Chapter Text
Chapter 1 – Troublesome Cloud
He has to be perfect. They needed to be perfect... because if not... he'll hurt them.
He can’t allow that, no matter how terrified or scared he was of him.
He was the oldest, it was his job to look after them. Grandma helped, but her age was getting to her. Five young boys were too much...
He had to do what he said, had to make them happy. Had to be perfect.
So much pressure, why did he feel like he was going to break? It hurts. It wasn’t fair!
Why did it have to be him? Why did he have to be born first? He hated this!
“I don’t have to touch you Dory... to put you in your place.”
STOP IT!
John Dory hummed the song Better Place, his fingers tapping on the steering wheel of Rhonda as they drove along the road towards Vacay Island.
It had become his all-time favourite song, which he associated it with being the song they all sang together, him and all his brothers to save their younger brother Floyd.
Granted, it was a song he wrote a long time ago, and as an act of trying to make it up to Branch… he had gifted the song to his baby brother. Hearing him and his band Kismet sing it bought a strange mixture of emotions. Like pride and sadness.
Floyd was sat next to Branch, both chuckling and chatting away as they played with Grandma’s old stack of playing cards at the table.
He was healing nicely after his ordeal two months ago, with only his toes and fingers being white. His pale pink hair was almost back to its vibrant colour.
It was a relief to everyone, especially John who feared the damage may have been permanent. He had fluttered around his brother constantly in his care for him, to the point Floyd often got annoyed with him.
John couldn’t help it, because deep down he blamed himself for the suffering his brother went through. For everything that his brothers went though.
It was his fault the band broke up, because the pressure got too much and he snapped out of a mixture of fear and panic.
His fault Bruce felt like he was never good enough and had to go somewhere else for his happiness.
His fault Clay almost got eaten, and ended up living with a bunch of paranoid trolls inside an abandoned golf course.
His fault Floyd had to travel the world alone, and end up getting caught and drained for his talent.
His fault Branch went grey after witnessing their grandma get eaten, and suffered abandonment issues for twenty years.
John Dory was officially the worse big brother in the world, and he felt awful for that. Everything he did to protect them in the past from... him... ended up being pointless, because he was the one who ended up hurting his brothers in the end.
Poppy was with Branch and Floyd, sitting next to her was her older sister Viva. Both girls were giggling away while watching the brothers play to win.
Clay was lounging on the couch at the back, a sad expression on his face as he read a book. No doubt a sad book from his sad book club collection.
John Dory glanced at them all through the rear-view mirror and smiled widely.
He was just happy they were all together again, and soon, four brothers will be five when they arrive at Vacay Island. This time, he’ll be the brother he should have been in the past.
When Bruce had mentioned about running the restaurant alone for a couple of days, while his wife Brandy went to visit her parents, the others were quick to offer their assistance.
They had planned to come and stay at the island for a few days anyway, so it was the perfect excuse.
As the island came into view, John Dory had to resist the urge to drive off the cliff again. Last time he did it, Branch threatened to use him as bait for one of his critter traps.
The eldest had no idea if his baby brother was being serious or not, but he didn’t want to risk finding out.
So, with a sigh, he drove towards the docks and... nah! Just kidding!
With an evil grin, he slammed his foot down and laughed as the edge of the cliff came into view.
“Don’t you dare!” Branch hissed loudly, eyes snapping up at him with a deadly gaze, immediately realising what his brother was doing... but it was too late.
John Dory laughed even louder as Rhonda dived right off the cliff with a happy warbling cry, as everyone screamed.
Except for Branch who was now yelling profanities at his oldest brother.
Branch was fuming as the group walked along the beach, his arms crossed and eyes glaring holes into the back of John Dory’s head.
“Oh, come on, Poppyseed and Viva thought it was funny.” He smiled, before lowering his ears and raising his hands as all three of his brothers glared at him. “Fine, fine. Sheesh... bunch of stick in the muds.”
“Just once, act your age, will you?” Clay huffed as he plucked at his romper suit. “Oldest brother my butt.”
John winced but quickly covered it with a grin.
“You’re no fun anymore. Bleh!” He said as he turned around to walk backwards, and stuck his tongue out at his neon green haired brother. “You would have enjoyed that little dive off the cliff as a kid.”
Clay glared at him. “I’m not just the fun one anymore, it’s about time you took me seriously John! I’m not a kid!”
“Come on, we all know John Dory hasn’t matured past the age of ten.” Branch smirked. “No wonder he still treats us like little children.”
“Ouch, low blow Bitty B.” John grinned, causing his baby brother to scowl angrily and cross his arms.
“Thought I told you not to call me that! I’m an adult!”
Floyd sighed and walked ahead so he was between John Dory and the others. “Guys guys… come on.”
Viva glanced at her younger sister and rolled her eyes while smiling. “Boys...”
Poppy giggled and nodded in agreement, earning a look from her boyfriend.
Soon Bruce’s restaurant came into view, surrounded by Vacaytioners playing or simply relaxing on the beach. A couple were engaged in an intense game of volleyball, their feet kicking up sand as they played.
A few of their brothers’ children were out here too, working together with glee as they built a sandcastle with a moat, or simply rough housing on the beach.
John Dory grinned before stopping and waving his hands in the air. “Hey kids! Look who’s here! Your favourite uncle! That’s who!”
He heard his brothers scoff in annoyance behind him.
The children look over, then abandoned what they were doing as they rushed over with excited expressions, soon crowding around their uncles and the royal sisters.
“Hey it’s our uncles!”
“Can you play with us?”
“Sing! Sing!”
John Dory laughed as he placed his hands on his hips. “We’re here to help your daddy out with the restaurant, maybe later we can all play yeah?”
His other brothers didn’t look as enthusiastic as their oldest brother, especially Branch who yelped when Bruce Jr snuck up behind him and bit his arm.
“Bruce Jr! What I have I said about biting?” Bruce yelled out as he ran out of the restaurant. His eyes widen with immense relief when he saw his brothers and the two sisters. “Oh, thank goodness you guys are here, it’s been crazy since Brandy left.”
“Like we could just stand by and watch you struggle bro.” John Dory grinned as he slung an arm around his purple haired brother. “Besides, it’s a great chance for us all to spend time together.”
Bruce smiled before gesturing towards the restaurant. “Alright, lets get you guys settled in and-!”
“Ah ah ah! All sorted my man.” Clay gave a smug smirk as he whipped out his notebook. “I’ve already written down everyone’s name and delegated them to jobs suitable for their skills.”
Bruce looked immensely impressed as Clay read out what everyone would be doing.
“… And John Dory?” He looked up with a cool expression. “Entertaining the children, perfect for a troll like you.”
“Wha… that’s it?” John frowned as he leaned back, with a hand resting on his hip while his other hand gestured to the others. “Come on bro, give me a proper job.”
“Entertaining the kids is a real job.” Branch raised an eyebrow. “It’s your job to keep them busy so we can get on with our proper jobs.”
The teal haired troll scowled and crossed his arms.
“Come on Johnny, you’re pretty good with them. You’ll be fine.” Floyd smiled as he gently patted his oldest brother’s arm to placate him.
It worked.
John Dory glanced at him, then sighed. “Fine fine… I’ll keep the kids happy.”
“Great! Let’s bro!” Clay smirked before walking after Bruce with the others, as they headed into the restaurant.
“Hey! No stealing my catchphrase!” John yelled after him before sighing and turning around. “Geez… I’m the oldest, I should be doing more to help. Ah well...” He slapped his hands together and walked over to the children who were eagerly waiting.
“Hey kids, want me to teach you a few moves from my Brozone days?”
The responding cheers and multiple shouted yes made him grin widely.
Hours later when the restaurant finally closed down for the day, Bruce shepherd his children upstairs into their living space.
Everyone else gathered by the bar, sitting on the edge with their legs hanging over while sipping their drinks through crazy straws.
“That was fun!” Viva giggled as she wrapped an arm around her sister Poppy. “Remember when Clay slipped on that lemon slice and fell right into the pool? Funlarious!”
“Funlarious?” Poppy grinned, her eyes bright, as Clay flushed red from the memory.
Branch smirked at him, while Floyd and John Dory chuckled.
“Funny and Hilarious mashed together, one of my favourites.” Viva beamed with pride as she sat up straight, puffing out her chest.
“Har har har, very funny. I almost broke my leg!” Clay huffed, pouting cutely as he crossed his arms.
“Oh, don’t be dramatic, at least you didn’t have to wash up.” Branch frowned slightly as he leaned against Poppy’s other side. “So… many… bubbles.”
John Dory groaned and stretched his back until it popped. “Try being in the middle of a front flip when Bruce Jr decides to chomp down on your foot. Man, that kid has some jaw strength, just like his dad.”
Everyone glance at him and blinked.
“Bruce?” Floyd asked, looking intrigued as he swung his legs slightly.
John grinned and winked, before leaning forward with his hands on his knees. “Oooh boy, me and Bruce use to roughhouse all the time when we were little kids. Use to drive grandma Rosiepuff up the wall. I never bit due to being the older brother, but man… Bruce never held back. One time he actually drew blood.”
He turned towards Floyd and suddenly ruffled his hair, making him frown and pull back at the gesture. “We only stopped when our cute little brother here came along. Every time we started play fighting, it would make Floyd cry.”
“Awwww! That’s so adorable.” Poppy grinned as Floyd flushed slightly from embarrassment.
Clay rolled his eyes and pulled out one of his books from his hair, blushing slightly as Viva leaned against him to rest her head on his shoulder.
Everyone started to relax as they waited for Bruce to return, enjoying their drinks and each others company.
John Dory smiled and leaned back, his hand reaching over to his other hand to slowly rub his fingers over his glove absentmindedly.
“Fancy seeing you here dumpy diapers.” Said a voice above them, making them jump from surprise.
Everyone blinked, then looked up towards the source of the voice.
At first, they saw nothing but the shelf filled with decorations, seashells and a cloud.
Wait a second… a cloud?
Branch stared, before suddenly jumping to his feet, baring his teeth slightly as annoyance and recognition filled his expression. “Oh no... why are you here?”
“Cloud Guy!” Poppy gasped before grinning, clearly recognising this person as well. “What are you doing here?”
Cloud… guy? John Dory wasn’t the only one confused as everyone else stared at the cloud, before blinking when it turned around and waved down at them.
“Who the heck is that?” John frowned as he got up to his feet.
“Dunno, some creep maybe?” Clay whispered loudly. “I mean… who goes around wearing socks without shoes?”
Bruce chose that moment to return, before stopping with a frown when he saw everyone staring up at a strange cloud creature standing on his shelf. “Hey buddy, the restaurant is closed.”
“You heard my brother, get lost!” Branch hissed, his hair bristling with agitation.
“Branch! He’s our friend! Don’t be rude.” Poppy glanced at her boyfriend in disapproval before smiling up at the shelf. “Hey Cloud Guy, surprised to see you here.”
Cloud Guy lazily grinned as he waved a hand. “Hey Pop Queen, I was in the area and thought I’ll drop in. So, these are the dumpy diapers brothers huh? You guys look way more fun.”
“Weeeeirdo alert.” John Dory whispered loudly to his brothers, who all nodded in agreement.
“In the area my butt! You spying on us!?” Branch growled, baring his teeth again.
Cloud Guy tutted and waggled a finger at the blue haired troll, making him growl even more in anger. “Now now, it’s true. I was on my way back from the mountain of Fortune, after finding… this!” He pulled out a blue crystal bottle topped with a cork from behind his back.
“Ta-da! I give you… the famous legendary… water from the fountain of youth!” he bowed with a flourish, before blinking in surprise as everyone just stared at him. “No applause? Booo! You guys are no fun.”
John Dory stared at the bottle, noticing the green sludge-like contents. “There’s no such thing as the fountain of youth… and that doesn’t look like any water I’ve seen before.”
“Looks gross.” Floyd nodded, wrinkling his nose.
Cloud Guy blinked before looking over the bottle. “Yeah well… it’s a fountain of youth that been sitting there for centuries, waters bound to be a bit dirty right? Going to sell this for a fortune.” He winked at Branch who scowled back.
“Hold on, there is no way you’re selling that.” Clay huffed as he placed his hands on his hips after getting up on his feet. “That is health code violation if I ever saw one.”
“Nah!” Cloud Guy gave a lazily grin and waved his hand in a dismissive manner, before walking along the shelf. “How can it be bad for you if-! Oops!”
He tripped and fell in a rather dramatic way, as the bottle flew from his hand and bounced.
Somehow the cork came undone and a thick green sludge poured from the bottle… and towards Floyd.
“Watch out!” John Dory gasped and pushed his brother out of the way, just in time as the thick liquid hit his face and hair instead.
It smelled vile and rotten, and tasted just as bad as John gasped and coughed, accidently swallowing some of it. Instantly his throat burned and his stomach began to churn painfully, sending a wave of nausea hitting his body hard as he suddenly felt hot.
“John!” Floyd gasped as he fell over from the push, his eyes widen in horror just as everyone looked over in shock.
“Oh, dear troll! It got in my mouth!” John choked, before bringing his hands up to wipe as much as he could from his face. “Oh troll.. I’m ok! I’m…”
He suddenly bent over and retched. “Guuuuh… I don’t feel so good...”
Floyd, Clay and Bruce rushed over to their brother, their faces filled with alarm at the state he was in. Even Poppy and Viva came over looking concerned and worried for the older troll.
“My bad.” Cloud Guy winked down at Branch who spun around to face him with a snarl, eyes narrowed. “Guess this is my cue to leave, have fun dumpy diapers.”
With that, he crossed his legs and began to float away towards the exit with a salute.
“Get back here! You made my brother sick!” Branch yelled and shook his fist. “Cloud Guy!”
“I’m f-fine, that was some gnarly stuff…” John croaked, his voice sounding weak as his legs began to shake. “Dang bro… I…” He began to retch again.
“You guys get him cleaned up and into bed, me and Poppy will clean up here.” Viva said in a leader like tone, yet her voice was laced with concerned as she glanced towards the mess on the floor.
Poppy nodded, looking just as concerned.
Bruce nodded before picking up John Dory with ease, as his older brother weakly protested. “Thanks girls.”
Floyd reached out and held John’s hand tightly, looking upset and close to tears. “It’s all my fault, if I had just moved out of the way…”
Branch placed his hand on Floyd’s shoulder. “Don’t blame yourself, when I get my hands on that cloud, he’s gonna wish he was never born.”
“Any doctors around here?” Clay asked as they began to head towards the stairs. “Who knows what’s in that stuff, considering it made him sick.”
John Dory groan and closed his eyes, starting to sweat as his body started to burn more. “No… d-doctors… don’t l-like em…”
Clay said something, and so did Branch, but John’s mind was starting to grow heavy as everything began to blur and fade.
What was in that stuff?
He was barely aware of being stripped of his items of clothing, and the cool wetness of a cloth as his brothers took care of him.
No, this isn’t right. He’s the oldest, he shouldn’t be cared for. That wasn’t the job of his baby brothers. It was his job to care for them!
Yet it felt too hard to move his body that felt so heavy and hot, he tried to talk… but a jumbled slur of words came out of his mouth instead.
His brothers tried talking to him again, and before John Dory knew it, he was dressed in something comfortable and placed into bed. Had he fallen asleep at one point?
John forced his eyes open, and saw the blurry outlines of his brothers huddled together and talking. Why did they sound so concerned? He was fine, just a little sick. It wasn’t their job to be worried for him, he’s the eldest.
The eldest… brother…
He hated being the eldest, hated the pressure. Hated him. Why can he just leave his family alone! He doesn’t want to be perfect. He wanted...
John Dory closed his eyes and fell asleep, as his body burned.
The next morning, sounds of the ocean was the first thing John Dory became aware of as he slowly opened his eyes, before yawning widely. The second thing he noticed, was that he felt loads better.
His stomach felt normal, his body no longer burned and he actually hasn’t felt this good in years. All the aches and pains of his body just didn’t seem to exist anymore.
He sat up and yawned again, before blinking when he noticed the size of the bed he was in. It wasn’t this big before, was it? Then again, he was really out of it yesterday.
John pulled the blanket back and swung his little legs out of bed, noticing the pyjamas he was wearing belonged to Bruce, and weirdly hung like a tent on him and… wait…
John Dory froze as he stared at his legs, then quickly looked at his arms. “What the… m-my voice! Why do I sound like a kid!?”
He leaped from the bed and tried to run to the full length hanging mirror of the guest room, but tripped and fell over his large pyjamas. “Owww…”
John kicked off the bottoms with a cute little growl, before scrambling to his feet. Once at the mirror, he gasped as his eyes almost popped out of his head, panic started to overtake as his breathing hitched.
There in the mirror...
A six year old John Dory stared back.