Chapter Text
Everyone took a moment to stand up and stretch as everyone thought about how to use the rooms.
“We need a game plan for these other bigger species. Get some troll rights if we don’t already have ‘em, ya know?” Barb spoke up.
“So, the leaders in one room then?” Trollzart asked the group.
“We could have Bridget, Gristle, and Brandy join us too!” Poppy exclaimed, “Even if they haven’t met other species their size they might be able to give us some insight. As long as you three are okay with that?” Poppy turned and gave them a questioning look.
Gristle nodded, “I’m good and you know Bridget would never pass down a chance to help you,” he said, smiling fondly at Bridget as she giggled and nodded in agreement.
Brandy always nodded in agreement to the panic of her husband. “I can come too, my husband and his brothers are gonna need a moment to talk, right Bruce?” she asked, giving him a look.
Bruce knew that look. It was the, ‘I’m using a questioning tone but I’m not asking’ look. He really wanted her as a buffer for this meeting but well- “Yes, of course, honey,” Bruce responded, smiling tightly.
Brandy gave him a once over and nodded before joining the leaders and the two Bergens in one of the rooms.
Before Poppy left she talked quietly with Branch who seemed just as happy about this development as Bruce had.
Clay was happy he would at least have Viva but then she was pulled away by Poppy as she grabbed Viva and her dad and dragged them towards the room.
“Okay then, bye Clay!” Viva said quickly. Still shocked at the sudden change of plans from what she thought was going to happen.
Clay watched her go, eyes wide. He looked at his other brothers and noticed Branch and Bruce looking about as gutted as he felt. So much for buffers… but hopefully their ‘reunion’ wouldn’t be that bad, right?
After the first group left, the remaining members were Kismet, Branch’s brothers, Branch, Guy and Tiny Diamond, Satin and Chenille, and Hickory. Even Cooper had been snatched away with Prince D to attend the leader’s meeting.
Usually, Branch would be invited to join in these meetings too but Poppy had made him stay to talk with his brothers. He wasn’t happy about it. Like Bruce and Clay he had been expecting to have a buffer in the form of Poppy for this meeting. He would 100% rather be planning on how to deal with other species than having this conversation with his brothers.
Kismet came up and Ablaze put a hand on Branch’s shoulder, “We’ll hold down the fort out here, Branch. If anything happens we’ll be right outside the meeting room.”
Trickee snorted, “Not like we really have anywhere else to go,” he teased, causing the others to snicker and shove him.
Branch rolled his eyes, “Yeah, yeah.”
The brothers looked at each other before resignation took over. Well, this was happening one way or another. They walked towards a second meeting room.
This left an awkward silence as the leftover Pop trolls tried not to be obnoxious fans and Hickory just sat, watching.
“Anyone wanna play cards?” Boom asked, “I always keep a couple of spare decks in my hair.”
“Yes!” the Pop trolls and Hickory said, they all formed a circle on the floor.
—
Branch and his brothers walked into the room, closing the door. There was a table with plenty of seats and a note on the table.
The room is soundproof so don’t worry about anyone listening in!
Branch snorted, “Well, that’s nice of them I guess…”
The brothers agreed and they all sat down… and the silence continued.
“Soooo,” JD said, drumming his fingers on the table. He never could stand silence when other trolls were around- comfortable or not.
The other brothers all sat, looking uncomfortable. Branch was slouched in his seat with his arms folded. Bruce was fiddling with a wallet he had pulled out and Floyd was eyeing each brother. Clay was biting his lip as it looked like he had something to say but couldn’t get it out.
JD internally groaned. Okay, cool, looks like he’s starting this. “How ‘bout we start off light, huh? Bruce, I know you’ve been dying to show us your kids’ pictures and tell us about your family,” JD teased, smirking at his brother.
Bruce blushed and stuttered, “I mean, sure I can share as long as no one minds…” he said, looking down at his wallet.
Floyd smiled, “I would love to hear more honestly. From what we’ve seen, it seems like you have a pretty nice family!” Floyd sent a reassuring look towards Bruce.
Clay and JD nodded in agreement while Branch just shrugged.
Bruce saw the curiosity in his youngest brother’s eyes though and he started to happily share. He talked about meeting Brandy for the first time and his first egg and how crazy that was. He talked about opening the restaurant and when he learned about other trolls. He went over how different the schooling system was for Islanders and the things he had noticed about his kids being mixed.
The brothers sat in rapt attention, it was hard not to be enthused by Bruce’s stories. One, Bruce had always been a great storyteller, and two, Bruce’s love for his family was plain to anyone with eyes. It made it easy to stay engaged in the conversation.
Even Branch had unraveled his arms to take a look at the pictures Bruce passed around; curious about his nephews and niece. He could admit he was… excited about being an uncle. It still hurt that Bruce had this whole loving family while he was alone but his brother’s explanation about trying to find him helped. He hated his conflicting feelings right now. He wanted to be mad, he wanted to cry, he wanted to forgive and move on, and he wanted to be happy about being an uncle. It was almost too much.
“And that’s all that’s been going on. Gotta say it was nice to have the heads up about the pink eye thing. Gods, the only bad thing about having so many kids is that when one gets sick, the rest follow,” Bruce wallowed, rubbing his temples at the thought.
JD laughed, “I get that! You guys were the same. Although, poor Clay seemed to always be the first casualty, Floyd and you followed soon after. Branch always seemed to be the lucky one. Once in a blue moon he would catch whatever you guys got but he mostly escaped unscathed,” JD explained to the amazement of his brothers.
“Ugh, I forgot all about that. Why did you have to remind me that my immune system was shit back then!” Clay groaned, dropping his head on the table.
Bruce laughed, “You? How did you think we felt!” he teased Clay. “Thank the Forest Mother that after I turned twelve I didn’t seem to catch your germs as much!”
Floyd snorted, “Yeah, then it was just me and Clay being miserable together. And Branch sometimes.” he said, poking Clay in the side which made him jerk up and playfully glare at Floyd.
Branch watched the display with interest. He didn’t remember getting sick often but he slightly remembered JD feeding him broth and singing to him when he did.
“Hey, I have a question…” Branch said awkwardly, hating to ruin the mood.
The brothers stopped and turned to Branch. “Yeah?” JD asked.
“Um, so… I don’t remember a whole lot before the day you guys left. Just like, bits and pieces of what you guys used to do… but I do remember JD being the one to take care of us a lot. Like making breakfast, taking care of me when I was sick, fixing my clothes, taking me to school, and all that. Where was Grandma then?” Branch asked the brothers.
The brothers looked uncomfortable at the question and Branch immediately wanted to take it back. Right as he was getting ready to tell them to forget it, Bruce spoke up.
“Grandma went back to work after our parents- well, you know. So she was gone often. She kept us afloat until we started the band. Actually, the band only became a thing because we wanted to help Grandma out so she wouldn’t have to work as much. She usually stopped by on the weekends to drop off money and check in. She’d help get us caught up on chores and cook with me and JD. Sometimes she’d take you and Floyd- Clay too when he was younger- so JD, Clay, and I could go out and do stuff,” Bruce explained before looking guilty.
“Not that I did as much as I should’ve. I’d have periods of time where I would really help out and convince JD to let me do things or watch you guys while he ran errands. Then I’d have times where I couldn’t stand being at home and wanted to go out and- I never hated you guys but I hated the situation. I just wanted to be normal but there never really was a normal at the tree for anyone really. I’d get mad that JD wouldn’t let me go out at night to parties because I was convinced I’d earned it and that I was responsible enough and that JD was being unreasonable,” Bruce explained before staring at JD who was startled at the sudden attention.
“Don’t get me wrong, man. I’m still pissed about some things but as a dad… I totally get why you did it. We were both teens who got dealt a shitty hand and you did the best with what you had and so did I. So did all of you,” Bruce waves to his brothers. “It was a really sucky situation all around. Kids raising kids,” Bruce snorted. “Vaycay Island takes relaxing and therapy very seriously. It took me a while to unlearn some shit and figure out healthy strategies but seeing how my kids are being raised now makes me wish we could’ve had an adult helping us make good choices and giving us advice.”
JD bristled at what felt like an insult to him and Bruce noticed, holding his hands up. “Dude, again. We were both teenagers and I’m not saying you didn’t do a good job but you were still a kid yourself. You shouldn’t have had to raise us, but you did anyway. And you did the best you could as a kid .”
JD still felt angry but he could see where Bruce was coming from. He knew he fucked up. He didn’t know what he was doing no matter how much he tried to copy what his parents had done for him up until that point. But he hadn’t had the same patience as Mom or the same calming but stern voice that Dad had that just seemed to make them listen.
JD sighed and ran a hand through his hair. The anger left him as he thought about it, “Yeah… you’re right,” he told Bruce as he looked at all his brothers. Floyd had nodded in agreement right away while Clay seemed to be thinking it over in realization.
Branch had watched the interaction with a serious expression. He fidgeted in his seat, “Thanks… for, uh, answering the question,” Branch muttered.
Bruce smiled, “Yeah, no prob lil’ bro,” he told him.
Clay looked uncomfortable as he looked over at JD. JD noticed him staring and gave him a curious glance causing Clay to look away.
“Everything okay?” JD asked, concerned. This caused the rest of them to look at Clay which made him flush in embarrassment.
“...orry…” Clay mumbled.
Everyone looked at him in confusion. “Huh?” JD asked.
Clay grumbled, “...M.. sorry…” he mumbled again. Floyd, who was closer, grinned as he heard what Clay was trying to say.
JD grimaced, “I’m sorry Clay… but I still didn’t catch that…” he said and glanced at Bruce who also looked confused. Branch just watched with interest.
“I’M SORRY!” Clay yelled, huffing as he looked at JD before his eyes widened and he looked away.
JD laughed, confused. “Bro, what are you sorry for?” he asked.
Clay looked at him in disbelief. “Uh. For being an asshole to you not only here in person but on screen.”
JD shook his head. “Nah, I deserved it though, right? I left you guys. I was the oldest and I left first. I made you guys so miserable that the only thing you could do was quit and leave…” JD told them bluntly, having accepted that fact after today.
The brothers all stared at him in shock. “Whoa, hey now. It’s not all on you Johnny…” Bruce said in concern.
JD looked confused and laughed awkwardly, “Um… yeah it is… I thought we established that. I sucked at raising you because I was a kid trying to raise kids. I obviously put too much pressure on you guys and I’m the reason we were all fucked up,” his laugh turns bitter.
Clay’s face paled and even Branch looks worried now. “That’s not what I meant and you know it John,” Bruce tells him sternly. “If you’re to blame then so am I! I’m only two years younger than you so I should’ve known better too.”
JD shakes his head, “No, no, no… I’m- That’s not how that works,” he stutters.
Bruce crosses his arms, “Why not?”
JD looks lost, unable to come up with anything.
Floyd shakes his head, “Bruce is right JD… It’s not all on you. Just ‘cause you’re the oldest doesn’t mean it was all on you to take care of all of us. It *was* a lot of pressure, I could tell,” he says to JD, referencing the moment on screen where JD had yelled that raising four brothers was a lot of work.
“Siblings are meant to be bossy and mean and kind and make mistakes because an adult should be there to tell us when enough is enough and when to make up…. But we didn’t have that. You were trying to balance being our brother, our parents, and our manager. And we didn’t always make that easy…” Floyd said with a grimace.
JD looked down at the table, blinking back tears, “But I failed you guys… I messed you all up…”
Clay choked back a sob, “Stop! Stop saying that! We all fucked up okay? I liked to fight too much and give you a hard time and Bruce was wishy-washy about helpin’ out and wanting to rebel. I mean really, the only two who didn’t fuck up anything were Floyd and Branch,” he laughed, rubbing his eyes.
Floyd stares at them, “No… no… I did… I might not have fought like you guys but I never got help and never did more than try to break you guys up,” he tries to defend them.
The three oldest just give him a look and he backs down.
The whole time this was happening Branch just watched- watched his brothers blame themselves for their separation and bad childhood. He always thought he might be happy for this moment and maybe back in his teen years when he was at his lowest… maybe he would’ve enjoyed it then. Right now though? It just made him want to cry. He never stopped to think just how young his siblings had been when they split up. Did it make it right? No.
However, getting the tree back from the Bergens meant tapping into the books and research left behind dating back years and years. He had picked up so many interesting topics over the last two months and one of them had been on troll psychology and mental growth. He had read how trolls’ brains don’t stop growing and maturing until they are twenty years old and how it takes until the age of eighteen for a troll’s hormones to settle and be able to respond calmly to situations instead of the body just reacting to the stressors around them.
It hurt but it helped a little bit; understanding that it was all in the moment and none of them had been fully matured at the time. It didn’t help that none of them were great communicators. It wasn’t like all those feelings of hurt and abandonment just disappeared. It was rough when he was younger, thinking it was all his fault. He was still angry but the sting had been taken away after learning that, at some point, they had all come back- or tried. It was a hard pill to swallow that they all seemed to miss each other due to circumstances but well, they were all here now.
“Stop,” Branch speaks up and all four brothers look at him, startled. “I would love to say it’s all your fault but that’s giving you guys too much credit,” he jabs at them, causing them all to flinch at his words. “Grandma was there that night and she didn’t say anything. Maybe she figured you all would be back after cooling down but it still wasn’t right for her to sit there as an adult and let you guys argue and storm off. I love her but I can admit that now… knowing what I do,” he says and it *does* hurt. Like a stab to the heart to admit that Grandma had any faults.
“After we got the tree back, I did some reading. JD, how old were you when you left?” Branch asks.
JD blinks at him before thinking, “Uh… like… eighteen?”
Branch hums, “So, JD was eighteen which means Bruce was sixteen, Clay was fifteen and Floyd was 13, right?” he asks for confirmation.
The brothers all nod.
“Don’t you guys realize how young that is?” Branch asks them and they all stare back in confusion causing him to groan. “Like I said, I did some reading. Did you know a troll’s brain isn’t finished developing until they reach the age of twenty? And that a troll’s hormones don’t finish settling until eighteen?” he asks them, waiting for the information to sink in.
Bruce was the first one, his eyes widening, and was followed by Clay who let out a soft ‘ oh’ . Floyd and JD were next as they looked at each other. “As Bruce said, you were a kid leading kids. You didn’t have the mental or emotional maturity to do what you had to do but you still did it. Sure, there were tough times but I still remember you tucking me into bed and singing to me,” Branch rambled, “I remember you encouraging my singing and helping me with the dance moves because I wanted to dance just like you guys. I remember Bruce teaching me how to play his guitar, Clay sharing one of his favorite books, and Floyd calming me after a nightmare. We all did the best with what we had and no, it wasn’t perfect but it was ours ,” Branch finishes, heaving and with tears in his eyes. “And yeah, I wish you guys could’ve realized that and stayed but… that’s not what happened and we can’t change the past.” Branch looks away, wiping his eyes.
The others look on, tears either streaming or building in their eyes. “Oh, Branch…” Floyd whimpers.
Clay blinks back tears as he looks at Branch, his eyes softening, “I know we already apologized and told you how we tried to find you but… I’m really sorry Branch. For leaving, for every stupid thing I did or said in that movie… everything,” Clay started before bringing up the one scene that had been bothering him the whole time. “I want you to know that none of us ever planned on just splitting up and leaving in that scene. We fell back into bad habits and one of those is hurting each other with words. In the moment… I know onscreen we didn’t realize how that would look to you but it was obvious when we watched it happen. It’s no excuse but I just wanted you to know we didn’t mean it and… I’m sorry.” Clay studied Branch’s face but Branch wouldn’t look at any of them, wanting to collect himself. “Even if we weren’t fully developed then… we are now and there was no excuse for us to act like that in the movie.”
Bruce and JD looked guilty at Clay’s words. They hadn’t forgotten but it hurt to be reminded how much they failed at not only being brothers but mature adults. Watching themselves on screen brought some perspective to their attitudes and actions.
Floyd stayed quiet as he watched Branch work through what he was feeling and watched his brothers wait patiently. It was almost funny. None of them had ever been known for their patience… not even him. He liked to think he knew how he would’ve acted if he’d been there from the beginning like his brothers in the movie but honestly… who knows?
Branch breathed out a sigh, trying to get his thoughts in order and his emotions under control. “I-” he started, choking. He cleared his throat, “I still want to be mad,” he told them, looking up and at the faces of his brothers. “I was mad. It’s just- ugh!” he yells, startling his older brothers. He rubbed his face, “I hate that you guys left me and just seemed to hope that someone else would stay or that grandma would be enough- it made me feel like a burden like I was some chore that no one wanted to deal with!” he gasped out, blinking back tears as he remembered what he went through back then.
He saw Bruce and Clay try to say something and held up a hand. If he didn’t get this out now, then it wasn’t going to happen. He needed to get this out, this old trauma. JD sat there, watching him seriously while Floyd looked down and played with his hands. Branch could tell he was listening though by the twitching of his ears.
“I felt like it was my fault that day, you know. That I was the reason the harmony fell apart which led to the argument and you guys leaving…” Branch continued, wiping his eyes. “Then grandma died and I was by myself. No one wanted to deal with grey trolling while we were getting ready to escape. It was King Peppy who saved me in the end, dragging me out kicking and screaming even though I wanted to stay. But no one wanted to deal with a grey trolling in the new village either…” he explained, looking away. “No one wanted to be reminded of times in the tree and that’s what I was… a painful reminder. King Peppy tried… he tried finding me a place to stay but none of them stuck- they were too focused on getting me to be ‘happy’,” he told them, putting air quotations around happy. “They didn’t actually care about making me feel better. They just didn’t want me to be grey anymore,” he rolled his eyes. “So, I started making the bunker. I would sneak away from classes, at night, and sometimes I didn’t even go back to whatever family I was with that day,” he explained to them, finally glancing up to take in their expressions.
Bruce and JD looked heartbroken while Floyd was in tears. Clay’s eyes had hardened and he seemed focused on the families who failed to take care of him when they weren’t there.
Branch sighed, “After I had enough dug out, I convinced King Peppy to let me stay there permanently. He… agreed with the conditions that I attended classes and picked up a care package once a week. He said it was like a health check-in to make sure I was doing okay and I- well I agreed. I didn’t like being in town, it was too loud and all I could think about were the Bergens coming to destroy what we built…” Branch told them, wrapping himself in a hug.
“It stayed like that for a long time and then I finished school and slowly I stopped coming for the care packages… Instead, I would pop into town to trade things. Then Poppy started bugging me and didn’t stop,” Branch said with a fond smile, “A few years later the 20th anniversary happened, and well.. You know the rest,” He finished, looking at the table.
The room was quiet as sniffles were heard before Floyd spoke up, “Can I-could I give you a hug Branch?” Floyd asked, wiping his face.
Branch bit his lip but nodded. A small oof left him as Floyd grabbed him in a firm embrace. “I’m sorry I never made it back to you,” Floyd cried into his shoulder.
Branch sat stiffly before relaxing into the hug but he didn’t know how to respond to that so he didn’t. Then he noticed his other brothers looking over and rolled his eyes, he motioned them in and they all stood eagerly to join the hug. They stayed like that for a good minute before Branch started to squirm uncomfortably causing the brothers to let go and move away.
Bruce looked at his brothers… his first family and felt regret. He wished this could’ve happened sooner, that they could have been in each other’s lives sooner. “When we get out of here, do we want to meet up in Pop Village?” he asked them.
The others nodded and Branch, happy to put off any more emotional talk, took out a notebook and pen from his hair to draw a map and show them how to get there.
___
Meanwhile, in the room with the leaders, the conversation was more animated. They had made good progress talking with Gristle and Bridget about the Bergens first. Most of the leaders had been worried about any stragglers who hadn’t heard of the new order of things. Gristle had been quick to reassure them that he made it a point to seek out any Bergen that was traveling to let them know. He had made it illegal for any Bergen to intentionally harm or kill a troll.
This reassured many of the leaders but they were still going to make it a point to let their people know to be wary of the Bergens… just in case. Neither Gristle nor Bridget took offense to that, knowing that some pop trolls still weren’t comfortable around Bergens.
After that, they turned their attention to Brandy. If she was anything other than a vacationer she might’ve been nervous but she took it in stride. She answered their questions about her people and explained their kids in detail; sharing what she and Bruce noticed about their kids being mixed. The leaders were already more comfortable with her people, not only due to Brandy and Bruce’s relationship but also hearing from Trollex about his visits. She explained that she’s seen other trolls visit and after hearing their descriptions the leaders placed them as either bounty hunters or other subgenres.
Then it got quiet as they got to the main issue of this meeting.
“So, Rageons… what the fuck are we gonna do about them?” Barb asked bluntly, causing some stilted looks to be sent her way.
“Language, Barb,” Queen Essence tutted, “We do need a plan though… our trolls have visited before and we’ve been working on technology similar to theirs,” she shared. “It’s distressing to know that two teenagers were able to pull off something like this…”
Everyone made a noise of agreement. “We need a safe way to reach out to them!” Delta piped up. “We need to request a meetin’ with their leader.”
Everyone thought for a moment. “Well, they have unconventional vehicles but Branch’s brother JD’s armadillo bus wasn’t too small… maybe we could take a caterbus and find out where their leader is?” Poppy asked them.
Everyone looked uncertain, including her dad and newly found sister. Gristle took this moment to speak up, “Uh, don’t forget about me here. I could try sending a letter out. I know a few Bergens have visited Mount Rageous and they have a mailing system similar to ours. A few have moved out there permanently, I could ask one of them to deliver the letter for me and send the reply later.” he told them.
Everyone looked at him in shock. “Oh my! That would be marvelous!” Trollzart exclaimed happily.
“Super cool dude!” Barb said in agreement along with the others.
Poppy sent him a grateful smile. “Thank you so much Gristle! That would be so helpful!” she yelled, not reaching high-pitched squeals to the relief of Gristle and some of the trolls.
“Do you think you could ask around and see if any of your subjects have met other species?” Trollex asked him.
Both Bridget and Gristle looked at each other and nodded, “Of course we can!” Bridget told them. Before no one ever really cared if they ran into other species… big or small. Unless they tried to hurt them it was never a concern to the Bergens but their world was expanding and they couldn’t stay ignorant forever.
Before anyone could even ask Brandy spoke up, “I’ll do the same. We haven’t had anyone besides trolls, vacationers, and Bergens but I’ll ask around,” she told them and everyone nodded.
“Well, that’s all for now. I think we can continue anything else once we’re out of here,” Delta said, standing up and stretching.
Everyone else followed their lead and as they walked out Poppy trailed closer to her dad. “Are you okay? You were pretty quiet…” she asked, worried for her father.
Peppy smiled at his youngest, “I’m fine sweetie. Just enjoying my daughter acting like a queen,” he teased her.
She smiled before it faded. A thought hit her, “Um… dad… shouldn’t Viva be queen? Now that she’s back I mean?” Poppy asked quietly. Viva had left the room as soon as the meeting was over to see if Clay was out yet. Poppy didn’t hear any screaming so she wasn’t worried about Branch… yet.
Peppy frowned, “Technically, yes. If she had continued to grow up among her people and finish her lessons. But that’s not what happened. If she wants to be queen we’ll cross that hurdle later. We should probably sit down and have a family discussion once we meet back up in our world anyway,” Peppy said, resigning himself to dealing with the trauma he had forced away all these years.
Poppy nodded thoughtfully before pulling away and looking around the room. Branch and his brothers weren’t out there, one of the doors was still closed. The other trolls left behind were in a pretty heated battle of- Go fish? She laughed and walked over to the other leaders who were watching the game with interest and amusement. Viva was there too, looking nervously at the door.
Poppy came up beside her and grabbed her hand, causing her to jump. “They’ll be okay and if not, we’re here to help when they come out,” Poppy tried to reassure her.
Viva gave her sister a nervous smile, “I’m the oldest, shouldn’t I be reassuring you?” she teased.
Poppy giggled, “I mean yeah, but I’ve had more of these crazy adventures so experience beats age,” she gave back causing Viva to snort.
Just as the card game drew to a close the door the brothers were in opened. Everyone paused to look at them. It was obvious tears were shed even though their faces were dry at the moment. Poppy studied Branch’s face but didn’t see any signs of distress which caused her to sigh with relief.
Viva immediately jumped on Clay causing him to shout and laugh in surprise. Brandy walked over to her husband and kissed him, making him give her a lovey-dovey look back. Both Floyd and JD pretended to gag behind him which made Bruce glare at them.
Branch just smirked as Poppy pranced over and grabbed onto his arm. She leaned in, “Well?” she asked, nervous.
Branch side-eyed her. “It was… good,” he admitted, making her smile.
“Good,” she replied back.
“I’m glad everyone had a chance to talk.” The voice announced, scaring just about everyone which made the voice laugh. “Apologies I didn’t mean to startle you guys. Do we have everything planned out or do you guys need to stay longer?” the voice asked.
The trolls, two Bergens, and Vacationer all looked at each other. “I think we’re good!” Poppy exclaimed. “Right Branch?” she asked him.
Branch nodded, “Yep. I gave my brothers maps so they could meet us in Pop Village.”
“Okay then!” The voice said happily, “Well, I hope you guys use this information well, and good luck!”
Before anyone could blink they found themselves right back where they were before the whole thing started; it was as if they had never left. The trolls and others involved all blinked and reorientated themselves, finishing their task- if they could remember it- before going off to plan. A sense of urgency pushed them to head to Pop Village to confirm their experience.