Finn stood tall back on his eight legs. It was thanks to the care of the vet and Branch's healing ability he gained over the years. The bug was more energetic and ready to travel.  Standing outside of a hollow willow tree, Hickory put his sattle on Finn's back. John Dory stood there with Branch and his team nearby. In Branch's hand was a map as he stood by his brother's side.

Trickee leaned against the willow tree with his arms crossed and the sharp tip of his tail cutting grass. Hype sat on an overgrown root with his wings spread out to block some sun. Boom sat on a large mushroom with his legs crossed resting his hands in his lap. Ablaze laid down on the grass in the sunlight with his hands tucked underneath his head. Normally when out of the Underground they would be watching out for danger but, during the day it was safe. It was peaceful.

Hickory patted Finn's side earning an impatient huff out of his spider. Chuckling at the act he turned around to the rulers of the safe haven he was welcomed in. Branch handed the map to John who passed it on to their leaving guest. Branch stepped forward giving a bag of clean and normal water,food and more basic supplies for long distance travel. Both of John and Branch were in their neutral colouring trapped in the middle between grey and bright.

" Thanks for letting me use your haven and hooking me up with these supplies. You,unique folks, are much appreciated. I'm charmed." Hickory acknowledged.

" Don't mention it. We were just doing our jobs." Branch shrugged.

Then the Prince walked away temporarily to check on his teammates. John's eyes followed Branch until he was further away out of hearing distance. The King turned back to face Hickory then pulled out an old picture of Spruce and Floyd sent to him by Spruce years ago. It was a selfie of the pair on the beach of Vacay island. It had to be at least twenty-one years old.

" Do you actually know these trolls?" John seeked clarification.

Hickory's eyes widened followed by him nodding his head. " Yes. I do."

Sighing with relief hope filled John's soul. A grin graced his face. It wasn't just a coincidence that Hickory knew trolls with his brothers' names or looked similar to him and Branch. Hickory genuinely knew them. He was friends with their Floyd. Putting the old selfie back in his hair, John pulled out his hand holding two letters. One was addressed to Floyd and the other Spruce. The older brother had brushed the name "Bruce" off as a name mix up. After all Hickory did admit he struggled remembering every single name.

" Do me this favor and we'll be even. I don't know if my brothers are still on Vacay Island or where it is but, you do. Give them these. Tell them their from me. John Dory. Tell them that Branch is with me and that I'm sorry that I couldn't save Clay..." John asked.

Heaviness invader John's tone. Especially at the mention of Clay. For years John believed his brother died in the tunnels. That either the shovel took him out or the Bergens got him. Both possiblities caused his heart to ache and fuel his mind with guilt. He rarely talked about. Even with Branch. They even had Clay's image on the memorial wall deep down in the bunker. It was a mural. It was for everyone they believed they lost at the great escape and now from their current Shadow Walker problem to honor those trolls' memory.

" Oh... I... Will do. You can count on me. I'm sorry about your brother. " Hickory accepted both envelopes.

" It was twenty years ago. We moved on from it. At least I try to. You should go before the hours of sun are gone. " John's smile saddened.

Nodding his head Hickory put the letters in his supplies bag then hooked it to the sattle. He climbed onto Finn's back getting seated and picked up the reins. When Branch returned John's side Hickory looked down at the two transformed trolls. Apart of him didn't want to leave so soon but, he knew staying wasn't much of a option. He had a family he adored waiting for him at home, a job to do and flavor to fulfill.

"So long,Mates. Take care. " Hickory greeted.

" Good luck." John said.

" Watch out for Growlbeasts and Shadow walkers and birds. Especially birds." Branch warned.

Hickory smiled holding back the urge to chuckle at how cautious Branch was. Hickory had dealt with his fair share of birds and Growlbeasts. The Shadow Walkers were new and fresh to him but, if being a Bounty Hunter taught him anything it was to always be cautious and stay strapped with a weapon. He should start carrying a weapon. Pulling on the reins Finn took off running into the distance faster than ever before. Hickory had to use one hand to hold down his hat.

" You think he'll be back?" Boom asked stepping forward.

" Maybe. Maybe not." John said.

" If he does it better not during the night." Branch commented.

On Vacay Island the mood had brightened up among the Timberlakes and the Kendricks. Hearing the believed truth was hard but, taking the time to come to terms and mourn brought them closer. On the beach Poppy and Viva sat on beach chairs with milkshake glasses of ice cream sundaes in their hands. Both women wore matching heart shaped and red framed sunglasses. Poppy's swimsuit was a yellow one piece. Viva wore a floppy hat and two piece blue bikini with skirt attached to the bottom. They clinked their glasses before adding a straw to drink up the ice cream.

Bruce had taken Clay to the water for some surfing. Clay felt like a fish out of water but, Bruce made sure to be a guiding voice and to give a needed push here and there. Falling into the salty and orbs filled water Clay resurfaced,clinging to his board. Bruce tried to hold back his laughter as his brother gave him the stink eye. Both of the surfers wore differing attire. Bruce rocked his colourful swim trunks with a Hawaiian shirt while Clay insisted on wearing a wetsuit.

" YOU'RE DOING GREAT,BABE!" Viva cheered supportively.

" THANKS,HONEY." Clay yelled back still annoyed at Bruce. " No thanks to you."

" Oh c'mon." Bruce laughed offering a hand. " It's your first time. Expect to fall in the water."

Back on the sand Floyd was helping Brandy and some of his many nephews build sandcastles. He poked out a door into the front with a plastic spade better than his whole body without breaking the structure of sand. The rest of the nephews were busy burying their Uncle Scotch and Uncle Rum in the sand. Bruce Jr scooped up his Uncle Floyd then lifted him up higher so he could add windows. Floyd was only wearing his usual attire but, without the jewelry,vest and makeup. Plus a pair of groovy sunglasses sat on his face.

" Be gentle with your uncles,kids." Brandy reminded her children.

" Yes,Mom." They all answered in unison.

The next day the morning had transitioned into the afternoon. After hours of traveling Hickory and Finn finally reached Vacay island by boat. The sailor of the speedboat parked at the dock and got out to tie the boat to the post. Finishing for some money Hickory pulled out a large coin. He tossed it to the boat owner who caught it with a smile. That was his tip. Hickory was a little low on Vacay Island money right now.

" Thanks." Hickory said

" Alright, my friend. You're welcome any time."

Finn jumped off the boat onto the dock with Hickory still on his back. Once they were on the walkway the countrifed troll climbed off looking around. Nervousness sank in causing him to bite down on his lip. Opening his supplies bag he checked if he still had John's letters. They were exactly where he left them. In a pocket on top of a few papers. Sighing Hickory closed the back and unattached it from Finn. He swung the bag over his holder holding the strap tightly.

" You can do this. You promised John. Bruce and Floyd have the right to know. Just be respectful about it." Hickory coached himself.

Gently grasping the reins of his spider, Hickory tugged slightly signalling it was time to walk. They walked together down the dock onto the beach then redirected themselves a familiar restaurant. Bruce and Sons & One daughter. As usual the restaurant was packed with folks in the pools, at tables and a handful at the bar. One local yelled "Cannonball!" while running near Hickory them jumping into a pool. It made a splash but, the troll was lucky enough to not be in the splash zone. Finn waited outside tied to a bike rack.

Searching around the troll on a mission walked around hoping to see Bruce. As far as he knew Floyd wasn't on the island but, Bruce was definitely here considering this were he worked and lived. Approaching the bar Hickory stopped in his tracks surprised. Why? Standing on top of the counter was none other than his former target turned friend,Queen Poppy or rather Miss Poppy, as he called.

Not just that but,Floyd was with her too. An old flame that he was on good terms with. Bruce entered his sights too with a troll Hickory never met before. He did look somewhat familiar but, regardless it not ring a bell. Taking a leap of faith with a silent prayer he took off his hat and swung himself up through his hair. Landing on his feet onto the counter the cowboy hat returned back to its rightful place.

Hearing the impact behind them Poppy turned around with a smile. Viva sat behind her on the flipped upside down tea cups and so was Floyd. Clay stood by Bruce with a raised eyebrow catching sight of their new guest.

" Who's that?" Clay pointed.

" Hey Hickory. Howzit with the wife?" Poppy greeted friendly.

"Hickory?" Floyd whipped his head to the side surprised.

" Floyd's ex." Bruce whispered.

" Hello there. It's great to see you all again. Delta is doing wonderful as always. Got her hands tied with the town." Hickory chimed in charmingly.

Floyd turned his whole around before standing up from the tea cup. While Hickory was still a welcomed friend he kept it surprised him to see him again so. Normally during work Floyd would not see or hear from Hickory for at least another week to add the current waiting time record. Coming forward closer the rocker joined Clay's other side. 

" Like wise but, hmm why are you back so soon?" Floyd asked.

" I actually have something for you and Bruce. I met someone during my travels. I met your older brother,John Dory. He is doing okay and Branch,your baby brother, is with him. Their quite the pair. He told me to give you these." Hickory pulled out the letters.

That casual announcement stopped time and shattered reality all over again for Clay,Bruce and Floyd. Their eyes widened in shock unable to comprehend the news. Clay froze not even blinking. It was like his brain had crashed like an old computer passed it's prime that was overloaded with data. Floyd's jaw dropped slightly as he thought to himself wondering where if he imagining the whole situation. Bruce did a physical double take like he had been called crazy.

" What did you just say?" Bruce said in disbelief.

" Someone pinch me." Floyd asked.

Viva snuck up on Floyd then lightly pinched his arm trying to not hurt him. Sensing the sudden touch he briefly jumped flinching despite the minimum amount of pain. When his sister in law let go he rubbed his palm against his arm at the spot that was pinched.

" John Dory is okay and Branch is with him. Their alive and fine living at their village. I met them. John asked me to deliver these to you after I told him about you guys. Him and Branch didn't know where this island was and had settled in the forest." Hickory said.

Coming closer he handed each addressed envelope to their receiver. Looking down at his lavender envelope Floyd flipped it back and forth repeatedly until his wrist began to ache. Bruce brought the gold envelope closer to his face. The hand writing addressed him by his dead name and looked exactly like John's uneven and jumpy style.

This made no sense to the brothers. John Dory was dead. Branch was dead. Clay said so with proof of what was left behind from the Troll Tree. Were these letters forgery? They looked too real to be fake but, at the same time the idea of John being alive to write to them sounded absolutely insane.

" Hmm..." Bruce hummed.

Hickory took his hat off with sorrow out of respect. " And I also have some unfortunate news. John had made me aware that one of your other brothers had passed and that he's sorry that he couldn't save Clay. I'm so sorry." Hickory lowered his head.

" WHAT?!!" Clay snapped. " I'm not dead! John and Branch are dead!"

" Huh? Come again? " Hickory whipped his head up shocked and confused. " Who are you?"

" I'm Clay. " Clay placed two fingers against his neck to check his racing pulse. " I am very obviously alive."

" Oh Wow... God has been hiding miracles. " Hickory nervously laughed. " But, I am very sure the trolls I met are John Dory and Branch. They certainly weren't ghosts."

Hickory put his hat back on. " They sheltered me after being saved in the woods during the night. Very accommodating folks."

Clay shook his head going insane. " No. No. No. They can't be alive. They weren't at the tree. I looked for them. They were nowhere! I heard the Bergen Chef talking about serving captured trolls!"

" Well they must have pulled a great escape then. " Hickory commented awkwardly.

Ripping open the envelope seal Bruce rushed in and pulled a handful of photos. Old photos of John and Branch at the Trolls Tree from when they still had their colours regularly. A couple more peeked out from the envelope of the same willow Hickory left from and other location images of the surrounding area. The willow tree was in a fruitful farmed meadow by the odd sparkling river. Reaching to grab it too Bruce flipped it over after pulling it out.

" Our new Troll Tree." Was all that was written.

Following his older brother's example,Floyd opened his envelope. However he was much more gentle and steady of hand. Instead of going directly to the photos, Floyd pulled out a folded letter. Hesitantly unfolding his hand shook a little as his heart pounded in his ears. Poppy and Viva who had been watching the plot twist like it was a soap opera moved closer to Floyd and peeked over his shoulder.

" Dear Floyd

I know you've probably been waiting and waiting and waiting. Either you had given up on me writing back by now or are still holding onto hope. If you're mad at me for taking twenty years just write back then I don't blame you. I'm sorry.

The truth is when me, Branch and the rest of the trolls with escaped we got lost in the forest. We had no map. No idea where we were or where the island you and Bruce took refuge on was. Eventually we did temporarily settle in our current home and now it has become permanent. I wish that I could come back with your friend, Hickory, and bring Branch too. However my hands are tied. We can't leave. These trolls need me.

I miss you. Not a day goes by where I don't think of you. I wonder if you're okay. If you're happy. If life is everything you ever wanted it to be. Even when I sleep it's hard to ignore. I wish things had turned out differently. I love you, bro. Branch misses you and Spruce too. We still have some old scrapbooks from the Troll Tree to remember how our lives were back then. Life has been crazy over here to say the least. A lot has changed.

If you ever wonder if I'm still out in the world somewhere I am. Just not where you would expect. I'm staying in one place. Hickory has a map to show the way. To help you find us if you still want anything to do with me or Branch. Even if you hate me now, I hope you would at least consider coming for Branch's sake. He's innocent in all of this. I know you still love him. You always did.

Please consider visiting.

For Branch if not me.

With Love
John Dory..." Floyd read out loud.

" Oh my god..." Poppy whispered to Viva.