Finally, after a restless night, John Dory and the others continue until at last they reach the North Woods!
Clay: Yes! We finally made it!
Floyd: Yes, and I'm sure when we find Lilac, she'll be just as happy to see that we made the journey safely.
Branch: (looking uneasy) What if she's not here? What if we missed her?
Bruce: Don't give up hope, bro. We made it this far. We can't give up now.
Poppy: I'm so excited! I wonder what she looks like now? I wonder if she'll recognize all of you? I feel like I'm going to explode!
Branch: Ok, Poppy, calm down. Maybe if we explore a little, we'll find her camp or the place that she stays at.
JD: Fine. But everyone has to stay together.
As they explored the woods, they had no idea that they were being watched.

20 minutes later:

Clay: Branch, don't you think we would've found something by now?
The others were thinking the same thing. John Dory, on the other hand, was happy that they hadn't found anything because if there wasn't anything to be found, then everyone was safe. Just then, soft humming could be heard in the trees.
JD: Oh no...
Poppy: You guys hear that noise?
All bros: Yeah.
Bruce: Where's it coming from?
Floyd: Why does it sound so familiar?
JD: Everyone cover your ears!
Branch: What, why?
JD: Trust me! Please!
The humming got louder and louder, and as everyone covered their ears, a figure in a dark hood swung down from the trees, humming the mystical tune. JD ran in front of everyone in full defense mode.
JD: You won't lull them to sleep this time! Nor will you put them in a trance like you did, Arrow!
The mysterious figure stopped humming as John Dory said this. She stepped one step closer.
???: How do you know of Arrow?
Everyone stopped holding their ears the moment there wasn't any humming.
Floyd: Arrow was our father.
The figure slowly put down the hood to reveal... Lilac! They found her!
Lilac: Floyd?
Floyd: Mom?
Lilac: OMGOSH, if you're here then...
She walked over to Bruce.
Lilac: Spruce?
Bruce: Hi mom. But I go by Bruce now.
Lilac: Bruce, I like it. It fits you.
Walked to Clay.
Lilac: Let me guess, yellow hair. Crazy boy Clay?
Clay: Yeah. But I've gotten more serious, I'm even a licensed CPA.
Lilac: Well, good for you. (bumps his shoulder)
Looks at Branch. Then slowly walks up to him. Branch stares at her with intense curiosity. She still wore a braid, but it was tied up in a bun, and her face looked worn out. But her eyes were as blue as his.
Lilac: Then that means you're- you're-
Branch: Yes. I am Branch. I finally get to meet you.
Lilac: I'm so glad you decided to see me! And with all your brothers! Wait, I counted 3 of you. Where's John Dory?
They all part aside so Lilac can see John Dory, who looks very unhappy to see her.
Lilac: Oh my. John. You're so old.
JD: Uh yeah, a couple of decades can do that.
Lilac: I'm sorry for what I did. For leaving you and your brothers. Truly, I am.
JD: Ok. Sure. Just so you know, I did this for Branch. And I'm still keeping my promise the day you left. I also promised grandma too.
Lilac: Let's put aside our differences and start a new chapter. (holds out her arms for a hug)
John Dory just stares at her then back at everyone else.
JD: Aquiantance will do. (walks past her)
Everyone stood silent until Branch spoke up.
Branch: Mom, this is my girlfriend, Queen Poppy.
Poppy: OMGOSH! (runs to hug Lilac) It's so great to finally meet you even though I only just heard about you a couple of days ago.
Lilac: Queen, huh. Wait, King Peppy had another daughter? How lovely. So that means he retired. Good for him. Aww, then that means Viva is with you, too!
Poppy: No, she stayed behind to keep Pop Village in order.
Lilac: Good. You know Clay had a major crush on her growing up. Always thought he'd be king, can you imagine! Crazy Clay!
Poppy: Awww!!!
Clay: Mom!!!
Branch: Uh, why does mom keep calling you 'Crazy Clay'?
Clay: Oh! Right! That was my nickname before you were born. Then when after everything, and we became Brozone, I changed it to Funboy Clay.
Lilac: What's Brozone?
Branch: It's a long story.
Watching his brothers and Poppy chatting and having a good time with Lilac, he can't pit those terrible memories aside or the promise that still remains kept. Also, if Lilac knew they were coming, why did she use her trance song on them? Has she really changed, or does she want something else? Maybe even someone else.