Determined to gain exclusive access, John-Dory utilized an old connection to secure backstage passes for the highly anticipated concert. This strategic move allowed them to bypass security and enter the dressing rooms. However, they had to postpone their plan until after the show, as the journey to the stadium in Rhonda was already congested with a rowdy crowd of concertgoers.

Poppy could hardly contain her excitement as she and Branch found their seats in the front row of the bustling concert venue. The air was electric with anticipation,hinting at the spectacular performance to come. "I can't believe we're about to see Golden Canary perform live!" she exclaimed, her voice practically bubbling with joy as her eyes sparkled with delight. Branch glanced at her, a playful smile creeping across his face, and rolled his eyes lightly. "Take it easy, Poppy," he said, a hint of amusement in his tone. "The show hasn't even started yet."

Poppy and Branch settled into their seats as the stage lights dimmed and the backstage crew readied for Golden Canary's grand entrance. Branch playfully teased his girlfriend, "You still have time to fangirl," knowing how much she adored the famous singer. Poppy grinned, grateful to share this exciting experience with her loved one by her side.

The packed stadium thrummed with excitement, a tidal wave of energy rolling through the audience as the lights gradually faded to black. A tense hush enveloped the crowd, heightening the suspense as a rhythmic beat pulsed through the air, resonating in the chests of the spectators. From the shadows, a figure materialized at the center of the dimly lit stage.

As the beat crescendoed, the lights erupted into brilliance, cutting through the darkness to reveal Golden Canary standing proudly with her backup dancers. Her hair, styled in a sleek ponytail, shone under the spotlight, accentuating her striking features. She wore a flowing white dress that danced elegantly around her, the fabric catching the light and creating a spectacle as her emblem sparkled, intricately embroidered on the chest. The atmosphere was electric, charged with anticipation for the performance to unfold.

As the vibrant stage lights flooded the venue with a warm glow, the singer gracefully twirled to face her captivated audience, her long hair cascading like a golden waterfall behind her. The pulsating electric music surged through the air, building anticipation and setting the mood. After a theatrical pause that held everyone in suspense, she launched into the first verse, her voice resonating with a rich, pure quality that filled the space—a testament to her talent and the reason she was celebrated as The Golden Canary.

"To think I'm so naïve

How dare you play with me?

I gave you heart and soul, yeah

Tell me baby, please

Why you screwing with my head?

I don't think you understand

I won't take your (huh) no more

Don't knock on my door."

The heartfelt lyrics echo through the crowd, creating a palpable tension in the air and casting a somber shadow over Floyd's features. As he stands there, a wave of concern washes over him at the thought of Harmony, feeling isolated in her own struggles.

Yet, just as that heavy feeling settles in his chest, the atmosphere shifts. Harmony, performing under her stage name Canary, refocuses her energy, and suddenly her backup dancers spring to life. Their movements are a breathtaking display of precision and artistry, weaving together in a dazzling, synchronized routine that breathes vibrant energy into the performance, transforming the mood entirely.

"Not this time, because I recognize

I've heard it all before, and I-I-I."

With each graceful step, Canary takes full command of the stage, her magnetic presence illuminating the area beneath the spotlight's warm glow. Dressed in a stunning outfit that sparkles with every movement, she captivates the audience with her dynamic performance, weaving a spell of enchantment that leaves her adoring fans utterly mesmerized.

"Think of all the time that I wasted

Think of all the times that I took you back

Ain't no way I'll be lonely

I don't want to let you back in

Let's just face it

I'm better off alone, and I won't turn back

You thought that I would be lonely

I don't want to let you back in."

After delivering the final verse, Canary stood tall, her arms crossed defiantly over her chest. A determined look crossed her face as she shook her head, signaling her refusal to back down. With a purposeful stride, she stepped toward the edge of the stage, every movement radiating a fierce confidence that captivated the audience.

"Don't tell me how to feel

Or say that you're for real

My mind's made up; I'm cool without you

You got no more appeal

Now, this girl need no man

To say what she can do what she can't

Now I live for me

Boy, does that make you weep?"

Canary twirls gracefully, her ponytail swirling behind her like a vivid flag unfurling in the wind as she takes her place at center stage once again. With a confident presence, she dismisses the backup dancers who flit around her, portraying lovestruck fans. The spotlight shines brightly upon her, and she embraces it, exuding an undeniable charisma that captivates the audience.

"Not this time because I realize

I've heard it all before, and I-I-I."

Canary stood perfectly still at center stage, her figure illuminated by a solitary spotlight. With great deliberation, she pivoted slowly, her hand pressed firmly against her heart. The anguish etched across her face spoke volumes, as if the weight of her sorrow enveloped her, capturing the audience in a moment of deep emotional reflection.

"Think of all the time that I wasted

Think of all the times that I took you back

Ain't no way I'll be lonely

I don't want to let you back in

Let's just face it

Better off alone, and I won't turn back

You thought that I would be lonely

I don't want to let you back in."

As Canary's voice resonated with emotion, she gracefully reached the final lines of the verse. At that moment, the central platform on the stage began to rise slowly, lifting her higher into the spotlight. The shimmering lights danced around her, illuminating her figure as she ascended above the backup dancers, who moved rhythmically below, creating a dynamic visual contrast.

"Think of times

You made me cry

You had me so confused

I'm tired of trying

Leave behind this

What's a girl to do?"

Her heartfelt song filled the air with emotion, each note echoing deep within the hearts of the audience. With a hopeful gesture, she extended her arm toward the crowd, as if searching for answers in their eager faces. In response, the audience erupted into thunderous cheers, their enthusiasm rising to a fever pitch, enveloping the atmosphere in a wave of fervor and excitement.

"I think of all the times you made me sick

I used to think I couldn't handle it

What you think? I'm just another chick?

Messed with me, boy; you must have tripped

What were you thinking when you lost my trust?

You had it all; now you're left with nothing

Ooh, baby, now I know you want my touch

And now you're lonely, and you still want me."

Enthralling her audience, she flashes a playful wink and twirls elegantly across the stage, her voice flowing like a gentle stream as she serenades them. Her eyes dance between the various sections of the crowd, connecting with each listener in a moment of shared emotion. Immersed in the rhythm and melody, she remains blissfully unaware of the figure in the shadows—her former lover—who watches her performance with a heavy heart.

His expression is one of sorrow, reflecting the weight of unspoken memories. He and his brothers can't help but recognize that the ballad speaks of Floyd and the deep betrayal that has left scars on their relationship, a poignant reminder of trust shattered between them all.

"Think of all the time that I wasted

Think of all the times that I took you back

Ain't no way I'll be lonely

I don't want to let you back in

Let's just face it

Better off alone, and I won't turn back

You thought that I would be lonely

I don't want to let you back in

Think of all the time that I wasted

Think of all the times that I took you back

Ain't no way I'll be lonely

I don't want to let you back in

Let's just face it

Better off alone, and I won't turn back

You thought that I would be lonely

I don't want to let you back in!"

As the last note of the song lingered in the air and slowly faded away, the platform began its smooth descent. Canary, with a gleam in her eyes and a bright smile, gracefully hopped off, her vibrant costume shimmering under the stage lights.

"Thank you all so much!" she exclaimed, her voice ringing with genuine enthusiasm as she addressed her adoring fans. With a flick of her hair, she let it transform into ethereal tendrils, allowing her to hover delicately back down to the stage, where she landed softly, the platform continuing its gentle journey downward behind her.

"A past love inspired that song, and this next one is dedicated to everyone who's been told they'd never make it in life!" she declared, her voice ringing with passion and determination, igniting an electric thrill among the crowd. As the audience erupted in cheers, Canary gracefully retook her position at center stage, her vibrant energy palpable.

She stood poised, enveloped by her talented dancers, who formed an expressive semi-circle around her, ready to bring the next performance to life. The music swelled, seamlessly transitioning into another one of her chart-topping hits, the infectious rhythm sweeping across the venue and drawing everyone into the moment.

"Hush, just stop

There's nothing you can do or say, baby

I've had enough

I'm not your property as from today, baby

You might think that I won't make it on my own

But"

With her fist raised high in triumphant celebration, she exudes confidence and charisma on stage, captivating the audience with her commanding presence. Her backup dancers flawlessly echo her every movement, creating a seamless visual spectacle.

The infectious rhythm pulsates through the air, igniting the crowd's enthusiasm as they enthusiastically mimic her dynamic performance, completely swept away by the energy and passion radiating from the stage.

"Now I'm stronger than yesterday

Now, it's nothing but my way

My loneliness ain't killing me no more

I, I'm stronger!"

With a deep, heartfelt passion, Canary pours her soul into her singing, her voice soaring with emotion. As she connects with her lyrics, she instinctively places her hand over her chest, a gesture that amplifies the depth of feeling she conveys. Each note resonates not just in the air, but within her, making her performance an intimate experience.

"Come on, now

Oh, yeah."

Singing, she becomes utterly absorbed in the rhythm and beat, seamlessly flowing from one dance move to the next. Countless hours of practice enabled her to transition flawlessly between each choreographed step.

"Here I go, on my own

I don't need nobody. Better off alone

Here I go, on my own now

I don't need nobody, not anybody

Here I go, alright, here I go."

As Floyd and Branch sit together, they feel their hearts break listening to her heartfelt confession that she no longer needs anyone in her life. The weight of her words hangs heavy in the air, leaving them with a deep sense of loss and helplessness.

At the same time, John-Dory, Bruce, and Clay are grappling with an overwhelming sense of shame and heartbreak. They reflect on the pain they've inflicted and the impact it has had on someone who once held a central place in their family. Regret washes over them as they come to terms with the emotional distance that has grown between them and someone they used to cherish deeply.

"Stronger than yesterday

It's nothing but my way

My loneliness ain't killing me no more

I, I'm stronger

Now I'm stronger than yesterday

Now, it's nothing but my way

My loneliness ain't killing me no more

Now I'm stronger than yesterday

Now, it's nothing but my way

My loneliness ain't killing me no more (no more)

I, I'm stronger!"

As the last note of the performance lingers in the air, the vibrant stage lights reach their maximum brilliance, casting a breathtaking glow that momentarily mesmerizes the audience. Once the dazzling display subsides, it reveals Canary, illuminated softly, standing center stage with a radiant smile that captivates everyone.

"Thank you all so much!" she calls out, her voice ringing with genuine excitement. "I can't wait to see each of you at my grand tour concert in just two weeks!" With that, the lights gradually return to their normal intensity, signaling the conclusion of this enchanting pre-tour concert, leaving the audience buzzing with anticipation.

John Dory expertly guides the group through the bustling backstage area, where the energy of the concert pulses in the air. He navigates them through the exclusive VIP section of the concert hall, adorned with sleek décor and dim lighting. As they move past luxurious lounges and bustling crew members, they approach the entrance to the dressing rooms, where the vibrant sounds of the performance echo faintly, heightening their anticipation for the excitement to come.

Guided by the clear instructions of a crew member, the group made their way through the bustling corridors until they arrived at an ornate door. The door was elegantly adorned with the intricately carved name "Golden Canary," its rich golden hues glinting under the soft light.

As they stood before the entrance, a sense of uncertainty washed over them; they exchanged glances, unsure of what their next move should be. Just then, a female troll, who had been busy overseeing the flurry of activities backstage, glanced up and caught sight of the group lingering by the door. Her sharp eyes momentarily diverted from her duties, she approached them, curiosity piqued.

As she addressed the gathering, her voice carried a hint of curiosity. "Are you all here for the meet and greet with Canary?"

Poppy could hardly contain her enthusiasm, practically bouncing on her toes. "Yes, we are absolutely thrilled to meet her!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'm sure she'll absolutely adore the fantastic surprise we've prepared!" Her exuberance seemed to fill the room, causing the other female troll to instinctively take a step back, slightly taken aback by Poppy's infectious energy. The air was charged with anticipation, and the promise of an unforgettable encounter loomed on the horizon.

"Alrighty then... "Please step inside," she urged, her tone a mix of professionalism and hesitation. "I'll inform her that your group is here for the exclusive meet and greet." As she spoke, she glanced at the group with a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. With a slight nod, she excused herself, making her way down the dimly lit hallway to address a few crew members who were lounging idly, clearly distracted from their tasks.

Steeling himself for what lay beyond, Branch slowly turned the doorknob and pushed the door open, his brothers and Poppy closely trailing behind him. As the door swung wide, he stepped into a brightly lit dressing room that exuded an air of creativity and excitement.

The walls were painted a soft pastel hue, amplifying the brightness from an elegant array of lights that framed the large vanity mirror. The vanity table, overflowing with an eclectic assortment of colorful makeup, sparkled as if it held countless artistic possibilities.

On one side of the room stood a wardrobe, its doors ajar to reveal a collection of stage-ready outfits—glittering costumes adorned with sequins and vibrant fabrics just waiting to be worn in the spotlight. Nestled against the wall opposite the vanity was a cozy couch, upholstered in a plush, welcoming fabric, inviting friends and performers alike to take a moment to relax and gather their thoughts before stepping out onto the stage.

As Branch scanned the room with a sense of unease, his attention was drawn to a charming picture frame perched atop the ornate dressing table. Intrigued, he reached out and carefully lifted the frame, revealing a vibrant image within.

In the photograph, he instantly recognized Harmony, her joyful expression radiant as she posed alongside another troll in what appeared to be a beautifully captured anniversary portrait. The warm colors and cheerful atmosphere of the scene stirred a whirlwind of emotions within Branch, filling him with a deep curiosity about the untold story that lay behind this beautiful moment frozen in time.

Branch felt a rush of anxiety as he gazed at the photo in his hands, wanting nothing more than to shield his brother from the heartache of seeing his ex in a new relationship. With great care, he attempted to set the picture down quietly. Just then, Clay burst into the moment with a mocking laugh, his voice ringing out, "Hey, look at this! This guy's hair is totally fake!" The sound pierced through Branch's resolve. In a panic, he swiftly moved to conceal the photo, desperate to keep it from Floyd's sight and prevent any unnecessary emotional turmoil.

After a tense scuffle with Clay, Branch found himself unable to retrieve the precious photograph, as Floyd deftly snatched it from his grasp. Holding the picture close, Floyd's expression shifted to one of quiet sorrow, his fingers delicately tracing the outlines of Harmony's beaming face as she joyfully embraced another troll.

Floyd's voice was filled with deep sorrow as he softly spoke, "Maybe it was a mistake to come here; she seems so... happy." His eyes lingered on her radiant smile, so genuine and carefree, a striking contrast to the turmoil that churned within him. Her smile seemed to pierce his heart, reminding him of the moments they once had. With a heavy heart, he ambled over to the elegantly crafted dressing table, its surface a mosaic of trinkets and memories—a stark reminder of all that he lost.

Bruce approached with a calm demeanor, gently resting his warm hand on Floyd's shoulder. He offered a reassuring squeeze, his eyes reflecting deep empathy as he gazed at his older brother. "Floyd, before we do anything else, you really need to talk to her," he suggested softly, guiding him toward the plush couch, where they could sit and gather their thoughts in a moment of shared understanding.

The group shifted restlessly in their seats, glancing at the door as the melodies of the concert lingered in the air. Excitement buzzed among them, but they were desperate for the performance to end so they could finally speak with Harmony.

To ease the tension, they played lively rounds of charades and other games, laughter echoing softly around them. The minutes dragged on, each second feeling like an eternity, until at last, the dressing room door swung open. Branch's heart raced as he stood up, anticipation coursing through him. He took a step toward the door, eager to embrace the woman who had played such a pivotal role in his life after his grandmother's passing.

Harmony stepped into the room, gently closing the door behind her with a sigh of relief that echoed in the quiet space. As she turned, the dim light revealed a familiar face—Branch. Time had etched its marks upon his once-soft features, now sharpened and weathered, reflecting the years that had passed. Her heart quickened as her gaze locked onto his, each detail coming into sharper focus: the way his eyes, once filled with warmth, held a mixture of recognition and caution, and the subtle lines that told stories of struggles endured. "Branch?" she breathed, her voice thick with emotion as tears pooled in her eyes, a whirlwind of feelings rushing through her—relief, joy, and an ache for all that had been lost.

She approached him slowly, her hands trembling with an anxious energy, her voice barely above a whisper, filled with a mixture of hope and disbelief. "Is that really you?" she questioned, her eyes searching his face for the reassurance she craved. With a gentle movement, she reached out to caress his cheek, her fingertips brushing against his skin, igniting a flood of memories.

Then, in a sudden rush of emotion, she pulled him into a fierce embrace, her tears flowing freely down her cheeks, leaving trails in the warmth of her skin. "I thought you were gone!" she sobbed, her body shaking as she clung to him. Branch enveloped her in his arms, savoring the familiar warmth of her presence, a sensation he had longed for during their time apart. He could feel the tremor in her voice as she spoke, a raw and poignant reminder of everything they had been missing all these years.

Tilting her head to meet his gaze, she felt a surge of emotion rise within her, her voice trembling as she finally said, "I can't believe you're alive." The moment was surreal; after all this time, it was disorienting to look up at Branch's face instead of down like she used to. Her eyes roamed over his features, taking in the way he had grown taller and more defined.

"You've really matured," she remarked, a wistful smile breaking through her tear-streaked cheeks. Each detail of his face—his familiar eyes, the shape of his jaw, the little notch between his eyebrows—was etched in her memory, and now, standing before him, she couldn't help but marvel at the fact that she was finally seeing the boy she thought she'd lost forever.

Branch let out a wet chuckle, the sound laced with emotion, as he gazed down at the woman who had been his unwavering companion through every trial life had thrown at them. His eyes glistened with tears, reflecting the warmth of countless shared memories. "You haven't aged a bit," he said, his voice filled with astonishment as he marveled at her youthful appearance, untouched by the passage of time.

Poppy walked up to the girl, her smile bright and inviting. This girl was as close to Branch as a sister could be, sharing a bond that transcended blood ties. "Hello! I'm Poppy, Branch's girlfriend," she introduced herself with genuine excitement, her eyes sparkling. "It's such a pleasure to finally meet you! I really hope we can become great friends!" Her words tumbled out in a rush, filled with enthusiasm, making it a challenge for the others to follow along.

Harmony smiled warmly at Poppy, her hand gently resting on her shoulder. "It's a pleasure to meet you," she said with genuine kindness. But as her gaze drifted past Poppy, her expression tightened, and her eyes narrowed when she recognized the familiar faces lurking behind Branch. "John-Dory, Clay, Spruce," she addressed them with an icy tone, a shadow of past grievances flickering across her face, still haunted by the memories of their betrayal from years ago. "What brings you all here today?" she asked, her voice steady yet laced with underlying tension.

With a hesitant expression, Bruce cleared his throat and said, "Actually, I go by Bruce now. We noticed you were performing in a show nearby, and we thought it would be a great opportunity to talk to you and see how you've been doing."

She scoffed, as the word "we" escaped his lips. "Oh, now you want to know how I'm doing?" she spat, her voice dripping with bitterness as if each word was laced with poison. "What about those years you spent absent, leaving without so much as a goodbye?" Her gaze narrowed fiercely, and her words hung heavy in the air, thick with the weight of unresolved pain.

But then, her attention was drawn to the figure standing just a few paces away. A sudden jolt of recognition struck her heart like a lightning bolt—there he was, the troll she had spent years both longing for and dreading to face: Floyd. He had once captured her heart, holding it hostage with memories she couldn't shake free. Now, he towered over her as a fully grown troll, his presence both achingly familiar and startlingly foreign.

As she took him in, her heart tightened as a profound ache blossomed within her. It felt as if the breath had been violently wrenched from her lungs. Instinctively, she took a small, hesitant step back, her heart pounding furiously as a flood of memories washed over her.

Floyd was a striking sight; his skin shimmered a pale light blue under the ambient light, and his magenta hair had transformed. Gone was the tall, straight hairstyle she remembered. Instead, he sported a completely new look, with a cascade of tousled locks spilling over his forehead and partially obscuring his left eye along with streaks of white throughout his hair.

With a purposeful stride, he maneuvered around his brothers, closing the distance between them, his expression a mask of unreadable emotions. Anxiety twisted in her stomach, leaving her terrified of what he might say next, as the air crackled with unspoken words and unresolved feelings.

With a nervous chuckle, Floyd glanced at Harmony. "Harmony, you've become quite the songbird," he jokes, hoping to break the heavy silence in the air like a thick fog. His words were meant to lift her spirits and chase away the tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks again. The soft lighting of the room cast gentle shadows, making the moment feel intimate as he tried to coax a smile from her downcast face.

The moment she heard the old nickname, a wave of emotions surged through her, raw and powerful. Anger ignited in her eyes, rapidly extinguishing the lingering sadness that had clouded her heart moments before. Her fists tightened at her sides, a physical manifestation of the turmoil within.

"Don't call me that!" she growled, her voice low and fierce. "You forfeited that privilege the moment you walked away, leaving me with nothing —no goodbye, no explanation." With those words, she spat out the hurt like poison before turning her back on him, determined not to show any more weakness.

Desperate to shield herself from the impending pain of his departure, she sought refuge in a clever illusion—pretending he didn't exist at all. The prospect of his absence loomed over her like a storm cloud, and so she buried herself in denial, trying to find peace in a world where he was no longer a part of her life.

He opens his mouth to speak her name, "Harmony," but hesitates, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air. "I'm sorry," he finally says, his voice trembling with regret. "I know that nothing I say or do can alter the past. But I'm here now, standing before you, and I want to set things right again."

Just as his confession lingers, Harmony's sharp, mocking laugh slices through the silence, cutting him off and filling the moment with a chilling dismissal.

With a sharp edge of contempt lacing her voice, she sneered, "Oh, sure, Floyd. What's your grand plan to fix everything? Are you just going to vanish again the moment things get difficult?" Her heart surged with a mix of betrayal and pent-up anger, making it hard to breathe. She deliberately kept her back to him, unable to face the haunting gaze of the eyes she once adored—eyes that now lingered in her nightmares, a constant reminder of what they had lost.

"I deeply regret my actions from all those years ago," he said, his voice heavy with remorse. "Back then, I was young and foolish, caught up in my own selfishness. But I've had time to reflect, and I understand now how wrong I was. Everything has changed since those days—I have changed as a person."

He tried to look into Harmony's eyes, searching for some sign of understanding. "Please, Harmony," he continued, his tone softening as he reached to take her hand in his.

As their heated discussion unfolded, he found himself inching closer, unable to resist the pull towards her. The ache of being apart for so many years weighed heavily on him, and he longed to bridge the distance that had grown between them. He yearned for the moment when he could finally reach out and touch her, to reclaim the connection they once had.

The door suddenly swung open with a loud creak, interrupting Harmony just as she was formulating a thoughtful response to his heartfelt plea. The sudden arrival of a stranger stood in stark contrast to the calm moment they had been sharing, causing Harmony to glance up in surprise. The tension in the air thickened as the new person stepped into the room, shifting the atmosphere and shattering the fragile peace that had begun to settle between them.

A/N

Whew I did not expect the changes I made would make this chapter even bigger! I hope you enjoy the revised chapter and the slight changes I made to Harmony's personality as I was not a fan of how often I had her crying. Definently did not want to make her seem like a huge cry baby at all so that had to be fixed

If you spot any mistakes or notice I missed a section that needs to be separated to make it easier to read please let me know! I am always open to constructive feedback, suggestions, or even questions if anyone has them.

Remember, everyone, you are amazing, loved, and so much stronger than you know!