Branch was usually one to get up early, as opposed to the rock culture of sleeping in late. He chalked it up to his 20 years of keeping an eye on Pop Village and wanting to be up before the carefree Pop tribe began their morning song. He usually appreciated the fact that the Rock Tribe was practically nocturnal and let him sleep in when he wanted but his early bird trait was a developed habit.
After getting up, Branch looked through his closet deciding what to wear. he settled on black pants which had patches sewn in and reached for a black shirt before he stopped. Branch could not explain it, but his fingers went for his green leaf vest.
It was what he wore when he lived in Pop Village and it had sentimental value, Branch could not bring himself to get rid of it. He put the vest on, checking himself in the mirror. afterwards. he left his room, walking down Skull Castle as he stopped by Barb's room, he could hear gentle snoring as he crept past softly as to not wake her up.
Branch made his way down to the castle armory where his mother Eclipsa was sharpening her sword with a grindstone, looking up to see her son as she stood up, placing the sword in a barrel of other weapons. "Morning Branch"
Branch nodded as Eclipsa handed him a mug of coffee, just how he liked it as he took a sip before asking if she needed any help with anything as mostly everyone was asleep. Eclipsa wasn't going to turn down time with her son and she needed to make sure the weapons were maintained. Being Queen Barb's advisor and Guard Captain, Eclipsa took great pride in her work; helping keep Volcano Rock City safe and running.
Eventually an iron bell rung through the castle signaling breakfast as Branch and Eclipsa put their tools down. They would wash their hands than head up for Breakfast. The smell of Lava's Cooking was enough to get everyone's butts in their seats. They were conversating amongst themselves as Barb glanced over to Branch, Getting his attention.
"So Branch, I uhh... I have a meeting with Poppy today, about the reconstruction of Pop Village and I would like you there" Barb explained as Branch wasn't really involved with diplomatic meeting but since he was a resident of Pop Village for most of his life and because Barb was in the 'Barely Tolerating' phase with Poppy, having Branch would certainly make it easier.
He nodded in agreement, telling Barb we would attend this meeting as he picked up one of the sausage links, putting it in his mouth before tearing a piece of toast in half and mopping up the egg yolk before finishing his food.
After eating everyone thanked Lava for the amazing meal as she smiled, leaving with two guards who pushed a cart of dirty dishes as Barb got up from her seat, wiping her mouth with a napkin, despite being the Queen, her Father Thrash had the seat at the head of the table as Barb made it a point for everyone to still show the utmost respect to him. Riff pulling Thrash back away from the table, rolling away from the table, asking what the former King wanted to do, before the two agreed on taking a stroll around the park.
Eventually everyone left as Branch and Barb were left in the kitchen, as they looked at each other.
"So, this meeting is about the Rock Trolls fixing the damage we caused?" Branch asked curious as Barb Nodded, letting out a groan, claiming that accountability sucked. Branch looked at her, saying it basic logic. Barb made a mess and as Queen, it was her duty to fix it.
The two walked into Barb's throne room, as she plopped on her comfy chair, looking to two Trolls standing in the doorway, instructing them to let Poppy in. It would be best to get the meeting over with. The two Rock Guards nodded, escorting Poppy in who simply smiled at the two.
"Hi Barb, Hi Branch" Poppy responded in her usual cheery tone as Barb groaned. she knew the tribes were 'on good terms' but Poppy's sugary sweet personality really grinded Barb's gears.
Poppy wasted no time, filling Branch on what has happened since the tour in the Village, which to his credit he actually listened to, surprised to hear about Pop Village advancements in security but a Bergen attack and an invasion by Rock Trolls would do that as Barb rolled her eyes.
"Okay, Popsqueak, let's get this meeting over with. I know it doesn't look like it, but my time is valuable, so what is the problem with the reconstruction project" Barb interjected to get the ball rolling as Poppy final got on topic.
The short version of it was with all the Trees that were uprooted in the attack, the Pop Tribe was having troubles hanging their Pods. Poppy had talked to the Funk Tribe and they agreed to replace the trees but that would take months and needed a temporary solution.
"So, could you lend up some scaffolding for the time being" Poppy requested as Barb twirled her finger in a mock wish granting motion. telling Poppy that was all she had to say, Barb would have that scaffolding on an anglerbus on route to Pop village within the week as a crash was heard outside, causing the Rock queen to shoot up out of her slouched position.
Branch turned to Barb, asking if she heard it too as she tuned in hearing sounds of struggle coming from outside.
"Sir, you can't just go there, you need to make an appointment" a voice said as Figure ran into the Throne Room before being tackled by the two Rock Guards and pinned to the ground. as Barb Looked at Branch, commenting that things just got interesting as the two were holding the teal Troll face down as Barb got up from her throne, walking towards the scene of the Pop Troll on the floor.
"Don't look at me" Poppy deflected, claiming she knew nothing about this as Barb ordered the older man up on his feet, giving him an icy glare. demanding he explain himself for just barging into her Throne Room. The Pop Troll shook his head to gather his senses as he realized just rushing into Skull Castle was a bad idea.
"How did you even get past the Lava Moat, scale the cliffside and evade my guards?" Barb demanded, almost impressed. as he decided kiss ass as Queen Barb clearly lived up to the reputation of being really damn scary. The troll got on his knees.
"My sincerest apologies Queen Barb, Your Rockness. I tried making an appointment for Days but only came here your help, looking for a resident of your Kingdom named- BRANCH?!" The Troll said dashing past Barb with a shocked looked on her face as this Pop Troll just ignored her and was lifting Branch with one arm, messing around with him as Barb glared at Poppy.
"Seriously I DON'T know him" Poppy defended as Barb stomping towards the two pulling the older Troll by his hair, clearly furious at this stranger for manhandling her Boyfriend as Branch had never seen Barb this pissed.
"I Don't know who you THINK you are, but you sneak into My Castle, Interrupt my Meeting, Ignore me than twirl Branch around like a Ragdoll. You better explain yourself before I throw you headfirst into the boiling volcano" Barb threatened as he looked out the window, tugging his collar.
"You're so right. I did not even introduce myself, that is so rude of me" The Troll said extending his arm for a handshake. "Name's John Dory, I'm Branch's older Brother" He replied as Both Barb and Poppy looked at each other than back to Branch, both clearly surprised.
"Wait, I DO know You, you're him. JD, The BroZone Guy" Poppy realized as she pieced together the pieces that if John Dory was Branch's older brother and a member of BroZone and all the BroZone members were actual Brothers.
"Branch I've known you for 20 years, how could you never tell me you had Brothers, how could you not tell me your brothers were BroZone?" Poppy asked as Barb looked at the differences. pointing out the ages didn't add up, plus Eclipsa never said anything about having more than one son.
"Well, Technically Half Brothers, Same Dad, Different Moms" Branch explained as he crossed his arms.
"I'm Sorry, What's a BroZone?" Barb asked confused more than anything as John Dory let out a gasp, putting his hands on his cheeks.
"What's BroZone?, only the Greatest Boyband in the Troll Kingdom, we were Chart Toppers, she gets it" John Dory explained, pointing to Poppy who was clearly fangirling out.
"So, you're brothers were in a Boyband? Barf. yeah, we don't listen to that stuff here" Barb explained turning to JD before, looking back at Branch, claiming his brother seemed like a Grade A Loser.
"Ex-Brother, they lost the right to call me that when they walked out on me" Branch defended as Barb looked at him, claiming she had another reason to not like him; asking if he would mind if Barb actually threw him out the Window into the Volcano.
"Branch, that's not how Family works, you don't just 'Stop' being Brothers. and he clearly seeked you out; he probably wants to reconnect" Poppy explained in a hopeful tone and the prospect of seeing the long-lost brothers reconnect.
Branch quickly shot down the idea, going so far to bet Poppy a plate of cupcakes that the only reason JD is looking for him is because he needs something. as John Dory Looked at them.
"Branch, I'm not going to BS you, I Need your help" John Dory explained confirming his brother's word as Branch walked away. telling John to buzz off and that he could either leave on his own or Barb could Throw him out, it was his choice as Barb cracked her knuckles smiling as she hoped he would choose option B as John Dory called again.
"It's Floyd, He is in Deep Trouble" John Dory called out as Barb approached him ready to make the choice as Branch turned around, asking JD to repeat what he said, asking Barb to ease up and let him speak, asking what happened to Floyd.
A/N: so, in this timeline Gristle and Bridget were already married so I could not do the whole Wedding scene. I was going to make the wedding scene in Volcano Rock City between Branch and Barb but I decided against it, so I could incorporate a proposal subplot. also Barb does NOT like John Dory, and No she hasn't pieced together that Branch was a member or BroZone Yet.