"I guess now's a good time to tell you," Branch said before glaring at his brothers. "You absolutely cannot tell Willow about this."

"We won't say anything," Floyd promised, their older brothers nodding in agreement. There was a tangible sense of unity and mutual support among them.

"I was five when we lost Grandma," Branch started, his voice tinged with a deep sense of loss. He stared down at Willow, his fingers gently running through her hair. It was a comforting gesture, and it helped ground him while he told his brothers what happened. "Willow was taking a nap in our pod while I was outside, singing while Grandma did the laundry." The brothers listened in horror as Branch told them what happened to their grandma. "It's just been me and Willow ever since."

"Branch," Floyd sat down beside his brother. "You know Grandma dying wasn't your fault, right?"

"Right," Branch scoffed, his voice heavy with the weight of his guilt. "I was the one singing, and I was the one not paying attention and didn't notice the Bergen coming. How could it not be my fault?" He roughly brushed away a stray tear, his inner turmoil palpable. "It's my fault Grandma's dead, and nothing you say is going to change that."

"Willow said it wasn't Trollstice," Poppy reminded her boyfriend, a soft smile on her face. "You couldn't have known Chef would be looking for Trolls."

"Yeah, B," Clay added, his voice filled with empathy. "You were just a kid. You should have felt safe enough to sing to your heart's content. Nothing that happened was your fault." The older brothers' understanding and support were evident in their words, a comforting balm to Branch's guilt.

"He's right," Bruce said. "Not the band breaking up, grandma getting eaten, or even what happened with Willow." He nodded at his little brother's shocked look. "Yeah, I could see you beating yourself up over what happened to our little sister. There is nothing you could have done to prevent this from happening."

"And you did nothing wrong with the band either," John Dory added. "I was the one that screwed up the band. I stressed the perfect family harmony so much, and I screwed up Clay's choreography." He sighed and turned around to face his brothers. "I'm sorry, bros. None of this would have happened if I had just talked to all of you instead of stressing out."

"Why didn't you?" Clay furrowed his brows. "We're your brothers. You could have talked to us."

"When our parents died, it was awful," John said. "Someone had to step up and take care of everyone, and Grandma wasn't as young as she used to be." He sighed. "Four little brothers and an egg is a lot of responsibility. And I thought we'd be okay if we could perform the perfect family harmony." John scoffed. "Look how well that turned out."

"It may have been twenty-six years later, but we did perform the perfect family harmony," Floyd said with a smile. "And look at us. We're together as a family again. We may be slightly bumped and bruised, but we'll be okay." He smiled at Willow. "We're all going to be okay."

"Yeah," Bruce smiled before frowning. "Now, about the other thing we asked about. Because I'm sure this wasn't what you wanted us to keep from Willow. What did you mean when you said Willow was the only reason you were still around?"

Branch chuckled sheepishly. "Yeah, she knows all of that, and she's been trying to get me to stop blaming myself for a while." He sighed. "When we were escaping the Troll Tree, I wanted nothing more than to stay behind." He smiled up at his brothers. "I was convinced I needed to be there if you showed up. And if I got eaten, well, maybe I deserved it." He frowned. "But then I looked at Willow. She still needed me and wouldn't leave the tree without me." He gave a sad smile and looked at his sister. "I knew I couldn't leave her alone, and I couldn't let her stay in the tree to die, so we left with everyone else. If it weren't for Willow, I wouldn't be here anymore. I know it."

The siblings were silent for a moment before John Dory spoke up. "For what it's worth, B, I'm glad you didn't stay behind to wait for us. I came back to the tree about four years after I left, and it was rough. I was so sure everyone died. You have no idea how relieved I was to hear you and Willow survived."

"You actually went back to the tree?" Branch looked up. "I thought you were just saying that to stop me from being mad at you."

"Nah," John scoffed. "I couldn't make something like that up. And I had no idea anyone else left until I got Floyd's fake distress letter." He looked at his brother. "I am so glad you and Willow are safe now." His relief was palpable, a comforting reassurance that Floyd was indeed safe.

"We all are," Clay grinned. The siblings rode in comfortable silence as they made their way to the coordinates the Funk Prince had given them.

"Alright, bros, Poppy, and Viva," Willow smiled as she looked out the window. "Welcome to Vibe City." The anticipation of their arrival was palpable, a mix of excitement and intrigue as Rhonda floated down towards the Funk castle in a bubble, the city's vibrant colors and lively music filling the air.

"Poppy and I have been here before," Branch reminded, nudging his sister with a grin. "You know, during the whole Rock Apocalypse, when the city was under siege by the Rock Trolls? That's when we first met the Funk Prince and learned about Vibe City."

Willow scoffed. "You and Poppy were in one building for like ten minutes. While we're here, I'll have to show you guys around the rest of this place." She grinned as Rhonda landed in front of the castle. "Cooper and Darnell are here." She hurried to the door and swung it open. "C! D! Good to see you!" She wrapped her arms around the royal twins. "Carry me?" She pleaded, a tired look on her face. "My knees are starting to buckle."

Copper chuckled and nudged her with his head. "We got you girl." He and his brother stood up straighter to support more of her weight. He frowned, concerned. "What happened?"

"Giant teenagers and a diamond bottle," Branch said, walking out of Rhonda, his brothers, and Poppy and Viva, following behind. "They're why she and my brothers need to see a doctor."

Darnell nodded, a serious look on his face. "Got it, B." He grinned and motioned towards the stairs. "Mom and Dad are waiting in the foyer. Dinner will be ready in a bit, and we have rooms for you. The doctors should be here tomorrow."

Branch nodded, grateful to the Funk Princes. "Thanks, D." He motioned to the brothers. "Lead the way."

The siblings watched as Willow walked in between the twins in front of them. "Thanks again for helping us out," Poppy smiled as the group followed the princes. "We really appreciate it."

"Anything for Willow," Darnell grinned as they ascended the stairs. "And you guys too, of course."

"Of course," Branch snorted and rolled his eyes. He looked at his brothers. "Willow's Pop ambassador, so she visits all of the tribes. The Funk Trolls love her, as you can see."

"Well, anyone who can keep the Queen Barb in check is good in our books," King Quincy grinned as the group entered the foyer. "Welcome, everyone, to the Funk Tribe." He nodded at Willow. "Your room is ready for you. I imagine you could use some rest."

"And a shower?" Willow added, sheepish. "I haven't had a proper shower in-how long was it?"

"Two months," Poppy frowned. "You've been gone for two months."

"Right," Willow nodded, remembering. "Two months. I haven't had a proper shower in two months."

Queen Essence nodded with a gentle smile. "Of course, dear." She walked over to the Pop ambassador. "Do you need some help?"

"She does," Branch interrupted before Willow could say anything. He gave her a challenging glare. "Don't act like Cooper and Darnell weren't practically carrying you up here."

Willow rolled her eyes at her brother before smiling at the Funk Queen. "Some help would be wonderful, thank you."

"Of course," Queen Essence smiled and helped move Willow's arm to her shoulder. She looked at her boys. "Go ahead and show everyone else where they'll be staying."

"What about Rhonda?" John Dory asked, concerned. "I don't like her being alone out there."

"We can move her to the backyard," Cooper grinned. "There's a barn back there for any critters that show up with the ambassadors. If you want, we can take care of that before we show you to the guest rooms."

With clean hair and a fresh outfit, Willow felt refreshed after her shower. She walked down the hall with Queen Essence to the dining room. "Thanks for helping, Aunt E," she said with a smile. "I probably would have taken much longer if you hadn't."

"Of course," Queen Essence smiled at the Pop ambassador. "I was happy to help. Now I'm sure you're hungry."

Willow grimaced. "Weirdly enough, not really." She held her stomach. "I should be, but just thinking about eating anything makes my stomach turn."

"I see," The Funk Queen nodded thoughtfully, a frown on her face. "How about a smoothie then?" She offered. "That should be easier on your stomach."

"A smoothie sounds good," Willow smiled. Thank you." Queen Essence nodded, pulled one of their servers to the side, and asked him to make a fruit smoothie and bring it to the dining room. When asked for a flavor, Willow shrugged. "Peach mango?" The servant nodded and went to the kitchen.

When the duo reached the dining room, Poppy squealed, excited. "Willow, you look so nice."

Willow's brothers looked up at their sister. "You look like you came right out of the Hustle Dimension," John Dory commented, staring at his little sister's dress. It was long and flowy, blending bright purple and red designs. She wore a bright blue headband.

"Thanks?" Willow raised an eyebrow and moved to sit by Branch. "It's one of the outfits I usually wear when I come here."

"It looks good on you," Floyd smiled at his little sister. "You look like you're feeling better."

"Thank you, Floyd," Willow smiled at her older brother. "You look better, too."

"Amazing what a shower can do, right?" Floyd joked. He smiled at the servant, who handed him a smoothie. "Thank you."

"The Funk Tribe is mainly vegetarian," Queen Essence said, sitting beside her husband. "I hope you don't mind."

"Don't worry about it," Bruce grinned. "Pop Trolls are pretty adaptable with food."

Willow nodded her thanks as she was given her smoothie before turning to her family and friends. "So, what do you all want to do while we're in Vibe City? We could check out some of the more popular Funk clubs. We could get you guys some new funky clothes if you want." She narrowed her eyes at Clay. "You would look awesome in bell-bottom pants and suspenders."

"We can do that, Willow," Branch furrowed his brows. "But remember, we're here to see the doctors."

"Oh," Willow lowered her eyes and sipped her smoothie. "Right, I forgot." She smiled sheepishly. "Sorry."

"How could you forget?" Clay asked, eyebrows furrowed in concern. "That's like the only reason we came here."

"Who are you again?" Clay rolled his eyes at Willow's confused question. "I know you're a brother, but are you John Dory or Clay?"

"Speaking of," John Dory interjected at Clay's indignant shout. "Why do we need to see the doctors? We're not the ones who had our life force drained for two months."

"But you did have it drained," Viva looked at Clay and his brothers. "You should get checked out to make sure there isn't any lasting damage." She raised an eyebrow at Willow. "Like Willow's apparent memory issues."

"I don't have memory issues," Willow frowned into her smoothie. "I'm fine."

"You forgot who Clay was," Bruce raised an eyebrow at his sister. "You even forgot why we were here. We just talked about it inside Rhonda."

"Rhonda?" Willow furrowed her brows. "That's John's armadillo bus, right?" She nodded thoughtfully, a smile growing on her face. "I remember her. She's a sweetheart."

"Oh, of course she remembers Rhonda," Clay muttered, crossing his arms.

"She does like critters more," Branch grinned. He frowned and pulled out a notebook. "We should mention her short-term memory issues with the doctor, though."

Darnell watched as Willow grimaced into her smoothie while her brothers discussed what they needed to talk to the doctors about. He turned to his parents to see they were also watching the family in concern. He nudged his twin Cooper and gestured to their upset friend.

Cooper gave his brother a nod before turning to Willow, a grin forming. "Hey, Willow. Wanna go check out the garden? We've added some Pop plants since you last been here."

Willow looked at her brothers, who were too busy talking to notice the others. She turned to the Funk Twins and smiled. "Yeah, I'd like to check out the garden." She looked at Poppy. "Can you tell my brothers where I'm at when they get done talking?"

Poppy smiled at her friend. "Sure. Get some fresh air. You look like you could use it."

Willow gave her friend a grateful smile before leaving with Cooper and Darnell. Viva looked at her sister, concerned. "Are you sure letting her leave is a good idea? She's in pretty bad shape."

"Well, she's not getting any better listening to her brothers," Poppy snarked before giving her sister an encouraging smile. "She's in good hands with Cooper and Darnell. They'll take care of her."

"As long as you're sure," Viva furrowed her brows and dug into the grilled veggies on her plate before grinning at her sister. "But you're dealing with the brothers once they realize their baby sister is gone." She laughed and patted Poppy's head when she groaned and let her head hit the table.

"So, how are you feeling?" Darnell asked when the trio made it to the backyard garden. "You look like you've been through a lot."

Willow snorted and sat underneath the giggle fruit tree. "That's putting it mildly." She tugged at her white hair and sighed. "All things considered, I'm alright. I can't walk very far, eating makes me nauseous, and I can't remember which brother is which, but I'm alive, so that's something, right?"

"Yeah, girl," Darnell grinned as he and his twin sat beside their friend. "It means you'll heal from this. You may not be okay now, but you will be."

"Being around your brothers probably wasn't helping, was it?" Cooper guessed, nudging the Pop ambassador with a grin.

"That obvious?" Willow grimaced. "I know they mean well, but it's hard to think about anything besides how much I hurt and how much damage those stupid pop-obsessed teenagers actually caused." She glared at the ground. "I don't want to listen to them plan what they wanna say to the doctor tomorrow. It's bad enough I have to deal with doctors; I'm not even going to be able to talk to them without them getting the story from my brothers first."

Darnell nodded. "Yeah, I get that." He nudged Willow with his head. "Hey, how about we get your doctor to you without letting him talk to your brothers? That way, you can tell him your story without his opinion being influenced by what they say."

Willow smiled hopefully at her friend. "You think you can get my doctor to me without my brothers talking to him?"

"It'll be easy," Darnell winked. "Especially if they don't know he's a doctor." He chuckled at her sigh of relief. "Just chill out here for a little while. We'll get you back to your room in a little bit."

Willow wrapped an arm around each of the brothers in a hug. "You guys are good friends, you know that?" She leaned against the tree and sighed. "Thanks for getting me out here. I needed this."

"Anytime, Willow," Cooper grinned as Willow closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. "We got your back."

"I can't believe you let Willow leave without telling us," Branch grumbled to his girlfriend as they walked down the hall.

"I can't believe she was able to leave without any of us noticing," Clay added, his eyebrows furrowed. "She is a lot sneakier than I thought she would be."

"She wasn't sneaky," Viva snorted. "You all were too busy talking about her to notice she left."

"You didn't even notice how uncomfortable you were making her," Poppy frowned at her boyfriend, who grimaced in response. "You know how she is when you talk about her like that." She narrowed her eyes at the brothers. "And now there's more of you, so she can't defend herself anymore because you'll always have another brother to back you up."

"We can't help that," John Dory protested. "She's hurt, and we're just worried about her." He crossed his arms. "It's our job as her older brothers to ensure she's safe and healthy."

"Safe, healthy, and happy," Floyd corrected the eldest brother with a frown. "And it doesn't sound like we've been doing so great with the 'happy' part of that."

"Well, what do you expect us to do?" Clay frowned. "She's in such bad shape. She's malnourished, has white hair, and can't move much. Not to mention her memory issues." He was still irritated that she couldn't remember his name.

"You know, that's not something we can only blame on her being trapped in the diamond prison," Bruce pointed out. "None of us were in her life until recently. The only reason she hasn't confused me and Floyd is I met her a few months ago, and Floyd's been trapped with her for two months."

"He's got a point," The oldest brother admitted reluctantly. He sighed and crossed his arms. "So what should we do to make up for this?"

"We can focus on making it up to her after she gets better," Branch crossed his arms. "Until then, I'm going to be too worried about her to do anything else." He gave a defeated sigh as Poppy grabbed his arm. "You know how I get. And you saw how bad she was. I don't know what I'll do if she doesn't make it out of this."

"Branchifer, she'll be fine," Poppy smiled at her boyfriend and hugged him. "Sure, she's not doing great right now, but she's a fighter. Just let her talk to the doctor. Just relax; everything will be okay."

Branch sighed into the hug. "I know, Poppifer. But I'm a worrier, and I can't help it." He frowned and pulled away. "Alright, I'll let up a little. She'll be okay, right?"

"She will," Poppy smiled. "And she'll have you and your brothers for when she's not." She gave the brothers a stern glare. "But you have to let her breathe. She may be hurt, but she's an adult."

"She's gonna have to deal with a little bit of babying," Bruce warned as they made it to the garden. He grinned at seeing his little sister sleeping between the Funk Twins. "She is the youngest, after all. Comes with the territory."

"It's not like she's the only one we'll be babying," John Dory grinned and nudged the youngest brothers. "One little brother is pretty malnourished and drained, and we haven't seen the other one in twenty-six years. We've got a lot of babying to catch up on."

Floyd and Branch rolled their eyes. "Great," Floyd huffed, amused. "Just what I needed." He smiled at his sleeping sister before nudging his little brother. "She'll be okay, Branch. Try to trust that."

Branch sighed and nodded. "Fine," he looked at the Funk Twins. Will you be able to get her to her room later? I'm going to bed."

Darnell grinned and nodded. "No problem, B. We got her."

Branch nodded and walked back into the castle. "See you in the morning, guys. I'm going to bed."

Poppy nodded. "See you in the morning, Branchifer." She smiled at the brothers. "You all should get some sleep. The doctors should be here in the morning."

Bruce nodded and walked into the castle. "She's right. See you in the morning, bros." The brothers nodded and walked back into the castle., eager to get to bed for the night.

Poppy sighed and smiled at King Quincy and Queen Essence. "Thanks again for letting us stay here for the night and bringing in doctors for Willow and her brothers." She grimaced. Sorry about the drama we brought, too."

King Quincy smiled at the young Pop Queen. "Don't worry about it, Poppy. We're happy to help."

"And family drama is normal," Queen Essence assured. "This is nothing.." She nudged Poppy and her sister back into the castle. "Go get some rest, girls. We'll take care of Willow." Poppy nodded and led her sister into the castle towards her guest room.

"And now to take care of these three," the Funk King looked at the three sleeping underneath the giggle fruit tree. He smiled and nudged his sons awake. "Come on, boys. It's time to go inside." He motioned to the Pop ambassador. "How about you help get her on my back, and we'll get her up to bed?"

Cooper grinned. "No problem." He helped his brother lift their sleeping friend and place her on their dad's back. The royal family walked to Willow's bedroom and dropped her off.

"Hey, Pops," Darnell said, looking at his dad as they wrapped a blanket around their friend. "Have we gotten a hold of Lownote yet?"

"Yeah," Quincy nodded. "He'll be here in the morning."

"Tight," Darnell grinned. Can we get him not to be wearing his doctor's coat? Gotta sneak him past Willow's brothers so she can talk to him first."

"Easy," the Funk King nodded with a relaxed grin. We'll contact him as soon as he gets here."

Thanks for reading everyone! This is taking longer than I thought, but I'm enjoying writing this version. I hope everyone is enjoying this, as much as I am. Thanks again for reading guys! See you in the next chapter.