that smell?" A now entranced Camilo felt his mouth drool, which Dolores winced at and prompted her to wipe it with a hankerchief.

"They call it pizza," Mirabel replied, "They take the dough that make breads and flatten it into a disk before spreading tomato sauce and sprinkling mozzarella cheese on top in that order."

Camilo and the three children oohed and ahhed in enchantment.

"Come on!" Mirabel beckoned them along, "I'll show you all the way."

With the eager Camilo, Alejandra, Juancho, and Cecilia in the front, the group followed Mirabel to the entrance of Bergen Town. Upon entering, with the exception of Alma, Antonio, and the four hungry individuals mentioned, the majority was floored by the presence of the town's inhabitants. Needless to say, their appearances were quite...frightening.

Compared to them and the other creatures known as Trolls they were working alongside with, the Bergens were giants that fittingly towered above them. Their skin complexion was either dull green, dull blue, or dull purple; their clothes often shared dissimilar tones, however. The scleras of their eyes were colored either white, light red, light blue, or light green, while their irises were prominently red; a few assortment of blues and greens were present here and there. Their fingers and toes had nails of the same color as their skin; on that topic, they had three fingers and a single thumb on each hand and four toes on each foot. Their bodies were often covered with moles, their faces had blemishes akin to warts, and their alarmingly large sharpened teeth were usually maligned or rarely broken.

Despite their scary appearance, the creatures known as Bergens seemed surprisingly friendly and affable enough to keep cordial relations with the Trolls, who in turn regarded them with the utmost respect. The group's uncertain fear and caution was something Mirabel noticed the more she watched them and momentarily stopped in her tracks to address the issue.

"Don't worry, mi familia," Mirabel smiled in reassurance, "I know the Bergens may seem scary and intimidating on the outside, but they're warm and cuddly on the inside."

"Why, thank you, Miss Mirabel!" A purple Bergen with green eyes, a white afro, and a yellow robe with star earrings approached the group and knelt down to Mirabel's level, "I appreciate you putting in a good word for us with your folks."

"I feel like it's an obligation, Miss Maxine," Mirabel smiled with a shrug, "I figured I should say something in case the vibes become off."

Antonio, Alejandra, Juancho, and Cecilia gasped in wonder and laughed in excitement as they rushed forward past Mirabel and towards Miss Maxine, who similarly gushed at the sight of four children regarding her with fascination.

"Aw, now aren't you all such cutie patooties!" Miss Maxine gently patted their heads with a finger, prompting them to giggle with delight.

"Miss Maxine, this is my little cousin Antonio," Mirabel introduced her cousin and the other three children, "And these are his friends Alejandra, Juancho, and Cecilia. They, along with my family, are attending as special guests at the royal wedding."

"Ah!" Miss Maxine nodded in understanding before remembering an important detail, "Oh! I figured I forgot something! I think one of Queen Poppy's friends is having an...existential crisis or something like that?"

"Uh-oh," Mirabel winced before turning her attention to her tour group, "Sorry, mi familia, but I have to deal with this slight emergency."

"Do what you must, Mirabel," Alma nodded with a smile, "Help your friend."

"But I can't let you continue on with the tour without a guide," Mirabel rubbed her chin in contemplation before another portal of blue energy opened up a few feet from where the group stood.

Out walked a young Rock Troll with muddy red skin, black shoulder-length hair with blue reflections that was tied up in a bun, bright bluebell eyes, light pink lips, and light freckles on both cheeks and the nose of her bridges. She wore a white dress with delicate lace detailing that was decorated with a lace overlap and pink sugar skulls on the neckline with cap sleeves; the midi-length skirt was also embroidered with lace and small and medium sized flowers at the front. The shoes she wore with the dress were white pumps with a low heel, while her accessories were a white circular shaped bag with a pink sugar skull and beaded straping in addition to a pair of red-and-black earrings that vaguely resembled the elytra of a ladybug.

The attention of Antonio, Alejandra, Juancho, and Cecilia was now stolen by the pretty lady in the white dress.

"Wow..." Cecilia gasped, "You look so beautiful!"

"Oh, thank you," Marinette blushed at the compliment before scanning herself from head to toe, "Is it a little much?"

"Of course not, Marinette," Mirabel shook her head and waved her hand, "You look amazing as always. A given, considering you're the resident designer with a passion for fashion."

"I pretty sure that description fits you too," Marinette smiled in confusion.

"Ehh, I'm more than willing to share the spotlight with you, my bestie," Mirabel flashed a thumbs up at the young fashion designer, who laughed as she rolled her eyes before pulling the older Troll in for a hug.

"It's good seeing you again, Mira."

"The feeling's mutual, Mari."

As the rest of the group regarded the scene unfolding before them with heartfelt warmth, Marinette noticed them as well. Specifically, her focus was pinpointed to one particular member of the family.

"Oh, Camilo! Hi!"

"Oh, no..." Mirabel's eyes suddenly widened as she called out through gritted teeth, "Mari, that's not—!"

Marinette did not give Mirabel the chance to finish whatever she was about to say. She was already dashing toward Camilo, whom she pulled in for a tight hug. This understandably caught the rest of his family off guard; specifically, his parents shot a questioning look at Mirabel, who smiled nervously and awkwardly all the same as her eyes darted back and forth between them and her twin cousin. Camilo himself could not care less as this pretty girl who apparently knew him was currently coddling him.

"I was just thinking about you!" Marinette smiled as she admitted bashfully.

"Um...you were—?"

Before anyone could blink, Marinette planted a big kiss on Camilo's lips, shocking and surprising everyone within their range. Antonio, Alejandra, Juancho, Cecilia, and even Miss Maxine exchanged giggles amongst each other as Mirabel facepalmed in disappointment with herself. As Marinette pulled away, Camilo was left a blushing and stammering mess, but he nevertheless listened as she incessantly rambled on.

"So...I made you a special tuxedo for you to wear during the wedding. I did my best to pay homage to your roots while also making sure it was tailored to actually fit you. Then there was the issue with the body armor. I was debating on letting Queen Poppy perform a non-compliant protection spell, but that's the thing: it's a non-compliant protection spell, so—"

"I think both are good."

Suddenly, another Camilo appeared from the same portal, donning a black suit jacket above his signature beige button down collared shirt, a gold yellow waistcoat, black dress trousers with matching dress shoes that had a beige rim. Adjusting his cufflinks, he nonchalantly nodded and noted to his girlfriend.

"Guess a little more protection couldn't hurt—"

Then, one glimpse of his girlfriend hugging who appeared to be a second Camilo Madrigal basically took whatever he was planning to say next and tossed out the window with little care. He should have been mad...but he was not. Instead, he smirked, shook his head, and turned to face his twin cousin.

"Weren't you forgetting something, Mirabel?"

"I was going to tell her," Mirabel chuckled nervously, Marinette's eyes widening in shock while in the background, "But it was a lost cause."

"Omigosh, omigosh, omigosh...!" Marinette's eyes then darted back and forth between the two variants of her boyfriend before apologizing to them both, "I am so sorry, Camilo! I did not know!"

"I mean," The first Camilo chuckled, "I'm not mad, but I should be."

"She kissed you, huh?" The second Camilo turned his attention to his alternate counterpart, who nodded bashfully as Marinette blushed and hid behind her hands. He chuckled in amusem*nt as well as he rolled his eyes and made his way over. Taking Marinette by the hand, he spun her away and into his arms.

"Well," Camilo smiled more sincerely, "I'm proud of the fact that you still love me no matter which me it is."

Marinette smiled back and softly pecked him on the cheek, "I love you too."

Once more, Antonio, Alejandra, Juancho, Cecilia, and Miss Maxine all awwed and expressed their pleasure at the heartwarming sight. This time, they were joined by the rest of the family, particularly Pepa and Félix. Even the alternate Camilo admired that he (in another universe) found a girlfriend he could love and care for.

Mirabel smiled as she shook her head, "Hey, lovebirds! I need you to focus! I need you to lead the rest of the group on a tour guide through Bergen Town while I tend to my friend! Actually...which specific friend needed my help again, Miss Maxine?"

"Oh, well..." Miss Maxine rubbed her chin briefly before snapping her fingers, "She had magenta skin, a dark purple nose with matching eyes, and lavender hair with bright pink highlights tied up into a ponytail held by a golden scrunchy."

"Melody..." Mirabel nodded before climbing aboard one of her hands, "Alright then. Take me to her."

As Miss Maxine nodded and turned heel to carry Mirabel away, the Latin Troll turned heel to face her family one more time, "Just listen to what Marinette and the other Camilo say and I'll meet up with you guys later! Be safe!"

Mirabel and Miss Maxine made their way to Melody just as the Familia Madrigal were led away by Marinette and the alternate Camilo, both groups passing by another blue portal opening up.

Mr. Wolf, Sofia, and Esteban arrived at Bergen Town next, observing the festivities from the ground. Mr. Wolf wore a royal blue suit ensemble: a dark blue blazer fastened over a plain white dress shirt, dark blue dress pants, black dress shoes, a black leather belt, and cobalt-blue bowtie. Sofia wore a lavender princess gown that faded into lilac near the bottom and came with a crystal, amethyst, and pearl-inlaid tiara. Esteban wore a wine red blazer over a blue dress shirt, a yellow dress vest, blue and yellow neckerchiefs, white dress pants, and black boots.

Sofia immediately went to the aid of both the Trolls and the Bergens, with Esteban watching over her with both caution and pride. Noticing this, Mr. Wolf chuckled and patted his shoulder.

"You shouldn't need to worry about Sofia," Mr. Wolf said, "I think she's perfectly capable of taking care of herself."

"I know she is," Esteban sighed, "And she's not who I am worried about."

Mr. Wolf raised a single eyebrow, but Princess Peach exited through the portal before he could question him further. Donning her signature pink princess gown, she assisted Sofia as Mr. Wolf and Esteban took it as their cue to follow suit.

"Are you nervous, Sofia?" Peach asked as she helped her lift up a gift box or two.

"A little," Sofia admitted with a nod as she levitated the gift box she had, "But truth be told, this isn't my first wedding. It was actually between Aunt Tilly and her betrothed Sir Bartleby. It...didn't go as planned. Long story short, my stepbrother James wasn't the heir to the throne, my stepsister Amber was. He got jealous, tried to get Amber removed from her position, was remorseful, and then he figured he was better as a knight."

As Sofia smiled at the fond memory, Peach blinked in bewilderment.

"I get what you mean, Sofia," Twilight approached with Flash, Miles, Ruby, and Skye, "I remember my first wedding. My brother was the Captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard, and he was getting engaged to Princess Cadance, who happened to be my foalsitter when I was younger. The thing was, I didn't recognize her because she was listed under her full name. ThenI found out that Princess Cadance was actually a Changeling in disguise and she was attempting to take over Canterlot and consequently Equestria. Then the Storm King and his army arrived and invaded Canterlot in her stead, prompting me and my friends to embark on a journey to find the mystical Hippogriffs who could turn into Seaponies. Then, when they refused to help us, I went alone...well, technically with my friends, both old and new, and we ended up kicking their flanks six ways to Sunday. Then...I ended up dying and ended up in the Space Between along with Sunset and Flash. But everything worked out in the end, so that's all that mattered!"

Twilight smiled wide, oblivious to the growing looks of astonishment (Princess Peach, Miles, Sofia, Skye, and Mr. Wolf), horror (Esteban and Ruby), and even embarrassment (Flash only).

Mr. Wolf exchanged looks with Esteban, "And...you're not still mentally recovering from all of that?"

"Nope!" Twilight's smile grew wider, a groaning Flash face-palming in the background.

Shaking her head in disbelief, Peach cleared her throat and turned to face Sofia, "Well, Sofia, there's one thing to learn from those tales, and I think you know what it is."

Sofia smiled and nodded, "Your path might not go as expected, but you may find it's what you want in the end."

"That's right," Peach smiled as she gently planted a kiss on Sofia's forehead, causing her to giggle in delight.

"Well..." Ruby and Miles exchanged looks before smiling awkwardly, "I'm gonna go...play with confetti."

"I'm gonna...finger paint."

"Paw paint, sweetie?"

"Oh, yeah. Paw paint, honey."

After a moment of similar awkward laughter, Miles and Ruby went their separate ways...or tried to, as they went kept sprinting in the same direction.

"Are they okay?" Twilight frowned as she tilted her head.

"You gave them pre-wedding jitters, honey," Flash smiled.

"More like pre-pre-pre wedding jitters," Mr. Wolf chuckled and shook his head, Twilight suddenly understanding and groaning in agitation.

"I hope my wedding doesn't end up like that," Skye commented absentmindedly.

"You're not there yet, young Skye," Esteban smiled despite himself.

As they did so, the Familia Madrigal ventured in the heart of the town, the other members of the Interdimensional Friends Squad unwittingly following them as they went.

Eventually, a trio of large leather-clad creatures with wings, a single tuft of hair, and zipper-like teeth quite literally burst onto the scene, landing a few feet in front of the group, who understandably backed away in alarm. The mouth of the one closest to the group unzipped open and a female Rock Troll with a red mohawk stepped out. Despite being supposedly dressed up for the occasion, her attire was still considered...rather racy and rambunctious in the eyes of the foreign Trolls. She wore a white leather jacket with spiked wrist cuffs and colorful badges ranging from a cupcake to a Sheriff star, a black collared crop top with a black knee-length skirt cut out at the front of her right leg to reveal tight yet sensible black leather shorts, a white bowtie, golden necklaces, and her signature black fishnet leggings customized with thick black cuffs at the ankles.

"The Queen has arrived!" Barb exclaimed, many of the Trolls and Bergens regarding her with indifference.

"Queen Barb!" Marinette, on the other hand, gasped in surprise and charged forward to give her a hug.

"Hey, kid," Barb returned the hug and ruffled her hair, "How's Priscilla holding up?"

"Oh, she's seen better days," Marinette admited with a shrug as she pulled away, "But she's showing signs of improvement."

"Unlike Fishboy here," Barb gestured with her thumb at a Techno Troll currently upchucking his lunch in a nearby trash bin. Said Techno Troll was currently dressed in a black suit jacket, a neon purple button-up collared shirt with a black vest decorated in blue and purple pixels, a pair of silver chain bracelets with light blue bubble charms, and a silver holographic crown resting on his head. When he was done, a Pop Troll with a pink wishstone dressed in a light blue sleeveless dress with sparkles smiled sympathetically as she patted him on the back.

"You can't really blame him, Barb," DJ chastised her friend lightly, "It was your Angler-Bus, after all."

"Never again..." Trollex groaned in disgust and disorientation, "will I take your offer...to board an Angler-Bus...for anything and everything."

"For anything and everything?" Barb raised an eyebrow in suspicion, "Everything...everywhere...all at once?"

"All of it...always...all over the place," Trollex nodded as he rested his head on his arms while DJ continued patting his back, the rest of the Familia Madrigal exchanged worried glances with Marinette, the alternate Camilo, the amused Barb, and each other.

"WOO-HOO!"

The group on the ground looked up to Miles swooping down before firing his webs all over the place to create streamers that Harper could work with. Painting with all the colors of the wind (either by brush, spray, or can-dumping), the Maker Troll leaped from web to web with Miles' assistance. As she did, Archer arrived with Lunella, Bella Brightly, and a lovesick expression on his face.

"I love that girl," Archer swooned.

"I love weddings," Bella sighed.

"I don't love either of you," Lunella frowned, "But I'm here, so make of that what you will..."

At the same time on the other side of Bergen Town, Mirabel thanked Miss Maxine and sent her on her way as she made her way inside the castle. Taking deep breaths, she teleported up the stairs before bolting towards the room Melody was in.

"Melody? Miss Maxine said you were having an existential crisis, so I thought I should—"

Once again, the Latin Troll was not given a chance to finish whatever sentence her head was conjuring up due to the instance of a close friend caught in an unexpected or inexplainable situation. This time, that close friend was Melody Song, a Pop Rock Troll whom Mirabel was not particularly close to, but was most definitely a sweetheart based on Poppy's words about her. Kindhearted, collected, and well-meaning were among the terms used to describe her...but rarely manic, scatterbrained, and absolutely passionate.

This was apparently one of those rare times, it would seem.

Far from her usual outfit that combined and distilled the famous elements of her two primary musical genres, Melody was currently dressed in an entirely different outfit that was completely...insane, for lack of a better term. Leaning towards more Pop than Rock and Pop Rock, she was wearing a sparkly, rainbow-glittered T-shirt; long pants with bubble decoy designs that made it look like actual bubbles were covering her legs; bright yellow boots; a pink, blue, red, and orange boa made entirely of colorful cotton balls; glitterly silver gloves; bright green swirly party glasses; and a hairstyle that could be only described as swooped up in a circular bun with a bright neon scrunchie that repeatedly glowed different colors.Laid out a few feet from her was a pair of scrapbooks laced with lace and garnished with glitter, while laid near her actual feet were a glue gun and a container of sparkles.

Sparing a glance at the first four items in the room, Mirabel then spared another at the fifth item, who shot her a guilty and apologetic smile draped with nervousness. Returning a calm yet confused smile at Melody, she shook her head.

"Do I...want to know?"

"I don't think so," Melody nervously chuckled, "But I'm willing to explain."

"Please do."

"It's..." Melody shrugged, "It's kinda hard to."

"Kinda?"

"It's...rather familial."

"Is Val giving you a hard time?"

"No! I mean, it's not that. It's just that..."

Melody sat down with a sigh as Mirabel carefully maneuvered her way to her, taking a seat beside her on the bed.

"Queen Poppy has been allowing her new friends to invite their family members, close friends, and other loved ones," Melody explained, "And with the exception of my mother and older cousin...I'm practically an only child. I don't have a sibling to call my own, older and younger than me. I don't know if I'm getting...what was the term again? Empty nest syndrome? I'm not a parent, but still..."

"So Miss Maxine was right," Mirabel smiled despite the seriousness of the situation, "That is an existential crisis."

"Don't get me wrong," Melody clarified further, "I love Val as an older sister. But...her energy can be a little much for me."

"I get it," Mirabel chuckled, "Taken from my experience of being a part of a large family, my siblings can radiate a different kind of energy every time I interact with them. But over the years, I learned how to grow from and adapt to it. Being a part of a family isn't always easy; in fact, it's fricking complicated. But...sometimes, it may be worth it."

Giving the older Troll's words a thought, Melody nodded and smiled before hugging Mirabel's side.

"Maybe," Melody murmured, "Thank you, Mirabel."

"Anytime, kid," Mirabel returned the hug before scanning her up and down, "But...are you sure that's what you want to wear at the wedding?"

Melody glanced up and down at herself before smiling awkwardly.

Meanwhile, in the heart of Bergen Town stood the former Troll Tree, still littered with empty pods and vacant homes. One specific pod was white with gold accents with a single green-and-blue vine helping it remain. With the exception of a few furniture, it remained in a standstill the day its occupants left. Inside was a Pop Troll by the name of Branch, who was dressed in a sparkly green suit jacket with a white long-sleeved button-up collared shirt, matching leafy vest, dress pants, and a blue bowtie. Dressed up for a special occasion, he felt like he was not dressed up enough to mask his nervousness and uncertainty regarding said special occasion. It was somewhat ironic considering he himself was not the one getting married, but rather the King and Queen of Bergen Town.

Viva dropped off Poppy, whom she silently flashed a thumbs at before taking her leave.

Groove about to take flight?
Cause the night is young
And the music's on
And we got love on sight

The sky was the limit
Now the stars where we livin'
It's the vibe when we're in it
It'll blow your mind

It's so perfect, perfect, perfect
A hundred percent...

Allowing the record to echo around the pod, Branch continuously switched his attention between the record cover and the record itself. So caught up in his reminiscing was Branch that he failed to notice the door opening and Poppy hopping inside. Noticing her boyfriend's saddened look and stance, the Pop Queen did her best to maintain a more calm and cheerful demeanor. Watching the story's events unfold before her eyes did little wonders for her, and she felt the urge to tell him upfront that the subject that was causing him pain was causing her pain as well.

Shaking her head and placing it aside for now, Poppy placed on a smile and cleared her throat, "Branch?"

"What?" His ears perking up, Branch looked up and turned to face Poppy, flashing his best smile as well while lifting the record off the player, "Oh. Hey."

"Are you all right?" Poppy tilted her head in concern, "You're smiling and crying at the same time. It kinda looks like it's hurting your face."

Branch nodded in admittance, "It does hurt my face. I guess I'm just missing my, um…grandma."

He took the record and slid it back in its cover before showing it to Poppy, "I was just listening to some of her old records."

"BroZone?" Poppy gasped in excitement and quickly but carefully snatched the record from him, "No way! I love BroZone!"

"Really?" Branch's pitch went momentarily high in response before clearing his throat, "I mean, really?"

"I didn't know you liked them too."

"I don't. I'm actually...hatelistening. It's a new thing. My grandma had very questionable taste."

Branch gestured around the pod as Poppy listened attentively, albeit in mild confusion, "I mean, just look at how she decorated this place. I'm sorry, but there are some things that shouldn't be macraméd. Am I right?"

"Um..." Poppy eventually frowned as her eyes darted around, "It kinda seems like there's something you're not telling me."

"What?" Branch shook his head, "Pfft. Don't be silly. No."

"Hey," Poppy gently took his hands with hers, "I need you to be real with me. It seems like more than a macramé issue."

She and Branch exchanged mild chuckles before she smiled at him.

"If you're having feelings, you can talk about them with me."

"Okay," Branch sighed, "You're right."

Poppy shot Branch an expectant look to allow him express his true feelings, even if she had to admit it was not exactly the most appropriate of times. She began to wonder if this was the best decision for him as well. She had knowledge of the forthcoming events, and he did not know that she knew as of now. How was she supposed to tell him that?

In contrast, Branch was having trouble explaining his troubles to Poppy. Although a part of him did respect her wanting to listen and let him confide in her, he just felt so...unsure on what exactly to say. The assuring look on his girlfriend's face did not help his matters.

How was he going to tell Poppy that he used to be in BroZone, the once hot boy band on the block?

How was he going to tell Poppy that the members of BroZone were his former brothers?

How was he going to tell Poppy that said former brothers, on that fateful night, never saw one another again after essentially disbanding the group?

. . .

Well, he needed to give himself more time to plan it out.

"Oh, hey! Look at the time!" Branch pointed his nonexistent watch, "We're gonna be late to the royal wedding! Let's go get married!"

"Branch?" Poppy's eyes widened in surprise as she briefly pulled Branch back.

"What?" Branch blinked before his own eyes widened in surprise, remembering the words that came out of his own mouth, "I mean, let's get Bridget and Gristle married."

"Yeah…" Poppy chuckled nervously, "Oh, because it would be weird if we got married."

"Yeah," Branch agreed awkwardly, "So weird. Duh."

"Wow. The weirdest. Ha. It's, like, weird that we're still talking about how weird it was. It's, like...15 seconds later."

"Yeah. Blech."

"Blech. Duh."

As Poppy and Branch exchanged strained grins with each other, the former honked her own nose as a sign of goodwill toward the latter, who smiled back as they hopped out of the pod and hitched a ride aboard two Glowflies.

("Let's Get Married" — Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Anderson .Paak, Kenan Thompson, Kunal Nayyar, Icona Pop, Ron Funches, Gwen Stefani, Rachel Bloom, Lauren Mayhew, Zooey Deschanel, Kyla Carter, Anthony Ramos, Abby Ryder Fortson, Vladimir Caamaño, Anita Kalathara, Megan Hilty, J.P. Karliak, Michael-Leon Wooley, Jeanine Mason, Kelly Clarkson, Sam Rockwell, Ashly Burch, Karan Soni, Quvenzhané Wallis, Xolo Maridueña, Kat Graham, Jamie Dornan, J Balvin, James Corden, Red Velvet, Ester Dean, Gustavo Dudamel, Stephanie Beatriz, Kelly Marie Tran, Shameik Moore, Lana Condor, Sabrina Carpenter, Charlene Yi, Russell Brand, Cristina Vee, Rhenzy Feliz, Jack Dylan Grazer, Ariel Winter, Rosalie Chiang, Aimee Carrero, AJ Michalka, Christian Lanz, Tara Strong, Chloë Grace Moretz, Vincent Tong, Rebecca Shoichet, Tru Valentino, Diamond White, Amanda Leighton, Skylar Astin, Dove Cameron, Tom Holland, Chloe Bennet, Hailee Steinfeld, Florence Pugh, Erin Moriarty, Olivia Holt, Aubrey Joseph, Jenna Ortega, Anya Taylor-Joy, Berenice Amador, Jamila Hache, Betsy Sodaro, Jonah Platt, Sainty Nielsen, Larissa Gallagher, Eric Lopez, Judy Alice Lee, Jennifer Sun Bell, Victoria Grace, Declan Churchill Carter, Kevin Michael Richardson, Walt Dohrn, John Leguizamo, Idina Menzel, Lin Manuel-Miranda, Sofia Carson, Tyler Posey, Phillipa Soo, Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Britt McKillip, Camila Cabello & Nicole Kidman)

The loving couple flew down to the town as they flew past the inhabitants, who were placing the final touches on the decorations. As they did so, more and more guests were arriving by the boatload. Hickory, Dickory, Chaz, Tresillo, Marimba, Tambora, Diogo, Sun Lien, Dulce, Lucas, Creek, Rhythm & Blues, Callie, Harper, Archer, Bliss Marina, Amethyst, and Viva...everyone was invited!

[Chorus: Anna Kendrick & Justin Timberlake]

Aboard their Glowflies, Poppy and Branch often switched their positions with a single hop, dancing and singing along in celebratory mode. They watched as Cooper, Prince D, and their parents helped set up the food on its namesake table. Cooper was wearing a silver tie and a matching top hat decorated in colorful buttons, while Prince D was wearing a silver bow tie, and matching silver sunglasses over his eyes. King Quincy was wearing a dark blue tuxedo jacket with a light blue tie, his fanciest rings on his toes, and a gold feathery boa in place of his regular gold cape. Queen Essence was sporting a silver dress with a small hem cut at her knees, a lilac fur scarf around her neck, and three various tones of gold necklaces around her neck, and her hair was in a French braid, sprinkled with a light touch of glitter.

Keep it comin', love
Keep it comin', love
Don't stop it, I won't stop it, no
We don't stop it, girl, don't stop

As they flew on, they passed by Queen Barb and King Trollex, the latter being nudged by the former through the appearance of DJ Suki and her niece CJ with her friends Keith and Priscilla. The both of them were dressed in a light blue dress with sparkles and matching bracelets, but DJ's had a high-neck design compared to CJ's.

Keep it comin', love (We are a family)
Keep it comin', love
Don't stop it, I won't stop it, no (All my brothers and my sisters with me)
We don't stop it, girl, don't stop

His heart racing and his face heating, Trollex immediately swam over and took his girlfriend by the hand.

[Verse 1: Anthony Ramos]
Everyone can see we're together
As we walk on by

DJ promptly laughed in delight as her boyfriend spun her around. Shaking her head, Barb turned to the kids and ushered them along, Priscilla being carried on her shoulders as they went.

[Verse 1: Gwen Stefani]
And we fly just like birds of a feather
I won't tell no lie

As the six of them went, they passed by Miles on a newly-equipped hoverboard carrying Ruby bridal-style.

[Verse 1: Shameik Moore & Cast]
All of the people (We are family)
About us, they say

"Can they be that close?" Miles and Ruby gently butted their heads together as they flew away, passing by the alternate Camilo as she twirled Marinette as well...much to the confused delight of his alternate family and the slight jealousy of his alternate variant.

[Verse 1: Rhenzy Feliz & Cast]
Just let me state for the record (We are family)

"We're giving love in a family dose!" Camilo and Marinette sang in unison as they danced off. The alternate Camilo and the rest of his family exchanged now just confused looks amongst each other, wondering if singing and dancing in a big, loud, and elaborate musical sequence was par for the course in this universe.

Then again...

The alternate Camilo shrugged and led his family along as they followed them, barely missing the overinflated Bergen balloon by a few feet as it crashed into a certain spot in the castle.

(Push it real good)

That certain spot was King Gristle Jr.'s room, the young king lying naked (sans his underwear, obviously) on top of an open pizza box on the floor while his face was scribbled on with marker drawings.

Get it, get it

Meanwhile, two small lollipops were stuck on him: a red one on his right cheek and a green one on his chest. It complemented the empty fried chicken bucket on his head and magenta feathery boa draped around his neck.

Ooh, baby, baby! Baby, baby!

As one could imagine, the young King was recovering slowly but surely from a crazy bachelor party.

"Oh boy, that was a crazy bachelor party," King Gristle groaned in pain as Cooper, Prince D, Lownote Jones, and Peppy flew in on Glowflies to help him up. The latter was dressed in a silver tuxedo jacket, a black bowtie around his neck, gold rings on his toes, and light blue glittery glasses with shade-like lenses that he could open and shut with a small tug of a rope.

Get up on by!

Lending each other a helping hand, they grabbed King Gristle and helped him off the floor...while inadvertently saving a nauseous Cloud Guy in the process. The sentient cloud was wearing glowing neon green glasses with open lens and matching glowing bracelets as he uttered tiredly.

"Ugh, Cloud Guy don't feel so good..."

Propping King Gristle up so he could face the mirror, the four Trolls began the preparations for his big day.

"Brush it!" Lownote Jones wielded an electric toothbrush and helped the King brush his teeth.

"Wax it!" Cloud Guy then smeared purple glittery wax on his upper lip before quickly tearing it off, prompting him to spit out toothpaste in pain.

"Shave it!" Cooper and Prince D flew down with gold razors, which they used to shave his knees in one swipe.

"Pu-push it real good!" King Peppy even waxed one of his eyebrows completely off before it grew back surprisingly quickly.

Finally, all four Trolls helped Gristle slip "easily" into a light blue T-shirt with a white collar and dark blue bowtie pattern before draping the royal cape on his shoulders. The King felt very handsome and dashing, but he also felt something was missing. Deciding to add the finishing touch, he tore the midriff of his shirt away and exposed his belly...in proper fashion, of course.

"Perfect fit, your Majesty," Prince D bowed his head in acknowledgment.

"Yo, looking sick, King G!" Cooper beamed with admiration.

"You could say that again," Cloud Guy gagged before he vomited out a rainbow of glitter.

Meanwhile, inside Queen Bridget's room, the purple Bergen herself hopped out of her bed, ready to get dressed up for her big day and her husband-to-be. Helping her along the way were her best friends: Poppy, Satin & Chenille, Val Thundershock, Holly Darlin', and Viva!

[Verse 2: Zooey Deschanel]
I do my hair toss
Check my nails

Poppy hopped into Bridget's hand and snapped her fingers...

[Anna Kendrick]
Baby, how you feelin'?

...while Satin & Chenille hopped onto her shoulders, swaying side to side.

[Icona Pop]
Feelin' good as—

Bridget mimicked the action of tossing her hair before flashing her sharpened fingernails.

[Zooey Deschanel]
I do my hair toss
Check my tails

Viva smiled warmly and leaned against her cheek, crossing her arms and nodding her head...

[Camila Cabello]
Baby, how you feelin'?

...while Val and Holly danced side to side.

[Lauren Mayhew & Megan Hilty]
Feelin' good as—

Bridget slid over to the mirror and excitedly gazed at the picture of King Gristle lodged in-between the frame. All the hard work she had done and the help she had with her friends had paid off, allowing her to achieve her dream of dating and marrying King Gristle.

She was gonna become a wife!

His wife!

[Zooey Deschanel]
Hello! It's me he's lookin' for!

"Yeah, he is!" Poppy and Viva cheered her on, the latter despite not knowing her or herfiancé enough.

I can see it in his eyes...

She was gonna become a wife!

His wife!

It felt like all her dreams were coming true, and she had her best friend Poppy and her Troll friends to thank for this.

"And if he don't love you anymore..." Holly suddenly sang.

"Just walk your fine ass out the door!" Val sang along with her.

This understandably earned her a series of shocked or surprised looks from all parties involved, Poppy and Satin donning amused smirks while Chenille and Viva giggled mirthfully. Bridget, however, looked absolutely mortified, leading her best friend to clarify the joke.

"They were just joking, Bridget," Poppy waved, "It's their version of good luck! Right, girls?"

"Oh, yeah!" Val smirked, "Sure..."

"Absolutely!" Holly flashed a thumbs up.

"Alright!" Poppy clamped her hands together, "Now let's get this dress right!"

With their new powers, Satin and Chenille leaped forward and spun around Bridget, whom they created an outfit around instantly. It was a simple white dress with puffs and colorful bows. Viva and Holly seemed enamored with it, but Poppy and Val narrowed their eyes with a more critiquing look. The dress was good, but not good enough.

"Uh, no," Poppy shook her head.

"Yeah, that's a hard pass," Val bit her bottom lip.

The next dress was of a similar design, down to the colorful bows. However, some of those bows were much more bigger than the last ones used, and her hair was stylized in the feminine beehive.

Poppy believed it looked a little better, but something was still missing, prompting to shake her head.

"Uh-uh, nope. Next!"

"Really, guys?" Val crossed her arms, "More bows?"

"We're trying!" Chenille stomped her foot indignantly, leading Satin to pat her shoulder in sympathy.

"At least they complement the hairstyle nicely," Holly offered her opinion, "But I don't know..."

At that, Mirabel and Melody entered the room. Mirabel was dressed in a pleated black gown with the drapery billowed behind her; her accessories included a diamond ring with matching earrings. Melody was dressed in black as well, but given certain areas of lighting, it would appear almost a dark blue color. It was a two-piece style gown with a high-low tulle skirt with a long train and a lace bodice with long-sleeves. Her only accessories were a pair of golden heels.

"Hey, girls!" Mirabel greeted, "How's the—whoa. What happened to you, Queen Bridget?"

"We're trying to figure out what I'm going to wear for the wedding," Bridget smiled bashfully.

Mirabel scanned her from head to toe and chuckled lightly, "We can see that..."

"Like my sister said," Satin smiled awkwardly as Chenille groaned, "We're trying..."

"I think the dress looks okay," Melody shrugged, causing Val to roll her eyes.

"Of course, you would think that, little cuz. You're too nice like that."

"I'm being serious, Val," Melody smirked and took into account what her older cousin was donning, "Compared to what you have on right now, it is a masterpiece."

Her eyes widening in shock at her younger cousin, Val was visibly offended.

"Melody, I am visibly offended!" Val playfully narrowed her eyes at her, Satin & Chenille taking it as their cue to continue with their creating, "Especially you helped me make this dress after all the other ones weren't up to my liking!"

She was currently wearing a dark red short-sleeved gown (the sleeves were ripped in a way that would make them appear more rugged...but of course), the skirt of which greatly resembled a spider's web and the hemline being actual spider silk. Beneath the skirt, she wore black fishnet stockings on her legs; a pair of dark grey, glittery combat boots; and purple fingerless gloves. Her signature pigtails were kept, but instead of her usual black scrunchies with the reddish-pink skull clips being used, a pair of gold scrunchies were in their place.

By contrast, Holly took a more elegant approach to her outfit. She opted on a white-and-purple dress with a violet hem cut to her knees, a silver choker with a matching pair of bracelets on each wrist, and an amethyst headband with a silver horseshoe as its emblem on her head. Speaking of which, while her large light blue hair was usually styled up into a beehive with a ponytail with two purple stripped ties, it was swept down this time, with wavy bangs dropping and reaching her shoulders.

"Yeah..." Melody's smirk grew wider, "And you thought all the other ones weren't up to Gust's liking, either..."

Val bit her tongue and she tried (and failed miserably) to fight back a bright bubblegum punch as Satin, Chenille, Holly, and Viva giggled in amusem*nt. Exchanging glances with Mirabel, Poppy rolled her eyes and shook her head as she approached her best friend.

"Mirabel, you're a fashionista, right?" Poppy asked, "What's your opinion on Bridget's dress?"

"Simple yet elegant," Mirabel said after a few moments, "Stylish yet functional. Prim and proper. Robust and precise. Big and bold. Big and loud. Hmm..."

Rushing over to the window, Mirabel spotted King Gristle and took in the sight of his wedding outfit of choice. Turning back to Bridget, the white dress was again expanded upon. This time, rainbow frosting was painted in the center (in a rainbow shape, obviously) while colorful streamers and heart stickers were decorated around it; the bows were moved up and tied around her hair this time.

Before she could comment on the dress, however, Mirabel's focus was shifted away from it to a sight behind Bridget. Ambling slowly but surely towards the town square was a royal guard walking down the hallway, carrying a bunch of gold, red, and pink balloons.

(Ooh-ooh)

Gasping in realization, Mirabel turned to face Poppy and pointed her attention towards the balloons.

(Ooh-ooh)

Gasping in realization, Poppy exchanged smiles with Mirabel, who flashed a thumbs up.

"What?" Val, Holly, and Melody exchanged confused looks, "Whatcha thinking of, Popsqueak?"

"That's my little sister and her girlfriend being amazing as usual," Viva beamed with pride.

"Satin!" Poppy called out for one twin.

"Chenille!" Mirabel called out for the other twin.

"Fashion emergency!" The two friends exclaimed.

Gasping in realization, the two twins exchanged knowing smiles as they grabbed a piece of fabric before going to work.

"Fashion!" Satin declared.

"Emergency!" Chenille replied.

Meanwhile, as the guests were taking seats outside, the Pop Trolls' other resident fashionista was helping the many others who were unlucky to receive a last-minute invitation. Mei's friends and the Familia Madrigal were among the group who required the assistance of Nova Swift, who rubbed her chin as her former intern turned partner Laroux Laroux rapidly drew sketches of the clients in the suits, tuxedos, dresses, and gowns they envisioned. Ultimately, they color-coded everyone in attendance and had Meadow Spriggs and Arabesque adorn their formal attire with flowers, jewelry, and other fancy accessories.

Watching the resident florist grow flowers seemed to impress Isabela, who saw it fit to lend a helping hand and conjure up plants of her own, many a waiting guest grabbing it in delight to complement their courtly garb. Meadow herself, when she noticed this, smiled with pride, admiration...and a little bit of jealousy, though she tried to hide it a little better.

"Sorry about that," Isabela smiled bashfully as she apologized, "I saw you growing all those flowers and plants, and I just couldn't help myself."

"Oh, nonsense," Meadow waved her concerns away regardless, "I should be thanking you actually. I am just one Troll doing much of this by myself...uh, no offense to you three."

"None taken," Nova Swift smiled and waved as she tended to her baby cousin Vega.

"No worries," Arabesque flashed a thumbs up.

"Whatever," Laroux Laroux rolled her eyes, her tone suggesting otherwise.

"I suggest helping a fellow Troll out," Meadow replied, "Most of these other guests don't like to be kept waiting a little longer."

"Yes, ma'am!" Isabela nodded and continued her conjuring.

As Meadow looked on with a proud smile, it turned bittersweet the moment she laid eyes on Guy Diamond fretting over his son Tiny. Two months had passed since the Battle at Folk Rock, and the same amount of time had passed since she had broken it off with the Glitter Troll. Sure, the break-up was absolutely amicable, but that fact alone did nothing to ease the pain, especially when one considers that she was still the Partier's Apprentice. This meant that a lot of parties were to be planned. Together.

Well, at least she had an apprentice in the making to call her own.

A few feet away, Miles and Ruby were dancing their hearts out alongside Marinette and Camilo. Hopping off his hoverboard, the Hip-Hop Troll pulled the Techno Troll close as they spun around...

[Verse 3: Shameik Moore]
I know you like your space and distance
Yeah, you don't take admissions
They told you not to date musicians
Yeah, but can't make you listen
Stick to the ones who let you make
All the decisions and look the other way (all the)
And you already know what your mother'll say (all the)
And you already know I'm a number away

...while barely missing the Rock Troll clutching the Latin Troll as he spun her around.

[Verse 4: Rhenzy Feliz]
I was 'bout to give you all of me on all the weekends
And all I wanted was apologies and all of your bed, uh
Over my heels and fallin' on my head
But all of my feels were already dead
And if I could rewind it for you
If you could remind me of
What I felt before I fell for your idea of love out here

Miles and Camilo twirled their respective partners on their tip-toes and gazed lovingly in their eyes.

[Shameik Moore]
Love is when you try to place it out your mind
But you can't turn the radio down
And you can't think of anyone else

Miles gently bumped his head against Ruby's...

[Rhenzy Feliz]
And love is when you try to make it out alive
But you can't turn the radio down
And you can't think of anyone else

...just as Marinette gently bumped hers against Camilo's.

[Verse 5: Ashly Burch]
'Cause every romance shakes and it bends
Don't give a damn

Miles, Ruby, Marinette, and Camilo looked up from their lovey-dovey dance of romance to find Meadow Spriggs growing flowers and plants at a rapid-fire pace.

When the night's here, I don't do tears
Baby, no chance

All the while, she expertly maneuvered her way through by her form of dancing, a sense of heartbreak and melancholy leading the way.

I could dance, I could dance, I could dance...

The four teenagers were both concerned and impressed.

Watch me dance, dance the night away
My heart could be burnin', but you won't see it on my face

Meadow Spriggs grew flowers and flowers along with plants and plants as she danced the night away...

Watch me dance, dance the night away (uh-huh)
I'll still keep the party runnin', not one hair out of place

...while those some flowers and plants seemingly sang along with her.

When my heart breaks (They never see it, never see it)
When my world shakes (I feel alive, I feel alive)
I don't play it safe (ooh)
Don't you know about me? (Uh-huh)
I could dance, I could dance, I could dance

"Dance the night!" Meadow finished as the instrumental segued into the first notes of a traditional wedding march while she turned her gaze over to Guy Diamond, who was placing the finishing touches on his outfit for his role as the flower boy.

"Look at you, Tiny Diamond," Guy Diamond smiled with pride, "You make the cutest little flower boy!"

The outfit in question was a green onesie with a red-and-yellow flower (complete with leaves) so he could resemble an actual flower. Needless to say, Tiny was not amused.

"Come on, Daddy!" Tiny rolled his eyes and stomped his feet indignantly, "I'm not a baby anymore!"

As if to prove his foot, Tiny quite literally shook off the flower costume and donned a single black bowtie and his signature black glasses as he proclaimed, "I'm the cutest little flower MAN!"

Guy could only tilt his head incredulously, "But, Tiny, you're only a few months old."

Huffing and imitating a fanfare, Tiny began to freestyle and express his agitation:

[Kenan Thompson]
Everybody treats me like I'm just a little baby (Yeah, yeah)
But I'm walkin' and I'm talkin' on the daily (Sheesh)
I roll the dice, drinkin' coffee, gettin' wild
Daddy, I'm a man now, I'm not a little child

"Come on, guys, it's time!" Poppy interrupted their family feud to beckon them along for the final stages of the wedding preparations. Technically, the wedding was already set; all that was needed to do was to hype up the crowd and bring forth the bride and the groom.

"Ooh, balloons!" Tiny oogled the objects in wonder as he and his father joined the rest of the guests.

[Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Gwen Stefani, Anthony Ramos, Rachel Bloom, Icona Pop, Anderson .Paak, Ron Funches, Kunal Nayyar, Kenan Thompson, Zooey Deschanel, Camila Cabello & Cast]
We are family
(Anna Kendrick : Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)

Poppy and Branch led the guests to the center of Bergen Town while the Tribe Leaders and Ambassadors ushered their respective people into their own miniature pews.

[Stephanie Beatriz]
I got all my sisters with me (Anderson .Paak: Come on now, come on now)

Mirabel sang happily while she hugged her sisters close, Isabela and Luisa returning the hug gratefully as they joined their family in their section.

We are family (Anderson .Paak: Uh, uh)

Viva and Skye hopped around and jumped around, urging everyone to sing along while color-coded Trolls were tossed high into the air by the Bergens as they created various hearts in the sky.

[Camila Cabello & McKenna Grace]
Get up, everybody and sing
(Anderson .Paak : Get up, get up, get up, get up)

The Bergens themselves gathered to their seats while a select few wielded pink umbrellas, which they opened up and flew more Trolls up while King Gristle awaited the arrival of his beloved bride-to-be.

We are family
(Anderson .Paak : Yeah, yeah)

And lo and behold, Queen Bridget was floating towards the altar in a greatly graceful fashion. Although majorly obscured by the sun shining bright like a diamond in the rough sky, many of the guests could see she was dressed in a myriad white balloon dress (complete with a homemade crown). This sight alone made them gaze on with awe, amazement, wonder in their eyes.

[Rosalie Chiang]
I got all my sisters with me
(Kelly Clarkson : Sing it to me, sing it to me!)
(Zooey Deschanel & Icona Pop : Feelin' good as hell!)

Mei sang along happily as she dragged her friends (and Alberto) along as Raya rolled her eyes as she joined them, Sisu and Namaari joining them from behind.

We are family

As Bridget flew closer to the ground and landed closer to the altar, the Bergens swayed to the beat while wielding their umbrellas in a way that blocked her from Gristle's view. At this point, most (if not all) of the guests were already seated, anticipating the arrival of the Bergen Queen as much as the Bergen King was.

Get up everybody and sing

Finally, the moment Bridget landed on the ground was the moment the Bergens lifted their umbrellas in an organized fashion, unveiling the new Queen to their old King as she capped off the song.

[Zooey Deschanel]
Sing it to me, sing it to me, sing it to me!

All the guests (Troll and Bergen alike) applauded the Bergen Queen as she made her presence known. Poppy, DJ, Mirabel, Sofia, Ruby, Marinette, and Skye were among those who clapped and whistled in enthusiasm for Bridget, while Branch, Trollex, Hickory, Prince D, Tresillo, and Riff were among those who cheered and whooped in eagerness for Gristle. Even those who were not familiar with either party allowed their excitement to be shown along with those who were close acquaintances with the two royals.

However, King Gristle was just simply the happiest out of everyone involved, and not just simply because he was the one getting married. It was also because he was getting married to the most beautiful Bergen he had ever met. The moment he had met Bridget was the moment his life had taken a turn, and it was for the better. It was the first time in his life thus far that he began to care about someone else other than himself, working to make major improvements going forward and live up to his title rather than simply act it. Meeting Bridget was the best thing that ever happened to him...and he would not have it either way.

Meeting his look of awe, Bridget seemed to agree with him, judging by the returning smile and blush.

"Hot dang," Holly chuckled in admiration, "Poppy's done outdone herself!"

"Mm-hm," Rhythm nodded, "That is one smoking dress."

"Uhh..." Satin and Chenille exchanged incredulous looks before Poppy stepped in.

"Well, technically, it was Satin & Chenille―with a little help with my best friend Mirabel―who helped construct this masterpiece of a smoking dress. So, all credit should go to them."

The crowd cheered for the three girls, Satin and Chenille blushing and waving as Mirabel smiled and nodded, somehow managing to keep her composure until...

"WOO-HOO!"

Closing her eyes and gritting her teeth, Mirabel cringed as her mother and father cheered possibly the loudest.

"That's my daughter!" Julieta and Agustín's cheers were something along the lines of that particular sentence, the Latin Troll chuckling nervously and reluctantly acknowledging them before turning to an amused Melody.

"Like I said, kid," Mirabel remarked, "Being a part of a family isn't always easy."

"It's fricking complicated," Melody nodded in understanding, much to the shock of Barb, Val, Demo, and pretty much the Rock Tribe as a whole.

Rolling her eyes, Poppy beckoned Viva and Melody along as they proceeded to hop on Bridget's shoulder.

"Poppy!"

"Oh, Bridget..." Poppy clamped her hands together, "You look so beautiful!"

"I should know," Bridget smiled and nodded, "I have you three to thank for helping me."

In the background, Satin & Chenille rolled their eyes while Mirabel smirked and shook her head.

"Thank you so much for being my maid of honor, Poppy," Bridget continued, "I couldn't have done this without you...or my bridesmaids."

"Oh, of course, Bridget," Poppy smiled back.

"I love you like a sister," Viva nodded before adding, "Probably."

"Yeah, probably in my case," Melody replied, "I exactly don't know you well to consider you as a sister, but it's getting close in my opinion. I don't have a sister as far as I know, so I wouldn't know. I do have an older cousin named Val—you probably might know her—who I love and adore as a sister. But she is not my sister. But that is fine. Completely, utterly, and totally fine. It's something I'm coming to terms with. Slowly but surely. Because as an old wives' tale states: slowly but surely wins the race —"

"Uh, Melody, was it?"

"Mmm?"

"Can we maybe..." Bridget smiled in sympathy, "...unpack the sister thing after the vows?"

Realizing what she had done, Melody blankly blinked as everyone in attendance looked on in concern for the Pop Rock Troll. Specifically, Val and Petra exchanged worried expressions, the large extent of their overprotective nature quickly taking its toll on them all. When she was growing up, she was not allowed to venture outside Volcano Rock City or even interact with the vast majority of her fellow Rock Trolls, a supposed instruction made by her mother that was severely misinterpreted by her older cousin, who was fearful about the cousin she never knew meeting a similar fate as her then recently deceased father. From that moment, Val promised that no harm would come to Melody at any and all costs.

Meanwhile, giving her present knowledge of future events, Poppy was worried for an entirely different reason.

"Aah!" Melody exclaimed and nodded, "Yeah! No! Of course! You go get him, girl."

"Before I do," Viva flashed a thumbs up.

"Before we do," Poppy smiled as she produced a pin to incite a chain reaction that popped the balloon dress and spewed glitter everywhere. Said glitter was blown all over more than a few surprised faces from Troll and Bergen alike.

Not even the Tribe Leaders and Ambassadors were spared from the onslaught. Prince D chuckled as some landed on Chenille's cheeks while Chenille giggled as a ball collided with his face; his family inevitably joined in with the amusem*nt. Beat hid behind Trollex, whose hair was now sparkly than usual.

The body of Trollex-2, on the other hand, was covered from head to toe as Aggie, Victoria, and even Emma stifled laughter. Trollex-2's girlfriend undoubtedly got the least of the glitter bomb; miraculously, it even covered her entire Techno-inspired dress, making her sparkle as the prettiest of diamonds or sapphires. It was a sight that got Trollex-2's heart racing, him believing that she shone brighter than any star in the sky.

Synth was perhaps luckier than them combined, having blocked the tidal wave with his hands. Sofia, Mei, Ruby, Antonio, Alejandra, Juancho, Cecilia, CJ, Keith, Priscilla, Tiny, Amp, Clampers, and Camilo all oohed and ahhed in wonder. Val and Petra quickly tried to wipe it off while Barb...well, Queen Barb's annoyance was at an all-time high, but her anger was at an all-time low. Frowning at the glitter coating her right arm, that little brain of hers got an idea.

A crazy, stupid, brilliant idea.

Licking her lips, Barb licked the glitter...before instantly regretting her decision to do so and spitting out some of the glitter.

Why wasn't the damn glitter sweet like it was last time? Now it tastes like...pencil shavings—!

Looking up from her spitballing, Barb turned to her left to find an unamused Trollex glaring at her. Smiling in a rare bashful manner, the Rock Queen produced a white rag and handed it to the Techno King.

"Er...sorry about that," Barb apologized sheepishly.

"I just washed this vest last night too," Trollex muttered as he nonetheless took the rag and wiped himself up, DJ patting him on the back.

So caught in this madness Trollex was that he, Barb, and the rest of the special guests narrowly missed the wedding dress donned by Bridget, which was met with oohs and ahhs of amazement. It was a pearl white sleeveless top, a silvery-white pair of dress pants, a matching white belt with a golden buckle, a pearl-white wedding veil that flowed from the top of her crown, and a glamourous pair of roller skates that transformed into customized high heels after she skated forward to the stairs. Because high heels were notoriously difficult to run or even walk in, she had to take slow steps up to the altar. Finally face to face with Gristle, she flirtatiously offered a hand to him, which he took eagerly.

"Hey, Bridget!" An audience member shouted at the Queen, "You still have to run for it!"

The audience member in question—a female Bergen with a large sun hat with matching sunglasses—was easily noticed by Gristle, who let out a sarcastic chortle and dry statement: "Very funny, Aunt Smead, I'm so glad you could make it."

Miss Maxine rolled her eyes before commencing the ceremony, "Dearly beloved...we are gathered here today to celebrate the sweet, sweet love of Bridget—Hey, girl—and Mr. Yummy-Tummy himself, King Gristle. Now, falling in love is easy; we've all done it. I've done it a hundred times, thousands even...if you count the two semesters I spent abroad."

"Ugh," Val groaned before muttering under her breath, "Why do weddings always have these love abroad stories...?"

"Well, she's right about one thing," Trollex-2 commented, "Falling in love is easy."

"Especially when you've met the perfect Troll," Aggie added as she kissed her boyfriend's cheek. Trollex-2 blushed, smiled, and took his girlfriend's hand in response.

"Like hell it's easy!" Barb rolled her eyes as she stated a little too loudly, "Love is always going to be complicated! Especially when it's young love!"

"Exactly, Queen Barb," Miss Maxine smiled and acknowledged, "Young love can be quick. And when it's quick, it can be quite painful. Dangerous, even."

A few audience members conceded with her.

"However...these two brave young souls stood together through and through. Through thick and through thin. In sickness and in health. The perserving love between Queen Bridget and King Gristle is a testament to Queen Poppy's statement: True happiness is possible. That is why we are here to celebrate and honor not just the both of them, but the eternal happiness found and inspired from the beginning. That same happiness inspired the town to keep moving forward to a brighter future!"

The crowd cheered and some even chanted "KISS!" at the top of their lungs.

"Alright, alright," Miss Maxine placated the audience, "What a spectacular agreement indeed. We shall proceed if there is nobody here who objects to the marriage of Queen Bridget and King Gristle. With that said, I now pronounce you husband and—"

"STOP THE WEDDING!"

Chapter 4: Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)

Chapter Text

. . .

"Uh...could you repeat that, dude?" Barb asked in an appropriately confused manner.

"I SAID...STOP THE WEDDING!"

Out of the assembled crowd, one half gasped in shock while the other half took a collective intake of breath; all of whom wondered who shouted and dared to interrupt the ceremony. Branch drew a hunting knife and reverted back to defense mode while Sunset and Raya drew their respective pistols, shielding the Tribe Leaders and Ambassadors from any potential danger. DJ, Barb, Aggie, Melody, and the two Trollexes protected the younger guests while Poppy and Mirabel drew their respective swords, much to the surprise of much of the latter's family. Parce even tensed up as he protected Antonio and the rest of the family.

Peering from behind their security detail, the Funk Family exchanged confused looks with the rest of their fellow royals before Queen Essence glanced up at the rooftop of a nearby building.

"Look!" Essence gasped and pointed, "Up there!"

Poppy, Branch, and everyone else looked up to where Queen Essence was pointing at, finding a presumed Pop Troll standing there tall and proud in the vein of an adventurer or hiker.

"Who in the hay is that," Delta questioned, Hickory and Holly shrugging in response.

"Obviously a Troll," Sun Lien tilted her head as she exchanged glances with Diogo, "But which tribe does he belong to?"

"Well..." Laguna deduced as she adjusted her glasses to take a closer look at the more discernible details, "He gives off the appearance of a Pop Troll."

"Popsqueak, Branch," Barb turned to them while pointing up at him, "You guys know that guy?"

"Not that I'm aware of," Viva replied for a frowning Poppy while Branch narrowed his eyes towards the new Troll.

For some reason, something about him just...felt off.

It was like he somehow...knew who this was?

"Uh, Bridget..." Gristle turned to his bride, "...do you know this guy?"

"I can't remember all my suitors, Grissy," An uncertain Bridget herself answered.

Despite being obscured by the sun suspended behind him, his build was undeniably muscular and bulkier than many of the other Trolls, let alone those from Pop, which came in handy when he was in some sort of danger.

Reinforcing that look was the new Troll taking a flying leap off the rooftop and sliding down a laundry wire. He then used his hair to swing from a sign, using that momentum to fly over to grab a heart-shaped balloon and float closer to the front-row pedestals where the Snack Pack, Tribe Leaders, Tribe Ambassadors, and Bounty Hunters were. Once he was close enough to the ground, he let go of the balloon and soared straight...

"OOMPH!"

...to his face.

He landed straight on his face.

Again.

A moment of silence followed before Barb and Nimona burst into a fit of laughter at the mood whiplash.

"Sorry," Nimona laughed as she wiped her tears, "That was pretty funny."

"It really was," Barb cackled.

"Yeah, I'm currently working on that," The Troll chuckled himself as he stood up and began brushing the dust off him, giving the audience members (including the more attentive ones) a much more closer look at him. He had blue eyes, blue skin, and green hair that was shaved in the back and sides. His main outfit was a brown leather jacket with a white and dark-brown spotted fur collar, green pants that go down to his knees, and signature green skiing goggles with a pink lenses. From Sunset's perspective, she inwardly cringed; the new Troll on the block's outfit gave off the impression that he was trying (and failing miserably) to cling on what was left of the 90's. From Twilight's prespective, she outwardly frowned; the clothes were noticable torn and tattered, giving off the impression they had not been washed or even discarded a long time ago.

Unbeknownst to anyone else but Poppy, Branch gasped in understandable shock. He knew EXACTLY who this particular Troll was, and he also knew EXACTLY that this particular Troll was going to recognize him by a square mile, let alone a square inch.

"Sorry," The Troll chuckled out an apology and slid his goggles onto his head, "Is this bad timing?"

"Duh," Both Trollexes raised their eyebrows, as if nonverbally telling him to read the room.

"Sorry, my apologies again," The new Troll raised his hands up in innocence as he started to explain, "I didn't mean to intrude. I'm just trying to find a Troll named―"

Laying his eyes on Branch, the new Troll gasped in shock and smiled, "Baby Branch!"

All eyes were now on the survivalist Pop Troll, who clenched his teeth and cringed at the nickname given to him at an early age before attempting to regain his composure.

"Uh, you're making a mistake...stranger that looks similar to me," Branch narrowed his eyes, "There's no Branch here!"

Ignoring his protests or not even buying the excuse, the new Troll rushed forward to Poppy and Branch's position and pulled himself up meet face to face with them.

"Look at you," The new Troll continued, "You got so big. You're not a branch anymore. You're more like a trunk. Junk in the trunk."

As if to prove his point and simultaneously get a rise out of him, the new Troll smacked his behind real hard.

"Ow!" Branch shouted in pain as the crowd gasped and winced. Poppy gritted her teeth in embarrassment for her boyfriend, while Satin and Chenille clamped one hand over their mouths to hold back their laughter. Nimona had no such reservations.

"I bet you I can still pick you up. Come on," The new Troll proceeded to "pick" Branch up without even waiting to give him permission...which he inevitably struggled with since the latter grew from a branch to a trunk, "Ooh, you got heavy. Aah! There goes my back."

All the while, everybody looked on the unexpected scene of Branch being tossed around helplessly like a rag doll with confusion and bemusem*nt. Mirabel additionally mouthed an apology to her equally incredulous family. On the other hand, Twilight and Laguna took note of the dynamic between Branch and the new Troll: the latter was clearly excited to see him again after a presumably long time while the former...was clearly not.

"Should we stop him?" Val asked the leaders, "It looks like Branch is being bothered by this guy."

"Very bothered," A now unamused Barb darkly narrowed her eyes at the new Troll now, pulling out her guitar before she was stopped by Queen Essence. The Funk Queen placed one paw on the guitar and gently pushed it down, the look of "Not yet" visible in her eyes.

"Hold on, girls," Quincy addressed, "This might be how this new Troll interacts with Branch regularly. So, let us watch and see if it persists. If it becomes more severe, then we shall step in and put a stop to it."

While the Rock Queen scowled in response, she understood but remained a bit defensive in case Popsqueak's boyfriend got hurt.

Meanwhile, watching Branch himself getting manhandled like crazy by a Troll she knew only through reputation, Poppy herself had to put the facade that she had no idea who this new Troll was at all. Standing her ground, she marched over amid the concerned protests of her father, the Tribe Leaders, and the rest of her friends.

"Oh! Charley horse!" The new Troll continued struggled to carry Branch, "Oh, God. Two charley horses!"

"Hey!" Poppy shouted, "Stop right there!"

Her hands glowing now, Poppy used her powers to pry the new Troll off her boyfriend and keep him suspended in mid-air, "You leave my boyfriend alone and tell us who you are and what you want!"

The rest of the Leaders and Ambassadors momentarily forgetting Poppy had powers now, Holly smiled and whooped in support, "You tell him, Poppy! That guy's got no right to mess with your man!"

"Or be a wedding crasher on top of that," Sunset aimed her Glock 21 alongside Raya, who aimed her SIG-Sauer P226 SCT.

Rolling her eyes and regaining her composure, Poppy set the new Troll down and offered him a hand to take, "Sorry about that. I get overprotective sometimes when it comes to my loved ones. Now...I take it you know Branch personally?"

"I do..." The new Troll chuckled and took said hand to pull himself up and shake, "...and I can relate. So you're Baby Branch's girlfriend? Man, if anything, I should apologize; it's totally rude of me to not even introduce myself. I am Branch's brother."

An orchestra of shocked shouts and goggle-eyed gasps was conducted by EVERYONE present (again, Poppy withstanding). Such a casual reveal got everybody riled up. At this point, nearly everyone who exclaimed and clamored in surprise forgot about the wedding, including the bride and groom themselves. Gristle and Bridget were leaning close to try to get a good peek and listen.

"What?!" Viva, Aggie, the Tribe Leaders, the Tribe Ambassadors, and their associates shouted in disbelief.

"Oh my guh," Smidge exclaimed while clutching her head.

"Oh, golly," Holly declared, both her hands on her chest in response to the stunning revelation.

"Oh-ho-ho!" Lownote Jones chortled, "What a world."

Cooper smiled, "Branch has a long-lost brother like I do?"

"I think he does!" Prince D smiled as well.

"Wow! And I thought I was the only one with a secret brother no one knew I had."

"I'm so confused…" Beat muttered.

"You and me both..." Barb muttered as well.

"Well, that's not gonna open a can of worms," Melody remarked as she turned to Creek, who merely rolled his eyes, shook his head, and went elsewhere. While the Guru Troll did just that, DJ and the rest of the Snack Pack glanced at each other.

Branch?

Brothers?

Branch had a brother?

But that's impossible.

Never once did Branch mention any family member other than his grandmother.

Was this even true?

"Correction: Used to be my brother," Branch clarified bitterly, "Not anymore."

Processing this information, Poppy turned back to face him and smiled in sympathy, "Hey, um, remember earlier when I said you should open up to me and be real?"

Branch's stern expression faltered for a bit, "Well―"

"You could've started by telling us you had a secret brother!" Viva grinned and squeaked.

"Former brother," Branch repeated, not bothering to look at the brother in question.

"That's not how DNA works!" Viva screeched in exasperation, Poppy smiling and shaking her head as well, a feeling of Déjà vu creeping up on her.

"Ooh, drama!" Tiny Diamond smirked as he again recovered from the shock faster than his friends, "Corn me, Dinkles."

One squeak later, and the worm in question spewed out a bucket of popcorn for him and his friends to munch on as the "drama" unfolded. Antonio took one bite...and was immediately entranced by the taste and smell, silently beckoning his friends to join in.

Peering over her brother-in-law's shoulder, Viva turned to face her father, "Dad, did you know about this?"

"Huh?" King Peppy suddenly froze and chuckled nervously, "What? Me? What would I know about secret family members?"

"Well, to be fair, Dad..." Poppy smiled and shrugged, "You're pretty good at hiding them."

At that comment, Peppy smiled sheepishly before he froze up at the sensation of a specific Troll behind him.

"A king at it, if you well," Peony smirked as she rested her hands on his shoulders.

"Mom!" Viva gasped in excitement and practically leaped up to hug her waist, "You made it!"

Peony smiled back and returned the hug, "Of course I did, sweetheart. I had to drop off a few things."

Snapping her fingers, Peony summoned Sonata Dusk and Amethyst van der Troll at that moment.

The former was wearing a lavender off-shoulder dress top with lilac vertical stripes and a magenta mermaid-style skirt that had a white hemline; that white hemline was sprinkled with pink polka dots. She also wore matching magenta knee-high platform boots with a mulberry collar area, heels, and outsoles; they were complemented by a gold necklace, silver earrings, and rose pink opera gloves.

The latter was wearing a bubblegum pink illusion dress top with a hot pink circle skirt that also had a plain white hemline. She also wore taffy pink moccasins with white straps along with a silver necklace and bracelets; the latter objects were adorned with crepe pink gemstones while a bubblegum pink heart-shaped gemstone was hanging from the former. Her purple eyes were hidden by a pair of pink heart-shaped glasses.

Sonata seemed excited to be there, while Amethyst...seemed sick in general.

"Ugh, what was I thinking?" Amethyst groaned and shook her head, "Popsqueak...never again am I hitching a ride with your mom."

"Aw, boo!" Sonata waved her off, "It was fun, Queen Poppy!"

"I'm sure it was," Poppy smiled as Viva happily hugged them both, "I'm just glad you girls could make it."

"I would be, too," Amethyst began, "if it weren't the pounding sound of my head about to burst."

After breaking away from her two friends, Viva abruptly regained her jittery energy, "Oh my gosh! I was being so rude. I was so caught up in reuniting with my younger sister for the past few months that I've never met anyone from Branch's family before! Properly, that is. I'm Viva, Queen Poppy's sister and Branch's brother-in-law. Should we hug, fistbump, smile and wave for now and see where the night takes us?"

"All of the above," Branch's brother smiled, his now deepened voice giving off a slight charm that sent chills down many of the guests' spines, "I'm just glad to meet you. I need to get caught on what happened here last."

"Actually..." Peppy suddenly spoke up, catching everyone's attention again, "We had it real messy when we moved to the heart of Troll Forest; it was very chaotic when we were rebuilding our society systems. I couldn't find Branch's other family relatives and by the time he built his bunker...he basically made his past unknown…"

During his explanation, It was clear he was trying to not guilt-trip the observing and astonished Bergens at this revelation. Nevertheless, Barb noticed King Gristle Sr. biting his bottom lip while his son donning an uncomfortable but understanding facial expression. They both knew too well what went wrong. All of the Pop Trolls had to abandon everything (and every one of their loved ones) when fleeing Bergen Town long ago. Their previous homes that brought them safety, even if the peace was not sufficiently sought. The Tribe Leaders themselves also felt guilty; not fully aware of the backstory between the Pop Trolls and the Bergens, they isolated themselves from the Pop Tribe out of fear of their music being corrupted by them like it had been done before all those years.

Taking a brief moment to glance back at the old Troll Tribe (which was quite colorful but quite outdated in vines and faded pods), Barb's eyes eventually widened in alarmed realization as she put two and two together. She had been annoyed―angered, even―by the Pop Trolls' apparent obliviousness to their history back then. Looking at this now, she now realized it was far more complicated.

Their history books would have faded out lately.

In fact, they should have.

"Man..." Barb muttered under her breath, "I'll give credit to the Pop Trolls for not being totally prepared from the get-go."

This earned the Rock Queen a gentle but cautionary elbow nudge from Prince D.

Her mind trailing back to that fateful night when she and the rest of her fellow survivors were separated from their Tribe, Viva gasped as she attempted to distract herself.

"Wait a minute, I know you. You're the guy from BroZone! Poppy and Branch were just listening to them."

"Yeah, BroZone!" Cooper nodded with the kids before he frowned in confusion, "Wait...BroZone?"

"Yeah, actually..." Camilo frowned and tilted his head in a similar manner, "Who and what is a BroZone?"

"Wait, Cooper," Val turned to face the Funk Prince, "You don't know who BroZone is? You've been in Pop Village longer than I have."

"What, and you do?" Petra chuckled jokingly...before her amused smirk fell from her face and she stared at her now blushing best friend in shock, "No. Oh, no..."

"O...M...G," Melody gasped, "Val...are you telling me that...you're a fan of BroZone?"

The Rock Tribe turned their attention to a now embarrassed Val, who blushed more after being put on the spot, "Er...no. No, I'm not. I didn't say I was."

"But you were implying it, weren't you, chica?" Tresillo wriggled his eyebrows.

"OMG!" Viva slid over to Val, "What's your favorite song and who's your favorite member out of them all?"

"Well, it's most definitely not The Heartthrob," Val crossed her arms defensively before her eyes widened at her mistake. In the background, Gust's eyes widened before they narrowed, not thinking too lightly of this "Spruce". Delta and Holly giggled in response.

"Mine's The Fun One!" Viva confessed before turning back to Branch's brother, "Wait. Wait, wait, wait. Don't tell me who you are. Um...okay, well, you're not the Heartthrob."

"Well, that's your opinion," Branch's brother murmured, his pride wounded, "I―"

"The Fun One? No, I just said this, and you're kind of uptight."

"Uptight?" Branch's brother was now visibly offended, much to the mild amusem*nt of both Poppy and Branch.

"Hmm," Viva continued to assume, "Not the Sensitive One either."

"Okay," Branch's brother bit his lip, "A lot of assumptions for someone you just met 30 seconds ago."

30 more seconds of chin rubbing, Viva snapped her fingers, "Oh, oh! I've got it. You're John Dory!"

John Dory brightened up, "Yes! The Leader―"

"The Old One!" Viva smiled back at him, causing John Dory to deflate and sigh in resignation while Branch and Barb stifled their "light" laughter, earning them "light" elbow jabs to their sides.

"Uh, sorry to interrupt," King Gristle interrupted, "but we lose the venue at 11:00, so―"

"Shh, Grissy," Bridget softly waved his concerns away, "I'm trying to listen. Hot gossip."

"Very hot gossip," Miss Maxine concurred.

"So, wait..." Viva gasped as she reached a realization, "If...if you'e Branch's bro, then that means that all the other BroZone bros...are Branch's bros too! Branch, how come you never told us? Poppy, especially?"

"Because it's complicated," Branch huffed in response, Poppy feigning ignorance in return as she comforted him.

"Oh, sweetie. It's because you weren't in the band, right?"

"Oh, Branch was in the band all right," John Dory confirmed for them, causing Viva to gasp again.

"What? No way. Which one was he?"

"Bitty B," John Dory replied.

"Bitty B?" Viva stared incredulously, "No, that's impossible. Bitty B had glasses."

"Oh, and a diaper, right?" Val snarked.

"Aaaaaaand..." Branch subsequently harmonized, "...a falsetto made of gold. Not that anyone cared. But that's all in the past. Because John Dory, Spruce, and Clay stopped being my brothers the day they walked out on me and never came back."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," John Dory raised his hands up, "That's not fair, Branch. I did come back, but no one was there. No Troll Tree, no Troll Pods, nothing. It wasn't until I heard about you saving the world from the "Rock-Pocalypse" that I realized you were even still alive."

Branch helped himself a little smile in pride at that. One little win in his books.

"Oh, that's...that's so sweet. He realized I was still alive. 20 years too late!"

"In fairness, Branch," Viva patted his shoulders, "It was 20 years too late for me as well. Not only did I realize that I had a younger sister to call my own...but I found out that one of the members of a boy band that I hold deep and close to my heart is actually my future fiancé! I totally get where you're coming from!"

"Wait, what?" Poppy turned to her older sister in surprise, "Your fiancé?"

"What?" Viva absentmindedly tilted her head before realizing the words that came out of her mouth, "Oh! That's not what I meant to say."

"I'm sorry, did you just say fiancé?" Branch's eyes widened.

"Fiancé?" Poppy, Prince D, and John Dory repeated.

"Fiancé?" Val, Sonata, and Amethyst repeated.

"Beyoncé?" Sisu asked confusedly through her stuffed mouth, causing Miles, Sunset, and Flash to choke on their spit and fight back their laughter.

"Umm..." Viva giggled, blushed, and admitted sheepishly, "I meant to keep that part as a surprise."

Regardless, Poppy squeed in delight and hugged her older sister as her way of congratulations, Peppy, Peony, Mirabel, and Sonata following behind. Prince D, John Dory, and Amethyst were both speechless, but their small smiles were a sincere and surefire sign of good wishes.

"So..." Branch approached, "You know my brother Clay?"

"Of course I do!" Viva beamed as she explained, "He was one of the Trolls who survived alongside the others when we escaped from Bergen Town. He's practically my best friend...before he became my boyfriend, which was a really weird transition. And then, we got to know each other better through sleepovers, festivals, and mess-tivals. And then, he proposed to me on this beautiful dock a few nights before, and then I got so excited I―well, I can't tell you that particular part."

"Uh...I think it's best you didn't," Mirabel smirked, side-eyeing Antonio and the rest of the younger kids in attendance, "But congratulations, girl! When's the wedding?"

"We don't know yet," Viva shrugged, "But Clay and I are taking steps and inspiration from this one. We wanted to not only meticulously plan our wedding, but also give you some time to rest before I asked you for your help."

"Oh, Viva," Poppy touched her heart, "I would help you no matter what...just as I imagine Branch doing the same with his brothers? That's the question right there."

Rolling his eyes while still trying to process that Poppy's sister was engaged to his brother, Branch shook his head, "I think the real question we should be asking is, what's going on with him? I bet he's only here because he needs something."

"That's not true, Branch," Viva smiled, "He's your brother above everything else."

"Well, actually..." John Dory began to admit, "I'm gonna be straight with you. I do need something.

"And there it is," Branch scoffed.

"Come on, man," Viva smiled more awkwardly, "I'm trying here."

"Wait, wait," John Dory pleaded, "Hold up, Branch. It's about Floyd. If you're not gonna listen to me...for me...at least listen to me for him."

"What do you mean?" Branch exchanged now concerned glances with Poppy, his initial dismissal paving the way from subsequent dread, "What happened to Floyd?"

"He's in danger, man," John Dory explained solemnly, "I hadn't heard from him since the band broke up. Until...I got a letter from him."

Producing the letter in question, John Dory handed it over to Poppy and Branch for them to look over. Meanwhile, the Tribe Leaders and Ambassadors exchanged alarmed looks with each other as everyone else murmured in worry.

"Dear John Dory," Poppy read first, "I'm being held against my will by superstars...Velvet and Veneer."

"Come to Mount Rageous at once and bring our brothers," Branch read next, "Love, Floyd."

"I didn't know where any of you were," John Dory continued, "so...I went to Mount Rageous alone."

("Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)" — Eurhythmics) [Andrew Rannells & Brianna Mazzola Cover]

Mount Rageous: the grand and glorious mountain of an amazingly technicolor city with big people and shinier duds. Although, due to the constant lighting in the city, it was currently unknown if there was a crystal clear distinction between day and night for this place.

An overall hustling and bustling, mostly urbanized location with next to no biomes, it was full to the brim with neon lights and highly advanced technologies, such as wide TV screens for live broadcast and visual entertainment. Another technical achievement was the advent of Wi-Fi, which allowed high-speed Internet access for its users to download content on their devices or even entertain themselves online. All types of vehicles ranging from bumper cars to pick-up trucks to even bullet trains were the main sources of transportation, as its highways defied gravity and refused to obey the laws of physics at all.

(Of course, this meant a lot of road accidents, as the drivers would pursue danger and recklessness and forgo any traffic rules, common sense, or simple morality.)

If one was familiar with the Funk Trolls and the Techno Trolls, one could point out the similarities in terms of technology and aesthetic.

However, the inhabitants of Mount Rageous bore little to no resemblance to either Tribe...or the other four, at that.

Dubbed "Mount Rageons" by the rare few who visited, they were tall, doll-like beings whose skin gave off the faint presence of rubber and/or plastic. They were also incredibly slim and lanky to the point where they resembled spaghetti noodles, with overall immaculate appearances with no visible blemishes, scars, or injuries. They had colored lips, big eyes, and petite noses. Their hair was commonly styled in plasticine shapes, and their aforementioned skin was usually a silvery or matte chrome color. Although the colors of the rest of their body can vary, they typically had a monochromatic color scheme, which consisted of multiple shades of a single color. Their primary outfits tended to be baggy trousers, jumpsuits and other outfits reminiscent of an older yet extravagant era, and the clothes they normally wore were meant to match their hair.

Finally, due to their flexible bodies, the Mount Rageons more often than not took pride in their highly physical flexibility. They could swing and twist their bodies with ease—which gave them momentum—and the most talented dancers of their species could swing, twist and twirl from one move to another with agility. However, having traded in raw strength for complex elasticity, they were physically weaker compared to, say, the Bergens, whom they also paled in comparison to in terms of tallness. Despite this, they were still taller than the average Bergen and stronger when pitched against Trolls due to their larger size.

Say a Mount Rageon was kidnapping a Troll the same way a Bergen would.

The outcome would be glaringly obvious.

Cruising around Mount Rageous in his beige and red-striped mode of transportation, John Dory scanned his surroundings in equal parts caution and intrigue, noticing the sign that displayed the name of the city in a bright pink font with gold outlines. He had never strayed outside the borders of the Troll Kingdom, let alone this far in general before, so he was venturing into uncharted territory now. Adding to this anxiety-inducing adventure, he was rather significantly—or insignificantly, rather—smaller than the residents and their equally larger vehicles, so a chance of being crushed or smushed was now a possible likelihood.

But his fear of being turned to a bloody paste on the road was insignificant compared to the troublesome fate of one's family member or loved one.

Maintaining a stoic, steel-laced poker face, John Dory persisted onward and drove forward, venturing into the heart of Mount Rageous.

"I found where this...Velvet and Veneer were performing that night," John Dory narrated as he arrived at the location in question: a neon-saturated nightclub known as "The Boom Box", where the sounds of electronica, synth-pop, and new wave become progressively louder and louder as he got closer and closer.

Parking his vehicle and glancing around some more, John Dory's eyes widened in shock as he got a much better look at some of the citizens of Mount Rageous. No wonder why they did paid no heed right now as much as they did on the road; they all looked like (and acted like) actual teenagers!

As such, he slipped inside just as easily as he would do again in a few minutes, but his easy access was anything but smooth. Courtesy of a very large crowd clapping, cheering, dancing, and stomping to the beat of the song, the ground shook heavily beneath his feet and the sounds vibrated violently around his eardrums. This nearly knocked him flat on his behind and forced him to cover his ears and keep his footing as he headed further inside.

Actually...the song was pretty good.

Great, even.

Unblocking his ears, he watched a pair of Mount Rageons perform onstage for the very large crowd. Given their rowdy cheers and rambunctious claps, it was clear to John Dory that these two were the main attraction tonight. And given the appearances of these particular two Mount Rageons—both spindly, attractive, doll-like, pearly-white-skinned humanoid giants with green hair, deep-blue eyes, lavender-pink rosy cheeks, and minimal makeup—it was crystal clear that they were twins.

Sweet dreams are made of this
Who am I to disagree?

The female Mount Rageon's hair was longer, wavier, and kept in a high-ponytail. Her eyes possesses fluttery-like lashes, and her makeup consists of sparkly-light violet eyeshadow and fuchsia lip gloss. She wore a V-neck gold tank top worn under similarly-designed crop-tops with pointed shoulder-pads. Her gold attire was followed by a matching miniskirt, and her crystal accessories includes a spiked-tiara, two chokers with one of them having a diamond-shaped pendant, bracelets on both her wrists, and high-heeled boots; all of them made out of grape-purple crystals. In addition, she dawned a set of fuchsia-purple, teardrop-shaped dangle earrings while the two longest parts of head ornaments vaguely resembled the letter "V".

She sung first, swaying her hips and stomping her feet to the beat of the song in a way that captivated everyone in the room...and we mean everyone.

Blinking in bewilderment, John Dory shook his head as he heard her voice literally echo in his head.

I travel the world and the seven seas
Everybody's looking for something

The male Mount Rageon's hair was shorter and gelled into a long quiff, and he wore makeup consisting of green lipstick and greyish-cyan eyeshadows. For his choice of attire, he and his sister wore matching outfits; a gold tank top under a V-neck crop-top with pointed shoulder-pads that is the same color, followed by a set of matching short-shorts. His accessories, however, included a choker, bracelets on both his wrists and high-heeled platform boots; all of them made out of indigo-blue crystals. He also dons a small, simple, bronze hoop-earring on his right ear. In addition, even when wearing said platform boots, he seemed noticably shorter than his sister.

He sang next, mirroring his sister's movements and dance routine down to a tee. He too swayed his hips and stomped his feet to the beat of the song in a way that captivated everyone in the room...and we mean everyone.

John Dory's fear was starting to be felt, his suspicions about them reaching an all-time sky high. But remembering the reason why he was here, he took a deep breath and regained his composure.

He needed to find Floyd and get the hell out of here.

(Hold your head up)
Movin' on

John Dory looked around...

(Keep your head up)
Movin' on

...and around...

(Hold your head up)
Movin' on

...and around...

(Keep your head up)
Movin' on

...until he laid his eyes on the ceiling, where the club's air vents were.

Traveled the world and the seven seas...

An idea forming in his mind, he slipped on his goggles and extended his hair to launch himself upward and swing towards an conveniently placed air vent. All the while, everybody was looking for something...but him. Everyone was too distracted by the admittedly amazing performance, while the twins were too busy relishing in their admittedly amazing performance to even notice a single Pop Troll effortlessly inflitrating their establishment.

"Yeaaaahhhhhh!" The female Mount Rageon held a particularly sweet high note that made the crowd go wild as her brother helped hype the crowd up. She sent the male and female members a sexy and seductive series of sultry smirks, flirtatious flutters, and a practically p*rnographic preview for their next show. Twisting and twirling on her heels while softly panting to herself, her clothes gave off the vague impression that they were...saliciously see-through in the spotlight.

As such, much to the exasperation of her brother, more than a few audience members fainted in pleasant surprise.

Either that, or the tampered cooling system finally did them in.

Inside the vents, John Dory wielded a flashlight to shine his way through while wielding his trusty frying pan, glancing around and around until he located the dressing room. Removing a lighting panel near the decahedral-shaped chandelier, he took another brief glance inside, taking note of the items inside. This included a hexagon-shaped mirror with lightbulbs, a hairbrush, several make-up bottles, a perfume bottle large enough to hold a Troll in, a cup of powder brushes, and so on.

. . .

Wait, what?

A perfume bottle large enough to hold a Troll in?

Performing a double take at that particular item, John Dory's eyes narrowed as he squinted a little closer. Gasping in shocked realization, the Troll inside was undoubtedly his little brother.

"And there was Floyd," John Dory narrated.

But it became clear that Floyd had...changed the last time he had seen him.

20 years ago at the most, when BroZone was still a thing, Floyd had pink hair, a matching vest and a white earring on his right ear. He otherwise had the same hairstyle as his brothers and was the second shortest, being only taller than Bitty B, who was a baby. Although, unlike the other BroZone brothers, Floyd had purple eyes, leaving him the only brother without blue eyes.

And a green leafy-like vest as well, right...?

Now? Now that he was an adult, Floyd's bright pink hair had transformed to dark magenta was twisted around his head in a way that partly covered his face. His green leafy-like vest was gone and replaced with black ripped shorts and a large belt-buckle. His earring was now dark black in color. All in all, it gave John Dory the impression that he was attempting to emulate the Rock Trolls' sense of fashion. Then again, the more he looked at it and thought about it, he was always " The Sensitive One ", and black was a sign of loneliness. So, in a roundabout way...his sudden shift in clothing style was surprisingly sound.

Shaking his head, John Dory then noticed that his brother was laying against the walls of the perfume bottle in an unconscious manner while being pale.

And not in like a stunning Victorian way, either.

With no further time to dwell on the issue, he took a deep breath and subsuquently mighty dive.

He dove and soared straight...

"OOMPH!"

...to his face.

He landed straight on his face.

And as we saw earlier, it would not be the last time, either.

The downright detrimental dive was enough at least to stir Floyd from his slumber, the Pop Troll groaning as he slowly but surely woke up. Just a few inches away from him, on the other side that was freedom, was his older brother slowly but surely recovering from his poorly thought-out plan.

"Yo, Floyd!" John Dory whispered over to him and caught his now surprised attention, "Floyd, it's me! John Dory!"

"John Dory? I can't believe it," Floyd smiled with hope, "I never thought I'd see any of my brothers again."

"It's gonna be okay, bro," John Dory smiled back, "I'm gonna get you out of here."

Floyd's smile faltered as he began to plead, "No, John Dory, you've gotta get out of here. You don't understand."

"What's more to understand?" John Dory frowned, "You've been kidnapped by a pair of tall porcelain dolls with poor fashion sense."

For a moment, Floyd wanted to smirk and comment that statement was rich considering John Dory himself, but now was not the time.

"That's not just it, John Dory," Floyd explained, "Velvet and Veneer are giant, Pop-obsessed succubi with no talent, and they've been stealing mine for the past five months. And they'll be back any minute for more."

It was then that John Dory, now taken aback by Floyd's explanation, finally realized the severity of the situation.

"What? That's even worse than...than lip-syncing!"

His face adorning a determined scowl now, John Dory began to try every trick in the book to get his brother out.

"Not my brother! And not today!"

And we mean every trick.

He used his baseball bat.

He used his frying pan.

He used his kitchen knife.

He used his trusty glitter-bombs.

He used his unprotected head.

He only succeeded in temporarily knocking himself out and drawing blood from his forehead, prompting Floyd to draw the line there.

"John, John! Stop. The bottle is made of diamond...and there's only one thing that's powerful enough to shatter diamond."

"Right..." John Dory smiled wide, "A diamond-shattering diamond hammer. Where can we get one of those?"

"No, John," Floyd halfheartedly chuckled at that, "I wish that was a viable option, but..."

Placing one hand over his heart to accentuate his point, he stated:

"It's the perfect family harmony."

The thought never crossed his mind until that very moment, but John Dory gasped and smiled again.

"Of course! The perfect family harmony."

Reminiscing that fateful night, he then grimaced as it rushed back to him at full force.

"But...it didn't work then. So why should it work now?"

"As long as our brothers are with you," Floyd smiled despite the situation, "Anything is possible...including the perfect family harmony."

John Dory returned the smile before his and Floyd's ears picked up the sound of a slamming door.

"Our voices sound like garbage. We are dying out there."

"Maybe we need more practice?"

"What we need are more Trolls!"

"Run, John Dory," Floyd pleaded again, "Save yourself."

Grunting in frustration, John Dory nonetheless nodded and complied, extending his hair back to the open exit he created.

"Don't worry, Floyd," John Dory vowed as he left, "I'll be back with the bros. You have my word!"

And just like that, Floyd's hope for freedom was left empty once more.

The only difference was that a single strand was left hanging.

"Floyd..."

Branch exchanged worried looks with Poppy. It undoubtedly unnerved him to learn that his fourth eldest brother was in trouble. At the same time, though, his mood soured the more he listened to John Dory's tale. For him, it could not be any more convenient.

Why now?

Why him?

"So, you came here to get the band back together," Viva stated in understanding, "and sing the perfect family harmony."

"Yeah," John Dory smiled and nodded.

"Oh, yeah," Branch bitterly chuckled as he shook his head, "So we can attempt to sing something we've only tried once and failed so miserably at that we broke up and never talked to each other again."

"We're in," Poppy nodded.

"We are so in," Viva nodded with her.

"What?" Branch's face comically fell, "What are you guys doing?"

"Branch, don't you see?" Poppy smiled, "This is your second chance with your brothers, Branch. Why are you passing this up?"

Branch sighed and shook his head again, "It's not that easy, okay? You two..wouldn't get it."

Poppy and Viva exchanged bemused looks before the latter spoke on behalf of the former, "I mean...I didn't know Poppy was my sister, and I barely know her. But we get along just fine."

"That's my point, Viva," Branch frowned, "John Dory is not you. Compared to John Dory, you are a saint."

"Aw, thank you," Viva smiled as John Dory gaped from behind her.

"I think you both have a point," Melody interjected as a peacekeeper, "I mean...that was a questionable example, but you both are right. Viva, you are a saint. Branch...you are so lucky to have a brother to fight for, a sibling in general even."

Melody gasped before she continued, "I mean, if I had a sister―younger or older, it wouldn't matter―it would be so perfect. We'd be best friends, we'd teach each other new and different things. We'd never fight, we'd have each other's backs. We wouldn't talk because we'd think the same thoughts. Everyone would ask us if we're twins, and we'd be like, "Well, not technically", but on a technicality―"

"Melody?" Val frowned in concern as Petra raised an eyebrow from behind her...but not because of Melody's incessant rambling making a return, but there was plenty of issues there.

From a few feet, Poppy seemed visibly...uncomfortable? It was not the word that she use, but it was the closest thing she got considering how uneasy she got at the idea of Melody having a sister. It was really weird when she also considered how defensive (snarky, even) she got when her father―the former King, mind you―apparently never revealed that she had an older sister in the form of Viva; she had only discovered this before the Battle Of Folk Rock. But why?

Wait...it looks like she knows something that we don't.

Does Melody actually have a sister?

Does Poppy know that Melody actually has a sister?

"But…?" Val gestured before Melody took a deep breath and continued.

"If she were ever in trouble...I would do everything I could to help her."

Taking a moment to contemplate Melody's words, Branch turned back to glance around at his friends. Specifically, he looked at those had family members in attendance: Poppy, Viva, Satin, Chenille, Cooper, Prince D, Queen Essence, King Quincy, DJ Suki, CJ Suki, Queen Barb, King Thrash, Val, Melody, Delta Dawn, Clampers, John Dory, Mirabel and her family, Queen Peony, and finally his own daughter.

In the two months following the Battle Of Folk Rock, Branch got to know with Poppy and learn more about his teenage daughter and her friends, starting with the fact that they were from an alternate universe. A struggle it inevitably was, but that was not the fault of Ruby (or Ruby-2, as his girlfriend called her), whose already thin lines of nervousness from her upcoming coronation at the New Queen was stretched to their absolute limits. She blew up one night and screamed out her insecurities to her father, who listened attentively despite being initially taken aback. In response to her fear of her supposed inability to live up to her parents, he stated that (using his brothers as an example) not everything had to be perfect.

Branch's relationship with his daughter would strengthen that day.

"Okay, listen," Branch finally replied after a moment, "If there was a brother that I might do this for, and I'm not saying there is...it would be Floyd."

"I'm not hearing a "no"," Melody smiled and nodded.

"Yes!" John Dory fist-pumped from behind them, "Works for me."

"Yeah!" Viva cheered, "BroZone: 2.0! BroZone: Reunion! BroZone's Back: Alright! BroZone: Here We Bro Again! BroZone: Where'd They Bro? I Don't Know! We're Gonna Find Them!"

As Viva steadily and swiftly spouted a plethora of particularly punny and potential picks for BroZone's belated reunion tour, the ground suddenly started to shake, catching everybody off guard. DJ, CJ, Aggie, Beat, and Trollex (both of them) noticed the chairs and pews shivering from the vibration of the earthquake.

"What, pray tell..." Trollzart blinked.

"...is happening?!" Dante Crescendo yelped.

"I don't remember the forecast predicting earthquakes!" Blues held her sister Rhythm close.

"Metal!" Carol cackled like a mad woman with Blaze Powderchord, "This is metal!"

Besides him and a few others, John Dory was the only one who remained visibly unfazed, "Hey! Looks like our ride's here!"

Gristle was the first to notice a large lump growing quickly from under the royal carpet, quickly rushing over and pulling Bridget away as the ground exploded underneath. Everyone watched as an unidentified flying object shot upwards into the sky and landed back onto the ground with a hard THUD.

The unidentified flying object was a beige and red striped Armadillo Bus that had beady light green eyes with three long eyelashes each, four long green limbs, yellow headlights atop of her head, and a dark green satellite dish on top of its behind. Betting her position as a mode of transportation, she had windows and doors over her long body.

"Ohh, that's coming out of this deposit," Gristle commented with a wince, the landing damaging a few wooden beams on the table.

"Meet Rhonda, y'all!" John Dory introduced his vehicle and companion to the guests, "Ain't she a beaut?"

The critter let out a loud roar in response, its sparkly glitter breath pushing back Poppy, Branch, and many of the others close by. After a few seconds, Rhonda panted excitedly and revealed its red tongue as its little green tail wagged happily.

"Beaut? More like cute!" Viva screamed as she leapt forward and hugged its face, CJ and the rest of her friends following afterwards before Antonio, Alejandra, Juancho, Cecilia, Sofia, and Mei. Rhonda pleasantly chittered, delighted at the prospect of meeting new Trolls after a while.

"Wow," Branch answered hesitantly, "She's...uh...something."

He himself was unsure what to make of Rhonda, especially after it playfully licked Poppy and Viva, covering them in a bit of its sparkly slobber.

"Aw!" Viva gushed, "She likes us already!"

"Or is she marking us as prey?" Poppy smiled awkwardly as she provided a morbid alternative, much to the surprise of her boyfriend, her sister, and the rest of her friends.

"Yes," John Dory in turn provided the mathematician's answer, "Honestly...you can't really tell with Rhonda."

Cooper chuckled out a comment while Prince D and Chenille exchanged hesitant looks, "Well...that ain't creepy or suspicious at all."

Suddenly, Rhonda shifted onto its back and crushed John Dory, who looked up to find Synth having as much fun as the kids were when playing with her. He had swam forward next to pet its tummy giddily.

"Who's a good creature mobile?" Synth spoke in baby-talk, "Who's a good critter mobile, yo? You are, yo! Yes, you are, yo! Yes, you are, yo!"

"Synth, what are you doing?" Branch whispered in terror at his friend, who waved him off as Rhonda purred happily while its tail wagged and one of its back legs twitched in joy from being petted.

"Sorry, Dubstep!" The Techno Ambassador replied, "But she's so cute! She's like a big ol' puppy!"

"Yep! A big ol' puppy with a huge ol' appetite!"

Everybody momentarily stopped in their tracks at what sounded like the voice of a person.

A person...inside Rhonda.

"Oh, yeah!" John Dory perked up and crawled out from beneath Rhonda, "I forgot to mention, I may have picked up a stowaway!"

"I'm flattered by that apt description of me, John Dory!" The voice called out, her tone dripping with sarcasm galore as she hopped out after Rhonda opened her mouth. It belonged to a Rock Troll with azure blue eyes, violet-grey skin similar to Riff's, and platinum blonde hair with dyed pink ends. She wore a black leather biker jacket (which happened to conspiciously zipped all the way up), a pair of navy blue denim short shorts, black tights worn underneath, and a pair of spiked bracelets to go with the spiked collar.

Second only to John Dory, the Rock Troll was glaringly out of place for the formal occasion for numerous reasons, not the least of which was her choice of outfit. Miles in particular narrowed her eyes at this new Troll, silently suspecting that something was off-puttingly familiar about her. It was something that was noticed by Poppy and Ruby-1 right away; the rest of the Interdimensional Friends Squad noticed eventually through the latter two's reactions.

"I'm totally not offended at all!" The Rock Troll chuckled as she shook her head and brushed the dust off her.

"I apologize, but I don't apologize," John Dory chuckled back, "You technically are a stowaway."

"On a more serious matter," The Rock Troll turned toward the bewildered crowd, "Sorry about this. All of this. I've been living and hiding in Rhonda for far too long, and it's been a while since I've interacted with anyone besides John Dory. No offense, man."

"None taken," John Dory waved her off.

"Also, is this a wedding?" The Rock Troll continued, "If so, I'm super-duper sorry! I would've been dressed up for the occasion, but somebody left the mere mention of a wedding out of the memo. Plus, I sorta wished it would be a ballroom blitz."

That "somebody" rolled his eyes and nodded his head, "If it makes you feel any better, Gwen, I didn't know it was a wedding either."

"Ehh..." The Rock Troll known as Gwen made a so-so expression as Miles gasped in shock, Poppy and Ruby-1 turning to look at him with worry and concern.

His suspicions had been confirmed.

"Well, on the bright side of things," John Dory smiled with a shrug, "We're technically in the midst of the Troll Tribes, so we can ask them."

"Ask us what?" Barb approached with caution.

"I'm just looking for my friend," Gwen approached in turn with an equal amount of caution, "I'm...I'm from another dimension. I mean...another-another dimension."

"REALLY?!" Poppy teleported in front of Gwen, who backed up in alarm, "YOU ARE?! Wooow! Actually, I'm not confused. I have past experience with that."

"You do?" Gwen's eyes widened in surprise, "Okay then. I'm just looking for my friend Miles. I need to talk to him about something important―"

"I don't think so!"

Suddenly, Sunset marched past Barb and aimed her Glock 21, shielding Poppy as Raya approached next. The Dragon Troll visibly cringed as she aimed her SIG-Sauer P226 SCT at her. Not knowing what to do, Hickory drew his Remington 870 and took aim at a now confused Gwen, pushing back behind him Annie, Amber, Curtis, and a visibly peeved Delta Dawn, who pinched her nose bridge in agitation.

"If you think we're letting you get your hands on our friend, then you have another thing coming, Long-Shanks!" Sunset shouted a warning to Gwen, who continuing frowning in confusion. Yes, if anything, she was more confused than frightened at the moment, something Miles cursed at to himself as Ruby-1 exchanged looks with him and held his hand tightly.

With that, Miles took a deep breath and gently unclasped his hand from Ruby's as he approached Gwen, moving past Sunset and Raya. The two stood down at Poppy's command as their friend approached the now cautious Rock Troll, who briefly took up a fighting stance.

"Gwen..." Miles began slowly, "What are you doing here? What do you want?"

Gwen's fighting stance faltered and then fell completely as she stared wide-eyed at the person who was once her best friend.

"M-Miles?"

The person who was once her love interest.

The person...whom she spent two years looking for.

Ignoring all common sense and rationalization, Gwen's emotions overwhelmed her as she lunged at Miles and held him close, hugging him as she sobbed into his chest. She could not care less if he was still angry with her; if anything, he had every right to be mad with her after everything that had happened. Being emotional led her to fall right into the clutches of what she saw now as an interdimensional cult, which resulted in her making several wrong or questionable decisions that led to the death of a loved one of her best friend. Why would he not be angry with her after all of that?

Meanwhile, Miles himself should have been angry. Furious, even. But...he was neither. Even if she was involved in the direct chain of events that resulted in the death of his father (and wanted absolutely nothing to do with her when all was said and done), he found himself concerned for his former best friend who was currently crying into his chest. As such, he elicited a soft sigh and rather reluctantly returned the hug, prompting her to hug him tighter.

Poppy looked on with remorse while Ruby looked on with sympathy. Miles rarely mentioned the girl whom he considered to be his first love, the one who got away. A difficult subject to discuss or broach alongside the deaths of his parents, the latter―as his girlfriend―knew it was still sentitive to him over a year later and decided it would be best not to ask and bring up a sore spot. But then, he eventually opened up a few weeks before the wedding, telling her who exactly Gwen was and what she meant to him. To be honest, she felt a little intimidated.

But she would be damned if she let her intimidated her boyfriend.

"I feel like we're missing something," Gristle tilted his head in confusion as Bridget gently shushed him, expressing her own sympathies for the people involved in the hot gossip.

"Miles..." Gwen pulled away and gazed into his eyes, "I'm...I'm so sorry. For what I've done..."

"I know you are," Miles stared blankly ahead, masking his concern and replacing it with ignorance, "So why are you here?"

"I..." Gwen stammered and stumbled over her words as she mustered a proper response, "I...I came here to apologize. To you."

"That's it?" Miles raised an eyebrow, "Nothing else?"

"And..." Gwen hesitated for a moment before continuing, "...to take you home."

As the rest of the Interdimensional Friends Squad exchanged worried looks with each other (Ruby specifically did her best to mask her impending tears), Poppy and Miles frowned.

"Why?" Miles asked again before adding, "I don't have a home."

Gwen backed away again, this time in disbelief, "Yes, you do. Your mom is worried about you, and your friends at your school... They miss you a lot."

As the conversation progressed, Miles and Gwen became lost in their own little world, not once minding the troubled and worried facial expressions plastered on the faces on those around them.

"How can they miss me when they're dead?" Miles frowned, causing Gwen's eyes to widen.

"What...? No. No, that can't be right. It was just your father who―"

"JUST MY FATHER?!" Miles suddenly screamed, causing Gwen to yelp in fright and stumble backwards, "JUST MY FATHER WHO DIED?!"

Reacting quickly, Poppy created a series of light-constructed ropes and restrained a beyond furious Miles, who was inching dangerously close to a now terrified Gwen as he began to create electricity. The Rock Troll herself was subsequently shielded by John Dory, who despite not fully knowing what exactly was the backstory between the two feuding individuals, found it within himself to protect his young ward.

"Miles!" Poppy shouted above the noise and teleported in front of Gwen and John Dory, prompting Miles to place his fists in a fighting stance. Caught in a face-to-face deadlock with the Pop Queen, the Hip-Hop Troll's eyes widened in shock as he felt his anger simmer down. Hanging his head in shame as he cried in agony, Poppy's hardened expression softened as he softly pulled him in for a cooldown hug, followed by Ruby, Skye, and the rest of the Interdimensional Friends Squad.

Feeling one of his paws being held, Miles looked up to find Antonio clutching it while giving him the brightest smile he could muster. Although his subsequent smile was tinged with sadness, the Hip-Hop Troll nonetheless appreciated the young Latin Troll's gesture.

Her ropes slowly dissipating, Poppy turned her attention to a now heavily breathing Gwen, who was being tended to by John Dory.

"Gwen?"

"I... I didn't―"

"I know," Poppy smiled, "It's okay. It's not your fault."

Gwen's eyes began to water up, prompting her to desperately wipe away the tears before Poppy took her hands and clasped it with her own, red and yellow energy swirling together. A moment later, she gently pulled away and chuckled lightly.

"Huh," Poppy remarked, "You're really aren't from here."

She then turned to Miles.

"Miles...she's not your Gwen."

"What?" Miles breathed out as he recovered.

"She's from Earth-231031B," Poppy explained, "I looked into her memories. She comes from an universe where you...where you die."

When Miles did not respond, Poppy continued, "You managed to save your father, but you die in the process. From what I've learned...the Earth-1610 was destabilized from the rest of the Multiverse when Gwen killed The Spot...and self-destructed as a result."

Gwen shook her head and teared up, "I...I shouldn't have lied to you. I should've told you."

Miles' anger subsided for the most part, replaced by conflict. He wanted to get angry at the Gwen Stacy before him for lying to him. For betraying him. For costing him everything. But...this was not his Gwen Stacy. His Gwen Stacy would have felt little to no remorse...

...as far as he knew, anyway.

"You just didn't know how to tell me," Miles frowned once more, opening an old wound of Gwen's as she flinched. After a moment, though, the Hip-Hop Troll merely sighed and approached her, wrapping his paws around her for a careful hug. Gwen understandably tensed up before melting into the embrace as Poppy and her friends looked on in sympathy. Ruby's reservations about her immediately went away as she watched her boyfriend embrace his ex-girlfriend, whom she felt pity for after her tale was regaled.

"You're not my Miles..." Gwen murmured into his chest.

"You're not my Gwen..." Miles shook his head before he briefly pulled away, "...but it doesn't mean you don't need help. I owe you an apology."

As Gwen managed a smile, Poppy smiled as well from behind...before she frowned and glanced upwards to the sky...

"MEEEOOOWWW!"

...which happened to have a female, feline-like Troll soar through the sky as she howled in fright.

"Oh, crumbs!" Mirabel flinched in terror for her ally as Poppy teleported to where Catra was and caught her before teleporting them both to the ground. The cat-themed Troll took deep breaths as Sunset rushed to the refreshment table, poured a cup of punch, and handed it to her.

"Thanks," Catra breathed out before downing the entire drink in one gulp, "A fight...just South...of Bergen Town. Thought you...oughta...know."

She then collapsed face-first into the ground as the terrified crowd began to murmur in alarm and anxiety. The Bergens' worry was mixed with a hint of exasperation, for this was not on the schedule for the big day. Nonetheless, many of them reacted with the news by taking up arms and shielding their Troll friends, both old and new.

Mirabel glanced at her family before rushing over to them and mustering up an apology, "I'm so sorry, familia. This was not part of the plan."

"It's not your fault, Miraboo," Agustín smiled in reassurance, "It's just..."

"Unexpected and happening really fast?"

"Yes."

"I get it."

Skye rushed over to Poppy and hopped up and down to get her attention, "Your Majesty, what do I do? What can I do?"

"Me and one half of my team will confront the situation," Poppy knelt down, "You will stay here with the other half and defend the guests alongside the Bergens."

"Yes, ma'am!" Skye nodded just as Twilight, Sunset, and Flash readied their weapons the same time as Mirabel, Raya, Lunella, Marinette, and Mr. Wolf. Miles, Mei, Sofia, Esteban, Elsa, Ruby, and Lady Bone Demon charged up their powers while Namaari, Nimona, Camilo, and Sisu exchanged looks with each other before stretching before the big fight.

Princess Peach held a halberd in her hand as she whispered to Elsa, "Where's Lord Madrigal?"

"He got up in traffic," Elsa replied as she conjured up a pair of ice swords.

Fearing the worst, Isabela's eyes wandered around and spotted a series of plants on the buildings' balconies. She shot up from her seat and conjured up a pair of vines that shielded Mirabel and the rest of her familia.

"Isa, what are you doing?" Mirabel faced her eldest sister.

"I don't know what's happening right now," Isabela faced her youngest sister, "but I will be damned if I let something happen to you."

"I want to help too, Your Majesty," Gwen approached Poppy, "What can I do?"

"You and Skye will help the second team defend the guests and help them into their homes if needed," Poppy replied as she turned to leave.

"Queen Poppy, wait!" A recovering Catra groaned and shook her head, "We're going up against the Party Crashers again. If you know them, then you should remember that they're killers!"

Many of the guests gasped in terror, fearful for the safety of their loved ones as well as their own. The Bergens exchanged uncertain looks with each other before shooting apologetic ones at them. The Familia Madrigal exchanged alarmed looks as well, while John Dory and Gwen felt guilty; they were under the impression they themselves had led these "Party Crashers" here to Bergen Town for an attack to commance.

Suddenly, Poppy's hair began to glow pink, purple, blue, orange, yellow, and red, just as her eyes began to glow bright white.

"So am I..."

In an instant, her stylish dress dissipated, and in its place was a jumpsuit, waist skirt, back armor, shoulder armor, hand guards, a drape-like gown, and a small metallic headdress; they all shared the same white-and-gold color scheme. Drawing the Sword of Protection, she slowly levitated for a brief moment before quickly flying off to the direction of the fight. All the while, everyone in attendance looked on in shock and awe.

Exchanging looks with each other, Branch and Mirabel merely gulped in utter fright.

"Oh..."

"Mierda..."

Chapter 5: Better Place (Ballroom Blitz)

Chapter Text

("Ballroom Blitz" ― The Sweet)

On the other side of Bergen Town, Adora was currently cutting the number of pillaging Party Crashers in half with her Sword of Protection. While she was perfectly capable of doing so on her own, a little help would have been appreciated, especially when it turns out one of them mentioned the presence of Chanty Trolls and Siren Trolls in the areas. Fortunately, she got just that when her girlfriend was flung away in the air.

Oh, I see a man in the back as a matter of fact
His eyes was as red as the sun
And the girl in the corner that no one ignores
'Cause she thinks she's the passionate one

Another Troll had quite literally swung onto the scene and lent a helping hand or two. The figure was feminine, and she wore a bizarre suit she had never seen before. The suit was a one-piece and covered her entire body other than her hands, head, and feet; it also had a hood with pink and blue web patterns on the inside. It was primarily white and black with some pink and blue web patterns in the underarm area. Her gloves were separate from the suit along with her mask, which had pink, emotive rims. She also wore teal sneakers and pink and blue long fingerless gloves on top of her regular gloves. The masked Troll was equipped with wrist-mounted shooters that appeared to fire a synthetic, silk-like material reminiscent of a spider's web; they were also used to not only swing onto the scene as described before, but also restrain many of her opponents or grab them should they plan out an ambush.

Oh, yeah! It was like lightning!
Everybody was frightening!
And the music was soothing!
And they all started grooving!
Yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah!

Adora also appreciated the fact that she held back from killing said opponents, because she herself held no such reservations during her time here.

"So..." The Troll asked beneath her mask, "What's all the hullabaloo here about?"

"Hullaba-wha...?" Adora momentarily paused before remembering she was in a fight, slicing off the head of a Party Crasher, "Never mind. The important thing is that we need to stop them from invading Bergen Town and crashing the wedding of Queen Bridget and King Gristle."

"A royal wedding, huh?" The masked Troll paused before webbing up a pair of pesky Party Crashers who lunged at them, "Well, I gotta say, these party crashers don't exactly give off a Prince William and Princess Kate kind of vibe."

As Adora narrowed her eyes in thought trying to figure out who exactly this Prince William and Princess Kate were, the masked Troll continued webbing up her opponents left and right. While she was doing so, Poppy came flying in and blasted the next wave of Party Crashers either further away or to ashes, allowing the trio of heroes a little more breathing room.

"Adora, what's the situation here?" Poppy turned to ask her comrade, "Besides the obvious?"

"I think the Party Crashers aren't alone," Adora replied, "I heard one of them mention the presence of the Chanty Trolls and the Siren Trolls."

"Then they're probably the distraction," Poppy deduced as she gestured to the group in question.

"A distraction for what?" The masked Troll approached.

"For us," Poppy turned to her, "They're mostly likely going to attack the party guests and take as many hostages as they can."

"What for?" The masked Troll asked herself, during which Poppy placed a hand on her shoulder for comfort.

"Don't worry, Miss Gwen Stacy," Poppy smiled at her, "I can only hope it won't come down to that."

Gwen's eyes widened in unison with the lenses of her mask, laughing nervously as she raised her hands to proclaim ignorance and innocence.

"What? I―I do not know who this Gwen Stacy is."

Her eyes and mask lenses widening further through her mistake, Poppy chuckled and shook her head, "No need to play dumb, Gwen. Your friend has told me a lot about you."

"He has?" A blushing Gwen smiled with pride before processing what Poppy said, "Wait, you mean Miles? You know Miles? Miles is here?"

"Of course he is," Poppy continued, "I mean, I personally don't think he would be happy to see you..."

Gwen's smile faltered, "Oh..."

"But I won't hold it against you!" Poppy added with a smile, "Right now, let's make these Party Crashers regret crashing this particular party!"

"Alright then," Gwen took a battle stance...before turning back to her with a confused expression, "Wait...is that what they're actually called?"

"Essentially."

"Huh! And I was just spitballing the name without knowing how correct I was? Man, I'm good!"

"Don't get too co*cky, Gwen," Poppy smirked back at her before charging into battle with Gwen following behind. Adora followed behind them, but not before she elicited an exasperated eye roll.

Business as usual...

Catra poured herself a cup of punch as she watched the fight unfold before her.

And the man in the back said, "Everyone attack!"
And it turned into a ballroom blitz
And the girl in the corner said, "Boy, I want to warn you"
"It'll turn into a ballroom blitz!"

All of a sudden, a tidal wave of Party Crashers crashed upon the north end of Bergen Town and commenced their attack. After getting the majority of the Trolls to higher ground, the Bergens made quick work of most of them, sweeping or kicking them away while some muttered barely audible apologies.

Ballroom blitz~!

With Ruby transforming into a kraken and utilizing her laser vision to clear a path for her allies with some help from Lady Bone Demon, it was Mirabel, Raya, Namaari, and Elsa who charged first, wielding their respective swords as they sliced and slashed their way through their enemies. Miles and Gwen-1 used her synthetic webs to restrain the larger opponents and send a few crashing down, while Marinette used her yo-yo to knock back and knock out the larger opponents who broke free of said restraints.

Ballroom blitz~!

Hickory, Delta Dawn, and the Country Trolls fired their pump-action/lever-action long arms as the Funky Family and the rest of the Funk Trolls used their hoverboards to get the rest of the guest Trolls to safety. Synth manipulated a body of water to engulf his opponents while Elsa froze it into a block of ice that Sofia and Esteban levitated and hurled away into the distance. Lunella delivered more than powerful punches with her spring-loaded red boxing gloves while Elsa covered her from behind.

Ballroom blitz~!

Branch lead a team consisting of DJ Suki, Harper, Archer, King Trollex, the Reggaeton Gang, the K-Pop Gang, Meadow Spriggs, Mr. Wolf, Mei, Nimona, Princess Peach, Camilo-2, and Sisu as they helped the Funk Trolls get the guests to higher ground. Watching his daughter and her friends fight back against a group of Party Crashers, Branch briefly deviated from the group and quite literally in to defend them, stabbing and shooting any and all unlucky hostile who stood in his way.

Ballroom blitz~!

"You okay, Ruby?"

"Never better, Dad," Ruby replied with a smile.

"I got her, Mr. Branch," Luke smiled as well with a thumbs up.

Scanning him from head to toe, Branch smiled back, "I know you do."

With that, Branch ran into a crowd of Party Crashers and began taking down his opponents to gave his daughter and her friends a chance to escape up. A few feet away, DJ Suki, King Trollex, and an arriving Queen Barb provided him with extra aid.

A few feet away, Marinette knocked away a pair of Party Crashers attacking Camilo and helped him up, "Does this bring back fond memories, Camilo?"

"Not exactly the word I would use," Camil rubbed his head as he chuckled, "But close enough."

Watching the fight from the safety of the balcony Miss Maxine had dropped them off on, those associated with Mirabel and Mei watched the battle unfold with a sense of shock and awe. The younger members admired Mirabel and Mei's strength and prowess in battle while the older members flinched at the amount of violence and bloodshed that came with the all-out action. It unnerved Isabela (who was currently on the battlefield helping others escape at Mirabel's behest), Julieta, and Agustín specifically, who were under the impression that their youngest sister and daughter had to endure such a level for the full year she was presumed dead. Although, they were partially assured that Mirabel made it a point to keep the innocents out of harm's way and escort them to safety.

CJ, Keith, and Priscilla were all grabbed and thrashed around by a large Party Crasher, much to the horror of Branch, DJ Suki, King Trollex, and Queen Barb, all four of whom were in the midst of battle.

"Aunt DJ!"
"Branch!"
"Barb!"

"CJ!"
"Keith!"
"Priscilla!"

Watching this from afar, Isabela reacted quickly and rushed forward against the protests of her family.

And the man in the back is ready to crack
As he raises his hands to the sky
And the girl in the corner is everyone's mourner
She could kill you with a wink of her eye

She conjured a pair of vines, one to restrain the Party Crasher and the other to open up the hand that held the children and hopefully his grip on them. Unfortunately, the Party Crasher only tightened his grip on the three Trolls and refused to budge. Fortunately, Meadow, Miles, and Gwen noticed this as well and rushed over to assist Isabela, the former using her plants and the latter two using their webs to hold them down.

"INCOMING!"

All parties involved in the struggle watched Luisa leap down from the balcony and body slam the Party Crasher, who finally released his grip on the three Trolls, who in turn rushed to safety as Isabela, Meadow, Miles, and Gwen continued to hold him down. Repeatedly punching the Party Crasher for endangering the lives of her older sister and the three children, Luisa was suddenly tossed away before Miles and Gwen caught her and swung her back towards the Party Crasher, whose eyes widened in horror as Luisa―having caught on to the duo's scheme―used her feet to kick the Party Crasher and send him flying into a pile of his fellow Party Crashers.

"Sorry about that," Miles apologized as he and Gwen rushed over to help Luisa up, "Are you okay?"

"Never better," Luisa chuckled before another swarm of Party Crashers interrupted their free talking.

Oh, yeah! It was electric!
So frantically hectic!

Mirabel sprinted forward and drew her Nichirin Sword, decapitating them and the two swarms following behind with one swift stroke. Those who survived the slashing did not live long enough to celebrate as they were swiftly shot up by Mirabel again, this time wielding her SIG-Sauer P226R. Rapidly reloading and loading like a whirlwind, she even hurled some of the empty magazines into the face of her opponents to disorient them before surprising them with a few headshots; ocassionally, she dual-wielded her pistol with her Nichirin Sword.

And the band started leaving
'Cause they all stopped breathing

Managing to clear a path, Mirabel reloaded once more and performed a press check on her P226R as she turned to face her shocked friends and family.

"You know what I'm just realizing?" Mirabel duly noted, "Talking isn't always a free action."

With that, Mirabel turned tail and sprinted toward her opponents, opening fire with her pistol as they exchanged looks with each other.

"It's true," Miles concurred as Gwen silently nodded, the both of them rushing after her.

Yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah!

Exchanging a few more glances, Isabela, Luisa, and Meadow merely shrugged and followed after them in turn.

And the man in the back said, "Everyone attack!"
And it turned into a ballroom blitz!

Helping their sister and new allies widen the path she created, the three girls passed by Raya slicing through her enemies like butter, often bisecting them both horizonally and vertically. She was covered and assisted by Elsa and Lady Bone Demon, who both launched ice and crystal projectiles at the opponents surrounding them while making sure not to accidentally hit their allies. Sisu and Namaari joined her, the latter hurling a spear into the chest of a Party Crasher that attempted to ambush Raya and the former creating a mist that blinded the majority of the enemy faction to the heroic army.

And the girl in the corner said, "Boy, I want to warn you"
It'll turn into a ballroom blitz!

Placing each other back to back, Raya, Sisu, Namaari, Lady Bone Demon, and Elsa formed a circle and kept their guard, which Branch, DJ Suki, King Trollex, Marinette, Mr. Wolf, Harper, Archer, Queen Barb, King Quincy, Queen Essence, Delta Dawn, and Hickory caught notice of and mirrored their actions. Branch, DJ Suki, King Trollex, and Queen Barb formed a circle to shield CJ, Keith, Priscilla, and the rest of the children as they helped them to higher ground; Marinette, Mr. Wolf, Harper, Archer, Hickory, and Delta Dawn watched them in turn; and King Quincy and Queen Essence protected their family as well as the families of their allies. All of the groups slowly moved away from the heart of the battlefield.

Ballroom blitz~!

Snarling in anger, the lead Party Crasher composed himself before pulling out a Remington Model 870 TAC-14 and pumped a shell into it, a group of additional Party Crashers loading either Heckler & Koch MP5A3's or Heckler & Koch MP7A1's. Spreading out and taking aim, they waited until an enemy presented themself getting caught in the crossfire. Spotting movement from the corner of his eye, he motioned one half of his team to open fire and the other half to break away in an attempt to box them in. Unbeknownst to them, Twilight, Sunset, Elsa, and Marinette had created a series of shields to protect their allies as well as themselves.

Eventually, one male Party Crasher stumbled upon his fellow female Party Crasher surveying the situation. Smirking to himself while licking his lips, he strutted up and straight-up smacked her posterior, catching her off guard and prompting her to turn around and shoot him a dirty glare. His smirk merely grew, prompting her to now return the gesture and plant a rather messy kiss on his lips. It was his turn to be caught off guard but immediately melted into the embrace, not even sparing a moment to complain or question the moment.

Had he done so, it may have actually saved his life.

SHUNK!

Had he spared a moment to complain or question, he would have prevented his fate of having a series of bone-like knives embedded in his body. Indeed, this was the poor, unfortunate Party Crasher's destiny as he fell down dead, a permanent grin plastered on his face. Party Crasher Lady Bone Demon grimaced in disgust at this just as a nearby Party Crasher Nimona grinned in amusem*nt.

"Not exactly one of your prouder moments, eh?"

"Not a single word."

With that, Lady Bone Demon and Nimona shapeshifted into Party Crashers, the former levitating the corpse of the Party Crasher so that the latter can swiftly kick him away to create a distraction. Sure enough, the moment his bloodied body crashed into a nearby stand was the moment the Party Crashers opened fire at the source. They both used said distraction to cut the number of Party Crashers attacking their section in half before taking cover when their opponents got wise.

Poppy, Gwen-1, and Adora arrived on the scene and stared at the mist with confusion. The former silently instructed the latter to led Gwen towards their army; she would go elsewhere to sweep for stragglers. When they were out of sight, she sighed as she carefully drew her Glock 17 and SIG-Sauer P226R after sheathing her sword, holding them akimbo as she scanned her surroundings.

. . .

Her ears perking up, Poppy swiftly created wrist-mounted shields as she opened fire with her two pistols.

BANG-BANG!
BOOM!

Poppy was nearly thrown off her feet by the blast of a shotgun, and completely had it not been for her conjured shields that absorbed it. With that, she continued to open fire just as her opponent did the same, eventually revealing themselves as the mist parted for them. They wore a black hooded cloak with brown clothing underneath.

Oh, yeah! It was like lightning!
Everybody was frightening!

The opponent's Mossberg 500 Cruiser clicked empty, prompting them to sling it over their shoulder and draw a sword of their own from the same place.

And the music was soothing!
And they all started grooving!

This prompted Poppy to do the same, drawing her Sword of Protection as she charged forward.

Yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah!

They both then engaged in a dance of the blades.

And the man in the back said, "Everyone attack!"
And it turned into a ballroom blitz!
And the girl in the corner said, "Boy, I want to warn you"
It'll turn into a ballroom blitz!

Their blades slashed...

Ballroom blitz~!

Their blades stabbed...

Ballroom blitz~!

Their blades sliced...

Ballroom blitz~!

Their blades diced...

Ballroom blitz~!

...before their dance inevitably ended in a stalemate.

It's, it's a ballroom blitz...
It's, it's a ballroom blitz...
It's, it's a ballroom blitz...
Yeah! It's a ballroom blitz...

Growling underneath their hood, the figure created a misty diversion so they could escape, not that Poppy was considering pursuing them anyway. The Pop Queen merely looked on and released a solemn sigh as they charged into the mist, living to fight another day.

A few feet away, Amethyst (in her Captain Blue disguise) was scanning her surroundings as well, simultaneously wielding her sword, cursing to Poppy for inviting her to the blasted wedding, and praying to herself that she did not die today.

Eventually, she spotted a hooded opponent with their back facing her, wielding a sword of her own. Because of this, she figured that she would be a fool for ordering their to freeze and drop their weapon (or worse, charging forward without the knowledge that it was a trap). With that in mind, she attempted to back away into the mist with her opponent none the wiser.

THUMP!

Unfortunately, in her haste to slip away unscathed, Amethyst had accidentally nudged the body of an unconscious Party Crasher, who groaned and held her injury in pain. This in turn caught the attention of her opponent, who glared at her beneath her hood as she charged forward. Consequently, Amethyst groaned in exasperation and attacked, having failed to avoid the inevitability of a confrontation.

Their swords clashed in the second dance of the blades today, this time with a far more violent and aggressive edge when compared to the beauty and elegance of the fight between Poppy and her opponent. And unlike the two, they managed to give and receive more than a few slashes and stabs to each other, which frustrated Amethyst enough to throw her sword at her opponent, who flinched in pain as the blade managed to notch the back of their unprotected hand and caused her to drop her own.

Eventually, their "little" dance transitioned into a big brawl, Amethyst and her opponent managing to land hits and deliver blows ten times harder than Poppy and her opponent (who, granted, did neither in their fight to begin with). Thanks to the proper training at the hands of the Pop Queen, though, the former fared a "little" better than the latter, who was quickly getting winded by the amount of punches and kicks before kicking Amethyst away and drawing a Beretta 92FS. Having pulled off their hooded cloak, Amethyst in turn rolled back onto her feet and―after single-handedly rolling the clothing item around her hand―drew her Beretta 90Two, aiming the pistol at them...before gasping at the sight of...her.

It had been more than a few decades when she last saw her, and the meeting in question was not a happy one. She doubted that this one would be nothing but happy, either.

Her hair was red that faded to brown when approaching the roots.

Her skin was―while normally tan―laced with crude white paint and purple eyeshadow surrounding her eyes.

Her eyes were glowing a bright magenta purple that shimmered best when staring deep into Amethyst's soul.

The Troll standing before her...was her best friend.

"R-Ruby...?"

"Who the f*ck is Ruby?" The Troll snarled back before opening fire with her Beretta 92FS.

Thinking quickly without consideration, Amethyst used the cloak to block the bullets, which disintegrated upon contact.

Wait, what?

Realizing this, Amethyst charged forward and returned fire with her Beretta 90Two, the wraparound cloak acting as her improvised shield. When they both collided again, Ruby stuck her Beretta 92FS into the cloak and emptied the remaining rounds into it to no avail. Thanking the lords and ladies above in the Heavens for the wonder that was the magical wraparound cloak, Amethyst managed to clutch the barrel within the fabric and hurl it away before pummeling her friend into the ground below.

Groaning in agonizing pain, Ruby looked up to find her opponent looming above her with one hand raised whilst wrapped in her cloak.

"Sorry, Ruby..." Amethyst winced as she brought the hand down one more time to knock her friend out.

A few feet away, with a little help from their Spider-Sense, Miles and Gwen webbed up their opponents while Marinette lassoed her own with her yo-yo and Elsa conjured up a block of ice to shield them from the knives, bullets, and other blows from them. Attaching suppressors to their rifles, Twilight, Sunset, and Flash gunned down any approaching Party Crasher by singling out the noises made by their own unsuppressed firearms.

Spotting the outline of a familiar Pop Troll, the lead Party Crasher smirked in seeming victory. He gestured a group of his fellow henchmen and henchwomen to carefully advance and surround the Pop Queen, their guns taking aim at her. Holding his Remington 870 TAC-14, the lead Party Crasher slowly chambered a shell just as the mist cleared on cue.

The predator's victorious smirk was instantly wiped away the moment he took a better look at his prey.

It was not Queen Poppy.

It was Queen Peony.

The eyes of the Queen in question glowed a bright white as many of the now horrified Party Crashers were swiftly sliced and diced from where they stood before exploding in pieces. While initially caught off guard, the lead Party Crasher stood his ground, continuing to aim his shotgun at the powerful Pop Queen. Peony merely took a fighting stance and placed up her still glowing hands, a look of regret crossing her face as she did so.

Suddenly, the lead Party Crasher felt a gun pressed against his temple from his right. Slightly glancing in the gun's direction, he spotted a Latin Rock Troll holding him at gunpoint with a SIG-Sauer P226R. Quite tall and quite beautiful with a slender hourglass figure, she had brown skin (specifically rakuda); bluish-grey eyes with thick black eyebrows; and equally thick, wavy, hip-length maroon-red hair with matching lipstick.

Her main outfit was a large red trench coat with a matching, equally large red fedora hat with a black band around it. Said trench coat was worn over a short-sleeved black stealth-suit with a triangle-shaped golden zipper hanging from the high-collar. Complementing the coat were a pair of low-heeled black shoes, her accessories including a set of small, round black earrings and black leather gloves.

Ill-suited for a formal wedding, but best suited for a tactical mission.

"Did I tell you how much you scare me, Your Majesty?" The Latin Rock Troll remarked with a not-so-subtle hint of humor.

"Yes, you have, Miss Carmen," Peony smiled despite the tense set-up, "Countless times."

Sighing in exasperation, the lead Party Crasher held up his hands with the Remington, which the Latin Rock Troll took and held by her side.

"You won't win," The lead Party Crasher huffed, "The Party Crashers will finally crash your party after all this time."

"I have no idea what that exactly means," The Latin Rock Troll smiled in bemusem*nt, "But let's agree to disagree."

Eventually, the rest of the surrounding mist cleared, and the remaining Party Crashers found themselves surrounded at all sides by Poppy's army and the Bergens, who seemed more disappointed if anything else. With that in mind, the Party Crashers laid down their weapons and surrendered without any more bloodshed. As many if not all the heroes cheered in victory, the Country Trolls and the Funk Trolls rounded up the Party Crashers and restrained them.

Poppy, Gwen-1, and Adora arrived at the scene and checked up on everybody's wellbeing, the latter checking up on her girlfriend, who was leaning against the refreshment table.

"Catra, did you even help Poppy's army defend Bergen Town and protect the guests?" Adora asked, playfully narrowing her eyes at her.

"What?" Catra gasped in mock shock, "Of course, I did!"

At that moment, as if to prove her point, two Party Crashers proved too dumb to live and broke free from their restraints in an attempt to flee. In response, Catra took the cup in her hand and hurled it into one's head, bouncing off the other and knocking them both unconscious before sending them falling face-first into the ground.

Exchanging looks with each other, Adora raised an eyebrow as Catra flashed a toothy grin.

"See?"

Rolling her eyes and shaking her head, Adora gently placed a kiss on her cheek and hugged her while noting, "Next time, have a little tact."

"No promises, Adora," Catra noted back with a smirk, "You know me better than anyone else."

"Damn right, hot stuff," Adora smirked back.

"Poppy?"

The Pop Queen turned to find Amethyst carrying an unconscious Troll and rush to give her aid.

"Poppy, this is..." Amethyst hesitated before continuing, "This is Ruby. One of my friends from my home dimension."

"How did she...?" Poppy started to ask.

"I don't know," Amethyst replied with a shake of her head, "But she attacked me. She didn't even recognize me."

Glancing back and forth between the conscious Amethyst and the unconscious Ruby, Poppy nodded in understanding, "Take her to Doctor Moonbloom. I'll have some Bergen guards watch over her."

Amethyst nodded back and ran off in search of the Pop Troll doctor in question. Meanwhile, Sunset and Raya were among those who tended to the wounded, Miles and Mr. Wolf among them.

"Miles!" Gwen-2 called out in alarm, catching the attention of Gwen-1, who watched her alternate variant rush to a Funk/Hip-Hop Troll who she assumed was her best friend in question. After a moment, she mustered up the courage to approach them, who looked on in stunned silence.

"Uh...hi," Gwen-1 smiled and chuckled awkwardly beneath her mask, which she pulled up and off to reveal the Rock Troll beneath.

While Gwen-2's focus was placed exclusively on the primary doppelgänger variant standing before her, Miles could only glance between the two Gwens before wordlessly pleading an approaching Poppy for assistance and clarification. The Pop Queen in question rolled her eyes in amusem*nt before she nodded and obliged him.

"Miles, this is your Gwen from another dimension...or another, another dimension if you will."

"Just making sure," Miles nodded as before the pain in his side returned, causing him to flinch and glance down.

A knife was embedded in his waist.

"Are you okay, Miles?" Poppy asked in worry.

"What's wrong with Miles?" Ruby approached from the side and began to fret over him, much to the confusion of both Gwens.

"Who are you?"

"I'm fine," Miles nodded and waved off their concerns, "Just help the others."

"Out of the question."

Poppy, Miles, Ruby, and both Gwens turned to find Julieta marching towards them with Mirabel and Agustín following behind. In her hand was an arepa, Mirabel flashing a grin and thumbs up from behind her.

"Reina Poppy, please pull out the knife," Julieta instructed as she handed the arepa to a confused Miles, "Eat this, Señor Morales. I promise you'll feel better."

"She promises," Mirabel continued grinning and flashing the same thumbs up.

"It's not a metaphor," Agustín nodded.

Despite his confusion, Miles took the arepa and plucked it into his mouth as Poppy carefully removed the knife from his side. To his pleasant surprise, he felt the pain slowly but surely subside and glanced down to find the wound healing itself.

"Huh," Miles chuckled as Ruby and the two Gwens looked on in awe, "That worked like a charm. Thank you, Mrs. Madrigal."

"You're welcome, Señor Morales," Julieta nodded and smiled, "And please, call me Julieta."

"Well then, Juli..."

Everybody turned to find Nimona strutting up to them...with a spear in her chest.

"Do you have some I can steal?"

"I thought you were invulnerable, Nimona," Ruby exchanged confused looks with Miles.

"Oh, I am," Nimona nodded and smiled, "They're not for me."

Lady Bone Demon approached, burned and scorched to a crisp all over, "I'm gonna kill you, Nimona."

"Keep dreaming, Demon Bone Lady..."

After the initial chaos and prior mayhem died down, the wedding ceremony was completed in the throne room at the Bergen Castle. The union between Queen Bridget and King Gristle Jr. was quite a glorious sight to behold, as they both sealed it with a big damn kiss that was cheered and applauded by those in attendance.

With that, the wedding reception commenced, with DJ Suki and King Trollex literally dropping the beat to kick the whole thing off, a little assistance lended to them by CJ and Synth. The Country Trolls, the Classical Trolls, the Funk Trolls, and the Latin Trolls all joined forces to cook a plethora of assorted food for their extended cuisine. Most of Mirabel's group trailed over to the latter section due to their established familiarity with their selections, but other members trailed off to the former trio to try those unfamiliar to them. Camilo-1, for example, took one bite of the fabled pizza and was instantly hooked; Catra, Mitsuri, and Princess Peach seemed to concur as well.

Meanwhile, on the dance floor were Mei, Alberto, Camilo-2, Marinette, Ruby, and Miles, dancing with their respective romantic partners around and below Bridget and Gristle. Gwen-1 and Gwen-2 were among those who opted to remain wallflowers, not entirely comfortable with engaging with the lively teens despite receiving an impromptu invitation by the latter. Instead, they watched with intrigue and jealousy as Miles held Ruby close as they danced together, heartily laughing all the way. Another sore spot they both had to cope due to the amount of time passed was the idea of their best friend and crush moving on to someone else. At the same time, they both knew they themselves played a part in his action, and they could largely blame no one else. The girl who ended up being the lucky one―this Ruby Gillman―did leave a first good impression on them, though.

John Dory, who was donning a simple black-and-white tuxedo, approached Gwen-2 with two soft drinks, "You good, kiddo?"

Gwen-2 looked up at him and managed the best smile she could muster up, "Yeah, I'm good."

John Dory scanned her and Gwen-1 from head to toe, "You certainly look good. You both do."

Both Gwens were dressed in a near-exact replica set of their homecoming outfit: a pink dress above a black leather biker jacket with a purple corsage. It no doubt brought back some unpleasant memories, making them more than a little uncomfortable and apprehensive. Nonetheless, they appreciated the compliment, no matter how innocently insensitive it may have been.

"Thanks, John Dory," Gwen-2 smiled more sincere that time.

"No problem, kiddo," John Dory shrugged with a smile as he handed one soft drink over, "So...you wanna talk about it? Or nah?"

"About what?" Gwen-2 raised an eyebrow as she took the soft drink.

"Your previous paramour, obviously," John Dory gestured to Miles, who on the dance floor twirled Ruby lovingly, "A bit of history between you, I gotta say."

"A lot of history," Gwen-2 could not help but nod in agreement.

"What's yours?" Gwen-1 gestured back at them.

"Well..." Gwen-2 took a deep breath before regaling her tale to her, "Where I come from...Miles managed to save his father and the child he was trying to save, but...not his own. He was hurt, he was terrified...but he was persistent. He never gave up. And the Spot...he just laughed. He mocked his sacrifice. And the worst part? His father was there to witness it all. He felt weak and helpless. I ended up killing the Spot...but it didn't matter. The murder ended up undoing everything Miles had done and become. I ended up causing Earth-1610 to destabilize and be cut off from the rest of the Multiverse. I doomed everyone there. It's all my fault..."

When she finished, Gwen-2 felt tears well up in her eyes as John Dory grasped her left hand with his own right. He remembered when he met the young teenage human turned Rock Troll during his travels with Rhonda, as well as the decision to take her in following the events of the Rock-Pocalypse. It was a relatively easy one to make, but also a questionable one in his opinion considering how much time was spent by himself. Besides Rhonda, he rarely had contact with anyone else, let alone another Troll, prior to meeting Gwen-2. As with her multiversal-spanning tale, he had little trouble believing it due to his own misadventures within the Multiverse; if anything, it made her pity her more.

Gwen-1 simply listened attentively before she rested one hand on her variant's shoulder.

"It's not your fault, Gwen," Gwen-1 bit her lip, thinking of the right words to say, "You just..acted on instinct. It proves that you still cared not just for Miles, but doing the right thing, even it was not quite the right thing."

Sparing a brief glance at Gwen-2, who simply listened attentively as well, Gwen-1 sighed and continued, "But you're here now...for now. Sometimes, a clean slate can mean a second chance. And sometimes, you gotta figure out what to do with it."

"That's what I thought when I ended up here."

Both Gwens and John Dory looked up to find Miles and Ruby approaching them. The former was still uncomfortable with the subject of his best friend and former crush, what with all the secrets that was kept from him. However, even he could sympathize with her and everything she had done to ensure his father would live, especially if it proved futile in the end. The latter was sympathetic from the get-go despite her own reservations, her heart going out to both Gwens.

"I ended up killing the Spot as well," Miles replied with reluctance, "But it didn't bring my parents back. But Queen Peony..."

Miles glanced over to find Queen Peony putting on a magic show for the younger Trolls (and Viva), all of whom cheered with delight.

"She took me in," Miles smiled with fond reminiscence, "She took us in. She gave us that clean slate. That second chance."

A touched Gwen-1 smiled, "That's good."

She then sighed, her smile slightly faltering, "Miles, I..."

The Hip-Hop Troll sighed and shook his head, "It's okay. I have a good idea on what you're going to say."

"You do?"

"And I already had this..."talk" with Gwen-2," Miles gestured to the second Gwen, "I...want you to still be my friend. You and the rest of the Spider-Gang. I somewhat forgive you, but it may be a while for me to trust you again. I just need some time, okay?"

Gwen felt a sensation in her; it was akin to a stab in the heart. Sure, it was not exactly the best metaphor, but it was a fitting one regardless, considering how much pain and turmoil her best friend had to endure for the past year or so. She also figured that Miles possibly could not and would not truly forgive her for causing the deaths of his parents, but a small hint of relief and gratitude was felt alongside the stabbing sensation for him to at least considering hearing her out.

With that in mind, she released her deep breath and a few tears in the process as she nodded and smiled in understanding. "Okay, Miles. Take all the time you need."

Miles returned the smile before turning to Ruby, "And as your best friend, I want to properly introduce you to my girlfriend: Ruby Gillman, teenage kraken."

"You know you don't have to always introduce me with that moniker, right?" Ruby smiled awkwardly.

"I mean, it feels right."

Gwen-2 flashed an awkward smile of her own before greeting Ruby first, "Well, I guess I'll go first. I'm Gwen Stacy...or rather, the second Gwen Stacy. It's nice to meet you."

"Same here," Ruby took her outstretched hand to shake, "And I must say, I'm pretty offended and intimidated."

"By me?"

"By us," Gwen-1 felt the need to clarify.

"By you," Ruby simply stated as she scanned both Gwens from head to toe before turning to briefly face Miles, "I'm sorry, Miles...but your ex-girlfriend's kinda hot."

Miles blinked in surprise with both Gwens before Gwen-2 chuckled and leaned in close, "Kinda hot or insanely hot?"

"Yeah," Ruby simply admitted with a blush, "I mean, I only know you through conversations with Miles, so meeting you up close and personal is a whole different experience. Also, I don't know if it's because you're a Rock Troll, but you give off this cool, punk rock vibe."

"Well, technically, I was a drummer back in my home dimension," Gwen admitted back with pride.

"Really?"

As Ruby and Gwen-2 continued their conversation, Miles and Gwen-1 blinked in bewilderment and exchanged looks with each other before the latter smirked and admitted to the former.

"Your girlfriend's...kinda sweet, Miles."

"Thanks, Gwen."

John Dory could only look on with pride.

Wendy's making new friends already...

"John!"

Suddenly, he looked up to Branch, Queen Poppy, and Princess (or Queen?) Viva making their way towards him with two Latin Trolls trailing behind them. There was a faint hint of recognition harbored towards the two latter Trolls; he recognized the younger Latin Troll as Queen Poppy's best friend and possible advisor. Meanwhile, regarding the older Latin Troll, he witnessed her combat prowess when engaging in a fight with the Party Crashers. She was...

Quite beautiful, quite elegant in fact...

Shaking his head, John Dory regained his composure and approached them, "What's up?"

"Well," Poppy went first, "We've been reading the letter Floyd supposedly sent you, and..."

"Supposedly?"

"We're 100% sure that it may be a trap set by Velvet and Veneer," Branch crossed his arms as he went second.

John Dory frowned as the Tribe Leaders and Ambassadors approached from behind him, "How sure?"

"Floyd's been stuck in a diamond container for some time now," Poppy went again as her group approached from behind her, "How could he send a letter because of that?"

"Also," Branch went again, "Why would Floyd write down his "Sensitive One" sobriquet if he wanted to distance himself from BroZone?"

"Also..." Viva leaned in as she went third, "Why would Floyd write down and call Velvet and Veneer "superstars"? That sounds like a supermassive ego trip if I've ever heard one."

After a moment of contemplation, John Dory scowled and cursed himself mentally while nodding in understanding, "I knew I should've went with my gut. Well, what are we going to do now? What can we do now?"

"We need to find our brothers," Branch replied, "Despite the high possibility it could be a trap. And...try out the Perfect Family Harmony."

John Dory smiled and nodded before Branch added, "But we have to keep our head in the game. No...supermassive ego trips. Got it?"

"Yeah, I'll...I'll try," John Dory bit his lip and nodded quickly.

Isabela kept her frown plastered on her face during the entirety of their conversation. Only a few hours spent in this new and utterly unfamiliar dimension, and the events that ensued were absolutely crazy, completely manic, and incredibly hectic. While many of these occupants were bright in appearance and colorful in personality, their archenemies—these "Party Crashers"—were quite the opposite in both ways. Violent, bloodthirsty, and sad*stic in more ways than one, they were a pale comparison and in sharp contrast to the fun-loving, happy-go-lucky, and carefree personality traits demonstrated by these Trolls...specifically the Pop Tribe.

Another point of contention (out of concern than anything else) was the fact that Mirabel had taken to the fighting style of these Party Crashers in terms of ruthless tenacity and general adaptability. Her younger sister seemed too accustomed to the amount of violence that was present in this universe despite its happy, lively, and admittedly saccharine sugar-laced, sickeningly sweet atmosphere. Adding to her anxiety, it was made apparent that she had garnered magical gifts of her own in the duration of her absent year, and they were not the ones that Isabela was familiar with for the most part in her life thus far. They ranged from flight and enhanced speed to enhanced swordsmanship to enhanced strength that rivaled Luisa's. And then there was her perturbing proficiency with the pistol...

Isabela undoubtedly had a lot to catch up on.

"We need to find Spruce and Clay," Branch said, "And we need to learn more about this Velvet and Veneer."

"But where do we start?" Viva asked.

"Well..." John Dory rubbed his chin, "From what I can remember, they were quite shiny and pearl-skinned, to the point where they resembled porcelain dolls. And they were quite tall! Like...like her!"

Isabela looked up from her stupor and found herself thrust into the current conversation by a blue...Pop Troll, slightly co*cking her head in confusion.

"Tall? And shiny? Like me?"

John Dory's eyes widened in realization before he hastily attempted to explain himself, "Well, no! I meant like...I'm—I'm just using you as a comparison, you know? Not that there's anything wrong with being tall! I mean...you pull it off beautifully! I mean, I'm not calling you beautiful, but it's the closest thing I got! You know? You are...amazingly beautiful, but not to the point where you resemble Velvet and Veneer even though they pale in comparison to you—!"

By that point in the "explanation", John Dory had drawn in a crowd. Many of the Tribe Leaders and Ambassadors were exchanging looks of amusem*nt and bemusem*nt while many of Poppy's group were cringing internally or externally. CJ, Priscilla, Keith, Sofia, Skye, Mei, and Viva were giggling in delight along with Antonio, Alejandra, Cecilia, and Juancho while Miles and Mr. Wolf shook their heads in disbelief. Delta Dawn shook her head as well, but with an added chuckle and roll of her eyes while Hickory bit his lip in embarrassment for the poor guy. King Quincy and Queen Essence exchanged soft laughter between them while Branch and Mirabel face-palmed in utter bewilderment. The rest of the Familia Madrigal turned to face the eldest of the children, who blinked for a few minutes before slowly smiling and giggling mirthfully.

"Well..." Isabela started before shaking her head and hugging her arm, "I thank you for that comparison."

Poppy amusedly shook her head before pulling out an orb from her hair, "John Dory? I may have a bit of surveillance footage of Velvet and Veneer. That way, you can confirm their identities if you like."

"Yes, please," John Dory replied with a nod through his strained smile, prompting Poppy to nod and activate the orb.

"Boy..." Delta Dawn chuckled as she placed one hand on one shoulder, "You are a trainwreck."

"A whole new breed of trainwreck," Hickory concurred with another hand on the second, causing John Dory to groan in dismay.

Branch and Viva looked on in confusion as Poppy fiddled with the orb, necessitating Lunella's assistance.

"Poppy?" Branch went first, "You know who Velvet and Veneer are?"

"Only through reputation," Poppy reassured him in her clarification, "When I was with my mom two months ago, we made a list on the various threats to the Multiverse."

"And Velvet and Veneer were among them?" Viva asked with her head tilt.

"Well, technically, they were...near the bottom of the list," Poppy stated before adding, "It doesn't make them less dangerous, though. John Dory?"

"Hmm?" John Dory glanced over at Poppy's direction as she held the orb close to him, proceeding to scan his eyes before closing again. Poppy rolled the orb to the center of where the group stood, where it proceeded to open up and display a series of images of the brother-and-sister duo.

"Yeah, that's them," John Dory confirmed with a nod, "They're the ones who kidnapped Floyd."

"Run a facial scan and pull up the surveillance archives," Lunella commanded the orb, which proceeded to do so and impressed Branch a little.

"Huh, I gotta admit, Popifier. I'm a little impressed."

"I know you were gonna be, Branchifier," Poppy smiled in pride for herself, "But I think you gotta give Lunella the credit here."

"Okay," The Hip-Hop Troll in question replied after a moment, "I think I got it. But just a heads up from the Interdimensional Friends Squad...you're not gonna like it."

"Great," Miles scoffed, "Now she's doing it. My own sister."

"Told you it would catch on," Nimona elbowed him while Ruby giggled.

Lacking the proper context, the Snack Pack understandably exchanged confused looks with each other before joining the crowd to watch the video play.

A Mount Rageon cartwheeled out of the pitch black darkness and into a pasapan chair, a single spotlight shining on him. He had purple eyes with matching fingernails, seafoam green plasticine hair that segued into arctic blue tips at the end, and the same pearly-white porcelain-doll skin shared by his kind. His most prominent piece of garish garmet was a shiny violet purple beanie that complemented a predominantly white baggy jumpsuit sprinkled with multicolored splotches.

"Hello and good salutations, Mount Rageons!" The Mount Rageon flashed an equally pearl-white toothy grin as he introduced himself and addressed the people of Mount Rageous, "This is The Bop On Top with your host, me! Kid Ritz, your number one newscaster for all things glamour and luxury! And tonight on a very special episode of The Bop On Top, we're talking about overnight superstars Velvet and Veneer!"

The screen then cut to the brother-and-sister duo posing as if they were on the cover of a tabloid magazine or two.

"The brother-and-sister duo took the world of Mount Rageous by storm—literally and figuratively—with their breakout promotional single, "Watch Me Work"," Kid Ritz continued to provide exposition offscreen, "While their first official single "Applause" proved to be a success as well, it wasn't until "Watch Me Work" that skyrocketed Velvet and Veneer to the top of the charts! Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy their new single "Watch Me Work"!"

The screen then cut frequently in the style of a music video, first with the twins on the ground making diamond snow angels. It then cut to the twins sitting on a pair of golden thrones, demonstrating their flexibility where they sat.

Never gets old no matter how much I'm told
I'm amazing (You're amazing)
Hard to get tired when I'm always on fire
I'm blazing (Ooh, you're blazing)

It then cut to the twins laying on lounge chairs atop a yacht, wearing scantily clad swimsuits and sunglasses atop their head while a pair of soda floats rested on their tables nearby. It startled the rest of the group (mainly the adult members) who were unfamiliar with the duo that the camera lingered on Velvet's far too tiny bikini for far too long.

All my greatness
It doesn't come for free (yeah)
All my talent
It doesn't grow on trees

Thankfully, it did not not last long as it cut again to the duo wearing more sensible outfits, fancy but no less seductive and revealing. Velvet wore a sleeveless gold dress with a diamond-studded hem cut and a sparkly pink boa while Veneer wore a gold tuxedo with a diamond-encrusted bowtie and sneakers to match. Strutting down a long blue runway as glitter, sparkles, and jewels rained upon them, the twins used umbrellas to protect themselves from the sparkle-and-studded storm.

Take a breather (ooh)
Then take it all away
If the top is where you wanna stay...

It then cut to the twins driving in a red sports car convertible, driving fast and drifting furiously before the shot of them atop a tiger who wore a diamond-studded collar. The field was mostly empty save for a series of scattered busts donning black sunglasses and golden necklaces.

You gotta work hard (Uh-huh)
To make it look it easy (So easy)

The mouth of another tiger with burning bright yellow eyes opened and unrolled a red carpet, its tongue acting as a catwalk for the duo.

You gotta live fast (Fast)
To keep makin' that money (Ooh)

Taking the metaphor quite literally, Velvet and Veneer donned sexy cat costumes while adapting their foxy feline movements, the former in particular getting down on all fours and acting on the prowl like a predator to its prey.

Its Troll prey.

If you want to be as famous as me

Again, the sultry scene thankfully did not last as it cut to a chart consisting of the top-five in Mount Rageous number-one hits.

You gotta work...

Beating out the likes of Sage Boyz, Jaye Bee...

Gotta work...

...Phat Sammy, and Rollie Roy...

Gotta work...!

...were the overnight superstars Velvet and Veneer.

"Watch me work," Velvet pointed at the viewers before taking a seat on one of the papasans and addressing them and Kid Ritz with an almost genuine smile, "So, what do you wanna know, Ritzy? I'm an open book."

"Wide-open," Veneer shot wide open into the shot before taking a seat on his own papasan with a smile of his own, "We're gaping novels, even."

"Okay, well..." Kid Ritz smiled back and leaned in, "Who are some of your biggest influences?"

"Honestly," Veneer replied first, gesturing to his sister, "Vel's always been my inspiration."

Velvet herself looked touched as she went next, "My biggest inspiration? Mmm... I'd have to go with also me...and our parents. It's a little embarrassing to admit, but our parents were nobodies when we first started out. And now because of them, we were allowed to be somebodies. We owe our success to them."

She pointedly ignored her brother's slightly offended frown as Kid Ritz declared to the viewers, "Well, one thing's for sure: after two months on the scene, the superstar duo will receive the prestigious Lifer Award! That's celebrating a lifetime of achievements! Be sure to catch their performance next weekend at the Rage Dome! "

The scene briefly cut to a video of Velvet and Veneer smiling, waving, greeting, and posing for a crowd of cheering fans in front of a large, purple, octahedral, and jewel-like building.

"Just one last question," Kid Ritz asked, "How do you guys stay the biggest superstars Mount Rageous has ever known? What's your secret?"

That last question in particular—coupled with Kid Ritz leaning in to listen closely—made Veneer "a little" anxious with the laugh to match.

"S-Secret?" Veneer nervously chuckled and hugged his knees while breathing rapidly, "Ha, ha! We don't have a secret! Who said we have a secret?"

Velvet glanced between the interviewer and her younger brother, who she grabbed a hold of and held him close, rubbing his back to calm her down, "What my calm, casual-sounding brother means is...it's simple, really. It just takes lots of hard work and loads of natural talent."

Despite his facial expressions and body language implying otherwise, Veneer did attempt to fall back in relaxation and ease up a little. It did not help, but it did fool Kid Ritz, who addressed the viewers one more time.

"Ah, such an inspiration for many young, aspiring, and up-and-coming musical stars who strive to be as fantastic as you two are now. Well, there you have it, folks! That was Velvet and Veneer, the superstar Siamese twins that took Mount Rageous by storm! Again, literally and figuratively! And that was their spicy-hot new single "Watch Me Work." Catch them next weekend at the Rage Dome where they'll be receiving the Lifer Award! This is Kid Ritz telling you to put on the spritz and your Sunday kicks before the ballroom blitz!"

As the party continued around them, the group remained silent even as the video ended. They were...stunned silent, to say the least. Mostly in embarrassment for the brother-and-sister duo, but partially in fear for them as well. Despite their dramatic and hammy personalities on display thus far, the fact that they were able to kidnap Floyd in two months or so without the knowledge of anyone (the Troll Tribes or otherwise) made them dangerous. How dangerous was the question, though.

"That definitely wasn't suspicious at all..." Mirabel quipped, attempting to alleviate the mood.

"Teenagers..." Julieta murmured as Agustín held her hand for comfort, "They're only teenagers..."

"Why would they do this?" Antonio asked as Alejandra, Cecilia, and Juancho exchanged fearful looks.

"Fame, fortune, and power," John Dory replied with a cold undertone as Branch hung his head, afraid of the events that would transpire if this Velvet and Veneer continued abusing Floyd and draining him of his talent.

"We need to find Spruce and Clay," Branch finally said, "Then we're going to save Floyd."

"We can leave tomorrow morning," Poppy held his head, "We have until next weekend to arrive at Mount Rageous, and we know where one of your brothers are already."

"She's right," Peppy nodded as he turned to his eldest daughter, "Viva, where exactly have you and the survivors been taking refuge at?"

"There was this mini-golf course owned by the Bergens before they abandoned it," Viva explained, "We redubbed it "Hole N' Fun"...just as we redubbed ourselves—"

"The Putt-Putt Trolls?" Poppy smiled at her, causing Viva to gasp and smile back.

"Yeah, the Putt-Putt Trolls! How did you know?"

"Just a hunch," Poppy shrugged, "In any case, we need a plan."

"Right behind you, Poppy," Branch smiled with determination now.

"And also help," Mirabel interjected, "Specifically you, Poppy, seeing as you're going with Branch and John Dory, yes?"

"I am," Poppy smiled before playfully narrowing her eyes at her best friend, "Why? You wanna tag along, too?"

"I mean..." Mirabel initially smiled guiltily, "I kinda wanna explore the Troll Kingdom outside the Space Between. And also...you're my first best friend outside my familia. When I first met you, I was a scared and helpless Latin Troll trapped in an unfamiliar place for over a year. You were my one hope getting back home, and you took me with you without hesitation. And then I made new friends and helped you fight against the Party Crashers, the Chanty Trolls, and the Siren Trolls...all in the span of a single month..."

Poppy felt touched by Mirabel's explanation and allowed her to finish it, "I... I feel like I owe you, Poppy. If you go and something happens to you, I wouldn't forgive myself if I didn't at least try to help you in any way."

"Aren't I older than you?" Poppy raised a single eyebrow, which caused Mirabel to become flustered and cross her arms in response.

"Well, yes, but it's the thought that counts!"

Regardless, Poppy rolled her eyes and used her hair to pull Mirabel in for a hug, "Thank you, Mirabel. You're the best best friend a fellow Troll could ask for."

"I know I am," Mirabel smiled in victory as she returned the hug.

"Quite charming, your friend is."

Everybody turned to find a tall and beautiful young adult Latin Troll making her way towards the group, turning heads, widening eyes, and painting the cheeks of the noticing Trolls (both male and female) red and pink. She had blue-grey eyes; rakuda brown skin; thick, wavy, hip-length maroon-red hair; thick black eyebrows; red lipstick; and a slender hourglass figure. She wore a sleeveless red dress sprinkled with glitter and a leg slit on her left side, a golden choker, and black opera gloves with matching heels; her hair was tied into a high bun with a single bang covering her right eye.

"Carmen!" Poppy briefly pulled away from the hug to address her friend excitedly, "You showed up!"

"I had to," Carmen shrugged with a smile, "Your mother sent me to lend you some aid for the mission. That, and she also had pick up a bunch of Branch's old friends."

"Old friends?" Branch tilted his head in confusion as Viva and John Dory exchanged similar looks.

Everybody glanced behind Carmen as a quintet of Pop Trolls approached the group, all of whom had pointy ears and denim tuxedos. The first had orange skin with matching eyes, purple hair with light white streaks worn in a ponytail, and a pink nose; his additional accessories included silver square earrings and a pair of black goggles with orange lenses that rested atop his head. The second had purple skin with glitter freckles, matching eyes, red hair, a lilac nose, a barely visible stubble, and diamond earrings. The last two were Glitter Trolls; the first had munsell blue skin, blue eyes, semi-light blue hair, and a lime green nose, while the second had yellow skin, green eyes, a lime green nose, and rainbow colored hair.

"Guys, are we sure this is the place?" Boom glanced in uncertainty as the very large amount of guests mingling with each other.

"Well, it does match the postcard," Trickee shrugged as he pulled out the postcard, "Wish You Were Here?"

One glance was all Hype needed to nod in agreement, "Branch is the only one I know who talks like that."

"Oh, here we go now!" Ablaze spotted their old friend and band member, "Is all old Bitty B I've spotted from a quarter mile away?"

"Guys!" Branch chuckled in surprise as he approached the quintet and hugged Trickee first, "You're here?"

"You know us," Trickee laughed back, "We can't miss a good wedding, man."

"Wait, is that...?" Both Gwens exchanged shocked looks as Mei, Miriam, Priya, and Abby gasped in excitement.

"Poppy!" Branch called out for his girlfriend, whom he gently pulled over to introduce to his group of friends, "This is my group of old friends, my other boy band Kismet. This is Ablaze, Hype, Boom, and Trickee. Guys, this is my girlfriend, Poppy."

"Your girlfriend?" Ablaze gasped before whooping in glee, "WOO! That's my boy! Put her there, Poppy!"

Poppy shook his hand, containing her excitement of meeting Kismet in the flesh much better than Viva was behind her, "It's nice to meet you and the rest of the group. You guys...are a lot more different in person."

"Yeah!" Mei breathed out with laughter, "Perhaps you could say they're...in sync?"

The members of Kismet laughed along with Mei's group at her little inside joke...before Boom remained and eventually frowned in confusion.

"I don't get it," Boom admitted.

"Oh! There you four are!"

Everybody turned to find Bella Brightly rushing towards Kismet with a clipboard in one hand and a microphone in the other, skidding to a stop and catching her breath, "You four...are just in time! We need...to get you...ready for...the send-off performance! Before the bride and groom leave for their honeymoon?"

"Okay, then," Hype nodded, "Lead the way, ma'am."

As Branch walked off to join them, John Dory placed a hand on his shoulder to briefly stop him with a questioning look.

"Your other boy band?"

"What?" Branch shrugged defensively, "You didn't think BroZone was the only band I've ever been in, did you?"

With that, Branch gently shifted his brother's hand off his shoulder and shot him an apologetic smile before joining Kismet, John Dory looking on in jealousy while Poppy and Viva patted him on the shoulders.

A single whistle caught the crowd's attention.

That one whistle turned into two.

Those two whistles turned into three.

Those three whistles turned into four.

Those four whistles turned into five.

("Better Place" (From "Trolls Band Together") — *NSYNC)

On a nearby podium attached to the makeshift stage were DJ, CJ, King Trollex, and Techno Beat Drop Button manning a turntable booth as they played the instrumentals. At center stage stood Branch, still dressed to impress in his scaly green glitter tuxedo.

[Verse 1: Justin Timberlake]
It's some kind of love, it's some kind of fire
I'm already up but you lift me higher
You know I'm not wrong, you know I'm not lyin'
We do it better, yeah, we do it better, yeah

Hype walked out from behind, taking his left side.

[Pre-Chorus: J.C. Chasez]
I don't mind if the world spins faster
The music's louder, the waves get stronger

One by one, the rest of Kismet popped out from behind Branch and sang along with him, two members each on both sides and leaving him as the center of the band.

[Pre-Chorus: All]
I don't mind if the world spins faster
Faster, faster

With the five members in sync with each other, the beat dropped as they danced in a similar manner, causing the crowd to cheer for the band.

[Chorus: All]
Just let me take you to a better place
I'm gonna make you kiss the sky tonight
Yeah, if you let me show the way

Because Kismet gave distinct 4*Town vibes, Mei, Miriam, Priya, Abby, and Tyler(?!) were among those who cheered the loudest.

Ignoring their shock, Hype briefly took center stage...

[J.C. Chasez]
I'm so excited...

...and was quickly followed by Ablaze.

[Joey Fatone]
To see you excited!

The two of them then joined their fellow band members as they continued the chorus together.

[Chorus: All]
I'll take you to a better place, yoo-hoo-ooh
And, baby, you can love me on the way
We're flyin' up to outer space
I'm so excited to see you excited, yeah

The song briefly stopped as the beat continued, prompting the crowd to cheer once again. They jumped up and down in excitement, Viva and Holly being two of the most prominent and loudest alongside Mei's friend group...and Guy Diamond. Exchanging amused glances with Mirabel, Poppy shook her head as she clapped in apprasial for her boyfriend.

The Familia Madrigal, meanwhile, were left absolutely astonished. While it was true that the community of Encanto was driven by music, their influences were rooted in the likes of vallenato, cumbia, and bambuco with a dash of salsa, tango, and bachata. This type of music...was nothing like they had heard before. There was a hummable hook, an upbeat melody, and a catchy rhythm that makes you want to snap your fingers, tap your toes, and wiggle your waist.

"I don't know how to do...dance properly to this type of music," An amazed Camilo-1 began to subconsciously sway to the beat.

"There is no proper way to dance to this type of music!"

Camilo and the rest of the family turned to find a Pop Troll dancing to the beat as well, but with a lot energy and exuberance. She had green eyes, light skin with freckles, and curly ginger/auburn hair that was swept down over her shoulder. She wore a green dress, dark magenta slip-on sneakers, stud earrings, a rainbow friendship bracelet on the left arm, and a green slap bracelet on the right.

He was so mesmerized by her appearance and dancing style that he almost forgot to speak properly.

"There...there isn't?"

"Nope! Sometimes you have to find your way to dance!" Miriam smiled with a shrug before adding over the crowd, "I can show you if you'd like!"

"You can?"

"Sure! Why not?"

As if on cue, a single spotlight shone upon them as Miriam smiled again and outstretched a hand for Camilo to take, which he took rather gingerly and allowed her to lead him to the dance floor. Behind him, Félix and Pepa (but especially Pepa) gasped in delight for their son, silently cheering him on as much as the rest of the family and Miriam's besties were.

[Post-Chorus: Justin Timberlake]
Yeah, ooh (Yeah, yeah)

Miriam went first, dancing with that same energy and exuberance to set an example for Camilo.

[Verse 2: Justin Timberlake]
You like the bass down low, I wanna lose control
I wanna dance all night, you like it nice and slow

Camilo did his best to mimick her movements, but he looked he was flailing about due to his unfamiliarity with them. Still, it impressed Miriam enough for her to release an amused giggle and gently guide him through it all.

[Verse 2: J.C. Chasez]
Don't want it any other way, tell all your friends you're gonna stay
When we're together, you know that we do it better

Meanwhile, Mei had pulled Alberto in as well for a couple's double dance alongside Camilo and Miriam. Miles and Ruby got a similar idea, pulling each other close while twirling one another.

Meanwhile, Branch took the lead briefly...

[Pre-Chorus: Justin Timberlake]
I don't mind if the world spins faster
The music's louder, the waves are gettin' stronger

...and shared it with Hype...

[Pre-Chorus: J.C. Chasez]
I don't mind if the world spins faster
Faster, faster, faster...!

...before the both of them lead the rest of Kismet and the audience into another choreographed dance number.

[Chorus: All]
Just let me take you to a better place
I'm gonna make you kiss the sky tonight
Yeah, if you let me show the way (Show the way)

Boom briefly took the lead this time...

[Lance Bass]
I'm so excited...

...while passing it to Trickee...

[Chris Kirkpatrick]
To see you excited!

...and circled back around to Branch.

[Chorus: All]
I'll take you to a better place, yo-hoo-ooh
And, baby, you can love me on the way
We're flyin' up to outer space
I'm so excited to see you excited, yeah

As the crowd jumped up, down, and all around to the beat, Branch led his four Kismet members into the bridge.

[Bridge: Justin Timberlake (& All)]
I like to see you lose control
(Ain't nobody better, we do it better)

Spotting Poppy in the front of the crowd, he smiled lovingly at her as she begin to glow...literally.

I know a place, say that you'll go with me
(Ain't nobody better, we do it better)

Noticing this as well, the Pop Queen smiled back as she waved her hands and created a light show full of shooting stars and flying fireworks.

Branch's smile only grew as he led the members into the chorus one more time.

[Chorus: All]
Just let me take you to a better place!
I'm gonna make you kiss the sky tonight!

Mirabel, Mei, Satin & Chenille, and the rest of Poppy's group of interdimensional friend group glowed along with Branch and the rest of Kismet.

Yeah, if you let me show the way (Show the way...!)
I'm so excited to see you excited!

...along with Branch and the rest of Kismet.

I'll take you to a better place, yo-hoo-ooh!
And, baby, you can love me on the way!

All together, they glowed a series of flashing colors as the chorus reached its climax...

We're flyin' up to outer space
I'm so excited to see you excited, yeah!

...and released a powerful shockwave as those five whistles served as the song's outro.

The crowd cheered, the audience applauded, and the very group of different Trolls clapped and whistled in praise for the five member boy band that was Kismet, all of whom smiled, waved, greeted, and posed for them. Branch and Poppy locked eyes again, the former silently thanking the latter for the improvised light show. She in turn made a heart symbol and flirtatiously batted her eyes at him, making him blush in his spot. Ablaze laughed heartily over the audience, resting an arm over his shoulders and ruffling his hair in enthusiasm for his foster brother.

Watching this from afar, John Dory felt not just a twinge of jealousy within him, but a hint of pride as well. On one hand, it was clear that Baby Branch had formed a close, tight-knit bond with this...Kismet boy band, and the other four members in turn regarded him as not just a valued member of the group, but an adoptive brother as well, thus prompting the former emotion. On the other hand, Baby Branch...had grown up. He had completely grown up. He had become a man, an independent Troll, and a better person at that...perhaps more than himself, thus prompting the latter emotion.

Grandma Rosiepuff would be so proud of him...wherever she was.

. . .

Where was she?

The Other Side Of The Storm: Part 2 - MarcellusMiro66 (2024)

Chapter 1

Chapter Text

Chapter 2: Bark To The Beat

Chapter Text

Chapter 3: Let's Get Married

Chapter Text

Chapter 4: Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)

Chapter Text

Chapter 5: Better Place (Ballroom Blitz)

Chapter Text

References