Branch was silent as he watched the scenery pass by. He rode on Orthrus back as the hound rushed towards their destination. He could still sense the roots of the Great Tree, his connection with it guiding him right back towards its location. And he was thankful for it, otherwise he wasn't sure he would have found the way there.

Things looked vaguely familiar to him, but… they had changed so much. Their territory had been cut down by the mewmans back in his time, yes, but it had never been this small. Just what had happened in the years since he was gone?

He mentall cursed himself. Had this happened because he wasn't here to keep the mewmans from intruding on their grounds? He had turned himself in after the rest of the Ten fell. At that point the war was pretty much over. They had no leader, no more pillars to look to. And he had just been… tired. Of everything. Without them, what had been the point of carrying on the fight anyway?

But maybe he had been wrong. Even if he didn't carry on the war, he could have done what he could to at least protect their borders.

Orthrus made a noise, seemingly picking up on the Earth Nymphs thoughts. Branch smiled and reached down, patting one of his heads. "I'm fine boy. Just… thinking about some things." Things that were too late to go back and change now. It was pointless to dwell on what if's or should have. He'd learned that lesson long ago.

Right now, his priority was helping the others find Kitsune. And the rest… well, he would decide whether or not he would go along with Python's plans later.

"We're almost there boy." He could sense their destination coming up. Along with… a very familiar magic. A curious look came across his face, and Orthrus seemed to perk up as well. He had picked up a familiar scent, and began running even faster. "Wait, it can't be. That's impossible."

There was no way that he could still be…

As he got closer, he was able to get a better feel of the magic up ahead. And as he approached the edge of the border, he saw a figure sitting on a stump. Orthrus slowed down, and Branch frowned as he saw an elderly figure in the spot they'd always met and talked at so long ago.

Bud Highgarden smiled up at the two. "Hello brother. It's been a very long time. A little over two thousand and five hundred years, yes?" he asked.

Branch kept staring, and then hopped down off of Orthrus back. He walked over towards him. "Bud… is that really you?" he asked, his voice filled with a mix of both sadness and hope. He looked so different. But that magic was unmistakable.

Bud nodded, just in time for Orthrus to rush over and began nuzzling him. He may have looked different, but he easily recognized him by scent. Bud chuckled and patted him. "I'm happy to see you too Orthrus," he said before turning back to his brother. "I've grown up quite a bit since the last time we met, wouldn't you say?"

Branch opened his mouth to speak, but… nothing came out. He had so many things to ask about. How he had survived so long for one. What had happened after he left? Who that girl he saw at the castle was? But right now he didn't care about any of it. All that mattered was that someone he knew and loved was still alive.

"I… I'd like to give you a hug. But…"

"It's been over two thousand years, Branch. I don't think anyone even remembers your banishment, let alone cares enough to enforce it. I certainly don't," Bud said. He knew he certainly didn't. "But if it makes any better, I lift your banishment. There."

Branch let out a chuckle and shook his head. His brother always did have a habit for bending the rules. He walked over and wrapped his around the chief, hugging him tightly. "I'd say you've grown but… you're somehow even shorter than before."

Bud returned the hug, patting him on the back. "Well, you missed my growth spurts. I actually got even taller than you at one point," he said before reaching down and touching his beard. "This is still glorious as ever though."

Branch stood back up and raised an eyebrow. "I was going to ask about that next. And the eyebrows. Just when exactly did you even start growing them? And how long has it been since you had a haircut," he said. His beard was literally touching the ground. "Father would have a fit if he saw you now."

Bud let out another laugh. "Oh yes, he did seem to have something against facial hair, didn't he? I don't imagine he'd react very well," he said before patting the spot beside him. "Sit down. I'm sure you have a lot of questions that you want answered."

"More than you could imagine… the first one being why you don't seem surprised to see me?" He certainly was surprised to see him. Had he been expecting this?

Bud hummed and stroked his beard. "Well, I can't say I wasn't a little surprised when I felt that astounding surge of magical power from the castle. And when I felt yours mixed in along with the others, I could only assume you had returned somehow," he said. "If I seem oddly calm about it, It's only because I've seen so many oddities over the years that this just seems to be about right."

Branch hummed. "Wow, I really have missed a lot." Orthrus looked like he wanted to run towards the tribe, but Branch stopped him. "Orthrus… you can go, but play gently." He warned. The hound barked before rushing off once more.

The brothers watched as he left, and Bug spoke again. "Make no mistake though. I'm overjoyed to get to see you again. I have so much to tell you about. So much," he said.

Branch smiled. "Does the top of the list include that girl I saw at the castle?" he asked. It had of course surprised him to see a girl, and a Titan no less, who was the spitting image of his sister. But knowing Bud was alive, he knew it couldn't be a coincidence. He had made sure during the attack that no one laid a finger on her. Not that the others had to be told too.

"Ah, so you saw Bloom. Yes, she does look just like Blossom, doesn't she? As she was growing up I wondered if perhaps the Great Tree had delivered a bud meant for her to me instead. Or perhaps she was meant for you. She shows far more traits from the two of you than she does me," he said. "Still, I consider myself rather lucky she was put in my care. She's an amazing young girl."

"I don't doubt it. Not with you looking over her," Branch said, looking out in the distance. He could sense her magic much further out. Near the forest of Spiders. "I'd been worried about the state of the tribe with me and the others gone so long. You look like you had things handled, but so much has changed. How did our territory get so small?"

Bud looked down towards the ground. "Mewman expansion. We managed to make up the difference by focusing extra attention on what we had left," he explained. "The Great Tree didn't make any moves, so neither did we. We simply did what we needed to do to continue our work."

Branch hummed. It made sense to him. While many thought that the Great Tree was nothing but a particularly large plant, it was far more sentient than people thought. If it didn't act or urge his little brother to, then that meant it was willing to tolerate it. Still, he couldn't help but think had he been here things might have been different.

Bud suddenly coughed, and Branch quickly turned to check on his brother. "Are you alright?" he asked, putting a hand on his back.

The elderly nymph nodded, waving off the concern. "I'm fine. Just… you know, over two thousand years old," he said. He let out a breath and then stared off into the distance. "I don't think you know just how relieved I am to know you're here again. Bloom is so gifted and sweet, but she still needs guidance. And when I'm gone…"

"Hey, don't talk like that. You've still got plenty of time left in you to guide her," Branch said. Though he sounded more like he was trying to convince himself. He hadn't wanted to say anything, but… he could sense his little brother's condition wasn't in the best of shape. Honestly it was a miracle in itself he'd managed to make it this long.

The way Bud spoke just now told him that he was under no illusions about his health, but he wasn't ready to think about that right now. Not after he had just gotten to see him again. Bud let out a chuckle. "Yes, I suppose so…" Dwelling on how much or how little time he had left wouldn't really make any difference.

All he could do was enjoy it as best he could. He thought about asking his brother to take care of Bloom when he was gone, but he didn't need to. He knew that would go without saying. And he didn't want to bring down the mood anymore than he already had. "So, what has being chief been like for you over the years? Have you grown sick of the job yet?" Branch asked

Bud chuckled. "More than you know…"

"Slick, wait!"

"Please, calm down!"

Muddine and Bloom both ran after the Plague of the Four Calamities. The acting king of the Spiderbite kingdom had been far from his usual self since he had returned. After Bloom had managed to catch up to him, she'd managed convince him going home and making sure his sister and kingdom were higher priority than chasing down the Ten.

So he reluctantly made his way back, and broke the news to everyone about what had happened. Needless to say, the kingdom was in a bit of a panic. His sister of course had been rather distressed to learn about what happened to their parents. She was doing her best to hold things together, but he could tell she was stressed.

And as much as Slick hated doing any kind of work, like ever, he knew he couldn't just let everyone run around like chicken-hawks with their heads cut off. He organized the kingdom's defenses, sent some scouts to keep some eyes out in case they spotted any signs of the Ten, and got the hidden escape routes throughout the kingdom ready.

To be honest, but Muddine and Bloom were rather surprised at how efficiently he'd taken control of the situation.

But then all of a sudden both he and Bloom seemed to sense something. A powerful magic headed towards the Great Tree. They'd both recognized it as one of the Ten who had been at the castle, and Slick snapped. He'd begun marching towards the exit, determined to beat the hell out of whichever one it was and get his parents back.

"Rax!"

The giant spider perked up upon hearing its name, and then rushed across the courtyard to meet the prince. Slick quickly jumped on top of him, getting ready to ride out. "Slick, please! You can't leave!" Muddine pleaded. "Your… you're the acting king now! We need you here!"

"Whoever's out there is by themselves right now. This may be the best shot we get at capturing one of them and getting ma and the old man back. I'm not gonna pass it up," Slick argued. "I'll be back after I smash their freaking face in and find out where-"

Bloom reached up and grabbed his arm. "Slick, just hold on. If they're by themselves and headed towards the Great Tree, then… it's most likely Branch. And if that's the case we might not have to fight," she said.

Slick looked at her in disbelief. "Are you kidding me? After what they did you really think we're gonna be able to talk this out? They sucked out everyone's souls! I don't care if he's your long lost uncle or whatever! I'm gonna-"

"He didn't attack anyone at the castle!" Bloom shouted. He had been the only one not to participate in the fight. He'd simply stood aside and watched, then left with the others. "I know him leaving with them is suspicious, and I want you parents back as much as you do. But if we can get them back without a fight, it'd be far less risky."

"Between me and my father, I'm sure we can convince him to do the right thing. Just… let me come with you. And if we can't convince him, then…" She knew what it would come to. And as much as she didn't want a fight to break out, she couldn't ask him not to if it was the only chance he had to rescue his parents.

Slick didn't look convinced, but he sighed and held his hand out towards her. "Alright. If you really think we can do this without having to beat the shit out of him, then fine. But if he doesn't listen, I'm gonna knock his ass out and make him," he said. Bloom nodded and took his hand, and he pulled her up on Rax's back.

He turned towards his sister, and then saw another figure approaching from behind. It was Reishi, one of the top members in their guard and their resident healer. "Off to do something dumb again?" she asked. "Here I was kind of impressed with how you were handling things."

Slick smirked. "Well, can't get too used to running things. I'm gonna be bringing mom and pops back soon after all. Do me a favor and make sure Muddine doesn't have a heart attack while I'm gone," he said. Reishi nodded, knowing this was his way of asking him to look after his sister while he was gone. "Muddine, just keep things running until we get back. It shouldn't take too long."

Muddine didn't look convinced. "Slick, are you sure about this? I know you're strong but… the books I read about the Ten, they said they were all really powerful. What if…?" What if he didn't come back? She had already lost her parents, and as much as her brother stressed her out at times, she couldn't bear to lose him too.

Slick reached down and patted her head. "Hey, did you forget just who the hell your big bro is? I'm one of the Four Calamities. I don't care who these guys are. I'll kick their asses up and down mewni, and I'll be back in time for lunch too. I promise," he said. "Until then, all you have to do is hold down the fort."

Muddine still looked worried, but nodded. It wasn't like she could really stop him. All she could do was trust and hope he could do this. Slick patted Rax on the head. "Let's go buddy!" Rax clicked his fangs before speeding off. Bloom held onto his waist as they shot off into the distance.

"When we get there, let me talk to him. He'll be more willing to listen to me I think," Bloom said. She hadn't gotten the chance to talk to her uncle during the attack at the castle, but if he was anything like her father described, then there was a good chance she could reason with them.

Slick nodded. "Yeah, I got it. I won't make a move until the family reunion is over." As pissed as he was, he was gonna take any chance he could to get his folks back. If letting Bloom handle it was the best way for it to happen, then so be it. A part of him hoped it would be that easy.

If it was Branch, that would mean he'd be dealing with Bloom's uncle. And her old man had always been pretty good to him. He didn't want to have to put a spear through his brother if he could help it.

But if that didn't work out and he had to kick some ass, he wasn't gonna think twice about it. Not with everything that was on the line.

"Wow, look how big he is!"

"Ha! He's so fluffy!"

"Good boy!"

Orthrus panted as the children crawled on top of and rubbed his belly. The double headed hound was soaking in all the attention from the young nymphs. One of them walked up towards him nervously, and slowly reached out and scratched one of his ears. Othrus barked, and quickly began nuzzling the girl. She looked panicked at first, but then began to giggle as she realized he was just playing.

A lot of the villagers had been worried when she had seen it approaching. She'd thought maybe it was some savage beast that had wandered in, which was off. Usually either Bud or Bloom's presence was enough to keep any animals who could sense their magic away. But this one, as intimidating as it looks, was basically just a big baby.

Orthrus got up and then began to hop around as the kids ran around and laughed, ready to him to give chase. He was about to run after them, but then suddenly smelled something. They were two familiar scents approaching. Two that had been back at the castle. He sniffed a few more times to make sure, and then growled.

The kids all looked confused as he suddenly turned and began running off. A lot of people had tried to fight them at the castle, and he had to make sure that whoever these two were weren't like them. He needed to protect Branch and Bud after all.

It didn't take him long to reach the edge of the border again, and Branch and Bud both turned their heads towards him. "Ah, he must have picked up on Bloom and Slick's scent," Bud said. The two nymphs had already sensed the two coming through the vines of the Great Tree. "Slick's scent must be bothering him since he's unfamiliar."

Branch hummed. He had sensed a second presence just like his brother had, but no magic. How odd. He saw him coming in the distance, riding on the back of a large spider. Slick glared towards Branch. He hadn't seen any of the Ten when they left, but based on his magic and how chummy he looked with Bud, this had to be the guy.

Bloom made her way towards the two, and while Orthrus still looked weary, he didn't make a move towards her. He kept his eyes on Slick though. "Papa, and… you must be Branch," she said looking towards her uncle.

Branch nodded. "I am. And you're Bloom. Your father has told me so much about you," he said standing up. It really was uncanny just how much she looked like Blossom. It was like he was looking at the reincarnation of his sister. "It's a pleasure."

Bloom sighed. "I… I wish I could say the same. But given what happened I really would like to skip pleasantries and get to the point," she said, making both Bud and Branch look at her confused. "Please return the souls that you've taken. There are very kind and very important people among them."

Bud hummed at the mention of souls, quickly connecting the dots. Branch hadn't mentioned about a confrontation, but given that the others had awakened and had been in the Butterfly castle… well, it wasn't hard to guess what had happened.

Branch sighed. "So, that's what you're here about." He looked over towards Slick, who was walking up behind him. He could tell he was a half-breed. And that armor? Was he someone of nobility? "Is that young man's parents among them?"

"Your damn right they are," Slick said, glaring. "I'm Slick Spiderbite, heir to the Spiterbite kingdom. And you took the souls of both my parents. Now I'm gonna need those back, otherwise I'm gonna have to kick your grassy ass and-"

"Slick!" Bloom said, turning to face him. "Remember what we said?"

The half-breed grunted, but stepped back. It was hard to hold himself back when he was looking right into the face of one of the people who'd taken his parents. Bloom turned back towards her uncle. "I know about your history with the Magical High Commission, and the royals families. But you have to return the souls that-"

"It's not really my call to make I'm afraid," Branch said, cutting her off. "Python is the one who took the souls. And with everything going on I doubt he's planning on handing them over so easily. Even to me." He looked over towards Slick. "Young man, I really do sympathize with your plight. But you must understand that Python also want his-"

"I don't care what Python or whoever else wants! Give me my fucking parents back!"

Branch frowned. He could see this one was far more hot headed than his niece. "I can try talking to him, but I can't guarantee anything. You're not the only one missing family."

"Yeah, me and every other fucking person in the royal court are missing family too!" Slick said, stepping towards him. "Look, I don't care what grudge you had against my ancestors, or the Magical High Commission. It doesn't involve me, or my parents. If you want to settle that shit with the commission, be my guests. But leave us out of it."

"Mewni has changed," Bloom said, stepping in front of Slick. "It's true that things aren't perfect, but the mewmans are trying. There's a genuine effort being made for peace. And the Ten's actions… they could end up setting them back for years to come. But if you were to stop this, return the souls, then there's still a chance that we can work this out and talk through things peacefully."

Branch really did feel a ping of sympathy, for both of them. Despite his attitude, it was clear that this Slick person truly did just want his family safely returned. And his niece was looking at him with such pleading eyes. He sighed. "If it were up to me, I'd gladly return them and try talking things out. But the others won't be appeased so easily."

Python and the others all had their grudges, and in this strange and odd new time, it was unlikely they were going to chance giving up the only leverage they had. Bloom frowned, and Slick looked like he was on the verge of fury. "I will talk to him, and I'll guarantee the safety of your family's souls until an agreement is reached. I don't want to spill any more blood than necessary, so-"

He suddenly found the tip of a spear be pointed at his face. He looked up towards Slick, who was staring at him angrily. "You keep saying it's complicated, but I'm about to make it real simple. You ain't leaving until I hear I'm getting my parents back," he said. "Now step on the other side of this border, right the fuck now."

"Slick!" Bloom said, grabbing his arm.

Bud simply remained silent. There was little he could say that would sway anyone in this situation. He didn't like his brother being threatened obviously, but given the circumstances, could he expect Slick to act any other way?

Branch hummed and then looked down. The boy had asked him to step across the border, meaning he knew how important it was not to spill blood within the range of the Great Tree. At the very least he seemed to have a respect for their ways. "I see mewmans are just as stubborn as ever. But I'm afraid I can't do that."

Slick grit his teeth. "Then I'll drag your ass across-!"

Orthrus suddenly lunged at him, and before the boy knew it was he sent flying back. The beast had made sure not to hit Bloom when he swung his claw, and then rushed after him. "Orthrus, don't kill! Just pin him down!" Branch called.

The hound barked as he made his way over towards the royal, who was already getting back up to his feet. Slick yelled and lifted his spear, spinning it around a few times before jabbing right between Orthrus two heads. His aim was to split the beast right in two, but to his surprise the blade didn't penetrate his skin.

It did however send him sliding back, and Orthrus landed and began growling at him. Branch looked rather impressed. That he couldn't injure Orthrus was unsurprising. His hide was so tough, that hardly anyone outside of the Ten had ever been able to injure him. But that this Slick person packed enough force to knock him back?

That was odd.

He wasn't a titan, that much was for sure. He didn't even seem to be an upper class monster. So how exactly was he so powerful? Was it a fluke?

"Please, stop this! There has to be another way!" Bloom said. She was unable to get herself between Slick and Orthrus however, and the two clashed again.

Orthrus swung one of his paws at Slick, who leapt up and out of the way. He stabbed at him again, this time at his left head. Though the hound clearly felt the blow, the blade once again couldn't penetrate his skin. "The hell are you made off?" Slick muttered. Before he could ponder too long on it, the other head reached over and chomped down on his arm, taking it clean off.

Orthrus' other head moved again, and he knocked Slick back, sending him sliding against the ground. "Orthrus! I said not to kill him!" Branch called panicked. He knew the hound was in battle mode, but he usually always minded their orders.

Slick rolled back up to his feet, a scowl on his face. "Dumb mutt…" He lifted what was left of his arm, which quickly grew back. Branch went wide eyed. Yes, that was right. One of the souls they had taken was that of a slime monster. So this boy must have been his son. That explained a lot actually.

Slick rolled his shoulder back. In taking his arm, Orthrus had just directly eaten a mouthful of poison. But if he really was a titan like Astro, it was going to take a lot more than just that to slow him down. Sure enough, Orthrus didn't look like he was slowing down at all.

Orthrus charged back at Slick, and as he did Branch opened his hand. It was about time he took his leave. But first he needed to grab something.

Bloom was about to call out and try to top them again, but then she felt a powerful magical spike. One that was very family to her, but on an entirely different scale than she was used to. It was the Great Tree. "Brother, did you…?" Bud looked over towards his older brother, a worried expression on his face.

"It's still here. I'm glad. You did well to protect it for all this time," Branch said. Back within the border of the tribe, the Great Tree suddenly began to rumble. The manny vines and roots around the base of the tree began to unravel and move, and something suddenly came shooting out of it at a blinding speed.

It whizzed past the village, and right towards the edge of the border when it went rushing towards Slick. The royal saw a blur from the corner of his eye, and barely had time to lift his spear before the object came crashing into him. He was knocked back into the dirt. Whatever it was felt like it had hit him with the force of a giant.

Bloom and Bud both looked at the item in shock. "Is… is that…?"

Bud nodded, confirming his daughter's suspicion. "The Treasure of the Great Tree."

The double edged weapon spun rapidly in place, but then slowly came to a halt when Branch opened his hand. "I would rather not have had to use this, but If I'm going to help find Kistsune, I'll need it…"

[The Great Spear: An ancient relic bestowed upon the first Chief of the Earth Nymph tribe by the Great Tree from, to defend it from all who would threaten it and the people who care for it. It was made from the power of the Great Tree itself, and it's said whoever is worthy enough to wield it, controls the very nature of mewni itself. It can bring either an abundance of life and sustenance, or in the wrong hands, an abundance of chaos and destrustion]

Branch began making his way towards Orthrus, and the spear floated next to him. "I'll be going now. As I said, I'll see what I can do about your parents."

"I said you're not going anywhere damn it!"

Slick rushed at him, but with a flick of his hand, the spear shot forward. It stabbed right through Slick, making a hole in his chest. The half-breed winced, but prepared to keep charging. But then the speared doubled back and spun, taking one of his arms off. Branch moved his finger, and in what seemed like an instant, Slick's entire body was diced into pieces.

Branch didn't know just how fast his regenerative abilities were, but this would keep him out of the way long enough for him to get going. Bloom looked absolutely stunned. For Slick to be outsped and overpowered so easily was just… insane. She turned back towards her uncle. "How… how did you…?"

He looked towards her as he climbed on Orthrus back. "So, you haven't had the need to use the Great Spear yourself I take it. You have a strong connection with the Great Tree as well, so I think it's possible. If the Tree hasn't seen the need to bestow it upon you, that's a good sign," he said nodding. "We can talk more later, but for now-"

"You bastard!"

Both Branch and Orthrus seemed surprised as they looked up and saw Slick leaping towards them, already fully healed and his spear ready to strike. Branch quickly swung his arm, and the Great Spear moved in to block the blow for them. He knew the slime monster had scarily fast resignation, but that was quick even by their standards. He could have to dice him up into even smaller pieces this time.

This spear moved even quickly, spinning and twirling around to slice the boy up. But to everyone's shock, Slick managed to counter and deflect each blow. Branch went wide eyed. This was… odd. Very odd. He shouldn't have been able to keep up with him, yet he was doing just that. And it didn't look like he was struggling too hard to do so.

Slick yelled and swung his spear again, actually knocking the Great Spear back quite a distance. Branch frowned and moved his hand, and it shot back towards him. But not before Slick managed to get a jab in. Orthrus jumped to the side to avoid it, but the spear managed to nick him.

The royal couldn't follow up on his attack as the Great Spear knocked him back once more. Branch got ready to follow up on it, but then he noticed something.

On the tip of Slick's spear, was just the tiniest bit of blood.

He quickly looked down at Orthrus' side. He couldn't see anything under the coat of thick fur, but he reached down and ran his hand over his side. When he pulled it back, he saw just the tiniest smudge of blood on his finger. "He… cut you?" Branch said looking back towards Slick.

It was more like a prick really. Orthrus himself hadn't even seemed to notice. But the fact that he'd been able to do it at all… this one was clearly different from the others at the castle. "Get down off of that damn dog and fight your own battles!" Slick yelled, rushing at them again.

Branch patted Orthrus back. "I need you to send him away buddy…" Orthrus let out another growl, and then suddenly sucked in a long breath.

The beasts then let loose and loud roar from both heads, and Slick was stopped dead in his tracks. The sheer force of the bellowing wail sent Bloom sliding back a few feet, and while Slick did his best to keep his footing, he was eventually sent flying back. Orthrus kept roaring and Slick was sent soaring off into the distance. "God damn it!"

He brought his arm back and launched his spear at the two, but it only made it about halfway before it was knocked back by the sound as well. Slick shouted out a string of curses all he disappeared from the horizon. Orthrus finally stopped, and Bloom stared off into the distance wide eyed.

"Slick…"

Branch turned towards her, and it looked like Orthrus was about to make his way towards her and Bud, but suddenly Rax slid in front of her. The spider hissed angrily at the two. With his rider gone, it fell to him to protect Bloom now if need be.

The former chief looked down at the creature curiously. During his time spiders like this one would have been hunted down by the mewmans, so it was rather odd to see one as a royals riding companion. But he didn't need to linger around here any longer than necessary. "You two stay here, and stay safe… if things really can be reasoned out among us, then I'll try to sway the others."

Before Bloom could call out for him to stop, Orthrus rushed off in the distance, the opposite way that he'd sent Slick. "That… what was that?" Bloom asked, turning towards her father. "Papa, what are we supposed to do?"

Bud hummed as he stroked his beard. This didn't bode well for anyone. But he didn't have the heart to tell his daughter than he didn't know. "First, I believe you should go and recover Slick," he said. Rax didn't need to be told twice, and the spider shot off into the distance. "And second… we need to be prepared for the worst. I fear a rather disastrous event is on the horizon."

Bloom turned back towards the direction her uncle left in. She had no doubt that he would keep his word and try and convince the others. But what she did doubt was that it would work. It was very likely that the Ten were going to carry out their plans, and her uncle was going to have a hand in it.

And she couldn't do anything to stop it.

A/N: Branch catches up with his brother and reclaims the treasure underneath the Great Tree. While not on the warpath like the others, Branch could still be a pretty dangerous threat to the others. And even if he has his own code, his allegiance still lies with the Ten at the end of the day. Slick at the very least manages to do some damage, but seems like even he can't stand up to the Ten!