Darnell and Cooper had just returned from Symphonyville and the councillors meeting, their Parents having been called to another emergency meeting.

With D and Cooper being the Funk ruler and Ambassador, they felt it would be best if they went in their place, as representatives.

'Hey D' Cooper was biting his lip, 'Do you think they found one of B's OG bros' he hoped they had Branch was getting angsty being away from Tresillo so long.

He loved Branch, he was his brother, he cared for ever since he was little and found him wandering around after that horrible bird snatched him away.

Branch had taken him to King Peppy three days after finding him to make sure he wasn't hurt and his family weren't looking for him, he'd asked if he could stay with Branch, but was told to stay far away from him.

He did as he was told, and he hated it, so he snuck birthday cards and a cupcake out, sometimes he sent a blanket or some toys, when he was little. Branch did the same, he gave him first hat, but he left them on window of his room.

When Cooper learned he was an alpha and Branch was an omega, he looked up courting rites and realised what he was doing could have been seen as such, he'd heard Peppy mention them to Poppy once and didn't want anyone to hurt his brother, he made it known to Branch when he learned, that he saw him as a big brother.

He saw Branch's colours flicker when said this to him, and Branch had told him he was his little brother, but they had to pretend, Branch didn't want Cooper to get in trouble because of him.

'Hey' he felt D bump him, 'if it is we make it clear, he's our brother now, and I'm sure the K-knights will keep him safe till we get back.'

Nodding Cooper looked at his twin, they both straightened up, they were Princes after all, and representing their parents.

Walking into the hall they'd been told to go to on arriving, they heard shouting through the door, looking at each other in confusion they got closer, 'I don't care, I told you, the only way for the contracts to be draw up Officially, is for two brothers to be present, I...'

'You don't think' Cooper started, 'we can't be that lucky' Darnell finished, the doors opened allowing the Twins to see who was speaking.

A tall bulky troll with a black and white fur collared jacket and one glove stood at the end of the table looking at the leaders.

A cherub like troll announced them, the new troll turns around and look them over, 'I see' his voice was gruff, 'I think this conversation is over, Prince D nice to see you again.'

Darnell looked over the troll, he looked familiar, he knew he had met him before but couldn't quite place him 'forgive me, you clearly know me.'

The teal hair troll gave a booming laugh and smiled, 'I'm not surprised, you were only a little bit when we last meet, I know your uncle Lownote, John Dory, it nice to meet you again.'

Rhonda had been following the scent on the note to Pop Village, as night drew closer John noticed his best girl had been slowing down, the journey had taken two weeks in total without stopping, he'd made it through the tribes safely, but not even Rhonda could keep up the pace they had without sleep.

He was on the outskirts of pop village any way he could walk the rest of the way there his girl could rest.

Packing his backpack and making sure he had his half the if the courting rites and both letters from Peppy, and making sure his girl had enough food and away to find him when she'd rested, he set off to find out what was happening.

When he made into the village square, he noticed it was unusually busy, decorated for what looked like a wedding or the early stages of one.

Catching a passing troll, he got directions to royal pod, which in his opinion was still as gaudy looking as it was in the tree, only this time it was pink not orange.

'Your new here' that saccharin voice, John immediately knew who it was, 'Princess'.

'It's Queen now, welcome to pop village' turning John recognises the pink troll, who looked very much like her older sister, minus the blonde.

'I'm here to see your father' John ignored the pleasantries; he didn't like the girl she still set his teeth on edge.

'You're one of my sweeties, brothers, thank you for coming so quick' Poppy was giving him a huge tooth filled smile, this set the alarms ringing in John's head again same as when she was a child.

I should have taken Branch with me.

'Yeah, well my baby Branch's happiness is all that matters' John flashes his own saccharine smile which worked, he'd get to the bottom of this.

….

His meeting with Peppy went exactly as he suspected, he wanted John as the eldest to wave the courting as Poppy 'courting' Branch for a while, and this was her right as the alpha, to choose the date they mated.

John knew then and there the best mate for his baby brother would never be Poppy.

'And you know we can have the ceremony…' Peppy continued.

John cut him off before he punched him, 'I'm sorry, (he wasn't) you said you sent four trackers out and three came back, with no note, if this is the case I'm afraid until one of my brothers and I see Branch in person' Peppy butted in 'I'm sure Branch and Poppy will want to discuss everything with you.'

'I'll need to see him alone, Peppy' John gritted out. You are not interfering with any chance I have to get Branch away from you all. 'I heard there was a meeting with the leaders, perhaps I can go with you' one step closer to Vibe City and hopefully Branch.

'Yes, yes my boy you should definitely attend you maybe able to get our boy back'. Peppy flitted about. He's not your boy and never will be.

…

After a short cater-bus ride that felt like hours.

John Dory was ready to murder someone, make that two someone's. If he heard the words wedding and mating followed by his brother's name one more time, he was going to lose it.

Looking to the window John noticed his jaw was clenched and the grimace on his face, he tried to think of his baby brother wondering what he looked like nowadays.

He always looked similar to Floyd when he was a baby, minus the pink eyes and hair, John wondered if he was still the same.

'What do you think John, a spring mating would be perfect for Branch, after his twentieth birthday, his colours would have been returned for about a year, isn't that right Princess?' Peppy and Poppy were watching him, forcing a smile to his face 'I will discuss the idea with Branch, alone, as there will be somethings that will need be dealt with in accordance with our family' John emphasised.

Symphonyville was quick in approaching, thank the muses, John left the bus, noticing the glares sent at the royals behind him, making his gut feeling worse, he knew the pair were definitely lying, with how they were greeted.

Following the cherub like troll to the meeting area he was asked his name and why he was here, he told them he was here to meet with the leaders in hopes of discussing his brother and his 'kidnapping' with a slight tilt of his head in the direction of the pop pair, which drew a raised eyebrows from the cherub and slight nod.

John was asked to wait until he was called and offered some tea and a few sandwiches which he was grateful for as he hadn't had chance to eat, since the early morning, when he'd left Rhonda, it was well into the afternoon now.

Looking around the room he took the rites and letters from his hair reading them over one more time.

He made a plan he understood that the funk tribe maybe taking care of his baby brother, but he couldn't risk Peppy and Poppy knowing where he was, he would go with his original plan and take him to the Hinterland camp, he'd stayed with them a few times enough to build a small home, enough to take care of his brothers if they wanted to talk with him, even if not they could visit Branch.

Tucking them back into his hair he pulled a small chain and pendant from his pocket, the chain had broken years ago but he never replaced of it, it was his first gift from baby Branch.

John had been sleeping peacefully until he felt a tiny body collide with chest knocking the wind out of him, his eyes blurred as he looked at a tiny blue trolling giggling on his chest.

'JD, JD, ake up, it's yous birfday' the trolling lisped he was getting his first tooth, so everything was lisping, causing delight amongst the brothers at how cute it was.

'My birthday' John yawned, catching Branch so he could sit up, catching sight if the window, 'Bitty, it's still dark.'

Seeing Branchs ears turn down slightly, John huffed, looking over the room he got a wicked grin 'Why don't you wake Spruce' seeing the gleam in the little trollings eyes John started counting 3..2..'aargh BRANCH'

John doubled over in his bed, as Branch cheered.

Holding his arms to catch Branch as he ran back, 'JD I goths him', starting to giggle as John tickled his tummy.

Acacia came running in shortly after Spruce had yelped, 'where's the baby?' John held up Branch as he giggled, 'mama, JDs birfday' smiling with his one tooth.

John passed the trolling back to their mama,'the sun isn't up yet bluebird, and neither should you, back to bed with you' watching as Acacia took Branch back to bed.

Unfortunately, John was awake now, so he took advantage and got first dibs on the shower.

Walking back after he heard rattling coming from the nursery, poking his head in he saw Branch still wide awake.

'OUT' Branch had seen him, and was using his grabby hands 'Jay deee, out'

'Come on bug, it's sleep time, or you'll miss the party tonight and you don't want to miss it so you?' Branch still made grabby hands at him, giving in John could never resist those baby eyes, he took Branch to the kitchen for early breakfast.

Looking out the window he saw the sun rising, grabbing a blanket and Branch who contently sucking down his bottle, he went to the garden and watched, wishing the fence didn't block some of the view, promising one day Branch would know what being free meant, until then he watched the sunrise with his brother.

…

Looking around the table John smiled his family were all here, 'happy birthday JD' smiling he thanked everyone.

He'd opened his presents, his Gramma Rosiepuff had given a new jacket, he'd clung to the last one until fell apart, Nonno Ramo had given him a new watch and compass, his brothers had combined and got him a camping set, and a pocket guide to plants and critters, Mama and Baba had got a camera and new notebooks so he could write his adventures.

He loved all of the and told them so.

'Me, me present JD' Branch called from Babas arms, Fiorello smiled as he pulled a messily wrapped gift from his hair and passed it to Branch.

'JD birfday, here' he smiled as he took the gift, 'did you wrap this bug?' Laughing as Branch bounced nodding, pulling off the paper he found a gold chain with a … fish charm.

Holding it up he smiled confused but grateful, his baby brother had picked it, 'you like it JD' branch asked him, his baba answered, 'I think John loves it Baby, after all you picked the fish for his name'.

John understood quickly Branch had been asking what everyones names meant, and he got him a fish, holding his arms out his baba passed Branch over ' babas right bitty, I love it best present on the table, thank you' rubbing their noses together.

John rubbed his thumb over the tarnished fish, as the door opened, he was called in.

…

John had enough, when he heard the explanations from the other leaders, he about lost it, Poppy had dragged his brother into two dangerous situations which could have cost him his life, it made him more determined to take Branch away.

'I don't care, I told you, the only way for the contracts to be draw up Officially, is for two brothers to be present, I will not deny that right, and from what I've heard, If you think I'm going to agree to any of, it given this silly alpha almost killed him twice, you are fools.'

The doors opened stopping John from saying anything else other than, 'I see' his voice was gruff, 'I think this conversation is over, Prince D nice to see you again.'

He could see the cogs turning in Darnell's head when he said 'forgive me, you clearly know me.'

John gave a booming laugh and smiled, 'I'm not surprised, you were only a little bit when we last meet, I know your uncle Lownote, John Dory, it nice to meet you again.'

'I believe you have my baby brother in Vibe city, perhaps I can go with you both to see him.'

—

Branch woke surrounded by the warm comfort of his brothers.

Boom was laying in Hypes' arms, and Hype had a grip on Boom, both had a content smile on their face, he wished they'd realise sooner, how happy they made each other but they were oblivious.

Darnell and Cooper had joined them at some point and had Branch snug between them.

Trickee was propped up against Darnell's side tucked into his neck, his snoring muffled by D's fur.

Ablaze was doing the same on Cooper but had his hand resting in Branch's hair.

Looking around he saw his mamma and baba resting on the sofa watching the group,

the quiet breathing sounds around him almost lulled him back into his sleep, until he heard Lownote. 'They are demanding to see him Q and they have every right.'

He felt their eyes in him, that must have been what woke him, carefully he somehow managed to get out the pile without waking anyone, he thought.

Seeing his parents and uncle looking at him he gave a sleepy smile, shaking his head, trying to remove the lingering cobwebs.

Wiggling into the middle of the pair he let his head rest against Quincey's side feeling him laughing softly, his mama started combing he fingers through his hair, 'Did you sleep well sweet one?' Purring Branch pushed his head into her paw, carefully nodding so he didn't dislodge it.

Hearing his parents and Lownote laugh at his antics, he couldn't help it parental affection was new to him, he enjoyed it, and he was in the early stages of heat, he'd never gotten to experience it outside of Boom taking care of him, when he let him in.

Noting his parent silently looking at each other, he asked, 'Is everything okay' he was getting drowsy again, 'Branch, sweet one, there are some trolls here, who are asking to see you,' Essence was still petting his hair, in a relaxing rhythm, 'mmmm, why?' nuzzling into his Baba's side.

Feeling his baba sigh he looked up seeing their unhappy expressions, 'who are they?' He asked.

'They are your brothers, son' he heard his baba say, shaking his head 'my brothers are here'.

'Branch' his mamma started, 'No, my brothers are here they stayed, I… I don't want to see them' he felt warm, too warm, he felt his body flush a wave of dizzy ness washed over him, 'I… my heat.. I can't, mamma'. He almost collapsed to the floor as he stood, two pairs of hands caught him, Mint chocolate, Boom and Warm tea and honey, mamma.

'He's early, B' Boom was talking to him, all he could do was let out a whimper, 'KISMET, you're on guard!' Booms voice echoed in the room, 'Your majesty, I'll stay with him' that was the last thing Branch remembered properly for five days.

….

With the brothers

'John, John Dory, I never thought I'd see you again' Floyd punched him in the arm, causing him to wince, 'that's for leaving' confused as he was pulled into a hug, 'that's for coming back' another punch 'don't leave again'.

Rubbing his arm 'I see your still a demon then' laughing at the biting motions he got.

'Spruce' he nodded to his first youngest brother taking in the changes, he looked happier more relaxed, and he wanted to avoid being punched again 'actually it's Bruce now'.

'Bruce, okay, might take me a few times so I apologise if I slip up.'

'Where's Branch?'

Before either brother got to speak the door to rooms they had been asked to wait opened, admitting Lownote and Quincey.

The trio looked at the King and Ambassador, two checking to see if they had brought Branch.

'Lownote, good to see you again' John greeted.

'Pleasure as always Johnny' Lownote greeted, 'my brother, King Quincey, due to unforeseen circumstances, Queen Essence cannot be here at present, Q, John Dory, the eldest brother.'

'John Dory thank you for coming, My wife will join us at a later time' Quincey stated looking at the three brothers.

Before Floyd could snarl, Bruce questioned, 'I hope her majesty is well, I'd like offer my apologies for how our conversation went earlier.'

Watching Quincey nods his acceptance of the apology, 'our eldest, his heat has started early, Essence and Boom are settling him.'

John raised an eyebrow in question, 'I wasn't aware Darnell's twin was an omega.'

'He's not, Cooper is an Alpha, our eldest is adopted into the family,' the trio watched Quincey look to Lownote.

'Johnny, he means Branch' snarled Floyd, 'Who the hell is Boom?'

John saw how Quincey, Lownote and Bruce frowned at Floyd's attitude, 'Boom is a Prince Branch's older omega brother, and you would think by now you would understand your attitude is not appropriate nor appreciated, we spoke to Branch, while you were waiting,' Quincey sighed 'he does not wish to see any of you.'

'Why not'

—

Before anyone got to answer the doors opened again admitting the two funk princes and the Queen.

'Because our brother no longer feels safe around any of you' Darnell and Cooper were not happy their voices dripping with anger, they had heard how, the younger two spoke to their father and they were not having it aimed at their mother again.

'He's'

'NO, he isn't, you walked away, Branch is my big brother, and he's been hurt by you once and he asked me to sit back and watch others hurt him, I won't do it anymore.' Cooper growled, a faint hint of smoke about him.

'Boys, I'm sure your brother would thank you, but he wouldn't wish for you to fight,' Essence stopped Cooper.

Essence stepped up to Quincey, 'I understand your frustrations, I do, we waited a long time for Cooper to be returned to us, but Branch has broken ties with all Pop trolls, aside from his Brothers, his chosen Brothers of whom two of you met, Boom however, is caring for our son. By his choice nothing here has been forced on him by us, everything he has was forced on him however by the Former king and current Queen of Pop'.

Essence looked Floyd in the eyes ' the suitor you seem to think doesn't exist was looking for you, so our son could have his true contracts, with out people claiming him something worse, temporary contracts only go so far, I'm sure you wouldn't want this for him.'

Essences blue eyes locked with each of the brothers, never wavering in their mission, to protect her family and people, they each looked down breaking contact first.

'What we want, is the same as you' Quincey was never more in awe of his love as he was then, his sons looked at their mother with pride, affection, and respect.

She was the pillar their family leaned against, she had weathered many problems, and she'd fight once again, 'we simple want to see the contracts for now, then, perhaps when Branch, is in a less vulnerable state of mind, maybe he willing to speak with you.'

Looking at the trio she saw the youngest ready to fight back until the elder of the pair, firmly stated, 'Agreed'.

'Very well then, until this time is over, you will be guests here, we will have someone show you somewhere you can rest, feel free to look around vibe city.'

Taking their leave, the quintet heard, does anyone feel like they were scolded by our Nonno then?'

During Branch's heat

With Branchs heat starting so suddenly Quincey, Essence and Lownote we're lucky to convince the brothers to allow them to even look at the contracts.

Branch was protected under their crown as a member of their family, he had freely given up his ties to pop village, and embraced the life and culture of funk nation, and was learning about the culture of his suitor.

While they knew they wouldn't have their son long, they knew the pair had expressed their desire marry as soon as they were able, something both Branch and Tresillo agreeded up on, when asked why they both simply stated, they couldn't say why it just needed to happen before Branch's twenty birthday, it was a feeling they couldn't understand, but they felt something bad would happen if they didn't.

Branch finally told them why he wanted to go back to his Grammas pod.

His nonno Ramo, had given him a gift before he passed away, and told him to keep it safe, until he'd found the alpha he wanted to marry, it was a special pair of bonding cuffs, which were generations old, a gift from his great grandfather Ramus who was given them by his intended Ombre, before he passed away.

This struck them as odd, they knew the story of Ramus and Papaver, but Ombre was never mentioned in history or linked to Ramus in any way.

It could have been a coincidence until they'd been allowed to grudgingly seen the contracts the pair had all the information, which held parts of Branch's family history.

They finally discovered the truth about the necklace Poppy had sent and why she kept referencing Papaver and Ramus.

The description matched the one she sent.

The only known portrait of Queen consort Ramus was in the Funk Museum, it had been restored when a team had found his tomb in Crystal Lake.

They had gone to see it, and shock they felt as they looked between it and a picture of Branch, it was like looking at a mirror, fear had set in faster this was why Poppy and Peppy wanted him, it would solidify their claim.

Ramus had several children to Papaver all alphas but one, his only Omega son prince Bifurquer, who was 'taken' at birth.

Bifurquer's line had been traced and it had been found every family had four or five children the last child being always being male omega, with the last two omegas being Ramo and Branch.

If what they read was true, if that necklace went around Branchs neck, their son would be nothing more than a puppet for Poppy trapped in his own mind forced to do as she willed. The same as Ramus.

Rhythm and Blues confirmed it, their son was a Prince by birth and had tracked Dow a funk connection through Essence's family by marriage some generations ago, but still, if renewed, they could protect their son.

Now they just needed to convince his original brothers.