Saying Bruce, Clay and Floyd were on an emotional rollercoaster was an understatement. They weren't lashing out nor were they sobbing uncontrollably. Freaking out? Yes. Their whole reality was shattered then pierced back together like a puzzle then broken again by the bombshell news Hickory brought with him. Who wouldn't feel insane? Even being in a private and cozy environment in Bruce and Brandy's living room was not helping.

" This can't be real! Who did Hickory actually meet? How are Branch and John alive? " Clay paced back and forth.

" The handwriting and the photos look legit. John is the only guy I know who would take a photo and write random comments on the back. " Bruce said holding a photo.

The photo had a picture of the main river. The shimmer and glow of the abnormal combination of colours for water was less obvious under the sun. On the back of the photo was a rushed and written warning. The warning had no explanation to it. It simply said " Don't drink water from this river!" Bruce glanced down at the order raising an eyebrow.

Floyd sat down on the edge of the coffee table with his back turned to Bruce and Clay. Viva and Poppy sat on a large rolled up newspaper. Viva kept playing nervously with her bracelet. Seeing Clay so worked up like this struck a chord in her. Being familiar with seemingly endless pacing, she got up and approached her husband. Grabbing Clay's hands gently it forced him to stop moving and look at her. The turmoil remained present on his features as he looked at his wife confused. Sighing Viva kissed his forehead to snap him further out of it.

" Clay... Breathe. In and out." Viva instructed.

The troll in denial paused allowing for the words spoken to him to sink in. The way Viva held his hands was comforting. Her touch was soft. Eventually he lowered his head closing his eyes. Breathing in and out until his nerves relaxed enough to think clearly Clay calmed down. Viva smiled once she saw her man lose the tension in his shoulders as they dropped.

Floyd stared at the letter John had written to him. Reading all over again for the tenth time in a row. He had no clue what he was trying to achieve by doing so. The words weren't going to magically change. They weren't going to disappear either. Swinging his feet back and forth as they dangled Floyd stayed focused. Then he sighed lowering the paper onto his lap.

" I'm going to find them." Floyd declared.

" What?"

Clay turned around removing his hands from Viva. His arms swung back to his sides allowing his hands to dangle. Viva glanced down at her hands choosing to not take it personally. His blue eyes softened landing on his brother. She wasn't taking anything that was happening personally. Clay was not thinking straight. He needed some grace from her and her support. All the attention redirected to Floyd as he slowly stood up on the edge then turned around.

" I'm going to see John Dory and Branch." Floyd rephrased. " Bruce? Do you still have the map?"

" I do. " Bruce nodded his head.

Reaching into his groomed purple mane he pulled out the rolled up map from inside of it. Stepping forward Floyd approached to take said map. Once it was in his possession the rocker unrolled it. The map featured drawings of landmarks and names of the forest in sections. It was more advanced with more details on the area but, said map was indeed hand drawn. Not perfect but, still effective and clear.

" We just need to find this willow tree. " Floyd pointed.

" Floyd..." Clay said

" I know you don't believe they're alive with good reason but, let's  say they are and we never went out there to find them. I would rather go through a wild goose chance than miss out on a chance to have all of our brothers here. If it turns out to be cruel hocus then at least we would know for sure. " Floyd reasoned calmly.

" This whole situation is crazy..." Clay commented then sighed. " I don't know what I actually believe anymore."

" Oh c'mon,Clay. Look on the bright side. Floyd is right. This is your chance to find the rest of your brothers. I would do it if it was Viva and I knew about her sooner." Poppy stood up.

" Well it's not you and Viva so you can't talk."

Clay spat then his eyes widened in realization. His lips tucked in his mouth as he took a moment to reevaluate. He looked at Viva who was beginning to lose some patience then back at Poppy. His mistake of his words slipping out was not helping with the stress. He didn't mean to impulsively say what was on his mind.

" I'm sorry! I didn't mean it. That was rude.  I know what you're trying to do. I'm sorry." Clay apologized.

" I forgive you." Poppy said.

Viva's glare softened removing it from his direction to silently check on her sister. There were no signs of offense being taken. In fact despite being short Poppy stood tall with understanding. Poppy's pink hands smoothed out her knitted dress as she kept his sights focused on everyone else. The younger sister imagined herself in the same position and every time it brought her to the same conclusion. That conclusion was to find Viva. Therefore to her it seemed right to at least try to find and meet John and Branch if they are truly out there.

" I'm going with Floyd." Bruce declared. " You don't have to come with us but, we are going. Floyd is right. Poppy is right. This is our chance."

Clay scratched his arm. " I- I- You guys... Kay. Fine. Then I'm coming too I guess." He reluctantly agreed with a heavy heart.

" YES!" Poppy cheered. " Count me in too.

The misplaced excitement did earn Poppy a few glances and head turns but, knowing it was coming from a good place they ignored it. Viva being on a similar way of thinking saw no issue with it even though it did not fit the mood. Filling up with determination Viva moved over to her sister and wrapped an arm behind her back pulling her closer.

" If Clay and Poppy are going then so am I!" Viva declared.

Grinning at the thought of going on her first adventure with her older sister and her new family, Poppy beamed with excitement. This was going to be a musical charge adventure to a beautiful and emotional family reunion. She believed in that concept wholeheartedly. Viva's confident smile turned into a grin too.

" This is going to be the best family reunion adventure ever to be scrapbooked!" Poppy matched Viva's energy.

The brothers shared the same blank expression then glanced at each other. None of them had yet to find the right words to respond with. Poppy and Viva were indeed welcome to tag along. After all Viva was Clay's wife and Poppy was his sister in law so they were family. That wasn't an issue. The declaration was mostly unexpected due to the Clay,Bruce and Floyd focusing on themselves and each other more than others in the same room.

Clay nodded his head accepting everything that was happening as they came. Floyd eventually smiled softly thankful for the additional support joining their trip. Rolling the map up closed he kept both hands wrapped around it. Bruce on the other hand frog blinked processing the changes slower than normal. He has no issues with Viva and Poppy joining their family reunion since they were part of the first one. Shrugging it all off Bruce nodded his head and smiled sadly.

" Excuse me. I need to go talk to Brandy." Bruce excused himself.

Going back downstairs to the restaurant, Bruce spotted his soulmate removing their son from a ketchup bottle. Again. For the third time this day. What was the big deal? Bruce had no idea. The better question to ask was how he squeezed into the red bottle in the first place. He swore his son was part cat sometimes. Approaching the busy and patient mother,Bruce began playing with his wedding ring a little.

The fidgeting didn't stop until Brandy looked down. She smiled sweetly at her handsome business partner then picked him. Her lips brushed against his cheek giving him a kiss. Bruce felt the electric spark run through him briefly.

" Hey Honey." Brandy greeted.

" Hey Love. Listen something crazy happened today. " Bruce admitted.

Brandy frowned sensing the sadder and heavier shift in tone. Bringing him closer to the counter,she allowed her spouse to walk off her palms. Taking a seat down hoping to bring herself closer to his level. The puppet-like woman was trying anyway. Bruce however never felt threatened by their size difference. Not even now.

" What happened?"

" Hickory came back during my shift and he had news. Lots of news. Turns out... John and Branch are alive and Hickory met them.  He had letters from John for me and Floyd. There were many photos and a letter explaining why he never came here." Bruce paused. " They're still out there waiting for us like we've been waiting for them."

Brandy froze too. " Oh my..."

" I was talking with Clay and Floyd upstairs. We want to go see for ourselves if John Dory and Branch are actually alive. Poppy and Viva are tagging along. Kinda."

" Well then... Hmm." Brandy hummed.

" I know this sounds like a lot of last minute planning for a potential wild goose chance but,we- I need to know. I need to see John and Branch." Bruce sighed.

" You're going to ask me to manage our business and our kids holding up the fort solo. All so you so you can find your brothers we thought were dead. Aren't you?" Brandy stated calmly.

Bruce nodded his head. " I'm sorry for springing all this on you like this."

" Don't apologise. Go find your brothers. I'll handle everything here. And when you come back you can do the same for me when my girls and me leave for our yoga retreat next month... All week. " Brandy said.

Bruce's sad smile picked up into something more cheerful. Brandy's support was always there when he needed it. Even when it wasn't necessary she loved him that much. The troll felt the same way. His heart warmed up in his chest. Coming closer the little man hugged his wife's hand then kissed the back of it. It earned him a brief moment of her blushing. Swooning over the simple gesture silently. Her grin however was loud and clear.

" Deal. I love you. You have no idea how much this means to me." Bruce confessed.

" I love you too. I always will."

The next day, all five trolls had rented a male armadillo bus and were packed for their trip. Brandy and the kids stood outside the restaurant during the early morning. Poppy and Viva waved back while Bruce made sure all his children got a Good Bye kiss on the forehead. The sun was still rising with the stars decorating the shared sky. The beach was mostly empty but, it still had some early risers up for either work or to watch the sunrise. Some surfers were already in the sea floating on their broads relaxing and waiting for a good wave.

" Okay. Daddy,your uncles and your aunties will be away for a little while. Be good for mommy. I love you all."  Bruce said.

Floyd stepped into the living bus followed by Clay then Viva. Since Floyd had been studying the map the most he claimed the driver's seat. Viva helped Clay move all the supplies into the kitchen. They loaded snacks,food and drinks into the pantry. Still being outside Poppy and Bruce waved for one last time to Brandy and the kids they adored. Brandy smiled watching lovingly as Bruce blew her a kiss.

" Bye Everyone. " Poppy greeted bubbling with lots of energy.

" Daddy will be back soon before you know it. Bye." Bruce added.

" Bye,Daddy! " The kids said in unison.

" Miss you already." Brandy commented to herself softly.

Poppy ran into the bus with a bounce in every step. Bruce stepped up the stairs as the door automatically closed behind him. The armadillo bus panted then excitedly roared causing the children to adore the critter more. They squeaked, cheered and talked over each other about how it was a cool animal. The bus took off running towards the dock to catch the next speedboat with his tongue sticking out.

" Good luck,Baby." Brandy whispered to herself. " I hope you find what you're looking for."