Floyd looked back for a second while they were all running, panting and staring in fear.

"What's wrong with him?!" He shouted.

"I-I don't know! But we need to find Grandma!" Spruce was also panting, trying to speed up and get away.

"Don't you guys see?! It's the two ghosts!" Clay said while panting as well, "Rancor and Loathe!"

"Clay stop joking around! That's just a story!"

"JOKING??" Clay screamed out at him, "THEY KEEP SAYING US AND TALKING IN THIRD PERSON AND JUST- JUST- JUST LOOK AT HIM!!"

Spruce looked back and saw how John was making weird movements with his arms and legs as he continued running, cackling evily.

"Dear all that's trolly.." He mumbled in fear, staring in disbelief.

"DOES THAT LOOK NORMAL OR UNGHOSTLY TO YOU?!"

"WAAAAAHH IM SCAAARED!!" Floyd cried out, gripping onto Spruce's hand tight.

"Okay, okay I see it now but.. what are we supposed to do?!"

"I don't freaking know! Let's just find Grandma and-"

"BOYS!"

Hearing this familiar voice, the brothers all look over and see Rosiepuff in the distance, beginning to approach them.

"GRANDMA!" The boys all shouted out as they run towards her.

"What are you doing?!" Rosiepuff jogged over to them, looking annoyed, "I told you not to go anywhere while I looked around!"

"LOOK WE'RE SORRY BUT THERE'S NO TIME FOR SCOLDING RIGHT NOW WE GOTTA RUN-" Spruce urged her as he took another look behind him.

"Run?? For wha-"

She looked up and saw her oldest grandson, making unnatural movements towards them.

"...John?"

"No Grandma that's not John!" Clay shook his head, grabbing her arm. "We gotta go!!"

Rosiepuff didn't respond and continued to stare at him, her eyes widened in many emotions she couldn't explain.

John had the same smirk formed on his face and continued to move closer,

Floyd and Branch both grew terrified and began to sob, begging for Rosiepuff to move.

"GRANDMAAAAAAA!!"

"GRANDMA WE HAVE TO RUN!!!" Spruce tried pushing her to go, looking back one more time.

Suddenly, hearing all the calls for her around her, she snapped out of it and realized what was happening and looked around, immediately picking all four of them up and moving on her feet in another direction.

Okay I love chases but this is starting to get kiiinda annoying- Rancor grumbled.

I dunno- I like the adrenaline it brings! :D Loathe said.

Shut UP LO- COME ON! Rancor growled before making John take off after them.

Rosiepuff took looks back herself and still stared in disbelief, panting.

"What the hair happened to him?! You guys aren't tricking me right?!"

"N-No! We found him wike this!" Branch began to speak in a full sentence, "he was been pro guests!!"

"Huh??"

"POSSESSED!!!"
Floyd suddenly screamed out, pronouncing it right.

"WHAT?"

"The ghosts Grandma! They took him!!" Clay explained to her.

"Ghosts?? Wha-" She began to make the realization, "..you mean Rancor and Loathe?!"

"Yeah, the legend! It only makes sense.. the ghosts feed off of negative emotion and john was angry, so they must've found him in the woods and took him!"

"..oh my god.." She turned to look back at John once more, seeing how he was beginning to catch up.

YOU KNOW I CAN RUN FASTER RIGHT? IM JUST GOIN EASY ON YA RIGHT NOW! Rancor shouted to them before cackling afterward.

"What do we do?!" Floyd held onto Grandma as she continued running and picking up speed.

"I.. I don't know but.. we gotta find somewhere to hide!"

"How?! He keeps following us!"

Clay began to stroke his chin in thought, before looking up at Grandma.

"Grandma, stop running-"

"What?!"

"Are you TRYING TO GET US KILLED?!" Spruce hissed over at him.

"Just trust me!"

Contemplating a thousand things in her head, Rosiepuff eventually gave in and sighed heavily, beginning to slow down.

"You better know what you're doing.."

Finally, she stops running and stay where she is, turning to face John.

"HEY JOHN!" Clay called out to him.. or them.

John eventually stops too and smirks.

Ah, finally given up I see?

"Nah not really, it's just- NEGATIVE EMOTION!" He pointed somewhere behind him.

WHERE? WHERE?? Loathe turned John around and tried finding whatever he pointed at.

LO- NO- STOP‐ He kept turning the other direction while Rancor tried to turn him back.

"Quick Grandma! Right down there behind those trees and bushes!" Clay pointed over to a nearby section of trees and bushes behind them.

"Right!" She nodded before taking off with them, hiding behind a row of bushes that were near a few trees.

Huh, I didn't see anythi-

Loathe stopped when he realized they were gone.

..and then started throwing a tantrum.

....SACKY FLACK FLAKY DOODLE DING DONG DANG DA-

Spruce just stayed there crouched as he looked through one of the bushes, mouth slightly agape.

"...that WORKED?!"

"SHHHH!"
Rosiepuff and Clay immediately shushed him.

Rancor shook John's head with a long sigh.

Loathe.. have you always been this stupid-

Well I'm SORRY if I'm desperate for some negative energy right now! I literally feel it EVERYWHERE!

Referring to that, spread out in other areas of the village were who were also hiding behind trees or bushes, watching as the poor troll that's meant to be John Dory was quite literally fighting demons.

Clay shook his head slowly, staring in his own disbelief now as he continued watching the two ghosts talk to each other while possessing John.

"He's literally talking to himself bro.."

"But it isn't him." Spruce replied in a whisper.

"I know.. but it's still so weird.."

"Okay.." Rosiepuff turned to them, "we have to think of something and we need to think of it now! I refuse to leave my grandson out there like that!"

"What can we really do though! None of us have ever dealt with anything like this before!"

"Our world is more than weird, I'm sure we can figure out something."

Spruce sighed then turned to Clay, "Clay, you got any ideas?"

Clay stood there crouched while continuing to watch some spirits take over the mind of his oldest brother, the reality beginning to hit him like a brick.

"Clay? What's-"

"..he's really like this.. because of me.."

"What?" Rosiepuff spoke again, "why would you say-"

"We could lose him forever, and it'd all be because of me."

"No Clay, don't say that!" Floyd whispered to him, grabbing his arm gently.

"It should be me out there, not him." Clay fell flat on his knees, his chest growing heavy.

"No no Clay.." Branch whined, grabbing onto his other arm.

"They took him from us.. he's completely lost and I don't know if I can bring him back from that."

..

"Okay, Clay- you are the absolute last person I wanna hear any of this from-" Spruce poked him in his chest, "I mean you-"

"Ow-"

"-literally convinced all of us to look for John, you got us this far and you know way more about Loathe and Rancor than any of us! There is no way you're about to give up now."

"But he's so far gone, he's literally two people right now!" Clay gestured to him still arguing with himself, "how can we get him back from that.."

"Well we think of something! We've gotten this far! Why should anything stop us now?"

Clay sighed, looking down at the ground with a sullen expression, for once actually not knowing what to do.

"Come on Clay.." Spruce nudged him, "you're the brightest out of all of us- well- in certain situations- but I know you can think of something. Think long and hard man. Do it for John!"

"Yeah, you got this Clay!" Floyd whispered, nodding.

Clay looked up at all of them, still looking defeated but not as much as before, a little hope in his eyes.

"Your brothers are right, Clay," Rosiepuff sat next to him, watching him turn to her, "you are very bright.. and you never let any tough situation stop you from shining. So cut all that nonsense out and let's get to work baby."

And then there it was. He began to slowly smile at her then turned to his brothers, who were all smiling back at him.

He took a few breaths in and out before exhaling completely, nodding.

"Okay, okay.. but I'll need something to start or work with."

"Okay, uhmm, uhhh.. think about what you said about Loathe and Rancor holding onto anger and wanting to take people's souls for revenge!" Spruce snapped his fingers.

Clay began to murmur to himself while thinking, nodding slowly.

Then, in that same moment, something inside of him clicked as he stared into space with widened eyes.

"Wait.."

"What, what??" Spruce scooted closer to him, as well as everyone else.

"Anger.. they hold onto their anger, and they feed off of negative emotion.."

"Yeah, so?" Rosiepuff waited for him to finish.

"Anger! What's the opposite of anger!" Clay pointed to all of them for any of them to answer.

"Uhm.. happy?" Floyd answered.

"Correct! When someone is angry or has been angry for a long time, the only way thing that'll take away that anger is if they let go all of the hatred they're holding onto and replace it with something more positive! ..again I read books-"

"So what you're getting at issss.."

"We have to fight back Loathe and Rancor with positive energy! Even if it doesn't change them it'll at least still save John because they won't be able to handle it!"

"YAYYYYY I mean- yayyyyyy," Floyd whispered, giggling silently.

"Okay, I get what you're saying but- just what exactly is gonna be done then?" Rosiepuff asked.

"Well pssh- with what we do best obviously,"

Clay sat up on his knees with a smirk.

"Singing.. and dancing-"

"Yes!" Floyd and Branch cheered quietly but excitedly, giggling.

"And we're sure that's gonna work?" Rosiepuff asked.

"Grandma, the bright one wouldn't be suggesting this if he wasn't sure. Plus, when hasn't this worked? It's what we do!"

Rosiepuff raised an eyebrow before chuckling and shaking her head.

"Alright, yep, you got it."

"Okay okay, but, wait.." Spruce came in between them, "how are we gonna go back out there without getting our souls ripped out of our chests?!"

Clay thought to himself for a bit while tapping his chin then looked up, nodding.

"I know what to do."

Suddenly, he jumped out of the bush and pointed over to John.

"GIVE US OUR BROTHER BACK!"

John was turned around to face Clay, and Rancor let out a chuckle.

Well well well, welcome back! Was waiting for when you'd decide to jump out of that bush, he chuckled again.

"...you know I was gonna say you creep until I remembered you can literally feel our emotions-"

"Are you stupid?!" Spruce jumped out with him and held his arms out.

"Now why in trolly god's name would you ever do that I oughta ground you in the afterlife-" Rosiepuff came out with him as well as Floyd and Branch.

"Hey I'm still alive aren't I-"

Give him back? He doesn't wanna go back with you, you BETRAYED him!

Yeah! You don't care about him!

"AND YOU DO?" Spruce walked up, "John knows we love him! We love him and we miss him so much, so give him back to us!"

Foolish mortals, we're merely HELPING your emotional disaster of a brother after what YOU did!

"We would never hurt him on purpose! You need to let him go so we can tell him that!" Rosiepuff stepped up as well.

"Yeah, we would nevwer hurt John!" Floyd stepped up next to Grandma, "We love him! Give him back now!"

The two older brothers and Grandma looked down at him in surprise but with small proud smiles, seeing how much he's grown tonight.

You're not getting jack SQUAT back you little-

Suddenly, he was interrupted when the actual voice of the person the body belonged to began to speak in a weak but fighting voice, to the shock of the group in front of him.

"G-Guys..." He wheezed out, looking at all of them with tired but relieved eyes.

"JOHN!" They all shouted, looking relived and happy as well as they took steps forward towards him.

"You're.. ngh.. all here.." He kept fighting back the possessive urges Rancor and Loathe tried to inflict on him, twitching every so often, "I-I'm sorry this is happening, I've been trying to fight back.. agh-"

"And you're doing amazing.." Rosiepuff encouraged him, "they won't take over, not as long as we're here."

"..it's all my fault.. if I didn't leave this wouldn't have-"

"John it's my fault!" Clay took more steps towards him, taking his hand, "I kept making things worse and making you mad and then you left.. and now this is happening.."

"No Clay.. don't blame yourself," John shook his head and squeezed his hand, "you had no control over any this.. in fact.. if I hadn't-"

SHUT UP, ALL OF YOU!

Rancor eventually regained full control through more twitches and shouts and John's eyes were reverted back to the glowy color.

"NO! JOHN-"

Rancor growled and held a grip onto Clay's hand and slowly began to twist it, staring him down with one of the most sinister looks yet.

"AHHHHHHH!!" Clay screamed out in pain and tried to pull his hand away, whimpering.

"CLAY!!!" Rosiepuff and Floyd called out, Branch just watching in horror.

"HEY!!! LET HIM GO!!" Spruce began to run up to them.

YOU WANT HIM? Rancor shouted.

TAKE HIM! Loathe shouted as well.

Right after that the middle trolling was thrown into the arms of his older brother, both landing onto the ground.

Immediately the three others ran up to them to check on them.

"Are you boys okay?!" Rosiepuff asked fearfully, checking for any injuries.

"Y-Yeah.." Spruce answered in a blubber before checking on Clay in his arms, "Clay?"

"I-I'm fine, I'm fine," He hissed as he looked at his wrist and noticed a slight bruise, "yeah I'll need ice for that later- DANG these ghosts are no joke-"

Don't you all see by now? We're doing something GOOD for your little square headed friend.. we're giving him the revenge he DESERVES!

"N-No you're not.." Clay got up out of Spruce's arms to get back on his feet, "John doesn't want this, you're getting YOU'RE revenge! You're just using him to get what you want just like you did with all those other trolls! But that ends today.."

The trollings all stared at the scene from behind trees and bushes, wondering what was about to happen next.

"You're not taking my big brother, not from me.. or ANY of us."

Oh yeah? And what exactly are you gonna do to try and stop us?

The brothers all gave each other a look before smirking, and turning back to the possessed John and getting into a line that looked to be a formation.

What the-

"Oh you ain't ready for this one."

Clay stood in front of all of them before snapping his fingers and flipping his cape behind him.

Soon enough, light smoke began to form around them as they all pulled out their glow lights and began to dance forward.

What is this foolishness! Rancor made John take a few steps away, Cut it out!

The trolls and trollings all gave each other looks before continuing to watch the brothers, growing expressions of anticipation and curiosity.

The smoke was now covering them but their shadows began to appear behind them as they continued to dance forward, Spruce making his appearance first as he walked through it.

..

There's a ghost down in the hall..
There's a ghoul upon the bed..

There's something in the walls..
There's blood up on the stairs..
Spruce hit an MT pose as he put a hand on top of his fedora and pointed to the sky.

And it's floating through the room..
And there's nothing I can see..
He continued moving forward, moving his hands around at the same time.

And I know this place is doomed..

Because now it's haunting me,

I don't understand it!

He hit another pose as he now pointed both hands to the sky, going back to dancing right after.

Hey!

The trolls and trollings who were hiding were looking and murmuring to each other, starting to smile now.

I don't understand it!

Spruce continued dancing toward John, holding a smirk on his face.

Aaow!

Whaaat do they think they're doing.. Rancor mumbled with gritted teeth.

I dunno- Loathe answered, but maybe if we turn around right now we can-

We are NOT running away- Rancor scolded him, we always win a fight and there's NO way we're losing this o-

Suddenly, they were interrupted by Clay popping up behind him, actually startling them.

There's a tapping in the floor..
There's a creak behind the door..
He began to dance toward them as well, smirking.

There's a rocking in the chair..
But there's no-one sitting there..

There's a ghostly smell around..
But nobody to be found..
Clay moved his head left and right as if he were looking for someone.

And a coughing and a yawning..

Branch popped his head out of his hair and coughed, playing dead with his tongue sticking out.

Where a restless soul is spoiling,

Don't understand it!

At this moment all four of the brothers began to dance together again, Clay singing the main part as the rest sang as backup vocals.

In one of the hiding places popped up a familiar pink trolling with golden locks, standing up and walking forward with a wide smile as she watched all of the brothers fight for their oldest.

"True warriors never back down." She mumbled proudly.

(Got a ghost, got a break in the walls!)

Hey!
(Got a ghoul, got a break in the halls, gotta see it won't ya?!)

Don't understand it!

Got a ghost, got a break in the walls!
Got a ghoul, got a break in the halls, gotta see it, won't ya?!
Got a ghost, got a break in the walls!
Got a ghoul, got a break in the halls, gotta see it, won't ya?!
Got a ghost, got a break in the walls!
Got a ghoul, got a break in the halls, gotta see it (I said)

They all began dancing forward at the same pace, giving the two ghosts a menacing look with smirks.

And who gave you the right to scare my family?

And who gave you the right to shame my Granny, she needs me!
They all gestured over to Rosiepuff who stood by and kept the smoke going, widening her eyes for a bit before waving with a toothy smile.

And who gave you the right to shake my family tree?

You put a knife in my back, shot an arrow in me!
Clay pretended to stab his own back and fell backward, Spruce catching him.

Tell me, are you the ghost of jealousy?!
He stood back up and pointed sharply at John, who was now holding a look of disturbance from his predecessors.

The ghost of jealousy!

Suddenly, John's body began to do weird contorting movements, causing both the ghosts to exclaim.

Ranc?! What's goin on?! Loathe told him.

"They're getting rid of you, isn't it obvious-" John suddenly spoke up, chuckling weakly.

YOU SHUT UP! Rancor took over again, Loathe just keep fighting it, we're more powerful than them!

Spruce and Clay gave each other a smirk before they scooted back out of Floyd's way as he stepped forward, doing his solo.

There's a tapping in the floor..
There's a creak behind the door..

There's a rocking in the chair..
But nobody sitting there!
Floyd gestured to the side where a random troll put out a chair and pushed it to make it rock then took it away.

There's a ghostly smell around..

Branch randomly popped out of his hair and screamed.

WOAH- Loathe exclaimed and made John jump back, nearly falling.

Get A HOLD of yourself FOOL! WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BE THE SCARY ONES! Rancor seethed at him, glaring back at the brothers.

But nobody to be found..

And a coffin in-lay open..
Where a restless soul is spoiling,

The two other brothers slid alongside him again as he held out his arms wide before they began to dance forward again.

Don't understand it!

Got a ghost, got a break in the walls! (Yeah-yeah!)
Got a ghoul, got a break in the halls, gotta see it, won't ya?!

Don't understand it!

While dancing, Clay spotted Viva in one of the hiding spots standing up and watching, and his smile grew wider.

He nudged his head gesturing for her to join in behind them.

She nodded at him and looked to everyone else who was hiding.

"Viva?" Peppy called to her, wondering what was happening.

"Come on guys! The more trolls the better chance of getting John back!" She encouraged them as she got out of the hiding spot and ran to join them.

Got a ghost, got a break in the walls!
Got a ghoul, got a break in the halls, gotta see it, won't ya?!

You just a doggone!

Soon enough, more trolls would come out of their spots and join them, giving others to courage to join in as well.

Got a ghost, got a break in the walls (Aaow!)
Got a ghoul, got a break in the halls, gotta see it, won't ya?!
Got a ghost, got a break in the walls!
Got a ghoul, got a break in the halls, gotta see it (I said)

In a short amount of time eventually everyone was out of hiding and danced behind the brothers, Viva taking a spot between Clay and Spruce.

No, no, Rancor looked around at all of them, how dare all of you?! You're not gonna get‐AH- John's body twitched two more times, the green glow in his eyes beginning to dim ever so slightly.

And who gave you the right to scare my family?
The brothers all huddled around each other and Viva.

And who gave you the right to scare my Granny? She needs me!

And who gave you the right to shake my family tree?

And who gave you the right to take intrusion
To see me?!

And who gave you the right to shake my family?

And who gave you the right to hurt my brother?!
He needs me!

And who gave you the right to shake my family tree?

Clay stepped forward and stood his ground confidently.

You put a knife in my back, shot an arrow in me!

Tell me, are you the ghost of jealousy?!

..

A suckin' ghost of jealousy!

Aaow!

There was an intermission as the four brothers got closer to John but continued their dancing, now circling around him.

Get back, get back ALL OF YOU! Rancor shouted.

"Come on John.. come back to us," Spruce said to him.

That's not gonna work!

"You can beat them John! You're strwonger than them!" Floyd encouraged, nodding.

He can't hear you!

"John dahwy! Big brubba!" Branch said in a whine, looking up at him with desperate eyes.

Shut.. up.. John began to twitch more, his eyes switching back from his normal colors back to the glowy green ones back and forth.

"I'm so sorry John.. please don't ever leave again." Clay stared him deep in his glowing eyes, feeling warm pools building up in his eyes.

NOOOOOOOO!!!

Rancor looked Clay back in his eyes and tried to take his soul.

"CLAY!!" Spruce and Viva called to him.

But nothing happened.. it didn't work.

What?! WHAAAAAAAT!!!

Clay continued staring back at him, smirking.

"It's working."

NO- YOU-

"COME ON Y'ALL!" Clay called out to everyone behind them, and they continued the song.

"FOR JOHN!"

Everyone started dancing forward once more and kept pointing forward.

And who gave you the right to shake my family?

And who gave you the right to scare my granny, she needs me!

And who gave you the right to shake my family tree? (Hold on, now)

And who gave you the right to take intrusion, to see me? (Didn't I, baby)

And who gave you the right to hurt my family? (You just a doggone, yeah)

And who gave you the right to hurt my baby? She needs me! (Granny)

And who gave you the right to shake my family tree? (Hold on, now)

You put a knife in my back, shot an arrow in me!

Clay stepped forward once more, stopping and holding his cape in front of his face.

Tell me, are YOU the ghost of jealousy?
He moved his cape to point sharply at John again.

The ghost of jealousy!

Aaow!

Suddenly, John's body began to contort and he would look back and forth at his hands and feel all over himself.

No.. no no NO! YOU'RE NOT WINNING THIS! WE ARE MORE POWERFUL THAN YOU! Rancor shouted, exclaiming as the balance in John's legs began to weaken.

Doggone!

Ranc what's gonna happen when they win?! Loathe shouted out.

THEY WON'T! THEY CAN'T! WE NEVER LOSE!

But there's no doubt about it, piece of mind,

Clay walked up to John completely and put a hand on his shoulder, saying in his ear but still loud enough for everyone to hear.

Tell me, are you the ghost of jealousy?

Suddenly, there could be screams of two seperate voices heard as John got yanked into the air, the two spirits of green shades being sucked out of his body.

As soon as they were sucked out of him completely, they were catapulted far away into the distance as their screams could still be heard, never to be seen again.

Finally being freed, John, unconcious, begin to fall to the ground and Spruce hurried over to catch him in his arms before he could collide with it, kneeling down on the ground as he held him.

"Where did they go..?" Floyd mumbled, still looking in the direction Loathe and Rancor got pulled away to.

"Back to the forest.. where their souls can go back to being trapped and binded forever.." Clay mumbled back before turning to look at Spruce who was holding a weakened John Dory, his face more than pale.

"John!" He shouted, running over to them and kneeling to his side.

The two other brothers and Viva and Grandma followed behind them immediately as well as the trolls behind them taking a few steps forward to check on him.

"John..? J-John..?" Clay mumbled, tapping his face gently but getting no response.

He wasn't breathing, nor was there a pulse.

"No.. no no no no no NO..!! GRANDMAAAAA!!" Clay wailed out, breathing in and out heavily in a panic as he tapped his face some more,

"JOHN! JOHNNNNN!!!"

Viva covered her mouth in horror as she watched the fallen oldest brother lay there limp, feeling tears begin to well up in her own eyes.

"Is he alright?!" Peppy walked over to his daughter and stayed by her side, staring over at the group in worry.

"I-I don't know.. I'm scared.." Viva whimpered, turning to hug her father and hold onto him.

The trolls in the crowd either began to tear up as well or hugged one another, saddened that they may have failed to succeed in their mission and lost someone who was important to so many of them in the process.

"Oh come on John you.. you were doing so well you can't.. c-come on man.." Spruce trembled a little, trying to stay strong but actually being terrified that he may have lost his brother for good.

Rosiepuff immediately knelt behind them and carefully took John from his arms.

"John? John Dory? Jonathan I need you to wake up for us okay? John?!" Her own voice began to tremble as she shook him lightly in his arms.

His head leaned to the side while being held in her arms, body completely limp and lifeless.

She leaned her ear close to his mouth to check for breathing and put two fingers on his neck for pulse but got nothing.

"Oh my god John Dory.." She murmured in a shaky voice, shaking him again, "John get up sweetie please..?"

"John please wake up.. please you have to! We need you!" Floyd cried out, grabbing one of his hands that was cold to the touch.

"Big brubba.. wake up.. w-wake up..!" Branch crawled over to where Clay was and pushed on his leg, whimpering.

"We need you..! I NEED you..! You're.." Clay sniffled, sobbing out loud as tears began to soak his cheeks, "you're not a bad brother, okay?! I was just mad, I was being stupid! And now because of that you're here! It's all my stupid fault!"

Clay crawled up to John and laid down against his chest, whimpering while sobbing some more.

"I-I don't know what I'll do without you..! You taught me and helped me so much, I don't want you to l-leave me..! Please don't go..!"

Still not feeling him move or hearing him say anything, there began to grow frustration with his sadness.. frustration at himself, frustration at the ghosts..

Frustration that he wasn't laying there.

"..don't leave me..."

And he began to scream.

"Don't leave me..! DON'T LEAVE ME!! DON'T LEAVE ME!!!"

He repeated it over and over, beating his fist on the ground as he gripped onto his coat with the other hand.

Tears on his own face, Spruce pulled Floyd and Branch into his arms and squeezed them close, watching his younger brother let out all of his pain.

All everyone could do was just watch in anguish and grieve silently as they listened to the heartbreaking sobs coming from Clay.

The trolling gripped onto his brother's coat as his sobs, while still heartbreaking, began to soften just a little, not daring to let go of the cloth he was going onto.

"I'm sorry.."

That was the last thing he said, before there was more silence as everyone continued to mourn over the sudden loss.

Clay stayed laying there on top of his big brother's chest, unmoving and ignoring anyone who tried to talk to or comfort him. He didn't want to do anything but lay there.

He didn't wanna hear or see anyone else right now.. the only thing he wanted to hear was the breathing of what he refused to say was his now passed brother.

His crying was calmed down a little but his chest was still hurting, knowing that it was his fault he was gone.

Right now, even the smallest movement or sound to come from him would give him all the hope in the world.

Resting against his chest and holding onto him closer, the ear that wasn't resting against him flicked a bit when he heard a faint but slow repetitive vibration in his other.

At first he couldn't tell what it was and didn't care to check, but once it wouldn't stop he decided to lift his head up a bit, stopping midway when he realized where it was coming from.

He opened his eyes wide then pressed the side of his head back against his chest, hearing the same noise again.

Then, it was at that same moment.. he felt like everything was whole again. Like he could breathe again.

Like everything was gonna be okay.

Gently, he put a hand on his cheek, studying his features and trying to see if anything would happen.

"John..?" He whispered almost silently.

But since it was already silent, everyone in the crowd basically heard what he said and rose their heads as well, looking over at the two.

Holding him still, Rosiepuff opened her eyes and looked down at him.

The rest of the brothers began to look over as well as soon as they heard the name of their beloved older brother to check on him as well.

And after what seemed and felt like forever.. the once mourned over troll striked everyone's hearts once again when he began to cough multiple times.

Clay couldn't even say anything as his breath was caught in his throat, too stunned for words.

Coughing a few more times, a bit forcefully, his head fell back into Rosiepuff's arm, breathing in and out heavily trying to catch his breath.

"J.. Joh.."

After a few more seconds his eyes begin to move around and eventually fluttered open, his breathing becoming more gentle as he began to wake up and adjust to his surroundings.

Turning his head to the left steadily, the first thing he spotted through his squinted eyes was his little brother, staring down at him with wide eyes and mouth moving like he wanted to say something.

Slowly, his lips began to curl into a weak smile, letting out a soft breath before saying,

"..Hey, Clay."

The seven year old's gasps and breaths couldn't have gotten any louder as the tears returned right back to his sockets.. except now, it was because his heart was full.

"JOHN!! JOHNNNNN!!!"

Without any thought he jumped onto him and wrapped his arms around him tightly, pressing his face into his neck.

"Ow, ow- okay- too much- I just died-"

Quickly after hearing that, he pulled away from him, staring at him worried that he accidentally hurt him.

John stared at him back for a bit before he began to smile again, bursting in a chuckle,

"I'm just kidding, get over here." He opened his arms again.

Clay smiled wide and jumped back into his arms, feeling his arms pull him in closer and hold him protectively.

At the same time this was happening, everyone in the background began to cheer as they saw that he was no longer in a deceased state, hugging one another and clapping.

Viva smiled wide and squealed out loud, jumping up and down before jumping into her father's arms who happily hugged her back, also cheering.

The two younger brothers who were with Spruce all smiled up at each other excitedly and cheered as well, running over to join in the hug with their other two brothers.

They all circled around and wrapped their arms around Clay and John, laughing and squeezing each other happily.

Rosiepuff stared down at the scene with a wide smile, wanting to hug her Grandson as well but letting his brothers first celebrate the fact that their oldest brother persevered and was alive after all those horrible events that took place.

"You're alive you're alive!" Floyd bounced on his lap excitedly giggling, "I thought you dieded!!"

"Pfft- dieddd? I have a hard time believing that. This square's not goin anywhere!" John smirked as he reached his arm out and ruffled Floyd's hair, smiling as he heard him giggle again.

"Jawn Dawy! Jawn Dawy!" Branch crawled onto his lap as well and giggled wildly, holding his arms out to him.

"Heyyyy little man! Happy I'm not dead?!" He laughed, ruffling his hair as well as he watched him hug his arm and hold onto it, giggling some more.

Taking something from his hair, Branch pulled out the little pumpkin he carved for him earlier, smiling.

"Oh wow," John said, taking the pumpkin from his hands, looking back up at him, "did you make this?"

Branch giggled again while nodding excitedly.

"For yew!"

John smiled wide and nuzzled his head into his, earning another giggle from the baby.

"I love it."

"I can't believe.. I mean.." Spruce pulled from the hug but still stayed close, "you really made it.. we were so scared.."

John looked over at him and smiled, patting his back.

"I was scared I wouldn't make it either.. but not even death could take me away from you guys."

Spruce smiled at him back and leaned his head against his, feeling John reciprocate and rubbing his shoulder.

Realizing Clay hadn't moved or said anything for the past few minutes, John pulled away after a bit and turned to look at him, seeing he was still in the same position from when he hugged him again.

"Hey," He nudged him gently, "you oka‐"

"I'm sorry," He suddenly started to mumble, sounding like he was crying again, "I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry.. it's all my fault.."

John let a soft breath out of his nose as a small smile formed on his face, reaching both of his arms down to pick him up.

"Heyyy come onnn," He mumbled as well, setting him on his lap as Floyd and Branch scooted over, making room for him.

"It's not your fault, I.. I was being dramatic, thinking that everyone was against me because I thought I didn't do anything wrong.. but you were right.. I am a bad brother.. I shouldn't be so hard on you or mean to you just because I think I'm doing what's best for you, or I don't like how things aren't going my way.. that's not fair to you, your needs are important too, and you are still just a kid."

He paused for a bit to reach his hands to his face and wipe his tears away, then grabbing hold of his arms gently,

"..I never wanna make you feel like I don't care about you, Clay. Because I do.. a lot. Our personalities may not always agree at times.. but I'll never let that get in the way of that again. You don't make my life terrible.. you're the reason I wanna keep it going."

He looked at the rest of his brothers, "All of you are."

Spruce, Floyd and Branch all smiled at him.

Clay stared at him with sad eyes, still feeling guilty as ever even if those were some of the words he always wanted to hear from him.

He sighed, looking down.

"I was wrong too.. big brothers aren't perfect.. but that doesn't mean you're a bad one, and I shouldn't have said that you are. I'm sorry I made you feel like we didn't want you around.. sure we fought, and I was really upset at you, but.. you didn't ruin tonight, and you don't ruin everything.. I wouldn't look up to you so much if I did."

He shrugged and adjusted himself on his lap, "and.. maybe you don't always get it right or is it always in our best interests but.. you always try. And I need to be better at seeing that."

John smiled down at him before pulling him close into him again, feeling him wrap his arms around him unhesitatingly.

He moved back a little while still holding him close to kiss his forehead tenderly, ruffling his hair right after.

To say Clay missed that was a huge understatement as he immediately buried himself into his chest with a wide and bashful smile.

"Awww, growth."

They both turned to see that Spruce was scooting closer, clearing his throat.

"But uh.. I said some things too.. you were heightening the situation but.. there really was just a lot going on. I didn't mean to make you think that we didn't want you around either.. you're so important to us, John. Yeah you're not perfect, not in the slightest-"

"Alright har har-" John sarcastically laughed before Spruce snickered and continued,

"but you don't need to be, like Clay said we don't want you to be. You care and, well, that's really all that matters. We'll always love you no matter how many times you mess up, and we know you'd do the exact same for us."

He put a hand on his shoulder and smiled for a bit, getting a smile from his older brother in return.

"..and I also certainly do not always take Clay's side-"

"..wellllllll-" Clay hummed jokingly, tapping his chin.

"Alright don't you start-" Spruce pointed sharply at him, "but point is- we want you here, you don't mess up everything, and we love you."

"We lub you John!" Floyd held his arms out and embraced his big brother again, sighing happily.

Branch giggled and just flopped his big head onto him, joining back in along with Spruce.

John hugged all of them back and close again, chuckling wholeheartedly.

"I love you guys too."

Then, suddenly, Spruce turned a bit to look to Clay with a smirk.

"Come onnnn Clayyyy-"

"Come on what-"

"Say the wordddd-"

"What word-"

"Don't act like you don't know fool-"

"...no no noooo come onnnnn ANYTHING but THAAAAT-"

"You have tooooo!"

"NO."

"Just this once for John?!"

Now that got him silent. There was no way he could argue with that after all the events that took place tonight.

"Clay-"

"FINE, fine-"

He cleared his throat and turned to his older brother who was just smiling, that smile he loved and hated right now at the same time.

"...I lo- CAN'T I JUST GIVE HIM A KISS INSTEAD?!" Clay whined and threw his head back.

"Well- well you can do both!"

"Oh I am not-"

"Grow up comic book man!" Viva shouted from the background, laughing.

"Yeeaaahhh, listen to your 'girl-friend' Clay," Spruce teased him as Floyd giggled alongside him.

"Oh my god she said man-" Clay mumbled before shaking his head, "I MEAN SHE'S NOT MY- GAAAHHH OKAY!!!"

Clay suddenly grabbed John's face and stared him dead into his eyes.

"I LOVE YOU. I LOVE YOU. I LOVE YOU. I LOVE YOU. I. LOVE. YOU."

He let go of him and threw his cape over his head, crossing his arms.

"THERE- I SAID IT- POST IT ALL OVER THE INTERNET I DON'T CARE!"

In an instant though, he felt someone wrap an arm around him and pull him into a hug, hearing them chuckle.

"I love you too Clay." He heard the familiar and comforting voice of his oldest brother.

Immediately and instinctively he leant and rested his body against him, smiling from underneath his cape before he removed it from his face. For a word he really didn't like saying he sure did a hell of a job at showing it.

Leaning close to him very slowly, Spruce mumbled in his ear,

"..so just how difficult was it on a scale of one to one billio-"

"OH YOU-"

Clay quickly moved back from John's chest and took his cape and waved it in Spruce's face, the purple haired troll's only reaction being laughter.

"Can Grandma get some love now?"

They all turned to look upward when they heard the familiar voice of their beloved Grandmother and was met with her warm smile.

"Grandma!" They all said happily.

"Oh my sweet precious baby," Without warning she scooped them all up in her arms, hugging them close, "I'm so glad you're okay! Why do you all insist on scaring me like this?!"

"Well you can't spell BroZone without 'a meteor is going to hit troll village and cause a frenzy in the next few seconds'-" Clay said.

"WHAT?!" Everyone shouted, and Clay simply blinked.

"..Chaos, guys- geez I know I read a lot but I don't know EVERYTHING.. somehow-"

"Well.. well anyway-" Rosiepuff put them all down then knelt to John,

"How are you feeling sweetheart? Are you doing okay?" Rosiepuff laid a hand on his cheek and tilted his head gently, inspecting him.

"I'm fine Grandma.. you guys saved me, couldn't be better." He smiled up at her.

Rosiepuff smiled back at him and put a big kiss on his forehead before hugging him gently.

"They're all right you know.. we all love you very much and would never wanna make you feel any less." She mumbled lightly, rubbing his back.

"I know.. you guys too. I'm sorry you guys had to go through so much trouble for me." He mumbled back, leaning on her shoulder.

"Boy," Rosiepuff pulled away with a chuckle, "I would go through 'aitch-ee-double-el' and back for you even if I hated it. All I care about is that you're still here with us."

John smiled up at her, his heart big and happy.

Everyone began to cheer once again and the group of six all turned to see the village clapping and shouting John's name.

"Okay so like, what is this-" John shuffled his hands around in gesture, "Halloween or celebrate John Dory day- cause like- I'll gladly take both-"

"Oh here this fool goes again-" Clay joked, crossing his arms and shaking his head.

"What'd you say Clay?"

"Ohh what me I didn't- I didn't say anythi-"

"Nah nah nah c'mere tell me what you said!" John began reaching out to him trying to grab him.

"No- nooooo!"

Clay tried to run and laugh as he got grabbed.

"Still bein a loud mouth huh, well I got something for you!" He smirked before moving his hands underneath his arms.

"NOOO!" Clay laughed out loud, "NO ONE'S SUPPOSED TO KNOW I'M TICKLISH UNDER THERE!"

"Well too bad cause they do now brotha!" John cackled playfully and started poking his sides now while still holding him, the seven year old grabbing and pushing on his hands at the same time.

Rosiepuff chuckled and gathered the rest of the brothers around her as they watched them play and laugh together.

The night definitely did not go as expected, but everyone could say for sure that it was one of the most spookiest and most meaningful Halloween's that the village had ever had.

○●○

Hold up wait a minute-

Y'all thought I was finished?!

With THAT corny ahh ending?! Nuh-uh!

Come on nowwww we're TROLLS you should know this by now we gotsta go all OUT!

○●○

A little after the frightening and chaotic events that took place, the brothers were back home in their pod in their room.

Buuuut not to get settled in for the night just yet.

They were originally going to do so, but at one point two of the brothers, and you can guess who- convinced the rest of them to pull one more surprise for the night before they had to get into bed.

Eventually they all agreed, and then it was just a matter of convincing Grandma to let them all go through with it.

It took a bit of a while, insisting they all needed their rest, but then she decided to let them have the last of their fun for the night together since majority of it was taken away from them.

So now instead, they were each taking turns looking in the mirror and adjusting their costumes, and John was the last to go.

"Man," Spruce started, "can't believe John almost died today-"

"Don't even get me started-" John rolled his eyes, "I mean TWO GHOSTS?!"

"Two ghosts that- may I just say- you all thought were FAKE but they WEREN'T HAHAAAA!" Clay stuck his tongue out while laughing before crossing his arms, "Fifty points for Clay."

"Wellllll if you think about it none of us would've known that they were real if John hadn't gone into the forest all upset-" Spruce turned to look at him, "no offense John just saying it how it is-"

"Noneeee takennn-" John kept his gaze in the mirror as he added new green paint onto his face.

"Ehh whatever, still right." Clay shrugged.

"Well you know what," John finished up then turned to then with a proud smile while and hands on his hips, "I'm just glad I can actually live to tell the tale."

They both smiled back at him before at each other.

"Yeah! I'm so glad it's over! Hopefullwy this doesn't happen in the next twenty years!! Like in a crystal perfume bottle or something!"

Slowly, all the brothers, even Branch, turned to look at him with confused and unsettled expressions.

"...wut-"

Floyd simply shrugged and said, "I dunno."

"Well- anyways-" John adjusted his coat, "is everyone happy with their costumes? No new tweaks or fixes?"

"Mm-mmm."

"Nope!"

"Nnnnada."

"Grrrreat! Then let's skeee-DADDLE! Everyone's waiting!"

"YAYYYYY!" Floyd and Branch cheered, not waiting a second to dash down the steps.

Spruce walked out behind them and Clay was about to go next until-

"Oh and Clay?"

The middle child stopped and turned to look at his oldest brother walking up to him.

At one point he stopped in front of him and began to smile.

"Your cape looks great."

A wide and joyful smile started forming on Clay's face as he jumped into his oldest brothers arms, feeling him hug him back into a loving bearhug.

After a few seconds he let go and giggled, before running down the steps to where the rest of his brothers were.

John chuckled afterwards before eventually following behind and meeting them downstairs as well.

Rosiepuff was already down there ready like before and looked as they were all standing next to each other, smiling.

"Look at all my boys.." She smiled back down at them, "you excited?"

"Yeah!" They all cheered.

"Well then- out you go!"

Excitedly, they all whooped and cheered as they headed for the door, John reaching for the knob and slamming it open as they were greeted by many of their fans from a distance who started cheering when they saw them.

"You ready for this?" John said as he smirked down at Clay.

"Uhm, born ready-" Clay sassed, putting a hand on his hip with a smirk.

"And that's what I like to hear," John pointed at him before patting his back and turning back forward,

"LET'S GET IT!"

The brothers all gave each other high fives before running out of the pod and jogging towards the center of the village and watching as everyone cheered them on.

Eey, eey!
Clay started to sing as he danced forward.

Eey-eey!
John was alongside him and did the same dance he did.

Then both slid past each other as Spruce began the first verse, walking forward while moving his hands everywhere slowly.

Lost in the dark, it's midnight (Midnight), midnight.. (Midnight)

Stuck in between, I can't hide.. (Can't hide), can't hide (Can't hide)

Floyd slid next to him and began singing the next part, jumping around.

Everywhere I turn, they're out to get me (Get me) on their side! (On their side)

Branch jumped out of Floyd's hair again and spun around, pointing to his head.

I'm freakin' out in my-my-my-my-my-my mind! (In my mind)

The brothers all slid next to each other, starting to walk forward slowly with smoke forming around them.

There's something in the airrrr..
(There's something in the air)

Shadows everywhereeee.. (Shadows everywhere)

Never been so scared, beware! (Beware!)

Bewar-a-a-a-a-are–

Suddenly they all posed alongside each other, colorful lights shooting everywhere as they hit a note.

I got my scream on!

I feel that fear, oh yeah,

I'm torn, between there and here!

I gotta choose the side I'm on,
before the break of dawn!

Yeahhhh!

I got my scream on!

The crowd began to cheer again as the brothers walked around each other a few times before Clay began to dance forward, spinning around.

Creepin' around this madness (Madness), madness! (This madness!)

No horror flick can top (Top) this, top this! (Top this!)

Even in my heart, they got so (So) divided! (Divided!)
John slid from behind him and put his hands together like a door then seperated them.

Gotta take control (Gotta take control), just sto-o-o-o-o, stop this! (Just stop this)

They joined each other's sides again and circled around each other, pointing at everyone and waving the same hands in the air.

(There's somethin', there's somethin', there's somethin' in the air)
There's something in the airrrr..

(The shadows, the shadows, the shadows everywhere)
Shadows everywhereeee..

(I neva', I neva', I neva' been so scared)
Never been so scared, beware! (Beware!)

Bewar-a-a-a-a-are–

They all jumped around each other and pointed towards the sky.

I got my scream on!

I feel that fear, oh yeah,

In the crowd Viva was near the front on top of Peppy's shoulder, cheering loudly and pumping her fist in the air.

I'm torn, between there and here!

I gotta choose the side I'm on,
before the break of dawn!

Yeahhhh!

I got my scream on!

I feel that fear, oh yeah,

While dancing Clay spotted her in the crowd and smiled over at her, waving.

She waved back rapidly, smiling wider.

I'm torn, between there and here!

I gotta choose the side I'm on,
before the break of dawn!

Yeahhhh!

The brothers all looked at each other with smiles before smoke began to cloud the crowd's view of them.

I just gotta.. Floyd walked forward out of the smoke, screammmm!

I just gotta.. Spruce walked next, lifting his fedora from in front of his face, screammmm!

Yeah, I just gotta.. John stepped out third, screammmm!

Ohhhh! Branch hit a note, popping out of John's hair with his arms out.

I just gotta.. Clay walked out last with his head dipped,

Screammmmm!
He lifted his head up and looked to the sky, hitting a high note.

After that, John lifted him from his feet and placed him on his shoulders, Clay standing on them with his hands in the air as they all sang again.

I got my scream on!

I feel that fear, oh yeah!
Clay flipped off his shoulders and danced alongside his brothers again.

The crowd of trolls went wild once more as they even began to close in to them, following their choreo.

I'm torn, between there and here!

Viva was dancing close and jumping around with her eyes closed for a bit when she opened them for a second.

Clay spun in between his two big brothers and held out his hand for her to join alongside, smiling and singing.

I gotta choose the side I'm on,
before the break of dawn!

Viva smiled back and happily took his hand as he pulled her in and spun her to the otherside, holding the same hand with his other hand.

Yeahhhh!
Viva sang aloud as she held his hand and spun around him again and danced with him and the rest of the brothers.

At this point the crowd of trolls were behind all of them following the choreo and singing as well.

I got my scream on!

Rosiepuff stood on the sidelines watching with a wide smile and her arms crossed, proud of her grandsons.

I feel that fear, oh yeah,

I'm torn, between there and here!

The brothers all spotted her watching and smiled at her, waving.

She waved back while chuckling, cheering them on herself and shouting "WOOOOO!"

I gotta choose the side I'm on,
before the break of dawn!

Yeahhhh!
John and Clay sang together, leaning towards one another.

I got my scream on!

They all finished in a pose, standing next to each other with proud smiles.

"Best, Halloween, ever." Clay mumbled and snickered excitedly, high fiving John right after.

..And so..

○●○

Present Day
October 31st, 2024

"..there you have it," John Dory, dressed as a cowboy, said as he placed down his metal mug he took a swig of fluffleberry wine out of it.

"the spookiest dookiest tale of how I, the John Dory, your beloved oldest brother, brother in law, and Brozone leader had his life changed forever on Halloween night.. I'm surprised none of you got up and left!" The oldest Brozone brother snorted, leaning back against the couch he was sitting on inside of Rhonda.

"But but anyway–" He cleared his throat, "I know you were all probably spooked outta your underpants, but I gotta get sentimental with you for a bit.."

He sighed, turning to the one candle that was lit on a table in front of him.

"..even though it was a really scary time for me, it allowed me to learn to be more appreciative of the present and all that I have around me.. and just how bad your emotions can be when you let them take over you."

Sitting across from him were his younger brothers and Poppy and Viva as well, staring at him as well as each other constantly, all wearing their own costumes as well.

"..so that just went from a scary story to a life lesson–" Branch said, blinking.

"Suuuure did!" John laughed out loud, "Gotta keep ya on your toes somehow!"

"Yeah I um– I have so many questions like what is a Loathe and Rancor–" Bruce said shaking and holding his head.

"Waaaait wait wait wait," Poppy raised her hand, "so is the story real!?"

"Suuuure is!" John pointed at her.

"Noooo, way–" Poppy held her face in shock.

"Pfffttt, yeah right–" Clay scoffed, looking to the left, "there's no way–"

"Oh there is a way.. there's always a way.."

John sat up a bit and gestured in front of him, "and all I have to do is blow out this candle.."

"...wut–"

"Nothing–" He leant back into the couch again.

"Okay well– I can at least believe the idea that I wore an MT costume, now that is definitely like me." Bruce nodded, chuckling.

"Yet you were over here talkin about being a wizard–" Clay joked, "like okay you 'everything is not what it seems' lookin–"

"Alright now CALM down bushy it was an idea for the kids–" 

"Well.. regardless if it's real or not– I wouldn't remember any of it but– I think it was a pretty good story John!" Floyd nodded, "it actually did spook me and the lesson's really good too, nice job bro."

"THANK YOU, Floyd! As ALWAYS–" John eyed all his brothers, "ONLY ONE who supports me–"

"Hey I didn't say it was a bad story, I just call BS on it being real–"

"That's the same THING!"

"Sir–"

"I liked it too!" Viva chimed in, "scared the goldilocks outta me! Come on Clayyy admit you were a little scared too!'

"Mehhhh– good storytelling I guess–"

"Thank you as WELL VIVA! And Poppy– I think you sorta complimented it in a way–"

"Oh I LOVED it." Poppy smiled wide.

"Okay, well anyways– if there's no more spooky stories to tell–" Branch interjected, "we're supposed to be going to a costume party and we're literally just sitting outside of it so can we skedaddle– like– now–"

"OH YEAHHH let's go let's go let's go!" Poppy sprung from her seat excitedly, holding onto Branch's hand.

Everyone began to get up and out of their seats and walk to the exit of Rhonda while talking amongst each other.

Clay stopped though when he noticed John wasn't moving.

"You uh– comin?" He asked.

"Hm?" He looked over at him before turning back around, "oh yeah, yeah, you go ahead, I'll be out there in a second."

Clay nodded slowly, resting his hand on the wall and looking him up and down for a second.

"Alright.. Frankenstein."

Eyes widening, John turned to look over at him in surprise.

"But.. why.. I thought you.."

Not saying another word, Clay simply smiled over at him before quietly walking out of the vehicle.

Slowly turning back around, he stared into space for a bit, before a small smile of his own began to form.

"..well! THAT was surprising wasn't it!?"

John got up from where he was sitting and walked forward a few steps, smirking slowly.

"Little does he know though.. I'm about to do him one better.."

He turned his attention at the candle once more, watching as it glowed in the darkness of the armadillo van.

"I guess there was one small thing Clay helped me remember that I forgot to add while giving my little lesson.."

He leaned close to the candle and picked it up in his hands.

"It's to always expect.."

He blew out the candle and everything went completely dark.

Everything except..

"..the unexpected."

The End(?)