It's time. I think you all know what's coming... but the brothers are about to face their first big obstacle that will require them to have to use their respective skills to overcome.
Suddenly, King Peppy and King Gristle were shown together, in a meeting room in Troll Village.
King Peppy – Custody Granted.
At that, King Peppy stamped down on a piece of paper and slid it over to King Gristle. The paper was revealed to be a certificate of guardianship for John Dory, Spruce, Clay, Floyd, and Branch, with Chef's name on it. King Gristle was then shown handing the certificate to an overly eager Chef, who took it with gusto.
Chef – Thank you, your majesties. Pleasure doing business with you.
Chef grinned evilly and began to chuckle as she folded the certificate.
Soon she was shown driving her own car with all the brothers sitting in the back, staring at her in suspicion as she continued to chuckle. But she became quiet as she adjusted one of her rearview mirrors and glanced back at the brothers.
Chef – Boys, I've been contemplating our… situation, and I realize… that I've been a bit… standoffish, shall we say. Which in this case, is a big, big word meaning-
Spruce – Horrible?
Clay – Vain?
John Dory – Pure evil?
Chef tried desperately to keep her cool and steel her expression in response to the brothers' descriptions of her.
Chef – Tough… but fair.
After a moment, Chef managed to put a grin back on her face.
Chef – But now that we're family I can make it up to you. I can be the ultimate mum.
A set of train tracks was shown to be just up ahead, along with a small convenience store just on the left side of the road.
Chef – I know! Let's stop for a treat.
Chef instantly stepped on the breaks, abruptly stopping the car and jostling the brothers in the back before Chef turned towards them and pointed at each one of them.
Chef – Lets see… Soda. Soda. Soda. Soda. And…
As Chef pointed at Branch, her expression turned to one of fake contemplation.
Chef – What do goblins eat?
Chef then smiled and waved Branch off.
Chef – Oh, you'll just eat anything won't you?
Branch however, did not look amused, and grumbled in response as he glared at Chef while crossing his arms.
Branch – Witch.
Chef gave the baby troll a sickeningly sweet grin.
Chef – Got it.
Chef then got out of the car, shut the door behind her, and patted the car a few times with a strangely smug smile on her face before she turned around to head into the general store. Clay leaned closer to the window to keep his eyes on her and saw her suddenly lift up her arm and press a button on her car keys, promptly followed by all the child locks in the car retreating down, locking all the doors, much to the surprise of the brothers. Clay continued to watch as Chef entered the store, however now with an expression of trepidation on his face.
Clay – Bros…?
Clay slowly turned his head to look at his brothers, seeing from their own expressions that he was not the only one who had a bad feeling about what was happening.
Clay – Where did the locks go?
Floyd – Hey, guys look at this.
Floyd picked up a book that was lying on the floor of their seats and showed it to the others, revealing it to be a book on inheritance law.
Chef was then shown inside the store, looking around, while a bergan cashier was busy reading a newspaper.
Chef – Hello. I'm going on a perfectly innocent ride in the country with my kids, whom I love.
Chef then glanced up at a clock on the wall.
Chef – Is that clock correct?
Back in the car, Floyd noticed a piece of paper was sticking out of the book and pulled it out while the rest of the brothers scooted closer to take a look at it as well. It looked like a list with different times written on it from top to bottom, while a print that said 12 LB was labeled on the right side. What stood out the most however, was that one of the times, 11:15, was circled.
John Dory – What is it?
Clay – It looks like a schedule.
All 5 brothers looked at each other nervously before their eyes all turned to the clock in the front of the car, watching it instantly shift to 11:15. They all then very slowly and apprehensively looked out the side of the window to see that the car was parked directly on top of one of the train tracks.
Inside the store, Chef was shown opening a fridge filled with yellow, green, and red drinks, and took out one of the green ones.
Chef – Lets see… ah! Kiwi-Watermelon Surprise. My favorite.
Suddenly, all the bottles in the fridge began shaking while a rumbling sound began to become apparent, making Chef grin maliciously as she took notice.
Back with the brothers, a bergan-bobblehead that Chef kept in the back of the car was beginning to shake from the rumbling, causing all the boys to slowly turn their heads toward it, expressions of horror forming on their faces; a train was coming!
John Dory – Go!
All the brothers immediately leaped into action: Clay and Spruce tried any way they could think of to force the doors in the back open, messing with the handles and attempting to reach the locks, or trying to break the windows and shoving their bodies against the door. Floyd and John on the other hand climbed over to the front of the car, John specifically climbing into the driver's seat.
John Dory – She took the keys!
Floyd – Just try everything!
John and Floyd pushed every button in sight, praying one of them would somehow help. As Spruce continued having no luck banging on the windows, Branch grabbed his attention and reached into his hair, pulling out a crowbar and handing it over to Spruce.
Branch – Spruce, here!
Spruce – Thank you, Branch!
Spruce attempted to use the crowbar to pry the door open, but it still wasn't budging. As John and Floyd continued trying different buttons, Floyd pressed one that turned on the windshield wipers while John pressed one that turned on the radio, which was currently playing on of their band's most popular latest hits, "Perfect."
BroZone – "It's so Perfect, Perfect, Perfect, A Hundred Percent-"
John just stared at the radio, baffled, before hitting the button again and shutting the music off, which also turned off the wipers; under normal circumstances he would be thrilled hearing his and his brothers' voices on the radio, but this was hardly the time! Suddenly, the phone in the car began ringing, and John didn't hesitate to answer it, hearing King Peppy's voice on the other end.
Peppy – Hello, Chef? It's King Peppy of the trolls.
Peppy was suddenly shown driving in his own car while speaking on his own car-phone.
Peppy – I'm calling you back about that inheritance question you raised.
John Dory – King Peppy! Thank Goodness!
Peppy – Who is this?
John Dory – It's John Dory! My brothers and I are in Chef's car!
Peppy – Oh, hello, John my boy. Well, where's Chef?
John Dory – She's not here, but-!
A look of shock formed on Peppy's face while the rumbling of a train began to grow louder in his vicinity.
Peppy – You're driving the car alone?!
John Dory – No. We're- the car is on the train tracks and the train is coming!
Suddenly the incoming train could be seen passing by Peppy's car, blowing its whistle while the loud rumbling drowned out John's voice.
Peppy – I'm sorry, John, I-I can't hear a thing. I'm driving next to a train!
John tried yelling as loudly and articulating his words as clearly as he could.
John Dory – WE'RE GOING TO BE HIT BY A TRAIN!
However, Peppy still couldn't make out what the young troll was saying; the rumbling was just too loud, and the train continued whistling.
Peppy – Right, yes, I-I-I- I can't hear because of the train!
A look of desperation formed on John's face.
John Dory – No-!
Peppy – I'm on my way to Bergan Town now! I'll call you when I get there!
With that, Peppy hung up and the signal bell for an incoming train began blaring out, indicating the train was close, and prompting all the brothers to stop what they were doing and look outside once again, all of their expressions full of terror as they could now see the train coming.
Floyd – John! What do we do?!
Spruce tried prying the door open one more time with Branch's crowbar as the baby troll watched from over his shoulder worriedly, but still to no avail.
Spruce – It's no use!
Clay then began to panic.
Clay – Oh my troll- we're gonna die! We're gonna die just like Ester almost did in one of my club's books when she was tied to the train tracks if Dustin hadn't pulled the-
Suddenly, Clay's eyes widened as an epiphany struck him.
Clay – Track switcher… The track switcher!
The rest of the brothers all looked at Clay in surprise, while he in turn looked back out the window once again.
Clay – There!
Clay and the rest of his brothers moved to the window, peering out and gazing at the track switcher that was standing quite a distance away from the car.
Floyd – But how can we possibly pull it from here?
Clay looked over and examined the side windows.
Clay – If we can just get one of these open, then maybe…
Spruce however shook his head.
Spruce – It's too far away. Even our hair won't be able to reach it.
John Dory – No.
John turned around and began looking around the car for anything that could possibly be helpful.
John Dory – There's gotta be a way we can pull it.
Spruce – John Dory, there's nothing we can do!
John narrowed his eyes determinedly as his gaze fell on the seats he was currently on top of.
John Dory – There's always something.
John proceeded to rip off a leather strap from the top of the seats before he turned his attention to Branch.
John Dory – Branch? Think you got anything on hand that can help fashion this thing into something we can use?
Branch smiled and saluted to his big brother.
Branch – Leave it to me!
Branch then reached into his hair and pulled out a pair of pliers before grabbing the bergan bobblehead and used the tool to detach the head from its body. The rest of the brothers began moving around the car to help where they could.
Meanwhile, Chef was continuing to loiter inside the store, currently trying on some sunglasses, but turned towards the window to see how close the train was to approaching before turning back. As for the brothers, Spruce was shown ripping open a tear in the seat cushion and taking out a large spring from inside, which he gave to Branch, who pulled the leather strap inside of it before attaching the bergan bobblehead to the end of the strap. Branch then handed the strap to Spruce, who proceeded to break the handle of the side window, allowing him to push it open and force the bobblehead end of the strap with the spring hanging right behind it, outside. All the brothers, with Spruce in front, John right behind him, followed by Clay, and then Floyd, pulled the strap back in until the bobblehead was pressing against the spring and the outside of the car as hard as it possibly could. Chef was once again shown, now slurping a smoothie, glancing outside as the train blew it's whistle once again. Finally, the brothers all released the strap, causing the bobblehead to go flying towards the track switcher; all the brothers leaned closer to the window to see if the strap would reach, but unfortunately, it fell a little short.
Spruce – Quick, pull it back in!
All the brothers worked to pull in the strap again as fast as possible, with even Branch helping from behind Floyd, until the bobblehead was pressed tight against the spring and the side of the car once more.
Clay – Hold on a second!
Clay then let go and took a notepad out of his hair before beginning to do some calculations, much to the stress of his brothers as they were running out of time.
John Dory – Clay…
Clay – Just wait!
Clay continued to calculate, focusing intently, while the rest of his brothers continued to grow more nervous.
Spruce – We don't mean to rush you, Bro… BUT-
Just then, the whistle of the incoming train drowned out the rest of Spruce's frantic warning. After a few more pencil strokes, Clay, seemingly satisfied with his results, moves closer to Spruce, and adjusts the angle of his body while using his fingers to approximate the trajectory, until everything looked just right.
Clay – Okay! That should do it!
Clay went back to his place and pulled back on the strap again.
Clay – Ready…! And…!
Clay leaned back as he pulled just a little harder, prompting the rest of his brothers to follow his example before they nervously waited for his signal.
Clay – Now!
All the brothers released the strap again, and this time, it went both far and high enough to hit the sign above the track switcher, causing it to fall and wrap itself around the handle, all according to Clay's calculations. The brothers all grinned in both relief and accomplishment, Clay looking especially proud.
Clay – Yes! It worked!
John Dory – Nice job, Bro!
Clay – Thanks!
Spruce – Okay, enough chatter, pull!
The brothers began pulling once again with all their might, the strap squeezing the handle of the track switcher, which allowed it to start turning and thus, began moving the rails of the second track, albeit very slowly, creaking all the while as the train was getting closer and closer. Even so, the brothers continued to pull as hard as they could, with even Branch pulling on Floyd's body in an attempt to help, all of them groaning in effort as they did so. Chef, who was now reading a newspaper, lowered it down and grinned excitedly as she heard the train let out more whistles, body conveniently turned away from the oncoming accident. All the brothers continued to pull harder, the train almost on top of them. As the whistle blew, Chef began to laugh hysterically, assured at her victory. But at Spruce's labored cry, he and his brothers leaned further back, giving one last big tug on the strap, which fully finished switching the tracks just before the train reached the car. Chef closed her eyes in absolute delight while she continued to laugh, until she abruptly stopped, looking confused as she didn't hear the sound of a big crash. She instantly turned around, shocked to see the train passing by on the second track, missing the car, which remained safe and undamaged. The 5 brothers were panting as they attempted to calm down from the adrenaline of a close call, but they were also smiling in absolute relief as they watched the train pass by, sparing a few looks with each other as they basked in the fact were all still alive. Chef ran to the window, unable to fathom what she was seeing, and as the train finished passing by, King Peppy's car was promptly shown pulling up from behind. Chef quickly ducked down from the store window, out of sight so that Peppy wouldn't see her. The troll king honked a few times at the car in front of him, capturing the boys' attention till they all turned around to see Peppy. Chef quickly got up and pressed the car keys before ducking back down again, unlocking all the car doors and causing the front window of the driver's seat to roll down. Peppy leaned his head out his own window to get a better look, when Branch popped his own tiny head out the window as he frantically waved at the troll king.
Branch – Hey! King Peppy!
Peppy looked incredibly shocked to see Branch in the driver's seat.
Branch – We almost died!
At that, Peppy's shock only grew.
Next thing everyone knew, all 5 brothers were now seated in the back of Peppy's car while he was taking their luggage out of the trunk of Chef's, the bergan trying to appeal to the troll king as he walked to his car with the bags in hand.
Chef – King Peppy! Good King Peppy! Can't we discuss this like reasonable adults? At the very least with King Gristle present?
Peppy just looked at Chef with disappointment.
Peppy – I'm sorry, Chef. I don't know how it is for bergans, but allowing a baby, even one as adept as Branch, to drive a car is just not good parenting for us trolls.
Clay angrily looked at Chef accusingly.
Clay – She tried to kill us!
Peppy – Now, let's not be overdramatic, Clay. The vehicle wasn't even in gear.
Clay huffed in annoyance due to Peppy not taking him seriously, as the troll king turned back to Chef once more.
Peppy – Please tell King Gristle this won't damage the relationship between our kingdoms.
Just as Peppy was about to head to the trunk, Chef stops him in his tracks.
Chef – May I have… a moment alone with the boys?
Peppy still did not look completely happy with Chef, but respectfully nodded his head to allow her seemingly harmless request. Peppy walked away to give Chef and the brothers some space, and the bergan leaned close to the window, looking at the boys with what looked like a loving yet sad smile.
Chef – Goodbye, kids. It's been fun!
Chef's expression suddenly turned murderous as she leaned her head in closer and whispered her next words threateningly.
Chef – I'm going to get you, you little brats! No matter where you go, no matter what you do, I'll find you!
All 5 brothers leaned back from Chef, all of them staring at her in fear, causing Spruce to put his arms in front of Clay and Floyd protectively while John held a terrified Branch close to him. Chef let out a small angry chuckle before giving the brothers one last glare.
Chef – You are so deceased!
Chef immediately retreated and turned around, quickly taking out a bottle of eyedrops and squeezing them into both of her eyes to make them look teary before standing up to face King Peppy, who had finished stashing the luggage in the trunk and had just made his way back to the front of the car. Chef attempted to look upset, trying to give the impression she was sad to see the brothers go.
Chef – Take them, King Peppy… before I lose it, big-time.
Chef even quivered her lips to really sell her act, and though the brothers could all easily see through her obvious ruse, it seems king Peppy was clueless enough to buy it, much to their annoyance.
Harmony Trollscket – Trumping a talentless villain might seem all in a day's work for 5 ingenious orphans. But the BroZone brothers savored their victory as they speed towards their new home.
King Peppy's car was shown driving down a road across a vast swampy landscape.
Harmony Trollscket – What lay ahead for them was unclear, but they remained cautiously optimistic that their next guardian would be better than the last. Or at least… wouldn't try to flatten them with a train.
Finally! The brothers are out of Chef's grasp... right?
Any of you have any ideas on who their next guardian may be?